hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Methow Headwaters Protection Act

Bill: 115-s-566
Sponsor: Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Forests, forestry, trees
Lakes and rivers
Land transfers
Mining
Washington State

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

Methow Headwaters Protection Act

 
This bill withdraws approximately 340,079 acres of federal land and interests in land located within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the state of Washington from: 
 
 
entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;
 
location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and 
 
disposition under the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws. 
 
 
Any land or interest in land within the Proposed Withdrawal area acquired by the United States shall, upon acquisition, be immediately withdrawn in accordance with this bill. 

action_date: 2017-06-13
text: 
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
 

Methow Headwaters Protection Act

 
(Sec. 2) This bill withdraws approximately 340,079 acres of federal land and interests in land located within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the state of Washington from: 
 
 
entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws;
 
location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and 
 
disposition under the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing laws. 
 
 
Any land or interest in land within the Proposed Withdrawal area acquired by the United States shall, upon acquisition, be immediately withdrawn in accordance with this bill. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-06-13
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 142.
action_date: 2017-06-13
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 115-106.
action_date: 2017-06-13
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 115-106.
action_date: 2017-03-30
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Federal Savings Association Charter Flexibility Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-567
Sponsor: Sen. Heitkamp, Heidi [D-ND]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Banking and financial institutions regulation
Department of the Treasury

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

Federal Savings Association Charter Flexibility Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the Home Owners' Loan Act to permit a federal savings association to elect to operate, subject to supervision by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, with the same rights and duties as a national bank. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-568
Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health care coverage and access
Home and outpatient care
Hospital care
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
Medicare

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act of 2017

 
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to deem an individual receiving outpatient observation services in a hospital to be an inpatient for purposes of satisfying the three-day inpatient hospital-stay requirement with respect to Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act

Bill: 115-s-569
Sponsor: Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Appropriations
Congressional oversight
Government trust funds
Hunting and fishing
Land transfers
Land use and conservation
Outdoor recreation
Parks, recreation areas, trails

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

Land and Water Conservation Authorization and Funding Act

 
 This bill amends the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 to make permanent the authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
 
 Funds deposited into the LWCF may be spent without being subject to the appropriations process. These funds are in addition to amounts made available by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 or otherwise appropriated from the LWCF. 
 
 The President shall submit to Congress specified details regarding the allocation of funds provided by this bill. Congress may provide for alternate allocations using specified procedures. 
 
 At least 1.5% of the annual authorized funds shall be used for projects that secure recreational public access to existing federal public land for hunting, fishing, and other recreational purposes.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-12-11
text: By Senator Murkowski from Committee on Energy and Natural Resources filed written report. Report No. 115-428.
action_date: 2018-12-11
text: By Senator Murkowski from Committee on Energy and Natural Resources filed written report. Report No. 115-428.
action_date: 2018-12-04
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 709.
action_date: 2018-12-04
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: 2018-12-04
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: 2018-10-02
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-570
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Atmospheric science and weather
Computers and information technology
Emergency communications systems
Executive Office of the President
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Natural disasters
Public contracts and procurement
Research administration and funding
Research and development
Spacecraft and satellites
Student aid and college costs
Technology transfer and commercialization

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017

 
This bill authorizes a number of programs to enhance weather forecasting and alerts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
 
NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research must conduct a program to improve forecasting of weather events and their effects, with a special focus on high impact weather events.
 
The National Weather Service must collect and utilize information to make reliable and timely foundational forecasts of subseasonal and seasonal temperature and precipitation. Subseasonal forecasting is forecasting weather between two weeks and three months and seasonal forecasting is between three months and two years.
 
The bill provides for technology transfers between the National Weather Service and private sector weather companies and universities to improve forecasting.
 
NOAA must complete and operationalize the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (a weather satellite program which develops observational techniques using global navigation systems).
 
Additionally, NOAA may contract with the private sector to obtain data for weather forecasting.
 
NOAA must continue its Environmental Information Services Working Group, which advises NOAA on weather research and opportunities to improve communications between weather stakeholders.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Land Adjustment Act

Bill: 115-s-571
Sponsor: Sen. Perdue, David [R-GA]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Forests, forestry, trees
Georgia
Land transfers

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Land Adjustment Act

 

This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to sell or exchange any or all interest of the United States in 30 tracts of National Forest System land in Georgia totaling approximately 3,841 acres. 
 
 USDA may reserve any rights-of-way or other rights or interests in land sold or exchanged under this bill that is considered necessary for management purposes or to protect the public interest. 
 
 USDA may not sell or exchange land under this bill for less than market value, as determined by an appraisal or through a competitive bid. 
 
 The bill requires proceeds to be used for the acquisition of land for national forest purposes in Georgia. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce to study the coverage gaps of the Next Generation Weather Radar of the National Weather Service and to develop a plan for improving radar coverage and hazardous weather detection and forecasting, and for other purposes.

Bill: 115-s-572
Sponsor: Sen. Burr, Richard [R-NC]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Atmospheric science and weather
Congressional oversight
Government studies and investigations

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 
 This bill directs the Department of Commerce to complete a study on gaps in the coverage of the Next Generation Weather Radar of the National Weather Service (NEXRAD). 
 
 Commerce shall identify areas in the United States with limited or no NEXRAD coverage below 6,000 feet above ground level of the surrounding terrain.
 
For those areas identified, Commerce shall also:
 
 
identify the key weather effects for which prediction would improve with improved radar detection;
 
identify additional sources of observations for high impact weather available and operational for such areas, including Terminal Doppler Weather Radar, air surveillance radars of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and cooperative network observers; and 
 
assess the feasibility and advisability of efforts to integrate and upgrade federal radar capabilities in such areas that are not owned or controlled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, including radar capabilities of the FAA and the Department of Defense. 
 
 
In addition, under such study Commerce shall:
 
 
assess the feasibility and advisability of incorporating state-operated and other nonfederal radars into the operations of the National Weather Service (NWS); and 
 
identify options to improve radar coverage in all of the areas identified as having limited or no NEXRAD coverage. 
 
 
After completing the study, Commerce shall submit a plan for improving radar coverage in the identified areas by integrating and upgrading additional observation solutions to improve hazardous weather detection and forecasting.
 
Commerce shall seek third-party reviews on scientific methodology related to, and the feasibility and advisability of, implementing the plan to improve radar coverage, including the extent to which warning and forecast services of the NWS would be improved by additional NEXRAD coverage. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2018

Bill: 115-s-573
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Crime prevention
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Government studies and investigations
Judicial procedure and administration
Law enforcement administration and funding
Violent crime

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2017

 
This bill establishes the National Criminal Justice Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system; make recommendations for criminal justice reform; and disseminate findings and guidance to the federal government and to state, local, and tribal governments.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-12-22
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2018-12-22
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2018-12-22
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2018-12-22
text: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2018-12-22
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2018-12-22
text: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8037-8039)
action_date: 2018-12-22
text: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2018-12-22
text: Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Nuclear Cruise Missile Reconsideration Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-574
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Defense spending
Military operations and strategy
Military procurement, research, weapons development
Nuclear weapons

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

Nuclear Cruise Missile Reconsideration Act of 2017

 
This bill prohibits the obligation or expenditure of more than specified amounts by the Department of Defense (DOD) on development of the long-range standoff weapon or any other nuclear-capable air-launched cruise missile, or by the Department of Energy on the life extension program for the W80-4 warhead, until DOD submits to specified congressional committees a Nuclear Posture Review that includes an assessment of:
 
 
 the anticipated capabilities of the long-range standoff weapon to hold targets at risk beyond other already existing and planned nuclear-capable delivery systems;
 
 the anticipated ability of such weapon to elude adversary integrated air and missile defenses compared to the B-21 bomber; and
 
 the anticipated effect of such weapon on strategic stability relative to other nuclear-armed countries, on the offensive nuclear weapons capabilities and programs of other nuclear-armed countries, on the response of other nuclear-armed countries to proposals to decrease or halt the growth of their nuclear stockpiles, and on the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons.
 
 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-575
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Debt collection
Government lending and loan guarantees
Government studies and investigations
State and local government operations
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

Stop Debt Collection Abuse Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to apply that Act's restrictions to collectors of debt owed to a federal agency. 
 
A federal agency that is a creditor may not sell or transfer a debt to a debt collector until 90 days after the obligation arises. Specified notice to the consumer of such a sale or transfer is required.
 
A collector of debt owed to a federal agency may not collect any interest, fee, charge, or expense that is: (1) unreasonable in relation to actual costs, (2) not authorized by a contract between the debt collector and the federal agency, or (3) greater than 10% of the amount collected. 
 
The Government Accountability Office shall study and report to Congress on the use of debt collectors by federal, state, and local government agencies.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Follow the Rules Act

Bill: 115-s-576
Sponsor: Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Employee performance
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

Follow the Rules Act

 
This bill extends the prohibition (regarding employment in the federal government) against a person taking, failing to take, or threatening to take or fail to take a personnel action against any employee or applicant for employment for refusing to obey an order that would require the individual to violate a law to personnel actions against such an individual for refusing to obey an order that would violate a rule or regulation.

action_date: 2017-04-24
text: 
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
 

Follow the Rules Act

 
(Sec. 2) This bill extends the prohibition (regarding employment in the federal government) against a person taking, failing to take, or threatening to take or fail to take a personnel action against any employee or applicant for employment for refusing to obey an order that would require the individual to violate a law to personnel actions against such an individual for refusing to obey an order that would violate a rule or regulation.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 39.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson without amendment. With written report No. 115-30.
action_date: 2017-04-24
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson without amendment. With written report No. 115-30.
action_date: 2017-03-15
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-577
Sponsor: Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Government information and archives

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act of 2017

 
This bill requires the general notice of proposed rule making by a federal agency to include the Internet address of a plain-language summary, not exceeding 100 words, of the proposed rule, which shall be posted on the regulations.gov website.

action_date: 2017-06-28
text: 

Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act of 2017

 
This bill requires the general notice of proposed rule making by a federal agency to include the Internet address of a plain-language summary, not exceeding 100 words, of the proposed rule, which shall be posted on the regulations.gov website.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-06-28
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 157.
action_date: 2017-06-28
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with an amendment. With written report No. 115-120.
action_date: 2017-06-28
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with an amendment. With written report No. 115-120.
action_date: 2017-05-17
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate
BEST Act

Bill: 115-s-578
Sponsor: Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
Introduced: 2017-03-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
General science and technology matters
Scientific communication

Summary:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: 

Better Evaluation of Science and Technology Act or the BEST Act

 
This bill requires a federal agency, to the extent it is making a decision based on science when issuing a rule, to use scientific information, technical procedures, methods, protocols, methodologies, or models in a manner that is consistent with the best available science and the intended use of the information, based on the weight of the scientific evidence.
 
Each federal agency shall make available to the public: (1) all of its notices, determinations, findings, rules, consent agreements, and orders in connection with a rule; (2) a nontechnical summary of each risk evaluation conducted in connection with a rule; and (3) a list of the studies considered by the agency in carrying out each evaluation, along with the results of those studies. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2017-03-08
text: Introduced in Senate