hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
VA Provider Equity Act

Bill: 115-s-1871
Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
Introduced: 2017-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: 

VA Provider Equity Act

 
This bill: (1) makes a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) doctor of podiatric medicine eligible for any supervisory position to the same degree as a VHA physician, and (2) increases the pay grade of podiatric surgeons to match the compensation of other VHA surgeons, physicians, and dentists. 
 
The Department of Veterans Affairs shall establish standards to ensure that specialists appointed to supervisory VHA positions do not provide direct clinical oversight for purposes of peer review or practice evaluation for providers of other clinical specialties. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
TSA Modernization Act

Bill: 115-s-1872
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced: 2017-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Appropriations
Aviation and airports
Congressional oversight
Department of Homeland Security
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal officials
Firearms and explosives
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
International organizations and cooperation
Law enforcement administration and funding
Law enforcement officers
Mammals
Public-private cooperation
Research administration and funding
Service animals
Technology assessment
Terrorism
Transportation programs funding
Transportation safety and security
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: 

TSA Modernization Act 

 
This bill reauthorizes Transportation Security Administration (TSA) programs through FY2020 and modifies the authorities, requirements, and organizational structure for the TSA. 
 
 The bill codifies the transfer of the TSA from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Homeland Security. It also establishes a five-year term for the TSA Administrator.
 
The bill also requires the TSA to: 
 
 
 authorize third-party testing and evaluation of screening technology;
 
develop a validation process for the reciprocal recognition of security equipment technology approvals among international security partners or recognized certification authorities for deployment; 
 
 make information on wait times at airport security checkpoints publicly available in real time online and at airport terminals;
 
 develop and issue certification standards for the use of third-party explosives detection canine teams for screening of individuals, property, and air cargo; 
 
 establish private sector partnerships to increase the methods and capabilities available for the public to enroll in the PreCheck Program; and
 
 meet specified targets for expanding PreCheck enrollment.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-06-06
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 444.
action_date: 2018-06-06
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-266.
action_date: 2018-06-06
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Thune with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-266.
action_date: 2017-10-04
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Veteran Partners' Efforts to Enhance Reintegration Act

Bill: 115-s-1873
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2017-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Health care coverage and access
Health care quality
Health facilities and institutions
Mental health
Rural conditions and development
Veterans' medical care
Women's health

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: 

Veteran Partners' Efforts to Enhance Reintegration Act or the Veteran PEER Act

 
This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a program to establish not fewer than two peer specialists in patient aligned care teams at VA medical centers to promote the use and integration of services for mental health, substance use disorder, and behavior health in a primary care setting.
 
The VA shall ensure that the needs of female veterans are specifically addressed and that female peer specialists are included in the program.

action_date: 2018-01-25
text: 

Veteran Partners' Efforts to Enhance Reintegration Act or the Veteran PEER Act

 
 (Sec. 2) This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a program to establish not fewer than two peer specialists in patient aligned care teams at VA medical centers to promote the use and integration of services for mental health, substance use disorder, and behavior health in a primary care setting.
 
The VA shall ensure that the needs of female veterans are specifically addressed and that female peer specialists are included in the program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-01-29
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2018-01-29
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2018-01-29
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2018-01-25
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2018-01-25
text: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2018-01-25
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2018-01-25
text: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S525-526)
action_date: 2018-01-25
text: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2018-01-25
text: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Distributed Energy Demonstration Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1874
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2017-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Alternative and renewable resources
Congressional oversight
Electric power generation and transmission
Energy assistance for the poor and aged
Energy efficiency and conservation
Energy prices
Energy research
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Hybrid, electric, and advanced technology vehicles
Lighting and heating
Lighting, heating, cooling
Public utilities and utility rates
Right of privacy

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: 

Distributed Energy Demonstration Act of 2017

 
This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish grant programs for: (1) advancing the integration and optimization of distributed energy resources (i.e., smaller power sources that can be aggregated to provide power, such as rooftop solar panels) into the electric energy grid; (2) designing and producing an energy storage demonstration program using household hot water heaters; (3) advancing electric vehicles technologies; and (4) supporting the voluntary deployment of granular electricity pricing that is based upon the electricity's value at the time and location of the production or consumption of the electricity.
 
In addition, the bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to reauthorize through FY2025 and revise DOE's grant program for smart grid investments.
 
The bill prohibits federal entities from requesting the creation, recording, or collection of sensitive personal data as a result of this bill's requirements.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6188)
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Flexible Grid Infrastructure Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1875
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2017-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Alternative and renewable resources
Congressional oversight
Electric power generation and transmission
Employment and training programs
Energy efficiency and conservation
Energy prices
Energy research
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Hybrid, electric, and advanced technology vehicles
Lighting and heating
Lighting, heating, cooling
Public utilities and utility rates
Research and development

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: 

Flexible Grid Infrastructure Act of 2017 

 
This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to address the flexibility, reliability, resilience, affordability, efficiency, and security of the electric grid. Specifically, FERC and DOE must: (1) access the technical and economic potential of distributed energy resources, and (2) establish an online clearinghouse of data relating to distributed energy resources. A distributed energy resource means an electric device that can produce or consume energy that is located on the grid distribution system or on the customer side of the electric grid (e.g., solar roofs).
 
DOE must also: 
 
 
provide technical assistance, an action plan, tools, and information relating to the deployment of distributed energy resources and grid-scale energy storage;
 
research and develop the electrification of transportation, heating, and other technologies;
 
 develop model standards to assist states, electric cooperatives, and publicly owned electric utilities in the voluntary updating of standards for resource and energy assurance planning, ensuring distribution-grid reliability from natural disasters, and improving security;
 
evaluate whether new performance standards and testing procedures are needed to ensure the resilience of electrical equipment to security threats or natural disasters;
 
 develop guidelines for calculating the costs and benefits of investments in resilience and security solutions for the electric grid;
 
provide related workforce training; and 
 
establish the Flexible Grid Challenge 2022, a grant program that helps states enhance the peak load management and flexibility of the electric grid.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-11-29
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 115-534.
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6188)
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Reducing the Cost of Energy Storage Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1876
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2017-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Alternative and renewable resources
Congressional oversight
Energy efficiency and conservation
Energy prices
Energy research
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Hybrid, electric, and advanced technology vehicles
Lighting and heating
Lighting, heating, cooling
Public utilities and utility rates
Public-private cooperation
Research and development

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: 

Reducing the Cost of Energy Storage Act of 2017

 
This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE)to research and develop ways to reduce the cost of energy storage, including by (1)facilitating innovation in the manner in which energy storage systems are conceived, designed, manufactured, installed, and used for various energy services; and (2)identifying, addressing, and reducing market barriers that limit energy storage adoption.
 
As part of its research and development, DOE must pay special attention to energy storage needs and opportunities that are relatively underdeveloped and potentially transformative for the electric grid.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-12-05
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on Energy. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 115-493.
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6188)
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Startup Act

Bill: 115-s-1877
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Introduced: 2017-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Advanced technology and technological innovations
Appropriations
Business investment and capital
Census and government statistics
Citizenship and naturalization
Congressional oversight
Economic development
Economic performance and conditions
Employee hiring
Executive agency funding and structure
Foreign labor
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Immigration status and procedures
Research administration and funding
Research and development
Science and engineering education
Small business
State and local government operations
Teaching, teachers, curricula
Technology transfer and commercialization
Urban and suburban affairs and development
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: 

Startup Act

 
 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to adjust to conditional permanent resident status up to 50,000 aliens who have earned a master's or doctorate degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field and permit such an alien to remain in the United States: (1) for up to one year after the expiration of the alien's student visa if the alien is searching for STEM field employment, and (2) indefinitely if the alien remains actively engaged in a STEM field. 
 
DHS may issue conditional immigrant visas to up to 75,000 qualified alien entrepreneurs. 
 
The per-country numerical limitation for employment-based visas is removed, and the limitation for family-based immigrants is increased.
 
The Department of Commerce shall: (1) award grants to institutions of higher education to improve the commercialization and transfer of technology, (2) compile information on state laws that affect new business growth, and (3) compile information on new business formation. 
 
The Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992 is amended to eliminate the status adjustment reduction of annual Chinese immigrant visas. 
 
The Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 is amended to revise the regional innovation program.
 
 A federal or independent regulatory agency, before issuing a notice of rulemaking in connection with the issuance of a significant rule (generally, a rule that is likely to have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more), shall complete: (1) a review that analyzes the problem that the rule intends to address and its expected impact on state, local, and tribal governments and new businesses; and (2) a cost-benefit analysis.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Voluntary Protection Program Act

Bill: 115-s-1878
Sponsor: Sen. Enzi, Michael B. [R-WY]
Introduced: 2017-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Department of Labor
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: 

Voluntary Protection Program Act

 
This bill provides statutory authority for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) voluntary protection program, under which management, labor, and OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1879
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2017-09-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health care coverage and access
Health facilities and institutions
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
Medicare
Mental health
Rural conditions and development

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: 

Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2017

 
This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) cover marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare, (2) exclude such services from the skilled nursing facility prospective payment system, and (3) authorize marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors to develop discharge plans for post-hospital services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2017-09-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Prioritizing Veterans Access to Mental Health Care Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1881
Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Introduced: 2017-09-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: 

Prioritizing Veterans Access to Mental Health Care Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to make a veteran seeking mental health care in a non-Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) entity eligible for such care if the veteran provides a written statement (which may be sent electronically or made in person or by fax) that the veteran seeks mental health care from the VA and has not received timely and adequate mental health care through a VA facility or health care provider.
 
The VA shall give health professional hiring priority to those health professionals for which there is the greatest need, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and other mental health care providers.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Opioid QuOTA Act

Bill: 115-s-1882
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2017-09-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Licensing and registrations

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: 

Opioid Quota Openness, Transparency, and Awareness Act of 2017 or the Opioid QuOTA Act

 
This bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to require the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to publish on its website certain information with respect to a registered manufacturer&rsquo;s opioid procurement quota.
 
It defines the term &quot;opioid procurement quota&quot; as a quota established by the DEA for the quantity of opioid analgesics that a registered manufacturer may procure.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to require the Secretary of Transportation to publish a final rule to provide for the screening, testing, and treatment for sleep disorders of individuals operating commercial vehicles.

Bill: 115-s-1883
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2017-09-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Department of Transportation
Motor carriers
Railroads
Transportation employees
Transportation safety and security
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: 
This bill directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration to complete the rulemaking process and publish a final rule regarding the advance notice of proposed rulemaking issued on March 10, 2016, entitled &quot;Evaluation of Safety Sensitive Personnel for Moderate-to-Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.&quot;


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Temporary and Term Appointments Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-1886
Sponsor: Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
Introduced: 2017-09-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Employee hiring
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Temporary and part-time employment

Summary:
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: 

Temporary and Term Appointments Act of 2017

 
This bill authorizes a federal agency to make a temporary appointment (for a period of less than one year) or term appointment (for a period of less than five years) to a position in the competitive service when the need for the services of the employee is not permanent. An agency may extend: (1) a temporary appointment for a period of not more than two years, and (2) a term appointment for a period of not more than five years.
 
The bill also authorizes an agency to make a noncompetitive temporary appointment or a noncompetitive term appointment for a period of not more than 18 months when a critical hiring need exists. The appointment may not be extended.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-12-01
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 271.
action_date: 2017-12-01
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-189.
action_date: 2017-12-01
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 115-189.
action_date: 2017-10-04
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2017-09-28
text: Introduced in Senate