hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy Act

Bill: 115-s-128
Sponsor: Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]
Introduced: 2017-01-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Border security and unlawful immigration
Department of Homeland Security
Detention of persons
Foreign labor
Immigration status and procedures

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: 

Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy Act or the BRIDGE Act

 
This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): (1) shall grant a three-year provisional protected presence to a qualifying alien, (2) may not remove the alien from the United States unless such protected presence is rescinded, and (3) shall provide such alien with employment authorization. 
 
An alien is eligible for such protected presence and employment authorization if the alien: (1) was born after June 15, 1981; (2) entered the United States before attaining 16 years of age; (3) continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007; (4) was physically but unlawfully present in the United States on June 15; (5) on the date the alien files an application the alien is present in the United States, is enrolled in school or in an education program assisting students in obtaining a high school diploma, has graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school or a general educational development certificate, or is an honorably discharged U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces veteran; (6) has not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors not occurring on the same date and not arising out of the same act; and (7) does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or a threat to public safety.
 
The bill: (1) provides for confidentiality of application information, with certain national security and law enforcement exceptions; and (2) sets forth the criteria under which DHS may rescind protected presence.
 
An alien granted protected presence is not considered to be unlawfully present in the United States during such period. 
 
An alien must be at least 15 years old, unless in removal proceedings, to apply for protected presence.
 
DHS may provide for an application fee and for fee exemptions.
 
DHS may not: (1) remove an alien who appears prima facie eligible for protected presence while the alien's application is pending, or (2) refer individuals whose cases have been deferred pursuant to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA) or who have been granted protected presence to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 
 
 A DACA alien is deemed to have protected presence through the expiration date of his or her deferred action status.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Introduced in Senate
DAIRY PRIDE Act

Bill: 115-s-130
Sponsor: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Introduced: 2017-01-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Marketing and advertising
Nutrition and diet

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: 

Defending Against Imitations and Replacements of Yogurt, Milk, and Cheese To Promote Regular Intake of Dairy Everyday Act or the DAIRY PRIDE Act

 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the sale of any food that uses the market name of a dairy product, is not the milk of a hooved animal, is not derived from such milk, and does not contain such milk as a primary ingredient.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Introduced in Senate
National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-132
Sponsor: Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]
Introduced: 2017-01-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Land use and conservation
Monuments and memorials
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: 

National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2017

 
This bill requires the President, before a national monument can be designated on public land, to obtain congressional approval, certify compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and determine that the state in which the monument is to be located has enacted legislation approving its designation. 
 
The Department of the Interior may not implement restrictions on the public use of a national monument until the expiration of an appropriate review period providing for public input and congressional approval. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Introduced in Senate
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Boundary Revision Act

Bill: 115-s-135
Sponsor: Sen. Isakson, Johnny [R-GA]
Introduced: 2017-01-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Georgia
Government studies and investigations
Historic sites and heritage areas
Land transfers
Land use and conservation
Monuments and memorials
Parks, recreation areas, trails

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: 

Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park Boundary Revision Act

 This bill redesignates the Ocmulgee National Monument in Georgia as the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park. 
 The boundary of the park is adjusted to include approximately 2,100 acres.
 
The Department of the Interior may acquire lands within park boundaries by donation or exchange only. No private property or non-federal public property shall be included within those boundaries without the owner's written consent.
 
 Interior shall conduct a special resource study of the Ocmulgee River corridor between the cities of Macon, Georgia, and Hawkinsville, Georgia, to determine:
 
 
the national significance of the study area;
 
the suitability and feasibility of adding lands in the study area to the National Park System; and
 
the methods and means for the protection and interpretation of the study area by the National Park Service, other federal, state, local government entities, affiliated federally recognized Indian tribes, or private or nonprofit organizations. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Introduced in Senate
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Boundary Adjustment Act

Bill: 115-s-136
Sponsor: Sen. Isakson, Johnny [R-GA]
Introduced: 2017-01-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Conflicts and wars
Georgia
Land transfers
Military history
Parks, recreation areas, trails

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: 

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park Boundary Adjustment Act

 This bill modifies the boundary of the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Georgia to include approximately eight acres identified as Wallis House and Harriston Hill. 
 The Department of the Interior may acquire land or interests, by donation or exchange, from willing sellers only.
 
 The written consent of property owners is required before the land is included in the park. Interior may not acquire the land by condemnation. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Introduced in Senate
Fort Frederica National Monument Boundary Expansion Act

Bill: 115-s-137
Sponsor: Sen. Isakson, Johnny [R-GA]
Introduced: 2017-01-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Georgia
Historic sites and heritage areas
Land transfers
Land use and conservation
Military history
Monuments and memorials
Parks, recreation areas, trails

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: 
 
Fort Frederica National Monument Boundary Expansion Act 

 
 This bill expands the boundary of the Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island, Georgia, and increases the maximum number of acres that may be included in the monument from 250 to 305 acres.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Introduced in Senate
Community Economic Assistance Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-142
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2017-01-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business investment and capital
Capital gains tax
Coal
Economic development
Electric power generation and transmission
Employee hiring
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Industrial facilities
Mining
Securities
Small business
Unemployment

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: 

Community Economic Assistance Act of 2017 

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the establishment of community economic assistance zones that are eligible for certain tax deductions and credits.
 
A zone must be nominated by the governor of the state where it is located and designated by the Department of the Treasury. A nominated area must:
 
 
have received a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice after December 31, 2014, and met other criteria related to loss of employment;
 
have been (or will be) seriously impacted by changes in trade through loss of employment; or
 
satisfy at least two specified conditions, including status as an energy-transitioning or low-income community and other factors related to employment and economic activity. 
 
 
For businesses or individuals located in or investing in a zone, the bill allows: 
 
 
 an employment tax credit, 
 
 increased expensing, 
 
 nonrecognition of gain from certain investments, 
 
 a 3-year carryback of net operating losses, 
 
 a tax credit for bonds issued for a community economic development plan, 
 
 a 15-year depreciation period for certain rebuilt and retrofitted property, 
 
an increased deduction for start-up expenditures, and 
 
 an increased new markets tax credit. 
 
 
Treasury must approve community economic development plans using specified criteria and may award grants for assessments to develop the plans. 
 
The Department of Commerce must deploy teams to provide support and assistance to a region if: (1) it is requested by the governor, and (2) the region is experiencing or threatened with an abrupt rise of unemployment or other specified economic hardships. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Introduced in Senate
Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-143
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2017-01-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Income tax credits
Licensing and registrations
Military personnel and dependents

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: 

Military Spouse Job Continuity Act of 201

7

 
 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces (military spouse) who moves with such member to another state under a permanent change of station order a tax credit for up to $500 of qualified relicensing costs incurred by such spouse. The bill defines "qualified relicensing costs" as costs for a state license or certification to engage in the profession that such military spouse engaged in while residing in the former state. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Introduced in Senate
Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-144
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2017-01-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business investment and capital
Economic development
Employee hiring
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Indian social and development programs
Rural conditions and development
Urban and suburban affairs and development
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: 

Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 201

7

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Departments of Housing and Urban Development and Agriculture, acting jointly, to designate, before January 1, 2019, not more than 40 areas as Promise Zones for purposes of priority consideration in federal grant programs and initiatives. Twelve of such areas shall be outside of a metropolitan statistical area or shall be determined to be rural areas. 
 
A "Promise Zone" is any area with a continuous boundary and a population of not more than 200,000 that is nominated by one or more local governments or Indian tribes and designated on the basis of unemployment rates, poverty rates, vacancy rates, crime rates, household income, home ownership, labor force participation, and educational attainment. An application for designation as a Promise Zone shall include a competitiveness plan that addresses the need of the area to attract investment and jobs and improve educational opportunities.
 
The bill allows: (1) a Promise Zone employment tax credit for wages paid to a qualified zone or resident employee, and (2) expensing of Promise Zone property. 
 
A "Promise Zone property" is a property that is: (1) tangible property with a recovery period of 20 years or less for depreciation purposes, water utility property, computer software, or qualified leasehold improvement property; (2) acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a trade or business; and (3) originally placed in service in a Promise Zone. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Introduced in Senate
National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act

Bill: 115-s-145
Sponsor: Sen. Heller, Dean [R-NV]
Introduced: 2017-01-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Alternative and renewable resources
Department of Agriculture
Department of the Interior
Electric power generation and transmission
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Forests, forestry, trees
Infrastructure development
Land use and conservation
Licensing and registrations
Mining
Oil and gas
Pipelines
Strategic materials and reserves

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: 

National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act

 
This bill addresses the mine permitting process.
 
Under the bill, projects that provide minerals vital to job creation, energy infrastructure, American economic competitiveness, and national security must be considered to be &quot;infrastructure projects&quot; as described in Executive Order 13604, entitled &quot;Improving Performance of Federal Permitting and Review of Infrastructure Projects&quot; dated March 22, 2012.This order directed federal agencies to significantly reduce the time required to make permitting and review decisions on infrastructure projects.
 
The bill sets forth general requirements for an existing mineral exploration or mine permit application.
 
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM)or the Forest Service shall appoint a project lead for the mine permitting process to coordinate with other agencies to ensure that the agencies: minimize delays, set and adhere to timelines for completion of the permitting process, set clear permitting goals, and track progress against goals.
 
The requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969are satisfied if the BLM or the Forest Service determines that the agency issuing the permit will address specified factors, such as environmental impact, alternatives to issuance of the permit, or any irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources that would be involved in the proposed action. The time period for completion of the mine permitting review process shall not exceed 30 months, except by mutual agreement.
 
Projects on National Forest System land shall be exempt from regulations that prohibit timber tree cutting and road construction in areas without roads.
 
The bill does not apply to oil, gas, and potash leasing and development within the designated potash areas of Eddy and Lea Counties, New Mexico.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-01-12
text: Introduced in Senate
Obamacare Taxpayer Bailout Prevention Act

Bill: 115-s-147
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2017-01-17 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Comprehensive health care
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: 

Obamacare Taxpayer Bailout Prevention Act 

 
This bill repeals the provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a program of risk corridors for 2014, 2015, and 2016 under which qualified health plans must participate in a payment adjustment system based on the ratio of a plan's allowable costs to its premiums. (Qualified health plans are sold on health insurance exchanges, are the only plans eligible for premium subsidies, and fulfill an individual's requirement to maintain minimum essential coverage.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: Introduced in Senate
Educational Opportunities Act

Bill: 115-s-148
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2017-01-17 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Charitable contributions
Elementary and secondary education
Income tax credits
Sales and excise taxes
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: 

Educational Opportunities Act

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a tax credit for charitable contributions to a scholarship granting organization. The bill allows a maximum credit amount of $4,500 ($2,250 for a married individual filing a separate return). A "scholarship granting organization" is a tax-exempt entity whose exclusive purpose is to provide scholarships for the tuition and other education expenses of elementary and secondary school students from low income households (i.e., household income not exceeding 250% of federal poverty guidelines).
 
The bill allows corporate taxpayers a tax credit, up to $100,000, for contributions to a scholarship granting organization. 
 
It also imposes a penalty on scholarship granting organizations that fail to distribute at least 90% of their total receipts for elementary and secondary school expenses in a taxable year.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: Introduced in Senate
Terrorism Survivors Student Loan Deferment Act

Bill: 115-s-149
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2017-01-17 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Crime victims
Government lending and loan guarantees
Higher education
Student aid and college costs
Terrorism

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: 

Terrorism Survivors Student Loan Deferment Act

 
This bill amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to allow a borrower who is a victim of a terrorist attack to defer (i.e., suspend repayments on) student loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan, Federal Direct Loan, and Federal Perkins Loan programs. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: Introduced in Senate
Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-150
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2017-01-17 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Military personnel and dependents
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: 

Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the federal criminal code to declare that any person who knowingly engages in any scheme or artifice to defraud an individual of veterans' benefits, or in connection with obtaining veteran's benefits for that individual, shall be fined, imprisoned not more than five years, or both.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: Introduced in Senate
Terror Intelligence Improvement Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-151
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2017-01-17 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Criminal justice information and records
Detention of persons
Firearms and explosives
Government studies and investigations
Terrorism

Summary:
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: 

Terror Intelligence Improvement Act of 

2017

 
This bill requires each federal department or agency to provide to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) information about a person who is or has been under a federal terrorism investigation.
 
The FBI and its Joint Terrorism Task Forces must immediately be notified of a request to transfer a firearm or explosive to a person who is, or was within the previous 10 years, under a federal terrorism investigation.
 
The Inspector General of the Intelligence Community must audit the federal government's terrorism-related screening and watch list procedures.
 
The bill directs the Department of Justice to establish a process to delay and prevent the transfer of a firearm or explosive to a person who is, or was within the previous 10 years, under a federal terrorism investigation. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-01-17
text: Introduced in Senate