hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
A bill to remove the use restrictions on certain land transferred to Rockingham County, Virginia, and for other purposes.

Bill: 115-s-331
Sponsor: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Introduced: 2017-02-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Child care and development
Land transfers
Land use and conservation
Virginia

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: 
 This bill declares that the approximately one-acre portion of specified land transferred by the United States to Rockingham County, Virginia, that is used for purposes of a child care center, shall not be subject to the use restriction imposed in the deed for the transferred land. 
 
The bill eliminates the requirement that the county include information concerning the use of the transferred land for a child care center in biennial reports to the Department of the Interior. 

action_date: 2017-05-03
text: 
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
 
(Sec. 1) This bill declares that the approximately one-acre portion of specified land transferred by the United States to Rockingham County, Virginia, that is used for purposes of a child care center, shall not be subject to the use restriction imposed in the deed for the transferred land. 
 
The bill eliminates the requirement that the county include information concerning the use of the transferred land for a child care center in biennial reports to the Department of the Interior. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-05-03
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 53.
action_date: 2017-05-03
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 115-39.
action_date: 2017-05-03
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski without amendment. With written report No. 115-39.
action_date: 2017-03-30
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S868-869)
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to restrict funding for the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, and for other purposes.

Bill: 115-s-332
Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Introduced: 2017-02-07 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Arms control and nonproliferation
International law and treaties
International organizations and cooperation
Nuclear weapons
United Nations

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: 
This bill declares that United Nations Security Council Resolution 2310 (September 23, 2016) does not obligate the United States to refrain from actions that would run counter to the object and purpose of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
 
 No U.S. funds may be made available to the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, except for the organization's international monitoring system. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text of measure as introduced: CR S869)
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-333
Sponsor: Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
Introduced: 2017-02-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Congressional oversight
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government liability
Government studies and investigations
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: 

Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of
 
2017

 
This bill prohibits federal government officials from entering into or enforcing a settlement agreement on behalf of the United States (resolving a civil action, a plea agreement, a deferred prosecution agreement, or a nonprosecution agreement) that provides for a payment or loan to any person or entity other than the United States. The bill provides exceptions to allow payments or loans that: (1) remedy actual harm (including to the environment) caused by the party making the payment or loan, or (2) constitute a payment for services rendered in connection with the case or a payment that a court may order for restitution to victims in certain criminal cases or other persons in plea agreements.
 
Federal government officials or agents who violate this prohibition may be removed from office or required to forfeit to the government any money they hold for such purposes to which they may otherwise be entitled.
 
Federal agencies must report annually for seven years to the Congressional Budget Office about the parties, funding sources, and distribution of funds for their settlement agreements permitted by the exceptions in this bill. 
 
Agency inspectors general must report annually to Congress about any of their agency's settlement agreements that violate this bill. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Fracturing Regulations are Effective in State Hands Act

Bill: 115-s-334
Sponsor: Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]
Introduced: 2017-02-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Alternative and renewable resources
Environmental regulatory procedures
Forests, forestry, trees
General public lands matters
Land use and conservation
Licensing and registrations
Oil and gas
State and local government operations
Water quality

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: 

Fracturing Regulations are Effective in State Hands Act

 
 This bill gives states the sole authority to promulgate or enforce any regulation, guidance, or permit requirement regarding hydraulic fracturing on or under any land within their boundaries. Hydraulic fracturing or fracking is a process to extract underground resources such as oil or gas from a geologic formation by injecting water, a propping agent (e.g., sand), and chemical additives into a well under enough pressure to fracture the geological formation.
 
Hydraulic fracturing on federal land must comply with the law of the state in which the land is located.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Federal Land Freedom Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-335
Sponsor: Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]
Introduced: 2017-02-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Endangered and threatened species
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Historic sites and heritage areas
Intergovernmental relations
Licensing and registrations
Oil and gas
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: 

Federal Land Freedom Act of 2017

 
This bill authorizes a state with an established oil and gas leasing program to take responsibility from the federal government for leasing and regulating the exploration and development of oil, gas, and other forms of energy on federal land in the state.
 
Any state actions to lease, permit, or regulate oil and gas exploration and development shall not be subject to federal action under certain laws, including the Administrative Procedure Act, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
 
State-issued leases or permits shall provide for the collection and deposit of federal royalties and revenues.
 
A state may collect and retain lease or permit application processing fees.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Fairness Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-336
Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]
Introduced: 2017-02-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Department of Veterans Affairs
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Health personnel
Labor-management relations
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: 

Department of Veterans Affairs Employee Fairness Act of 2017

 
This bill repeals provisions excluding any matter or question concerning professional conduct or competence, peer review, or the establishment, determination, or adjustment of employee compensation from the applicability of collective bargaining rights for Veterans Health Administration employees.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Introduced in Senate
FAMILY Act

Bill: 115-s-337
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2017-02-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Adult day care
Advisory bodies
Child care and development
Civil actions and liability
Congressional oversight
Disability assistance
Employee benefits and pensions
Employee leave
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Employment taxes
Executive agency funding and structure
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Railroads
Social Security Administration
Social security and elderly assistance
Transportation employees
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: 

Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act
 
or the FAMILY Act

 
 This bill establishes the Office of Paid Family and Medical Leave within the Social Security Administration (SSA).
 
 The bill entitles every individual to a family and medical leave insurance (FMLI) benefit payment for each month beginning on the first day of the month in which the individual meets the criteria specified below and ending 365 days later (benefit period), not to exceed 60 qualified caregiving days per period. An individual qualifies for such a benefit payment if such individual:
 
 
is insured for disability insurance benefits under the Social Security Act at the time an application is filed;
 
has earned income from employment during the 12 months before filing it; and
 
was engaged in qualified caregiving (any activity for which the individual would be entitled to leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993), or anticipates being so engaged, during the 90-day period before the application is filed or within 30 days after. 
 
 
 The bill prescribes a formula for determination of an individual's monthly benefit, as well as for the maximum and minimum amounts. 
 
 An FMLI benefit payment shall be coordinated with any periodic benefits received under a state or local temporary disability insurance or family leave program.
 
 The bill prescribes criteria that make an individual ineligible for an FMLI benefit payment and specifies prohibited acts by an employer and penalties for violations. 
 
 The bill establishes the Federal Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund. FMLI benefit payments shall be made only from this fund.
 
 No amounts from the Social Security Trust Funds or appropriated to the SSA to administer Social Security programs may be used for FMLI benefits or administration.
 
 The bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose a tax on every individual and employer, all self-employment income, and every railroad employee, employee representative, or railroad employer to finance the Federal Family and Medical Leave Insurance Trust Fund for FMLI benefits.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Scientific Integrity Act

Bill: 115-s-338
Sponsor: Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL]
Introduced: 2017-02-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Medical research
Policy sciences
Research administration and funding
Research ethics
Scientific communication

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: 

Scientific Integrity Act

 
This bill requires, subject to the exemptions for disclosures of information under the Freedom of Information Act, each federal agency that funds or conducts scientific research to: (1) promote and maximize the communication and open exchange of data and findings to other agencies, policymakers, and the public of research conducted by a scientist employed or contracted by such an agency; and (2) prevent the intentional or unintentional suppression or distortion of such data and findings.
 
The bill amends the America COMPETES Act to revise provisions relating to the release of data and results of research conducted by scientists employed at all federal civilian agencies that fund or conduct scientific research. 
 
Each federal agency that funds or conducts scientific research shall: (1) develop and enforce a specified scientific integrity policy, including procedures, regarding the release of data and findings to other agencies, policymakers, and the public of research conducted by a scientist employed or contracted by that agency; and (2) submit it to Congress and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). 
 
Such a policy shall apply to employees and contractors who conduct, handle, communicate, or supervise federally funded scientific research for a federal agency or for a federally funded research and development center sponsored by that agency. 
 
A federal agency that funds or conducts scientific research shall: (1) disseminate its policy to new employees and contractors, and (2) develop and require training on its policy for employees and contractors regarding scientific research for that agency. 
 
The OSTP shall enter into an agrement with the National Academy of Public Administration to study the effectiveness of the scientific integrity policies developed pursuant to this bill. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-339
Sponsor: Sen. Nelson, Bill [D-FL]
Introduced: 2017-02-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Military personnel and dependents
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: 

Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act of 2017

 
This bill repeals certain provisions which require the offset of amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation from Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities for the surviving spouses of former military personnel who are entitled to military retired pay or who would be entitled to such pay, except for being under 60 years of age.
 
The Department of Defense is prohibited from recouping certain amounts previously paid to SBP recipients in the form of a retired pay refund.
 
The bill requires (current law authorizes) the Secretary of the military department concerned to pay an annuity to a member's dependent children when there is no eligible surviving spouse. The Secretary concerned shall restore annuity eligibility to a surviving spouse who earlier agreed to transfer such eligibility to the surviving child or children of a member.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Sensible Environmental Protection Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-340
Sponsor: Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]
Introduced: 2017-02-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Congressional oversight
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Environmental regulatory procedures
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Licensing and registrations
Pest management
Water quality

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: 
 
Sensible Environmental Protection Act of 2017

 
This bill amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency or a state from requiring a permit under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for a discharge of a pesticide from a point source into navigable waters if the discharge is approved under FIFRA. Point source pollution is waste discharged from a distinct place, such as a pipe, channel, or tunnel. The bill establishes exemptions from this prohibition.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2017-02-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Russia Sanctions Review Act of 2017

Bill: 115-s-341
Sponsor: Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]
Introduced: 2017-02-08 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Computer security and identity theft
Congressional oversight
Europe
Foreign property
Legislative rules and procedure
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Russia
Sanctions
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Trade restrictions
U.S. and foreign investments
Ukraine
Visas and passports
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-08
text: 

Russia Sanctions Review Act of 2017

 
This bill provides that the following executive orders, as in effect on January 1, 2017, and any sanctions imposed pursuant to such orders, shall remain in effect: (1) Executive Order 13694 (relating to blocking property of certain persons engaging in significant malicious cyber-enabled activities); (2) Executive Orders 13660, 13661, and 13662 (relating to blocking property of certain persons contributing to the situation in Ukraine); and (3) Executive Order 13685 (relating to blocking property of certain persons and prohibiting certain transactions with respect to the Crimea region of Ukraine).
 
Before taking any action to waive or otherwise limit the application of sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation, the President shall submit to specified congressional committees a report that: (1) describes the proposed action; and (2) certifies that the Russian government has ceased ordering or supporting acts intended to undermine Ukraine's peace, security, stability,sovereignty, or territorial integrity and has ceased cyber attacks against the U.S. government and U.S. persons and entities.
 
During the 120-day period following a report's submission: (1) the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs shall review such report and certification, and (2) the President may not take action to waive or otherwise limit the application of such sanctions.
 
The President may not take action to waive or otherwise limit the application of sanctions with respect to the Russian Federation: (1) for 12 days after the date of passage by both Houses of Congress of a congressional joint resolution disapproving such action, (2) for 10 days after the the President vetoes such joint resolution, and (3) if such joint resolution is enacted as provided for by this bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-04-27
text: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 115-55.
action_date: 2017-02-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2017-02-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Gold Star Families Forever Stamp Act

Bill: 115-s-342
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2017-02-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Military personnel and dependents
Postal service

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-08
text: 

Gold Star Families Forever Stamp Act

 
This bill directs the Postmaster General to provide for the issuance of a forever stamp to honor the sacrifices of families who have lost a loved one who was a member of the Armed Forces in combat.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-02-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2017-02-08
text: Introduced in Senate
RESPECT Act

Bill: 115-s-343
Sponsor: Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]
Introduced: 2017-02-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Native Americans
Subjects: Federal-Indian relations

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-08
text: 

Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes Act or the RESPECT Act

 This bill repeals outdated provisions regarding treatment of Native Americans, including provisions on hostile tribes, alcohol, work requirements, penalties for truancy, and placement of youth in reform school without the consent of a parent or guardian.
action_date: 2017-05-24
text: 
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)
 

Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes Act or the RESPECT Act

 (Sec. 2) This bill repeals outdated provisions regarding treatment of Native Americans, including provisions on hostile tribes, alcohol, work requirements, penalties for truancy, and placement of youth in reform school without the consent of a parent or guardian.
action_date: 2017-11-29
text: 
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.)
 

Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes Act or the RESPECT Act

 (Sec. 2) This bill repeals outdated provisions regarding treatment of Native Americans, including provisions on hostile tribes, alcohol, work requirements, penalties for truancy, and placement of youth in reform school without the consent of a parent or guardian.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2017-12-04
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs.
action_date: 2017-11-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2017-11-30
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2017-11-30
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2017-11-29
text: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7497; text: CR S7497)
action_date: 2017-11-29
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7497; text: CR S7497)
action_date: 2017-05-24
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 105.
action_date: 2017-05-24
text: Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Hoeven without amendment. With written report No. 115-85.
action_date: 2017-05-24
text: Committee on Indian Affairs. Reported by Senator Hoeven without amendment. With written report No. 115-85.
action_date: 2017-03-29
text: Committee on Indian Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2017-02-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs.
action_date: 2017-02-08
text: Introduced in Senate