hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Protecting Benefits for Elderly Refugees and Refugees with Disabilities During COVID–19 Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4307
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Introduced: 2020-07-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Aging
Citizenship and naturalization
Crime victims
Disability assistance
Human trafficking
Immigration status and procedures
Poverty and welfare assistance
Refugees, asylum, displaced persons
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: 

Protecting Benefits for Elderly Refugees and Refugees with Disabilities During COVID-19 Act of 2020

 
This bill extends the eligibility period for certain aliens to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The bill also waives naturalization fees for SSI recipients.
 
Currently, certain aliens, such as refugees and victims of trafficking, are eligible to receive SSI benefits for a seven-year period. For such an alien whose eligibility expired after January 31, 2020, this bill extends that alien's eligibility to September 30, 2021.
 
Furthermore, during the period from January 31, 2020, to September 30, 2021, such a qualifying alien's eligibility for SSI benefits shall not expire while the alien has (1) a pending naturalization application, (2) an application on appeal, or (3) an accepted application but the alien has not yet sworn in as a U.S. citizen.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act

Bill: 116-s-4308
Sponsor: Sen. Sinema, Kyrsten [D-AZ]
Introduced: 2020-07-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Appropriations
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Federal Reserve System
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Securities
State and local finance
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: 

Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act

 
This bill makes special districts eligible for the Coronavirus Relief Fund and the Municipal Liquidity Facility program.
 
Specifically, the bill makes special districts eligible for payments from amounts paid to states from any new appropriations to the fund. A special district must submit a request for payment to the state with information demonstrating that the special district has experienced or is likely to experience during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency
 
 
 reduced revenue or operational funding derived from provided services, taxes, fees, or other sources of revenue; 
 
 reduced indirect funding from the federal government, the state, or a unit of general government below the state level; or
 
 as a result of the COVID-19 emergency, increased expenditures necessary to continue operations.
 
 
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System shall include special districts as eligible issuers in the Municipal Liquidity Facility program, which was created in response to the COVID-19 emergency to buy municipal securities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Community Services Block Grant Refinement and Improvement Act

Bill: 116-s-4309
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Introduced: 2020-07-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Housing and Community Development

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: 

Community Services Block Grant Refinement and Improvement Act

 
This bill exempts certain funds appropriated for the Community Services Block Grant program from reductions that would otherwise apply under current law.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Don't Punish Schools for Uncontrolled Pandemics Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4310
Sponsor: Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]
Introduced: 2020-07-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Department of Education
Elementary and secondary education
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Intergovernmental relations
State and local government operations
Teaching, teachers, curricula

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: 

Don't Punish Schools for Uncontrolled Pandemics Act of 2020

 
This bill prohibits the Department of Education from requiring a local school program to conduct in-person instruction during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Restoring State Mineral Revenues Act

Bill: 116-s-4311
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Introduced: 2020-07-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Energy revenues and royalties
Mining
State and local finance

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: 

Restoring State Mineral Revenues Act 

 
This bill eliminates the 2% fee that the federal government currently deducts from a state's entitled share to cover administrative or other costs under the Mineral Leasing Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Introduced in Senate
NEPA State Assignment Expansion Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4312
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced: 2020-07-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Intergovernmental relations
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: 

NEPA State Assignment Expansion Act of 2020

 
This bill allows certain states to enter into agreements with federal agencies to assume federal responsibilities regarding the environmental review of proposed major federal actions under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Physician Education on PFAS Health Impacts Act

Bill: 116-s-4313
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Introduced: 2020-07-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Education programs funding
Environmental health
Government information and archives
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Medical education

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: 

Physician Education on PFAS Health Impacts Act

 
This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to educate health care providers about the health impacts of exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS. These substances are man-made and may have adverse human health effects. A variety of products contain the compounds, such as nonstick cookware or weatherproof clothing.
 
Specifically, HHS must award grants to national or state medical organizations and other institutions that have expertise in diseases and conditions related to PFAS to provide these trainings.
 

 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Introduced in Senate
RETAIN Act

Bill: 116-s-4314
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2020-07-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Elementary and secondary education
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Inflation and prices
State and local government operations
Student aid and college costs
Teaching, teachers, curricula

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: 

Retaining Educators Takes Added Investment Now Act or the RETAIN Act

 
This bill allows a refundable tax credit for the employment of early childhood educators, teachers, early childhood education program directors, school leaders, and school-based mental health services providers that is based upon the number of school years for which such individuals have been continuously employed.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S4475-4476)
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Introduced in Senate
TRACE Act

Bill: 116-s-4315
Sponsor: Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Introduced: 2020-07-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Community life and organization
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Health care coverage and access
Health facilities and institutions
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health technology, devices, supplies
Indian social and development programs
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Minority health
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: 

COVID-19 Testing, Reaching, And Contacting Everyone Act or the TRACE Act

 
This bill authorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to award grants for testing, contact tracing, monitoring, and other activities to address COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Entities such as federally qualified health centers, nonprofit organizations, and certain hospitals and schools are eligible to receive such grants. In awarding the grants, the CDC shall prioritize applicants that (1) operate in hot spots and medically underserved communities, and (2) agree to hire individuals from the communities where grant activities occur. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Introduced in Senate
State Paid Leave for America Now (PLAN) Act

Bill: 116-s-4316
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Introduced: 2020-07-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Appropriations
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Congressional oversight
Economic performance and conditions
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employee benefits and pensions
Employee leave
Government studies and investigations
Health promotion and preventive care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
State and local finance
State and local government operations
State and local taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: 

State Paid Leave for America Now (PLAN) Act

 
 This bill reimburses state paid leave programs for the cost of providing benefits under such programs for circumstances related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Introduced in Senate
SAFE TO WORK Act

Bill: 116-s-4317
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced: 2020-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Civil actions and liability
Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Evidence and witnesses
Federal district courts
Federal preemption
Federal-Indian relations
Health care quality
Health personnel
Health technology, devices, supplies
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Judicial procedure and administration
Jurisdiction and venue
Legal fees and court costs
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Product safety and quality
Self-employed
State and local government operations
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: 

Safeguarding America's Frontline Employees To Offer Work Opportunities Required to Kickstart the Economy Act or the SAFE TO WORK Act

 
This bill limits liability for injuries related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
 
Generally, an individual alleging harm from exposure to coronavirus or related medical treatment occurring before October 1, 2024, may sue only under the causes of action created by this bill, with limited exceptions. However, the bill does not preempt any law that imposes stricter limits on liability or otherwise provides greater protections to defendants.
 
An individual or entity engaged in business or other activities may be liable for injuries resulting from coronavirus exposure only if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that (1) the defendant did not make reasonable efforts to comply with government standards and guidance, (2) the defendant's actions constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct, and (3) actual exposure caused the plaintiff's injury. (The clear and convincing evidence
 
standard is a higher standard of proof than is typically required in a civil action.) 
 
Similarly, a health care provider may be liable for injuries connected to coronavirus-related services only if the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that (1) the provider's actions constituted gross negligence or willful misconduct, and (2) such actions directly caused the injury.
 
The bill also contains various coronavirus-related protections for defendants, including protections that (1) exempt an employer or operator of public accommodations that meets certain requirements from liability under certain federal laws, (2) impose limitations on coronavirus-related class action lawsuits, and (3) limit liability for certain injuries related to workplace coronavirus testing.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
American Workers, Families, and Employers Assistance Act

Bill: 116-s-4318
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Introduced: 2020-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Adoption and foster care
Agricultural prices, subsidies, credit
Appropriations
Business expenses
Business records
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Child care and development
Civil actions and liability
Congressional oversight
Correctional facilities and imprisonment
Debt collection
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of the Treasury
Disability assistance
Disaster relief and insurance
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employee benefits and pensions
Employee hiring
Employment taxes
Executive agency funding and structure
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government information and archives
Government lending and loan guarantees
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Health facilities and institutions
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Health technology, devices, supplies
Hospital care
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Income tax exclusion
Indian social and development programs
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Intergovernmental relations
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Judicial procedure and administration
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Medicare
Nursing
Poverty and welfare assistance
Rural conditions and development
Self-employed
Separation, divorce, custody, support
Small business
Social Security Administration
Social security and elderly assistance
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
State and local courts
State and local finance
State and local government operations
State and local taxation
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
Tax-exempt organizations
Telephone and wireless communication
Unemployment
Wages and earnings
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: 

American Workers, Families, and Employers Assistance Act

 
This bill provides assistance to workers, families, and employers during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic in the form of increased unemployment compensation, additional recovery rebates beginning in 2020, tax credits to promote job creation and employment, support for older foster youth, and emergency support and protection for nursing homes.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Supporting America’s Restaurant Workers Act

Bill: 116-s-4319
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]
Introduced: 2020-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business expenses
Food industry and services
Income tax deductions

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: 

Supporting America's Restaurant Workers Act

 
This bill expands the currrent 50% tax deduction for business meals to 100% of the cost of such meals provided by a restaurant paid or incurred before January 1, 2021. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
TRUST Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4323
Sponsor: Sen. Romney, Mitt [R-UT]
Introduced: 2020-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance
Subjects: Budget process
Congressional oversight
Government trust funds
Legislative rules and procedure

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: 

Time to Rescue United States Trusts Act of 2020 or the TRUST Act of 2020 

 
This bill establishes congressional rescue committees to develop recommendations and legislation to improve critical social contract programs. 
 
A 
critical social contract program
 is a federal program 
 
 
 for which a federal trust fund is established (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, and federal highway programs), 
 
 with outlays of at least $20 billion during the year preceding the year in which this bill is enacted, and 
 
 for which the amount of dedicated federal funds and federal trust fund balances will be inadequate to meet the total amount of outlays of the program that would otherwise be made. 
 
 
Each rescue committee may develop recommendations and legislation to improve the program for which it was established, including by (1) increasing the duration of positive balances of the federal trust fund established for the program, and (2) providing for the solvency of the federal trust fund established for the program during a 75-year period. 
 
Congress must use specified expedited legislative procedures to consider legislation that is approved and submitted by the rescue committees. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-08-03
text: Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2020-08-03
text: Senate Committee on Finance discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2020-08-03
text: Senate Committee on Finance discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4507)
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Business of Insurance Regulatory Reform Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4325
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]
Introduced: 2020-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Banking and financial institutions regulation
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Consumer credit
Insurance industry and regulation

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: 

Business of Insurance Regulatory Reform Act of 2020

 
This bill revises the authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) over activities regulated by a state insurance regulator. The CFPB may not pursue enforcement against any person regulated by a state insurance regulator and offering a consumer financial product or service, to the extent that person is engaged in the business of insurance. If a person engaged in the business of insurance is regulated by a state insurance regulator but otherwise subject to the CFPB's enforcement authority, the CFPB must construe its authority narrowly.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
1921 Silver Dollar Coin Anniversary Act

Bill: 116-s-4326
Sponsor: Sen. Enzi, Michael B. [R-WY]
Introduced: 2020-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Commemorative events and holidays
Currency
U.S. history

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: 

1921 Silver Dollar Coin Anniversary Act

 
The Department of the Treasury shall mint and issue $1 silver coins in recognition of the 100th anniversary of completion of coinage of the Morgan dollar and the 100th anniversary of commencement of coinage of the Peace dollar. 
 
Treasury may issue such coins beginning on January 1, 2021. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Taiwan Fellowship Act

Bill: 116-s-4327
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2020-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Area studies and international education
Asia
China
Congressional oversight
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
International exchange and broadcasting
Taiwan

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: 

Taiwan Fellowship Act

 
This bill directs the Department of State to establish a program to provide two-year fellowships in Taiwan to qualifying U.S. government employees. 
 
Each program fellow shall work in (1) a Taiwanese government agency; or (2) a nongovernmental organization, such as the American Institute in Taiwan, whose interests are associated with the interests of the fellow's employing U.S. government agency. (The United States does not have official relations with Taiwan as a result of China's position that Taiwan is part of China. The American Institute in Taiwan is a private organization that has a contract with the State Department to represent U.S. interests in Taiwan and provide consular services.)
 
The State Department and the American Institute in Taiwan shall select a nonprofit organization to implement the fellowship program. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2020-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate