hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act

Bill: 116-s-566
Sponsor: Sen. Jones, Doug [D-AL]
Introduced: 2019-02-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Business investment and capital
Congressional oversight
Rural conditions and development
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: 

Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act

 
This bill requires the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation within the Securities and Exchange Commission to report on issues encountered by rural-area small businesses.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill clarifying that it is United States policy to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

Bill: 116-s-567
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Introduced: 2019-02-26 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Agricultural research
Arab-Israeli relations
Chemical and biological weapons
Conflicts and wars
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Human rights
Iran
Israel
Manufacturing
Middle East
Racial and ethnic relations
Research and development
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Syria

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: 
This bill establishes that it is U.S. policy to recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights. References to "Israel" in future acts of Congress relating to appropriations or foreign commerce shall be interpreted to include the Golan Heights. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Child Care for Working Families Act

Bill: 116-s-568
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Introduced: 2019-02-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Academic performance and assessments
Adoption and foster care
Appropriations
Child care and development
Child health
Crime prevention
Disability and paralysis
Domestic violence and child abuse
Education of the disadvantaged
Education programs funding
Family services
Health programs administration and funding
Higher education
Homelessness and emergency shelter
Preschool education
Student aid and college costs
Teaching, teachers, curricula
Women's health

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: 

Child Care for Working Families Act

 
This bill provides funds and otherwise revises certain child care and early learning programs for low- to moderate-income families.
 
Specifically, the bill provides funds for the Child Care and Development Block Grant program and reestablishes it as a child care and development assistance program. It also allocates program funds for states to provide services and supports to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities.
 
Further, it revises the program to require each state to, among other things
 
 
create a tiered and transparent system for measuring the quality of child care providers, which must include evidence-based standards and payment rates that are based on a certain cost estimation model; 
 
assure that copayments are based on a sliding scale and that no family receiving assistance pays more than 7% of their household income on child care; and 
 
use quality child care amounts for certain activities, such as improving the supply of child care providers who provide care to infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities (e.g., professional development). 
 
 
It also provides funds and establishes grants for states to create preschool programs for low- to moderate-income children between the ages of three and five years.
 
Finally, the Department of Health and Human Services must make grants to Head Start agencies to (1) provide children with access to full-school-year and full-school-day services, (2) provide access to additional service hours for migrant and seasonal agencies, or (3) enhance the quality of existing services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Introduced in Senate
DRIVE-Safe Act

Bill: 116-s-569
Sponsor: Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]
Introduced: 2019-02-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Accidents
Employment and training programs
Motor carriers
Motor vehicles
Transportation employees
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: 

Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act or the DRIVE-Safe Act

 
This bill directs the Department of Transportation to promulgate regulations to implement an apprenticeship program for licensed commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Flu Vaccine Act

Bill: 116-s-570
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2019-02-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Immunology and vaccination
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Medical research

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: 

Flu Vaccine Act

 
This bill requires the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to conduct or support research for a universal influenza vaccine.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Residential Rent to Own Protection Act

Bill: 116-s-571
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Introduced: 2019-02-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Congressional oversight
Consumer credit
Contracts and agency
Government studies and investigations
Housing finance and home ownership
Housing industry and standards
Real estate business

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: 

Residential Rent to Own Protection Act 

 
This bill establishes requirements regarding residential rent-to-own agreements. The bill 
 
 
requires residential property subject to rent-to-own agreements to comply with applicable state and local habitability laws, 
 
prohibits eviction of a purchaser of such an agreement except if ordered in a judicial proceeding, 
 
requires public documentation of these agreements, and 
 
establishes civil penalties for violations. 
 
 
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau must promulgate regulations under this bill. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2019-02-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Promoting Transparent Standards for Corporate Insiders Act

Bill: 116-s-573
Sponsor: Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Introduced: 2019-02-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Congressional oversight
Employee benefits and pensions
Financial services and investments
Government studies and investigations
Securities
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: 

Promoting Transparent Standards for Corporate Insiders Act 

 
This bill directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to study and report on possible revisions to regulations regarding Rule 10b5-1 trading plans. (Such plans allow certain employees of publicly traded corporations to sell their shares without violating insider trading prohibitions.) The SEC must revise regulations consistent with the results of the study. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-11-17
text: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Introduced in Senate
EMPOWER Act—Part 2

Bill: 116-s-574
Sponsor: Sen. Harris, Kamala D. [D-CA]
Introduced: 2019-02-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Assault and harassment offenses
Civil actions and liability
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Income tax deductions
Income tax exclusion
Legal fees and court costs
Sex offenses
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: 

Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace harassment through Education and Reporting Act--Part 2 or the EMPOWER Act--Part 2

 
This bill modifies the tax treatment of expenses and payments related to workplace harassment and employment discrimination. 
 
The bill prohibits a tax deduction for amounts paid or incurred by the taxpayer
 
 
 pursuant to any judgment or award in litigation related to workplace harassment, including sexual harassment;
 
for expenses and attorney's fees in connection with the litigation resulting in the judgment or award (other than expenses or fees paid by the workplace harassment plaintiff or claimant); or 
 
for insurance covering the defense or liability of the underlying claims in the litigation. 
 
 
The bill also (1) excludes from gross income amounts received in connection with a judgment, award, or settlement related to workplace harassment, including sexual harassment or other unlawful discrimination; and (2) limits the taxation of and the application of the alternative minimum tax to compensation received under a settlement or judgment for employment discrimination.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Introduced in Senate
EMPOWER Act—Part 1

Bill: 116-s-575
Sponsor: Sen. Harris, Kamala D. [D-CA]
Introduced: 2019-02-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Administrative remedies
Assault and harassment offenses
Civil actions and liability
Congressional officers and employees
Contracts and agency
Corporate finance and management
Crime victims
Employment and training programs
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government liability
Government studies and investigations
Labor-management relations
Library of Congress
Marketing and advertising
Merit Systems Protection Board
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Sex offenses
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: 

Ending the Monopoly of Power Over Workplace 

h

arassment through Education and Reporting Act-Part I or the EMPOWER Act-Part I

 
This bill prohibits the use of nondisparagement and nondisclosure clauses that cover workplace harassment in employment contracts and directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to take certain actions related to workplace harassment.
 
Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of nondisparagement and nondisclosure clauses in employment contracts if such clauses cover workplace harassment, including sexual harassment or retaliation for reporting harassment. It also prohibits the enforcement or attempted enforcement of such clauses.
 
Notwithstanding signing any nondisparagement or nondisclosure clause, an employee or applicant retains any right that person would otherwise have had to report a concern about workplace harassment to the EEOC and other specified agencies and any right that person would otherwise have had to bring an action in a court of the United States.
 
Additionally, the bill prohibits state immunity under the Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution from an action in a federal court for a violation related to workplace harassment.
 
The bill also directs the EEOC to (1) establish a confidential tip line that supplements its existing process for submitting a charge of discrimination; and (2) disseminate workplace training programs and information regarding workplace harassment, including sexual harassment.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Fairness for Korean DMZ Veterans Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-576
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Introduced: 2019-02-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Asia
Cancer
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Digestive and metabolic diseases
Disability and paralysis
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Musculoskeletal and skin diseases
South Korea
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: 

Fairness for Korean DMZ Veterans Act of 2019

 
This bill extends the presumption of service-connection for certain diseases associated with herbicide (e.g., Agent Orange) exposure to veterans who served in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone between September 1, 1967, and August 31, 1971. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific disabilities or diseases diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Import Tax Relief Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-577
Sponsor: Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
Introduced: 2019-02-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Asia
China
Consumer affairs
Customs enforcement
Free trade and trade barriers
Government studies and investigations
Inflation and prices
Intellectual property
Tariffs
Technology transfer and commercialization
Trade agreements and negotiations
U.S. and foreign investments

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: 

Import Tax Relief Act of 2019

 
This bill requires the President to establish a process by which certain articles imported from China may be excluded from duties.
 
Specifically, the bill requires the creation of a process whereby U.S. entities may request that articles imported from China be excluded from duties imposed under the Trade Act of 1974. Such an exclusion must be based on a determination that the article can easily be excluded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and that (1) the article is not commercially available outside of China or produced at a cost-competitive price, (2) a duty on the article would increase consumer prices for everyday items consumed by low- or middle-income families in the United States, or (3) the article does not directly benefit from nonmarket-based policies of China.
 
Further, this exclusion applies retroactively to recently imported articles that would have been subject to a lower rate under this bill. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-579
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Introduced: 2019-02-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Academic performance and assessments
Congressional oversight
Education of the disadvantaged
Education programs funding
Educational facilities and institutions
Elementary and secondary education
Government information and archives
Minority employment
Teaching, teachers, curricula
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: 

Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act of 2019

 
This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants for local educational agencies in high-poverty school districts to reduce class sizes in the early elementary grades (kindergarten through third grade) by recruiting, training, and hiring qualified teachers.
 
 
 



Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-580
Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Introduced: 2019-02-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Inflation and prices
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: 

Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2019

 
This bill replaces provisions governing the compensation provided to a former President. 
 
Each former President shall receive from the United States (1) an annuity of $200,000 per year for the remainder of his or her life, and (2) a monetary allowance of $200,000 per year. Such allowance shall be reduced by the amount the former President's earned income exceeds $400,000. These monetary amounts are subject to a cost-of-living increase.
 
The bill increases and provides for cost-of-living adjustments to the monetary allowance for surviving spouses of former Presidents.

action_date: 2019-06-27
text: 

Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2019

 
This bill replaces provisions governing the compensation provided to a former President. 
 
Each former President shall receive from the United States (1) an annuity of $200,000 per year for the remainder of his or her life, and (2) a monetary allowance of $200,000 per year. Such allowance shall be reduced by the amount the former President's earned income exceeds $400,000. These monetary amounts are subject to a cost-of-living increase.
 
The widow or widower of each former President shall be entitled to receive from the United States a monetary allowance at a rate of $100,000 per year, payable monthly by the Department of the Treasury, if such widow or widower waives the right to each other annuity or pension to which she or he is entitled under any other Act of Congress.
 
This is prospective to future Presidents who have not yet held office.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-06-27
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 128.
action_date: 2019-06-27
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. 116-53.
action_date: 2019-06-27
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. 116-53.
action_date: 2019-05-15
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-581
Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Introduced: 2019-02-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Air quality
Alternative and renewable resources
Consumer affairs
Energy efficiency and conservation
Motor fuels
Motor vehicles
Oil and gas

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: 

Fuel Choice and Deregulation Act of 2019

 
This bill revises requirements governing the use of alternative fuels in vehicles.
 
Among other things, the bill revises requirements on aftermarket vehicle conversions that enable older vehicles to use alternative fuels. Under current law, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must certify such conversions. This bill removes such certification requirements.
 
The bill also bans the EPA from prohibiting or controlling biomass fuel.
 
In addition, the bill revises the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards for certain vehicles that are able to operate on something other than petroleum-based fuel, such as electric vehicles.
 
Finally, the bill revises the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements to provide for the year-round sale of ethanol-gasoline fuel blends that contain more than 10% denatured anhydrous ethanol. RVP is a metric of gasoline volatility (i.e., how quickly fuel evaporates into the atmosphere). Current law prohibits the sale of gasoline that exceed certain RVP limits during the high ozone season (i.e., the summer months). However, current law provides waivers from this requirement, including a waiver that gives certain ethanol-gasoline fuel blends containing 10% denatured anhydrous ethanol a higher RVP limit under certain conditions. This bill expands the waiver to include ethanol-gasoline fuel blends containing more than 10% of such ethanol, thus allowing year-round sales of such fuel blends.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Introduced in Senate
FinCEN Improvement Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-582
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Introduced: 2019-02-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Crime prevention
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Currency
Digital media
Federal-Indian relations
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Law enforcement administration and funding
Terrorism

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: 

FinCEN Improvement Act of 2019

 
This bill amends the duties of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). FinCEN must work with tribal law enforcement agencies, protect against terrorism regardless of origin, and coordinate internationally on matters involving emerging technology and virtual currency.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2019-02-27
text: Introduced in Senate