hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
C-BAND Act

Bill: 116-s-2921
Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
Introduced: 2019-11-20 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Licensing and registrations
Radio spectrum allocation
Rural conditions and development
Telephone and wireless communication

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-20
text: 

Clearing Broad Airwaves for New Deployment Act or the C-BAND Act

 
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make between 200 and 300 megahertz of C-Band spectrum available for reallocation and the assignment of licenses through a system of competitive bidding.
 
C-Band spectrum is electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies of 3700 and 4200 megahertz. Such spectrum shall be for the provision of broadband internet access service, and the clearing and reallocation shall take place in a manner that ensures C-Band-dependent users (1) receive equal or better service than was previously available, and (2) receive such service continuously throughout the transition process.
 
In addition, specified proceeds from such spectrum auctions shall be made available to the FCC for the build out and maintenance of rural broadband infrastructure in unserved rural communities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-20
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2019-11-20
text: Introduced in Senate
Rail Passenger Fairness Act

Bill: 116-s-2922
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2019-11-20 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
Railroads

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-20
text: 

Rail Passenger Fairness Act

 
This bill authorizes the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to bring a civil action in a U. S. District Court to enforce its preference rights over freight transportation in using a rail line, junction, or crossing.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-20
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text: CR S6721)
action_date: 2019-11-20
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to modify the criteria used by the Corps of Engineers to dredge small ports.

Bill: 116-s-2923
Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Navigation, waterways, harbors

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 
This bill sets a tonnage requirement for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to use when considering whether to dredge small ports.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Bandelier National Park and Preserve Establishment Act

Bill: 116-s-2924
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Aviation and airports
Forests, forestry, trees
Historical and cultural resources
Horticulture and plants
Hunting and fishing
Indian lands and resources rights
Mining
Monuments and memorials
New Mexico
Parks, recreation areas, trails

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 

Bandelier National Park and Preserve Establishment Act

 
This bill converts the Bandelier National Monument in Sandoval County, New Mexico, into a unit of the National Park System known as the Bandelier National Park and Preserve.
 
The Department of the Interior shall permit hunting on land in the preserve in the same manner as hunting is managed in the Valles Caldera National Preserve. 
 
Interior shall provide access to traditional cultural and religious sites in the park and preserve by members of Indian tribes for traditional cultural and customary uses. 
 
Interior shall allow an enrolled member of any tribe that is culturally affiliated with the land within the park and preserve or the Valles Caldera National Preserve to collect plants and mineral resources for noncommercial traditional and cultural uses.
 
Interior shall establish a tribal commission for the park and preserve to provide guidance and recommendations on the development and implementation of management plans for and policies of the park and preserve.
 
Interior and the Department of Agriculture shall seek to enter into an agreement to adjust the boundary between the Valles Caldera National Preserve and the Santa Fe National Forest to improve management of those areas.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-03-04
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 116-367.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act

Bill: 116-s-2925
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Consumer affairs
Education programs funding
Educational technology and distance education
Government lending and loan guarantees
Higher education
Licensing and registrations
State and local government operations
Vocational and technical education

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 

Protecting Students from Worthless Degrees Act

 
This bill makes an institution of higher education (IHE) ineligible to receive federal student financial assistance if it fails to meet certain requirements, and it requires an IHE to make certain certifications about its gainful employment programs.
 
Specifically, an IHE that offers a degree or certificate program to prepare students for entry into a profession that requires licensing or certification as a precondition for entry is not eligible to receive any federal student financial assistance unless (1) a student is fully qualified to take the required entry examination or be licensed or certified for the profession upon the successful completion of the program, and (2) the institution provides timely placement for all of the academically related pre-licensure requirements for entry into the profession (e.g., clinical placements or internships).
 
An IHE must also certify that each eligible gainful employment program meets specified requirements, including approval or accreditation by a recognized agency and satisfaction of applicable educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification. If an IHE does not satisfy such prerequisites, it must notify a student who intends to enroll in the program and obtain a handwritten acknowledgement from the student that they wish to enroll.
 
Lastly, an IHE that offers distance education or correspondence courses must be legally authorized within each state in which its enrolled students are located.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
AMIGOS Act

Bill: 116-s-2926
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Europe
Foreign labor
Immigration status and procedures
Portugal
U.S. and foreign investments
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 

Advancing Mutual Interests and Growing Our Success Act or the AMIGOS Act

 
This bill makes Portuguese nationals eligible for E-1 and E-2 nonimmigrant visas if the government of Portugal provides similar nonimmigrant status to U.S. nationals.
 
An E-1 visa is for individuals entering the United States to engage in international trade, while an E-2 visa is for individuals investing a substantial amount of capital in the United States. Both are limited to nationals from countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
NIMHD Research Endowment Revitalization Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-2927
Sponsor: Sen. Jones, Doug [D-AL]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Department of Health and Human Services
Education programs funding
Health programs administration and funding
Medical education
Medical research
Minority education
Minority health
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Research administration and funding

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 

NIMHD Research Endowment Revitalization Act of 2019

 
 This bill expands research endowments available through the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to include former centers of excellence at certain historically black colleges and universities and at biomedical and behavioral research institutions with a significant number of minority students.

action_date: 2019-12-17
text: 

NIMHD Research Endowment Revitalization Act of 2019

 
 This bill expands research endowments available through the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to include former centers of excellence at certain historically black colleges and universities and at biomedical and behavioral research institutions with a significant number of minority students.

action_date: 2020-05-20
text: 

NIMHD Research Endowment Revitalization Act of 2019

 
 This bill expands research endowments available through the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to include former centers of excellence at certain historically black colleges and universities and at biomedical and behavioral research institutions with a significant number of minority students.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-05-22
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2020-05-22
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2020-05-22
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2020-05-20
text: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2562; text: CR S2562)
action_date: 2020-05-20
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S2562; text: CR S2562)
action_date: 2019-12-17
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 371.
action_date: 2019-12-17
text: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Alexander without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2019-12-17
text: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Alexander without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2019-12-12
text: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Higher Education Sustainability Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-2928
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Education programs funding
Environmental education
Higher education
Teaching, teachers, curricula

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 

Higher Education Sustainability Act of 2019

 
This bill reauthorizes through FY2020 and revises the University Sustainability program, which awards grants for designing and implementing sustainability practices on college campuses.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
POWER Act

Bill: 116-s-2929
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Crime victims
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Detention of persons
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Evidence and witnesses
Foreign labor
Immigration status and procedures
State and local government operations
User charges and fees
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 

Protect Our Workers from Exploitation and Retaliation Act or the POWER Act

 
This bill expands protections for aliens who are victims of crimes or serious workplace violations.
 
U visas (nonimmigrant visas for victims of crimes helping with the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity) shall be available to aliens who have suffered substantial harm related to workplace claims. 
 
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may allow an alien to work and temporarily remain in the United States if the alien (1) has filed for a U visa, or (2) has filed or is a material witness to a workplace claim and is helpful to authorities investigating the claim. 
 
The bill removes (1) certain fees to petition for a U visa, and (2) direct numerical limitations on such visas. 
 
A notice to an alien to appear at removal proceedings shall contain specified certifications, if the alien was taken (1) at a facility where a workplace claim has been filed, or (2) as a result of information provided to DHS in retaliation against individuals exercising their legal rights. Specifically, the notice shall state that (1) an adverse immigration determination may not be based solely on information furnished by the party engaged in the unlawful activity, and (2) the alien's information shall not be disclosed. Such an alien may not be removed until the appropriate law enforcement agency has had a chance to interview the alien. 
 
Removal proceedings against an alien who has filed or is a witness to a workplace claim shall be stayed until the resolution of the claim, with limited exceptions. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Public Water Supply Invasive Species Compliance Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-2930
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Aquatic ecology
Arkansas
Crimes against animals and natural resources
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Louisiana
Texas
Trade restrictions
Water use and supply
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 

Public Water Supply Invasive Species Compliance Act of 2019

 
This bill addresses transfers between Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana of water that contains invasive species.
 
The bill exempts certain water transfers between public water supplies in Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana from prohibitions on illegal trade of plants and wildlife. Specifically, the prohibitions do not apply to covered water transfers containing prohibited species if 

 
the species are present in both public water supplies before the transfer, the water is subject to effective mitigation measures, and the water is transferred directly between the supplies; or
 
the water is transferred in a closed conveyance system, such as a pipe system, and sent directly to treatment facilities where the species will be destroyed.
 
 
The costs of the mitigation measures must be borne by the entity that sells the water for financial gain.
 
Finally, the bill establishes notification requirements for water transfers.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
RE-ENTER Act

Bill: 116-s-2931
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Evidence and witnesses
Federal district courts
Judicial procedure and administration
Lawyers and legal services
Licensing and registrations
Low- and moderate-income housing
Military personnel and dependents

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 

Recognizing Education, Employment, New skills, and Treatment to Enable Reintegration Act of 2019 or the RE-ENTER Act

 
This bill establishes procedures and requirements for U.S. district courts to issue federal certificates of rehabilitation. These certificates acknowledge that federal offenders have demonstrated a commitment to a law-abiding future and successfully reintegrated into society.
 
The bill also establishes a presumption that an individual who has obtained a certificate is rehabilitated for purposes of regaining eligibility for federally assisted housing and other benefits.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Ask Musicians for Music Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-2932
Sponsor: Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Art, artists, authorship
Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies
Intellectual property
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Licensing and registrations
Music
Sound recording
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 

Ask Musicians For Music Act of 2019

 
This bill establishes that the copyright owner of a sound recording has the exclusive right to perform the recording through an audio transmission. Currently, the copyright owner's performance right generally only covers digital audio transmission, which excludes certain terrestrial radio stations. 
 
A radio station must obtain express permission from the copyright owner of the sound recording before making such a transmission, unless the transmission consists of a religious assembly or incidental use of the recording.
 
A radio station with revenues of less than $1 million per year shall pay $500 per year to the copyright owner to obtain such permission to use a sound recording. A public broadcast entity or individual terrestrial broadcast station shall pay no more than $100 per year to obtain permission from the copyright owner.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend the Commodity Exchange Act to require a review of current exemptions granted to foreign entities in response to an attempt by a foreign authority to exercise direct supervisory authority over a domestic derivatives clearing organization.

Bill: 116-s-2933
Sponsor: Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Commodities markets
Licensing and registrations
Securities
U.S. and foreign investments

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 
This bill requires the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to respond to a foreign regulator seeking to assert authority over a U.S. derivatives clearing organization. The CFTC must do this by reviewing exemptions granted by the CFTC to foreign entities that are under the jurisdiction of that foreign authority.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Libya Stabilization Act

Bill: 116-s-2934
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Africa
Alliances
Asia
China
Conflicts and wars
Congressional oversight
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Currency
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Economic development
Egypt
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Europe
Foreign aid and international relief
Foreign and international banking
Foreign and international corporations
Foreign property
France
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government studies and investigations
Health personnel
Human rights
Inflation and prices
International monetary system and foreign exchange
Italy
Libya
Middle East
Military assistance, sales, and agreements
Military operations and strategy
Multilateral development programs
Oil and gas
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Qatar
Refugees, asylum, displaced persons
Rule of law and government transparency
Russia
Sanctions
Saudi Arabia
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Sudan
Terrorism
Trade restrictions
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
United Nations
Visas and passports
War and emergency powers
War crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 

Libya Stabilization Act

 
This bill provides for sanctions and aid related to the conflict in Libya.
 
The bill provides statutory authority for an April 19, 2016, executive order imposing property- and visa-blocking sanctions on persons contributing to the violence in Libya. 
 
The President shall impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on any foreign person that (1) knowingly supports or engages in a significant transaction with a foreign person knowingly operating in Libya on behalf of Russia in a military capacity, (2) engages in significant actions threatening peace or stability in Libya, (3) misappropriates Libyan state assets or natural resources, or (4) is knowingly responsible for or complicit in serious human rights abuses in Libya. Such sanctions shall expire on December 31, 2024.
 
The U.S. Agency for International Development may provide humanitarian assistance to individuals and communities in Libya, including urgently needed health assistance, food, and shelter. 
 
The Department of State shall work to strengthen Libya's democratic governance, including by providing assistance to (1) unify Libya's financial and governing institutions, and (2) ensure transparent and credible future elections in Libya. 
 
The Department of the Treasury shall vote and argue for international financial institutions to support an economic recovery in Libya that complements the establishment of democratic institutions and rule of law. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate
BIG OIL Cabinet Act

Bill: 116-s-2935
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2019-11-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Coal
Corporate finance and management
Federal officials
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Motor fuels
Oil and gas
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Public participation and lobbying

Summary:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: 

Banning In Government Oil Industry Lobbyists from the Cabinet Act or the BIG OIL Cabinet Act

 
This bill prohibits the appointment of an individual to specified high-level federal positions if that individual has served as an executive officer of a fossil fuel entity, a fossil fuel lobbyist, or an employee of a fossil fuel trade association in the previous 10 years.
 
The applicable federal positions include the Chief of Staff to the President, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of State, and all political appointments in specified agencies.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2019-11-21
text: Introduced in Senate