hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
World Press Freedom Protection and Reciprocity Act

Bill: 116-s-3818
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Foreign aid and international relief
Government information and archives
Human rights
International law and treaties
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Military assistance, sales, and agreements
News media and reporting
Political movements and philosophies
Protest and dissent
Public participation and lobbying
Religion
Right of privacy
Rule of law and government transparency
Sanctions
Trade agreements and negotiations
Violent crime
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

World Press Freedom Protection and Reciprocity Act

 
This bill establishes requirements related to the protection and support of journalists and media personnel abroad.
 
Specifically, the President must establish a plan to (1) negotiate access for U.S. news and media organizations and their employees globally, and (2) work to enhance reciprocity for news and media organizations operating in the United States. The President may impose visa-blocking sanctions on any foreign person who is responsible for the jailing, killing, or torture of journalists or media personnel or significant efforts to harass or restrict the activities, terminate the visas, or threaten the safety of journalists or media personnel.
 
Identification statements required to be placed on informational materials distributed in the United States by an agent of a foreign principal on behalf of such principal must be labeled, marked, or stamped conspicuously at the top of the first page of such materials.
 
The annual country reports on human rights and development assistance and human rights and security assistance must include an assessment of freedom of expression with respect to electronic information in foreign countries.
 
Lastly, the bill establishes the Global Press Freedom Defense Fund to provide assistance to foreign journalists and media personnel who are victims of restrictions on the internationally recognized right to freedom of expression, including assistance to pay for legal and other related expenses.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act

Bill: 116-s-3819
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Computer security and identity theft
Congressional oversight
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Foreign aid and international relief
Government information and archives
Health care coverage and access
Human rights
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
International organizations and cooperation
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Military assistance, sales, and agreements
Minority health
News media and reporting
Racial and ethnic relations
Religion
Right of privacy
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Women's rights

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

Protecting Human Rights During Pandemic Act

 
This bill establishes strategies and reporting requirements related to internationally recognized human rights and COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
 
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to submit (1) a strategy for carrying out programs to support democratic institutions, freedom of the press, civil society, and human rights defenders in countries where government measures in response to COVID-19 violated or undermined internationally recognized human rights; and (2) a five-year strategic plan outlining the steps to address persistent human rights issues in the aftermath of COVID-19.
 
The bill also conditions the provision of security assistance to a foreign government on consideration of whether the foreign government used emergency laws, policies, or administrative procedures in violation of internationally recognized human rights.
 
Further, the bill requires the State Department to author initial, monthly, and final reports describing, among other things (1) specified countries' adherence to certain human rights principles in responding to COVID-19, (2) the actions of the U.S. government to address foreign governments' violations of human rights in responding to COVID-19, (3) the impact of such violations on things such as access to health care and the efforts and ability to control the pandemic, and (4) the U.S government's global efforts to counter disinformation and disseminate accurate information about the pandemic.
 
The bill also requires the inclusion of certain information, such as the misuse and abuse of emergency powers, in the annual country reports on human rights practices.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Open Technology Fund Authorization Act

Bill: 116-s-3820
Sponsor: Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Advanced technology and technological innovations
Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies
Business records
Computer security and identity theft
Computers and information technology
Congressional oversight
Digital media
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Foreign aid and international relief
Human rights
International exchange and broadcasting
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
News media and reporting
Research administration and funding
Research and development
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

Open Technology Fund Authorization Act

 
This bill authorizes the existing Open Technology Fund (OTF) as an independent grantee within the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM).
 
The OTF is an independent nonprofit organization within the purview of the USAGM that supports the development of internet freedom technologies that create ways to counter censorship efforts.
 
As an independent grantee authorized by this bill, the OTF shall seek to advance freedom of the press and unrestricted internet access in repressive environments through functions such as
 
 
researching, developing, implementing, and maintaining secure communications tools and technologies that circumvent censorship techniques used to limit or block access to the internet;
 
advancing internet freedom by supporting private and public sector efforts to provide secure and uncensored access to the internet; and
 
developing, acquiring, and distributing internet freedom technologies and techniques to fully enable the creation and distribution of digital content between and to all users and audiences.
 
 
To advance freedom of the press and unrestricted internet access, the OTF shall use methods that include
 
 
supporting fully open-source tools, code, and components that are as secure, transparent, and accessible as possible;
 
supporting technologies that undergo comprehensive security audits; and
 
establishing safeguards to mitigate the use of supported technologies for illicit purposes.
 
 
The Department of State must report on the effectiveness of the OTF and the extent to which U.S. interests are being served by its work, and the Government Accountability Office shall have access to all information pertaining to financial transactions as may be necessary to facilitate an audit.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Affordable Health Care Options Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-3821
Sponsor: Sen. Loeffler, Kelly [R-GA]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Congressional oversight
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Labor
Department of the Treasury
Employee benefits and pensions
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Insurance industry and regulation

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

Affordable Health Care Options Act of 2020

 
 This bill provides statutory authority for the rule by the Department of Treasury, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services regarding short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans.
 
 Short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans are plans that may only offer coverage for a limited amount of time under law and that are exempt from the market requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (e.g., coverage of individuals with preexisting conditions). The rule increases the maximum authorized duration of such plans from less than 3 months (including renewals) to an initial maximum duration of less than 12 months (with a total duration of up to 36 months, including renewals). The rule took effect October 2, 2018.
 
The bill includes in the definition of such plans those with a renewal guarantee provision that permits a policyholder to pay for the option to purchase a future policy with a specified premium rate at the time of initial enrollment.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate
DemocracyCorps Act

Bill: 116-s-3822
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Alaska Natives and Hawaiians
Appropriations
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Civil actions and liability
Congressional oversight
Disability assistance
Election Assistance Commission
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive agency funding and structure
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Government corporations and government-sponsored enterprises
Government information and archives
Indian social and development programs
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Photography and imaging
Postal service
State and local finance
State and local government operations
Voting rights

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

DemocracyCorps Act

 
This bill creates the DemocracyCorps, a government corporation that must assist states and local governments with administering elections. The bill also establishes special election procedures for the 2020 federal elections, particularly with respect to COVID-19 preparedness, and revises certain election procedures for all federal elections.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Save Our Rural Health Providers Act

Bill: 116-s-3823
Sponsor: Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Aging
Appropriations
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Department of Health and Human Services
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive agency funding and structure
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Health facilities and institutions
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Medicaid
Medicare
Rural conditions and development

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

Save Our Rural Health Providers Act

 
This bill requires a specific portion of the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund to be allocated to rural health care providers responding to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill requires that at least 20% of future appropriations and the unobligated balance of prior appropriations to the fund relating to COVID-19 provider assistance be reserved for rural health care providers, with priority given to providers serving a high number of Medicare or Medicaid enrollees, elderly or other high-risk individuals, uninsured individuals, or areas with limited health infrastructure.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act

Bill: 116-s-3824
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Aging
Congressional oversight
Consumer affairs
Crime prevention
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government information and archives
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act

This bill requires the Federal Trade Commission to report on, and increase awareness regarding, scams targeting older adults. Specifically, the commission must
 
 
report on the number and type of scams that target older adults and provide policy recommendations to prevent such scams; 
 
revise the commission's web portal with current information about such scams, including contact information for law enforcement and adult protective services agencies; and 
 
coordinate with media outlets and law enforcement to disseminate such information. 



Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-11-18
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Coronavirus Mental Health and Addiction Assistance Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-3825
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Appropriations
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Community life and organization
Congressional oversight
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Health care coverage and access
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Mental health
Unemployment
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

Coronavirus Mental Health and Addiction Assistance Act of 2020

 
This bill provides emergency funds for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to award grants to establish a network of entities that provide mental health and substance use disorder programs during, or in connection with, the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Eligible entities include tribes, qualified nonprofit organizations, and partnerships of two or more eligible entities. Grant funds may be used for initiating or expanding telehealth services, support groups, and other activities to provide individuals with counseling and other resources to assist in the management of mental health or substance use disorders.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate
TRICARE Coverage for Doula Support Act

Bill: 116-s-3826
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Congressional oversight
Government studies and investigations
Health care costs and insurance
Health facilities and institutions
Health information and medical records
Military facilities and property
Military medicine
Military personnel and dependents
Women's health

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

TRICARE Coverage for Doula Support Act

 
This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD), in providing maternity care for pregnant members and certain former members of the Armed Forces and their dependents under the TRICARE program, to provide to such beneficiaries additional resources for prenatal and postnatal communication and education, including doula support. DOD shall conduct a specified survey on members or spouses of such members of the Armed Forces who give birth. 
 
The term 
doula
 means an individual who is trained to provide non-medical advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to an individual during the individual's pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period by an organization that has been established for not less than five years and that requires the completion of continuing education.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Medical Supplies for Pandemics Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-3827
Sponsor: Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Health programs administration and funding
Health technology, devices, supplies
Immunology and vaccination
Manufacturing
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Prescription drugs
Public contracts and procurement
Strategic materials and reserves

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

Medical Supplies for Pandemics Act of 2020

 
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take specified actions, as part of its management of the Strategic National Stockpile, to establish and maintain domestic reserves of critical medical supplies. Specifically, HHS must (1) create incentives for manufacturers of medical supplies to increase emergency stocks and diversify geographic production; (2) purchase, lease, or enter into joint ventures with respect to facilities and equipment to produce medical supplies; and (3) work with distributors to refresh and replenish medical supplies. HHS must also submit a report to Congress concerning the details of any purchase, lease, or joint venture. 
 
The department's authority under the bill to make purchases, leases, or joint ventures for medical supplies terminates on September 30, 2023. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Jobs to Fight COVID–19 Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-3828
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Community life and organization
Computer security and identity theft
Congressional oversight
Disaster relief and insurance
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employee hiring
Employment and training programs
Federal-Indian relations
Government information and archives
Health care coverage and access
Health information and medical records
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Indian social and development programs
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Labor-management relations
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Minority employment
Minority health
Public contracts and procurement
Right of privacy
Self-employed
State and local government operations
Unemployment
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Wages and earnings
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

Jobs to Fight COVID-19 Act
 
of 2020

 
This bill requires the Department of Labor to award grants to states and other governmental and native American entities to (1) support the recruitment, placement, and training of&#8212;and provide employment to&#8212;certain individuals seeking employment in COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) contact tracing and pandemic response positions; and (2) assist with the transition to new employment or education and training of these individuals in preparation for and upon termination of such employment. The employees must be paid at least the required prevailing wage and fringe benefit rates.
 
 In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services and state, local, tribal, and territorial health departments, must establish and implement a national evidence-based system for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, surveillance, containment, and mitigation. The CDC shall also award grants or contracts to these entities for such activities and to public entities to implement multilingual and culturally appropriate COVID-19 awareness campaigns.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate
Global Health Security and Diplomacy Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-3829
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Introduced: 2020-05-21 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Animal and plant health
Congressional oversight
Department of State
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Disaster relief and insurance
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive Office of the President
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal officials
Foreign aid and international relief
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Health technology, devices, supplies
Immunology and vaccination
Infectious and parasitic diseases
International organizations and cooperation
Medical research
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Performance measurement
Public-private cooperation
Research and development
Rule of law and government transparency
Terrorism
World health

Summary:
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: 

Global Health Security and Diplomacy Act of 2020

 
This bill establishes measures to detect, deter, and contain infectious disease outbreaks overseas before they become global pandemics.
 
The President must establish a Global Health Security Strategy for advancing U.S. global health security and diplomacy objectives. To promote such strategy, the bill establishes the role of Coordinator of U.S. Government Activities to Advance Global Health Security and Diplomacy overseas, who shall coordinate, manage, and oversee U.S. diplomatic efforts and foreign assistance resources.
 
In responding to an international infectious disease outbreak, the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development shall lead diplomatic, coordination, and response efforts. Further, specified foreign assistance funds may be used for the cost to detail or employ certain individuals to carry out programs in response to global health emergencies and natural or man-made disasters.
 
The United States may participate in the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, which is a global partnership focused on developing vaccines to stop future epidemics.
 
The State Department must seek to establish a Trust Fund for Global Health Security within the World Bank. The fund shall enable developing countries to strengthen and sustain health systems and supply chains with the resources, capacity, and personnel necessary to prevent, detect, mitigate, and respond to infectious disease threats before they become pandemics. 
 
The Government Accountability Office must report on the effectiveness of the programs, projects, and activities supported by the fund and assess the merits of continued U.S. participation in the fund.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-06-18
text: Committee on Foreign Relations. Hearings held.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2020-05-21
text: Introduced in Senate