hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4579
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Introduced: 2020-09-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Department of Veterans Affairs
Disability assistance
Inflation and prices
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: 

Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2020

 
 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase, as of December 1, 2020, the rates of veterans' disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, the clothing allowance for certain disabled veterans, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children.
 
The percentage increase in benefits shall be the same as the cost-of-living increase for Social Security recipients. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Training our Prosecutors Act

Bill: 116-s-4580
Sponsor: Sen. Loeffler, Kelly [R-GA]
Introduced: 2020-09-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: 

Training our Prosecutors Act

 
This bill reauthorizes through FY2024 a Department of Justice grant program to provide training to state and local prosecutors. Further, it revises the program to include comprehensive continuing legal education in preventing and prosecuting violent crimes and crimes involving property destruction. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Introduced in Senate
POST Act

Bill: 116-s-4581
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Introduced: 2020-09-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Government information and archives
Performance measurement
Postal service

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: 

Post Office Security and Transparency Act of 2020 or the POST Act

 
This bill requires the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to take specified actions to ensure the availability of mail collection boxes.
 
Specifically, the bill (1) prohibits the USPS from removing any collection box during the period beginning on this bill's enactment and ending on the later of 180 days after enactment or the date on which the USPS submits a report to Congress providing details of collection box removals and relocations, and (2) requires the USPS to restore or replace any collection box that it removed during the period beginning on June 16, 2020, and ending on the day before this bill's enactment.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to extend, temporarily, daylight saving time, and for other purposes.

Bill: 116-s-4582
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2020-09-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: 
This bill extends daylight saving time through November 7, 2021.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 548.
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Introduced in Senate
CARE for Tourette Syndrome Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4583
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2020-09-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Government information and archives
Health information and medical records
Health programs administration and funding
Medical research
Neurological disorders
Research administration and funding

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: 

Collaborative Academic Research Efforts for Tourette Syndrome Act of 

2020 or the CARE for Tourette Syndrome Act of 2020

 
This bill requires the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to expand, intensify, and coordinate NIH research on Tourette syndrome.
 
The NIH must (1) develop a system to collect data on Tourette syndrome, including epidemiological information and data on the availability of medical and social services for individuals with Tourette syndrome and their families; (2) support Collaborative Research Centers for Tourette Syndrome to conduct basic and clinical research; (3) award grants for research on Tourette syndrome symptoms and treatment options for particular patient subpopulations; and (4) designate funding to carry out Tourette syndrome programs and activities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to modify the definition of water heater under energy conservation standards, and for other purposes.

Bill: 116-s-4584
Sponsor: Sen. Stabenow, Debbie [D-MI]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Business records
Consumer affairs
Energy efficiency and conservation
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Government information and archives
Lighting, heating, cooling
Manufacturing
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 
This bill modifies the definition of 
water heater
, and otherwise revises energy conservation standards and sets forth labeling requirements for water heaters.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
Access to Emergency Credit Facilities Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4586
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Congressional oversight
Credit and credit markets
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Financial services and investments
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Securities
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 

Access to Emergency Credit Facilities Act of 2020 

 
This bill provides for the treatment under existing COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) economic aid programs of nationally recognized statistical rating organizations, retroactive to March 15, 2020. Specifically, the bill prohibits the requirement of a credit rating from a specific organization to qualify for these aid programs. Furthermore, a credit rating from an organization approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission must be accepted to qualify for these aid programs. 
 
Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the quality of credit ratings issued by these organizations, their effect on access to capital markets, and the implementation of this bill. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
State Fix Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4587
Sponsor: Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Computer security and identity theft
Educational facilities and institutions
Elementary and secondary education
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Government studies and investigations
Health care coverage and access
Health facilities and institutions
Health technology, devices, supplies
Higher education
Infrastructure development
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Libraries and archives
Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Public housing

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 

State Funding for Internet Expansion Act of 2020 or the State Fix Act of 2020

 
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to establish a freestanding program that expands broadband access in unserved areas and underserved areas and for unserved anchor institutions (e.g., elementary schools, libraries, and museums) by using reverse auctions. The program must be separate from any universal service program and may not base the eligibility of a funding recipient on their eligibility or ineligibility for other telecommunications programs.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4588
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 

Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2020

 
This bill directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to designate a senior Office of Investment and Innovation employee as broadband and emerging information technology coordinator, and it establishes measures to aid the competitiveness and productivity of small businesses through broadband access and other emerging information technologies.
 
The coordinator's responsibilities shall include (1) identifying best practices relating to broadband and emerging information technology that may help small businesses; and (2) coordinating SBA programs that assist small businesses in adopting, making innovations in, and using broadband and other information technologies. The SBA must also provide training to familiarize its employees with broadband and other emerging technologies.
 
Further, the SBA must report on (1) its programs and activities relating to broadband and emerging information technologies, and (2) the impact of broadband and emerging information technology deployment on small businesses.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4589
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Administrative remedies
Civil actions and liability
Congressional oversight
Department of Commerce
Department of the Interior
Endangered and threatened species
Environmental regulatory procedures
Federal-Indian relations
Government information and archives
Government lending and loan guarantees
Government studies and investigations
Indian lands and resources rights
Intergovernmental relations
State and local government operations
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 

Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2020

 
This bill amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) to, among other things (1) require state-federal consultation for the conservation and recovery of wildlife; (2) modify requirements for delisting or downlisting a threatened or endangered species; (3) require Interior to cooperate to the maximum extent possible (currently, the maximum extent practicable) with states and Indian tribes in implementing the ESA; (4) include conservation agreements as a factor in determining whether to include or maintain a species on the endangered list; (5) require Interior to make publicly available online the best scientific and commercial data as the basis for ESA regulations; (6) require studies to improve conservation, review conservation factors, and quantify certain expenditures, including litigation expenses; and (7) reauthorize funding for ESA provisions through FY2025.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-23
text: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 116-414.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
NEPA Agency Process Accountability Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4590
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Government information and archives

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 

NEPA Agency Process Accountability Act
 

of 2020

 
This bill revises the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), including by limiting the number of assessment documents required for proposed major federal actions, requiring agencies to reuse certain research or documents in the NEPA process, and allowing agencies to adopt environmental documents prepared by states or third parties as specified under the bill.
 
In addition, the bill requires agencies to only consider alternatives to proposed major federal actions that are technically and economically feasible. Agencies must track and report on specified NEPA data, such as the comprehensive costs of the NEPA process.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
NEPA Agency Process Reform Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4591
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Air quality
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Congressional oversight
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Government information and archives

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 

NEPA Agency Process Reform Act of 2020

This bill revises the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), including by limiting the number of assessment documents required for proposed major federal actions, requiring agencies to reuse certain research or documents in the NEPA process, and allowing agencies to adopt environmental documents prepared by states or third parties as specified under the bill.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
Set Sail Safely Act

Bill: 116-s-4592
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive agency funding and structure
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Marine and inland water transportation
Public-private cooperation
Transportation safety and security
Travel and tourism

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 

Set Sail Safely Act

 
This bill establishes a Maritime Task Force to address the health, safety, security, and logistical issues relating to the continuation of maritime travel, including the resumption of cruise operations, in United States waters during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.
 
The task force must consist of members from several federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Transportation. It must work together with input from private sector stakeholders to develop a plan about policies and procedures that need to be adopted for the safe resumption of the cruise line industry during and after the COVID-19 public health emergency.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4593
Sponsor: Sen. Burr, Richard [R-NC]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Subjects: Congressional tributes
Crime victims
Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Racial and ethnic relations
Smithsonian Institution
U.S. history

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 

Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020

 
This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the posthumous presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley.
 
After the award the medal shall be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
Caring for the Survivors and Families of Veterans Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4594
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Disability assistance
Marriage and family status
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 

Caring for the Survivors and Families of Veterans Act of 2020

 
This bill adjusts the amount that the Department of Veterans Affairs pays to surviving spouses and children of veterans who were rated as totally disabled for a period of less than 10 years before their death.
 
Additionally, the bill authorizes the furnishing of dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses who remarry after the age of 55.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to temporarily extend the period of validity of J-1 visas issued to employees and contractors of the United States Agency for Global Media and its broadcasting networks.

Bill: 116-s-4595
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Employee hiring
Foreign labor
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
News media and reporting
U.S. Agency for Global Media
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 
This bill provides an automatic extension for certain J-1 (exchange visitor) visas if the visa holder has a contract or employment agreement with the U.S. Agency for Global Media, the agency that operates U.S. government media outlets such as Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.
 
Specifically, if such a J-1 visa expires during the two-month period before this bill's enactment or the 90-day period after, the visa shall remain valid until the end of the 90-day period. The Department of Homeland Security may deny an extension on a case-by-case basis if it (1) determines that extending a particular visa would pose a national security risk, and (2) explains the reasons for the determination to Congress.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-4596
Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business expenses
Disaster relief and insurance
Employee benefits and pensions
Housing finance and home ownership
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Income tax exclusion
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
U.S. territories and protectorates
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 
 
Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020

 
This bill sets forth tax relief provisions for individual and business taxpayers residing in a disaster zone during the period beginning on July 1, 2020, and ending 60 days after the enactment of this bill.
 
Specifically, the bill
 
 
 allows penalty-free disaster-relief withdrawals from tax-exempt retirement plans up to $100,000, 
 
permits recontributions of such withdrawals for home purchases cancelled due to disasters,
 
 increases to $100,000 the limit on loans for disaster assistance from retirement plans, 
 
allows employers affected by a disaster a 40% tax credit for the purpose of retaining employees,
 
 increases the tax deduction for corporate disaster relief contributions,
 
enhances the tax deduction for disaster-related personal casualty losses, 
 
permits the calculation of the earned income tax credit based upon income earned prior to 2020, and 
 
 reimburses U.S. possessions for losses sustained due to the application of the provisions of this bill.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
PUPS Act

Bill: 116-s-4597
Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Animal and plant health
Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Birds
Customs enforcement
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Mammals

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 

Permanently Uniting Pets Stateside Act or the PUPS Act

 
This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to permit the entry of a pet (i.e., a domestic dog, cat, or bird) into the United States if it is accompanying a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted alien who has been living or traveling abroad and is returning to the United States during a public health emergency.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to provide for assistance for small manufacturers in the defense industrial supply chain on matters relating to cybersecurity.

Bill: 116-s-4598
Sponsor: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Computer security and identity theft
Congressional oversight
Defense spending
Government information and archives
Manufacturing
Military procurement, research, weapons development
Public contracts and procurement
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 
This bill authorizes the Department of Defense to award financial assistance to a Manufacturing Extension Center for the purpose of providing cybersecurity services to small manufacturers. The center must use such assistance for compliance with cybersecurity requirements and may use such assistance to employ trained personnel to deliver cybersecurity services to small manufacturers.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate
Pecos Watershed Protection Act

Bill: 116-s-4599
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Introduced: 2020-09-16 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Lakes and rivers
Land transfers
Land use and conservation
Mining
New Mexico
Oil and gas
Watersheds

Summary:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: 

Pecos Watershed Protection Act

 
This bill withdraws identified federal land in the Pecos River watershed in New Mexico from
 
 
entry, appropriation, or disposal under the public land laws; 
 
 location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and 
 
 disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing or mineral materials.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-11-18
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 116-382.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Introduced in Senate