hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-692
Sponsor: Sen. Toomey, Patrick [R-PA]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Health technology, devices, supplies
Sales and excise taxes

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Protect Medical Innovation Act of 201

9

 
This bill repeals the excise tax on the sale of a medical device by the manufacturer, producer, or importer. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Open America's Waters Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-694
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Coast guard
Department of Homeland Security
Licensing and registrations
Marine and inland water transportation
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Open America's Waters Act of 2019

 
This bill repeals certain limitations on the types of vessels that may engage in coastwise trade, which is the domestic transportation of merchandise or passengers by vessels. 
 
The bill directs the U.S. Coast Guard to issue regulations that require all vessels permitted to engage in coastwise trade to meet all appropriate safety and security requirements.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-695
Sponsor: Sen. Sasse, Ben [R-NE]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Bank accounts, deposits, capital
Education programs funding
Elementary and secondary education
Income tax exclusion
Military personnel and dependents
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2019

 
This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish a program to provide children with parents on active duty in the uniformed services with funds to pay educational expenses.
 
Specifically, ED shall establish a tax-exempt Military Education Savings Account for dependent children of parents in the uniformed services for the payment of the children's educational expenses. Funds in the savings account may be used for, among other things, the cost of attendance at a private elementary or secondary school or institution of higher education, private tutoring, or costs associated with an apprenticeship or other vocational training program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
National Nurse Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-696
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Department of Health and Human Services
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal officials
Health information and medical records
Health personnel
Health promotion and preventive care
Nursing
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

National Nurse Act of 

2019

 
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to designate the Chief Nurse Officer of the Public Health Service as the National Nurse for Public Health.
 
The position includes the authority to (1) provide leadership and coordination of Public Health Service nursing professional affairs for the Office of the Surgeon General and other agencies of the Public Health Service, (2) conduct outreach and education, and (3) provide guidance and leadership for activities that will increase public safety and emergency preparedness. 
 
The National Nurse for Public Health must (1) participate in identification of national health priorities, (2) encourage volunteerism of nurses and strengthen the relationship between government agencies and health-related national organizations, and (3) promote the dissemination of evidence-based practice in educating the public on health promotion and disease prevention activities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Child Tax Credit Equity for Puerto Rico Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-698
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Caribbean area
Income tax credits
Income tax exclusion
Puerto Rico
Tax treatment of families

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Child Tax Credit Equity for Puerto Rico Act of 2019

 
This bill modifies the rules for the refundable portion of the child tax credit to (1) allow residents of Puerto Rico to claim the refundable portion of the child tax credit on the same basis as U.S. taxpayers, and (2) allow residents of Puerto Rico with one or two children to claim the refundable portion of the credit on the same basis as residents with three or more children. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
National Green Alert Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-699
Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Congressional oversight
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Mental health
Missing persons
State and local government operations
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

National Green Alert Act of 2019

 
This bill establishes the Green Alert System Advisory and Support Committee to develop best practices and provide technical assistance to states for the implementation of green alert systems, which would be activated when a veteran with a history of mental health issues goes missing.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
NEW GIG Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-700
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Contracts and agency
Employment taxes
Self-employed
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

New Economy Works to Guarantee Independence and Growth Act of 2019 or the NEW GIG Act of 2019

 
This bill establishes a test for determining if a service provider should be classified as an independent contractor rather than as an employee for tax purposes. 
 
If the requirements of the test are met, the provider may not be treated as an employee, the recipient or any payor may not be treated as an employer, and compensation for the service may not be treated as paid or received with respect to employment. 
 
The factors of the test include
 
 
 the relationship between the parties (i.e., the provider incurs expenses; does not work exclusively for a single recipient; performs the service for a particular amount of time, to achieve a specific result, or to complete a specific task; or is a sales person compensated primarily on a commission basis);
 
 the place of business or ownership of the equipment (i.e., the provider has a principal place of business, does not work primarily at the recipient's place of business, and provides tools or supplies); and 
 
 the performance of the services under a written contract that meets certain requirements (i.e., specifies that the provider is not an employee, the recipient will satisfy withholding and reporting requirements, and that the provider is responsible for taxes on the compensation).
 
 
The bill also (1) sets forth withholding and reporting requirements for service recipients who meet the requirements of the test, and (2) allows service providers to petition the U.S. Tax Court for a determination of employment status. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act

Bill: 116-s-701
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Aquatic ecology
Chesapeake Bay
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Water quality
Watersheds

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization Act 

 
This bill reauthorizes the Chesapeake Bay Program through FY2024. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Senior and Disability Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act

Bill: 116-s-702
Sponsor: Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Social Welfare
Subjects: Aging
Disability assistance
Government information and archives
Housing for the elderly and disabled
Residential rehabilitation and home repair

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Senior and Disability Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act

 
This bill requires the Administration on Aging to take a series of actions relating to home modifications that support independent living for older individuals and individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the administration must (1) coordinate, evaluate, and report on existing federal programs that support such home modifications; and (2) publish an educational brochure about such home modifications and available resources.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Ensuring Safe Housing for Our Military Act

Bill: 116-s-703
Sponsor: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Building construction
Civil actions and liability
Environmental health
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Housing supply and affordability
Landlord and tenant
Military facilities and property
Military personnel and dependents
Pest management

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Ensuring Safe Housing for Our Military Act

 
This bill addresses certain health, safety, and environmental hazards in private military housing units and offers certain protections to service members.
 
Among other things, the bill (1) requires uniform credentials for housing inspectors; (2) allows the Department of Defense (DOD) to withhold payment to landlords over health, safety, or environmental hazard concerns; (3) requires a landlord to pay certain relocation costs in connection with a hazard and to reimburse a tenant for personal property damage; and (4) disallows deposits and certain fees or penalties.
 
DOD must maintain an electronic work order system to facilitate repairs to units.
 

 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Preserving Arms Control Treaties (PACT) Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-705
Sponsor: Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Alliances
Arms control and nonproliferation
Collective security
Congressional oversight
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Europe
International law and treaties
Nuclear weapons
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Russia

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Preserving Arms Control Treaties (PACT) Act of 2019

 
This bill prohibits the use of funds to take any action that would violate the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) during the six-month withdrawal period that started after the United States provided notice of its intention to withdraw from the treaty on February 2, 2019. 
 
During the six-month period, the Department of State shall periodically report to Congress on (1) U.S. efforts to bring Russia into compliance with the INF Treaty during the withdrawal period, (2) the status of the development of various Russian missile systems that would fall under the INF Treaty, and (3) the status of negotiations of the new arms control proposal the President referenced in his State of the Union Address on February 5, 2019.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
REACH Act

Bill: 116-s-706
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Assault and harassment offenses
Crime prevention
Criminal justice information and records
Education programs funding
Government information and archives
Higher education
Mental health
School athletics

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Report and Educate About Campus Hazing Act or the REACH Act

 
This bill requires each institution of higher education (IHE) to (1) provide a comprehensive program to prevent hazing, and (2) report hazing incidents. 
Hazing
 means an intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a student, or a former student, of an IHE against another student (regardless of that student's willingness to participate), that (1) is connected with an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the maintenance of membership in, an organization that is affiliated with the IHE (e.g., athletic teams); and (2) contributes to a substantial risk of physical injury, mental harm, or degradation or causes physical injury, mental harm or personal degradation.
 
An IHE must disclose hazing incidents that were reported to campus officials in its annual security report.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-707
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Abortion
Cancer
Congressional oversight
Crimes against women
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Family planning and birth control
Foreign aid and international relief
HIV/AIDS
Health care coverage and access
Health information and medical records
Health promotion and preventive care
Human rights
International law and treaties
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
Sexually transmitted diseases
Women's health
Women's rights
World health

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Reproductive Rights are Human Rights Act of 2019

 
This bill directs the Department of State to include in its annual reports on human rights in countries receiving U.S. development and security assistance a discussion of the status of reproductive rights in each country, including whether a country has adopted and enforced policies to (1) promote access to contraception and accurate family planning information, (2) provide services to ensure safe and healthy pregnancy and childbirth, (3) expand or restrict access to safe abortion services, (4) prevent maternal deaths, and (5) prevent and treat sexually transmitted diseases.
 
For each country, the reports shall also contain (1) data related to maternal deaths, and (2) a description of the nature and extent of discrimination and violence against women and girls in health care settings and the relevant government's response to such actions. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
KITTEN Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-708
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Animals
Subjects: Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Government studies and investigations
Medical research
Research ethics

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Kittens In Traumatic Testing Ends Now Act of 2019 or the KITTEN Act of 2019

 
This bill prohibits the Department of Agriculture from using cats in experiments that may cause pain or stress, unless the pain or stress is a result of a physical exam or training program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Prescription Drug Pricing Dashboard Act

Bill: 116-s-709
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Consumer affairs
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Inflation and prices
Medicaid
Medicare
Military medicine
Prescription drugs
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Prescription Drug Pricing Dashboard Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish an online dashboard containing information about the prices and utilization of prescription drugs that are purchased by federal programs. The dashboard must include specified information, including spending per dosage, the number of drug recipients, and out-of-pocket costs. The dashboard must also highlight those drugs that have the highest spending and costs.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Social Security Fairness for Firefighters and Police Officers Act

Bill: 116-s-710
Sponsor: Sen. Toomey, Patrick [R-PA]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Social Welfare
Subjects: Fires
First responders and emergency personnel
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Law enforcement officers
Social security and elderly assistance

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Social Security Fairness for Firefighters and Police Officers Act

 

 
This bill exempts firefighters and law enforcement officers with at least five years of service from the government pension offset and windfall elimination requirements under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program. Under current law, those provisions reduce OASDI benefits for individuals who receive a pension based on earnings in government employment that was not covered under the Social Security program. 
 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
CARE for Reservists Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-711
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Government studies and investigations
Health promotion and preventive care
Health technology, devices, supplies
Home and outpatient care
Mental health
Military medicine
Military operations and strategy
National Guard and reserves
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Care And Readiness Enhancement for Reservists Act of 2019 or the CARE for Reservists Act of 2019

 
This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide counseling without referral to any member of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who has a behavioral health condition or psychological trauma. Such counseling may include a comprehensive individual assessment, and outpatient services shall also be available. 
 
The bill authorizes the VA to furnish mental health services to reservists. 
 
The bill also expands specified VA programs to include reservists for the provision of (1) comprehensive suicide prevention, and (2) mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified missions.

action_date: 2020-09-15
text: 

Care And Readiness Enhancement for Reservists Act of 2019 or the CARE for Reservists Act of 2019

 
This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide counseling without referral to any member of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who has a behavioral health condition or psychological trauma. Such counseling may include a comprehensive individual assessment, and outpatient services shall also be available. 
 
The bill authorizes the VA to furnish mental health services to reservists. 
 
The bill also expands specified VA programs to include reservists for the provision of (1) comprehensive suicide prevention, and (2) mental health treatment for veterans who served in classified missions.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 538.
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2020-08-05
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2019-05-22
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-713
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Accidents
Appropriations
Census and government statistics
Government information and archives
Intergovernmental relations
Railroads
Roads and highways
State and local government operations
Transportation employees
Transportation programs funding
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Act of 2019

 
This bill addresses highway-rail grade crossing safety.
 
The bill reauthorizes the highway safety improvement program through FY2024, with $50 million set aside in FY2020-FY2024 for the Railway-Highway Crossings Program.
 
Eligibility requirements are revised for the award of capital grants to states under the rail line relocation and improvement program.
 
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) must hire 
 
 
16 full-time grade crossing safety managers to work with state and local officials to identify safety improvements to highway-rail grade crossings; and 
 
8 trespass prevention managers to work with local governments, schools, businesses, and railroads to develop site-specific mitigation plans. 

 
The Department of Transportation must gather and publish information and statistics relating to highway-rail grade crossing problems, including from studies conducted by the FRA, rail carriers, and independent entities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate
Elimination of Double Subsidies for the Hardrock Mining Industry Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-714
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Introduced: 2019-03-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Income tax deductions
Mining

Summary:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: 

Elimination of Double Subsidies for the Hardrock Mining Industry Act of 201

9

 
 This bill modifies the tax deductions allowed for hardrock mines to prohibit the percentage depletion allowance for hardrock mines located on land currently subject to the general mining laws, or on land patented under such laws.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-03-07
text: Introduced in Senate