hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act

Bill: 116-s-618
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Government information and archives
Health information and medical records
Licensing and registrations
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
Medicare
Right of privacy

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Medicare Choices Empowerment and Protection Act

 
This bill establishes a Medicare Advance Directive Certification Program. Under the program, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shall grant accreditation to advance directive vendors that meet specified accreditation criteria.
 
The CMS shall establish procedures for an eligible beneficiary to register the adoption of a certified advance directive under the program. Beneficiary registration in the program shall be optional, but each eligible beneficiary who adopts and registers a certified advance directive shall receive a one-time incentive payment.
 
The CMS shall provide for related education and outreach. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Improving Rural Access to Power Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-619
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Credit and credit markets
Government lending and loan guarantees
Housing finance and home ownership
Infrastructure development
Public utilities and utility rates
Rural conditions and development
Securities

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Improving Rural Access to Power Act of 2019

 
This bill authorizes Federal Home Loan Banks to purchase certain securities from cooperatives that (1) have certain investment experience involving the Rural Utilities Service, and (2) have received financing from the Federal Financing Bank. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Safety Over Arbitration Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-620
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
Contracts and agency
Environmental health
Environmental regulatory procedures
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Health promotion and preventive care

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Safety Over Arbitration Act of 2019

 
This bill limits the use of mandatory arbitration agreements in disputes involving a hazard to public health or safety. 
 
Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of arbitration to resolve such a dispute unless all parties agree to arbitration in writing after the dispute arises.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
PROVE Act

Bill: 116-s-621
Sponsor: Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Pre-Registration of Voters Everywhere Act or the PROVE Act

 
This bill requires each state to implement a preregistration process under which individuals age 16 or older may apply to register to vote in federal elections. States must ensure that eligible preregistered individuals are registered to vote in elections held on or after the date the individual turns age 18.
 
The Election Assistance Commission must make grants to states to increase the involvement of individuals under age 18 in public election activities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Military Widow’s Tax Elimination Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-622
Sponsor: Sen. Jones, Doug [D-AL]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Military personnel and dependents
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Military Widow's Tax Elimination Act of 2019

 
This bill modifies the Department of Defense's Survivor Benefit Plan and how it operates in relation to other benefits. The plan currently provides a monthly annuity (based on a percentage of a service member's retirement pay) to an eligible beneficiary upon the death of the service member. Currently, if a surviving spouse is also entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation, the annuity paid under the plan will be reduced. The bill repeals certain provisions that require the offset of the plan annuity from amounts paid in dependency and indemnity compensation.
 
Under current law, upon the request of the surviving spouse, the military branch concerned is authorized to pay an annuity to the service member's dependent children instead of to the surviving spouse. The bill restores the annuity to an eligible spouse who previously elected to transfer payment to a dependent child.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Default Prevention Act

Bill: 116-s-623
Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance
Subjects: Budget deficits and national debt
Congressional oversight
Medicare
Military personnel and dependents
Social security and elderly assistance
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Default Prevention Act 

 
This bill requires the following obligations to be granted priority over all other U.S. obligations if the public debt reaches the statutory limit
 
 
 principal and interest on debt held by the public; 
 
compensation, allowances, and benefits for members of the Armed Forces on active duty; 
 
Social Security benefits; 
 
Medicare benefits; and
 
obligations under any program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
 
 
If Congress is notified, the Department of the Treasury may issue additional debt for the priority obligations in excess of the debt limit. Treasury may issue the additional debt during the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the United States is unable to use revenues or extraordinary measures to fully pay the priority obligations at the time they are due. 
 
(The term &quot;extraordinary measures&quot; refers to a series of actions that Treasury may implement to allow the United States to borrow additional funds without exceeding the debt limit. The measures generally include suspensions or delays of debt sales and suspensions or redemptions of investments in certain government funds.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Same Day Registration Act

Bill: 116-s-624
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional elections
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Same Day Registration Act

 
This bill requires states with a voter registration requirement to make same-day voter registration available at the polling place on any day voting is permitted.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Students VOTE Act

Bill: 116-s-625
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Civics education
Education programs funding
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Elementary and secondary education

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Students Voicing Opinions in Today's Elections Act or the Students Vote Act

 
This bill directs the Election Assistance Commission to carry out a pilot program providing funds, during FY2019, to local educational agencies (LEAs) for initiatives that provide 12th graders with voter registration information.
 
LEAs must consult with their state and local election officials in developing the initiatives.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
HANGUP Act

Bill: 116-s-626
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Debt collection
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Public contracts and procurement
Telephone and wireless communication

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Help Americans Never Get Unwanted Phone calls Act of 2019 or the HANGUP Act

 
This bill prohibits a debt collector from robocalling or texting without consent an individual for purposes of collecting a debt owed to or guaranteed by the federal government. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
SAFE Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-627
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Assault and harassment offenses
Civil actions and liability
Congressional agencies
Congressional oversight
Crime prevention
Crime victims
Crimes against women
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Domestic violence and child abuse
Employee benefits and pensions
Employee hiring
Employee leave
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Evidence and witnesses
Financial literacy
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Health care costs and insurance
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Indian social and development programs
Insurance industry and regulation
Labor standards
Library of Congress
Life, casualty, property insurance
Poverty and welfare assistance
Sex offenses
Unemployment
Wages and earnings
Women's employment
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Security And Financial Empowerment Act of 2019 or the SAFE Act of 2019

 
This bill sets forth various provisions to promote the safety and security of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
 
Among other things, the bill
 
 
requires employers to provide up to 30 days of safe leave in a 12-month period for employees to seek medical attention, obtain certain services and counseling, participate in safety planning, and take legal action; and 
 
prohibits states from imposing additional restrictions on eligibility for unemployment compensation.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
BTU Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-628
Sponsor: Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Business investment and capital
Energy efficiency and conservation
Income tax credits
Lighting, heating, cooling
Residential rehabilitation and home repair

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Biomass Thermal Utilization Act of 2019 or the BTU Act of 2019

 
This bill expands the tax credit for residential energy efficient property to include 30% of qualified biomass fuel property expenditures for property placed in service before 2024. A 
qualified biomass fuel property expenditure
 is an expenditure for property that uses the burning of biomass fuel (a plant-derived fuel available on a renewable or recurring basis) to heat a dwelling used as a residence, or to heat water for use in such dwelling, and which has a thermal efficiency rating of at least 75%.
 
The bill also allows (1) a 15% energy tax credit until 2024 for investment in open-loop biomass heating property, including boilers or furnaces that operate at thermal output efficiencies of at least 65% and provide thermal energy in the form of heat, hot water, or steam for space heating, air conditioning, domestic hot water, or industrial process heat; and (2) a 30% credit until 2024 for investment in such property that operates at a thermal output efficiency of at least 80%. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Accountability in Department of Veterans Affairs Scheduling and Consult Management Act

Bill: 116-s-629
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Health facilities and institutions
Health information and medical records
Health personnel
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Accountability in Department of Veterans Affairs Scheduling and Consult Management Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement training and monitoring procedures related to the scheduling of VA health care appointments. 

action_date: 2020-09-15
text: 

Accountability in Department of Veterans Affairs Scheduling and Consult Management Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement training and monitoring procedures related to the scheduling of VA health care appointments.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 537.
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2020-09-15
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Reported by Senator Moran with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2020-08-05
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Arbitration Fairness for Consumers Act

Bill: 116-s-630
Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
Civil actions and liability
Consumer affairs
Consumer credit
Digital media
Financial services and investments
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Arbitration Fairness for Consumers Act

 
This bill prohibits a predispute arbitration agreement from being valid or enforceable if it requires arbitration of a dispute related to a consumer financial product or service.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Washington, D.C. Admission Act

Bill: 116-s-631
Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional districts and representation
Congressional elections
Constitution and constitutional amendments
District of Columbia
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Government buildings, facilities, and property
House of Representatives
Legislative rules and procedure
Members of Congress
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Washington, D.C. Admission Act

 
This bill provides for admission into the United States of the state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, composed of most of the territory of the District of Columbia. The commonwealth shall be admitted to the Union on an equal footing with the other states. 
 
The Mayor of the District of Columbia shall issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of the commonwealth. 
 
The bill applies current District laws to the commonwealth and continues pending judicial proceedings. 
 
The commonwealth (1) shall consist of all District territory, with specified exclusions for federal buildings and monuments, including the principal federal monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, the U.S. Supreme Court Building, and the federal executive, legislative, and judicial office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and the Capitol Building; and (2) may not impose taxes on federal property except as Congress permits. 
 
The bill maintains (1) the District as the seat of the federal government, and (2) the federal government's authority over military lands and specified other property.
 
The bill provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution repealing the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution, which provides for the appointment of electors of the President and Vice President.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
LIFT for Charities Act

Bill: 116-s-632
Sponsor: Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business expenses
Income tax rates
Sports and recreation facilities
Tax-exempt organizations
Transportation costs

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Lessen Impediments From Taxes for Charities Act or the LIFT for Charities Act 

 
This bill modifies the requirements for determining the unrelated business taxable income of tax-exempt organizations. The bill repeals a provision that requires unrelated business taxable income to be increased by the amount of expenses paid or incurred by a tax-exempt organization for certain fringe benefits for which a tax deduction is not allowed, including benefits relating to transportation, parking, or an on-premises athletic facility.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
"Six Triple Eight" Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2020

Bill: 116-s-633
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Conflicts and wars
Congressional tributes
Europe
Military history
Military personnel and dependents
Minority employment
Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Postal service
Smithsonian Institution
Women's employment

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

&quot;Six Triple Eight&quot; Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019

 
This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to arrange for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (commonly known as the &quot;Six Triple Eight&quot;) in recognition of their pioneering military service, devotion to duty, and contributions to increase the morale of personnel stationed in the European theater of operations during World War II.
 
 The medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution and made available for display and research.

action_date: 2020-12-10
text: 

&quot;Six Triple Eight&quot; 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 award of a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (commonly known as the &quot;Six Triple Eight&quot;) in recognition of their pioneering military service, devotion to duty, and contributions to increase the morale of personnel stationed in the European theater of operations during World War II.
 
 The medal shall be given to the Smithsonian Institution and made available for display and research.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-12-14
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2020-12-14
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2020-12-11
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2020-12-10
text: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S7430-7431)
action_date: 2020-12-10
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S7430-7431)
action_date: 2020-12-10
text: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S7430-7431)
action_date: 2020-12-10
text: Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2020-12-10
text: Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act

Bill: 116-s-634
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Charitable contributions
Elementary and secondary education
Employment and training programs
Government information and archives
Higher education
Income tax credits
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Student aid and college costs
Vocational and technical education

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act

 
This bill allows individual and corporate taxpayers a tax credit for cash contributions to certain scholarship-granting and workforce training organizations. It imposes a cap of $10 billion on the sum of contributions that qualify for a tax credit under this bill. 
 
The bill requires the Department of Education, in coordination with the Departments of the Treasury and Labor, to establish, host, and maintain a web portal that (1) lists all eligible scholarship-granting and workforce training organizations; (2) enables contributions to such organizations; (3) provides information about the benefits of this bill; and (4) enables a state to submit and update information about its programs and educational organizations, including information on student eligibility and allowable educational expenses.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests of the States Act of 2019

Bill: 116-s-635
Sponsor: Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]
Introduced: 2019-02-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
Civil actions and liability
Contracts and agency

Summary:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: 

Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests of the States Act of 2019 

 
This bill makes written arbitration agreements in certain commercial contracts unenforceable. Specifically, such an agreement is unenforceable where an individual or a small business concern alleges, in a claim arising subsequent to the agreement, a violation of a federal or state statute or constitution. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2019-02-28
text: Introduced in Senate