hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Retirement Savings Lost and Found Act

Bill: 116-hr-7439
Sponsor: Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Criminal procedure and sentencing
Drug trafficking and controlled substances

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 

Retirement Savings Lost and Found Act

 
This bill requires the Department of the Treasury and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to create an online Retirement Savings Lost and Found (RSLF) to assist individuals in locating certain employer-sponsored retirement accounts. The RSLF must provide plan participants or beneficiaries only with the ability to view contact information for the administrator of a plan that is sufficient to locate the plan. 
 
The bill sets forth additional reporting and notification requirements for retirement plans. 
 
Treasury and the SSA must take precautions to (1) safeguard the privacy and security of participants' plan information, and (2) permit plan participants to opt out of inclusion in the RSLF.
 
The bill also revises provisions that permit mandatory distributions of the balances of small retirement accounts using a rollover into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The bill modifies the investment options available for the distributions and increases the maximum account balance that may be subject to such a distribution. 
 
A plan must transfer unclaimed mandatory distributions that are $1,000 or less to the RSLF or to an IRA established by Treasury. The RSLF must invest funds received in Treasury securities and distribute the balance upon receiving an application from a plan participant or beneficiary. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Social Security.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
Hire Veteran Health Heroes Act of 2020

Bill: 116-hr-7441
Sponsor: Rep. Brooks, Susan W. [R-IN-5]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Department of Veterans Affairs
Employee hiring
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Health personnel
Military medicine
Military personnel and dependents
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 

Hire Veteran Health Heroes Act of 2020

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct, as part of the Transition Assistance Program, recruitment for specified medical personnel positions from among medical department personnel of the Department of Defense who hold medical military occupational specialties and are separating from the Armed Forces.
 
Tentative offers may be issued for specified medical personnel positions to applicants who agree to accept the position and meet a preliminary qualification review established by the VA. After the tentative offer process, the supervisor or technician conducting the hiring process must transmit the applicant's information and credentials to the medical facility at which the individual would be hired for final verification and interviews.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-30
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2020-09-30
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
To extend the authorization for Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.

Bill: 116-hr-7442
Sponsor: Rep. Allen, Rick W. [R-GA-12]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Dams and canals
Georgia
Historic sites and heritage areas

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 
This bill extends through FY2036 the authority of the Department of the Interior to make any grants or provide any assistance for the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area in Georgia. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-28
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
Veterans Claim Transparency Act of 2020

Bill: 116-hr-7443
Sponsor: Rep. Allred, Colin Z. [D-TX-32]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Department of Veterans Affairs
Government information and archives
Personnel records
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 

Veterans Claim Transparency Act of 2020

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide the representative of a veteran with an opportunity to review a proposed determination regarding a claim for compensation or benefits before such determination becomes final. The VA must notify the representative in writing that a proposed determination is ready for review and may not make a final determination until the review period has ended.
 
Under the bill, a representative has up to 48 hours to review the proposed determination. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-30
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
Professional Military Education Review Act of 2020

Bill: 116-hr-7444
Sponsor: Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Military education and training
Military operations and strategy
Military readiness
Performance measurement
Teaching, teachers, curricula

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 

Professional Military Education Review Act of 2020

 
This bill directs the Department of Defense to submit to Congress a specified report on the status of the professional military education enterprise.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for home loans from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to certain members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces.

Bill: 116-hr-7445
Sponsor: Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Government lending and loan guarantees
Housing finance and home ownership
National Guard and reserves
Veterans' loans, housing, homeless programs

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 
This bill expands eligibility to certain veterans for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) housing loan benefits, including the VA loan guaranty program. Specifically, the bill expands who is eligible for VA housing loan benefits by revising the definition of 
veteran 
to include an individual who performed service on active duty or full-time National Guard duty for a period of not less than 90 cumulative days (that includes 30 consecutive days). 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-16
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity.
action_date: 2020-07-30
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2020-07-30
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2020-07-23
text: Committee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act

Bill: 116-hr-7446
Sponsor: Rep. Cartwright, Matt [D-PA-8]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Buy American requirements
Electric power generation and transmission
Energy efficiency and conservation
Environmental technology
Industrial facilities
Labor standards
Manufacturing
Metals
Oil and gas
Public-private cooperation
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 

Job Creation through Energy Efficient Manufacturing Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a Financing Energy Efficient Manufacturing Program that provides grants for energy efficiency improvement projects in the manufacturing sector. 
 
The following types of entities are eligible for grants: 
 
 
state energy offices;
 
Native American tribes;
 
nonprofit organizations that focus on providing energy efficiency or renewable energy services and receive funding from states, tribes, or utilities;
 
electric cooperative groups; or 
 
 entities with a public-private partnership under the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership. 
 
 
The entities that receive grants must then distribute subgrants to certain small- or medium-sized manufacturers (employing no more than 750 employees) located in the same states as the entities. Recipients of subgrants must carry out projects that (1) improve the energy efficiency of the manufacturers, and (2) develop technologies that reduce electricity or natural gas use by the manufacturers. 
 
The bill establishes labor requirements for projects that receive grant funding under this bill. In addition, grant projects may only use iron and steel products that are produced in the United States, unless DOE grants a waiver of the requirement.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
To direct the Federal Communications Commission to take certain actions to accelerate the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction, and for other purposes.

Bill: 116-hr-7447
Sponsor: Rep. Clyburn, James E. [D-SC-6]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Geography and mapping
Infrastructure development
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take specified actions to expedite the provision of broadband internet access service in unserved rural areas.
 
Specifically, the FCC must modify the framework for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction, which aims to facilitate the provision of broadband service to areas that are wholly unserved. Among other requirements, the FCC (1) must accept long-form applications prior to such auction from applicants that are willing to commit to a specified schedule for deploying broadband internet access service, and (2) shall not require applicants to be designated as eligible telecommunications carriers in order to receive Rural Digital Opportunity Fund support.
 
In addition, the bill establishes a deadline of October 1, 2020, for the FCC to create broadband maps that depict the extent of availability of broadband service in the United States and the areas that remain unserved. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
Telework for U.S. Innovation Act

Bill: 116-hr-7448
Sponsor: Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Commuting
Congressional oversight
Employee benefits and pensions
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government studies and investigations
Transportation costs
Travel and tourism

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 

Telework for U.S. Innovation Act

 
This bill makes permanent the Telework Enhancement Act Pilot Program in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The program allows USPTO employees to telework from locations across the United States; USPTO may cover any necessary travel expenses to and from an agency worksite. The program is set to expire on December 31, 2020.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
Bank on Students Coronavirus Emergency Loan Refinancing Act of 2020

Bill: 116-hr-7449
Sponsor: Rep. Courtney, Joe [D-CT-2]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Credit and credit markets
Education programs funding
Government information and archives
Government lending and loan guarantees
Higher education
Interest, dividends, interest rates
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 

Bank on Students Coronavirus Emergency Loan Refinancing Act of 2020

 
This bill establishes refinancing programs for federal and private student loans. Specifically, it allows certain borrowers to refinance their federal student loans down to lower interest rates, and creates the Federal Direct Refinanced Private Loan to allow certain borrowers to refinance their private student loans.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
Prevent Harmful Algal Blooms Act

Bill: 116-hr-7450
Sponsor: Rep. Crist, Charlie [D-FL-13]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Aquatic ecology
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental health
Government information and archives
Higher education
Marine pollution
Research administration and funding
State and local government operations
Water quality

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 

Prevent Harmful Algal Blooms Act

 
This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to designate organizations as National Centers of Excellence in Harmful Algal Bloom Research, Prevention, Response, and Mitigation. An algal bloom is a rapid growth of algae that may create toxic or hypoxic (severely low-oxygen) conditions that are harmful to humans, animals, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy.
 
To be eligible for designation, an organization must
 
 
be an institution of higher education, a government research agency, a nonprofit laboratory or other research entity, or a consortium of such institutions;
 
have demonstrated expertise and success in harmful algal bloom research, monitoring, forecasting, prevention, or response efforts;
 
have demonstrated ability to collaborate with local, state, territorial, and tribal governments and federal agencies on harmful algal blooms; and
 
be located in an area that is economically and environmentally impacted by harmful algal blooms.
 
 
In designating National Centers of Excellence, NOAA must (1) consult with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia; (2) ensure regional balance by designating centers in a variety of locations throughout the United States, including the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and other territories and possessions of the United States; and (3) avoid duplication of other harmful algal bloom research.
 
Each designation shall be effective for five years and reviewed by NOAA in the fourth year of such effective period. The designation may be renewed for an additional five-year period.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-28
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
HEAL Act

Bill: 116-hr-7451
Sponsor: Rep. Evans, Dwight [D-PA-3]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Civil disturbances
Crimes against property
Disaster relief and insurance
Economic performance and conditions
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government lending and loan guarantees
Interest, dividends, interest rates
Life, casualty, property insurance
Small Business Administration
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 

Helping Entrepreneurs Access Loans Act or the HEAL Act

 
This bill establishes eligibility and provides funding for Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans and advance grants for eligible small businesses.
 
Eligible small businesses are those that (1) are located in an area in which the SBA declared a disaster due to civil unrest occurring between May 26, 2020, and July 1, 2020; (2) incurred damage due to such civil unrest; and (3) have average annual gross receipts of $2 million or less.
 
Such small businesses shall be eligible to receive forgivable loans and advance grants under the SBA's disaster loan program. Such loans shall be equal to 100% of the amount required to repair, rehabilitate, or replace property that was damaged or destroyed due to civil unrest and that was not compensated for by insurance, state or local government grants, or any other means. An applicant may also request an advance of up to $10,000 on such loan.
 
Further, a recipient shall be eligible for forgiveness of 75% of such loan if they are still in operation on December 31, 2021, and have submitted specified documentation related to sales and taxes paid.
 
Additionally, the SBA shall waive certain loan requirements such as (1) personal guarantees, (2) inability to obtain credit elsewhere, and (3) provision of collateral. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the Committee on Small Business, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
Relief for Rural Development Borrowers Act

Bill: 116-hr-7452
Sponsor: Rep. Finkenauer, Abby [D-IA-1]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Agricultural conservation and pollution
Bank accounts, deposits, capital
Banking and financial institutions regulation
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Government lending and loan guarantees
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Rural conditions and development
Solid waste and recycling
Water resources funding
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 

Relief for Rural Development Borrowers Act 

 
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to pay the principal, interest, and any associated fees owed on certain USDA rural development loans for a six-month period. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-09-11
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
To amend title 10, United States Code, to permit members of the Armed Forces to continue to participate in Skillbridge programs after their date of discharge or separation from active duty in the Armed Forces.

Bill: 116-hr-7453
Sponsor: Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7]
Introduced: 2020-07-01 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Employee hiring
Employment and training programs
Military education and training
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Summary:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: 
This bill allows a service member who participates in the Department of Defense's Skillbridge program to continue to participate in the program following discharge from active duty in the Armed Forces. (The Skillbridge program provides job training to service members who are transitioning into civilian life.)
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2020-07-01
text: Introduced in House