hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Federal Funding Accountability for Sexual Harassers Act

Bill: 116-hr-5328
Sponsor: Rep. Speier, Jackie [D-CA-14]
Introduced: 2019-12-05 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Assault and harassment offenses
Congressional oversight
Education programs funding
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Research administration and funding
Research and development
Science and engineering education
Sex offenses
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
Women's employment

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-05
text: 

Federal Funding Accountability for Sexual Harassers Act

 
This bill requires institutions of higher education (IHEs) that receive federal funding to report certain instances of discrimination on the basis of sex.
 
Such IHEs must report, to all federal agencies that awarded competitive research and development grants over the previous 10 years and to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse, substantiated findings of discrimination (including harassment) on the basis of sex by a principal investigator or program director.
 
A principal investigator or program director is an individual designated to direct or lead a project, program, or activity supported by a federal grant and who is responsible and accountable for the proper conduct of the project, program, or activity.
 
In addition, each federal department or agency that is authorized to award competitive research and development grants must take into consideration any such reports when making the final decision of whether to award a grant to an IHE. The department or agency may condition the grant award on the prohibition of an individual for whom a report has been filed from using the grant award or carrying out activities under the grant.
 
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine must study and report on the implementation and effectiveness of strategies employed to address and prevent sexual harassment. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-05
text: Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Reform, and Science, Space, and Technology, 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: 2019-12-05
text: Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Reform, and Science, Space, and Technology, 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: 2019-12-05
text: Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Reform, and Science, Space, and Technology, 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: 2019-12-05
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-05
text: Introduced in House
Freedom from Government Competition Act of 2019

Bill: 116-hr-5329
Sponsor: Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]
Introduced: 2019-12-05 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government studies and investigations
Military procurement, research, weapons development
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-05
text: 

Freedom from Government Competition Act of 201

9

 
 This bill requires the federal government to procure from the private sector the goods and services necessary for the operations and management of government agencies.
 
Specifically, it requires each executive or military department or independent establishment to obtain all goods and services necessary for or beneficial to the accomplishment of its authorized functions by procurement from private sources, with specified exceptions, such as where there is no private source capable of providing the good or service. 
This bill requires such private sector provision of goods and services to be performed through (1) the divestiture of federal involvement, (2) the award of a contract using competitive procedures, or (3) conducting a public-private competitive sourcing analysis in accordance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) procedures and determining that using the private sector is in the best interest of the United States and provides the best value to the taxpayer.
 
The bill authorizes an agency to utilize federal employees to provide goods or services previously provided by a private sector entity upon completion of a public-private competitive sourcing analysis and after determining that provision by federal employees provides the best value.
 
The OMB must carry out a study to evaluate the activities carried out in each agency.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-05
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
action_date: 2019-12-05
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-05
text: Introduced in House
Consumer Protection for Medical Debt Collections Act

Bill: 116-hr-5330
Sponsor: Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-13]
Introduced: 2019-12-05 in the House
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Consumer credit
Debt collection
Health care costs and insurance

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-05
text: 

Consumer Protection for Medical Debt Collections Act

 
This bill modifies requirements related to the reporting of medical debt. Specifically, a consumer reporting agency may not add to a consumer credit report any information related to a debt arising from a medically necessary procedure. Also, a debt collector (1) must wait one year before reporting other medical debt to a consumer reporting agency, (2) must notify the consumer prior to reporting such medical debt, and (3) may not attempt to collect a medical debt before the end of the one-year period. 

action_date: 2020-12-15
text: 

Consumer Protection for Medical Debt Collections Act 

 
This bill restricts the inclusion of medical debt on a consumer credit report. 
 
A consumer reporting agency is prohibited from including on a consumer credit report, and a person is prohibited from reporting to such agency (1) medical debt arising from a medically necessary procedure, or (2) other medical debt less than a year old. 
 
A person reporting medical debt to a consumer reporting agency must first provide notice to that consumer regarding the restrictions on including medical debt on credit reports. 
 
Furthermore, a debt collector is prohibited from collecting a medical debt less than two years old.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-12-15
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 537.
action_date: 2020-12-15
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 116-653.
action_date: 2020-12-15
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 116-653.
action_date: 2019-12-11
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 31 - 24.
action_date: 2019-12-11
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2019-12-10
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2019-12-05
text: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
action_date: 2019-12-05
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-05
text: Introduced in House
Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act of 2019

Bill: 116-hr-5333
Sponsor: Rep. DelBene, Suzan K. [D-WA-1]
Introduced: 2019-12-06 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
Government studies and investigations
Health care coverage and access
Health information and medical records
Health technology, devices, supplies
Home and outpatient care
Hospital care
Medicare
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: 

Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act of 

2019

 
This bill provides for Medicare coverage of medical devices that are approved under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Breakthrough Devices Program. (Under the program, manufacturers work with the FDA to expedite the review and approval of certain medical devices that provide for more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating human diseases or conditions.)
 
The bill allows designated medical breakthrough devices to be temporarily covered under Medicare during a three-year transitional period. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must assign payment codes for such devices within three months of FDA approval. The CMS must also establish a process to allow for continued coverage after the transitional period has expired, taking into account any additional evidence or data the CMS deems necessary.
 
The CMS must also provide for temporary and, where appropriate, permanent Medicare coverage of breakthrough devices for which there is no existing benefit category (i.e., classification).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
FOREST Act

Bill: 116-hr-5334
Sponsor: Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
Introduced: 2019-12-06 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Forests, forestry, trees
Roads and highways
Transportation programs funding

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: 

Funding Our Roads and Ecosystems Sustainably Together Act or the
 
FOREST Act

 
This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 Forest Service federal land and tribal transportation programs. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
American Energy Opportunity Act of 2019

Bill: 116-hr-5335
Sponsor: Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20]
Introduced: 2019-12-06 in the House
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Building construction
Electric power generation and transmission
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Hybrid, electric, and advanced technology vehicles
Licensing and registrations
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Tax-exempt organizations
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: 

American Energy Opportunity Act of 2019

 
This bill establishes a process for expediting and standardizing the permitting process for certain distributed energy systems. The bill defines such systems as equipment or materials installed in, on, or near a building to support onsite or local energy use, such as solar energy, batteries, and charging systems for electrical vehicles.
 
Specifically, the Department of Energy (DOE) must establish or designate a Distributed Energy Opportunity Board to carry out a program to (1) expedite the process for local permitting and inspection of qualifying distributed energy systems, and (2) facilitate the certification of distributed energy system installers.
 
In addition, DOE must recognize and certify communities as Distributed Energy Opportunity Communities if they adopt and implement a permit-to-build protocol that is established by the board. DOE may award grants to encourage communities to adopt the protocol and standardized inspection processes established by the board.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
Investor Choice Act of 2019

Bill: 116-hr-5336
Sponsor: Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11]
Introduced: 2019-12-06 in the House
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
Civil actions and liability
Consumer affairs
Financial services and investments
Securities

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: 

Investor Choice Act of 2019

 
This bill prohibits broker-dealers and investment advisers from including mandatory arbitration, forum selection restrictions, or bans on class action suits in a customer or client agreement. Issuers of securities are also prohibited from mandating arbitration in a shareholder agreement.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
Disaster Assistance Equity Act of 2019

Bill: 116-hr-5337
Sponsor: Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-10]
Introduced: 2019-12-06 in the House
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Cooperative and condominium housing
Disaster relief and insurance
Residential rehabilitation and home repair
Solid waste and recycling

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: 

Disaster Assistance Equity Act of 201

9

 
This bill makes common interest communities, such as housing cooperatives (co-ops) and condominiums, eligible for the same assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as other homeowners.
 
Specifically, the bill
 
 
adds definitions of 
residential common interest community, condominium, and housing cooperative
 to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act;
 
requires FEMA to issue rules for the removal of debris or wreckage from real estate owned by a residential common interest community resulting from a major disaster and deems such removal to be in the public interest when a state or local government determines in writing that such debris or wreckage constitutes a threat to life, public health or safety, or the economic recovery of such community; and 
 
provides for the repair of essential common elements of a condominium or co-op damaged by a disaster under FEMA's Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households Program.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
Global Hope Act of 2019

Bill: 116-hr-5338
Sponsor: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]
Introduced: 2019-12-06 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Cancer
Child health
Congressional oversight
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Health care quality
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
International organizations and cooperation
Medical research
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Multilateral development programs
Public-private cooperation
Research administration and funding
World health

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: 

Global Hope Act of 2019

This bill authorizes the Department of State to work with the private sector, the United Nations, and other relevant multilateral organizations to address childhood cancer globally. 

action_date: 2020-01-28
text: 

Global Hope Act of 2019

 
This bill authorizes the Department of State to work with the private sector, the United Nations, and other relevant multilateral organizations to address childhood cancer globally. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2020-01-30
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2020-01-28
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2020-01-28
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H588-589)
action_date: 2020-01-28
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H588-589)
action_date: 2020-01-28
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5338.
action_date: 2020-01-28
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H588-590)
action_date: 2020-01-28
text: Mr. Phillips moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
action_date: 2019-12-18
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2019-12-18
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
Freedom To Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act

Bill: 116-hr-5339
Sponsor: Rep. Spanberger, Abigail Davis [D-VA-7]
Introduced: 2019-12-06 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Employment and training programs
Licensing and registrations
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: 

Freedom To Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act

 
This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the use of funds in a qualified tuition program (commonly known as a 529 account) to pay for expenses associated with obtaining or maintaining recognized postsecondary credentials.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
Hazel M. Johnson Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill: 116-hr-5340
Sponsor: Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1]
Introduced: 2019-12-06 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Congressional tributes
Environmental health
Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Poverty and welfare assistance
Racial and ethnic relations
Smithsonian Institution

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: 

Hazel M. Johnson Congressional Gold Medal Act

 
This bill provides for a Congressional Gold Medal to be awarded posthumously to Hazel M. Johnson in recognition of her achievements and contributions to the environmental justice movement.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, 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: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, 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: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act

Bill: 116-hr-5341
Sponsor: Rep. Rice, Tom [R-SC-7]
Introduced: 2019-12-06 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Land use and conservation
Legal fees and court costs
Licensing and registrations
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Solid waste and recycling
Water quality
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: 

Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act

 
This bill revises requirements concerning (1) citizen suits under the Clean Water Act, (2) permits for wetlands, and (3) wetland mitigation.
 Litigation costs (including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) must be awarded to the prevailing party, thus the bill removes a court's discretion to award the fees. A prevailing party is defined as the party that prevails on more than half of the claims at issue.
 
In addition, the bill repeals the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny or restrict the use of any area as a disposal site for dredged or fill material when the discharge of those materials would have an unacceptable adverse effect on municipal water supplies, shellfish beds and fishery areas, wildlife, or recreational areas.
 
Finally, the bill revises mitigation requirements. Current law requires compensatory mitigation to replace the loss of aquatic resource functions in a watershed when a permit to discharge dredged or fill materials into navigable waters has unavoidable impacts on aquatic resources. This bill prohibits government entities from carrying out compensatory mitigation in excess of existing regulatory requirements. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
Supporting America’s First Responders Act of 2019

Bill: 116-hr-5342
Sponsor: Rep. Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9]
Introduced: 2019-12-06 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Employment and training programs
Fires
First responders and emergency personnel
Health personnel
Income tax deductions
Inflation and prices
Law enforcement officers

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: 

Supporting America's First Responders Act of 2019

 
This bill allows a deduction from gross income (above-the-line deduction) for expenses of first responders up to $500. Those expenses are for (1) tuition or fees for professional development courses related to service as a first responder, or (2) uniforms used by the first responder. The bill defines &quot;first responder&quot; as any individual who is a law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, or emergency medical technician for at least 1,000 hours during the taxable year. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
Hazel M. Johnson Memorial Stamp Act

Bill: 116-hr-5343
Sponsor: Rep. Rush, Bobby L. [D-IL-1]
Introduced: 2019-12-06 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Environmental health
Postal service
Poverty and welfare assistance
Racial and ethnic relations

Summary:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: 

Hazel M. Johnson Memorial Stamp Act

 
This bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to issue a commemorative postage stamp in honor of Hazel M. Johnson, who was known as the mother of the environmental justice movement.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2019-12-06
text: Introduced in House