hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
FAFSA Simplification Technical Corrections Act

Bill: 117-s-1440
Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Introduced: 2021-04-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Government information and archives
Higher education
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-28
text: 

FAFSA Simplification Technical Corrections Act

 
This bill allows the Department of Education to waive specified procedural requirements regarding the implementation of certain changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The bill also allows an institution of higher education, for purposes of calculating federal student-aid eligibility, to include in a student's cost of attendance the average cost (instead of the specific cost) of a loan fee, origination fee, or insurance premium.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-04-28
text: Introduced in Senate
SHIPYARD Act

Bill: 117-s-1441
Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Introduced: 2021-04-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Appropriations
Defense spending
Hawaii
Maine
Marine and inland water transportation
Military procurement, research, weapons development
Navigation, waterways, harbors
Public contracts and procurement
Virginia
Washington State

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-28
text: 

Supplying Help to Infrastructure in Ports, Yards, and America's Repair Docks Act of 2021 or the SHIPYARD Act

 
This bill provides supplemental appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for improving naval shipyard infrastructure. The bill designates the funding as emergency spending, which is exempt from discretionary spending limits.
 
DOD must make this funding directly available to the Department of the Navy. Funds must be used for specified purposes, including for public and private shipyard facilities, docks, dry docks, capital equipment improvements, and dredging efforts needed by shipyards.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Workforce PATHWAYS Act

Bill: 117-s-1442
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Introduced: 2021-04-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Adult education and literacy
Advanced technology and technological innovations
Congressional oversight
Economic performance and conditions
Elementary and secondary education
Employment and training programs
Government trust funds
Higher education
Labor market
Labor-management relations
Marketing and advertising
Minority employment
Public-private cooperation
Rural conditions and development
Small business
Student aid and college costs
Unemployment
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Vocational and technical education
Women's employment

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-28
text: 

Workforce Promotion to Access Training to Help Workers, Adults, and Youths Succeed Act or the Workforce PATHWAYS Act

 
This bill establishes the nonprofit Corporation for Career Pathways to increase awareness of career pathways for U.S. workers, educators, and employers by promoting workforce development initiatives, educational programs, and other opportunities that develop skills relevant to high-demand industries.
 
The corporation must (1) develop and submit to the Department of Labor an annual workforce strategy for engaging all labor market stakeholders about opportunities or changes to useful degrees, registered apprenticeship programs, and certifications or skill sets; and (2) publish an annual United States Career Forecast and Resource Guide that provides job market and other information regarding in-demand industries, workforce needs, and training.
 
The corporation must also establish (1) an awards program to annually recognize workers and students who achieve excellence in registered apprenticeships, adult education programs, career and technical education programs, or other nontraditional workforce development pathways; and (2) a website to provide information to the public, conduct public outreach activities, and distribute marketing campaign materials (including the resource guide).
 
The bill establishes the United States Career Pathways Fund for grants to the corporation or to state and local workforce boards to assist in implementing the annual workforce strategy.
 
The Government Accountability Office must review and report on the corporation's programmatic activities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-04-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Retirement Parity for Student Loans Act

Bill: 117-s-1443
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Department of the Treasury
Employee benefits and pensions
Higher education
Income tax deferral
Student aid and college costs
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Retirement Parity for Student Loans Act 

 
This bill allows certain employer-sponsored retirement plans to make matching contributions for an employee's student loan payments as if the loan payments were salary reduction contributions to the retirement plan. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S2357-2358; Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2357)
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Mind Your Own Business Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1444
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Administrative remedies
Business records
Civil actions and liability
Computer security and identity theft
Computers and information technology
Consumer affairs
Contracts and agency
Corporate finance and management
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Federal officials
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
News media and reporting
Right of privacy
Sales and excise taxes
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Mind Your Own Business Act of 2021

 
 This bill requires assessments, periodic reporting, and the development of an opt-out process for specified commercial entities that operate high-risk information systems or automated-decision systems, such as those that use artificial intelligence or machine learning. An automated-decision system or information system is considered high risk if it (1) raises security or privacy concerns; (2) involves the personal information of a significant number of people; or (3) systematically monitors a large, publicly-accessible physical location. An automated-decision system is also considered high risk if it (1) may contribute to inaccuracy, bias, or discrimination; or (2) facilitates decision-making about sensitive aspects of consumers' lives by evaluating their behavior.
 
 Covered commercial entities must assess such high-risk systems and evaluate the extent to which they protect against the risk of exposing personal information. The bill further requires certain larger commercial entities to submit an annual report for which corporate officers must certify that the entity is in compliance with the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) implementing regulations. A failure to comply with the reporting requirements is subject to criminal penalties and excise tax.
 
 Among other provisions, the bill requires the FTC to create a web portal for consumers to opt out of data sharing and view their opt-out status. Opting out prevents covered commercial entities from sharing personal information with third parties.
 
 The bill increases the civil penalties for unfair trade practices, which the bill modifies to include practices that involve noneconomic impacts or create a significant risk of exposing personal information.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1445
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Education programs funding
Financial literacy
Higher education
Interest, dividends, interest rates
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Know Before You Owe Federal Student Loan Act of 

2021

 
This bill expands lender disclosure requirements and revises loan counseling requirements.
 
First, the bill requires a lender to provide a quarterly statement to a Federal Family Education Loan or Direct Loan borrower during a period when loan payments are not required. The statement must include specified information on the loan and interest amounts and explain the option to pay accrued interest while in deferment or forbearance. 
 
In addition, the bill requires an institution of higher education (IHE) that participates in federal student-aid programs to provide pre-loan counseling to a student borrower of a federal student loan upon or prior to the first disbursement of each new loan. Currently, an IHE must provide one-time entrance counseling to a student who is a first-time federal student loan borrower. 
 
The bill also revises and expands required elements of pre-loan counseling to include an estimate of the borrower's monthly payment amount compared to the borrower's estimated monthly income after taxes and other expenses, a statement to borrow the minimum necessary amount, a warning that a high debt-to-income ratio makes repayment more difficult, options to reduce borrowing, and an explanation of the importance of on-time graduation. 
 
Prior to certifying a Federal Direct Loan disbursement to a student, an IHE must ensure that the student manually enters the exact dollar amount of the loan.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a plan for obligating and expending Coronavirus pandemic funding made available to the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Bill: 117-s-1446
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive agency funding and structure
Government studies and investigations
Infectious and parasitic diseases

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit a plan for obligating and expending covered funds, which are funds made available to the VA for response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
 
The bill requires the VA to submit biweekly reports regarding obligations, expenditures, and planned uses of the funds until seven days after the VA has expended all covered funds.
 
The Inspector General of the VA must submit reports examining the obligations and expenditures made using covered funds during the specified reporting period.
 
Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit an interim report and final report containing a review of obligations and expenditures made using covered funds. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fee Extension Act

Bill: 117-s-1447
Sponsor: Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Coal
Government trust funds
Land use and conservation
Mining
Solid waste and recycling
User charges and fees
Water quality

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Fee Extension Act

 
This bill extends through FY2036 the reclamation fee that each operator of a coal mining operation must pay to the Department of the Interior for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund.
 
Under the existing Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program, Interior collects a fee from coal mining companies for each ton of coal produced. The fees are deposited into the fund, which may be used to address hazards to public health, safety, and the environment from coal mining sites that were abandoned or unreclaimed as of August 3, 1977. Interior's authority to collect the fee expires on September 30, 2021. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Net Price Calculator Improvement Act

Bill: 117-s-1448
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Consumer affairs
Government information and archives
Higher education
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Student aid and college costs
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Net Price Calculator Improvement Act

 
This bill establishes requirements concerning the information that must be provided to prospective students about the cost of attendance at an institution of higher education (IHE). Specifically, the bill establishes the minimum requirements for the net price calculator that an IHE must include on its website. An IHE's net price is the average yearly price actually charged to first-time, full-time undergraduate students receiving student aid at the IHE after deducting such aid.
 
The bill also authorizes the Department of Education to develop a universal net price calculator that enables users to answer one set of questions and receive net prices for several IHEs and compare those prices.

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act

Bill: 117-s-1449
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Aviation and airports
Business records
Customs enforcement
Government information and archives
Marine and inland water transportation
Right of privacy

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act

 
This bill revises requirements regarding the public disclosure of personally identifiable information contained in the manifest of vessels or aircraft entering a U.S. port or place. The bill directs the Department of the Treasury to remove such information, including social security numbers and passport numbers, from a manifest signed and transmitted to Treasury before it is accessible by the public.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1450
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Genetics
Health care coverage and access
Health programs administration and funding
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Medicare

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Access to Genetic Counselor Services Act of 

2021

 
This bill provides for coverage under Medicare of genetic counseling services that are furnished by genetic counselors. Covered services include those services, as well as incidental services and supplies, that would otherwise be covered under Medicare if provided by a physician. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Reach Every Mother and Child Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1451
Sponsor: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Child health
Community life and organization
Conflicts and wars
Congressional oversight
Disability and paralysis
Foreign aid and international relief
Government information and archives
Health care coverage and access
Health information and medical records
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Health technology, devices, supplies
Medical research
Minority health
Nutrition and diet
Poverty and welfare assistance
Public-private cooperation
Racial and ethnic relations
Women's health
World health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Reach Every Mother and Child Act of 2021

 
This bill authorizes the President to provide assistance to implement a comprehensive five-year strategy to contribute toward the global goal of ending preventable child and maternal deaths by 2030.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S2358-2359)
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Understanding the True Cost of College Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1452
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Consumer affairs
Financial literacy
Government information and archives
Government lending and loan guarantees
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Understanding the True Cost of College Act of 2021

 
This bill requires standardized financial aid terminology and offer forms. 
 
Specifically, the Department of Education (ED) must develop standard terminology and a format for financial aid offer forms based on recommendations from representatives of certain groups, including students, veterans, and institutions of higher education (IHEs). 
 
The consumer-friendly form must include specified details and disclosures, including the estimated cost of attendance, the net price that a student or family is estimated to pay, and the terms and conditions of financial aid. 
 
In addition, ED must (1) test the form with representatives of students, students' families, IHEs, secondary school and postsecondary counselors, and nonprofit consumer groups; and (2) use the results to develop the final form. 
 
Each IHE that participates in federal student-aid programs must (1) use the standard form when offering financial aid to students, and (2) use the standard terminology and definitions developed by ED for all communications related to financial aid offers.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act

Bill: 117-s-1453
Sponsor: Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Area studies and international education
Business education
Education programs funding
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Higher education
Minority education
Student aid and college costs
Teaching, teachers, curricula
Vocational and technical education

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act

 
This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and otherwise revises international education programs. These programs provide grants to institutions of higher education and related entities to (1) enhance instruction in international and foreign language studies, and (2) promote international business skills and education. 
 
First, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international and foreign language studies. Specifically, it extends (1) the Graduate and Undergraduate Language and Area Centers and Programs, which include the National Resource Centers program; (2) the Language Resource Centers; (3) the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Programs; and (4) the American Overseas Research Centers.
 
Next, the bill reauthorizes the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships program. It also revises the program to permit graduate students to receive a stipend for the beginning, intermediate, or advanced study of a foreign language related to the student's area of specialization.
 
Further, the bill extends the Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign Information Access program. It also modifies the program, such as by (1) revising the types of available grants, and (2) allowing the Department of Education to establish a national database on international and foreign language education.
 
Finally, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international business skills and education. Specifically, it reauthorizes the Centers for Business Education program. It also reauthorizes the Education and Training program and otherwise makes changes to the program, including by (1) renaming the program; and (2) mandating certain program activities, such as the incorporation of specified programs and studies into professional education and technical training curricula. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
World Bank Integrity Preservation Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1454
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Foreign loans and debt
Human rights
International organizations and cooperation
Multilateral development programs
Religion

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

World Bank Integrity Preservation Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the U.S. Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to oppose any extension of financial or technical assistance by the bank to a country that both exceeds the graduation threshold of the bank and is designated as a country of particular concern for religious freedom.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate
RECLAIM Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1455
Sponsor: Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
Introduced: 2021-04-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Coal
Congressional oversight
Department of the Interior
Economic development
Executive agency funding and structure
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Indian social and development programs
Land use and conservation
Mining
Water quality
Water use and supply

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: 

Revitalizing the Economy of Coal Communities by Leveraging Local Activities and Investing More Act of 2021 or the RECLAIM Act of 2021

 
This bill revises requirements concerning the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, including by expanding the eligible uses of the fund. Specifically, the bill allows the fund to be used to provide support for economic revitalization, diversification, and development in economically distressed mining communities through the reclamation and restoration of land and water resources adversely affected by abandoned coal mines.
 
In addition, it requires specified amounts to be annually distributed from the fund through FY2026 to states and Indian tribes for reclaiming and restoring lands and waters so affected.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-04-29
text: Introduced in Senate