hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Open Courts Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2614
Sponsor: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH]
Introduced: 2021-08-04 in the Senate
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Computer security and identity theft
Congressional oversight
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Inflation and prices
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Judicial procedure and administration
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-04
text: 

Open Courts Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to establish a single electronic system for all public court records that is publicly accessible for free. Under the existing Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, users are charged fees for accessing court documents.
 
To fund the development of the new consolidated system, the Judicial Conference must temporarily establish a schedule of additional fees for higher-volume nongovernmental users of PACER.
 
To fund the operations of the new system, the Judicial Conference shall collect an annual fee from each federal agency equal to that agency's PACER fees in 2018, adjusted for inflation. The Judicial Conference may also establish reasonable filing fees based on specified factors, including the extent of a person's use and the interests of justice.

action_date: 2022-03-15
text: 

Open Courts Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to establish a single electronic system for all public federal court records that is publicly accessible, free of charge, and does not require registration.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-03-15
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 307.
action_date: 2022-03-15
text: Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Durbin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2022-03-15
text: Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Durbin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2021-12-09
text: Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2021-08-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2021-08-04
text: Introduced in Senate
Right to Vote Act

Bill: 117-s-2615
Sponsor: Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA]
Introduced: 2021-08-04 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Judicial review and appeals
Legal fees and court costs
State and local government operations
Voting rights

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-04
text: 

Right to Vote Act

 
This bill addresses the right to vote in federal elections.
 
Specifically, the bill declares that every citizen of legal voting age shall have the fundamental right to vote in federal elections.
 
In addition, the bill prohibits federal, state, and local governments from substantially impairing the ability to vote in federal elections unless the government action furthers an important and particularized governmental interest. Further, the bill specifies that a government may not diminish the ability to vote in federal elections unless the action uses the least restrictive means to achieve such an interest.
 
A violation of rights created by the bill may be challenged in district court, and a prevailing plaintiff may receive attorney fees. The bill outlines judicial review standards for challenges to voting practices.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-04
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2021-08-04
text: Introduced in Senate
Livable Communities Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2616
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Housing and Community Development
Subjects: Community life and organization
Congressional oversight
Economic development
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Housing industry and standards
Housing supply and affordability
Infrastructure development
Intergovernmental relations
Low- and moderate-income housing
Public transit
Regional and metropolitan planning
Rural conditions and development

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Livable Communities Act of 2021

 
This bill creates the Office of Sustainable Communities in the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to coordinate the provision of long-term affordable housing, transportation, and environmental projects and to administer grant programs established in the bill.
 
 The bill creates the Comprehensive Planning Grant Program and the Community Challenge Grant Program to be administered by the office. Grants under the Comprehensive Planning Grant Program must be used for specified activities related to the coordination, development, or updating of a comprehensive regional plan across jurisdictions and agencies. Grants offered under the Community Challenge Grant Program must be used to promote integrated planning and investments across policy and governmental jurisdictions and to implement projects identified in a regional plan.
 
 The bill also creates a program that requires HUD to provide loans and loan guarantees to projects that meet specified criteria. Eligible projects must be part of a community-wide development plan, promote sustainable development, and ensure that housing units associated with the project are affordable and initially occupied by lower-income renters or homeowners.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-08-04
text: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2022-08-02
text: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2022-07-21
text: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2022-05-18
text: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Ending the Carried Interest Loophole Act

Bill: 117-s-2617
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Capital gains tax
Commodities markets
Financial services and investments
Income tax deferral
Income tax rates
Securities
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Ending the Carried Interest Loophole Act

 
This bill revises the tax treatment of partnership interests received in connection with the performance of services. It eliminates the concept of 

 carried interest, a form of compensation received by certain partners in private equity, real estate, or hedge funds for investment management services. Under current law, such compensation can be deferred from taxation until income is realized by the partnership.
 
The bill requires partners to recognize deemed compensation received from a partnership annually, taxed at ordinary income tax rates and subject to self-employment taxation. The bill eliminates a partner's ability to defer tax on such compensation.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2618
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Medicare and Medicaid Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefit Act of
 
2021

 
This bill provides for Medicare coverage of dental, vision, and hearing care. Coverage includes (1) routine dental cleanings and exams, basic and major dental services, emergency dental care, and dentures; (2) routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses; and (3) routine hearing exams, hearing aids, and exams for hearing aids. With respect to such care, the bill establishes special payment rules, limitations, and coinsurance requirements. 
 
The bill also increases the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for dental, vision, and hearing services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act

Bill: 117-s-2619
Sponsor: Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Exposing Agricultural Trade Suppression Act

 
This bill restricts state and local governments from imposing certain standards or conditions on the production or manufacture of agricultural products sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce. Specifically, it prohibits the imposition of such standards or conditions if (1) the production or manufacture occurs in another state, and (2) the standard or condition adds to requirements applicable under federal law and the laws of the state or locality where the product is produced or manufactured.
 
The bill also allows for a private right of action to challenge state or local regulations relating to agricultural goods sold in interstate commerce. A person may bring an action in (1) the U.S. district court for the judicial district in which the person is affected by a regulation or the person resides, operates, or does business; or (2) any other appropriate court with jurisdiction.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2620
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Education

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act
 
of 2021

 
This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and revises the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) program. 
 
The bill also authorizes new grants under the FIPSE program. Specifically, the Department of Education may award grants to institutions of higher education for dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high school programs that allow high school students to earn postsecondary credits.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Modernization of Derivatives Tax Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2621
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Capital gains tax
Commodities markets
Corporate finance and management
Income tax rates
Securities

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Modernization of Derivatives Tax Act of 2021

 
This bill modifies the tax treatment of derivatives. A 
derivative
 is any contract (including any option, forward contract, futures contract, short position, swap, or similar contract) the value of which, or any payment or other transfer with respect to which, is (directly or indirectly) determined by reference to another specified item. 
 
The bill modifies the tax treatment of derivatives to (1) require mark to market treatment (treating the contracts as if they had been terminated or transferred at fair market value at the end of the year) for derivatives not terminated or transferred during the year, (2) require gains and losses to be taxed at ordinary tax rates and sourced to the taxpayer's country of residence, and (3) revise the reporting requirements and tax rules that apply to taxpayers that use derivatives to hedge capital assets. 
 
The bill includes several exceptions for
 
 
certain real property; 
 
hedging transactions; 
 
securities lending, sale-repurchase, and similar financing transactions; 
 
options received in connection with the performance of services;
 
insurance contracts, annuities, and endowments;
 
derivatives with respect to stock of members of the same worldwide affiliated group; and
 
commodities used in the normal course or trade of business. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Quit Because of COVID–19 Act

Bill: 117-s-2622
Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Child health
Drug therapy
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Health promotion and preventive care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Medicaid
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Poverty and welfare assistance
Prescription drugs
State and local government operations
U.S. territories and protectorates

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Quit Because of COVID-19 Act

 
This bill provides for Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage of certain tobacco cessation services. 
 
Specifically, the bill provides for coverage, without cost-sharing, of diagnostic, therapy, and counseling services and pharmacotherapy, including prescription and nonprescription tobacco cessation agents, that are provided under medical supervision and in accordance with specified guidelines. It also applies a 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for such items and services during the public health emergency relating to COVID-19 and for two years after the emergency period ends.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
U.S.A. Beef Act

Bill: 117-s-2623
Sponsor: Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

U.S.A. Beef Act

 
This bill modifies label requirements for meat food products of cattle.
 
Specifically, the bill prohibits the label of cattle meat or a meat food product of cattle from bearing the phrase 
Product of U.S.A.
 unless such meat or meat food product is exclusively derived from one or more cattle born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States.
 
The requirement does not apply to cattle meat or a meat food product of cattle that is intended and offered for export to a foreign country.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Fiscal Year 2022 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act

Bill: 117-s-2624
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Building construction
California
Department of Veterans Affairs
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Health facilities and institutions
Home and outpatient care
Kentucky
Medical research
Mental health
Mississippi
Missouri
Neurological disorders
New York State
Oklahoma
Oregon
Surgery and anesthesia
Texas
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Fiscal Year 2022 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act

 
This bill authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out specified major medical facility projects during FY2022. The bill also indicates the maximum amount that can be spent on each project.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-12-15
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2021-10-20
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act

Bill: 117-s-2625
Sponsor: Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Education

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Child Care Access Means Parents In Schools Reauthorization Act or the CCAMPIS Reauthorization Act

 
This bill permanently reauthorizes and revises the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program. The program awards grants to support the participation of eligible student parents in postsecondary education through the provision of campus-based child care services.
 
Among other revisions to the program, the bill allows grant funds to be used for additional purposes (e.g., child care subsidies and support services) and specifies additional grant application requirements.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2626
Sponsor: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Protecting Election Administration from Interference Act of 2021

 
This bill revises preservation and retention requirements for federal election records. It also revises criminal penalties related to election records and the voting process.
 
Under current law, election officials must, for a period of 22 months from the federal election, retain and preserve all election-related records and papers. This bill extends the requirement to electronic records and electronic equipment.
 
Next, the bill directs the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to issue minimum standards and best practices for retaining and preserving records (including electronic records), papers, and electronic equipment, including protocols for observing their preservation, security, and transfer by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and a representative of each political party.
 
In addition, the bill revises the federal criminal offense related to election records or papers to include reckless disregard of election record requirements resulting in the theft, destruction, concealment, mutilation, or alteration of a record, paper, or electronic equipment.
 
Further, the bill allows DOJ to demand electronic records and electronic equipment for inspection and generally prohibits DOJ from disclosing this information.
 
The bill allows DOJ and candidates for federal office to bring an action in a district court to compel compliance with election record requirements.
 
Finally, the bill extends criminal penalties related to voting interference to include intimidating, threatening, or coercing (or attempting to do so) an individual for processing or scanning ballots, tabulating, canvassing, or certifying voting results.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2627
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Health care coverage and access
Health facilities and institutions
Intergovernmental relations
Mental health
Rural conditions and development
State and local finance
State and local government operations
Transportation costs
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Rural Veterans Travel Enhancement Act of 2021

 
This bill addresses Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) transportation benefits for certain veterans.
 
First, the bill makes permanent the authority for the VA to transport any person to or from a VA facility or other place in connection with vocational rehabilitation, required counseling, or for an examination, treatment, or care.
 
The bill also permanently extends the authorization of appropriations for grants provided to state veterans service agencies and veterans service organizations to transport highly rural veterans for medical care.
 
The bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study fraud, waste, and abuse of benefits under the VA beneficiary travel program and report the findings to Congress. The GAO must also study and report on (1) the efficacy of the current mileage reimbursement rate under the program in mitigating the financial burden of transportation costs for traveling to and from VA medical facilities for care, (2) the origins of the amount of the deductible and its impact on the efficacy of the benefits provided in mitigating the financial burden on veterans seeking medical care, and (3) recommendations for how this program or another program could further encourage veterans to seek medical care.
 
The bill also requires the VA to implement various pilot programs related to transportation benefits for veterans for specified purposes.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-12-15
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate
Better ODDS To Reduce Diversion Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2628
Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Introduced: 2021-08-05 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: 

Better Options for Drug Disposal Systems To Reduce Diversion Act of 2021 or the Better ODDS To Reduce Diversion Act of 2021

 
This bill modifies the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to impose safe disposal requirements as part of a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy for a drug.
 
Currently, the FDA may require that a drug be dispensed with a safe disposal packaging or safe disposal system that renders the drug nonretrievable. Under this bill, the FDA may impose such safe disposal requirements without regard to whether the drug is rendered nonretrievable.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-08-05
text: Introduced in Senate