hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Empower Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-428
Sponsor: Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Introduced: 2021-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Government trust funds
Political parties and affiliation
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: 

Empower Act of 2021

 
This bill modifies the system for the public financing of presidential primary and general elections. 
 
The bill (1) increases the amount of matching funds for participating candidates by matching the first $200 of contributions by individuals to a candidate at a 6:1 ratio; (2) eliminates spending limits on participating candidates; (3) allows the national committee of a political party to make expenditures of up to $100 million in coordination with participating candidates; (4) requires all payments made to candidates, beginning with the 2028 presidential election, to be made from the Freedom From Influence Fund established by this bill; and (5) prohibits joint fundraising committees for any authorized committee of a candidate.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Countering Chinese Propaganda Act

Bill: 117-s-429
Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Introduced: 2021-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Asia
China
Computer security and identity theft
Congressional oversight
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Foreign and international banking
Foreign property
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Human rights
Political parties and affiliation
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Racial and ethnic relations
Religion
Sanctions
Subversive activities
Visas and passports
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: 

Countering Chinese Propaganda Act

 
This bill directs the President to impose asset- and visa-blocking sanctions on foreign individuals and entities engaged in certain acts of malign disinformation.
 
Specifically, the President shall impose sanctions on an individual or entity that knowingly commits a significant act of malign disinformation on behalf of a foreign government or political party to influence certain activities in the United States for the purpose of harming (1) U.S. national security, or (2) the safety and security of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. 
 
The Department of State shall report to Congress a determination of whether the Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department, which engages in disinformation campaigns and other activities, or any of its officials, falls within the sanctions provided under this bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
ESCAPE Act

Bill: 117-s-430
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2021-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Aviation and airports
Emergency planning and evacuation
First responders and emergency personnel
Floods and storm protection
Infrastructure development
Natural disasters
Navigation, waterways, harbors
Public transit
Railroads
Roads and highways
Transportation programs funding
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: 

Enhancing the Strength and Capacity of America's Primary Evacuation routes Act or the ESCAPE Act

 
This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide assistance for projects that strengthen and protect mass evacuation routes.
 
Specifically, DOT must (1) establish criteria for states, tribal and local governments, and other entities to identify mass evacuation routes; (2) establish a competitive grant program to provide grants for resilience projects that strengthen and protect evacuation routes that are essential for providing and supporting mass evacuations caused by emergency events; and (3) provide grants to resilience projects that ensure the ability of the evacuation route to provide safe passage during a mass evacuation and reduce the risk of damage to evacuation routes as a result of future emergency events. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
GREEN Streets Act

Bill: 117-s-431
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2021-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Air quality
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Department of Transportation
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Government information and archives
Health care coverage and access
Land use and conservation
Pedestrians and bicycling
Performance measurement
Public transit
Regional and metropolitan planning
Roads and highways
State and local government operations
Transportation programs funding

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: 

Generating Resilient, Environmentally Exceptional National Streets Act or the
 
GREEN Streets Act 

 
This bill establishes national goals to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions and improve the resilience of the transportation system.
 
Specifically, the bill directs
 
 
the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish minimum standards for states to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and per capita vehicle miles traveled (VMTs) on the National Highway System;
 
DOT to establish measures for states to assess and reduce carbon dioxide;
 
states and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to consider projects and strategies that reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions and decrease per capita VMT's;
 
states and MPOs to publish an analysis of the impact on per capita VMTs and mobile source greenhouse gas emissions for each project that adds new lanes or otherwise increases traffic capacity and costs more than $25 million;
 
states that are out of compliance with the per capita VMT standards or carbon dioxide or greenhouse gas emission measures to dedicate federal highway funding to achieve compliance; and
 
DOT to establish national transit access standards and performance measures for transit accessibility, transit stop distance, and transit mode share.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Fostering and Realizing Electrification by Encouraging Zero Emission Refrigeration Trucks Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-432
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2021-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Air quality
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Congressional oversight
Electric power generation and transmission
Environmental health
Food industry and services
Government information and archives
Government lending and loan guarantees
Health facilities and institutions
Hybrid, electric, and advanced technology vehicles
Lighting, heating, cooling
Motor carriers
Transportation programs funding
Urban and suburban affairs and development

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: 

Fostering and Realizing Electrification by Encouraging Zero Emission Refrigeration Trucks Act of 2021 or the FREEZER Trucks Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a pilot program to award grants, rebates, or low-cost revolving loans for electrifying or retiring diesel-powered transport refrigeration units in certain heavy-duty vehicles (e.g., commercial trucks).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
New Deal for New Americans Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-433
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2021-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Aging
Border security and unlawful immigration
Citizenship and naturalization
Civics education
Congressional oversight
Crime victims
Department of Homeland Security
Domestic violence and child abuse
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Elementary and secondary education
Employment and training programs
Executive Office of the President
Family relationships
Foreign labor
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Health care coverage and access
Immigrant health and welfare
Immigration status and procedures
Language arts
Lawyers and legal services
Poverty and welfare assistance
Refugees, asylum, displaced persons
Right of privacy
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
State and local government operations
Teaching, teachers, curricula
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: 

New Deal for New Americans Act of 2021 

 
This bill provides assistance to immigrants and addresses issues related to naturalization.
 
The bill establishes the National Office of New Americans to (1) welcome and support immigrants, (2) promote and support immigrant integration, and (3) promote the pursuit of U.S. citizenship among immigrants.
 
The bill also establishes grant programs for eligible entities that provide (1) legal services for immigrants, (2) English language education that focuses on integrating students into society, and (3) workforce development training that supports the economic integration of immigrants. The bill also reauthorizes the Citizenship and Integration Grant Program within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 
 
USCIS shall establish a nonprofit entity to spur innovation in the expansion of citizenship preparation programs and to support assistance for immigrants seeking permanent resident status or citizenship. 
 
The bill also requires the Department of Homeland Security to (1) report to Congress before increasing fees for immigration adjudication and naturalization services above the levels of such fees on January 1, 2019, and (2) waive or reduce certain immigration-related fees for low-income aliens.
 
The bill also (1) waives the English proficiency requirement for the naturalization of certain permanent residents, (2) repeals the public charge ground for deportation, (3) requires states to provide for automatic voter registration to qualifying new citizens unless that individual declines, and (4) sets a floor of 125,000 to the maximum number of refugees who may be admitted into the United States each year.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Iran Diplomacy Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-434
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2021-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Arms control and nonproliferation
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
International law and treaties
International organizations and cooperation
Iran
Middle East
Nuclear weapons
Technology transfer and commercialization
Trade restrictions
United Nations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: 

Iran Diplomacy Act of 2021

 
 This bill outlines U.S. policy with respect to Iran and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.
 
 Specifically, the bill states that the United States and Iran should promptly return to full compliance with their commitments under the JCPOA. Further, the bill encourages the United States to lead international efforts to advance diplomatic measures that promote U.S., regional, and international security.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-435
Sponsor: Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]
Introduced: 2021-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Arizona
Congressional oversight
Education programs funding
Educational technology and distance education
Elementary and secondary education
Fires
First responders and emergency personnel
Forests, forestry, trees
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Land use and conservation
Montana
Property tax
Public contracts and procurement
Rural conditions and development
State and local finance
State and local taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: 

Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2021

 
This bill extends through FY2023 payments made to states and eligible counties containing certain federal land under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. 
 
The Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture shall carry out a pilot program to allow the Chief of the Forest Service or the Director of the Bureau of Land Management to nominate members of resource advisory committees.
 
County funds may be used to provide or expand access to (1) broadband telecommunications services at local schools, or (2) the technology and connectivity necessary for students to use a digital learning tool at or outside of a local school campus.
 
Any county funds that were obligated by a county before October 1, 2017, but are unspent on October 1, 2020, may be used by the county for any authorized use and shall be available for projects initiated after October 1, 2020.
 
No county funds may be used for lobbying activity, regardless of the purpose for which the funds are obligated on or before the enactment of this bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
American Broadband Buildout Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-436
Sponsor: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Introduced: 2021-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Economic development
Geography and mapping
Government information and archives
Housing and community development funding
Infrastructure development
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Public-private cooperation
Regional and metropolitan planning

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: 

American Broadband Buildout Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide matching grants to help states improve broadband infrastructure.
 
The bill requires the FCC to distribute matching grants for state-led, public-private partnership projects connecting areas where internet service is not available above a certain speed to broadband infrastructure. As part of these projects, the bill also requires the FCC to award grants for digital literacy programs and public service campaigns designed to increase adoption of broadband internet access and service. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S864-865)
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-437
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Introduced: 2021-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Afghanistan
Africa
Air quality
Asia
Congressional oversight
Disability assistance
Djibouti
Egypt
Environmental health
Fires
Government information and archives
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Iraq
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Middle East
Military operations and strategy
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Solid waste and recycling
Syria
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation
Yemen

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: 

Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to concede, for the purposes of health care benefits and wartime disability compensation, that a veteran was exposed to certain toxic substances, chemicals, and hazards from burn pits if such veteran served on active duty in a covered location during a specified time frame (unless there is affirmative evidence to establish that the veteran was not exposed during such service). A burn pit is an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment.
 
Specifically, the bill covers the following locations and corresponding time periods:
 
 
Iraq between August 2, 1990, and February 28, 1991, as well as from March 19, 2003, until burn pits are no longer used in this location;
 
 Southwest Asia (including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar) from August 2, 1990, until burn pits are no longer used in these locations; and
 
Afghanistan, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen, and Djibouti from September 11, 2001, until burn pits are no longer used in these locations.
 
 
Under the bill, if an exposed veteran submits insufficient evidence to establish a service-connection for purposes of disability compensation, the VA shall provide a medical examination and request a medical opinion regarding a causal link between the disability and a toxin, chemical, or hazard.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-28
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-438
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2021-02-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Department of Health and Human Services
Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
User charges and fees

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: 

Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2021 

 
This bill exempts traditional large and premium cigars from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation and FDA-assessed user fees.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-02-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Coronavirus Medicaid Response Act

Bill: 117-s-439
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: American Samoa
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Caribbean area
Child health
Economic performance and conditions
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Guam
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Intergovernmental relations
Medicaid
Northern Mariana Islands
Puerto Rico
State and local finance
U.S. territories and protectorates
Unemployment
Virgin Islands

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Coronavirus Medicaid Response Act

 
This bill increases the Medicaid federal matching rate, also known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), for states and U.S. territories that experience economic downturns (i.e., high unemployment) beginning on or after January 1, 2020, in accordance with specified requirements and limitations. The bill's increase is in addition to previously enacted FMAP increases relating to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) but may not result in an FMAP greater than 95%. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Continued Funding for Senior Services During COVID–19 Act

Bill: 117-s-440
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Social Welfare
Subjects: Aging
Appropriations
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Department of Health and Human Services
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive agency funding and structure
Family services
Food assistance and relief
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Health technology, devices, supplies
Home and outpatient care
Immunology and vaccination
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Lawyers and legal services
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
Nutrition and diet
Telephone and wireless communication

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Continued Funding for Senior Services During COVID-19 Act

 
This bill provides additional funding for FY2021 to the Administration for Community Living for social services and programs for individuals aged 60 years or older, including to mitigate and prevent COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
 
With respect to the additional funding, the bill waives matching requirements that typically apply to funding for these services and programs.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
STURDY Act

Bill: 117-s-441
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Child safety and welfare
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Product safety and quality

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Stop Tip-overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth Act or the STURDY Act

This bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to revise the safety standards for freestanding clothing storage units such as dressers, bureaus, or chests of drawers. Such standards must include specified testing related to tip overs and new warning requirements for all such products entering the U.S. market. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate