hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Genetically Engineered Salmon Labeling Act

Bill: 117-s-1940
Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Fishes
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Genetics
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Marketing and advertising
Seafood

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

Genetically Engineered Salmon Labeling Act

 
This bill requires the market name of genetically engineered (commonly called 
genetically modified
 or 
GMO
) salmon to include 
Genetically Engineered
 or 
GE
 in front of the existing market name.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Increasing Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1943
Sponsor: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Medicare
Musculoskeletal and skin diseases
Photography and imaging
Radiation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

Increasing Access to Osteoporosis Testing for Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2021

 
This bill specifies that certain Medicare payment rules applicable to imaging services shall apply to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry services used in bone mass scans beginning in 2022.
 
The bill also establishes national minimum payment amounts for such services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3900)
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Vet Center Improvement Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1944
Sponsor: Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Accounting and auditing
Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Employee hiring
Executive agency funding and structure
Food assistance and relief
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Health care coverage and access
Health care quality
Health promotion and preventive care
Health technology, devices, supplies
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Mental health
Nutrition and diet
Performance measurement
Poverty and welfare assistance
Rural conditions and development
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

Vet Center Improvement Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to evaluate productivity expectations for readjustment counselors of Vet Centers, including by obtaining feedback from counselors that must be audited annually for five years by the Government Accountability Office.
 
The VA must also (1) develop and implement a staffing model for Vet Centers, (2) standardize descriptions of position responsibilities at Vet Centers, and (3) award grants to address food insecurity among veterans and family members of veterans who receive services through Vet Centers or other VA facilities. 


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: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3900-3901)
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act

Bill: 117-s-1945
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Air quality
Building construction
Community life and organization
Congressional oversight
Disability and paralysis
Education of the disadvantaged
Educational facilities and institutions
Educational technology and distance education
Energy efficiency and conservation
Government lending and loan guarantees
Government studies and investigations
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Higher education
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Minority and disadvantaged businesses
Minority education
Natural disasters
Public contracts and procurement
Small business
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Water quality
Water use and supply
Women in business

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

Institutional Grants for New Infrastructure, Technology, and Education for HBCU Excellence Act or the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act

 
This bill establishes a grant program to support long-term improvements of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and graduate programs at HBCUs.
 
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to HBCUs to improve campus facilities. A recipient must use grant funds for certain activities, such as constructing or renovating facilities, carrying out major repairs, and strengthening the safety and security of a campus. Any new construction, modernization, or renovation projects must meet building code and energy and water conservation requirements.
 
Further, HBCUs must seek to procure contracts from certain small businesses, including those owned and controlled by veterans and service-disabled veterans.
 
The bill prohibits the use of grant funds for specified activities, including for the payment of routine and predictable maintenance costs, minor repairs, and utility bills.
 
The Government Accountability Office must study the implementation of the grant program.
 
The bill also requires ED to repay the outstanding balance of principal, interest, fees, and costs and any related reimbursements for certain capital financing loans.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act

Bill: 117-s-1946
Sponsor: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Debt collection
Disaster relief and insurance
Residential rehabilitation and home repair

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

Preventing Disaster Revictimization Act

 
This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to waive certain debts owed to the United States related to disaster assistance provided to an individual or household.
 
Specifically, FEMA must waive a debt owed to the United States related to disaster assistance provided to an individual or household if such assistance (1) was distributed based on an error by FEMA and such debt is construed as a hardship, and (2) is subject to a claim or legal action.
 
FEMA must report to Congress on (1) actions that it will take to reduce the error rate, and (2) the internal processes used to make decisions regarding the distribution of federal disaster assistance to individuals and households and any changes made to such processes.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Visit America Act

Bill: 117-s-1947
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Advisory bodies
Aviation and airports
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits
Congressional oversight
Department of Commerce
Disaster relief and insurance
Economic performance and conditions
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal officials
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Historical and cultural resources
Immigration status and procedures
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Labor market
Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Natural disasters
Professional sports
Public-private cooperation
Rural conditions and development
Travel and tourism
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

Visit America Act

 
This bill implements measures to support the U.S. travel and tourism industry and to address the declining percentage of international visitors to the United States.
 
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Commerce to develop a 10-year travel and tourism strategy with annual goals for the number of international visitors to the United States and for travel exports.
 
 The bill also establishes the role of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Travel and Tourism, whose responsibilities shall include (1) setting an annual goal for the number of international visitors to the United States, (2) providing support for improved visitor visa processing, and (3) promoting travel exports abroad.
 
Further, the assistant secretary must develop and implement a COVID-19 pandemic recovery strategy to assist the recovery of the U.S. travel and tourism industry from travel restrictions necessitated by the pandemic.
 
The bill also provides statutory authority for the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, which shall aid the assistant secretary in developing and implementing the COVID-19 pandemic recovery strategy.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish the Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team grant program, and for other purposes.

Bill: 117-s-1948
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Child care and development
Child health
Child safety and welfare
Health care coverage and access
Health programs administration and funding
Law enforcement administration and funding
Mental health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 
This bill requires the Department of Justice, in coordination with the Department of Health and Human Services, to award grants for states, tribal nations, localities, and community-based organizations to establish response teams to address adverse childhood experiences associated with exposure to trauma.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Border Response Resilience Act

Bill: 117-s-1949
Sponsor: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Border security and unlawful immigration
Congressional oversight
Department of Homeland Security
Detention of persons
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive agency funding and structure
Family relationships
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Human trafficking
Immigrant health and welfare
Immigration status and procedures
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Latin America
Mental health
Mexico
Natural disasters
Performance measurement
Refugees, asylum, displaced persons

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

Border Response Resilience Act 

 
This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop a plan for responding to irregular increases in migration at the border that present risks to border security. 
 
The plan shall include various elements including (1) a list of each agency, component, and office involved; (2) a process for quickly expanding capacity to temporarily process and hold individuals; and (3) a strategy for coordinating with local governments and other entities when DHS releases detained individuals.
 
DHS must also identify metric thresholds for determining when to activate the plan and must activate the plan when such thresholds are satisfied. 
 
Furthermore, DHS must notify Congress no later than 14 days after activating the plan.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Iran Sanctions Preservation Act

Bill: 117-s-1950
Sponsor: Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Foreign and international banking
Foreign property
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Gaza Strip
Human rights
International law and treaties
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Iran
Iraq
Latin America
Lebanon
Middle East
News media and reporting
Nuclear weapons
Oil and gas
Protest and dissent
Religion
Sanctions
Syria
Terrorism
Trade restrictions
Venezuela
War and emergency powers
Women's rights
Yemen

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

Iran Sanctions Preservation Act

 
This bill restricts the authority of the President to waive U.S. sanctions on Iran.
 
Specifically, the bill repeals the President's authority to waive sanctions on the purchase of Iranian petroleum or petroleum products or license otherwise sanctionable conduct concerning such purchases.
 
Furthermore, the President may not remove any Iranian person (including a financial institution) from a list of persons, organizations, and entities that have U.S. sanctions levied against them without certifying to Congress that the person has not engaged in particular conduct, such as supporting terrorism or Iran's nuclear weapons program. In addition, the bill prohibits the removal of the Central Bank of Iran from this list unless there is a Senate-approved treaty between the United States and Iran that addresses Iran's nuclear proliferation, ballistic missile program, and support for terrorism.
 
The President must also maintain Iran's designation as a jurisdiction of money laundering concern until certifying to Congress that Iran is not engaged in illicit financial activities, nuclear proliferation activities, or ballistic missile development.
 
The provisions of this bill terminate on the date the Senate approves a treaty between the United States and Iran that addresses Iran's nuclear proliferation, ballistic missile program, and support for terrorism.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Alaska Native Vietnam Veteran Land Allotment Fulfillment Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1951
Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Native Americans
Subjects: Alaska
Alaska Natives and Hawaiians
Conflicts and wars
Indian claims
Indian lands and resources rights
Land transfers
Veterans' organizations and recognition
Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

Alaska Native Vietnam Veteran Land Allotment Fulfillment Act of 2021

 
This bill makes additional federal land available for selection under the Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Program. The program makes Alaska Native veterans who served in the Armed Forces in Vietnam between August 5, 1964, and December 31, 1971, or their heirs eligible to receive up to 160 acres of federal land in Alaska.
 
 Specifically, the bill makes federal lands within units of the National Wildlife Refuge System in Alaska that were identified by the Department of the Interior in a November 2020 report as immediately available for allotment selection under the program. Interior identified over 3.6 million acres of land that should be made available for allotment selection by these veterans.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1952
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Advisory bodies
Census and government statistics
Congressional oversight
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Emergency planning and evacuation
Evidence and witnesses
Executive agency funding and structure
Firearms and explosives
Fires
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Intergovernmental relations
Natural disasters
State and local government operations
Terrorism
Trade secrets and economic espionage
Violent crime

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

Disaster Learning and Life Saving Act of 2021

 
This bill establishes within the executive branch a National Disaster Safety Board to study the underlying causes of disaster-related fatalities and property damage nationwide and make policy recommendations, and authorizes appropriations for the board through FY2025.
 
Specifically, the board shall review and establish the facts, circumstances, and cause or probable cause of the loss of life, human injury, and economic injury due to a natural hazard with 10 or more fatalities.
 
The board shall
 
 
 initiate a review of an incident by monitoring the situation and assessing available facts to determine the appropriate review response without interfering in any ongoing lifesaving and life sustaining efforts underway by other entities;
 
 disseminate best practices to develop disaster investigation and review capacity within state, tribal, and local governments; and
 
 establish an office to review and make recommendations to mitigate and prevent the loss of life, or human or economic injury, for vulnerable populations.
 
 
The Government Accountability Office shall audit the programs and expenditures of the board at least once every two years.
 
The bill defines 
natural hazard
 to mean a major disaster that is naturally occurring, to include any naturally occurring heat wave, storms, or wildfires, and to exclude a technological disaster.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1953
Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Accidents
Advanced technology and technological innovations
Advisory bodies
Appalachian Regional Commission
Atmospheric science and weather
Aviation and airports
Congressional oversight
Disaster relief and insurance
Economic development
Economic performance and conditions
Emergency planning and evacuation
Energy research
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Floods and storm protection
Government information and archives
Government lending and loan guarantees
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Horticulture and plants
Indian lands and resources rights
Infrastructure development
Insects
Kentucky
Lighting, heating, cooling
Materials
Motor carriers
Motor vehicles
Natural disasters
Oil and gas
Oklahoma
Pedestrians and bicycling
Public transit
Public-private cooperation
Regional and metropolitan planning
Roads and highways
Rural conditions and development
State and local government operations
Terrorism
Transportation costs
Transportation programs funding
Transportation safety and security
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021

 
This bill reauthorizes through FY2026, revises, and establishes multiple transportation programs and activities, including those supported by the Highway Trust Fund.
 
This includes
 
 
incorporating data-driven practices and other changes to transportation planning activities;
 
modifying requirements concerning contracting methods, compliance with federal environmental laws, and additional aspects of delivering and improving processes related to transportation projects;
 
mitigating climate change through, among other efforts, programs to reduce emissions and supporting alternative fueling infrastructure; and
 
addressing transportation safety, new transportation technologies and systems, storm water management, cybersecurity, active transportation, and other miscellaneous matters.
 
 
In addition, the bill modifies eligibility criteria and other elements of a program that provides loans and other types of credit for surface transportation projects of regional and national significance.
 
Further, the bill makes changes to research and related activities carried out by the Department of Transportation (DOT). For example, DOT must carry out and support research on (1) user-based alternative revenue mechanisms to support the Highway Trust Fund, (2) automated vehicles and other new technologies, and (3) development of data sets to measure performance and other aspects of transportation programs.
 
The bill also authorizes through FY2026 funding for the Department of the Interior for road maintenance and otherwise addresses transportation programs for Indian tribes.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Reauthorization Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1954
Sponsor: Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]
Introduced: 2021-05-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Historic sites and heritage areas
Massachusetts
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Rhode Island

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: 

John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Reauthorization Act of 2021

 
This bill reauthorizes through FY2036 the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-10-06
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3901)
action_date: 2021-05-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1955
Sponsor: Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
Introduced: 2021-05-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Social Welfare
Subjects: Aging
Child care and development
Disability and paralysis
Family relationships
Health
Social security and elderly assistance
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2021-05-28
text: 

Social Security Caregiver Credit Act of 2021

 
This bill credits certain individuals who provide at least 80 hours of care per month to dependent relatives without monetary compensation with up to five years of deemed wages (determined by a specified formula) for purposes of determining their Social Security benefit amounts. However, if an individual is otherwise entitled to a larger benefit amount, this provision shall not apply.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-05-28
text: Introduced in Senate