hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the depreciation rules for property used predominantly within an Indian reservation.

Bill: 117-s-1149
Sponsor: Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business investment and capital
Income tax deductions
Indian social and development programs
Minority and disadvantaged businesses

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 
This bill modifies the requirements for calculating taxable income to make permanent the special depreciation rules for property used predominantly within an Indian reservation. (Under current law, the rules expired after 2021.) 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Expanding the Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program

Bill: 117-s-1150
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Air quality
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental technology
Government studies and investigations
International organizations and cooperation
Marine and inland water transportation
Transportation programs funding

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Expanding the Maritime Environmental and Technical Assistance Program

 
This bill authorizes appropriations to support the maritime environmental and technical assistance program of the U.S. Maritime Administration, including activities related to technologies that support port and vessel air emissions reductions and to support zero emissions technologies.
 
Additionally, activities shall be used to inform the policy decisions of the United States related to domestic regulations and to the United States position on matters before the International Maritime Organization.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Palomares Veterans Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1151
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Accidents
Aviation and airports
Cancer
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Digestive and metabolic diseases
Disability assistance
Europe
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Military operations and strategy
Neurological disorders
Nuclear weapons
Radiation
Spain
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Palomares Veterans Act of 2021

 
This bill includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of radioactive materials at Palomares, Spain, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the Department of Veterans Affairs presumption of service-connection for specified cancers. 
 
Under a presumption of service-connection, specific disabilities diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
ELEVATE Act

Bill: 117-s-1152
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Caribbean area
Education programs funding
Elementary and secondary education
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Puerto Rico
U.S. territories and protectorates

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Ensuring Linguistic Excellence and Vocational Aptitude by Teaching English Act or the ELEVATE Act

 
This bill allows elementary and secondary school students who have migrated from Puerto Rico to the states to be fully considered as English learners for annual state allotments under the English Language Acquisition grant program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Head Start Improvement Act

Bill: 117-s-1153
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Education of the disadvantaged
Education programs funding
Government studies and investigations
Preschool education

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Head Start Improvement Act

 
This bill replaces the existing Head Start program with block grants to states and Indian tribes for prekindergarten (pre-K) education. 
 
Instead of providing direct financial assistance to Head Start agencies, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shall allot block grant funds for pre-K education among eligible states and tribes in accordance with their relative proportions of children, age three, four, or five, from low-income households. Grant recipients shall use the grant funds to (1) award subgrants to eligible entities that provide pre-K education programs; (2) administer such programs; and (3) provide technical assistance, oversight, monitoring, research, and training.
 
Under current law, HHS is authorized to designate, monitor, and establish standards for Head Start agencies. The bill instead shifts pre-K program oversight and control to states and tribes.
 
In addition, to the extent permitted under state law, grant recipients may use grant funds to establish (1) portable voucher systems that allow costs to be paid for attendance at private pre-K education programs; and (2) an education savings account that allows a parent of a low-income child to use a portion of the grant funds, or other available public or private funds added to the account, for expenses related to pre-K education.
 
Under current law, federal financial assistance for a Head Start program is generally limited to 80% of total program costs. The bill maintains this limitation by requiring grant recipients to provide matching funds equal to 20% of the grant amount. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1154
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Hunting and fishing
Sales and excise taxes

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act of 2021

 
This bill reduces from 10% to 3% the excise tax rate that applies to the sale of portable, electronically-aerated bait containers by the manufacturer, producer, or importer. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1155
Sponsor: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Assault and harassment offenses
Child safety and welfare
Crime prevention
Crime victims
Crimes against property
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Criminal justice information and records
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Domestic violence and child abuse
Due process and equal protection
Firearms and explosives
Judges
Judicial procedure and administration
Law enforcement administration and funding
Law enforcement officers
Lawyers and legal services
Licensing and registrations
Mental health
Retail and wholesale trades
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Virginia Plan to Reduce Gun Violence Act of 2021

 
This bill makes various changes to federal firearms laws, including to expand background checks, limit handgun purchases, and extend firearms-related restrictions to new categories of persons. The bill also establishes a grant program to support the implementation of extreme risk protection order laws. 
 
Among its provisions, the bill
 
 
establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals); 
 
generally prohibits an unlicensed person from purchasing more than one handgun in a 30-day period; 
 
establishes a grant program to help states and Indian tribes implement extreme risk protection order laws (i.e., red flag laws); 
 
generally requires gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement within 48 hours of discovery; 
 
makes it unlawful to recklessly leave a loaded and unsecured firearm in a manner that endangers a minor who is under 14 years of age; and 
 
extends firearms-related restrictions on the receipt, possession, shipment, or transportation of firearms and ammunition to persons convicted of a misdemeanor crime of stalking and persons who are subject to an extreme risk protection order. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1985)
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1156
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Adoption and foster care
Income tax credits

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act of 2021

 
This bill makes the tax credit for adoption expenses refundable. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Tax Fairness for Workers Act

Bill: 117-s-1157
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business expenses
Income tax deductions
Labor-management relations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Tax Fairness for Workers Act 

 
This bill allows an above-the-line tax deduction for union dues and expenses. (An above-the-line deduction is subtracted from gross income and is available whether or not a taxpayer itemizes other deductions.) 
 
The bill also reinstates the miscellaneous itemized tax deduction for unreimbursed expenses attributable to the performance of services as an employee (Under current law, all miscellaneous itemized deductions are suspended through 2025).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act

Bill: 117-s-1158
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Adoption and foster care
Aviation and airports
Child care and development
Congressional agencies
Congressional officers and employees
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Transportation
Department of Veterans Affairs
District of Columbia
Employee benefits and pensions
Employee leave
Executive Office of the President
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Lawyers and legal services
Library of Congress
Military personnel and dependents
National Guard and reserves
Postal Regulatory Commission
State and local government operations
Transportation employees
Transportation safety and security
U.S. Postal Service

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act

 
This bill provides paid family and medical leave to federal employees. 
 
Currently, federal employees are entitled to 12 weeks of administrative leave for one or more of the following reasons: (1) the birth of a child, (2) the adoption or foster care of a child, (3) the care of an immediate family member with a serious health condition, (4) inability to work due to a serious health condition, and (5) exigencies relating to an immediate family member's active duty service in the Armed Forces. However, of these reasons, employees are entitled to paid administrative leave only in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care of a child (i.e., parental leave).
 
The bill provides 12 weeks of paid administrative leave for any of these reasons, and specifies that this leave is in addition to any annual or sick leave to which employees are entitled.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to enhance the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to share information with respect to merchandise suspected of violating intellectual property rights with rights holders and other interested parties.

Bill: 117-s-1159
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Customs enforcement
Intellectual property

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 
This bill authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to request assistance from any appropriate party with an interest in imported merchandise when determining whether the merchandise is imported in violation of certain trademark and copyright laws. To permit the party to conduct examination and testing, CBP must provide them with specified information that appears on the merchandise, including its packaging and packing materials (including labels).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Quantum Network Infrastructure and Workforce Development Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1161
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Computer security and identity theft
Computers and information technology
Congressional oversight
Elementary and secondary education
Energy research
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Indian social and development programs
Minority education
Rural conditions and development
Science and engineering education
Teaching, teachers, curricula
Technology assessment

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Quantum Network Infrastructure and Workforce Development Act of 2021

 
This bill supports research in quantum networking and communications.
 
The Quantum Networking Working Group within the Subcommittee on Quantum Information Science of the National Science and Technology Council shall submit to Congress a report that has a plan for the advancement of quantum networking and communications technology in the United States.
 
The National Institute of Standards and Technology shall carry out research to facilitate the development and standardization of quantum networking and communications technologies and applications.
 
The Department of Energy shall supplement the Energy Sciences Network User Facility with dedicated quantum network infrastructure to advance development of quantum networking and communications technology. 
 
The National Science Foundation (NSF) shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study ways of supporting the next generation of quantum leaders.
 
The NSF shall prioritize the better integration of quantum information science and engineering into the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum for each grade level from kindergarten through grade 12.
 
The NSF shall carry out the Next Generation Quantum Leaders Pilot Program to provide funding for the education and training of the next generation of students in the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text: CR S1985-1987)
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
PACE Plus Act

Bill: 117-s-1162
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Aging
Appropriations
Congressional oversight
Department of Health and Human Services
Executive agency funding and structure
Health care coverage and access
Health programs administration and funding
Intergovernmental relations
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
Medicaid
Medicare
Nursing
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
State and local finance
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly Plus Act or the PACE Plus Act

 
This bill modifies requirements and establishes programs regarding Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). PACE is a program under Medicare and Medicaid that provides in-home and community services for certain individuals as an alternative to nursing home care. 
 
The bill allows Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in a PACE program at any time and provides states with the option to allow Medicaid beneficiaries to do the same. Entities may also apply to become PACE providers at any time, upon specified assurances relating to staffing and other requirements. States that provide Medicaid coverage of long-term care may also choose to expand PACE eligibility for Medicaid beneficiaries who are unable to perform at least two activities of daily living and who meet other specified criteria.
 
Additionally, the bill establishes and provides funds for grant programs for (1) public or nonprofit PACE providers in rural or underserved urban areas for planning, administrative, capital, and other expenses that are necessary for site development; and (2) states that do not have PACE providers for expenses deemed necessary for program establishment. The bill also allows the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a model for expanded PACE eligibility that targets high-need and high-cost populations. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
AFGHAN Service Act

Bill: 117-s-1163
Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Afghanistan
Asia
Conflicts and wars
Congressional oversight
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Military operations and strategy
Military personnel and dependents
Political parties and affiliation
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Terrorism
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

American Forces Going Home After Noble Service Act or the AFGHAN Service Act

 
This bill repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force enacted in response to the September 11, 2001, attacks. It also directs the Department of Defense to report to Congress a plan for (1) the orderly withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, and (2) political reconciliation and elections in Afghanistan independent of U.S. involvement.
 
All members of the U.S. Armed Forces deployed in support of the Global War on Terror shall receive a $2,500 bonus. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Global Hostage Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-1164
Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Foreign property
Human rights
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Sanctions
Terrorism
Visas and passports
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Global Hostage Act of 2021

 
This bill directs the President to impose visa- and property-blocking sanctions on foreign individuals or entities that knowingly participate in or are complicit in politically motivated harassment, abuse, arrest, or imprisonment of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. These sanctions shall also apply to those that materially assist or support such actions and those that provide significant support to an individual or entity sanctioned under this bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
CORPS Act

Bill: 117-s-1165
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Appropriations
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Community life and organization
Congressional oversight
Corporation for National and Community Service
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive agency funding and structure
Higher education
Income tax exclusion
Infectious and parasitic diseases
National and community service
Poverty and welfare assistance
Rural conditions and development
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
State and local government operations
Student aid and college costs
Wages and earnings
Youth employment and child labor

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Cultivating Opportunity and Recovery from the Pandemic through Service Act or the CORPS Act

 
This bill expands and modifies the administration of national service programs, including the National Senior Corps, to address the COVID-19 pandemic and its recovery period (i.e., through FY2024).
 
The bill also (1) revises certain living allowances of particular national service corps participants; (2) expands the Senior Service Corps; (3) establishes a COVID-19 educational award; (4) implements a pilot program under which state commissions may directly place individuals in approved national service positions; and (5) excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any living allowance provided to national public service participants and any national service educational award.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
ALIGN Act

Bill: 117-s-1166
Sponsor: Sen. Toomey, Patrick [R-PA]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business expenses
Business investment and capital
Income tax deductions

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now Act or the ALIGN Act

 
This bill makes permanent the expensing of certain new business equipment. 
Expensing
 allows the deduction of the full amount of an expense item in the same taxable year. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to provide clarification regarding the common or usual name for bison and compliance with section 403 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and for other purposes.

Bill: 117-s-1168
Sponsor: Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Consumer affairs
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Meat

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 
This bill prohibits the sale of food that contains water buffalo and is labeled as 
buffalo
 unless the specific term used in the labeling is 
water buffalo
.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in Senate