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

Bill: 117-hr-2581
Sponsor: Rep. Herrell, Yvette [R-NM-2]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Advanced technology and technological innovations
Agricultural practices and innovations
Agricultural research
Air quality
Alternative and renewable resources
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Congressional oversight
Ecology
Economic development
Environmental technology
Fires
Forests, forestry, trees
Mining
Pollution liability
Research administration and funding
Research and development
Rural conditions and development
Technology transfer and commercialization
Watersheds

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Biochar Innovations and Opportunities for Conservation, Health, and Advancements in Research Act of 2021 or the BIOCHAR Act of 2021

 
This bill establishes two temporary programs to encourage research, development, and commercialization of biochar. This is carbonized biomass produced by converting plant matter through reductive thermal processing for nonfuel uses.
 
First, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) must fund biochar demonstration projects through state, tribal, or local governments; land-grant colleges or universities; or private, nonprofit, or cooperative entities. In selecting projects, the departments must prioritize, for example, projects that (1) have the greatest potential for carbon sequestration; and (2) create new jobs and economic benefits, particularly in rural areas. Projects may use funds for various activities, including developing commercially and technologically viable biochar production units and demonstrating cost-effective market opportunities for biochar and biochar-based products. At least 50% of the plant matter used in a project must come from forest thinning and management activities on National Forest System land. In addition, USDA and DOE must conduct research related to the biochar produced from the projects.
 
Second, USDA must establish a grant program for land-grant colleges and universities to conduct applied research on environmental and economic benefits of biochar.
 
For the duration of the two programs, USDA and DOE must periodically report to Congress about issues related to commercialization of biochar and the status of the programs. The programs terminate after 10 years.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-15
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
PRACTICAL Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2582
Sponsor: Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Business expenses
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Government lending and loan guarantees
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Small business
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

PPP Revenue Adjustment Calculation To Increase Capital Accessibility Long-term Act of 2021 or the PRACTICAL Act of 2021 

 
This bill modifies eligibility for second draw loans under the Paycheck Protection Program, established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
 
Specifically, the bill provides for a period of 90 consecutive days to determine whether a borrower experienced a loss in revenue from 2019 to 2020 that qualifies them for a second draw loan. Currently, this qualification period must align with a corresponding calendar quarter from the previous year.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
PPP Equity Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2583
Sponsor: Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-1]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Economic performance and conditions
Food industry and services
Government lending and loan guarantees
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

PPP Equity Act of 2021

 
This bill allows farmers, ranchers, and sole proprietors to retroactively recalculate their loans under the Paycheck Protection Program, established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019), based on gross income rather than net profits.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
Judiciary Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2584
Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [D-GA-4]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Judges
Judicial procedure and administration
Supreme Court

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Judiciary Act of 2021 

 
This bill increases from 9 to 13 the number of Justices on the Supreme Court. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-10-19
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
FIRE Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2585
Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Dusty [R-SD-At Large]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Environmental regulatory procedures
Fires
Forests, forestry, trees
Judicial review and appeals
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Forestry Improvements to Restore the Environment Act of 2021 or the FIRE Act of 2021

 
This bill provides for salvage activities after a wildfire is contained on certain National Forest System lands. 
 
No later than 60 days after a wildfire is contained on such lands (1) the Forest Service, to the maximum extent practicable, shall complete a survey of the lands that were impacted by such wildfire; and (2) the Department of Agriculture (USDA) shall convert the timber sales applicable to such lands that were impacted by such wildfire to salvage sales.
 
The bill designates a categorical exclusion for forest management activities where the primary purpose of the activity is for roadside salvage activities that allow for the removal of hazard trees that are within 200 feet of a roadway center line.
 
Activities carried out pursuant to this bill shall be subject to judicial review in the same manner as authorized hazardous fuels reduction projects. 
 
A court may not order a preliminary injunction enjoining the USDA from proceeding with timber sales authorized under this bill. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-15
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.
action_date: 2021-06-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
Fire Fighters and EMS Employer-Employee Cooperation Act

Bill: 117-hr-2586
Sponsor: Rep. Kildee, Daniel T. [D-MI-5]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Administrative remedies
Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
Civil actions and liability
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Federal Labor Relations Authority
Federal preemption
Fires
First responders and emergency personnel
Government Operations and Politics
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Health personnel
Labor-management relations
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Fire Fighters and EMS Employer-Employee Cooperation Act

 
This bill requires the Federal Labor Relations Authority to determine whether a state substantially provides fire and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel
 
 
the right to form and join a labor organization; 
 
recognition by fire and EMS employers of the employees' labor organization, agreement to bargain with the organization, and reduction of any agreements to writing in a contract or memorandum of understanding; 
 
the right to bargain over hours, wages, and terms and conditions of employment; and 
 
arbitration or other mechanisms to resolve an impasse in collective bargaining negotiations. 

 
The bill makes the authority responsible for (1) determining the appropriateness of units for labor representation; (2) supervising elections; (3) conducting hearings and resolving complaints of unfair labor practices; and (4) protecting the right of employees to form, join, or assist any labor organization, or to refrain from doing so. 
 
An employer, fire and EMS personnel, or labor organization may not engage in a lockout, sickout, work slowdown, strike, or any other organized job action that will measurably disrupt the delivery of emergency services and is designed to compel an employer, fire and EMS personnel, or labor organization to agree to the terms of a proposed contract.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
SERVE Act

Bill: 117-hr-2587
Sponsor: Rep. Lamb, Conor [D-PA-17]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Government information and archives
Health personnel
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Licensing and registrations
Military medicine
Military personnel and dependents
Personnel records
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Supporting Education Recognition for Veterans during Emergencies Act or the SERVE Act

 
This bill addresses opportunities for certain veterans with medical experience.
 
The bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its web portals to allow the identification of veterans who had a medical occupation as a member of the Armed Forces. Specifically, the bill authorizes veterans to elect to provide their contact information and a history of their medical experience and trained competencies.
 
The VA, the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Labor must establish a program to share the veteran's provided information with specified entities (e.g., state credentialing bodies) for purposes of facilitating civilian medical credentialing and hiring of veterans seeking to respond to a national emergency, including a public health emergency.
 
The VA must implement a program to train and certify veterans who served as basic health care technicians during their service to work as VA intermediate care technicians, specifically at VA medical center locations with staffing shortages. Additionally, the VA must prepare a communications campaign under the Transition Assistance Program to convey opportunities related to the intermediate care technician program to members of the Armed Forces who are separating from active duty.
 
Finally, the bill requires the VA and DOD to notify veterans service organizations and members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces about the opportunities for veterans provided under this bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-14
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2021-07-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act

Bill: 117-hr-2588
Sponsor: Rep. Lee, Barbara [D-CA-13]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Alternative treatments
Congressional oversight
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Government studies and investigations
Health care coverage and access
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act

 
This bill provides guidance related to veterans and medical marijuana that shall be effective for five years.
 
Specifically, the bill authorizes (1) a veteran to use, possess, or transport medical marijuana in accordance with applicable state or Native American tribal law; (2) a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) physician to discuss with a veteran the use of medical marijuana as a treatment if the physician is in a state or on tribal land that authorizes such treatment; or (3) a VA physician to recommend, complete forms for, or register veterans for participation in a medical marijuana treatment program in accordance with applicable state or tribal law.
 
The bill requires the VA to report on (1) the effects of medical marijuana on veterans in pain; and (2) the relationship between state-approved medical marijuana treatment programs, program access, and opioid use and abuse reduction.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-10-19
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
action_date: 2021-07-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2021-04-16
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
Family Medical Leave Modernization Act

Bill: 117-hr-2589
Sponsor: Rep. Maloney, Carolyn B. [D-NY-12]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Aging
Employee benefits and pensions
Employee leave
Family relationships
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Military personnel and dependents

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Family Medical Leave Modernization Act

 
This bill expands who is permitted to take qualifying family and medical leave and provides additional leave for parents and family caregivers.
 
The bill grants leave to private sector and federal employees to care for a domestic partner and any individual whose close association with such employees is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship, if (1) such individual has a serious health condition, or (2) there is a qualifying exigency due to such employees' active duty in the Armed Forces. 
 
The bill entitles an employee who is a domestic partner, next of kin of a member of the Armed Forces, or any individual whose close association is like a family relationship, regardless of biological or legal relationship, to take leave to care for the service member. 
 
The bill entitles private sector and federal employees to take additional leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's school or community organization activities, meet routine family medical care needs, or care for their elderly relatives.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Reform, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act

Bill: 117-hr-2590
Sponsor: Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Arab-Israeli relations
Child safety and welfare
Congressional oversight
Congressional-executive branch relations
Correctional facilities and imprisonment
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Family relationships
Foreign aid and international relief
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government studies and investigations
Human rights
International law and treaties
Israel
Lawyers and legal services
Middle East
Military assistance, sales, and agreements
Palestinians
Property rights
Refugees, asylum, displaced persons
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
West Bank

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act

 
This bill limits U.S. assistance to Israel and establishes reporting requirements related to Israel's activities in the West Bank and its expenditures for offshore procurement.
 
Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of any funds that are made available for assistance to Israel in support of (1) military detention, interrogation, abuse, or ill treatment of Palestinian children; (2) seizure, appropriation, or destruction of Palestinian property and forcible transfer of civilians in the West Bank; or (3) unilateral annexation by Israel of West Bank territory. The Department of State must report on the nature and extent of such activities carried out by Israel.
 
Further, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report identifying and analyzing Israel's expenditures for offshore procurement, including (1) specific programs and items to which funds for offshore procurement in Israel have been allocated, and (2) identifying all end-use monitoring to which Israel is subject with respect to U.S.-origin defense articles.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
DUMP Opioids Act

Bill: 117-hr-2591
Sponsor: Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-2]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Department of Veterans Affairs
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Health facilities and institutions
Prescription drugs
Solid waste and recycling
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

Dispose Unused Medications and Prescription Opioids Act or the DUMP Opioids Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure that each VA medical facility with an on-site pharmacy or a physical location dedicated for law enforcement purposes has a physical location where any individual may dispose of controlled substances medications.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
ELEVATE Act

Bill: 117-hr-2592
Sponsor: Rep. Murphy, Stephanie N. [D-FL-7]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
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: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
A Fast-Tracked Executive Rescission Review (AFTER) of Appropriations Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2593
Sponsor: Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5]
Introduced: 2021-04-15 in the House
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance
Subjects: Appropriations
Budget deficits and national debt
Budget process
Congressional-executive branch relations
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Income tax exclusion
Legislative rules and procedure
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: 

A Fast-Tracked Executive Rescission Review (AFTER) of Appropriations Act of 2021

 
 This bill establishes expedited legislative procedures for congressional consideration of proposals by the President to rescind funding, cancel a new item of direct spending, or cancel a limited tax benefit. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-15
text: Introduced in House