hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
One Agency Act

Bill: 117-hr-2926
Sponsor: Rep. Johnson, Mike [R-LA-4]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Competition and antitrust
Consumer affairs
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Department of Justice
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government studies and investigations
Licensing and registrations
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

One Agency Act

 
This bill consolidates antitrust enforcement authority in one agency by transferring all Federal Trade Commission (FTC) antitrust functions, employees, assets, and funding to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The bill also transfers to DOJ the responsibility for reviewing specified communications transactions that is currently the duty of the Federal Communications Commission.
 
The bill does not remove the authority of the FTC to police certain unfair and deceptive acts and practices.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-11-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial, and Administrative Law.
action_date: 2021-05-03
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
SAVE Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2927
Sponsor: Rep. Kind, Ron [D-WI-3]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Employee benefits and pensions
Income tax deferral
Sales and excise taxes
Securities
Small business
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

Savings for All Vocations Enhancement Act of 2021 or the SAVE Act of 2021

 
This bill modifies provisions relating to tax-exempt retirement plans. It (1) allows employers who establish a tax-exempt 403(b) pension plan to participate in a multiple employer plan, (2) allows employers who join an existing pension plan to take the tax credit for small employer pension plans start-up costs, (3) makes certain findings relating to S corporation employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), (4) reduces the excise tax on certain accumulations in tax-exempt retirement plans and on failures to take required minimum plan distributions, and (5) sets forth a statute of limitations rule for purposes of the excise tax on excess plan contributions and accumulations in connection with an individual retirement plan.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, 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: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, 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: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
Virtual Peer Support Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2929
Sponsor: Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Appropriations
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Community life and organization
Congressional oversight
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Health care coverage and access
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health technology, devices, supplies
Indian social and development programs
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Mental health
Minority health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

Virtual Peer Support Act of 2021

 
This bill appropriates funding for grants to transition behavioral health peer support services that are provided at no cost to participants from in-person to virtual platforms or to otherwise expand these kinds of virtual services.
 
Specifically, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration must award competitive grants to certain consumer-controlled or consumer-run organizations and tribal communities. Among other eligibility requirements for these grants, entities must have offered certain behavioral health services at no cost to participants before the declaration of the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) public health emergency.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-03
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
Veterans CARE Act

Bill: 117-hr-2932
Sponsor: Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-2]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Alternative treatments
Congressional oversight
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Health information and medical records
Medical research
Mental health
Neurological disorders
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

Veterans Cannabis Analysis, Research, and Effectiveness Act or the Veterans CARE Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct and support research on the efficacy and safety of certain forms of cannabis and cannabis delivery for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system and diagnosed with conditions such as chronic pain or post-traumatic stress disorder.
 
Collected data shall be preserved in a manner that facilitates further research.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the age for the beginning date for required minimum distributions.

Bill: 117-hr-2933
Sponsor: Rep. Murphy, Stephanie N. [D-FL-7]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Employee benefits and pensions
Income tax deferral

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 
This bill increases the age (currently, age 72) at which taxpayers are required to make minimum distributions from tax-exempt retirement plans. For taxpayers who attain age 72 after December 31, 2026, the age is increased to 73; for taxpayers who attain age 73 after December 31, 2032, the age is increased to 75.
 
 
 
 
 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
RAISE Act

Bill: 117-hr-2934
Sponsor: Rep. O'Halleran, Tom [D-AZ-1]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Blood and blood diseases
Digestive and metabolic diseases
Health care coverage and access
Medicare
Prescription drugs

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

Renal Anemia Innovation Support and Expansion Act or the RAISE Act

 
This bill allows coverage of prescription vitamin and mineral products under the Medicare prescription drug benefit if the products are administered orally and are used to treat iron deficiency anemia in individuals who have chronic kidney disease.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-03
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Social Security.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
VA Beneficiary Debt Collection Improvement Act

Bill: 117-hr-2935
Sponsor: Rep. Pappas, Chris [D-NH-1]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Administrative remedies
Computers and information technology
Congressional oversight
Debt collection
Department of Veterans Affairs
Government information and archives
Health information and medical records
Performance measurement
User charges and fees
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

VA Beneficiary Debt Collection Improvement Act

 
This bill addresses the administration of debt related to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and benefits.
 
Specifically, the bill prohibits an individual from incurring a debt to the United States that arises from participation in a VA benefits program and is attributable to the failure of the VA to process information according to its timeliness standards.
 
The VA must notify an individual if it has made an overpayment to the individual and include in the notice information on the right to dispute the overpayment or request a waiver of indebtedness. The VA is prohibited from taking action regarding an overpayment until 90 days after the notice is issued, except in specified circumstances.
 
The VA is prohibited from charging interest or administrative costs for debts related to its disability compensation program, pension program, or educational assistance program.
 
The bill extends from 180 days to one year the deadline by which an individual may request a waiver for relief from paying a debt related to VA benefits.
 
Additionally, the VA is prohibited from seeking to recover a debt if it determines the cost to the VA to recover the debt would exceed the amount of the debt itself.
 
The VA must establish an administrative process for the dispute of a debt's existence or the amount of the debt. The VA is prohibited from deducting from an individual's VA benefits to offset a debt if the amount of the debt is being disputed.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-05-04
text: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 22 - 6.
action_date: 2021-05-04
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2021-05-04
text: Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Discharged.
action_date: 2021-05-03
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
Protecting America’s First Responders Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2936
Sponsor: Rep. Pascrell, Bill, Jr. [D-NJ-9]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Department of Justice
Disability and paralysis
Disability assistance
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employee benefits and pensions
Fires
First responders and emergency personnel
Health personnel
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Law enforcement officers
Neurological disorders
New York City
Terrorism
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

Protecting America's First Responders Act of 2021

 
This bill makes changes to the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program. The PSOB program provides death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers and survivors of public safety officers who are killed in the line of duty or permanently disabled as a result of catastrophic injuries sustained in the line of duty. 
 
Among the changes, the bill
 
 
expands the public safety officers eligible for coverage under the PSOB program to include firefighters whose primary duty during an emergency response is to secure the scene or manage traffic and cadets or trainees in candidate-officer training; 
 
extends coverage under the PSOB program to certain public safety officers responding outside their jurisdiction; 
 
increases the interim benefit amount payable on a claim for death benefits and requires the interim amount to be adjusted annually for inflation; 
 
increases the benefit amount payable on a death or disability claim that has been pending for more than 365 days on the date of the final determination; 
 
allows the Department of Justice (DOJ) to use investigative tools, including subpoenas, to expedite the processing of claims and obtain information or documentation from third parties (e.g., public agencies); 
 
specifies that an injury resulting from a neurocognitive disorder qualifies as a 
catastrophic injury
 for the purposes of disability benefits; 
 
requires (currently, authorizes) DOJ to provide retroactive education benefits to qualifying children and spouses; 
 
specifies that hearing officers appointed to review claims are special government employees (i.e., employees who perform temporary duties for a limited period of time) and are authorized to conduct examinations; and 
 
allows responders to the World Trade Center or their surviving family members to file claims for death or disability benefits in certain circumstances.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-11-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
Rail Passenger Fairness Act

Bill: 117-hr-2937
Sponsor: Rep. Payne, Donald M., Jr. [D-NJ-10]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
Railroads

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

Rail Passenger Fairness Act

 
This bill authorizes the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) to bring a civil action in a U. S. District Court to enforce its preference rights over freight transportation in using a rail line, junction, or crossing.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-11-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet.
action_date: 2021-05-03
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, 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: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
Putting Americans First Act

Bill: 117-hr-2938
Sponsor: Rep. Perry, Scott [R-PA-10]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Iran
Middle East
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Sanctions

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

Putting Americans First Act

 
This bill prohibits the termination of U.S. sanctions against Iran unless and until the President certifies that all U.S. citizens imprisoned in Iran have been released into U.S. custody.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
No Meddling in American Elections Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2939
Sponsor: Rep. Posey, Bill [R-FL-8]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Espionage and treason
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government information and archives

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

No Meddling in American Elections Act of 2021

 
This bill establishes a new criminal offense involving the public disclosure of false information by a federal officer or employee. 
 
Specifically, the bill prohibits the public disclosure of false information by a federal officer or employee (1) in any manner prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United States or for the benefit of any foreign government to the detriment of the United States, except with the approval of the President; or (2) for the purpose of influencing a federal election.
 
A violation is punishable by a statutory maximum prison term of 10 years. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-11-09
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act

Bill: 117-hr-2940
Sponsor: Rep. Price, David E. [D-NC-4]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Area studies and international education
Business education
Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits
Education programs funding
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Higher education
Minority education
Policy sciences

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act

 
This bill reauthorizes through FY2027 and otherwise revises international education programs. These programs provide grants to institutions of higher education and related entities to (1) enhance instruction in international and foreign language studies, and (2) promote international business skills and education. 
 
First, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international and foreign language studies. Specifically, it extends (1) the Graduate and Undergraduate Language and Area Centers and Programs, which include the National Resource Centers program; (2) the Language Resource Centers; (3) the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Programs; and (4) the American Overseas Research Centers.
 
Next, the bill revises the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships program to permit graduate students to receive a stipend for the beginning, intermediate, or advanced study of a foreign language related to the student's area of specialization.
 
Further, the bill replaces the existing Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign Information Access program with an international research and innovation program.
 
Additionally, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international business skills and education. Specifically, it reauthorizes the Centers for International Business Education program. It also reauthorizes the Education and Training program and otherwise makes changes to the program, including by (1) renaming the program; and (2) mandating certain program activities, such as the incorporation of specified programs and studies into professional education and technical training curricula.
 
Finally, the bill permits the Department of Education to prioritize grant applications from minority-serving institutions.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
Accessible Voting Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2941
Sponsor: Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5]
Introduced: 2021-04-30 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Age discrimination
Alaska Natives and Hawaiians
Computer security and identity theft
Disability and health-based discrimination
Election Assistance Commission
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal officials
Federal-Indian relations
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Homelessness and emergency shelter
Intergovernmental relations
State and local finance
State and local government operations
Voting rights

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: 

Accessible Voting Act of 

2021

 
This bill addresses voting accessibility for individuals with disabilities and older individuals. 
 
First, the bill establishes the Office of Accessibility within the Election Assistance Commission (EAC). The office must serve as the advocate on behalf of voters with access needs, ensure state and local election officials are maintaining voting systems that meet Department of Justice accessibility standards, and make payments to states to implement the accessibility requirements outlined by the bill.
 
In addition, the office must establish and operate a National Resource Center on Accessible Voting to provide state and local election officials, poll workers, and volunteers with the information and technical assistance needed to provide accessible voting. The office must also work with state and local election officials to collect data and administer a public national voter accessibility website.
 
The bill requires each state to (1) ensure election websites are accessible and meet specified requirements, (2) designate a single office to provide information on federal elections to individuals with disabilities and older individuals, (3) notify the public of changes to voting practices, (4) expand access to absentee registration procedures and no-excuse mail-in absentee voting in federal elections, and (5) ensure all polling places and voter drop boxes are accessible.
 
The EAC must coordinate with specified agencies to make grants to eligible entities to study, test, and develop accessible voting options.
 
The bill also permanently reauthorizes and expands a Department of Health and Human Services grant program for increasing accessibility to polling places.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-30
text: Introduced in House