hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
MicroCap Small Business Investing Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-3842
Sponsor: Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Business investment and capital
Economic development
Financial services and investments
Government information and archives
Licensing and registrations
Manufacturing
Minority and disadvantaged businesses
Poverty and welfare assistance
Research and development
Rural conditions and development
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

MicroCap Small Business Investing Act of 2021

 
This bill authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to issue up to ten Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) licenses each year to certain applicants. An SBIC is a privately owned company, licensed and regulated by the SBA, which invests in small businesses through debt and equity.
 
A license issued under the bill must be awarded to an applicant
 
 
that would otherwise be issued a license except that the management of the applicant does not satisfy certain qualification requirements such as investment experience;
 
where the fund managers have a documented record of successful business experience, a record of business management success, or knowledge in the particular industry or business in which the investment strategy is being pursued; and
 
that will make at least 25% of its investments in specified areas and businesses (e.g., low-income communities, businesses owned or controlled by individuals in underserved communities, and rural areas). 
 
 
The SBA must prioritize applicants that are located in states with fewer licenses and establish a streamlined application process for those licenses.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
Fellowships and Traineeships for Early-Career AI Researchers Act

Bill: 117-hr-3844
Sponsor: Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-8]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

Fellowships and Traineeships for Early-Career AI Researchers Act

 
This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants and fellowships to support students and researchers in fields related to artificial intelligence.
 
Specifically, the NSF must award grants to institutions of higher education to establish traineeship programs for graduate students who pursue artificial intelligence-related research leading to a masters or doctorate degree. Among other things, an institution of higher education shall use such grant funds to (1) provide traineeships to students who are pursuing research in artificial intelligence leading to a masters or doctorate degree; and (2) establish scientific internship programs for students receiving traineeships in artificial intelligence at for-profit institutions, nonprofit research institutions, or government laboratories. 
 
The NSF shall award fellowships to masters and doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers at institutions of higher education who are pursuing degrees or research in artificial intelligence and related fields, including in the field of technology ethics.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
Parity for HUBZone Appeals Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-3845
Sponsor: Del. Radewagen, Aumua Amata Coleman [R-AS-At Large]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

Parity for HUBZone Appeals Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to authorize its Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) to decide all appeals from formal protest determinations in connection with the status of a HUBZone small business.
 
A HUBZone small business is a small business in a historically underutilized business zone. Currently, HUBZone status appeals are the responsibility of the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development. The bill would place HUBZone status appeals within the purview of the OHA alongside other SBA programs such as the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business program and the Women-Owned Small Business program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
NSF Technology Research Institutes Act

Bill: 117-hr-3846
Sponsor: Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

NSF Technology Research Institutes Act

 
This bill authorizes the National Science Foundation (NSF) to awards grants and cooperative agreements to institutions of higher education, or consortia thereof, for the planning, establishment, and support of Technology Research Institutes in key technology areas, as determined by the NSF. 
 
Funds awarded may be used by an institute to, among other things
 
 
conduct fundamental research to advance innovation in a key technology area; 
 
conduct research involving a key technology area to solve challenges with social, economic, health, scientific, and national security implications; and 
 
further the development, adoption, and commercialization of innovations in key technology areas. 
 
 
In making awards, the NSF shall ensure the focus areas of an institute do not substantially and unnecessarily duplicate the efforts of any other institute or any other similar effort at another federal agency.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
Securing America’s Land from Foreign Interference Act

Bill: 117-hr-3847
Sponsor: Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

Securing America's Land from Foreign Interference Act

 
This bill requires the President to take actions as necessary to prohibit members of the Chinese Communist Party from purchasing real estate located in the United States.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-04
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia and Nonproliferation.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
Critical Supply Chains Commission Act

Bill: 117-hr-3848
Sponsor: Rep. Ryan, Tim [D-OH-13]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Congressional operations and organization
Economic performance and conditions
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Government studies and investigations
Homeland security
Intellectual property
Manufacturing
Military procurement, research, weapons development
Natural disasters
Strategic materials and reserves
Transportation costs

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

Critical Supply Chains Commission Act

 
This bill establishes a National Commission on Critical Supply Chains to identify and investigate the dependencies, limitations, and risks associated with critical supply chains.
 
The commission may hold hearings as appropriate and obtain relevant information directly from federal, state, and local governmental bodies as needed.
 
The commission must annually report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for actions to mitigate the risks of future American supply chain disruptions.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
ACCESS Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-3849
Sponsor: Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Civil actions and liability
Computers and information technology
Digital media
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Judicial review and appeals

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

Augmenting Compatibility and Competition by Enabling Service Switching Act of 2021 or the ACCESS Act of 2021

 
This bill requires large online platforms (e.g., YouTube, Salesforce) to facilitate consumers and businesses switching from one platform to another.
 
Specifically, the platforms must maintain interfaces that (1) securely transfer user data to other platforms (i.e., portability), and (2) allow other platforms to connect and communicate with their systems (i.e., interoperability).
 
The bill provides the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice with the authority to designate specific platforms to which these requirements apply. After a platform is designated, the FTC must issue standards of interoperability specific to the platform. A platform may not change its interoperability interface without petitioning the FTC, and the platform must provide to competing businesses documentation for accessing the interface.
 
Further, the FTC must establish a technical committee to assist with the implementation of these requirements.
 
The bill provides the FTC with authority to enforce these requirements including through recovery of civil penalties and injunctive relief.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
Protect Women's and Girls’ Rights in Afghanistan Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-3850
Sponsor: Rep. Slotkin, Elissa [D-MI-8]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Afghanistan
Asia
Congressional oversight
Crimes against women
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Domestic violence and child abuse
Elementary and secondary education
Foreign aid and international relief
Health care coverage and access
Human rights
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Violent crime
Women's education
Women's employment
Women's health
Women's rights

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

Protect Women's and Girls' Rights in Afghanistan Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Department of State to periodically report to Congress on the conditions of women and girls in Afghan civil society following the departure of U.S. and NATO forces. The reports shall also assess the status of assurances made by the Taliban related to preserving the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-08-04
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, Central Asia and Nonproliferation.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
Continuous Manufacturing Research Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-3851
Sponsor: Rep. Spanberger, Abigail Davis [D-VA-7]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

Continuous Manufacturing Research Act of 2021

 
This bill adds advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing as a research area that may be supported under the National Science Foundation's manufacturing research grant program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
William Collins Jet Fuel Exposure Recognition Act

Bill: 117-hr-3852
Sponsor: Rep. Spanberger, Abigail Davis [D-VA-7]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

William Collins Jet Fuel Exposure Recognition Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), for purposes of wartime disability compensation and VA health care, to presume that covered veterans were exposed to toxic substances, chemicals, and airborne hazards during military service, unless there is affirmative evidence that the veterans were not exposed to such substances in connection with their service. Under the bill, covered veterans are those who worked for a cumulative period of at least two years in active service in a military occupational specialty that involved consistent exposure to jet fuel.
 
In adjudicating claims for compensation for a service-connected disability related to jet fuel exposure with evidence of a disability and a presumption of toxic exposure during active service, the VA must (1) provide a medical examination and request a medical opinion for service-connection; and (2) direct the medical provider to consider the exposure of the veteran to toxic substances during all military deployments and the synergistic effect of all combined toxic substances through inhalation, dermal exposure, and ingestion.
 
Every other year for a period of eight years, the VA must make publicly available a report related to the effect of jet fuel used by the Armed Forces on the health of individuals. In evaluating claims for compensation for service-connected disabilities, the VA must take into consideration the findings of such reports.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
Pink Tax Repeal Act

Bill: 117-hr-3853
Sponsor: Rep. Speier, Jackie [D-CA-14]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Consumer affairs
Federal preemption
Inflation and prices
Marketing and advertising
Retail and wholesale trades
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

Pink Tax Repeal Act

 
 This bill prohibits product manufacturers or service providers from selling substantially similar products at different prices based on the gender of the intended purchaser. If, for example, the only difference between two products is the color, they are substantially similar.
 
The bill provides authority for the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general to enforce these requirements.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
Small Business Credit Protection Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-3854
Sponsor: Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Business records
Computer security and identity theft
Congressional oversight
Consumer credit
Credit and credit markets
Government studies and investigations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

Small Business Credit Protection Act of 2021

 
This bill establishes requirements related to breaches of data belonging to small businesses.
 
Specifically, a consumer reporting agency must promptly report any breach of nonpublic small business data. In the event of a breach, a consumer reporting agency may not charge a small business for a credit report. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must report on the economic harm to small businesses resulting from data breaches at consumer reporting agencies.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
Accounting STEM Pursuit Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-3855
Sponsor: Rep. Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Education

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

Accounting STEM Pursuit Act of 2021

 
This bill authorizes states and local educational agencies (LEAs) to use grant funds provided through the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program for accounting education. In particular, LEAs may use these grant funds to implement programs to teach accounting, including by increasing access to high-quality accounting courses through 12th grade for students who are members of underrepresented groups.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Bill: 117-hr-3856
Sponsor: Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-41]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Disability and paralysis
Government studies and investigations
Racial and ethnic relations
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 
This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study to assess whether there are disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to (1) compensation benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), (2) disability ratings determined by the VA, and (3) the rejection of fully developed claims for VA benefits. Additionally, the study must assess whether there is any relationship between such disparities associated with race and ethnicity and other demographic characteristics such as gender and age. The GAO must also develop recommendations to facilitate better data collection on such disparities associated with race and ethnicity.
 
Within one year, the GAO must brief Congress on the initial results of the study. The GAO must also submit a final report on the study following the briefing.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
action_date: 2021-07-28
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2021-07-28
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
BASIC Act

Bill: 117-hr-3857
Sponsor: Rep. Torres, Norma J. [D-CA-35]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Child care and development
Congressional oversight
Education of the disadvantaged
Education programs funding
Educational facilities and institutions
Elementary and secondary education
Food assistance and relief
Government information and archives
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Higher education
Housing and community development funding
Income tax credits
Medicaid
Minority education
Poverty and welfare assistance
Research administration and funding
School administration
Student aid and college costs
Student records
Tax treatment of families
Transportation costs
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

Basic Assistance for Students In College Act or the BASIC Act

 
This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award planning and implementation grants to institutions of higher education in order to identify and meet the basic needs of students, including food, housing, transportation, and health care. ED must also implement an agreement to (1) share data with other federal agencies in order to identify students who may be eligible for certain federal benefits; and (2) coordinate efforts to enroll those students in federal benefits programs, including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
National Science and Technology Strategy Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-3858
Sponsor: Rep. Waltz, Michael [R-FL-6]
Introduced: 2021-06-11 in the House
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Congressional oversight
General science and technology matters
Research administration and funding
Research and development

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: 

National Science and Technology Strategy Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop a national science and technology strategy and publish a science and technology review.
 
The bill revises OSTP reporting requirements to direct the OSTP to submit to Congress a comprehensive national science and technology strategy of the United States to meet national research and development objectives for the following four-year period.
 
No later than December 31, 2022, and every four years afterwards, the OSTP shall complete a review of the science and technology enterprise of the United States. 

action_date: 2022-02-18
text: 

National Science and Technology Strategy Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop a national science and technology strategy and publish a science and technology review.
 
The bill revises OSTP reporting requirements to direct the OSTP to submit to Congress a comprehensive national science and technology strategy of the United States to meet national research and development objectives for the following four-year period.
 
No later than December 31, 2022, and every four years afterwards, the OSTP shall complete a review of the science and technology enterprise of the United States. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-02-18
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 178.
action_date: 2022-02-18
text: Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 117-248.
action_date: 2022-02-18
text: Reported by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 117-248.
action_date: 2021-07-27
text: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2021-07-27
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-11
text: Introduced in House
Innovations in Informal STEM Learning Act

Bill: 117-hr-3859
Sponsor: Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-39]
Introduced: 2021-06-14 in the House
Policy area: Education

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-14
text: 

Innovations in Informal STEM Learning Act

 
This bill requires the National Science Foundation to provide competitive grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations for research on programming that engages students in prekindergarten through 8th grade in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to prepare students for STEM degrees or careers.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-14
text: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
action_date: 2021-06-14
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology.
action_date: 2021-06-14
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-06-14
text: Introduced in House