hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Making Essentials Available and Lawful (MEAL) Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2837
Sponsor: Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Social Welfare
Subjects: Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Food assistance and relief
Poverty and welfare assistance
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 

Making Essentials Available and Lawful (MEAL) Act of 2021

 
This bill repeals a lifetime ban that prohibits individuals convicted of certain offenses related to the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled substance from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or assistance under programs funded by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grants. Any state law that imposes conditions on eligibility for SNAP benefits or TANF assistance based on an individual's conviction of such an offense shall have no force or effect.

 
In addition, individuals who are incarcerated and scheduled to be released within 30 days shall qualify as individual households for purposes of SNAP eligibility. Under current law, unless specifically excepted, individuals residing in institutions do not constitute a household.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, 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: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, 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: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
Syrian Partner Protection Act

Bill: 117-hr-2838
Sponsor: Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Conflicts and wars
Congressional oversight
Foreign labor
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Immigration status and procedures
Middle East
Refugees, asylum, displaced persons
Syria
Terrorism
Visas and passports

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 

Syrian Partner Protection Act

 
This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide special immigrant status to qualified aliens who assisted U.S. efforts in Syria against the Islamic State. (A special immigrant is qualified to become a permanent resident.)
 
A qualifying alien is a Syrian national (or stateless person who habitually resided in Syria) who (1) partnered with or worked for the United States in Syria in a sensitive and trusted capacity (such as an interpreter) on or after January 1, 2014, for at least one year, and (2) provided documented service to U.S. efforts against the Islamic State. The spouse or child of such an alien shall also qualify for special immigrant status. 
 
DHS may admit up to 4,000 principal aliens under this bill each fiscal year for the five fiscal years after this bill's enactment. Unused visas at the end of a fiscal year shall carry forward and be available the next year. Aliens admitted under this bill shall not be subject to other numerical limitations. 
 
If a qualifying alien applying for special immigrant status under this bill is in imminent danger, the Department of State shall provide protection to that alien. 
 
An alien who has received special immigrant status under this bill shall be eligible for benefits generally available to admitted refugees, such as resettlement assistance. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-10-19
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign 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: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign 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: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
Puppy Protection Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2840
Sponsor: Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Animals
Subjects: Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Mammals
Veterinary medicine and animal diseases

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 

Puppy Protection Act of 2021

 
 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. Specifically, the standards must require dog dealers to provide to dogs
 
 
adequate housing, exercise, and veterinary care; 
 
appropriate and nutritious food; 
 
continuous access to potable water; and
 
 meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day. 
 
 
The standards must also include requirements for breeders to use safe breeding practices and make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-21
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
Student Athlete Level Playing Field Act

Bill: 117-hr-2841
Sponsor: Rep. Gonzalez, Anthony [R-OH-16]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
Athletes
Congressional leadership
Congressional oversight
Consumer affairs
Contracts and agency
Federal preemption
Financial literacy
Higher education
Marketing and advertising
School administration
School athletics
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 

Student Athlete Level Playing Field Act

 
This bill generally prohibits an institution of higher education or a covered athletic organization (e.g., an athletic association, a conference, or an organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics) from restricting the ability of a student athlete to enter into an endorsement or agency contract, with exceptions. It also provides for enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission, preempts state laws relating to endorsement or agency contracts, and establishes the Covered Athletic Organization Commission.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-27
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 4th Street in Petaluma, California, as the "Lynn C. Woolsey Post Office Building".

Bill: 117-hr-2842
Sponsor: Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: California
Congressional tributes
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Postal service

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 120 4th Street in Petaluma, California, as the "Lynn C. Woolsey Post Office Building."

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-02-09
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2022-02-09
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 245 - 167, 1 Present (Roll no. 45).
action_date: 2022-02-09
text: Failed of passage/not agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 245 - 167, 1 Present (Roll no. 45).
action_date: 2022-02-09
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1088-1089)
action_date: 2022-02-01
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2022-02-01
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2842.
action_date: 2022-02-01
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H319-321; text: CR H319)
action_date: 2022-02-01
text: Ms. Wasserman Schultz moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
action_date: 2021-07-20
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2021-07-20
text: Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
STOP GAMES Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2843
Sponsor: Rep. Levin, Andy [D-MI-9]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Congressional oversight
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Government information and archives
Prescription drugs

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 

Stop The Overuse of Petitions and Get Affordable Medicines to Enter Soon Act of 2021 or the STOP GAMES Act of 2021

 
This bill specifies factors that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)must use in determining if a petition is submitted with the primary purpose of delaying the approval of a pending new or generic drug application. (Current law allows third parties, including interested parties, to file petitions asking the FDA to take various actions, such as to consider certain issues pertaining to an application for market approval for a drug; current law also allows the FDA to deny a petition that is submitted with the primary purpose of delaying approval of an application.)
 
The factors include (1) whether the petitioner filed serial petitions raising issues that could have been known to the petitioner when an earlier petition was filed, and (2) whether the petition has any data or information to support its scientific positions.
 
If the FDA finds that delay is the primary purpose of the petition, it must refer the matter to the Federal Trade Commission.
 
A party filing a petition must do so within 60 days of when the party first learned of the information on which the petition is based.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-27
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
Election Protection Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2844
Sponsor: Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Computer security and identity theft
Congressional operations and organization
Congressional oversight
Department of Homeland Security
Elections, voting, political campaign regulation
Executive agency funding and structure
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
Intergovernmental relations
Postal service
Rule of law and government transparency
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 

Election Protection Act of 2021

 
This bill establishes certain election security measures and provides grants to states for administering federal elections.
 
First, the bill establishes Election Security Enhancement Units within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. These units must provide state and local election officials with access to risk management, resiliency, and technical support services provided by election administration and cybersecurity experts.
 
Next, the bill requires a federal entity to promptly share with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) any information it receives about a security threat to federal elections. DHS must, within 96 hours, review the information and determine whether a security incident occurred. If DHS determines that a security incident occurred, then DHS must notify state and local officials about the incident, with exceptions.
 
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) must make a grant to each eligible state to administer federal elections. In order to receive such a grant, a state must submit to the EAC certain certifications, including that the state complies with voter registration list maintenance requirements and requires voters to present valid identification.
 
The bill also establishes within the legislative branch the Bipartisan Election Advisory Commission. The commission must study the effects of COVID-19 on the administration and security of elections and the extent of security shortfalls during the 2020 general elections. Further, the commission must report to Congress on recommendations for improving the administration of elections and enhancing the security of elections.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
To extend the authorization of each of the National Coal Heritage Area and the Wheeling National Heritage Area in the State of West Virginia, and for other purposes.

Bill: 117-hr-2845
Sponsor: Rep. McKinley, David B. [R-WV-1]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Coal
Historic sites and heritage areas
Historical and cultural resources
Mining
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Public-private cooperation
West Virginia

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 
This bill extends through FY2036 the authority of the Department of the Interior to make any grants or provide any assistance for the National Coal Heritage Area and the Wheeling National Heritage Area in West Virginia.
 
The bill extends by one year the deadline for completion of proposed management plans for
 
 
the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area in West Virginia and Maryland,
 
the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area in Washington.
 
the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in Washington,
 
the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta National Heritage Area in California,
 
the Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area in Arizona, and 
 
the Susquehanna National Heritage Area in Pennsylvania.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-16
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2846
Sponsor: Rep. McKinley, David B. [R-WV-1]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health care coverage and access
Medicare
Prescription drugs

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 

Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act of 2021

 
This bill establishes additional requirements for prescription drug plan (PDP) sponsors that use formularies under the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
 
Specifically, the bill requires PDP formularies to include covered generic drugs and biosimilars for which the wholesale acquisition cost is less than that of the reference (i.e., brand-name) product. PDP sponsors must also establish specific cost-sharing tiers that apply lower cost-sharing requirements for such covered generic drugs and biosimilars as compared to those for brand-name products.
 
The bill also prohibits PDP sponsors from instituting certain requirements relating to access to such covered generic drugs and biosimilars that are more restrictive than those for brand-name products (e.g., prior authorization requirements).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-27
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Social Security.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
action_date: 2021-04-26
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: 2021-04-26
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: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the limitation on downward attribution of stock ownership in applying the constructive ownership rules to controlled foreign corporations, and for other purposes.

Bill: 117-hr-2847
Sponsor: Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Financial services and investments
Foreign and international corporations
Securities
Taxation of foreign income
U.S. and foreign investments

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 
This bill restores the limitation on downward attribution rules to 50% of stock ownership in applying constructive ownership rules to controlled foreign corporations.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
Marine Mammal Research and Response Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2848
Sponsor: Rep. Murphy, Stephanie N. [D-FL-7]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Animals
Subjects: Alaska
Animal and plant health
Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Aquatic ecology
Arctic and polar regions
Congressional oversight
Government information and archives
Government liability
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Health information and medical records
Mammals
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Marine pollution
Veterinary medicine and animal diseases
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 

Marine Mammal Research and Response Act of 2021

 
This bill provides support for efforts to protect marine mammals.
 
Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and generally revises the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program, including by renaming the program as the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program. The bill also establishes the Joseph R. Geraci Marine Mammal Rescue and Rapid Response Fund for providing emergency financial assistance for certain stranded or entangled marine mammals and otherwise provides support for marine mammals.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-29
text: Subcommittee Hearings Held.
action_date: 2021-06-17
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
Abortion Providers Loan Elimination Act

Bill: 117-hr-2849
Sponsor: Rep. Murphy, Gregory [R-NC-3]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Abortion
Business expenses
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Congressional oversight
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Family planning and birth control
Government lending and loan guarantees
Government studies and investigations
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Small business
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Wages and earnings
Women's health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 

Abortion Providers Loan Elimination Act

 
This bill makes abortion providers ineligible to receive a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program, which was established to support small businesses in response to COVID-19. 
 
This prohibition shall not apply to hospitals or entities that exclusively provide abortions (1) where the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or (2) where the pregnancy endangers the life of the mother.
 
The Inspector General of the Small Business Administration must report on the number of paycheck protection loans made to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and to other abortion providers.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Economic and Energy Conversion Act of 2021

Bill: 117-hr-2850
Sponsor: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Introduced: 2021-04-26 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Alternative and renewable resources
Arms control and nonproliferation
Conflicts and wars
Congressional oversight
International law and treaties
Military operations and strategy
Nuclear weapons
Radioactive wastes and releases

Summary:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: 

Nuclear Weapons Abolition and Economic and Energy Conversion Act of 2021

 
This bill directs the U.S. government to sign and ratify the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons or a similar international agreement that calls for the elimination of all nuclear weapons in every country. The government shall (1) redirect resources currently used in nuclear weapons programs toward building an ecologically beneficial peace economy and addressing human and infrastructure needs, and (2) actively promote policies to induce all other countries to take similar actions.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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: 2021-04-26
text: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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: 2021-04-26
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E449)
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2021-04-26
text: Introduced in House