hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act

Bill: 117-s-2884
Sponsor: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Agricultural conservation and pollution
Agricultural practices and innovations
Agricultural research
Animal and plant health
Ecology
Forests, forestry, trees
Genetics
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Horticulture and plants
Insects
Pest management
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act 

 
This bill expands the research and extension grant program for the coffee plant health initiative. Under current law, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) may provide competitive grants under the initiative to support research and extension activities to combat the insect known as the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei).
 
Specifically, the bill authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants for
 
 
developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds that impact coffee plants;
 
establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or at risk of being affected by, plant pests or noxious weeds that impact coffee plants;
 
surveying and collecting data on coffee plant production and health;
 
investigating coffee plant biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and
 
conducting research on various factors that may contribute to or be associated with coffee plant immune systems and other serious threats to coffee plants.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6781)
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Macadamia Tree Health Initiative Amendments Act

Bill: 117-s-2885
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Agricultural conservation and pollution
Agricultural practices and innovations
Agricultural research
Animal and plant health
Ecology
Forests, forestry, trees
Genetics
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Horticulture and plants
Insects
Pest management
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Macadamia Tree Health Initiative Amendments Act 

 
This bill expands the research and extension grant program for the macadamia tree health initiative. Under current law, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) may provide competitive grants under the initiative to support research and extension activities to combat the insect known as the macadamia felted coccid (Eriococcus ironsidei).
 
Specifically, the bill authorizes USDA to provide competitive grants for
 
 
developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds that impact macadamia trees;
 
establishing an area-wide integrated pest management program in areas affected by, or at risk of being affected by, the invasive plant pests or noxious weeds;
 
surveying and collecting data on macadamia tree production and health;
 
investigating macadamia tree biology, immunology, ecology, genomics, and bioinformatics; and
 
conducting research on various factors that may contribute to or be associated with macadamia tree immune systems and other serious threats to macadamia trees.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
CAPE Act

Bill: 117-s-2886
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Hunting and fishing
Mammals
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Cape and Antler Preservation Enhancement Act or the CAPE Act

 
This bill allows the Department of the Interior to authorize the donation and distribution of capes, hides, horns, and antlers from wildlife management activities carried out on National Park System lands in order to reduce the size of a wildlife population.
 
Interior may give priority consideration of the donation of capes, hides, horns, and antlers to qualified volunteers that participated in the wildlife management activity.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-12-02
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Outdoors for All Act

Bill: 117-s-2887
Sponsor: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Alaska Natives and Hawaiians
Community life and organization
Employment and training programs
Energy revenues and royalties
Government information and archives
Gulf of Mexico
Indian lands and resources rights
Land transfers
Land use and conservation
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Oil and gas
Outdoor recreation
Performance measurement
Poverty and welfare assistance
Public-private cooperation
State and local finance
Youth employment and child labor

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Outdoors for All Act
 
 
This bill directs the Department of the Interior to establish an outdoor recreation legacy partnership grant program under which Interior may award grants to states, certain political subdivisions of a state, special purpose districts, Indian tribes, or Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian communities or organizations. Funds must be used for projects to (1) acquire land and water for parks and other outdoor recreation purposes in qualifying areas, and (2) develop new or renovate existing outdoor recreation facilities that provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public in qualifying areas.
 
A 
qualifying area 
is an area
 
 
that has a population of 30,000 or more in the most recent census, or 
 
that is administered by an Indian tribe or an Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian community organization.
 
 
Interior shall give priority to projects that 
 
 
create or significantly enhance access to park and recreational opportunities in an urban neighborhood or community,
 
engage and empower underserved communities and youth,
 
provide opportunities for employment or job training for youth or underserved communities,
 
establish or expand public-private partnerships, and
 
take advantage of coordination among various levels of government.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-12-02
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6781-6782)
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act

Bill: 117-s-2888
Sponsor: Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Aviation and airports
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Department of Health and Human Services
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Government studies and investigations
Health information and medical records
Health personnel
Immunology and vaccination
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Transportation and Public Works
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

U.S. Air Travel Public Safety Act

 
This bill addresses COVID-19 vaccination requirements for aircraft passengers and in health care settings.
 
The Department of Health and Human Services must develop national standards that require passengers on domestic flights to either provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or attest that they followed recommendations for travelers who are not fully vaccinated.
 
Additionally, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must develop recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations in health care settings. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6782)
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Save Our Stages Extension Act

Bill: 117-s-2889
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Business expenses
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Performing arts
Television and film
Wages and earnings
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Save our Stages Extension Act

 
This bill extends to March 11, 2023, the time frame during which Shuttered Venue Operators Grant recipients may use grant funds to cover their expenses.
 
These grants provide funds to certain types of entities in the arts and entertainment industry affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, a recipient may use such funds to cover expenses incurred between March 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Provider Training in Palliative Care Act

Bill: 117-s-2890
Sponsor: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Provider Training in Palliative Care Act

 
This bill allows National Health Service Corps (NHSC) participants to apply for a deferral of their service obligation period in order to receive training in palliative care. The Department of Health and Human Services may grant a deferral for up to one year.
 
The NHSC provides scholarships and student loan repayment awards to primary care, dental, and mental health providers who agree to complete a service obligation period by working in areas designated as having a shortage of those types of providers.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Restoring the America Invents Act

Bill: 117-s-2891
Sponsor: Sen. Leahy, Patrick J. [D-VT]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Restoring the America Invents Act

 
This bill modifies various provisions related to administrative patent validity review proceedings conducted before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB), a body within the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
 
For example, the bill
 
 
expands the scope of inter partes reviews (IPRs), one type of such review proceedings, by allowing challenges to a patent's validity based on statutory or obviousness-type double patenting grounds;
 
authorizes the PTO director to review, modify, or set aside final PTAB decisions;
 
authorizes governmental entities to file IPRs and post-grant reviews (PGRs), a related type of patent review proceeding;
 
requires the PTO to institute an IPR (i.e., a decision to proceed with the full IPR proceeding) if there's a reasonable likelihood that the petitioner will prevail, subject to limited exceptions;
 
establishes in statute factors for a court to consider when deciding a request to stay a patent infringement lawsuit involving a patent subject to a pending IPR or PGR; 
 
modifies provisions related to the joinder of parties and handling of multiple proceedings involving the same patent before the PTO; and
 
modifies provisions relating to the time limitation for filing an IPR, including by establishing that a lawsuit dismissed without prejudice does not trigger the time limitation (generally, a petitioner wishing to file an IPR must do so within one year of being served a lawsuit alleging infringement of the patent).
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6782-6783)
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Stop the Shutdowns Transferring Unnecessary Pain and Inflicting Damage In The coming Years Act

Bill: 117-s-2892
Sponsor: Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance
Subjects: Appropriations
Executive agency funding and structure
Legislative rules and procedure

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Stop the Shutdowns Transferring Unnecessary Pain and Inflicting Damage In The coming Years Act

 
This bill provides continuing appropriations to certain federal agencies to prevent a government shutdown if an appropriations bill for the agency has not been enacted before the fiscal year begins and continuing appropriations are not in effect.
 
The bill excludes agencies within or under the legislative branch or the Executive Office of the President, which would continue to be subject to a government shutdown due to a lapse in appropriations. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey the Pleasant Valley Ranger District Administrative Site to Gila County, Arizona.

Bill: 117-s-2893
Sponsor: Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 
This bill directs the Forest Service to convey specified property to Gila County, Arizona, upon the county's submission of a written request for such conveyance. The property, identified as the Gila County Area, consists of approximately 232.9 acres of National Forest System land located in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona.
 
The conveyance shall be made without consideration. 
 
The Forest Service shall not be required to provide any covenant or warranty for the land and improvements conveyed to the county under such conveyance.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to require the imposition of sanctions with respect to Nord Stream 2 AG pursuant to the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act.

Bill: 117-s-2894
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Energy storage, supplies, demand
Europe
Foreign property
Germany
Oil and gas
Pipelines
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
Russia
Sanctions
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Ukraine
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 
This bill requires the President to impose property-blocking sanctions with respect to Nord Stream 2 AG. (Nord Stream 2 AG is the entity that operates Nord Stream 2, a pipeline designed to carry natural gas exports from Russia to Germany.) 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Prevent Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandates for Interstate Commerce Act

Bill: 117-s-2895
Sponsor: Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Aviation and airports
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Department of Commerce
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Homeland Security
Department of Transportation
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Federal Maritime Commission
Federal preemption
Immunology and vaccination
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Marine and inland water transportation
Motor carriers
National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak)
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
Railroads
State and local government operations
Surface Transportation Board
Trade restrictions
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Prevent Unconstitutional Vaccine Mandates for Interstate Commerce Act 

 
This bill prohibits certain departments and agencies from promulgating any rule to require a a person to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination in order to engage in interstate commerce or travel. The prohibition applies to
 
 
The Department of Transportation,
 
Amtrak,
 
The Surface Transportation Board,
 
The Transportation Security Administration,
 
The National Transportation Safety Board,
 
The Federal Maritime Commission, and
 
The Department of Commerce.
 
 
The bill also limits the authority of the Department of Health and Human Services to mandate vaccination against COVID-19 as a prerequisite for engaging in interstate commerce or travel.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S6783-6784)
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Whistleblower Protection Act

Bill: 117-s-2896
Sponsor: Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Department of Energy
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government liability
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Nuclear power

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Department of Energy and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Whistleblower Protection Act

 
This bill revises protections for the rights of whistleblowers of nuclear safety violations. Specifically, the bill clarifies that whistleblower protection rights may be enforced against any employers (e.g., the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-03-01
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
NIL Scholarship Tax Act

Bill: 117-s-2897
Sponsor: Sen. Burr, Richard [R-NC]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Athletes
Higher education
Income tax exclusion
School athletics
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

NIL Scholarship Tax Act

 
This bill denies the tax exclusion for qualified scholarships income to recipients of athletic scholarships at institutions of higher education who receive income in excess of $20,000 from their name, image or likeness in a taxable year.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Unemployment Insurance Systems Modernization Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2898
Sponsor: Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Appropriations
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Computers and information technology
Department of Labor
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employee hiring
Executive agency funding and structure
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government information and archives
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Performance measurement
State and local finance
State and local government operations
Temporary and part-time employment
Trade adjustment assistance
Unemployment
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Wages and earnings

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Unemployment Insurance Systems Modernization Act of 2021

 
This bill expands the list of requirements a state unemployment compensation system must meet for the state to receive federal funds for administration of the system.
 
Specifically the bill requires the unemployment law of each state to include various provisions to promote adaptability, including provisions for (1) handling surges in claims, (2) processing disaster unemployment assistance claims, (3) processing claims under temporary federal benefits programs, and (4) automating claims for short-time compensation.
 
The bill also requires states to utilize databases and other systems in an effort to prevent fraudulent and improper unemployment compensation payments. Specifically, states must use (1) a system selected by the Department of Labor for cross-matching unemployment claimants against available databases, (2) an automated system developed and approved by Labor for exchanging unemployment compensation information, and (3) the existing National Directory of New Hires for identifying individuals who have become employed.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate
Federal Employees Civil Relief Act

Bill: 117-s-2900
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Introduced: 2021-09-29 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: 

Federal Employees Civil Relief Act

 
This bill establishes a framework to temporarily suspend certain judicial and administrative proceedings against a federal employee or contractor during a shutdown (i.e., any period in which there is more than a 24-hour lapse in appropriations affecting any federal agency or department).
 
A federal worker who is furloughed or required to work without pay during a shutdown may apply to a court for a temporary stay, postponement, or suspension of any payment of rent, mortgage, tax, fine, penalty, insurance premium, student loan repayment, or other civil obligation or liability that the worker or individual owes or would owe during the duration of the shutdown.
 
The Department of Justice many commence a civil action against any person who engages in (1) a pattern or practice of violating the requirements of this bill, or (2) a violation that raises an issue of significant public importance. A person aggrieved by a violation of this bill's requirements may also bring a private right of action.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-09-29
text: Introduced in Senate