hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
A bill to extend the authority for Federal contractors to reimburse employees unable to perform work due to the COVID-19 pandemic from March 31, 2021, to September 30, 2021.

Bill: 117-s-460
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employee leave
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 
This bill extends the authority for federal agencies to reimburse federal contractors for paid leave provided to employees unable to perform work due to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic from March 31, 2021, to September 30, 2021.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to create a point of order against legislation modifying the number of Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Bill: 117-s-461
Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Congress
Subjects: Judges
Legislative rules and procedure
Senate
Supreme Court

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 
This bill creates a point of order against considering legislation in the Senate that modifies the total number of Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. The bill allows the point of order to be waived by a vote of two-thirds of the Senate. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-03-01
text: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 7.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Emergency Funding for Child Protection Act

Bill: 117-s-462
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Families
Subjects: Appropriations
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Child care and development
Child health
Child safety and welfare
Community life and organization
Department of Health and Human Services
Domestic violence and child abuse
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Educational technology and distance education
Emergency communications systems
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive agency funding and structure
Family services
Health care coverage and access
Health technology, devices, supplies
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Lawyers and legal services
Mental health
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Telephone and wireless communication

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Emergency Funding for Child Protection Act

 
 This bill funds additional grants to states for child abuse or neglect prevention and treatment programs in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Specifically, states may use such grants to expand services, provide support to community-based organizations, purchase emergency supplies, and provide temporary direct payments to families caring for children under protective services supervision that are awaiting approval for government assistance, among other uses. The bill does not require states to match funding under these grants.
 
The bill also provides funding to operate and expand the national child abuse hotline.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
REPUBLIC Act

Bill: 117-s-463
Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Broadcasting, cable, digital technologies
Congressional oversight
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Legislative rules and procedure
Presidents and presidential powers, Vice Presidents
War and emergency powers

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Reforming Emergency Powers to Uphold the Balances and Limitations Inherent in the Constitution Act or the REPUBLIC Act

 
This bill terminates a declaration of national emergency made by the President after 72 hours unless Congress enacts a joint resolution to renew the declaration. It also bars subsequent presidential declarations of emergency during the remainder of a presidential term of office based on the same circumstances if Congress does not enact a resolution of approval.
 
Under the bill, an emergency declaration that is approved by Congress expires 90 days after the issuance of the presidential declaration of emergency unless renewed. 
 
The bill exempts presidential powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) from the requirements of this bill.
 
The bill also (1) repeals presidential authority to unilaterally control communications, including the internet, cell phone service, and television and radio broadcasts; and (2) terminates all existing national emergency declarations that do not specify IEEPA as the source of presidential authority.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Safe Step Act

Bill: 117-s-464
Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Drug therapy
Employee benefits and pensions
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Prescription drugs

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Safe Step Act

 
This bill requires a group health plan to establish an exception to medication step-therapy protocol in specified cases. A medication step-therapy protocol establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs are covered by a group health plan or a health insurance issuer. 
 
A request for such an exception to the protocol must be granted if (1) an otherwise required treatment has been ineffective, (2) such treatment is expected to be ineffective and delaying effective treatment would lead to irreversible consequences, (3) such treatment will cause or is likely to cause an adverse reaction to the individual, (4) such treatment is expected to prevent the individual from performing daily activities or occupational responsibilities, (5) the individual is stable based on the prescription drugs already selected, or (6) there are other circumstances as determined by the Employee Benefits Security Administration.
 
The bill requires a group health plan to implement and make readily available a clear process for an individual to request an exception to the protocol, including required information and criteria for granting an exception. The bill further specifies timelines under which plans must respond to such requests.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
COVID–19 Health Disparities Action Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-465
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Congressional oversight
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Government information and archives
Health care coverage and access
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Hospital care
Immunology and vaccination
Indian social and development programs
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Minority health
Rural conditions and development

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

COVID-19 Health Disparities Action Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to raise awareness about COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) and promote vaccination among racial and ethnic minority groups and other populations that have experienced health disparities related to the disease.
 
The CDC must conduct, subject to available funding, a public awareness campaign that targets those populations. The CDC must coordinate the campaign with the White House COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and other federal, state, tribal, and local entities.
 
The CDC must also award grants to health departments for similar COVID-19 awareness campaigns. Grant-funded campaigns must complement the CDC's campaign, as well as other efforts to inform the public about the disease. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services must develop prototype materials for grantees to use in their campaigns.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Kelsey Smith Act

Bill: 117-s-466
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Criminal justice information and records
Emergency communications systems
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Law enforcement administration and funding
Law enforcement officers
Telephone and wireless communication

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Kelsey Smith Act

 
This bill requires a mobile or internet voice service provider to disclose the location information of a device pursuant to certain requests.
 
Specifically, a provider must disclose this information at the request of an investigative or law enforcement officer (or public safety employee or agent on behalf of such officer) if the officer asserts (1) that the device was used to place a 911 call, or (2) reasonable suspicion that the device is in the possession of an individual who is in an emergency situation. 
A provider that discloses a device location in response to such a request may not be held liable in legal or administrative proceedings related to the disclosure. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-467
Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employee hiring
Employment and training programs
Health care coverage and access
Health facilities and institutions
Health information and medical records
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Hospital care
Long-term, rehabilitative, and terminal care
Medical education
Mental health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Effective Suicide Screening and Assessment in the Emergency Department Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to hospitals to improve their capacity to identify patients in emergency departments who are at risk of suicide and connect those patients with mental health treatments and services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Railroad Rehabilitation and Financing Innovation Act

Bill: 117-s-468
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
Civil actions and liability
Economic development
Employee benefits and pensions
Government information and archives
Government lending and loan guarantees
Infrastructure development
Interest, dividends, interest rates
Labor-management relations
Railroads
Transportation employees
Transportation programs funding

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Railroad Rehabilitation and Financing Innovation Act

 
This bill revises and reauthorizes through FY2026 the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing loan program of the Department of Transportation (DOT).
 
For example, the bill revises the program to direct DOT to provide direct loans and loan guarantees to private entities with controlling ownership in one or more freight railroads other than Class 1 carriers.
 
Additionally, the bill provides DOT with flexibility in evaluating the types of collateral an applicant or infrastructure partner may propose under the program.
 
The bill also establishes an expedited application review process under the program for loans meeting certain financial and operational criteria. DOT must also provide applicants with regular updates on the status of their applications.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text: CR S894-899)
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act

Bill: 117-s-469
Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Congressional oversight
Employee hiring
Employment and training programs
Government information and archives
Minority employment
Motor carriers
Transportation employees
Transportation safety and security
Women in business
Women's employment

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Promoting Women in Trucking Workforce Act

 
This bill directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to establish and facilitate a Women of Trucking Advisory Board to review and report on policies and programs that (1) provide education, training, mentorship, or outreach to women in the trucking industry; and (2) recruit, retain, or advance women into the trucking industry.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area Act

Bill: 117-s-470
Sponsor: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Government studies and investigations
Historic sites and heritage areas
North Carolina
Virginia
Wetlands

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area Act

 
This bill directs the Department of the Interior to assess the suitability and feasibility of designating a study area comprised of cities and counties in Virginia and counties in North Carolina as a National Heritage Area to be known as the Great Dismal Swamp National Heritage Area.
 
The study shall include analysis, documentation, and determinations on whether the study area (1) has an assemblage of natural, historic, and cultural resources that represent distinctive aspects of the people and culture of the United States; and (2) are worthy of recognition, conservation, interpretation, and continuing use.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S899-900)
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act

Bill: 117-s-471
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Congress
Subjects: Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Members of Congress

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act

 
This bill allows future Members of the House of Representatives to opt out of the Federal Employees Retirement System, an option currently available to Members of the House who began serving before September 30, 2003, and all Senators. In addition, it permits Members of Congress who opt out to continue to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan.

action_date: 2022-09-12
text: 

Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act

 
This bill allows future Members of the House of Representatives to opt out of the Federal Employees Retirement System, an option currently available to Members of the House who began serving before September 30, 2003, and all Senators. In addition, it permits Members of Congress who opt out to continue to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-11-17
text: Star Print ordered on the reported bill.
action_date: 2022-09-12
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 481.
action_date: 2022-09-12
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Carper for Senator Peters with amendments. With written report No. 117-143.
action_date: 2022-09-12
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Carper for Senator Peters with amendments. With written report No. 117-143.
action_date: 2022-05-25
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
EPIC Act

Bill: 117-s-472
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Congress
Subjects: Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Members of Congress

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

End Pensions in Congress Act or the EPIC Act

 
This bill excludes future Members of Congress from the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and requires Members currently enrolled in FERS or the Civil Service Retirement System to opt in to continue their enrollment.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
COVID–19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-473
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Bankruptcy
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Debt collection
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Small business

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021 

 
This bill extends existing provisions that provide relief to debtors in bankruptcy, including those related to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. 
 
These provisions (1) exclude certain COVID-19 aid payments from income for the purposes of bankruptcy, and (2) increase the debt eligibility threshold for businesses qualifying for certain types of Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy. Currently, these provisions expire March 27, 2021. The bill extends these provisions for one year. 
 
The bill also allows for modification of a Chapter 13 repayment plan for plans confirmed before the date of enactment of this bill if the debtor is experiencing material financial hardship due to COVID-19. Currently, such a modification is only available for plans confirmed before March 27, 2020. 
 
In addition, the bill extends through March 27, 2022, other bankruptcy protections that currently expire December 27, 2021. These provisions include those that (1) provide for discharge of certain debts, (2) prohibit denying a party COVID-related mortgage or eviction relief due to a party being a debtor in bankruptcy, and (3) protect against termination of utility services in certain circumstances. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S900)
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to prohibit the Export-Import Bank of the United States from providing financing to persons with seriously delinquent tax debt.

Bill: 117-s-474
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Competitiveness, trade promotion, trade deficits
Congressional oversight
Debt collection
Government lending and loan guarantees
Tax administration and collection, taxpayers

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 
This bill prohibits the Export-Import Bank from providing financing to a person with seriously delinquent tax debt or for a project in which any participant has seriously delinquent tax debt.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-476
Sponsor: Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Law
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Administrative remedies
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Cemeteries and funerals
Department of Justice
Economic performance and conditions
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Government trust funds
Health care costs and insurance
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Unemployment
Wages and earnings
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act of 2021

 
This bill allows essential workers and their family members to file claims and receive compensation for harm or death suffered as a result of COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019).
 
A Special Master appointed by the Department of Justice must review claims submitted and determine if a claimant is eligible for compensation, the extent of the harm to the claimant, and the amount of compensation to be awarded.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate
Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-477
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Introduced: 2021-02-25 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Business expenses
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employment taxes
Food industry and services
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Income tax credits
Income tax deductions
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Manufacturing
Marketing and advertising
Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Tax-exempt organizations
Transportation costs
Travel and tourism
Wages and earnings
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: 

Hospitality and Commerce Job Recovery Act of 2021

 
This bill extends existing and establishes new tax credits that assist the hospitality and restaurant industry. Specifically, it 
 
 
allows a conventionand trade show restart tax credit;
 
extends the employee retention tax credit through 2021;
 
suspends for taxable years 2021 through 2022, the limitation on entertainment expenses related to a trade or business, 
 
allows a restaurant and dining restart credit for businesses closed or forced to reduce services due to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019); 
 
allows a 50% tax credit for travel expenditures; and 
 
allows a tax credit for unmerchantable inventory for the period between December 31, 2019, and before April 1, 2021.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-02-25
text: Introduced in Senate