hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Superfund Polluter Pays Restoration Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2183
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2021-06-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Government trust funds
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Inflation and prices
Oil and gas
Pollution liability
Sales and excise taxes

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-22
text: 

Superfund Polluter Pays Restoration Act of 2021

 
 This bill (1) reinstates the Hazardous Substance Superfund financing rate beginning 60 days after enactment of this bill; (2) increases such rate from 9.7 cents to 17.2 cents per barrel of crude oil (adjusted for inflation after 2021); (3) reinstates and increases the rates of tax on taxable chemicals (adjusted for inflation after 2021); and (4) modifies the definition of 
crude oil
 to include any bitumen or bituminous mixture, any oil derived from such mixture (including oil derived from tar sands), and any oil derived form kerogen-bearing sources (including oil derived from oil shale).
 
The bill amends the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to allow the use of the Superfund for environmental remediation without further appropriation.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-06-22
text: Introduced in Senate
Western Water Infrastructure Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2185
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Water Resources Development

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Western Water Infrastructure Act of 2021

 
This bill reauthorizes and modifies certain Bureau of Reclamation programs related to water storage, eligible desalination projects, and reclamation and reuse of wastewater and groundwater in western states. Also, Reclamation must (1) develop a sediment management plan for their reservoirs upon request by project beneficiaries; (2) perform enhanced inspections for aging infrastructure to ensure their safe operation upon request by the owner or operator; and (3) carry out activities to reduce or eliminate certain rehabilitation, reconstruction, and replacement needs of Reclamation.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2186
Sponsor: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Subjects: Age discrimination
Assault and harassment offenses
Department of Education
Disability and health-based discrimination
Education programs funding
Educational guidance
Elementary and secondary education
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Minority education
Racial and ethnic relations
Religion
Sex offenses
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
Teaching, teachers, curricula
Violent crime

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

 

Patsy T. Mink and Louise M. Slaughter Gender Equity in Education Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish an Office for Gender Equity to support state and local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and elementary and secondary schools in fully implementing title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs or activities. The office may provide grants and perform activities to reduce or prevent sex discrimination in all areas of education.
 
The office must provide technical assistance and annual training to title IX coordinators and develop a handbook for conducting self-evaluations of title IX compliance. The training must address discrimination based on multiple characteristics, including race, ethnicity, national origin, disability status, religion, age, or actual or perceived sex.
 
The office may award grants to eligible entities and partnerships that apply to carry out programs and activities designed to implement title IX and prevent and reduce sex discrimination, including programs that increase access to resources.
 
ED must coordinate with the Institute of Education Sciences and other federal entities to investigate, identify, and disseminate best practices to (1) reduce and prevent sex stereotyping, bias, and discrimination in educational materials; (2) address sex-based harassment and violence on campuses; (3) develop counseling and career guidance training; (4) mitigate implicit bias in teaching and discipline; and (5) address the needs of students who face discrimination based on multiple characteristics.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
National Biomedical Research Act

Bill: 117-s-2187
Sponsor: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Aging
Appropriations
Budget deficits and national debt
Cancer
Child health
Computers and information technology
Department of Health and Human Services
Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
Drug therapy
Education programs funding
Environmental health
Executive agency funding and structure
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Genetics
Government trust funds
Health care costs and insurance
Health information and medical records
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Health technology, devices, supplies
Immunology and vaccination
Medicaid
Medical education
Medical research
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Medicare
Military medicine
Minority health
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Neurological disorders
Nutrition and diet
Physical fitness and lifestyle
Poverty and welfare assistance
Research administration and funding

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

National Biomedical Research Act

 
This bill establishes and makes deposits through FY2030 into the Biomedical Innovation Fund for initiatives at the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration. The fund supports (1) research for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; (2) research for diseases that disproportionally account for federal health care spending; (3) the development, review, and post-market surveillance of medical products; and (4) other innovative medical research.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Commission to Study the Stigmatization, Criminalization, and Ongoing Exclusion and Inequity for LGBTQ Servicemembers and Veterans Act

Bill: 117-s-2188
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Congressional oversight
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Government studies and investigations
Mental health
Military history
Military medicine
Military personnel and dependents
Minority employment
Racial and ethnic relations
Sex, gender, sexual orientation discrimination
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation
Women's employment

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Commission to Study the Stigmatization, Criminalization, and Ongoing Exclusion and Inequity for LGBTQ Servicemembers and Veterans Act

 
This bill establishes the Commission to Study the Stigmatization, Criminalization, and Ongoing Exclusion and Inequity for LGBTQ Servicemembers and Veterans. The Commission must identify and compile information about the history of military policy regarding homosexuality from 1778 onward, including regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) sexual orientation and gender identity. 
 
The Commission must hold public hearings, gather public testimony, examine lasting and disparate impacts of the discriminatory policies on the physical and mental well-being of members of the Armed Forces, and make recommendations on appropriate remedies.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
HBOT Access Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2189
Sponsor: Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Alternative treatments
Government studies and investigations
Health care coverage and access
Medical research
Mental health
Neurological disorders
Veterans' medical care

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

HBOT Access Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy through a provider authorized by the Veterans Community Care Program to veterans who have a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are at high risk of suicide or self-harm, and have used at least two evidence-based treatment options for their condition.
 
Veterans who receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to the enactment of this bill must be included in a study on individuals receiving such treatment to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of the treatment for PTSD and traumatic brain injury.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2190
Sponsor: Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Housing and Community Development
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Community life and organization
Economic development
Education of the disadvantaged
Health care coverage and access
Housing and community development funding
Housing supply and affordability
Low- and moderate-income housing
Nutrition and diet
Poverty and welfare assistance
Public housing
Rural conditions and development

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis Act of 2021

 
This bill establishes the Task Force on the Impact of the Affordable Housing Crisis and requires the task force to make recommendations on how to use affordable housing to improve the effectiveness of federal programs and improve life outcomes.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Workforce Development Through Post-Graduation Scholarships Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2191
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Economic development
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Income tax exclusion
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Student aid and college costs
Tax-exempt organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Workforce Development Through Post-Graduation Scholarships Act of 2021

 
This bill excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any amount received by an individual taxpayer as a post-graduation scholarship grant by a tax-exempt charitable organization for the payment of certain education expenses or for the repayment of education loans.
 
The bill requires reports on the post-graduation scholarship grant program by the Department of the Treasury and the Government Accountability Office.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Closing the Meal Gap Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2192
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Aging
American Samoa
Caribbean area
Congressional oversight
Disability and paralysis
Employment and training programs
Food assistance and relief
Health care costs and insurance
Northern Mariana Islands
Poverty and welfare assistance
Puerto Rico
U.S. territories and protectorates

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Closing the Meal Gap Act of 202

1

 
This bill revises the requirements for calculating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
 
The bill increases the minimum SNAP benefit and requires benefits to be calculated using the value of a low-cost food plan. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must determine the requirements for the low-cost food plan, which is the diet required to feed a family of four, consisting of
 
 
a man and a woman 19-50 years of age,
 
a child 6-8 years of age, and
 
a child 9-11 years of age.
 
 
USDA must (1) reevaluate and publish the market baskets of the plan by December 31, 2027, and every five years thereafter, based on current food prices, food composition data, consumption patterns, and dietary guidance; and (2) make adjustments to the plan to account for household size, changes in the cost of the diet, and the costs of food in specified areas. 
 
The bill modifies the requirements for calculating household income to determine SNAP eligibility by (1) authorizing a standard medical expense deduction for households containing an elderly or disabled member, and (2) eliminating the cap on the excess shelter expense deduction.
 
The bill eliminates certain work requirements for SNAP. The requirements apply to able-bodied adults who are ages 18-49 and have no dependent children. 
 
The bill allows Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands to participate in SNAP. Currently, the three territories receive block grants instead of participating in SNAP.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Protections for Socially Good Activities Act

Bill: 117-s-2193
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment
Subjects: Assault and harassment offenses
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Employee leave
Employment and training programs
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Federal preemption
Health technology, devices, supplies
Human trafficking
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Labor standards
Labor-management relations
Retail and wholesale trades
Sex offenses
State and local government operations
Student aid and college costs
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Protections for Socially Good Activities Act

 
This bill specifies that certain activities do not establish an employment relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee (or their respective employees) for the purpose of certain federal labor laws. 
 
Specifically, an employment relationship is not formed if the franchisor carries out activities that include
 
 
providing, or otherwise requiring the use of, certain training or other materials related to sexual harassment, workplace violence, or discrimination;
 
requiring the adoption of certain policies related to sexual harassment, workplace violence, or discrimination;
 
requiring the adoption of a policy based on COVID-19; or
 
providing personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2194
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Aquatic ecology
Congressional oversight
Ecology
Endangered and threatened species
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Land use and conservation
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Watersheds
Wetlands
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2021

 
This bill provides statutory authority for the Coastal Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Among other things, the program
 
 
identifies the most important natural resource problems and solutions in priority coastal ecosystems in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal governments, nongovernmental institutions, nonprofit organizations, private individuals, and corporations; and 
 
 assists in the development and implementation of monitoring protocols to ensure the success of coastal ecosystem restoration and enhancement measures.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-06-15
text: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 117-504.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Veterans and Family Information Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2195
Sponsor: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Cemeteries and funerals
Congressional oversight
Department of Veterans Affairs
Family services
Foreign language and bilingual programs
Government information and archives
Military personnel and dependents
Veterans' medical care
Veterans' pensions and compensation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Veterans and Family Information Act
 
of 2021

 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make all of its fact sheets available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and each of the 10 most commonly spoken languages not listed. The bill also requires the VA to establish a publicly available website that provides links to all VA fact sheets. Finally, the VA must report to Congress regarding the utilization of such fact sheets as well as the details of the Language Access Plan of the VA.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Restoring Northern Border Travel Act

Bill: 117-s-2196
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Aviation and airports
Border security and unlawful immigration
Canada
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Congressional oversight
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Marine and inland water transportation
Travel and tourism

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Restoring Northern Border Travel Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the list of permitted essential travel into the United States through land ports of entry along the U.S.-Canada border. 
 
Specifically, it shall be permitted essential travel to enter the United States through the U.S.-Canada land border to (1) visit a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, (2) visit property that the traveler owns or leases, (3) attend business meetings or site visits, or (4) board a flight for travel.
 
Within 20 days of this bill's enactment, DHS must report to Congress a plan to fully restore nonessential travel into the United States through this land border. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Rural and Frontier Telehealth Expansion Act

Bill: 117-s-2197
Sponsor: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health care coverage and access
Health technology, devices, supplies
Intergovernmental relations
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Medicaid
Rural conditions and development
State and local finance
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Rural and Frontier Telehealth Expansion Act

 
This bill increases the applicable Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) under Medicaid for telehealth services in rural states or states that have limited broadband infrastructure and that provide consistent and widespread coverage for such services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2198
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Academic performance and assessments
Child care and development
Congressional oversight
Education of the disadvantaged
Education programs funding
Educational guidance
Elementary and secondary education
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Labor and Employment
Special education
Vocational and technical education
Youth employment and child labor

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Mentoring to Succeed Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Department of Education to award grants to entities such as educational agencies, schools, and local governments to establish, expand, or support school-based mentoring programs that assist at-risk students in developing cognitive skills and promoting social-emotional learning to prepare them for success in high school, postsecondary education, and the workforce.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (text: CR S4729-4730)
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Cyber Sense Act of 2020

Bill: 117-s-2199
Sponsor: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate
Advancing the Clean Hydrogen Future Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2200
Sponsor: Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
Introduced: 2021-06-23 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Air quality
Alternative and renewable resources
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Congressional oversight
Electric power generation and transmission
Energy prices
Energy research
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Motor fuels
Research administration and funding
Research and development
Technology transfer and commercialization

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: 

Advancing the Clean Hydrogen Future Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a research, development, demonstration, and deployment program to improve the efficiency, increase the durability, and reduce the cost of producing hydrogen using electrolyzers. 
Electrolyzers
 are systems that produce hydrogen using electrolysis, a process that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The goal of the program is to reduce the cost of hydrogen produced using electrolyzers to less than $2 per kilogram of hydrogen by 2026.
 
In carrying out the program, DOE must award grants for projects that DOE determines would provide the greatest progress toward achieving the goal. In addition, DOE must fund demonstration projects under the program to (1) demonstrate technologies that produce hydrogen using electrolysis; and (2) validate information on the cost, efficiency, durability, and feasibility of commercial deployment of those technologies.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-06-23
text: Introduced in Senate