hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Broadcast VOICES Act

Bill: 117-s-2456
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2021-07-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: 

Broadcast Varied Ownership Incentives for Community Expanded Service Act or the Broadcast VOICES Act 

 
This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to take certain actions to increase diversity of ownership in the broadcasting industry and establishes related tax incentives. 
 
Specifically, the bill requires the FCC to report to Congress regarding (1) recommendations for increasing the total number, and the value, of broadcast stations that are owned by socially disadvantaged individuals; (2) the total number of broadcast stations that are owned by socially disadvantaged individuals; and (3) whether there is a nexus between diversity of ownership or control of broadcast stations and the diversity of the viewpoints expressed on the stations.
 
In addition, the bill allows companies engaged in the qualifying sale of a broadcast station to receive favorable tax treatment by electing nonrecognition of the gain or loss resulting from the sale. To qualify for this treatment, the sale must result in or preserve ownership of a broadcast station by socially disadvantaged individuals.
 
Finally, the establishes a tax credit for certain contributions toward the training of socially disadvantaged individuals in the management and operation of broadcast stations. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Introduced in Senate
PRESS Act

Bill: 117-s-2457
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2021-07-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Computers and information technology
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Evidence and witnesses
Internet, web applications, social media
News media and reporting
Telephone and wireless communication

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: 

Protect Reporters from Excessive State Suppression Act or the PRESS Act

 
This bill prohibits the federal government from compelling journalists and providers of telecommunications services (e.g., phone and internet companies) to disclose certain protected information, except in limited circumstances such as to prevent terrorism or imminent violence.
 
Specifically, the bill protects from disclosure any information identifying a source, as well as any records, contents of a communication, documents, or information obtained or created by journalists in the course of their work. Further, the bill protects specified third parties, such as telecommunications carriers or social media companies, from being compelled to provide testimony or any document consisting of a record, information, or other communication that relates to a business transaction between the third party and a journalist.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Introduced in Senate
Certainty for General Aviation Pilots Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2458
Sponsor: Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]
Introduced: 2021-07-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: 

Certainty for General Aviation Pilots Act of 2021

 
This bill deems that individuals who provide flight instruction or testing (including phased testing of experimental aircraft) are not operating an aircraft carrying persons or property for hire. Under current law, individuals must generally obtain a regulatory exemption or other authority to deviate from regulatory requirements to provide compensated flight training or testing.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Introduced in Senate
HANGARS Act

Bill: 117-s-2459
Sponsor: Sen. Inhofe, James M. [R-OK]
Introduced: 2021-07-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: 

Hangars Accelerate National Growth And Regional Stability Act or the HANGARS Act

 
This bill establishes grants for constructing, repairing, or improving aircraft hangar facilities at public-use airports.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Introduced in Senate
Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act

Bill: 117-s-2460
Sponsor: Sen. Portman, Rob [R-OH]
Introduced: 2021-07-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: 

Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act

 
This bill establishes the Twentieth Amendment Section Four Panel, which must recommend to Congress model legislation to resolve any vacancy created by the death of a candidate in a contingent presidential or vice-presidential election. Such panel terminates 90 days after submitting its final report. 
 
(The Twelfth Amendment to the Constitution requires that presidential and vice-presidential candidates gain a majority of electoral votes to win an election. In the event that no candidate wins a majority of electoral votes, the Twelfth Amendment requires the House of Representatives to elect the President and the Senate to elect the Vice President, which is known as a contingent election. The Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution allows Congress to establish a process in the case of the death of a candidate in a contingent presidential or vice-presidential election.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Introduced in Senate
Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2461
Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]
Introduced: 2021-07-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation
Subjects: Agricultural conservation and pollution
Agricultural equipment and machinery
Alternative and renewable resources
Business investment and capital
Congressional oversight
Energy efficiency and conservation
Energy research
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Government studies and investigations
Income tax credits
Livestock
Oil and gas
Pipelines
Solid waste and recycling

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: 

Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2021

 
 This bill allows energy tax credits through 2023 for investments in (1) qualified biogas property, or (2) qualified manure resource recovery property. 
 

Qualified biogas property
 comprises a system that (1) uses anaerobic digesters or other specified processes to convert biomass into a gas which is at least 52% methane, and (2) captures the gas for use as a fuel. The term includes property that cleans and conditions the gas for use as a fuel. 
 

Qualified manure resource recovery property
 comprises a system that uses specified processes to recover the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus from a non-treated digestate or animal manure by reducing or separating at least 50% of the nutrients, excluding any reductions during the incineration, storage, composting, or field application of the non-treated digestate or animal manure. The term also includes certain processing equipment. 
 
The Department of the Treasury must enter into an agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for a study of biogas and report to Congress on the study.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Introduced in Senate
APEX Act

Bill: 117-s-2462
Sponsor: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Introduced: 2021-07-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Commodities markets
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Competition and antitrust
Department of Justice
Inflation and prices
Metals

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: 

Aluminum Pricing Examination Act or the APEX Act 

 
This bill extends the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to include the markets for aluminum premiums. Specifically, the CFTC has jurisdiction over (1) the process and manner in which reference prices for such premiums are set or reported, and (2) whether the mechanism for setting such reference prices is fair and transparent. 
 
Additionally, the CFTC must consult with the Department of Justice regarding relevant information, including allegations of anticompetitive conduct. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to require agencies submit zero-based budgets.

Bill: 117-s-2463
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Introduced: 2021-07-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance
Subjects: Appropriations
Budget deficits and national debt
Budget process
Congressional oversight
Executive agency funding and structure

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: 
This bill requires federal agencies to submit zero-based budgets to the Office of Management and Budget and the congressional budget committees
. 
A
 zero-based budget
 is a systematic budget analysis in which managers (1) examine current objectives, operations, and costs; (2) consider alternative ways of carrying out programs or activities; and (3) rank different programs or activities by order of importance.
 
The bill also requires federal agencies to submit recommendations for spending reductions of at least 2% from the previous year's levels. The Department of Defense and the National Nuclear Security Administration are exempt from this requirement. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Introduced in Senate
RECOMPETE Act

Bill: 117-s-2464
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2021-07-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Child care and development
Community life and organization
Commuting
Congressional oversight
Economic development
Economic performance and conditions
Employee hiring
Employment and training programs
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Housing supply and affordability
Indian social and development programs
Infrastructure development
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Labor market
Land use and conservation
Manufacturing
Minority employment
Motor vehicles
Performance measurement
Poverty and welfare assistance
Public contracts and procurement
Public transit
Public-private cooperation
Regional and metropolitan planning
Roads and highways
Small business
Unemployment
Women's employment

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: 

Rebuilding Economies and Creating Opportunities for More People To Excel Act or the RECOMPETE Act

 
This bill establishes a grant program to assist economically distressed local communities and labor markets that meet specified economic criteria, including employment criteria.
 
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) must award 10-year grants to a local government, tribal government, economic development district, or consortium of local government units located in such areas. Each grant recipient must develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to address the economic challenges specific to the area. The grants may be used to increase employment opportunities, increase local per capita income, support economic development, and develop infrastructure and housing.
 
Additionally, the EDA must periodically evaluate each grant recipient based on certain benchmark criteria and annually report on the implementation of the program.
 
The bill specifies formulas for determining the grant amount for each community or market and the federal share of the cost of each program or activity conducted under the program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Introduced in Senate
American Opportunity Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2465
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2021-07-22 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: 

American Opportunity Tax Credit Enhancement Act of 2021

 
This bill modifies the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning tax credits to make the American Opportunity tax credit 100% refundable. It also modifies the provision denying the American Opportunity tax credit to students convicted of a federal or state felony relating to the possession or distribution of a controlled substance. Students may not be denied such credit unless the prison term for the drug offense is at least 15 years.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-07-22
text: Introduced in Senate
Fair Sugar Policy Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2466
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Introduced: 2021-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: 

Fair Sugar Policy Act of 20

21

 
This bill makes several modifications to the Department of Agriculture's sugar program. Among other modifications, the bill decreases the rate for price support loans, repeals the marketing allotments, revises the administration of import quotas, and repeals the Feedstock Flexibility Program. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Public Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act

Bill: 117-s-2467
Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
Introduced: 2021-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Appropriations
Chemical and biological weapons
Congressional oversight
Disaster relief and insurance
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Emergency planning and evacuation
Government studies and investigations
Government trust funds
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health technology, devices, supplies
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Terrorism

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: 

Public Health Emergency Response and Accountability Act

 
This bill modifies funding mechanisms and establishes reporting requirements relating to public health emergencies that are infectious disease outbreaks, bioterrorist attacks, or disasters. 
 
Specifically, the bill establishes a formula-based funding mechanism for the Public Health Emergency Fund to automatically provide funding in the event of these types of emergencies. The amounts provided by the bill are designated as an emergency requirement pursuant to the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (PAYGO) and the Senate PAYGO rule. (This excludes the budget effects from being counted for the purposes of enforcing the PAYGO rules.)
 
The bill also puts in place additional reporting requirements concerning these types of public health emergencies. Upon determination of such an emergency, the Department of Health and Human Services must convene a group of federal officials to prepare monthly reports for Congress on emergency response efforts. In addition, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) must issue a report on the governmental response to such an emergency within six months of the emergency's termination.
 
The GAO must also report on the capacity of the public health system to respond effectively to infectious disease outbreaks and how funds for public health emergencies have been expended within the last two years. 
 
Finally, the bill exempts the Public Health Emergency Fund from sequestration. (Sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
American Shores Protection Act

Bill: 117-s-2468
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2021-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Florida
Georgia
Gulf of Mexico
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Mining
Oil and gas
South Carolina

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: 

American Shores Protection Act

 
 This bill extends a moratorium on oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico through June 30, 2032, and expands the moratorium to include the South Atlantic Planning Area and the Straits of Florida Planning Area.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Make Rules Matter Act

Bill: 117-s-2469
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2021-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance
Subjects: Budget deficits and national debt
Budget process
Legislative rules and procedure
Senate

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: 

Make Rules Matter Act

 
This bill modifies the requirements for raising and waiving several budget points of order that apply to legislation in the Senate. Among other modifications, the bill requires an affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Senate to waive certain budget points of order. (Under current law, most budget points of order may be waived by a vote of three-fifths of the Senate.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Budget.
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Love America Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2470
Sponsor: Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO]
Introduced: 2021-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Education

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: 

Love America Act of 2021

 
This bill places restrictions on federal funding to local and state educational agencies and elementary and secondary schools. Specifically, the bill prohibits an educational agency or school from receiving federal funds if the agency or school (1) does not require students to read specified texts at certain grade levels, or (2) teaches that certain documents (e.g., the Constitution) are products of white supremacy or racism.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Reforming Disaster Recovery Act

Bill: 117-s-2471
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Introduced: 2021-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Housing and Community Development
Subjects: Department of Housing and Urban Development
Disaster relief and insurance
Emergency planning and evacuation
Executive agency funding and structure
Government information and archives
Government trust funds
Housing and community development funding
Housing supply and affordability
Low- and moderate-income housing

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: 

Reforming Disaster Recovery Act 

 
This bill addresses the response of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to disasters.
 
The bill establishes the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency at HUD to coordinate HUD disaster preparedness and response responsibilities. The office must also coordinate with other federal agencies in supporting recovery and resiliency activities. 
 
Further, the bill creates the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund to fund the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program. The program must provide states, tribes, and communities with grants for rebuilding affordable housing and infrastructure after a disaster. Grantees are required to certify that funds will be administered in compliance with specified fair housing and civil rights laws. Grantees must also prioritize assistance for extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income victims of disasters, as well as other vulnerable groups. 
 
The bill also provides for increased data sharing regarding disasters, including by requiring HUD to share data with other federal agencies regarding disaster benefits and by requiring the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration to share data on disaster benefit applicants with HUD.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-12-15
text: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
SACKLER Act

Bill: 117-s-2472
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2021-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector
Subjects: Bankruptcy
Corporate finance and management
Judicial procedure and administration
Specialized courts

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: 

Stop shielding Assets from Corporate Known Liability by Eliminating non-debtor Releases Act or the SACKLER Act 

 
This bill prohibits a bankruptcy court from releasing claims against non-debtors brought by states, tribes, municipalities, or the federal government. However, the bankruptcy court may issue a stay not exceeding 90 days regarding such a claim.
 
Complex bankruptcies may involve creditor claims against non-debtors associated with the debtor, such as the debtor's officers, directors, or employees. Currently, in carrying out a bankruptcy plan, certain courts may release non-debtors from liability (there is a circuit split regarding this practice).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Middle Mile Broadband Deployment Act

Bill: 117-s-2473
Sponsor: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Introduced: 2021-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: 

Middle Mile Broadband Deployment Act

 
This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to award grants to state or tribal governments, utility providers, or other eligible entities for projects to construct, improve, or acquire middle mile infrastructure (i.e., broadband infrastructure that does not connect directly to an end-user location).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
American Telecommunications Security Act

Bill: 117-s-2474
Sponsor: Sen. Cotton, Tom [R-AR]
Introduced: 2021-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: 

American Telecommunications Security Act

 
This bill prohibits the use of certain funds to purchase communications equipment or services determined to pose a national security risk.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate