hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Data Broker List Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2290
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

Data Broker List Act of 20

21

 
 This bill establishes requirements for data brokers that obtain personal information about consumers for the sale to other businesses. 
 
Specifically, data brokers are prohibited from (1) acquiring such information by fraud, (2) using such information for a specified prohibited purpose such as fraud or identity theft, or (3) selling such information to a third party that the broker should reasonably know intends to use the information for a specified prohibited purpose.
 
 Data brokers also must implement safeguards to prevent security breaches that result in the improper disclosure of such personal information. Additionally, they must register with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on an annual basis and the FTC must publish the registry.
 
 Violations of these requirements are enforceable by the FTC as unfair or deceptive business practices.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Zero-Emission Nuclear Power Production Credit Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2291
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

Zero-Emission Nuclear Power Production Credit Act of 2021

 
This bill allows a new business-related tax credit through 2031 for the production of electricity from zero-emission nuclear power. It also allows an election for direct payments of such credit and requires a recapture of the credit for contractors who pay their laborers or mechanics less than the prevailing wage rate.
 
Contractors must ensure that at least 15% of their work force is composed of qualified apprentices. 
 
The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the effectiveness the tax credit.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Study on Cyber-Attack Response Options Act

Bill: 117-s-2292
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

Study on Cyber-Attack Response Options Act

 
This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security to study and report on the potential benefits and risks of amending the federal statute commonly known as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act to allow private entities to respond to an unlawful network breach, subject to federal regulation and oversight. 
 
The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act prohibits various categories of computer-related conduct by an individual without authority or in excess of authorization. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2294
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Alliances
Arctic and polar regions
Asia
China
Congressional oversight
Europe
Government studies and investigations
Human rights
International law and treaties
International organizations and cooperation
Marine and inland water transportation
Military assistance, sales, and agreements
Military education and training
Military facilities and property
Military operations and strategy
Military procurement, research, weapons development
Military readiness
Navigation, waterways, harbors
North Korea
Russia

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

Arctic Security Initiative Act of 2021

 
This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to conduct an assessment and implement a program related to national security interests in the Arctic region.
 
Specifically, the Commander of the United States Northern Command of DOD must consult and coordinate with specified defense entities to conduct an independent assessment with respect to the activities and resources required for FY2023-FY2027 to achieve specified objectives related to national security interests in the Arctic region. 
 
The assessment must focus on the activities and resources required to achieve the following objectives:
 
 
the implementation of the National Defense Strategy and military service-specific strategies with respect to the Arctic region;
 
the maintenance or restoration of the comparative military advantage of the United States in response to great power competitors in the Arctic region;
 
the reduction of the risk of executing operation and contingency plans of DOD; and
 
to maximize execution of DOD operation and contingency plans, in the event deterrence fails.
 
 
Additionally, DOD must establish the Arctic Security Initiative program to enhance security in the Arctic region, to be informed by the assessment required by this bill. DOD must annually submit an unclassified future years plan, which may include a classified annex, for the activities and resources of the program that includes specified elements (e.g., a detailed time line for achieving requirements). The plan must also be included in budget materials submitted by DOD in support of the budget of the President for FY2023.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
PAST Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2295
Sponsor: Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Animals
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Crimes against animals and natural resources
Department of Agriculture
Government information and archives
Licensing and registrations
Mammals
Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Veterinary medicine and animal diseases

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 
 
Prevent All Soring Tactics Act of 2021 or the PAST Act 
 

of 2021

 
This bill addresses the practice of soring horses. The soring of horses includes various actions taken on horses' limbs to produce higher gaits that may cause pain, distress, inflammation, or lameness.
 
Specifically, the bill expands soring regulation and enforcement at horse shows, exhibitions, sales, and auctions, including by establishing a new system for inspecting horses for soring. In addition, the bill increases penalties for violations.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Northern Neck National Heritage Area Act

Bill: 117-s-2296
Sponsor: Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Government studies and investigations
Historic sites and heritage areas
Historical and cultural resources
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Virginia

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

Northern Neck National Heritage Area Act
 
 
This bill establishes the Northern Neck National Heritage Area in Virginia. 
 
The bill includes in the heritage area land between the Potomac River and Rappahannock River of the eastern coastal region of Virginia, including King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland Counties. 
 
The bill designates the Northern Neck Tourism Commission, a working committee of the Northern Neck Planning District Commission, as the local coordinating entity for the heritage area. 
 
The Northern Neck Tourism Commission shall submit a proposed management plan for the heritage area to the Department of the Interior for approval.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-10-06
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Economic Inclusion Civil Rights Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2298
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues
Subjects: Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
Civil actions and liability
Consumer credit
Contracts and agency
Credit and credit markets
Due process and equal protection
Evidence and witnesses
Internet and video services
Internet, web applications, social media
Jurisdiction and venue
Racial and ethnic relations
Retail and wholesale trades

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

Economic Inclusion Civil Rights Act of 2021

 
This bill modifies the prohibition against intentional racial discrimination in the context of economic activity such as employment, contracts, or other commercial transactions.
 
Specifically, the bill makes an action that has a discriminatory effect a violation of section 1977 of the Revised Statutes. It also states that all non-White persons within U.S. jurisdiction shall have the same right in every state and territory as is enjoyed by White citizens in certain respects. 
 
No person shall use a criterion, method of administration, practice, or policy that has a disparate impact in violation of that provision.
 
Further, a plaintiff may prove intentional discrimination by showing only that the discriminatory intent was a motivating factor in the alleged violation. Under current law, a plaintiff must prove that the harm would not have occurred but for the defendant's unlawful conduct.
 
Additionally, standing shall not be limited to victims who were parties to, or third-party beneficiaries of, a contract with the defendant. 
 
The bill provides for a right to jury trial and no joint-action waiver or pre-dispute arbitration agreement shall be enforceable with respect to any alleged violation.
 
The bill provides for a four-year statute of limitations.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Restoring Communities Left Behind Act

Bill: 117-s-2300
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Housing and Community Development
Subjects: Community life and organization
Congressional oversight
Credit and credit markets
Economic development
Government information and archives
Housing and community development funding
Housing discrimination
Housing finance and home ownership
Housing supply and affordability
Land transfers
Land use and conservation
Landlord and tenant
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Poverty and welfare assistance
Racial and ethnic relations
Unemployment

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

Restoring Communities Left Behind Act 

 
This bill directs the Department of Housing and Urban Development to establish a grant program for local partnerships to carry out neighborhood revitalization support activities in economically distressed areas. Eligible activities include 
 
 
weatherization and energy efficiency improvements; 
 
housing accessibility improvements for seniors and persons with disabilities; 
 
purchasing delinquent mortgages; 
 
purchasing and developing vacant or distressed properties to create affordable rental housing and for other purposes; and 
 
improving parks, sidewalks, and street lighting. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-07-21
text: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
College Equity Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2301
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Academic performance and assessments
Accounting and auditing
Education of the disadvantaged
Education programs funding
Educational facilities and institutions
Educational guidance
Higher education
Minority education
School administration
Student aid and college costs
Student records
Teaching, teachers, curricula

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

College Equity Act of 

2021

 
This bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish grant programs for reviewing and addressing inequities in student recruitment, admissions, and support at institutions of higher education (IHEs). 
 
Specifically, ED must award grants to IHEs to conduct equity audits that review IHEs' policies, practices, and resources (e.g., admission policies, financial aid, and faculty diversity) to identify areas that might produce gaps in access and outcomes by certain factors. These factors include, among others, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, and age.
 
In addition, ED must award grants to IHEs for executing improvement plans that address inequities. 
 
Finally, higher education accrediting agencies and associations must assess the findings from the audits and assist IHEs in addressing inequities. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to assign certain functions to the Assistant Secretaries of Energy relating to energy emergencies and energy security, and for other purposes.

Bill: 117-s-2302
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Computer security and identity theft
Department of Energy
Emergency planning and evacuation
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal officials
Federal-Indian relations
Infrastructure development
Intergovernmental relations
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 
This bill requires the Secretary of Energy to assign energy emergency and energy security functions to an Assistant Secretary, including responsibilities with respect to infrastructure and cybersecurity.
 
The Department of Energy must ensure that such functions are performed in coordination with relevant federal agencies.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-03-01
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Democracy in Hong Kong Congressional Gold Medal Act

Bill: 117-s-2303
Sponsor: Sen. Sasse, Ben [R-NE]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Asia
China
Congressional tributes
Hong Kong
Human rights
News media and reporting

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

Democracy in Hong Kong Congressional Gold Medal Act

 
This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, Ryan Law Wai-kwong, Cheung Kim-hung, and all the other individuals who worked for Apple Daily, a Hong Kong media company, in recognition of their commitment to freedom and democracy in Hong Kong.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
DTC Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2304
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

Drug-Price Transparency for Competition Act of 2021 or the DTC Act of 2021

 
 This bill requires consumer advertisements for drugs and biologics covered under Medicare or Medicaid to include the drug's list price.
 
 Each violation of this requirement is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100,000.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. (text: CR S4780-4781)
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Cybersecurity Opportunity Act

Bill: 117-s-2305
Sponsor: Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications
Subjects: Computer security and identity theft
Education of the disadvantaged
Education programs funding
Higher education
Minority education
Public-private cooperation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

Cybersecurity Opportunity Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to award grants to specified institutions of higher education for establishing or expanding cybersecurity education programs and opportunities.
 
Eligible institutions include minority-serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities, and grant recipients may use the funds to increase research, education, technical, partnership, and innovation capacity for cybersecurity programs, research, and training experiences. 

action_date: 2022-01-20
text: 

Cybersecurity Opportunity Act

 
This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security to award grants to specified institutions of higher education for establishing or expanding cybersecurity education programs and opportunities.
 
Eligible institutions include minority-serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities, and grant recipients may use the funds to increase research, education, technical, partnership, and innovation capacity for cybersecurity programs, research, and training experiences.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-01-20
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 256.
action_date: 2022-01-20
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Peters with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 117-59.
action_date: 2022-01-20
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Peters with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 117-59.
action_date: 2021-08-04
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2306
Sponsor: Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA]
Introduced: 2021-06-24 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: 

Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity and River Restoration Act of 2021

 
This bill allows a new tax credit for maintaining and enhancing hydroelectric dams that is equal to 30% of the basis of any qualified dam safety, environmental, and grid resilience enhancement property placed in service in a taxable year. It also allows a 30% credit for qualified obsolete river obstruction removal expenditures for demolishing and removing certain nonpowered or hydroelectric dams.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2021-06-24
text: Introduced in Senate
COVID–19 and Pandemic Response Centers of Excellence Act of 2021

Bill: 117-s-2307
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2021-07-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Appropriations
Blood and blood diseases
Cardiovascular and respiratory health
Child health
Community life and organization
Congressional oversight
Department of Health and Human Services
Drug therapy
Education programs funding
Emergency medical services and trauma care
Executive agency funding and structure
Government trust funds
Health care coverage and access
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health technology, devices, supplies
Higher education
Immunology and vaccination
Infectious and parasitic diseases
Medical education
Medical research
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Mental health
Minority health
Research administration and funding
Women's health
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-12
text: 

COVID-19 and Pandemic Response Centers of Excellence Act of 2021

 
This bill establishes and provides funding for the COVID-19 and Pandemic Response Centers of Excellence Program Fund. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must use the funds to set up at least 10 centers of excellence at academic medical centers to address issues associated with COVID-19 and future pandemic preparedness and response efforts.
 
In addition, HHS must establish an advisory committee comprised of representatives from relevant federal agencies, each center of excellence, and national organizations that work with populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and other health disparities. The committee must facilitate collaboration, information-sharing, and dissemination of best practices relating to COVID-19 and future pandemic responses.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2021-07-12
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to modify the threshold for small start projects under the fixed guideway capital investment grant program, to allow certain environmental review expenditures to count for purposes of non-Federal matches, and for other purposes.

Bill: 117-s-2308
Sponsor: Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Introduced: 2021-07-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Public transit
State and local finance
Transportation programs funding
Urban and suburban affairs and development

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-12
text: 
This bill modifies grants available through the Department of Transportation (DOT) that support the development, expansion, and improvement of fixed guideway transportation systems (e.g., light rail and bus rapid transit).
 
The modifications include (1) counting the costs of complying with federal environmental laws towards grant requirements for nonfederal matching contributions, and (2) requiring DOT to maintain a dashboard to track the status of, and other information about, grant applications and projects.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2022-07-12
text: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2021-07-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2021-07-12
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to improve the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program, and for other purposes.

Bill: 117-s-2309
Sponsor: Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Introduced: 2021-07-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2021-07-12
text: 
This bill expands eligibility for and modifies grants available through the Department of Transportation for improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of passenger and freight rail transportation systems.
 
Specifically, the bill makes the District of Columbia, certain associations that represent railroads, and Indian tribes eligible for the grants. Other modifications include allowing grants to fund additional types of projects, such as (1) measures to prevent trespassing to reduce associated injuries and fatalities; (2) modifications to locomotives that reduce emissions; and (3) research, development, and testing of electromagnetic guideways in a vacuum (e.g., the hyperloop).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2021-07-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2021-07-12
text: Introduced in Senate