hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-805
Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Subjects: Civil actions and liability
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Customs enforcement
Fraud offenses and financial crimes

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2023

 
This bill increases penalties for, and establishes additional enforcement mechanisms related to, fraudulent and grossly negligent violations of U.S. customs laws.
 
Specifically, the bill increases the maximum civil penalty for a fraudulent violation to three times the domestic value of the merchandise. Further, the bill prohibits a person who commits a fraudulent violation from importing merchandise into the United States for a five-year period.
 
Additionally, the bill increases the maximum civil penalty for a grossly negligent violation to the lesser of (1) 3 times the domestic value of the merchandise; or (2) 10 times the lawful duties, taxes, and fees. It also prohibits a person who commits a grossly negligent violation from importing merchandise into the United States for a two-year period.
 
Further, the bill applies these importation bans to an affiliated person (e.g., a family member, partner, or employee) of the person who committed the fraudulent or grossly negligent violation.
 
The bill also establishes a private right of action for customs fraud or grossly negligent violations. In particular, the bill allows manufacturers, producers, wholesalers, labor unions, or trade associations to bring a civil action against a violator or any person that aids or abets a violator.
 
The bill prohibits any person (or an affiliated person) who commits a fraudulent or grossly negligent violation from participating in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Importer of Record program, and further requires their importer of record numbers to be revoked.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Healthy H2O Act

Bill: 118-s-806
Sponsor: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Healthy Drinking Water Affordability Act or the Healthy H2O Act

 
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a program under which USDA awards grants for improving the quality of drinking water in certain rural areas. Grants may be given to individuals or entities, such as home owners, renters, and licensed child-care facilities, that have demonstrated the presence of one or more health contaminants in their drinking water. Grants may also be given to nonprofit organizations to help individuals and entities test their water, analyze the results of the tests, and reduce the contamination.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
RETURN Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-807
Sponsor: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Return Employees to Understaffed Work Sites to Reopen Now Act of 2023 or the RETURN Act of 2023

 
This bill requires each federal agency to submit to Congress and publish on the agency's website a plan for the agency to resume in-person operations.
 
The plan shall, among other things, include
 
 
the agency's policy with respect to permitting permanent remote work for employees who can successfully achieve their duties away from their official work sites,
 
metrics to measure the productivity of employees performing remote work to identify employees that fail to fulfill their duties, 
 
 a plan to provide essential government services in person for individuals in the United States, and
 
measures to prepare for future public health emergencies that can be quickly implemented if remote work becomes necessary.
 
 
Each agency must submit a report to the General Services Administration recommending termination of the agency's leases of physical work spaces that are underused.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Expediting Forest Restoration and Recovery Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-808
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Expediting Forest Restoration and Recovery Act of 2023

 
This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expedite the environmental review of hazardous fuel or insect and disease risk reduction projects on certain National Forest System land and prioritize reducing the risks of insect infestations and wildfires over other objectives in forest plans. In addition, the bill directs states to retain good neighbor agreement timber sale revenues and use them for certain restoration services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (text: CR S802)
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Security to Avoid Violence in Educational Settings Act

Bill: 118-s-809
Sponsor: Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Security to Avoid Violence in Educational Settings Act or the SAVES Act

 
This bill transfers certain funds to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to carry out a grant program for school safety and security.
 
Specifically, the bill transfers funds appropriated for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements at public school facilities (currently known as the Department of Energy's Renew America's Schools Program) to DOJ for the grant program.
 
DOJ must award grants to states (and states must provide subgrants to eligible entities, such as local educational agencies and schools) for planning and designing school buildings and facilities, installing infrastructure, and implementing technology or other measures that strengthen security on school premises.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to create requirements relating to memorials submitted pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of the United States, and for other purposes.

Bill: 118-s-810
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Congress

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 
This bill sets out requirements for documenting proposed amendments to the Constitution and rescissions of prior proposals that are submitted to Congress by state legislatures.
 
Specifically, the Senate and the House of Representatives must (1) make the submissions available online in a searchable format that is organized by state of origin and year of submission; and (2) provide certain information about each submission, including whether the submission proposes a new amendment or rescinds a prior proposal and the citation for the submission in the Congressional Record.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
SEC Whistleblower Reform Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-811
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

SEC Whistleblower Reform Act of 2023

 
This bill expands and revises whistleblower protections applicable to individuals who provide information to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) relating to a violation of securities laws. 
 
Under current law, an employer is prohibited from retaliating against these whistleblowers. Under the bill, this prohibition is expanded to include (1) individuals who provide information regarding potential violations to supervisors or other employees in positions of authority; and (2) information relating to violations subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, or a self-regulatory organization. 
 
Additionally, the bill establishes the right to a jury trial for a person accused of violating whistleblower protection laws. 
 
The bill also requires the SEC to make an initial disposition of a whistleblower award claim within the later of (1) one year of the deadline to submit such a claim, or (2) one year after the final resolution of any litigation in the matter. 
 
Finally, the bill deems as unenforceable a predispute arbitration agreement regarding a whistleblower action. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-812
Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act of 

2023

 
This bill temporarily expands the awards program for cost-saving identifications by federal employees of fraud, waste, or mismanagement to include identifications of surplus salaries and expenses funds.
 
Savings resulting from such identifications shall generally be used for deficit reduction, but agencies may retain up to 10% of such savings for the purpose of paying cash awards to employees for making the identifications. An officer may not receive such award if the officer (1) serves in a position at level one of the Executive Schedule; (2) is the head of an agency; or (3) is a commissioner, board member, or other voting member of an independent establishment.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Expanding Local Meat Processing Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-813
Sponsor: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Expanding Local Meat Processing Act of 2023

 
This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to revise its regulations to allow certain packers to hold an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of a market agency selling livestock on a commission basis. The bill applies to packers that have a cumulative slaughter capacity of (1) less than 2,000 animal per day or 700,000 animals per year with respect to cattle or sheep, and (2) less than 10,000 animals per day or 3 million animals per year with respect to hogs.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Romania Visa Waiver Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-814
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Romania Visa Waiver Act of 2023

 
This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to designate Romania as a program country under the visa waiver program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S802)
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Hello Girls Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2024

Bill: 118-s-815
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Congressional tributes
Military history
Monuments and memorials
Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers
Smithsonian Institution
Telephone and wireless communication
Veterans' organizations and recognition
Women's employment

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Hello Girls Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023

 
This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the female telephone operators of the Army Signal Corps, commonly known as the
 Hello Girls
, in recognition of their military service, devotion to duty, and 60-year struggle for veterans' benefits and recognition as soldiers.

action_date: 2024-09-24
text: 

Hello Girls Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2024

This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the female telephone operators of the Army Signal Corps, commonly known as the
 Hello Girls
, in recognition of their military service, devotion to duty, and 60-year struggle for veterans' benefits and recognition as soldiers.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-09-25
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2024-09-25
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2024-09-25
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S6382)
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2024-09-24
text: Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
SOAR Act

Bill: 118-s-816
Sponsor: Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Seeing Objects at Altitude Regularly Act or the SOAR Act

 
This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish a rulemaking committee and propose rules on the continuous tracking of high altitude balloons (i.e., manned or unmanned free balloons operating at least 10,000 feet above sea level). 
 
Specifically, the committee must develop findings and recommendations regarding a standard requiring high altitude balloons to be equipped with a system for continuous aircraft tracking and transmit, at a minimum, the altitude, location, and identity of the balloon in a manner that is accessible to air traffic controllers, aircraft, and other users of the U.S. national airspace system (NAS). 
 
Further, the FAA must, in accordance with the recommendations of the committee, issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to require a continuous aircraft tracking and transmission system for high altitude balloons and coordinate with foreign authorities to develop such standards for any balloons operating outside of NAS.
 
If the FAA does not issue a notice of proposed rulemaking within two years of the bill's enactment, the bill prescribes certain interim standards for the operation of high altitude balloons, which stay in place until the FAA issues a notice of proposed rulemaking.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
SVB Act

Bill: 118-s-817
Sponsor: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Secure Viable Banking Act or the SVB Act 

 
This bill increases the oversight of certain nonbank financial companies and bank holding companies by repealing Title IV of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (P.L. 115-174). (A nonbank financial company is a financial institution without a banking license that may be subject to supervision due to the company's size or risk profile. A bank holding company owns a controlling interest in one or more banks.)
 
Specifically, the bill decreases from $250 billion to $50 billion the asset threshold at which enhanced prudential standards become mandatory, thereby requiring more companies to comply with these standards. These standards include stress testing, leverage limits, liquidity requirements, and resolution plan requirements (i.e., living will requirements). Under current law, the Federal Reserve has the discretion to determine the applicability of these standards to bank holding companies with assets between $100 billion and $250 billion.
 
The bill also expands stress testing by 
 
 
increasing the number of board-run stress test scenarios from two to three; 
 
decreasing the asset threshold at which company-run stress tests are required from $250 billion to $10 billion; and 
 
requiring company-run stress tests to be performed annually or semiannually, depending on the amount of assets held.
 
 
The bill also decreases from $50 billion to $10 billion the asset threshold for mandatory risk committees.
 
Finally, the bill revises the supplemental leverage ratio applied to custodial banks and the asset treatment of certain municipal obligations.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
MORE Savings Act

Bill: 118-s-818
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Drug therapy
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Health care costs and insurance
Health care coverage and access
Medicaid
Mental health
Physical fitness and lifestyle
Prescription drugs
Rural conditions and development

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Maximizing Opioid Recovery Emergency Savings Act or the MORE Savings Act

 
This bill modifies coverage of opioid treatments and recovery support services under Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance.
 
Specifically, the bill requires the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a model in which specified opioid treatments and recovery support services are provided under Medicare without cost-sharing (e.g., coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles). 
 
The bill also allows state Medicaid programs to cover recovery support services as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and increases the applicable Federal Medical Assistance Percentage for MAT.
 
Additionally, beginning in 2025, private health insurers must cover specified opioid treatments and MAT-associated recovery support services without cost-sharing.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Fairness for Immigrant Families Act

Bill: 118-s-819
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Fairness for Immigrant Families Act
 
 
This bill modifies provisions barring certain non-U.S. nationals (

aliens
 under federal law) from admission and addresses other immigration-related issues.
 
The bill repeals various admissions bars against aliens who were unlawfully present in the United States for certain amounts of time. 
 
The bill also modifies a provision that generally makes inadmissible aliens who had been ordered removed and who attempt to reenter the United States without being admitted. Specifically, the bill exempts from that provision (1) individuals less than 21 years old, (2) asylum seekers, (3) individuals who received a stay of removal under a family unity program, (4) victims of severe trafficking, and (5) certain individuals who entered the United States as children. 
 
An alien who entered the United States without inspection may apply for lawful permanent residence during the five-year period starting from this bill's enactment if the alien is the beneficiary of a family-based petition or labor certification. 
 
The bill also prohibits removing an alien with certain pending immigration-related applications if the application is not obviously deficient. 
 
Before removing a parent or legal guardian of an individual who is less than 21 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement must review and approve the removal. 
 
Furthermore, the bill makes it a crime to fraudulently provide immigration services. The Department of Justice must make grants to help enforce such laws and assist victims. 
 
The bill establishes the National Office of New Americans to help integrate immigrants and refugees. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
Protecting Consumers from PFAS Act

Bill: 118-s-820
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Consumer affairs
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Product safety and quality

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

Protecting Consumers from PFAS Act

 
This bill adds the Consumer Product Safety Commission to the interagency working group to coordinate federal activities related to research about perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS.

action_date: 2023-11-27
text: 

Protecting Consumers from PFAS Act

 
This bill adds the Consumer Product Safety Commission to the interagency working group to coordinate federal activities related to research about perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS.
 
No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-11-27
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 250.
action_date: 2023-11-27
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Peters with an amendment. With written report No. 118-112.
action_date: 2023-11-27
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Peters with an amendment. With written report No. 118-112.
action_date: 2023-06-14
text: Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to establish an Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region.

Bill: 118-s-821
Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Introduced: 2023-03-15 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: 

This bill authorizes the position of Ambassador-at-Large for the Arctic Region within the Department of State. The Ambassador shall be appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. 
 
The Ambassador is authorized to represent the United States in matters and cases relevant to Arctic affairs and shall be responsible for all matters, programs, and related activities pertaining to the Arctic region in the conduct of foreign policy by the State Department.
 
The Ambassador is also authorized to observe and coordinate various matters related to foreign policy in the Arctic, including energy, environment, trade, and infrastructure development and maintenance, as indicated by the State Department. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2023-03-15
text: Introduced in Senate