hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Citizenship for Essential Workers Act

Bill: 118-s-1392
Sponsor: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Introduced: 2023-05-01 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: 

Citizenship for Essential Workers Act

 
This bill establishes a mechanism for eligible non-U.S. nationals (
aliens
 under federal law) who worked as essential workers during the declared COVID-19 public health emergency to apply for and obtain lawful permanent resident status (sometimes referred to as a green card). The bill also narrows certain grounds for deportability and inadmissibility.
 
To be eligible for a green card under this bill, an individual must have earned income at any point during the COVID-19 emergency period doing work deemed essential by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a state or local government. An individual may also be eligible if that individual is a parent, spouse, or child of (1) an eligible individual who died from COVID-19, or (2) a member of the Armed Forces. Certain individuals shall be ineligible, such as an individual who was a refugee on January 1, 2023. 
 
To obtain a green card under this bill, an applying individual must satisfy additional requirements, including by passing a background check. 
 
Furthermore, the bill repeals provisions providing for three-year bars and permanent bars to admission into the United States. (Generally, these bars apply to individuals who were previously removed or unlawfully present.)
 
The bill also narrows the scope of certain crime-based grounds for inadmissibility or deportability, such as by redefining the term 
conviction
 to exclude expunged convictions. 
 
The Department of Justice or DHS may waive certain grounds of inadmissibility or deportability (1) for humanitarian purposes, (2) to ensure family unity, or (3) for the public interest.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1442-1443)
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: Introduced in Senate
Sunlight in Workplace Harassment Act

Bill: 118-s-1393
Sponsor: Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Introduced: 2023-05-01 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: 

Sunlight in Workplace Harassment Act 

 
This bill requires issuers of securities to annually disclose to the public information about certain alleged acts of sexual abuse, harassment, or discrimination in the workplace or between employees. Specifically, the issuer must disclose settlements, judgements, and active complaints regarding alleged acts of sexual abuse, harassment, or discrimination as defined by the bill. These disclosures must include the number of settlements, judgements, or active complaints; the number of these that involve acts committed by a corporate executive; the total dollar amount paid out; and the date on which the alleged act occurred.
 
The bill limits the required disclosure by the issuer if the victim of the alleged act objects to its reporting. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: Introduced in Senate
Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1394
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2023-05-01 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: 

Block Nuclear Launch by Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Act of 2023

 
This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for an autonomous weapons system that is not subject to meaningful human control to launch a nuclear weapon or to select or engage targets for the purposes of launching a nuclear weapon. With respect to an autonomous weapons system, meaningful human control means human control of the (1) selection and engagement of targets: and (2) time, location, and manner of use.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to temporarily suspend the debt limit through December 31, 2024.

Bill: 118-s-1395
Sponsor: Sen. Schumer, Charles E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2023-05-01 in the Senate
Policy area: Economics and Public Finance

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: 
This bill suspends the federal debt limit through December 31, 2024, and increases the limit on January 1, 2025, to accommodate the obligations issued during the suspension period.

The adjustments to the debt limit for obligations issued during the suspension period are limited to obligations necessary to fund a commitment incurred by the federal government that required payment before January 1, 2025. 

 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 40.
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time. (text: CR S1443)
action_date: 2023-05-01
text: Introduced in Senate
Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act

Bill: 118-s-1396
Sponsor: Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Employee hiring
Employment and training programs
Government information and archives
Intergovernmental relations
Research administration and funding
Research and development
Small business
Technology transfer and commercialization

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act

 
This bill provides commercialization services for federally funded small business research and development under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
 
Specifically, the bill (1) expedites the application and award process for SBIR proposals and STTR solicitations, (2) requires determinations of commercialization potential for projects undertaken through SBIR and STTR awards, (3) provides continued flexibility of technical and business assistance for SBIR and STTR awardees, (4) instructs participating federal agencies to designate a technology commercialization official to help awardees commercialize, and (5) requires the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Patent Office to reach an interagency agreement to help SBIR and STTR awardees with intellectual property protection.

action_date: 2023-07-25
text: 

Research Advancing to Market Production for Innovators Act

 
This bill provides commercialization services for federally funded small business research and development under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
 
Specifically, the bill (1) expedites the application and award process for SBIR proposals and STTR solicitations, (2) requires determinations of commercialization potential for projects undertaken through SBIR and STTR awards, (3) provides continued flexibility of technical and business assistance for SBIR and STTR awardees, (4) instructs participating federal agencies to designate a technology commercialization official to help awardees commercialize, and (5) requires the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Patent Office to reach an interagency agreement to help SBIR and STTR awardees with intellectual property protection.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-25
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 169.
action_date: 2023-07-25
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Cardin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2023-07-25
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Cardin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
action_date: 2023-07-19
text: Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Educational Opportunity and Success Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1397
Sponsor: Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Education

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Educational Opportunity and Success Act of 

2023

 
This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and otherwise revises TRIO programs. (These outreach and student-services programs identify and provide services to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.)
 
Among other revisions to the programs, the bill
 
 
prohibits the Department of Education (ED) from rejecting TRIO grant applications based on certain errors;
 
requires ED to provide additional technical assistance to interested grant applicants;
 
revises the outcome criteria for measuring the quality and effectiveness of the programs, including those programs specifically designed for veterans;
 
allows program administrators to use a student's most recent Free Application for Federal Student Aid to determine TRIO program eligibility; and
 
increases the maximum stipend for students participating in the Upward Bound Program or the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program.



Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1465)
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act

Bill: 118-s-1398
Sponsor: Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act

 
This bill prohibits federal agencies from using funds made available for salaries and expenses to solicit or enter into agreements with nongovernmental organizations to conduct voter registration or voter mobilization activities on the agency's property or website. 
 
The bill also requires federal agencies to delay carrying out certain activities pursuant to Executive Order 14019 (which established requirements for expanding access to voter registration and election information) until various conditions are met, such as the agency submitting reports to Congress.
 
The bill also prohibits institutions of higher education that operate federal work-study programs from registering or mobilizing voters on or off campus.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Building American Energy Security Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1399
Sponsor: Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Building American Energy Security Act of 2023

 
This bill establishes requirements to accelerate the environmental review of federal agency actions that involve certain energy infrastructure or critical mineral projects, including the Mountain Valley Pipeline, which is a natural gas pipeline located in Virginia and West Virginia.
 
Specifically, the bill modifies requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, including by 
 
 
setting maximum timelines for the environmental reviews of federal actions that involve major energy infrastructure projects,
 
allowing project sponsors to sue agencies if the timelines are not met,
 
establishing requirements to accelerate such reviews that involve multiple agencies, and 
 
limiting judicial review of agency decisions.
 
 
Further, the President must designate and periodically update a list of high-priority energy infrastructure projects and prioritize permitting for these projects.
 
The bill also expands 
covered projects 
under FAST-41, which qualify for expedited environmental review, to include certain federal agency actions that involve (1) critical minerals, or (2) energy infrastructure projects that require an investment of more than $50 million.
 
In addition, the bill modifies provisions under the Federal Power Act and the Natural Gas Act, including by authorizing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to approve permits for certain interstate electric transmission facilities and hydrogen pipelines. Finally, the bill requires federal agencies to take certain actions to complete the Mountain Valley Pipeline.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Increased TSP Access Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1400
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Increased TSP Access Act of 2023

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modify the certification process for Technical Service Providers (TSPs) at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) by establishing an approval process for nonfederal certifying entities and a streamlined certification process for TSPs that hold certain specialty certifications. (TSPs are third-party service providers, such as private businesses, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations, who work on behalf of customers to offer planning, design, and implementation services that meet NRCS criteria.)

The bill specifies that USDA must ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, third-party providers with expertise in the technical aspects of conservation practice design, implementation, and evaluation are eligible to become approved TSPs.

USDA must provide a streamlined certification process for TSPs who hold appropriate specialty certifications (e.g., certified crop advisors).

In determining the eligibility of a nonfederal certifying entity, USDA must consider the ability, experience, expertise, and history of the entity. USDA must decide whether to approve an application submitted by a nonfederal certifying entity to certify TSPs not later than 40 business days after receiving an application.

USDA must review a TSP's certification by a nonfederal certifying entity not later than 10 business days after receiving a notification from the nonfederal entity. If the certification is satisfactory, USDA must include the TSP on a USDA-maintained registry of certified TSPs.

The bill also specifies that TSPs must be paid at rates equivalent to technical assistance provided by USDA.

Further, USDA must provide accessible public information on TSPs, including information on funding, contributions, certification results, and utilization rates.
 

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Federal Prison Oversight Act

Bill: 118-s-1401
Sponsor: Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Correctional facilities and imprisonment
Department of Justice
Detention of persons
Due process and equal protection
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal officials
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Internet, web applications, social media
Right of privacy

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Federal Prison Oversight Act

 
This bill establishes an inspections regime for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
 
 The Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General must conduct risk-based evaluations of BOP facilities. 
 
An inspection of a facility may be announced or unannounced. Higher risk facilities must receive more frequent inspections.
 
The bill (1) provides for the establishment in DOJ of an Ombudsman who may receive complaints, make inquiries, and recommend actions, and decline to investigate or take action, as specified; and (2) prohibits BOP retaliation against any person or entity that has instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding, investigation, or inspection under this bill.
 
The ombudsman shall coordinate with the BOP to educate incarcerated people, their representatives, and the public about the existence and functions of the ombudsman.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1402
Sponsor: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act of 2023

 
 This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to award grants to create or expand programs at minority-serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that foster, promote, and increase opportunities for minority business ownership. The SBA must also establish a Minority Entrepreneurship Advisory Board to develop recommendations regarding how these institutions and HBCUs can better serve minority businesses and entrepreneurs.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Medical Student Education Authorization Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1403
Sponsor: Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
Education programs funding
Health care coverage and access
Health personnel
Health promotion and preventive care
Health technology, devices, supplies
Higher education
Indian social and development programs
Medical education
Mental health
Public-private cooperation
Rural conditions and development
Student aid and college costs

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Medical Student Education Authorization Act of 2023

 
This bill provides statutory authority for the Medical Student Education Program, which provides matching grants for educating and training medical students and encouraging them to serve as primary care physicians in tribal, rural, or medically underserved communities.
 
 The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) must award the grants to public institutions of higher education located in states that rank in the top quintile of states based on their projected shortage of primary care physicians. In awarding the grants, HRSA must give priority to recipients that (1) are located in states with two or more federally recognized Indian tribes, and (2) have established or plan to establish a public-private partnership to support the implementation of the grant.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1404
Sponsor: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Historic sites and heritage areas
Historical and cultural resources
Indian lands and resources rights
Land transfers
Land use and conservation
New Mexico
Oil and gas

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Chaco Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act of 2023

 
This bill withdraws certain federal land in New Mexico and authorizes the Department of the Interior to convey the land to, or exchange the land with, an Indian tribe under a resource management plan. Nonproducing oil and gas leases on the withdrawn land are terminated.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration Exchange Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1405
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Geography and mapping
Intergovernmental relations
Land transfers
Mining
Utah

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration Exchange Act of 2023

 
This bill ratifies an agreement between the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, the state of Utah, and the Department of the Interior for the exchange of certain federal and state lands in Utah.
 
The bill provides for the equalization of values of such lands.
 
The bill provides for the withdrawal of
 
 
federal land to be conveyed to Utah from mineral entry prior to the exchange, and
 
state land conveyed to the United States from all forms of appropriation and disposal.
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-01-09
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 305.
action_date: 2024-01-09
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin without amendment. With written report No. 118-153.
action_date: 2024-01-09
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin without amendment. With written report No. 118-153.
action_date: 2023-09-21
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2023-07-12
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 118-285.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Targeting Child Predators Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1406
Sponsor: Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Targeting Child Predators Act of 2023

 
This bill revises the processes and procedures related to nondisclosure requirements issued in connection with certain administrative subpoenas.
 
The bill modifies the process for issuing a nondisclosure requirement in a child exploitation or abuse investigation and lengthens the period of time during which a recipient of an administrative subpoena is prohibited from disclosure. 
 
It also subjects a nondisclosure requirement to judicial review, requires the administrative subpoena to include notice of the availability of judicial review, and establishes a process for judicial review.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend the Small Business Act to eliminate certain requirements relating to the award of construction subcontracts within the county or State of performance.

Bill: 118-s-1407
Sponsor: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 
This bill eliminates a requirement that, to the maximum extent practicable, certain construction subcontracts awarded by the Small Business Administration must be awarded within the county or state where the work is to be performed.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate
Ending Forced Arbitration of Race Discrimination Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1408
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2023-05-02 in the Senate
Policy area: Law

Summary:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: 

Ending Forced Arbitration of Race Discrimination Act of 2023 

 
This bill prohibits a predispute arbitration agreement from being valid or enforceable with respect to a case relating to a race discrimination dispute at the election of the person alleging the discrimination.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-05-02
text: Introduced in Senate