hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Hammers' Law

Bill: 118-s-1085
Sponsor: Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Hammers' Law

 
This bill authorizes a party in a civil suit to recover nonpecuniary damages (i.e., damages for loss of care, comfort, and companionship) when an individual dies as a result of a cruise ship accident that occurred on the high seas beyond 12 nautical miles from the U.S. shore. The nonpecuniary damages may be in addition to other damages, but punitive damages are not recoverable. Current law already permits these damages to be recovered if a death was caused by a commercial aviation accident on the high seas.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act

Bill: 118-s-1086
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Law

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act

 
This bill prohibits the exclusion of individuals from jury service on the basis of their disability or age.
 
Further, the bill prohibits the disqualification of individuals from jury service who fail to meet certain qualifications (e.g., adequate proficiency in English) on the basis of their disability or infirmity if reasonable accommodations can be made.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Think Tank Transparency Act

Bill: 118-s-1087
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Think Tank Transparency Act
 
 
This bill requires certain nonprofit organizations to file a disclosure report with the Department of Justice (DOJ) after (1) receiving a gift, donation, or contribution of $10,000 or more in a calendar year from foreign governments, entities, or individuals; or (2) entering into or modifying a contract or agreement with such foreign sources. These disclosure reports shall be available to the public on the DOJ website.
 
Generally, these requirements shall apply to certain nonprofit organizations that (1) seek to influence U.S. public policy or public opinion; (2) engage in or publish substantial policy-related research or scholarship; or (3) regularly promote events featuring reporters, journalists, or government officials.
 
Furthermore, if such a nonprofit organization presents research (e.g., briefings or testimony) that was funded by a foreign source to Members of Congress, congressional employees, or executive branch officials, that foreign source must be prominently identified on any presented written materials.
 
 The bill permits the DOJ to bring a civil action against an organization to compel compliance. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1088
Sponsor: Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Indian lands and resources rights
Intergovernmental relations
Land transfers
North Dakota

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act
 
of 2023

 
This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to exchange, at the election of North Dakota, certain federal land for certain state land of substantially equal value.
 
Specifically, subject to valid existing rights, if North Dakota elects to relinquish a parcel of state land located wholly or partially within the boundaries of any Indian reservation, the bill authorizes North Dakota to select one or more parcels of federal land of substantially equivalent value within that state.
 
No later than 60 days after Interior approves North Dakota's selection of federal land, Interior shall initiate the actions necessary to convey the federal land to the state.
 
As consideration for the conveyance of the federal land, North Dakota shall concurrently relinquish and convey the state land to Interior. Land conveyed to Interior that is within the boundaries of a reservation becomes part of the reservation on request of the tribe.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-12-19
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2024-12-19
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2024-12-19
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2024-12-18
text: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7153; text: CR S7153-7155)
action_date: 2024-12-18
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2023-12-12
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 276.
action_date: 2023-12-12
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 118-132.
action_date: 2023-12-12
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 118-132.
action_date: 2023-09-21
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute 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: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Coal Council Certainty Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1089
Sponsor: Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Coal Council Certainty Act of 2023

 
This bill requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to reinstate the National Coal Council (NCC), which provided DOE with advice and guidance about policies concerning coal until its charter expired in November 2021. The bill permanently extends the NCC's original charter and thus prevents the reinstated council from expiring.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update the payment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow for electronic fund transfer of educational assistance, administered by the Secretary, to a foreign institution of higher education, and for other purposes.

Bill: 118-s-1090
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Bank accounts, deposits, capital
Foreign and international banking
Higher education
Student aid and college costs
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its payment system to allow for electronic fund transfer of VA educational assistance to a foreign institution of higher education that provides an approved course of education to eligible recipients and does not have an employer identification number or an account with a domestic bank.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-04-26
text: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 118-160.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity Act

Bill: 118-s-1091
Sponsor: Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity Act

 
This bill requires the seller of a good or service that includes certain automatic renewal or free-to-pay conversion features to provide consumers with (1) advance notice of the renewal or conversion, (2) an online mechanism for canceling the contract for the good or service, and (3) additional contact information (e.g., toll-free telephone number) for canceling the contract.
 
Additionally, notwithstanding the consumer's consent to the initial term, the seller of a good or service that includes an automatic renewal contract must obtain the consumer's express informed consent to renew the contract on an annual basis prior to charging the consumer for the renewal. 
 
Notwithstanding the consumer's consent to a free trial, the seller of a good or service that includes a free-to-pay conversion feature must obtain the consumer's express informed consent to renew the contract not less than seven days before the expiration of the free trial period and before charging the consumer for the renewal.
 
The bill provides for enforcement of these requirements by the Federal Trade Commission.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1092
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Education

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Making Education Affordable and Accessible Act
 
of 

2023

 
This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and revises the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) program. 
 
The bill also authorizes new grants under the FIPSE program. Specifically, the Department of Education may award grants to institutions of higher education for dual or concurrent enrollment programs or early college high school programs that allow high school students to earn postsecondary credits.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Hawaii Air Tour Management Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1093
Sponsor: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Hawaii Air Tour Management Act of 2023

 
This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish an air tour management plan for areas of Hawaii that are not located within the National Park System. (Current law requires the FAA to establish air tour management plans for national parks and tribal lands that are within or abutting a national park.)
 
The FAA and Hawaii must enter into an agreement to establish (1) the content of an air tour management plan, (2) the procedure for establishing a plan, and (3) the responsibilities of each party in carrying out the plan. 
 
Prior to the establishment of this air tour management plan, the FAA may grant an air tour operator that is operating within Hawaii, and not within the National Park System, interim operating authority. 
 
The legal requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act do not apply to the establishment of an air tour management plan under this bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1095
Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Reserve Component Parental Leave Parity Act of 2023

 
This bill provides parental leave to members of the National Guard or a reserve component who are on inactive-duty training. 
 
Under current law, only maternity leave is available to such inactive-duty members. The bill expands the parental leave benefit to all members for the birth or adoption of a child or the placement with the member of a minor child for adoption or long-term foster care.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1096
Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Department of Veterans Affairs
Employment and training programs
Employment discrimination and employee rights
Fraud offenses and financial crimes
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act of 2023

 
This bill requires new employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to undergo training developed by the Inspector General of the VA regarding the reporting of wrongdoing to, responding to requests from, and cooperating with the Office of the Inspector General.

action_date: 2023-07-13
text: 

Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Training Act of 2023

 
This bill requires new employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to undergo training developed by the Inspector General of the VA regarding the reporting of wrongdoing to, responding to requests from, and cooperating with the Office of the Inspector General.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-18
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2023-07-18
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2023-07-18
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2023-07-13
text: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S2963)
action_date: 2023-07-13
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S2963)
action_date: 2023-07-13
text: Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S2963)
action_date: 2023-07-13
text: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2023-07-13
text: Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
César E. Chávez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act

Bill: 118-s-1097
Sponsor: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Arizona
California
Migrant, seasonal, agricultural labor
Monuments and memorials
Parks, recreation areas, trails

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

C&eacute;sar E. Ch&aacute;vez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park Act

 
This bill redesignates the C&eacute;sar E. Ch&aacute;vez National Monument established on October 8, 2012, as the C&eacute;sar E. Ch&aacute;vez and the Farmworker Movement National Historical Park in California and Arizona.
 
The boundary of the historical park shall include
 
 
The Forty Acres in Delano, California;
 
the Santa Rita Center in Phoenix, Arizona; and
 
McDonnell Hall in San Jose, California.
 
 
The Department of the Interior may acquire land and interests in land that are within the boundary of the park by donation, purchase from a willing seller with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange.
 
Interior may provide public interpretation of historic sites, museums, and resources on land not administered by Interior related to the life of C&eacute;sar E. Ch&aacute;vez and the history of the farmworker movement.
 
Interior must prepare a general management plan for the park. 
 
The bill also requires consideration of the Farmworker Peregrinaci&oacute;n National Historic Trail for designation as a national scenic trail.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-12-18
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2024-12-18
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2024-12-18
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2024-12-17
text: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7085-7087; text: CR S7085-7087)
action_date: 2024-12-17
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2023-12-12
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 277.
action_date: 2023-12-12
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin with an amendment. With written report No. 118-133.
action_date: 2023-12-12
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin with an amendment. With written report No. 118-133.
action_date: 2023-09-21
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
action_date: 2023-06-21
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 118-284.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1093-1094)
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act

Bill: 118-s-1098
Sponsor: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Global Health, Empowerment and Rights Act

 
This bill establishes that a foreign nongovernmental organization shall not be disqualified from receiving certain U.S. international development assistance solely because the organization provides medical services using non-U.S. government funds if the medical services do not violate the laws of the country in which they are being provided and would not violate United States federal law if provided in the United States. Such foreign organizations shall not be subject to requirements relating to their use of non-U.S. funds for advocacy or lobbying activities, other than those that apply to U.S. nongovernmental organizations. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Vehicle Innovation Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1099
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Air quality
Energy efficiency and conservation
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Hybrid, electric, and advanced technology vehicles
Manufacturing
Materials
Motor fuels
Motor vehicles
Oil and gas
Performance measurement
Public transit
Research and development
Solid waste and recycling
Technology assessment
Technology transfer and commercialization

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Vehicle Innovation Act of 2023

 
This bill authorizes through FY2028 Department of Energy (DOE) activities to support the research, development, and commercialization of innovative vehicle technologies in partnership or collaboration with industry, fuel producers and energy suppliers, electric utilities, universities, and laboratories. 
 
DOE must conduct a research and development program on materials, technologies, and processes with the potential to substantially reduce petroleum use and the emissions of U.S. passenger and commercial vehicles, including in the areas of natural gas and hydrogen vehicle technologies, electrification of vehicle systems, and hydraulic hybrid technologies. DOE must seek opportunities to leverage resources and support initiatives of state and local governments in developing and promoting advanced vehicle technologies, manufacturing, and infrastructure. 
 
The bill also requires DOE to carry out a research, development, and commercial application program for advanced vehicle manufacturing technologies and practices, including innovative processes to increase the production rate and decrease the cost of advanced battery and fuel cell manufacturing. 
 
In addition, DOE must 
 
 
conduct a program on advanced technologies for medium- to heavy-duty commercial, vocational, recreational, and transit vehicles;
 
conduct a competitive grant program to demonstrate the integration of multiple advanced technologies on Class 8 trucks and trailers; and
 
undertake a pilot program for technologies to improve total machine or system efficiency for nonroad mobile equipment (e.g., agricultural, construction, air, and seaport equipment). 



Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the inclusion of certain emblems on headstones and markers furnished for veterans by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Bill: 118-s-1100
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Cemeteries and funerals
Monuments and memorials
Veterans' organizations and recognition

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 
This bill provides statutory authority for the inclusion of certain emblems on headstones or markers furnished for veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Such headstones or markers may include an emblem from a list established by the Department of Defense and the VA (e.g., skill or combat badges), an emblem of belief, or no emblem.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate
Simplify, Don’t Amplify the IRS Act

Bill: 118-s-1101
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2023-03-30 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: 

Simplify, Don't Amplify the IRS Act

 
This bill limits Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement authority and modifies certain IRS reporting requirements.
 
Among other provisions, the bill 
 
 
 increases the gross receipts reporting threshold for certain religious and charitable organizations from $5,000 to $50,000;
 
 generally increases penalties for unauthorized disclosure of taxpayer information and for such disclosures by tax return preparers;
 
requires the IRS to establish a fellowship program to recruit private sector tax experts to create a task force to. among other things, educate IRS employees on emerging issues, perform audits, and address offshore tax evasion; and 
 
 sets forth provisions for reducing improper payments to taxpayers. 
 
 
The bill also requires the IRS to report annually on the tax gap estimate for the most recent taxable year. The IRS must use artificial intelligence to calculate an estimate of the tax gap. The bill defines 
tax gap
 as the difference between tax liabilities owed to the United States and those liabilities actually collected. 
 
The bill restricts funding for IRS audits and enforcement until the IRS publishes an updated tax gap projection.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-03-30
text: Introduced in Senate