hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Combating Illicit Xylazine Act

Bill: 118-s-993
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Drug trafficking and controlled substances
Manufacturing
Retail and wholesale trades
Veterinary medicine and animal diseases

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Combating Illicit Xylazine Act

 
This bill criminalizes the illicit use of xylazine. (Xylazine, also known as 
Tranq
, is a sedative that is approved for use in animals. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reported an increase in the trafficking of fentanyl mixed with xylazine.)
 
Specifically, the bill establishes criminal penalties for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, xylazine for illicit use (i.e., for use in humans) in accordance with the penalties for schedule III substances (up to 10 years imprisonment or, if death or serious bodily injury occurs, up to 15 years imprisonment, as well as criminal fines).
 
In addition, the DEA must coordinate with the Food and Drug Administration to report on the prevalence of the illicit use of xylazine, including associated supply chains. The bill also declares the illicit use of xylazine as an emerging drug threat.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-01-11
text: Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Strong Communities Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-994
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Employment and training programs
Higher education
Law enforcement administration and funding
Law enforcement officers

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Strong Communities Act of 2023

 
This bill allows funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services grant program to be used to provide training to officers and recruits who agree to serve in law enforcement agencies in their communities.

action_date: 2023-06-08
text: 

Strong Communities Act of 2023

 
This bill allows funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services grant program to be used to provide training to officers and recruits who agree to serve in law enforcement agencies in their communities.

action_date: 2023-07-26
text: 

Strong Communities Act of 2023

This bill allows funds under the Community Oriented Policing Services grant program to be used to make competitive grants for local law enforcement agencies to provide training to officers and recruits who agree to serve in law enforcement agencies in their communities.

 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S3582-3583; text: CR S3582)
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S3582-3583; text: CR S3582)
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 87.
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Durbin with amendments. Without written report.
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Durbin with amendments. Without written report.
action_date: 2023-05-18
text: Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Venezuelan Democracy Act

Bill: 118-s-995
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Venezuelan Democracy Act

 
This bill requires or authorizes various actions, including sanctions, targeting the current government of Venezuela and any nondemocratic successor government. The bill also authorizes certain types of assistance for the people of Venezuela and to support democracy-building efforts. 
 
Under this bill, the President (1) must impose property-blocking sanctions on Venezuela; and (2) may withhold U.S. foreign assistance or arms-related assistance from any country that provides assistance to the government of Venezuela. The bill also prohibits U.S. persons (individuals or entities) from engaging in transactions involving (1) the debt of Venezuela's government, or (2) any digital currency issued by Venezuela's government.
 
Additionally, the Department of the Treasury must oppose Venezuela's admission to certain international financial institutions (such as the International Monetary Fund) and to withhold certain payments to such institutions if they approve loans or other assistance to Venezuela. 
 
Some of the actions required under this bill, including the imposition of sanctions, may be modified or suspended if the President determines that a transition government is in power in Venezuela. Criteria for a determination that a transition government is in power include full reinstatement of the National Assembly convened on January 6, 2016, and public commitments to organizing free and fair elections. Sanctions under this bill shall be terminated if the President determines that a democratically elected government is in power. 
 
Assistance under certain programs (such as assistance under the Food for Peace Act) may be provided to Venezuela once it has a democratically elected government.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act

Bill: 118-s-996
Sponsor: Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act

 
This bill establishes and provides funds for a demonstration project for state Medicaid programs to improve outpatient care for individuals with sickle cell disease, with a focus on young adults and pregnant women. 
 
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must award planning grants to at least 10 states and must select between 5 and 10 states to participate in the project. Participating states must provide specified services and support for individuals with sickle cell disease, including multidisciplinary care teams, appropriate treatments, mental health services, and specialist services. 
 
The bill provides a 100% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) for services provided through the project. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Livestock Regulatory Protection Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-997
Sponsor: Sen. Thune, John [R-SD]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Livestock Regulatory Protection Act of 2023

 
This bill prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing permits under the Clean Air Act for any carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, water vapor, or methane emissions resulting from biological processes associated with livestock production.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text: CR S1001)
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to audit Federal spectrum.

Bill: 118-s-998
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 
This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to audit and report to Congress about the electromagnetic spectrum that is allocated to federal users.
 
In its report, the NTIA must identify each particular band of spectrum that is allocated to federal users and describe other aspects of the federal uses, including (1) the purpose of the federal use of each band, (2) how much of each band is dedicated to its purpose, and (3) whether the band is shared with other federal and nonfederal users.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Government Spectrum Valuation Act

Bill: 118-s-999
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Government Spectrum Valuation Act 

 
This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to periodically estimate the value of specified electromagnetic spectrum that is allocated to federal agencies. Additionally, each federal agency that is allocated a portion of that spectrum must include the estimated value of its allocation in its annual budget and financial statement.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act

Bill: 118-s-1000
Sponsor: Sen. Brown, Sherrod [D-OH]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Drug safety, medical device, and laboratory regulation
Government information and archives
Health care costs and insurance
Health information and medical records
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Medicare

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Saving Access to Laboratory Services Act

 
This bill modifies provisions relating to Medicare payment rates for clinical diagnostic laboratory services, including by requiring payment rates for certain widely available clinical diagnostic laboratory tests to be based on a statistical sampling of private sector rates.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1001
Sponsor: Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 
 
Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023 

 
This bill permanently exempts high deductible health plans from the requirement of a deductible for telehealth and other remote care services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
No UPCODE Act

Bill: 118-s-1002
Sponsor: Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

No Unreasonable Payments, Coding, Or Diagnoses for the Elderly Act or the No UPCODE Act

 
This bill modifies certain factors that are used to determine Medicare Advantage (MA) payments, particularly relating to health status and related data. 
 
Specifically, the bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to use two years of diagnostic data in its risk adjustment methodology for MA payments. It also prohibits the CMS from using diagnoses that are collected from chart reviews or health risk assessments when adjusting payments based on health status. The CMS must also take into account any differences in coding patterns between MA and traditional Medicare when determining MA payment adjustments.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
FAST Fix Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1003
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

FAST Fix Act of 2023

 
This bill modifies provisions governing the administration of the Federal and State Technology Partnership (FAST) program.
 
Specifically, the bill encourages FAST program grants to be awarded to small businesses in underperforming states by requiring the Small Business Administration (SBA) to prioritize such applicants and authorizing the SBA to provide additional assistance to such applicants. The bill defines 
underperforming states
 as being the 18 states that receive the fewest Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer awards.
 
Additionally, the bill removes the limit on the number of proposals that may be submitted for inclusion in the FAST program to provide services in any one state. The bill also lowers the matching requirements for the bottom tier of FAST recipients, sets limits on the amount of each award, and extends the period for distribution of grants to two years.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Student Loan Tax Elimination Act

Bill: 118-s-1004
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Education

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Student Loan Tax Elimination Act

 
This bill eliminates the origination fee on federal student loans. Origination fees are the fees lenders charge for processing new loan applications.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1005
Sponsor: Sen. Reed, Jack [D-RI]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act of 2023

 
This bill expands the Weatherization Assistance Program of the Department of Energy (DOE). The existing program reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes. The bill establishes a Weatherization Readiness Fund from which DOE may distribute funds to states for repairing structural defects or hazards of such homes so that weatherization measures may be installed.
 
In addition, the bill increases the cap on the amount of funding that may be spent on (1) each home for labor, weatherization materials, and related matter; and (2) renewable energy systems in homes.
 
The bill also eliminates a prohibition on providing funding for partially weatherized homes that have received assistance within the past 15 years. Instead, the bill applies this prohibition on fully weatherized homes.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1001-1002)
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to direct the Secretary of State to submit to Congress a report on implementation of the advanced capabilities pillar of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Bill: 118-s-1006
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 
This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress on State Department efforts to implement the advanced capabilities pillar of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States. (One of the goals of the partnership is to develop and provide joint advanced military capabilities, such as artificial intelligence, hypersonics, and electronic warfare.)
 
The report must include (1) the average and median times for the U.S. government to review applications for export licenses for defense articles or services to the governments and persons (entities and individuals) of Australia or the UK, (2) information about certain violations of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations by the governments or persons of Australia or the UK, and (3) recommended changes to the export control laws and regulations of the three partnership countries to implement the partnership.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1007
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

International Human Rights Defense Act of 2023

 
This bill establishes in the Department of State a permanent Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex) Peoples who shall serve as the principal State Department advisor regarding human rights for LGBTQI+ people and represent the United States in diplomatic matters relevant to the human rights of LGBTQI+ people.
 
The special envoy shall periodically provide Congress with a U.S. global strategy to prevent and respond to criminalization, discrimination, and violence against LGBTQI+ people. The State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development may provide assistance to prevent and respond to such activities against LGBTQI+ people. 
 
The bill also requires that specified annual country reports on human rights practices include information on criminalization, discrimination, and violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act

Bill: 118-s-1008
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Consumer affairs
Energy storage, supplies, demand
Fires

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act

 
This bill requires the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue a consumer product safety standard for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices, such as electric bicycles and scooters, to protect against the risk of fires. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-12-17
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 718.
action_date: 2024-12-17
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2024-12-17
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cantwell without amendment. Without written report.
action_date: 2024-07-31
text: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to authorize the posthumous honorary promotion to general of Lieutenant General Frank Maxwell Andrews, United States Army.

Bill: 118-s-1009
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Military personnel and dependents

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 
This bill authorizes the President to issue a posthumous honorary commission promoting Lieutenant General Frank Maxwell Andrews, U.S. Army, to the grade of general.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to authorize the honorary promotion of Master Sergeant Harold B. Pharis, United States Army (retired), to Sergeant Major.

Bill: 118-s-1010
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Military personnel and dependents

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 
This bill authorizes the honorary promotion of Master Sergeant Harold B. Pharis, U.S. Army (retired), to the grade of Sergeant Major.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Federal Employees and Retirees with Delinquent Tax Debt Initiative (FERDI) Act

Bill: 118-s-1011
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Federal Employees and Retirees with Delinquent Tax Debt Initiative (FERDI) Act

 
This bill disqualifies individuals with delinquent tax debt from federal employment and requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to regularly publish a report on the tax liabilities of federal employees.
 
Specifically, the bill disqualifies both applicants and current employees with seriously delinquent tax debt from federal employment. The bill defines 
seriously delinquent tax debt
 as a federal tax liability that has been assessed by the Department of the Treasury and that may be collected via levy or court proceeding, with specified exceptions. Agencies must provide for appropriate review of public records to determine if there are any liens against applicants or current employees, and may take certain personnel actions against employees who willfully fail to file taxes or understate their liability. 
 
The bill also directs the IRS to publish an annual report on current and retired federal civilian and military employees who have delinquent tax debt or an unfiled tax return for the most recent fiscal year. (The IRS currently investigates and reports on similar information through its Federal Employee/Retiree Delinquency Initiative, or FERDI.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Keep the Watchdogs Running Act

Bill: 118-s-1012
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Keep the Watchdogs Running Act 

 
This bill authorizes a federal office of inspector general (OIG) to continue performing its duties during a lapse in appropriations (i.e., government shutdown). 
 
During a lapse in appropriations, the OIG may obligate funds at the rate of operations and under the terms and conditions provided in the most recently enacted appropriations act to perform its duties with respect to any programs or operations that continue during the lapse in appropriations. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate
Parris Island Protection Act

Bill: 118-s-1013
Sponsor: Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]
Introduced: 2023-03-28 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security

Summary:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: 

Parris Island Protection Act

 
This bill prohibits the use of federal funds to close or realign Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island in South Carolina, or to conduct any planning or other activity related to such closure or realignment.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
action_date: 2023-03-28
text: Introduced in Senate