hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Stopping Genetic Monitoring by China Act

Bill: 118-s-2551
Sponsor: Sen. Rubio, Marco [R-FL]
Introduced: 2023-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: 

Stopping Genetic Monitoring by China Act

 
This bill imposes export controls on genetic testing and sequencing technologies and bars exports of such technologies to specific countries. The bill also imposes sanctions on foreign persons (individuals and entities) involved with certain activities, including human rights violations. 
 
Specifically, the End-User Review Committee must place on the Commerce Control List (CCL) technologies identified as genetic instruments by the Department of Defense, the Department of State, or the Department of Energy. The committee must also deny licenses required to export or transfer such technology to countries specified in this bill (e.g, Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia) unless the license applicant demonstrates that the technology will not be used for human rights abuses or by an entity engaged in human rights abuses. (Items covered by the CCL are subject to export controls and typically may not be exported without a license.)
 
The bill also requires the President to impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on certain foreign persons, including (1) persons that are responsible for or complicit in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights, (2) persons that conduct genetic testing and analysis and are located in a country targeted by the export controls in this bill, (3) any university in China involved in genetic monitoring and human rights abuses, (4) any private company in China with an owner or senior management official who is a delegate to the National People's Conference, and (5) corporate officers of entities sanctioned under this bill.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Ukraine Aid Oversight Act

Bill: 118-s-2552
Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Introduced: 2023-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: 

Ukraine Aid Oversight Act 

 
The bill expands the duties and authorities of the Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction to include oversight over aid to Ukraine. The bill also renames the office to the 
Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction and Ukraine Aid
.
 
In addition to its existing duties relating to oversight of Afghanistan reconstruction activities, the renamed office's duties shall include (1) conducting and coordinating audits and investigations of the handing of funds made available for aid to Ukraine, and (2) monitoring and reviewing contracts and activities involving those funds. 
 
The Special Inspector General shall report directly to, and be under the general supervision of, the Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense. 
 
Federal agencies may not prevent the office from carrying out any audit or investigation related to aid to Ukraine. 
 
The office shall terminate on September 30, 2027. 
 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2553
Sponsor: Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA]
Introduced: 2023-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Food assistance and relief
Labor-management relations
Nutrition and diet
Worker safety and health

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
College Athlete Economic Freedom Act

Bill: 118-s-2554
Sponsor: Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]
Introduced: 2023-07-26 in the Senate
Policy area: Sports and Recreation

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-07-26
text: Introduced in Senate
Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2555
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Animals
Subjects: Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Civil actions and liability
Licensing and registrations
Retail and wholesale trades

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

Better Collaboration, Accountability, and Regulatory Enforcement for Animals Act of 2023 or the Better CARE for Animals Act of 2023

 
This bill modifies enforcement provisions under the Animal Welfare Act, including by allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ) to bring civil actions against violators of the act for appropriate relief, such as removing animals, revoking violators' licenses, or issuing civil penalties. DOJ must use the penalties to pay for the temporary care for animals pending the disposition of civil or criminal proceedings that allege violations of the act with respect to such animals.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Improving CARE for Youth Act

Bill: 118-s-2556
Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

Improving Coordination and Access to Resources Equitably for Youth Act or the Improving CARE for Youth Act

This bill prohibits state Medicaid programs from denying coverage for primary care and mental health services that are furnished on the same day at the same office, clinic, or other outpatient facility. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Student Loan Interest Elimination Act

Bill: 118-s-2557
Sponsor: Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Education

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

Student Loan Interest Elimination Act

This bill makes changes to federal student loans, including to interest rates. 

Specifically, the bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish and implement procedures to (1) modify the terms of Federal Direct Loans so that beginning on July 1, 2024, no interest shall accrue on such a loan; and (2) allow a borrower to opt out of this loan modification.

Additionally, ED must establish and implement procedures to (1) refinance eligible loans that are not Federal Direct Loans (e.g., privately held Federal Family Education Loans and Perkins Loans), and (2) allow a borrower to opt out of this loan refinancing. The bill outlines the terms and conditions of these refinanced loans, including by prohibiting ED from charging origination fees and specifying that no interest shall accrue on these loans.

Next, the bill creates a tiered interest rate (based on the borrower's total adjusted available income) for federal student loans made on or after July 1, 2024. The bill caps this interest rate at 4%.

The bill establishes the Education Affordability Trust Fund. ED must deposit all payments made on federal student loans into this trust fund. The Trust Fund Board, as established by this bill, must transfer the profits from investments of this trust fund to ED to pay for the administrative costs of carrying out federal student loan programs.

The bill allows ED to use excess amounts of funds in the trust fund to carry out a Supplemental Pell Grant Program.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Joint Chiefs Reauthorization Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2558
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Agricultural conservation and pollution
Fires
Forests, forestry, trees
Water use and supply
Watersheds
Wildlife conservation and habitat protection

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Budgeting for Opioid Addiction Treatment Act

Bill: 118-s-2559
Sponsor: Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

Budgeting for Opioid Addiction Treatment Act
 
 
 
This bill imposes an excise tax on the sale of any active opioid. The tax is equal to one cent per milligram so sold and it is imposed on the manufacturer, producer, or importer of the opioid. The term
 active opioid
 means any controlled substance that is opium, an opiate, or any derivative thereof. 
 
The bill provides block grants for substance abuse treatment programs. 
 
The Department of Health and Human Services must report on the impact of this bill on (1) the retail cost of active opioids; (2) patient access to such opioids, particularly cancer and hospice patients; and (3) the use of tax revenues to improve substance abuse treatment efforts. The report must also make suggestions for improving access to opioids for cancer and hospice patients and substance abuse treatment efforts.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Long COVID Support Act

Bill: 118-s-2560
Sponsor: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Health

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

Long COVID Support Act

This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to undertake certain activities to address those affected by 
Long COVID. 
The bill defines
 Long COVID 
as conditions that may result directly or indirectly from COVID-19.

Specifically, HHS must develop a voluntary registry of individuals who are affected by Long COVID, including symptoms, treatments, and demographics. HHS must additionally coordinate the response of federal agencies to address Long COVID, support related research and public health surveillance, and develop appropriate guidance and educational materials for health care providers and the public.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Close the Revolving Door Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2561
Sponsor: Sen. Tester, Jon [D-MT]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

Close the Revolving Door Act of 

2023

 
This bill increases restrictions on lobbying and penalties for violations of such restrictions.
 
Specifically, the bill imposes a lifetime ban on any former Senator, Member of the House of Representatives, or elected officer of the Senate or House of Representatives from lobbying any current Member, officer, or employee of Congress, or any employee of any other legislative office. (Currently, the ban applies for two years after a Senator leaves office and for one year after a Member of the House of Representatives leaves office.) The ban is extended from one to six years for officers and employees of the Senate, personal staff of Members, committee staff, leadership staff, and other legislative offices.
 
A registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal may not be hired for a six-year period by a Member of Congress or a congressional committee with whom they have had a substantial lobbying contact. 
 
This bill also (1) requires a substantial lobbying entity (an incorporated entity that employs more than three registered lobbyists during a filing period) to file annual lists with Congress of former Members of Congress and certain highly paid legislative branch officials who provide paid consulting services to the lobbying entity, and (2) increases the civil penalty for violations of disclosure or reporting requirements.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to require ports of entry along the northern border to remain open as many hours per day as they were open prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill: 118-s-2562
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration
Subjects: Border security and unlawful immigration
Canada
Infectious and parasitic diseases

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 
This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure that the operating hours of all ports of entry located on the United States-Canada border are equal to or greater than the operating hours that were in place immediately before the declaration of the COVID-19 public health emergency.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Tribal Access to Nutrition Assistance Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2563
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Native Americans

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

Tribal Access to Nutrition Assistance Act of 2023

This bill allows for dual enrollment in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Specifically, the bill allows any household that is eligible to participate in FDPIR to simultaneously participate in SNAP. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
CROP for Farming Act

Bill: 118-s-2564
Sponsor: Sen. Carper, Thomas R. [D-DE]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Agricultural conservation and pollution
Agricultural practices and innovations
Climate change and greenhouse gases

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Language Access to Gun Violence Prevention Strategies Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2565
Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
American IDEA Act

Bill: 118-s-2566
Sponsor: Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Stop Computer Crimes Proliferation Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2567
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
NRCS Hire Local Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2568
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

NRCS Hire Local Act of 2023

 
This bill requires the Natural Resources Conservation Service to give preference to state residents when hiring for state field office positions at or above the GS-11 level of the General Schedule. 
 

 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Fentanyl Safe Testing and Overdose Prevention Act

Bill: 118-s-2569
Sponsor: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

Fentanyl Safe Testing and Overdose Prevention Act

This bill exempts the possession, sale, purchase, import, export, or transport of equipment that tests for the presence of fentanyl or xylazine from criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
FRIDGE Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2570
Sponsor: Sen. Braun, Mike [R-IN]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports Act of 2023 or the FRIDGE Act of 2023 

This bill expands the Foreign Market Development Cooperator Program to include funding for technical assistance for infrastructure-related projects to ensure U.S. agricultural commodities are not damaged or lost due to infrastructure deficiencies in new and developing markets. This Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) program funds projects that address long-term opportunities to reduce foreign import constraints or expand export growth opportunities.

Specifically, the bill directs FAS to enter into contracts or other agreements with trade organizations to enhance the infrastructure capabilities (including cold chain capacity and port improvements) in new and developing foreign markets through needs assessments, training, and other technical assistance. 
 

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Grizzly Bear Review and Resource Restart Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2571
Sponsor: Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Animals

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3761)
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Economic Empowerment Through Predevelopment Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2572
Sponsor: Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Community life and organization
Economic performance and conditions
Employment and training programs
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Infrastructure development

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S3761)
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Justice for Juveniles Act

Bill: 118-s-2573
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
FAIR Leave Act

Bill: 118-s-2574
Sponsor: Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

FAIR Leave Act or the Fair Access for Individuals to Receive Leave Act

This bill eliminates a limitation on the amount of leave that spouses working for the same employer may access under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Under current law, an eligible individual may access up to 12 weeks of FMLA leave per year, but spouses with the same employer are required to share a total of 12 weeks of FMLA leave per year if the leave is taken for the birth of a child, the placement of a child with the employee for adoption or foster care, or to care for a parent with a serious health condition. The bill repeals this limitation, making each spouse eligible for up to 12 weeks of leave per year in these situations.

 
 

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Preventing Election Subversion Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2575
Sponsor: Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics

Summary:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: 

Preventing Election Subversion Act of 

2023

This bill prohibits the removal or suspension of local election administrators except for specified reasons and sets forth additional requirements for federal elections.

Specifically, the bill restricts the ability of a statewide election administrator to remove a local election administrator. A statewide election administrator may suspend, remove, or relieve the duties of a local election administrator only for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance while in office.

Further, the bill directs statewide election administrators to report any removals or suspensions of local election administrators to the Department of Justice.

The bill also establishes certain requirements for challenging an individual's eligibility to register to vote or vote in federal elections. In particular, the bill prohibits any person (other than an election official) from challenging an individual's voting eligibility unless the challenge is supported by personal knowledge. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act

Bill: 118-s-2576
Sponsor: Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Business records
Civil actions and liability
Computers and information technology
Constitution and constitutional amendments
Consumer affairs
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
Internet, web applications, social media
Right of privacy
Telephone and wireless communication

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate
GusNIP Improvement Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-2577
Sponsor: Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Introduced: 2023-07-27 in the Senate
Policy area: Agriculture and Food

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-07-27
text: Introduced in Senate