hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
Don Young Veterans Advancing Conservation Act

Bill: 118-s-1918
Sponsor: Sen. Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]
Introduced: 2023-06-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Aquatic ecology
Employment and training programs
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Chinese Currency Accountability Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1919
Sponsor: Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]
Introduced: 2023-06-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: 

Chinese Currency Accountability Act of 2023

 
This bill requires the United States to oppose, absent specified conditions, any increase in the weight of Chinese currency (i.e., the renminbi) in the basket of currencies (currently, a set of five currencies, each with different weightings) used to determine the value of Special Drawing Rights. Special Drawing Rights are a currency support tool available to members of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
 
Specifically, the Department of the Treasury must instruct certain U.S. officials at the IMF to oppose any such increase unless Treasury has certified that (1) China is in compliance with all general obligations of members of the IMF, (2) China has not been found to have manipulated its currency in the preceding 12 months, and (3) China is implementing policies and practices necessary to ensure that the renminbi is freely usable.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: Introduced in Senate
International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1920
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Introduced: 2023-06-08 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: 

International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act of 2023

This bill establishes requirements and incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the marine shipping industry.

Specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must assess fees on certain cargo vessels for emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter from fuel consumed during voyages. The fees apply to certain large vessels that are off-loading cargo or freight at U.S. ports. However, the fees do not apply to (1) certain vessels already regulated under the Clean Air Act; or (2) vessels transporting military cargo, food aid, or supplies for disaster or emergency relief. The amount of the fee must be based on the amount of fuel consumed and the quantity of emissions. The EPA must also assess alternative fees on certain cargo vessels that off-load cargo or freight at foreign ports if the cargo or freight is ultimately intended to be transported to the United States. The Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection must penalize vessels that do not pay fees by deadlines.

The bill also creates incentives related to decreasing greenhouse gas emission from vessels, port equipment, maritime technologies, and harbor crafts. A portion of the revenue generated from the fees must be provided to the EPA, the Maritime Administration, and the Department of Energy to carry out new programs that award such incentives. A portion of such revenue must also be used for certain existing programs related to clean ports, port infrastructure, ocean and coastal security, and marine debris.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2023-06-08
text: Introduced in Senate
Children Don't Belong on Tobacco Farms Act

Bill: 118-s-1921
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Introduced: 2023-06-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Labor and Employment

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Introduced in Senate
A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for wigs as durable medical equipment under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

Bill: 118-s-1922
Sponsor: Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Introduced: 2023-06-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Health technology, devices, supplies
Medicare

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: 
This bill includes medically necessary cranial prostheses (e.g., wigs) as covered durable medical equipment under the Medicare program. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Introduced in Senate
POPP Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1923
Sponsor: Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]
Introduced: 2023-06-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Environmental Protection
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Air quality
Climate change and greenhouse gases
Congressional oversight
Electric power generation and transmission
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Oil and gas

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: 

Protect Our Power Plants Act of 2023 or the POPP Act of 2023

 
This bill prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing (1) a proposed rule issued on May 23, 2023, about greenhouse gas emissions from certain power plants that use fossil fuels; or (2) any substantially similar rule.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Introduced in Senate
GLOBE Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1924
Sponsor: Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
Introduced: 2023-06-12 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Introduced in Senate
HERO Act

Bill: 118-s-1925
Sponsor: Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Introduced: 2023-06-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Health
Subjects: Census and government statistics
Congressional oversight
Employment and training programs
First responders and emergency personnel
Government information and archives
Health personnel
Health programs administration and funding
Health promotion and preventive care
Medical tests and diagnostic methods
Mental health
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Tax-exempt organizations
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: 

Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Act or the HERO Act

 
This bill establishes and authorizes behavioral health programs for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, 9-1-1 operators, and other public safety officers.
 
Specifically, the Fire Administration within the Federal Emergency Management Agency must develop resources for educating mental health care providers about treating firefighters and emergency medical services personnel.
 
In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must develop best practices and resources for identifying, preventing, and treating post-traumatic stress disorder and co-occurring disorders in public safety officers. HHS must work with relevant federal departments to incorporate these resources into federal training programs for public safety officers.
 
The bill also authorizes HHS to set up a public safety officer suicide-reporting system and a grant program for peer-support behavioral health and wellness programs within fire departments and emergency medical services agencies.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Introduced in Senate
United States-Uruguay Economic Partnership Act

Bill: 118-s-1926
Sponsor: Sen. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ]
Introduced: 2023-06-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Immigration

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: 

United States-Uruguay Economic Partnership Act

 
This bill addresses issues related to Uruguay.
 
Specifically, this bill adds Uruguay to the list of countries eligible for designation as a beneficiary country under the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. (Such a designation generally provides for duty-free entry of goods into the United States from the designated countries, with some exclusions and limitations.)
 
The bill also establishes that a national of Uruguay shall be eligible for an E visa (for an investor or trader who is a national of a foreign country with a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States) if Uruguay provides a similar nonimmigrant status to U.S. nationals.
 
Furthermore, the Department of Homeland Security must report to Congress an assessment as to whether Uruguay meets the eligibility criteria for the Visa Waiver Program. If Uruguay fails to meet the criteria, the report must also describe what actions Uruguay must take to become eligible. (Citizens of countries in the program may travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa.)


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Introduced in Senate
UAS National Airspace Integration Act

Bill: 118-s-1927
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2023-06-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: 

UAS National Airspace Integration Act

 
This bill directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to submit to Congress a comprehensive integration strategy for unmanned aircraft systems (commonly referred to as drones), including civil unmanned aircraft systems operating in controlled airspace. The FAA must brief Congress every six months on the status of the implementation of the strategy and any revisions to the strategy.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Introduced in Senate
Civil Nuclear Export Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1928
Sponsor: Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
Introduced: 2023-06-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Foreign Trade and International Finance

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: 

Civil Nuclear Export Act of 2023

 
This bill provides the Export-Import Bank with certain authorities to finance nuclear exports.
 
Specifically, the bill allows the Export-Import Bank to provide financing for liquid metal fast breeder nuclear reactors and nuclear fuel reprocessing facilities if they are otherwise permitted by law.
 
Additionally, the bill expands the China and Transformational Exports Program (CTEP) by making nuclear facilities eligible for financing under the program. Currently, the bank may extend loans, guarantees, and insurance to advance the comparative leadership of the United States with respect to China in specified export areas (e.g., artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and wireless communications equipment). This bill expands those areas to include civil nuclear facilities, materials, technologies and related goods and services that support the development of an effective nuclear energy sector.
 
The bill also revises the financial limitation on the outstanding aggregate amount of all of the bank's loans, guarantees, and insurance. In particular, the bill exempts those amounts attributed by the bank to CTEP, as long as that financing does not exceed a specified amount.
 
The bill also increases from 2% to 4% the bank's default rate cap. Further, the bill allows the bank to exclude financing under CTEP from this default rate, subject to approval of the bank's board of directors.
 
The bill establishes liability limits for damages that are caused by nuclear projects financed by the bank.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Introduced in Senate
PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam Transition Reporting Act

Bill: 118-s-1929
Sponsor: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Introduced: 2023-06-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Aviation and airports
Congressional oversight
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Environmental regulatory procedures
Fires
First responders and emergency personnel
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Performance measurement
Worker safety and health

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: 

PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam Transition Reporting Act

 
This bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to submit regular progress reports to Congress on the development and implementation of a national transition plan related to fluorine-free firefighting foam. (Fluorine-free foams do not contain any perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as PFAS.) 
 
Specifically, the FAA report must include information on the development and implementation of a national transition plan to a fluorine-free firefighting foam that (1) meets certain performance standards for use at Part 139 airports, and (2) includes the issuance of guidance related to the use of fluorine-free firefighting foam at airports that are not Part 139 airports. (Part 139 airports include airports that serve scheduled and unscheduled air carrier operations for aircraft with more than 30 seats or serve scheduled air carrier operations for aircraft with 10-30 seats.)
 
The report must also include a comprehensive list of the amount of rolling stock of firefighting foam at each Part 139 airport and the number of gallons regularly kept in reserve at each airport.
 
The FAA must submit a progress report to Congress every 180 days until the FAA completes the development and implementation of the national transition plan.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Introduced in Senate
Community Facilities Program for Rural Clean School Bus Infrastructure Act

Bill: 118-s-1930
Sponsor: Sen. Lujan, Ben Ray [D-NM]
Introduced: 2023-06-12 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Government lending and loan guarantees
Housing and community development funding
Hybrid, electric, and advanced technology vehicles
Infrastructure development
Motor carriers
Transportation programs funding

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: 

Community Facilities Program for Rural Clean School Bus Infrastructure Act

This bill expands the essential community facilities direct loan and grant program of the Department of Agriculture to allow loans or grants to be used for deploying clean school buses and related infrastructure. Specifically, loans or grants may be used for (1) acquisition and labor costs for charging or other infrastructure needed to charge or maintain clean school buses, or (2) planning and technical activities to support the adoption and deployment of clean school buses.
 

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
action_date: 2023-06-12
text: Introduced in Senate
AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act

Bill: 118-s-1931
Sponsor: Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Introduced: 2023-06-13 in the Senate
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Detention of persons
Foreign aid and international relief
Human rights
International organizations and cooperation
Latin America
United Nations
Venezuela

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Introduced in Senate
Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1932
Sponsor: Sen. Casey, Robert P., Jr. [D-PA]
Introduced: 2023-06-13 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Employment and training programs
Government studies and investigations
Infrastructure development
Public contracts and procurement
Railroads
Roads and highways
Transportation safety and security

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: 

Bridge
 

Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act of 2023

 
This bill establishes certain requirements to address corrosion control in bridge and railroad-bridge projects that receive federal assistance.
 
Specifically, certified contractors must employ a substantial number of individuals who are certified by a qualified training program in corrosion control, mitigation, and prevention in order to work on certain aspects of bridge project activities. A certified contractor must also provide training for any non-certified coating applicators employed by the contractor to work on certain aspects of a project. 
 
The bill further requires bridge projects to implement a corrosion management system that utilizes industry-recognized standards and corrosion mitigation and prevention methods for construction, repair, and maintenance projects. 
 
In addition, the bill expands the scope of the Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing Program to include corrosion control work on rail bridges. (This program provides direct loans and loan guarantees for the development of railroad infrastructure.)
 
The bill also requires the Department of Transportation to study and report on best practices for inspecting and addressing corrosion on weathering steel bridges. This report must be made available to state and local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, and regional organizations.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Introduced in Senate
DCA Act

Bill: 118-s-1933
Sponsor: Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Introduced: 2023-06-13 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: 

Direct Capital Access Act or the DCA Act

This bill increases the number of daily round-trip flights allowed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Specifically, this bill adds 56 new slots at DCA to allow for 28 additional daily round-trip flights. (Airlines flying to and from DCA are subject to slot and perimeter rules set by federal law and regulation. The slot rules determine the total number of flight slots that can be handled in a given time period. In addition, a statutory perimeter rule limits nonstop flights to a 1,250-mile radius unless they are granted an exemption in law.)

Current law limits DCA to a maximum of 67 hourly slots for flights both within- and beyond-perimeter; a round-trip flight serving DCA requires two slots (or a slot pair). Of those slots, 40 daily slots are exempt from the perimeter rule.

Under the bill's slot increase, operations at DCA may not increase by more than eight flights per hour.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Introduced in Senate
Empowering States' Rights To Protect Consumers Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1934
Sponsor: Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Introduced: 2023-06-13 in the Senate
Policy area: Finance and Financial Sector

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: 

Empowering States' Rights To Protect Consumers Act of 
 
2023

 
 This bill limits the annual percentage rate applicable to any consumer credit transaction (other than a residential mortgage transaction), including any associated fees, to the maximum rate permitted by the laws of the state in which the consumer resides.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Introduced in Senate
AIRWAYS Act

Bill: 118-s-1935
Sponsor: Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Introduced: 2023-06-13 in the Senate
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: 

Advancing Inclusion and Representation in the Workforce of Aviation and Transportation Systems Act or the AIRWAYS Act

 
This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program to provide grants to support the education and recruitment of an aviation workforce (i.e., aircraft pilots, aviation maintenance technical workers, and aviation manufacturing technical workers). 
 
Eligible applicants include certain educational institutions (e.g., an institution of higher education, a postsecondary vocational institution, and a local educational agency), state or local governments, and nonprofit organizations. In addition, air carriers in a partnership with certain educational institutions are eligible for aircraft pilot workforce grants.
 
Among other things, DOT must give priority to applicants that assure that grant funds will be used to encourage the participation of populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry, including women, minorities, and individuals in economically disadvantaged geographic areas and rural communities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Introduced in Senate
E-Access Act

Bill: 118-s-1936
Sponsor: Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]
Introduced: 2023-06-13 in the Senate
Policy area: Energy

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Introduced in Senate
Tanning Tax Repeal Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1937
Sponsor: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Introduced: 2023-06-13 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: 

Tanning Tax Repeal Act of 2023

 
This bill repeals the excise tax on indoor tanning services.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Introduced in Senate
Middle Class Mortgage Insurance Premium Act of 2023

Bill: 118-s-1938
Sponsor: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Introduced: 2023-06-13 in the Senate
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: 

Middle Class Mortgage Insurance Premium Act of 2023

 
This bill increases the adjusted gross income threshold for the phaseout of the mortgage insurance premium tax deduction and makes such deduction permanent.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Introduced in Senate
Canyon’s Law

Bill: 118-s-1940
Sponsor: Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
Introduced: 2023-06-13 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Animal protection and human-animal relationships
Blood and blood diseases
Child safety and welfare
Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
Land use and conservation
Wilderness and natural areas, wildlife refuges, wild rivers, habitats

Summary:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: 

Canyon's Law

 
This bill prohibits the preparing, placing, installing, setting, deploying, or otherwise using an M-44 device on public land. An 
M-44 device
 is defined as a device designed to propel sodium cyanide when triggered by an animal, including any device that may be commonly known as an M-44 ejector device or an M-44 predator control device.
 
No later than 30 days after the enactment of this bill, any federal, state, or county agency that has prepared, placed, installed, set, or deployed an M-44 device on public land must remove each such device from such land. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
action_date: 2023-06-13
text: Introduced in Senate