hyperdemocracy/usc-billstatus huggingface dataset:
BLOCK Act

Bill: 119-hr-847
Sponsor: Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Academic performance and assessments
Community life and organization
Education of the disadvantaged
Education programs funding
Elementary and secondary education
Indian social and development programs
State and local finance

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

Building Lasting Opportunities for Community K–12 Act or the BLOCK Act

This bill repeals on October 1, 2025, specified formula grants for programs administered by the Department of Education (ED). Beginning with FY2026, ED must instead provide block grants for these programs to each state based on amounts received in FY2025.

Specifically, the bill repeals the following allocation formulas for programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965:

the Education for the Disadvantaged program (which includes Basic Grants, Concentration Grants, Targeted Grants, and Education Finance Incentive Grants);

State Assessment Grants;

the Migrant Education Program;

Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk;

Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants; 

English Language Acquisition State Grants;

Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants;

the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program;

the Rural Education Achievement Program (which includes both the Small, Rural School Achievement Program and the Rural and Low-Income School Program); and

Indian Education Formula Grants.



Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
Voluntary Food Climate Labeling Act

Bill: 119-hr-848
Sponsor: Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Environmental Protection

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
No Regulation Through Litigation Act of 2025

Bill: 119-hr-849
Sponsor: Rep. Cloud, Michael [R-TX-27]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Civil actions and liability
Legal fees and court costs

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

No Regulation Through Litigation Act of 2025

This bill specifies that a federal agency may not enter into a consent decree that exceeds the authority of the court that enters the order related to the decree. It also limits the inclusion of attorney fees or litigation costs in consent decrees or settlement agreements that result in a regulation or guidance document. 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
SHUSH Act

Bill: 119-hr-850
Sponsor: Rep. Cloud, Michael [R-TX-27]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Consumer affairs
Criminal procedure and sentencing
Federal preemption
Firearms and explosives
Law enforcement officers
State and local government operations

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

Silencers Help Us Save Hearing Act or the SHUSH Act

This bill removes silencers from regulation under certain federal statutes governing the sale, transfer, and possession of firearms.

Specifically, it removes silencers from the list of firearms subject to regulation (i.e., registration and licensing requirements) under the National Firearms Act (NFA). Additionally, it excludes a muffler or silencer from the list of firearms subject to regulation (e.g., background check requirements) under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA).

Finally, the bill does the following:

preempts state or local laws that tax or regulate firearm silencers,

specifies that a person who lawfully acquires or possesses a silencer under provisions of the GCA meets the registration and licensing requirements of the NFA,

eliminates mandatory minimum prison terms for a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense in which a defendant uses or carries a firearm equipped with a silencer or muffler, and

permits active and retired law enforcement officers to carry a concealed silencer.



Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act

Bill: 119-hr-851
Sponsor: Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act

This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish the position of National Roadway Safety Advocate to work directly with victims and survivors of road crashes and their families (i.e., stakeholders).

Specifically, the purposes of the advocate are to (1) document and communicate recommendations from stakeholders to DOT on the needs, objectives, plans, approaches, content, and accomplishments of DOT's roadway safety programs and activities; and (2) serve as a resource and point of contact for stakeholders on relevant roadway safety issues.

The bill specifies that the advocate position must be filled by a career appointment.

The bill prohibits the advocate from taking certain actions, such as

creating or authorizing DOT policies, priorities, or activities; or

disclosing or discussing any enforcement matters that are under investigation or in litigation.

The advocate must submit an annual report to DOT highlighting systemic issues relating to roadway safety based on information provided by stakeholders. The report must include recommendations on how to remedy the issues.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-02-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 2025

Bill: 119-hr-852
Sponsor: Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Agriculture and Food
Subjects: Agricultural research
Animal and plant health
Food supply, safety, and labeling
Government information and archives
Government studies and investigations
Intergovernmental relations
Livestock
Meat
Medical research
Veterinary medicine and animal diseases
Water quality

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

Expanded Food Safety Investigation Act of 

2025

This bill provides that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may, under specified circumstances, request access to a concentrated animal-feeding operation (i.e., a stabled or confined animal-feeding operation of a specified size) to conduct microbial sampling.

Specifically, the bill allows the FDA to request access if the FDA determines that sampling is necessary to facilitate an investigation of a foodborne-illness outbreak, determine the cause of an outbreak, or address other public health needs. Concentrated animal-feeding operations must provide reasonable access for sampling, including sampling of plants, animals, water, and the environment. The bill imposes penalties on operations that refuse to provide reasonable access. 

Data collected in sampling efforts under this bill must be shared with the Department of Agriculture and state and federal public health agencies to facilitate the detection, investigation, and prevention of foodborne illness.



Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act

Bill: 119-hr-853
Sponsor: Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act

This bill establishes a Hazardous Train Event Emergency Reimbursement Fund for state and local emergency response groups.

Upon a declaration by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) that a hazardous train event has occurred, the FRA must immediately award at least $250,000 from the emergency fund to one or more eligible groups (e.g., law enforcement agencies and fire departments). Additional amounts may be awarded, but may not exceed $3 million per hazardous train event. The FRA may declare a hazardous train event has occurred following a derailment or crash involving a train carrying hazardous materials, hazardous waste, or other materials that pose a threat to public health, safety, and the environment.

Costs associated with a response to a hazardous train event that are eligible for reimbursement include (1) replacing damaged or contaminated equipment, (2) overtime pay for firefighters or law enforcement officers, and (3) retroactively covering these types of incurred costs after the event date.

The FRA must also (1) establish annual fees for shippers and carriers of hazardous materials by rail that have total annual collections of at least $10 million, and (2) deposit the fees into the reimbursement fund.

Further, the Department of Transportation must issue regulations requiring railroads that transport hazardous materials by train to provide county and local emergency response groups with (1) advance warning of the train's load and timing, and (2) real-time location information on the train when it enters and exits the community's service area.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-02-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
DERAIL Act

Bill: 119-hr-854
Sponsor: Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

Decreasing Emergency Railroad Accident Instances Locally Act or the DERAIL Act

This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to expand the definition of a high-hazard flammable train (HHFT), thereby subjecting more trains to additional safety requirements.

Specifically, DOT must expand the definition of 
HHFT 
to mean a train transporting one or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid (e.g., benzene residue) or a Class 2 flammable gas (e.g., vinyl chloride) and other materials DOT determines necessary for safety. Current regulations define 
HHFT 
as a train transporting 20 or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid in a continuous block or 35 or more loaded tank cars of a Class 3 flammable liquid dispersed throughout the train.

The bill also requires railway carriers to report a train derailment that involves a train carrying material toxic by inhalation within 24 hours of the derailment to the National Response Center (NRC), state and local officials, and tribal governments. As background, the NRC is a part of the federally established National Response System. Reports to the NRC activate the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and the federal government's response capabilities.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-02-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
Housing Innovation Act

Bill: 119-hr-855
Sponsor: Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-10]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Housing and Community Development
Subjects: Advisory bodies
Alternative and renewable resources
Community life and organization
Commuting
Congressional oversight
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Energy efficiency and conservation
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Executive agency funding and structure
Federal officials
Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Government studies and investigations
Higher education
Housing and community development funding
Housing for the elderly and disabled
Housing supply and affordability
Infrastructure development
Pedestrians and bicycling
Public transit
Regional and metropolitan planning
State and local government operations
Urban and suburban affairs and development

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

Housing Innovation Act

This bill establishes the Office of Housing Innovation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The office must establish grant programs to support (1) planning efforts that address housing needs in urban areas; (2) research and studies to support, inform, and advise local governments on their plans for new housing and community development; and (3) outreach programs focused on issues related to housing, community development, and regional planning.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the effectiveness of the grant programs.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act

Bill: 119-hr-856
Sponsor: Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Government information and archives
Public contracts and procurement

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act

This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to evaluate the procurement activities of federal agencies to determine whether provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation related to the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process have created any national security risk and report to Congress.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-03-04
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
action_date: 2025-03-03
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2025-03-03
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 - 0 (Roll no. 54). (text: CR H932)
action_date: 2025-03-03
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 417 - 0 (Roll no. 54). (text: CR H932)
action_date: 2025-03-03
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H937-938)
action_date: 2025-03-03
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2025-03-03
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 856.
action_date: 2025-03-03
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H932-933)
action_date: 2025-03-03
text: Mr. Comer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4400 East Paisano Drive in El Paso, Texas, as the "Enedina Sanchez Cordero Post Office Building".

Bill: 119-hr-857
Sponsor: Rep. Escobar, Veronica [D-TX-16]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Government Operations and Politics
Subjects: Congressional tributes
Government buildings, facilities, and property
Postal service
Texas

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
REVIVE VI Act

Bill: 119-hr-858
Sponsor: Rep. Estes, Ron [R-KS-4]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Taxation

Summary:

Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

Bill: 119-hr-859
Sponsor: Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Commerce
Subjects: Administrative law and regulatory procedures
Computers and information technology
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Internet, web applications, social media
Photography and imaging
Right of privacy
Sound recording

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

 
This bill requires manufacturers of internet-connected devices (e.g., smart appliances) that are equipped with a camera or microphone to disclose to consumers prior to purchase that a camera or microphone is part of the device.
 
The bill does not apply to mobile phones, laptops, or other devices that a consumer would reasonably expect to include a camera or microphone.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-04-30
text: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 64.
action_date: 2025-04-29
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2025-04-29
text: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667)
action_date: 2025-04-29
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 9 (Roll no. 109). (text: 04/28/2025 CR H1666-1667)
action_date: 2025-04-29
text: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1710-1711: 1)
action_date: 2025-04-28
text: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
action_date: 2025-04-28
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 859.
action_date: 2025-04-28
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1666: 1)
action_date: 2025-04-28
text: Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
action_date: 2025-04-24
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 49.
action_date: 2025-04-24
text: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-72.
action_date: 2025-04-24
text: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-72.
action_date: 2025-04-08
text: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2025-04-08
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act

Bill: 119-hr-860
Sponsor: Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Congress
Subjects: Congressional tributes
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

Congressional Award Program Reauthorization Act

This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the board that administers the Congressional Award Program, which promotes and recognizes service, initiative, and achievement in America's youth. The reauthorization is effective as if enacted on October 1, 2023. The bill also removes a requirement for program medals to consist of gold-plate over bronze, rhodium over bronze, or bronze.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
American Music Fairness Act of 2025

Bill: 119-hr-861
Sponsor: Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48]
Introduced: 2025-01-31 in the House
Policy area: Commerce

Summary:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: 

American Music Fairness Act of 2025

This bill establishes that the copyright holder of a sound recording shall have the exclusive right to perform the sound recording through an audio transmission. (Currently, the public performance right only covers performances through a digital audio transmission in certain instances, which means that nonsubscription terrestrial radio stations generally do not have to get a license to publicly perform a copyright-protected sound recording.)

Under the bill, a nonsubscription broadcast transmission must have a license to publicly perform such sound recordings. The Copyright Royalty Board must periodically determine the royalty rates for such a license. When determining the rates, the board must base its decision on certain information presented by the parties, including the radio stations' effect on other streams of revenue related to the sound recordings.

Terrestrial broadcast stations (and the owners of such stations) that fall below certain revenue thresholds may pay certain flat fees, instead of the board-established rate, for a license to publicly perform copyright-protected sound recordings.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2025-01-31
text: Introduced in House