hyperdemocracy/usc-textversion huggingface dataset:
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 538 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2025 Ms. Ernst introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To reduce Federal spending and the deficit by terminating taxpayer financing of Presidential election campaigns.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Eliminating Leftover Expenses for Campaigns from Taxpayers (ELECT) Act of 2025 . 2. Termination of taxpayer financing of Presidential election campaigns (a) Termination of designation of income tax payments Section 6096 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (d) Termination This section shall not apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024. . (b) Termination of fund and account (1) Termination of Presidential election campaign fund (A) In general Chapter 95 of subtitle H of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 9013. Termination The provisions of this chapter shall not apply with respect to any Presidential election (or any Presidential nominating convention) after the date of the enactment of this section, or to any candidate in such an election. . (B) Transfer of remaining funds Section 9006 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (d) Transfer of funds remaining after termination The Secretary shall transfer the amounts in the fund as of the date of the enactment of this subsection to the general fund of the Treasury, to be used only for reducing the deficit. . (2) Termination of account Chapter 96 of subtitle H of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 9043. Termination The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any candidate with respect to any Presidential election after the date of the enactment of this section. . (c) Clerical amendments (1) The table of sections for chapter 95 of subtitle H of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item: Sec. 9013. Termination. . (2) The table of sections for chapter 96 of subtitle H of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item: Sec. 9043. Termination. .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 540 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2025 Mr. Tuberville introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the consideration of continuity of health care in determining best medical interest under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act . 2. Consideration of continuity of health care under Veterans Community Care Program Section 1703(d)(2) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (F) Continuity of care. .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 546 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2025 Ms. Cortez Masto introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs A BILL To amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to make a technical correction to the water rights settlement for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Technical Correction to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 . 2. Authorization of payment of adjusted interest on Development Fund Section 10807(b)(3) of the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 ( Public Law 111–11 ; 123 Stat. 1409) is amended— (1) by striking There is and inserting the following: (A) In general There is ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (B) Adjusted interest payments There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary for deposit into the Development Fund $5,124,902.12. .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 547 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2025 Ms. Rosen (for herself and Ms. Collins ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions A BILL To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor to conduct a study and issue a report on grant programs to support the nursing workforce.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Train More Nurses Act . 2. Review of and report on programs supporting the nursing workforce The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor, jointly, shall— (1) conduct a review of all grant programs carried out by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Labor that support the nurse workforce; and (2) not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, submit to Congress a report on the review under paragraph (1) that includes recommendations for changes to such grant programs to improve upon the goals of— (A) increasing nurse faculty, particularly in underserved areas; (B) providing pathways for nurses who have more than 10 years of clinical experience to become faculty at schools of nursing; and (C) encouraging and increasing the nursing pipeline through pathways for licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses.
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 549 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2025 Ms. Murkowski (for herself, Ms. Hirono , and Mr. Sullivan ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the exemption from the excise tax on alternative motorboat fuels sold as supplies for vessels or aircraft to include certain vessels serving only one coast.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Maritime Fuel Tax Parity Act . 2. Exemption from excise tax on alternative motorboat fuels extended to include certain vessels serving only one coast (a) In general Section 4041(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: For purposes of subsection (a)(2), the exemption under paragraph (1) shall also apply to fuel sold for use or used by a vessel which is both described in section 4042(c)(1) and actually engaged in trade between the Atlantic or Pacific ports of the United States (including any territory or possession of the United States). . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to fuel sold for use or used after December 31, 2025.
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 550 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2025 Mr. Mullin (for himself and Mr. Durbin ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs A BILL To provide for the equitable settlement of certain Indian land disputes regarding land in Illinois, and for other purposes.

1. Settlement of claims (a) Jurisdiction conferred on the United States Court of Federal Claims (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the United States Court of Federal Claims shall have jurisdiction to hear, determine, and render judgment on a land claim of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma under its Treaty with the United States of America signed at Grouseland August 21, 1805 (7 Stat. 91) (commonly known as the Treaty of Grouseland ), without regard to the statute of limitations, including section 2501 of title 28, United States Code, and any delay-based defense, no matter how characterized. (2) Jurisdiction expiration Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the jurisdiction conferred to the United States Court of Federal Claims under paragraph (1) shall expire unless the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma files a land claim under that paragraph. (b) Extinguishment of title and claims Except for a claim filed under subsection (a)(1), all other claims, including any and all future claims, of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, or any member, descendant, or predecessor in interest to the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, to land in the State of Illinois are extinguished.
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 551 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2025 Mr. Sullivan (for himself, Mr. Schatz , and Ms. Murkowski ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the application of a cost-of-living adjustment to the non-labor related portion for hospital outpatient department services furnished in Alaska and Hawaii.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Ensuring Outpatient Quality for Rural States Act . 2. Application of cost-of-living adjustment to non-labor related portion for hospital outpatient department services furnished in Alaska and Hawaii Section 1833(t) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395l(t) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (23) Application of cost-of-living adjustment to non-labor related portion for hospital outpatient department services furnished in Alaska and Hawaii With respect to covered OPD services furnished on or after January 1, 2026, the Secretary may provide for adjustments to the payment amounts under this subsection for such services in the same manner that is provided under section 1886(d)(5)(H) with respect to the application of the cost-of-living adjustment to the non-labor related portion of such payment amounts to take into account the unique circumstances of hospitals located in Alaska or Hawaii. The preceding sentence shall not be applied in a budget neutral manner. .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 552 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2025 Mr. Sullivan (for himself and Mr. Schatz ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the treatment of critical access hospital services furnished by a critical access hospital located in a noncontiguous State.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Comprehensive Reimbursement Initiative Targeting Investment and Care in rural Locations or the CRITICAL Act . 2. Treatment of critical access hospitals located in a noncontiguous State (a) Inpatient critical access hospital services Section 1814(l)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395f(l)(1) ) is amended by inserting (or, in the case of inpatient critical access hospital services furnished on or after January 1, 2026, by a critical access hospital that is located in a noncontiguous State, 105 percent) after 101 percent . (b) Outpatient critical access hospital services Section 1834(g)(1) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m(g)(1) ) is amended by inserting (or, in the case of outpatient critical access hospital services furnished on or after January 1, 2026, by a critical access hospital that is located in a noncontiguous State, 105 percent) after 101 percent . (c) Ambulance services Section 1834(l)(8) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395m(l)(8) ) is amended by inserting (or, in the case of ambulance services furnished on or after January 1, 2026, by a critical access hospital that is located in a noncontiguous State or by an entity that is owned and operated by a critical access hospital that is located in a noncontiguous State, 105 percent) after 101 percent . (d) Skilled nursing facility services Section 1883(a)(3) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395tt(a)(3) ) is amended by inserting (or, in the case of covered skilled nursing facility services furnished on or after January 1, 2026, under an agreement under this section by a critical access hospital that is located in a noncontiguous State, 105 percent) after 101 percent .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 553 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2025 Mr. Sullivan (for himself, Mr. Schatz , and Ms. Murkowski ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a floor on payments to sole community hospitals located in Alaska and Hawaii under the hospital outpatient prospective payment system.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Save our Lone Emergency Services Act or the SOLES Act . 2. Treatment of sole community hospitals located in Alaska and Hawaii under hospital outpatient prospective payment system Section 1833(t) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395l(t) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (23) Treatment of sole community hospitals located in Alaska and Hawaii (A) In general If the Secretary determines that the amount of payment under this subsection for covered OPD services furnished by a sole community hospital (as defined in section 1886(d)(5)(D)(iii)) that is located in Alaska or Hawaii is less than 94 percent of the reasonable costs (as defined in section 1861(v)) of the hospital providing such services, the amount of payment under this subsection shall be increased by the amount of such difference. (B) No effect on copayments Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to affect the copayment amount under paragraph (8). (C) Application without regard to budget neutrality The additional payments made under this paragraph— (i) shall not be considered an adjustment under paragraph (2)(E); and (ii) shall not be implemented in a budget neutral manner. (D) Rulemaking Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out this paragraph, which shall be effective with respect to covered OPD services furnished on or after the first January 1 after such date. .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 557 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 12, 2025 Mr. Kennedy (for himself, Mrs. Hyde-Smith , Ms. Ernst , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Wicker , Mr. Barrasso , Mr. Rounds , Mr. Daines , and Mr. Cruz ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs A BILL To repeal the small business loan data collection requirements under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the 1071 Repeal to Protect Small Business Lending Act . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Section 704B of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, as added by section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ( Public Law 111–203 ; 124 Stat. 2056), imposes data collection and reporting requirements on financial institutions regarding small business loans. (2) These requirements have resulted in increased compliance costs for financial institutions, potentially reducing access to credit for small businesses. (3) The regulatory burdens created by these requirements disproportionately impact smaller financial institutions, such as community banks and credit unions, which are critical to small business lending. (4) Repealing these requirements will reduce regulatory barriers and support greater access to credit for small businesses. 3. Repeal of the small business loan data collection requirements (a) In general Section 704B of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1691c–2 ) is repealed. (b) Conforming amendments (1) Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ( 12 U.S.C. 5301 et seq. ) is amended— (A) in the table of contents in section 1(b) of such Act, by striking the item relating to section 1071; and (B) by striking section 1071 ( Public Law 111–203 ; 124 Stat. 1056). (2) Equal Credit Opportunity Act The Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq. ) is amended— (A) in the table of contents for such Act, by striking the item relating to section 704B; and (B) in section 701(b) ( 15 U.S.C. 1691(b) )— (i) in paragraph (3), by adding or at the end; (ii) in paragraph (4), by striking ; or and inserting a period; and (iii) by striking paragraph (5).
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 559 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mrs. Capito introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the allowance for depreciation, amortization, or depletion for purposes of determining the income limitation on the deduction for business interest.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the American Investment in Manufacturing and Main Street Act or the AIMM Act . 2. Permanent extension of allowance for depreciation, amortization, or depletion in determining the limitation on business interest (a) In general Section 163(j)(8)(A)(v) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking in the case of taxable years beginning before January 1, 2022, . (b) Effective date The amendment made by this section shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2021.
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 561 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Lee (for himself, Mr. Cramer , and Mrs. Britt ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry A BILL To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to require the Secretary to designate food and food products to be made available under the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Healthy SNAP Act of 2025 . 2. Food under supplemental nutrition assistance program (a) Definition of food Section 3(k)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2012(k)(1) ) is amended— (1) by striking except alcoholic beverages, tobacco and inserting designated by the Secretary under section 4(d), except any alcoholic beverages, tobacco, soft drinks, candy, ice cream, prepared desserts such as cakes, pies, cookies, or similar products ; and (2) by striking clauses and inserting paragraphs . (b) Designated food Section 4 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 ( 7 U.S.C. 2013 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Designated food (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall designate by regulation the foods and food products that shall be included in the definition of the term food under section 3(k)(1). (2) Considerations In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall— (A) take into consideration food and food products that— (i) based on nutrition research, contain nutrients lacking in the diets of people in the United States; and (ii) promote the health of the population served by the supplemental nutrition assistance program, based on relevant nutrition science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns; and (B) to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that the fat, sugar, and salt content of the food and food products is appropriate. (3) Review of available foods As frequently as determined by the Secretary to be necessary to reflect the most recent scientific knowledge, but not less frequently than once every 5 years, the Secretary shall— (A) conduct a scientific review of the food and food products designated under paragraph (1); and (B) amend those foods and food products, as necessary, to reflect nutrition science, public health concerns, and cultural eating patterns. (4) Prepared meals Prepared meals described in section 3(k) shall have nutritional values consistent with regulations developed by the Secretary under this subsection. (5) Cultural Cuisines To allow for different cultural eating patterns, State agencies may, with the approval of the Secretary, substitute different food for food designated under paragraph (1) subject to the condition that the different food is nutritionally equivalent to the substituted food. .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 566 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Hickenlooper (for himself, Mr. Lankford , Mr. Bennet , and Mr. Curtis ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To amend the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 to require the President to automatically waive certain critical document fees for individuals and households affected by major disasters for which assistance is provided under the Individuals and Households Program.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Replacing Essential Passports and Licenses After Certain Emergencies Act or the REPLACE Act . 2. Critical document fee waiver Section 1238(a) of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 ( 42 U.S.C. 5174b ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2), by striking applies regardless and inserting and the requirement of the President to waive fees under paragraph (4) apply regardless ; (2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (8); and (3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following: (4) Waiver The President, in consultation with the Governor of a State, shall provide a fee waiver described in paragraph (1) to any individual or household that has been adversely affected by a major disaster declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 )— (A) for which the President provides assistance to individuals and households under section 408 of that Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5174 ); and (B) that destroyed a critical document described in paragraph (1) of the individual or household. (5) Waiver availability The Secretary of State and the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services shall make publicly available on the website of the Department of State and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, respectively, a notice of the availability of fee waivers described in paragraph (4). (6) Report from USCIS Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and every year thereafter, the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services shall submit to Congress a report that includes, for the period covered by the report— (A) the number of fee waivers granted under this subsection; and (B) the cost to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services of granting fee waivers under this subsection. (7) Report from Department of State Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and every year thereafter, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a report that includes, for the period covered by the report— (A) the number of fee waivers granted under this subsection; and (B) the cost to the Department of State of granting fee waivers under this subsection. .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 569 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Ms. Lummis (for herself, Ms. Hassan , Mr. Barrasso , and Mrs. Shaheen ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To limit the closure or consolidation of any United States Postal Service processing and distribution center in States, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Postal Operations Stay Timely and Local Act or the POSTAL Act . 2. Limitation on closing or consolidating Postal Service processing and distribution centers in States (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Processing and distribution center The term processing and distribution center means a central mail facility that— (A) distributes and dispatches part or all of both incoming mail and outgoing mail for a designated service area; (B) provides instructions on the preparation of collection mail, dispatch schedules, and sorting plan requirements to mailers; and (C) is a sectional center facility, a general mail facility, or a dedicated mail processing facility without a station or branch. (2) State The term State means a State or the District of Columbia. (b) Limitation The United States Postal Service may not close, consolidate, downgrade, or take any other similar action with respect to a processing and distribution center in a State if such action would result in there being no processing and distribution center located in that State.
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 570 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Kelly (for himself and Mr. Cramer ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works A BILL To amend the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 to establish payment and performance security requirements for projects, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Water Infrastructure Subcontractor and Taxpayer Protection Act of 2025 . 2. Federal requirements for WIFIA eligibility and project selection Section 5028(a)(1)(C) of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 ( 33 U.S.C. 3907(a)(1)(C) ) is amended— (1) by striking The Secretary and inserting the following: (i) Financing security features The Secretary ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (ii) Construction payment and performance security (I) In general The Secretary or the Administrator, as applicable, shall ensure that the construction of a project carried out with assistance under this subtitle has payment and performance security in accordance with this clause. (II) Use of State or local requirements The Secretary or the Administrator, as applicable, shall consider subclause (I) to be satisfied with respect to the construction of a project if— (aa) applicable State or local law requires payment and performance security with respect to the construction; and (bb) the amount of that payment and performance security is not less than 50 percent of the total construction contract amount. (III) Use of bonds With respect to the construction of a project to which no State or local payment and performance security requirements apply or for which the amount of payment and performance security under applicable State or local payment and performance requirements does not meet the requirement described in subclause (II)(bb), the Secretary or the Administrator, as applicable, shall require, for purposes of satisfying subclause (I), that the requirements described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 3131(b) of title 40, United States Code, be met. .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 571 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Cruz (for himself, Mr. Cassidy , Mr. Cramer , Mr. Justice , and Mr. Lankford ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To require benefit eligibility determinations to be made within a certain period of time.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Officer John Barnes Act . 2. Eligibility determination Section 1205 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 ( 34 U.S.C. 10285 ) is amended by adding at the end the following: (f) Not later than 270 calendar days after receiving a claim filed under this subpart, the Bureau shall inform the claimant of the Bureau’s determination as to the claimant’s benefit eligibility. .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 573 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Ms. Murkowski (for herself and Mr. Sullivan ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To designate a mountain in the State of Alaska as Denali.

1. Designation of Denali in the State of Alaska (a) In general The mountain located at 63°04′12″ N, by 151°00′18″ W, in the State of Alaska shall be known and designated as Denali . (b) References Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the mountain described in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference to Denali .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 574 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Wicker (for himself, Mr. Coons , Mr. Fetterman , Mr. Graham , Mr. Ossoff , Mr. Ricketts , Ms. Smith , Mr. Tillis , Mr. Tuberville , Mr. Van Hollen , Mr. Boozman , Mr. Cornyn , Mrs. Hyde-Smith , Ms. Blunt Rochester , and Mr. Padilla ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry A BILL To amend the Animal Health Protection Act to provide compensation for poultry growers and layers in control areas, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Healthy Poultry Assistance and Indemnification Act of 2025 . 2. Compensation for poultry growers and layers in control areas Section 10407 of the Animal Health Protection Act ( 7 U.S.C. 8306 ) is amended— (1) in subsection (d), in the subsection heading, by inserting for destroyed animals after Compensation ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (e) Compensation for poultry growers and layers in control areas (1) Definition of control area In this subsection, the term control area means a Control Area determined by the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. (2) Compensation (A) In general Except as provided in paragraph (3), the Secretary shall compensate the owner of a poultry growing or laying facility that is located within a control area. (B) Amount (i) In general Compensation paid under subparagraph (A) shall be in an amount that is equal to the product obtained by multiplying— (I) the average income from the 5 most recent flocks of birds that the poultry growing or laying facility grew or laid; and (II) the number of flocks of birds that the owner of the poultry growing or laying facility was prohibited from growing or laying during the period of time in which the control area was in effect. (ii) Limitation Compensation paid any owner of a poultry growing or laying facility under this subsection shall not exceed the difference between— (I) the amount described in clause (i); and (II) any compensation received by the owner from a State or other source for the 1 or more flocks of birds that the owner was prohibited from growing or laying. (C) Timing Compensation shall be paid under subparagraph (A) not later than 60 days after the date on which the owner of a poultry growing or laying facility submits a request to the Secretary for compensation. (3) Exceptions (A) In general The exceptions described in subsection (d)(3) shall apply to this subsection. (B) Compensation for destroyed animals No payment shall be made by the Secretary under this subsection to an owner of a poultry growing or laying facility who has received compensation under subsection (d) for a facility in the same control area during the same period of time. .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 577 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Kennedy (for himself, Mrs. Capito , Mr. Peters , and Mr. Warnock ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs A BILL To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to expand access to capital for rural-area small businesses, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act . 2. Access to capital for rural-area small businesses Section 4(j) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ( 15 U.S.C. 78d(j) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (4)(C), by inserting rural-area small businesses, after women-owned small businesses, ; and (2) in paragraph (6)(B)(iii), by inserting rural-area small businesses, after women-owned small businesses, .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 580 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Peters (for himself, Ms. Lummis , and Mr. Curtis ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To require the Secretary of Commerce to provide training and guidance relating to human rights abuses, including such abuses perpetrated against the Uyghur population by the Government of the People's Republic of China, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Combating CCP Labor Abuses Act of 2025 . 2. Training for employees of the Department of Commerce relating to awareness of human rights abuses (a) In general The Secretary of Commerce shall provide training described in subsection (b) to such employees of the Department of Commerce who provide counseling services to businesses engaged in interstate commerce or foreign direct investment as the Secretary considers appropriate. (b) Contents of training The training required under subsection (a) shall be— (1) designed to raise awareness about emerging trends and issues with respect to human rights abuses perpetrated by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, including the use of forced labor, against Uyghurs and other ethnic minority populations in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region; and (2) incorporated to the greatest extent possible into existing training provided by the Department of Commerce. (c) Timing The training required under subsection (a) shall be offered and updated at such times as the Secretary considers appropriate. 3. Guidance for United States businesses relating to awareness of human rights abuses (a) In general The Secretary of Commerce shall— (1) offer guidance for United States businesses engaged in interstate commerce or foreign direct investment, including such businesses that are, or are considering, conducting transactions with entities subject to the control or influence of jurisdictions where significant human rights abuses have occurred, such as the People’s Republic of China; and (2) incorporate the guidance required under paragraph (1) into any counseling services that the Department of Commerce provides to such businesses as the Secretary considers appropriate. (b) Contents of guidance The guidance required under subsection (a) shall— (1) provide information about emerging trends and issues involving human rights abuses perpetrated by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, consisting of the use of forced labor against Uyghurs and other ethnic minority populations in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, including information about— (A) risk factors that may be used to identify entities subject to the influence or control of jurisdictions such as the People’s Republic of China that may be implicated in human rights abuses; (B) ways to avoid doing business with entities described in subparagraph (A); and (C) potential reputational, economic, legal, and other risks of conducting transactions with an entity described in subparagraph (A); and (2) make clear that the guidance is for advisory purposes only.
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 581 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mrs. Gillibrand (for herself, Ms. Collins , and Mrs. Shaheen ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry A BILL To amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 with respect to mandatory reporting of dairy products processing costs.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Fair Milk Pricing for Farmers Act . 2. Mandatory reporting of dairy products processing costs Section 273 of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 ( 7 U.S.C. 1637b ) is amended— (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in paragraph (1)— (i) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking and at the end; (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: (C) for each manufacturer required to report under subparagraph (A) for any product, require that manufacturer to report production cost and product yield information, as determined by the Secretary, for all products processed in the same facility or facilities. ; and (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting products and after those ; and (2) in subsection (d)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking Electronic Reporting and inserting Reporting ; (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking Electronic reporting and inserting Reporting ; and (ii) by striking this section and inserting subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1) ; (C) in paragraph (2), by striking this section and inserting subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1) ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (3) Dairy products processing costs Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, and every 2 years thereafter, the Secretary shall publish a report containing the information obtained under subsection (b)(1)(C). .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 582 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Cruz (for himself and Mr. Peters ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To provide for the authorized use of Federal vehicle transportation by certain astronauts.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act . 2. Passenger carrier use for astronaut transportation (a) In general Subchapter III of chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 20150. Passenger carrier use for astronaut transportation (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Government astronaut; international partner astronaut; space flight participant; space support vehicle The terms government astronaut , international partner astronaut , space flight participant , and space support vehicle have the meanings given such terms in section 50902. (2) Mission The term mission means an assignment to a space support vehicle of one or more— (A) government astronauts in the course of their employment; or (B) space flight participants. (3) Official purpose With respect to transportation, the term official purpose means transportation necessary for post-mission activities, including medical research, monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of a government astronaut or space flight participant before receiving post-mission medical clearance to operate a motor vehicle. (4) Passenger carrier The term passenger carrier means a passenger motor vehicle, aircraft, boat, vessel, or other similar means of transportation that is owned or leased by the United States Government. (b) Authority (1) In general The Administrator may authorize the use of a passenger carrier to transport a government astronaut or space flight participant between the residence of the individual and various locations if— (A) such transportation is provided for an official purpose; and (B) the Chief of the Astronaut Office has approved, in writing, post-mission transportation of government astronauts and space flight participants under this section. (2) Maintenance, operation, and repair The Administrator may maintain, operate, and repair one or more passenger carriers for the purpose of providing transportation pursuant to the authority provided in paragraph (1). (c) Reimbursement Transportation under subsection (b)(1) of an international partner astronaut or a space flight participant who is not an employee of the United States Government shall be subject to reimbursement to the Treasury. (d) Regulations The Administrator shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section. (e) Applicability of section 1344 of title 31 In carrying out subsection (b), the Administrator may expend funds available to the Administration, by appropriation or otherwise, notwithstanding section 1344(a) of title 31. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents for chapter 201 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 20149 the following: 20150. Passenger carrier use for astronaut transportation. .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 592 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Risch (for himself, Mr. Crapo , Mr. Hickenlooper , Mr. Kennedy , and Mr. Young ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship A BILL To amend the Small Business Act to require that plain writing statements regarding the solicitation of subcontractors be included in certain subcontracting plans, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Simplifying Subcontracting Act . 2. Plain writing application requirements for solicitation of subcontractors (a) In general Section 8(d) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d) ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (6)— (A) in subparagraph (H)(ii), by striking and at the end; (B) in subparagraph (I)(ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (J) a representation that— (i) the offeror or bidder will communicate all solicitations of subcontracts in plain writing (as defined in section 3 of the Plain Writing Act of 2010 ( Public Law 111–274 ; 124 Stat. 2861)) so that the solicitation is easily understood by small business concerns seeking to obtain a subcontracting opportunity from the offeror or bidder; and (ii) the offeror or bidder will include the plain writing requirement described in clause (i) in all subcontracts that offer subcontracting opportunities. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (18) Compliance with plain writing requirement If the Administrator determines that a prime contractor failed to communicate any solicitation of a subcontract in plain writing in accordance with paragraph (6)(J), the prime contractor shall communicate a new solicitation of the subcontract in plain writing not later than 30 days after the date on which the Administrator made that determination. . (b) Rulemaking Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall promulgate regulations to carry out paragraphs (6)(J) and (18) of section 8(d) of the Small Business Act ( 15 U.S.C. 637(d) ), as added by subsection (a).
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 594 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Peters (for himself and Mr. Kennedy ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To amend the Post-Katrina Management Reform Act of 2006 to repeal certain obsolete requirements, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Helping Eliminate Limitations for Prompt Response and Recovery Act or the HELP Response and Recovery Act . 2. Repeal of obsolete DHS contracting requirements The Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 ( Public Law 109–295 ; 120 Stat. 1394) is amended by striking section 695 ( 6 U.S.C. 794 ). 3. Reports (a) Covered period defined In this section, the term covered period means— (1) with respect to an initial report required under subsection (b), the period between the date of enactment of this Act and the date of the report; and (2) with respect to any succeeding report required under subsection (b), the period between the date of the most recent report and the succeeding report. (b) Requirement Not later than 540 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the date that is 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that— (1) reviews how the repeal under section 2 has— (A) prevented waste, fraud, and abuse; and (B) promoted taxpayer savings; and (2) includes, with respect to a contract entered into or extended by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency under urgent and compelling circumstances during the covered period for which the Administrator did not solicit bids— (A) the number of those contracts; (B) the subject of each contract; (C) the amounts obligated by the Administrator for each contract; (D) if applicable, the State benefitted by each contract; and (E) if applicable, the name of the major disaster or emergency for which each contract was entered into or extended.
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 599 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Welch (for himself, Mr. Padilla , Ms. Cortez Masto , Ms. Hirono , Mrs. Shaheen , Ms. Smith , Mr. Wyden , and Mr. Booker ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the mileage rate offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs through their Beneficiary Travel program for health related travel, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity Act of 2025 or the DRIVE Act of 2025 . 2. Payments or allowances by Department of Veterans Affairs for beneficiary travel (a) Minimum payment amount Subsection (g) of section 111 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: (g) The Secretary shall ensure that the mileage rate described in subsection (a) is equal to or greater than the mileage reimbursement rate for the use of privately owned vehicles by Government employees on official business (when no Government vehicle is available), as prescribed by the Administrator of General Services under section 5707(b) of title 5. . (b) Timely processing of allowances Subsection (b) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5) If, with respect to any fiscal year, the Secretary exercises the authority under this section to make any payments, the Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that an allowance based on mileage paid under subsection (a) is paid not later than 90 days after the date on which a request for such allowance is properly submitted to the Secretary in accordance with such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary. . (c) Conforming amendments Such section is further amended— (1) in subsection (a), by striking (at a rate of 41.5 cents per mile) and inserting (at a rate determined in accordance with subsection (g)) ; and (2) in subsection (b)(1), by striking and notwithstanding subsection (g)(2) of this section .
II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 601 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 13, 2025 Mr. Paul (for himself and Mr. McConnell ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources A BILL To remove restrictions from a parcel of land in Paducah, Kentucky.

1. Removal of restriction (a) In general The Secretary of the Interior shall execute such instruments as may be necessary to remove all deed restrictions from the parcel of land described in subsection (c). (b) Deed restrictions The deed restrictions referred to in subsection (a) are those restrictions, including easements, exceptions, reservations, terms, conditions, and covenants described in the quitclaim deed from the United States to the City of Paducah, Kentucky, executed on April 27, 2012, and recorded by the Clerk of the County Court of McCracken County, Kentucky on pages 247 through 260 of Deed Book 1229. (c) Land description The parcel of land referred to in subsection (a) is the parcel— (1) comprised of approximately 3.62 acres located at 2956 Park Avenue, on the Paducah Memorial Army Reserve Center, Paducah, McCracken County, Kentucky, including the improvements thereon; and (2) conveyed by the Secretary of the Interior to the City of Paducah, Kentucky.