jiayi-li23/proxann_data huggingface dataset:
Bill 114-S-2723 — Government Operations / Employees
Subject: Congress

Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act of 2016

This bill amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to extend specified whistle-blower protections to employees of congressional offices and committees, the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, the Capitol Police, the Congressional Budget Office, the Office of the Architect of the Capitol, the Office of the Attending Physician, the Office of Compliance, the Government Accountability Office, and the Library of Congress.
Bill 114-S-3180 — Government Operations / Employees
Subject: Government operations and politics

Flexible Hiring and Improving Recruitment, Retention, and Education Act of 2016 or the Flexible HIRE Act

This bill allows the President to authorize agencies to appoint candidates directly to positions that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has determined are in geographic areas affected by a unique situation or circumstance that has directly and significantly affected employee recruitment and retention.

In areas within the continental United States in which recruitment and retention have become a severe challenge as the direct result of a dramatic economic development, hardship, or remoteness, the President may permit agencies to appoint candidates without using the statutory preference eligible veteran procedures that would otherwise require such agencies to provide experience credits, award examination points, or restrict competition to certain veterans and families of disabled or deceased veterans. Agencies must still prioritize the hiring of veterans by following regulatory principles regarding the appointment of qualified veterans to competitive service positions.

For positions in such areas, the OPM may establish higher minimum rates of pay and authorize agencies to pay bonuses for recruitment, relocation, or retention.

The OPM must replace the $10 per day cap on the commuting allowance for employees assigned to remote worksites with the mileage reimbursement rate prescribed by the General Services Administration for the use of privately owned automobiles for official government business.

Agencies may pay an allowance to employees assigned to sites remote from: (1) established communities, suitable residences, or affordable housing; (2) medical care, child care, or schools; (3) employment options for spouses; or (4) consumer goods and services.

The OPM must establish a permanent hiring working group to help agencies prepare and deal with such geographic areas.

Agencies must: (1) create pilot programs to increase the number of new employees placed in these unique geographic areas; (2) develop strategies to aide employees' spouses and families; and (3) enhance recruiting methods targeting colleges, veterans transition centers, and job placement programs in such areas.

The OPM must establish a centralized electronic database of individuals completing a federal internship program who are seeking full-time federal employment.
Bill 114-S-3217 — Government Operations / Employees
Subject: Transportation and public works

This bill exempts retired air traffic controllers from a reduction to their Federal Employees Retirement System annuity supplement (on account of their earnings for work performed while entitled to the annuity after their separation from federal service) during any period in which they are employed full time as air traffic control instructors under contract with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Bill 114-S-3337 — Government Operations / Employees
Subject: Government operations and politics

Modernizing Government Travel Act

This bill requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to prescribe regulations to provide for the reimbursement of federal employees traveling on official business for the use of a transportation network company or an innovative mobility technology company. The Administrative Office of the United States Courts shall prescribe such regulations regarding the reimbursement of judicial branch employees.

An "innovative mobility technology company" is an entity that applies technology to expand and enhance available transportation choices, better manage demand for transportation services, and provide alternatives to driving alone. A "transportation network company" is an entity that uses a digital network to connect riders to drivers.

Each agency shall submit to the General Services Administration (GSA) by November 31 of each year an analysis of the total costs of transportation service by type and of the total number of trips using each transportation type for official travel.

By January 31 of each year, the GSA shall submit to the OMB and specified congressional committees:

 an examination of the data and analyses on employee travel and transportation submitted by specified federal departments and agencies with Chief Financial Officers, a survey of such data and analyses for other agencies, and a description of any regulations or changes in employee travel and transportation regulations promulgated during the previous year.
Bill 114-S-3473 — Government Operations / Employees
Subject: Government operations and politics

Death Gratuity Equity Act of 2016

This bill requires federal agencies to pay a death gratuity of $100,000 per employee for the death of civilian employees resulting from injuries sustained in the line of duty that did not result from natural causes or the employee's serious and willful misconduct. The bill also allows an additional payment of up to $8,800 for funeral and burial expenses. (Currently, funeral and burial payments may not exceed $800 per employee and the combination of payments for death gratuity, funeral, burial, and other compensation and reimbursements may not exceed $10,000 per employee.)

The amounts must be adjusted annually for inflation. For tax purposes, a death gratuity payment shall not be considered gross income to the person receiving payment.

The death gratuity remains at $100,000 for an employee who dies of injuries incurred in connection with service with an Armed Force in a contingency operation, except that employees who are noncitizens and nonresidents of the United States or Canada, and their dependents, are subject to the Department of Labor's authority to modify payments that are substantially disproportionate to compensation for disability or death payable in similar cases under local laws or customs at the place outside the continental United States or Canada where the employee is working at the time of injury. The bill also allows such death gratuities in connection with such Armed Force service to be paid in addition to any other amounts paid under U.S. law based on the same death.

The Foreign Service Act of 1980 is amended to make death gratuities payable to the surviving beneficiaries (currently, dependents) of U.S. Foreign Service employees, or individuals in a special category serving in an uncompensated capacity for that agency in support of a diplomatic mission, who die as a result of injuries sustained in the performance of duty abroad. But the Foreign Service death gratuity is reduced by the amount of any federal civilian employee death gratuity paid under this bill for the same death.

Additional amounts are authorized to be appropriated for death gratuity payments under this bill if an agency and the Office of Management and Budget determine that a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other incident results in the inability of the agency to meet these death gratuity payment requirements. An authorized payment that exceeds the amount available to the agency without additional appropriations may be made only if Congress makes the additional appropriations for that purpose.
Bill 114-S-3494 — Government Operations / Employees
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance

CBP Hiring and Retention Act of 2016 or the CBP HiRe Act

This bill authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to pay a retention bonus to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees performing activities that are critical to border security upon determining that such an employee would otherwise likely leave federal service or leave for a different position.

A retention bonus service agreement shall include the length of required service and the amount and method of payment of the bonus.

DHS may pay a special rate of pay (up to 125% of basic pay) to such CBP employees whose permanent duty stations are located in remote locations or other geographic areas for which finding employees is difficult. Such special pay authority terminates after two years but may be extended for another two years.

If an applicant for a CBP position does not successfully complete a required polygraph examination, the CBP may not disclose the polygraph results to any other federal agency or DHS component and such other agency or component may not use the results in determining whether to appoint such individual. Such limitations terminate after one year but may be extended for another year.

DHS shall provide each CBP applicant who will be required to successfully complete a polygraph examination before his or her appointment a list of disqualifying actions or conduct of, or events relating to, the applicant.
Bill 114-S-3528 — Government Operations / Employees
Subject: Government operations and politics

Federal Supervisor Training Act of 2016

This bill requires federal agencies to establish supervisor training programs that: (1) require supervisors and management officials to have individual development plans for training on actions, options, and strategies to use for supervisory functions regarding the performance and productivity of agency employees; (2) train supervisors on prohibited personnel practices and employee rights; and (3) provide experienced supervisor mentors to advise new or underperforming supervisors.

The bill expands manager training program requirements for employee performance appraisals, mentoring, and management of unacceptable employee performance into mandatory supervisor and manager training programs that also include supervisor training on:

 fostering equal opportunities and fairness in the workplace; using probationary periods to examine whether employees are performing at an acceptable level to continue their employment; addressing reports of hostile work environment, retaliation, or harassment; meeting supervisor competencies established by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or the employing agency; and collaborating with human resources to recruit, select, appraise, and reward employees based on organizational goals, budget considerations, and staffing needs. After initial training on each program component, supervisors must complete subsequent training every three years.

Agencies must develop a career track for mission critical technical expert employees that affords such employees the opportunity for career advancement without being required to be appointed to a management or supervisory position.

The OPM must issue guidance to agencies on competencies supervisors are expected to meet in order to effectively manage the performance of employees. Each agency must assess the performance of supervisors and the overall capacity of its supervisors.
Bill 110-HR-19 — Labor / Employment Training
Subject: Immigration

Renames the basic employment eligibility verification pilot program established under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 as the Employment Eligibility Verification System. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide for permanent nationwide implementation of the System. Requires entities hiring individuals for employment in the United States to participate in such System. Phases in compliance requirements over a seven-year period according to the number of persons employed by the entity. Establishes sanctions for noncompliance. Provides for voluntary participation by entities not required to participate.
Bill 110-HR-535 — Labor / Employment Training
Subject: Transportation and public works

Rail Worker Emergency Training Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation, to make grants to railroad carriers for costs incurred in instituting a rail worker emergency training program. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue detailed guidelines for a rail worker emergency training program to enhance rail worker training in preparation for and response to potential or actual terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other emergencies. Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a letter of noncompliance to rail carriers that fail to comply with the requirements of this Act.
Bill 110-HR-910 — Labor / Employment Training
Subject: Foreign trade and international finance

American Competitiveness and Adjustment Act - Amends the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to: (1) trade adjustment assistance; (2) data collection; (3) industry-wide certifications; (4) trade adjustment assistance for farmers; (5) trade adjustment assistance for firms; and (6) trade adjustment assistance for service workers and firms and industries. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise and increase the health care tax credit. Establishes in the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce an Office of Trade Adjustment Assistance. Extends the trade adjustment assistance program through FY2012.
Bill 110-HR-2442 — Labor / Employment Training
Subject: Economics and public finance

Rural America Job Assistance and Creation Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make matching grants to regional consortia meeting specified criteria to improve the job skills necessary for employment in specific industries. Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make grants to establish and support entities that provide business incubator services (necessary to initiate and sustain operations of a newly established business, including legal, intellectual property, and technology services and planning) for small- and medium-sized businesses. Directs the Comptroller General to study how rural infrastructure, venture capital, and federal programs can enhance rural areas. Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to require employer notification of federal and state elected officials (as well as local ones) before dislocation of workers. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require submission of H-1B labor condition applications at same time as H-1B nonimmigrant classification petitions.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exclude certain amounts of severance payments from gross income; and (2) expand the work opportunity tax credit to include qualified small business employees.
Bill 110-HR-2847 — Labor / Employment Training
Subject: Energy

Green Jobs Act of 2007 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) to: (1) establish an energy efficiency and renewable energy worker training program that targets certain persons (including individuals in need of updated training related to the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, veterans, unemployed workers, and at-risk youth) and sectors of the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries; and (2) establish a national research program to collect and analyze labor market data to track workforce trends resulting from energy-related initiatives under this Act. Directs the Secretary to award: (1) National Energy Training Partnerships Grants on a competitive basis to nonprofit partnerships to carry out training programs that lead to economic self-sufficiency and develop an energy efficiency and renewable energy industries workforce; (2) grants to states to administer, in coordination with a one-stop delivery system, labor market and labor exchange programs that include funding to state agencies to identify job openings, administer skill and aptitude testing, and provide counseling and case management services; (3) energy training partnership program grants to states to administer renewable energy and energy efficiency workforce development programs; and (4) at least 10 Pathways Out of Poverty Demonstration Program competitive grants to community based nonprofit organizations to carry out training that leads to impoverished families gaining economic self-sufficiency. Applies certain worker protection and nondiscrimination requirements to the programs carried out in this Act. Directs the Secretary to report to Congress on the training program established by this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
Bill 110-HR-3662 — Labor / Employment Training
Subject: Labor and employment

Forewarn Act of 2007 - Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the Act) to redefine the terms "employer," "plant closing," and "mass layoff" for purposes of the Act to, among other things, make the Act applicable to employers of 50 or more employees (under current law, 100 employees). Requires an employer to: (1) give 90-day written notice (under current law, 60-day) to employees and appropriate state and government officials before ordering a plant closing or mass layoff; and (2) give notice of such closing or layoff to the Secretary of Labor (including the number of employees), to U.S. and state Senators and Representatives who represent the area in which the plant is located, and to the Governor of the state in which the plant is located and to the chief elected official of the unit of local government within such closing or layoff is to occur. Revises criteria used in determining whether a plant closing or mass layoff has occurred or will occur. Makes an employer who violates such notice requirements liable to the employee for two days of pay multiplied by the number of days short of the 90-days notice provided before such closing or layoff (under current law, for back pay) for each day of the violation for up to 90 days (under current law, 60 days). Authorizes the Secretary to bring a civil action on behalf of one or more employees for certain relief under the Act. Directs the Secretary to make educational materials concerning employee rights and employer responsibilities available to the general public and employers.
Bill 110-HR-3747 — Labor / Employment Training
Subject: Labor and employment

Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) to revise requirements and reauthorize appropriations for: (1) WIA title I, workforce investment systems for job training and employment services; and (2) WIA title II, adult basic skills and family literacy education programs (renamed as the Adult Education, Basic Skills, and Family Literacy Education Act). Revises and reauthorizes workforce investment systems with respect to: (1) state and local planning, allocation, work force investment board membership, and performance accountability; (2) one-stop centers; (3) consolidated funding for adult program activities, including job training, dislocated worker retraining, the employment service system, and reemployment grants; (4) training programs for both out-of-school and in-school youth, including challenge grants; and (5) national job training programs, including the Job Corps and programs for Native Americans, migrant and seasonal farmworkers, and veterans. Exempts religious organizations, with respect to their employment of individuals of a particular religion, from WIA nondiscrimination requirements. Sets forth provisions for the approval of state Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) plans for the carrying out of certain workforce development activities. Repeals Wagner-Peyser Act provisions relating to the U.S. Employment Service. Revises requirements and reauthorizes appropriations for: (1) vocational rehabilitation services under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; and (2) the Helen Keller National Center Act.
Bill 110-HR-3796 — Labor / Employment Training
Subject: Labor and employment

Early Warning and Health Care for Workers Affected by Globalization Act - Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (the Act) to redefine the terms "employer," "plant closing," "mass layoff", and "employees" for purposes of the Act. Requires an employer to: (1) give 90-day written notice (under current law, 60-day) to employees (including part-time employees) and appropriate state and local governments before ordering a plant closing or mass layoff; (2) notify the Secretary of Labor (Secretary) of such closing or layoff; and (3) provide affected employees with information regarding benefits and services available to them, including unemployment compensation, trade adjustment assistance, COBRA benefits, and certain other services. Requires the Secretary to notify the appropriate U.S. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives who represent the area where such closing or mass layoff is to occur. Makes an employer who violates such notice requirements liable to the employee for, among other things, two days pay (under current law, back pay for each day of violation) multiplied by the number of days short of the required 90 day notice that was not given, including interest on such pay. Authorizes an affected employee to file a complaint against the employer individually and/or with the Secretary alleging a violation of the notice requirements. Requires the Secretary to investigate and attempt to resolve complaints of violations committed by an employer. Authorizes the Secretary to bring an action in court to recover on behalf of an affected employee any backpay, interest, benefits, and liquidated damages due to the employee. Requires an employer to post conspicuously upon its premises pertinent provisions of this Act and information on the filing of a complaint. Sets forth a civil penalty for willful violation of such requirement. Provides that the rights and remedies provided in this Act can't be waived. Requires the Secretary to maintain a guide on the benefits and services available to affected employees. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to extend COBRA continuation coverage for certain qualified Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) eligible employees.
Bill 110-HR-4047 — Labor / Employment Training
Subject: Labor and employment

Private Sector Whistleblower Protection Streamlining Act of 2007 - Sets forth whistleblower protections for private sector, state, and municipal employees who are retaliated or discriminated against by an employer for disclosing threats to public safety or violations of federal law. Authorizes a whistleblower who has been discharged or discriminated against by an employer to seek appropriate relief either by: (1) filing a complaint with the Secretary of Labor; or (2) bringing an action at law or equity in the appropriate U.S. district court. Prohibits restrictions on whistleblowing and relief provided under this Act. Establishes the Whistleblower Protection Office within the Employment Standards Administration of the Department of Labor. Makes conforming whistleblower amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.
Bill 110-HR-4048 — Labor / Employment Training
Subject: Labor and employment

Gulf Coast Civic Works Act - Establishes the Gulf Coast Recovery Authority (Corporation). Requires the Corporation to: (1) administer a Gulf Coast Civic Works Project that employs a minimum of 100,000 Gulf Coast region residents and evacuees for public works projects to rebuild, sustain, and develop the Gulf Coast region; (2) establish job training programs and apprenticeships to recruit and train qualified workers, including from the Gulf Coast region, for specific vacancies in recovery, rebuilding, and development projects; and (3) ensure that all workers are paid wages at not less than the prevailing locality rate (Davis-Bacon Act). Authorizes the Corporation to provide grants to Gulf Coast region residents that possess certain skills for: (1) artistic and cultural projects which reflect the history and culture of the Gulf Coast region; and (2) projects that chronicle the story of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.