Government Affairs Legislative Report for DAV Chapter 15 102615

NAOMI CHAPTER 15, DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS

October 26, 2015, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS LEGISLATIVE REPORT

 

Since our meeting of September 28, 2015, the following bills and items of concern from a legislative point of view have come, or are pending, before the State and Federal House or Senate for action.  Any items pending prior to our last meeting, but that had no action taken on them since then, are not included in this report.   For a complete list of all pending and enacted bills of interest to veterans, send an email request to the undersigned at the email address listed in the last paragraph of this document.

 

PA GENERAL ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE:

For the PA Senate Calendar, see:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTM

 

For the PA House of Representatives Calendars, see:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/CMS/index.cfm?Chamber=H

and

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/CAL.HTM

 

 

PA HOUSE VETERANS AFFAIRS & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE HEARINGS:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=42&CteeBody=H

 

 

PA SENATE VETERANS AFFAIRS & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=21&CteeBody=S

 

For the114th Congress U.S. House of Representatives Calendar, see:

http://www.majorityleader.gov/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/114thCongressFirstSession.pdf and

 

For the 114^th Congress U.S. Senate Calendar, see:

https://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/one_item_and_teasers/2015_schedule.htm

 

 

FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE HEARINGS:

U.S. House Committee on Veterans Affairs

 

Oct 21, 2015 - An Examination of the VA Office of Inspector General’s Final Report on the Inappropriate Use of Position and the Misuse of the Relocation Program and Incentives

Oct 22, 2015 - Evaluating VA Primary Care Delivery, Workload, and Cost

Oct 22, 2015 - A Review of VA’s VetSuccess on Campus Program

Oct 27, 2015 - Joint Subcommittee Hearing of the HVAC Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations & OGR Subcommittee on Information Technology: VA and DOD IT: Electronic Health Records Interoperability.

Nov 3, 2015 - Choice Consolidation: Assessing VA’s Plan to Improve Care in the Community

 

 

U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs

 

09/29/15 10:00AM - Examining the Impact of Exposure to Toxic Chemicals on Veterans and the VA’s Response  - Russell Senate Office Building SR-418 

09/30/15 02:30PM - Pending Nomination of Michael H. Michaud, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training  - Russell SR-418 

10/06/15 02:30PM - Business Meeting: Meeting to Consider the Pending Nomination of Michael H. Michaud 

- Russell Senate Office Building SR-418 

10/06/15 02:30PM - Pending Health Care and Benefits Legislation  - Russell Senate Office Building SR-418 

10/28/15 02:30PM - VA Mental Health: Ensuring Access to Care - Russell Senate Office Building SR-418 

 

 

 

COMMONWEALTH OF PA HOUSE BILLS 2015-2016 Session:

HB 62 - An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in grants to fire companies and volunteer services, further providing for award of grants.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 21, 2015 (197-0).  In the Senate - PN 2255 Reported as amended from VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Sept. 30, 2015.  First consideration, Sept. 30, 2015.  Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 14, 2015.

 

HB 75 - An Act amending the act of September 27, 1961 (P.L.1700, No.699), known as the Pharmacy Act, providing for nonresident pharmacies.   To require pharmacies located outside of Pennsylvania to register with the State Board of Pharmacy if they fill prescription orders for residents of the Commonwealth.   Among other provisions in the bill, in order to register nonresident pharmacies will be required to have a valid license in their home state and provide a copy of their most recent inspection report.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, Feb. 25, 2015 (198-0).  In the Senate - Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 18, 2015 (49-0).  Signed in House, Sept. 21, 2015. Signed in Senate, Sept. 28, 2015.  Presented to the Governor, Sept. 29, 2015. Approved by the Governor, Oct. 7, 2015.  Act No. 43.

 

HB 138 - An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for soliciting by first responder organizations.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, May 13, 2015 (190-1).  In the Senate - PN 2256 Reported as amended from VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Sept. 30, 2015.  First consideration, Sept. 30, 2015.  Second consideration, Oct. 14, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 21, 2015 (46-0).

 

HB 140 - An Act amending the act of December 14, 1982 (P.L.1211, No.279), entitled "An act providing for ridesharing arrangements and providing that certain laws shall be inapplicable to ridesharing arrangements," providing for a short title; further providing for definitions and for motor carrier laws not applicable to ridesharing; and making editorial changes.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, March 4, 2015 (195-0). (Remarks see House Journal Page ), March 4, 2015. In the Senate - Third consideration and final passage, June 30, 2015 (49-0). Signed in House, June 30, 2015. Signed in Senate, June 30, 2015. Presented to the Governor, June 30, 2015. Approved by the Governor, July 10, 2015. Act No. 22.

 

HB 175 - An Act amending the act of April 26, 2006 (P.L.91, No.29), known as the Persian Gulf Conflict Veterans' Benefit Act, further providing for application for compensation and for Commonwealth indebtedness.  Bill would extend the application deadline to 8/31/18.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, June 2, 2015 (195-0). (Remarks see House Journal Page ), June 2, 2015. In the Senate - Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 18, 2015 (49-0).  In the House - Referred to RULES, Sept. 21, 2015. Re-reported on concurrence from RULES, as committed, Oct. 20, 2015.  House concurred in Senate amendments, Oct. 20, 2015 (197-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 20, 2015. Signed in House, Oct. 20, 2015. Signed in Senate, Oct. 20, 2015. Presented to the Governor, Oct. 21, 2015.  See: http://thedailyreview.com/news/pa-persian-gulf-conflict-veterans-bonus-will-end-aug-31-unless-senate-votes-for-extension-1.1931343 and http://wesa.fm/post/lawmaker-wants-senate-act-now-veterans-benefit-set-expire .

 

HB 222 -  An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code, in public assistance, prohibiting eligibility for individuals convicted of drug distribution.  Last Action: Laid on the table, Sept. 29, 2015.  Removed from table, Sept. 29, 2015.

 

HB 347 - An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in emergency medical services system, providing for emergency service system billing.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, June 10, 2015 (188-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), June 10, 2015. In the Senate - PN 2259 Reported as amended from BANKING AND INSURANCE, Sept. 30, 2015. First consideration, Sept. 30, 2015.  Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 19, 2015.

 

HB 602 - An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Pennsylvania National Guard, further providing for the pay of officers and enlisted personnel in active State service.  Last Action: Removed from table, Oct. 7, 2015. Second consideration, Oct. 19, 2015.  Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 19, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 20, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 20, 2015 (197-0). (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 20, 2015. In the Senate - Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 22, 2015.

 

HB 727 - An Act amending Titles 24 (Education), 51 (Military Affairs) and 71 (State Government) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Title 24, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions and construction and providing for references; in retirement membership, contributions and benefits, further providing for mandatory and optional membership, for credited school service, for waiver of adjustments and for classes of service, for elections, for eligibility points, for eligibility for annuities, for eligibility for refunds, for pickup contributions, for member contributions, for contributions for purchase of credit, for annual compensation limit, for contributions by Commonwealth, for payments by employers, for actuarial cost method, for appropriations by Commonwealth, for return of accumulated deductions, for single life annuity, for disability annuities, for termination of annuities and payment of benefits; providing for school employees' defined contribution plan; in administrative and miscellaneous provisions, further providing for the Public School Employees' Retirement Board, for administrative duties of board, for health insurance, for advisory and reporting duties, for application and election duties, for duties of employers, for rights and duties of school employees and members, for management of fund and accounts, for Public School Employees' Retirement Fund, for State accumulation account, for annuity reserve account, for State guarantee, for taxation, for attachment and assignment of funds, for approval of domestic relations orders, for irrevocable survivor annuitant and for amendment of approved domestic relations orders; providing for irrevocable successor payee; further providing for fraud and adjustment of errors and for payments to school entities by Commonwealth; providing for payments to school entities by Commonwealth commencing with the 2015-2016 school year; in health insurance for retired school employees, further providing for definitions; in Title 51, in employment preferences and pensions, further providing for military leaves of absence; in Title 71, in retirement for State employees and officers, further providing for definitions, for preliminary provisions and for membership, credited service, classes of service, and eligibility benefits, providing for State Employees' Defined Contribution Plan, further providing for contributions, for benefits and for administration, funds and accounts; and making editorial changes.  Last Action: Laid on the table, Sept. 29, 2015.  Removed from table, Sept. 29, 2015.

 

HB 735 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 147 over the Wiconisco Creek, Millersburg Borough, Dauphin County, as the Private Warren Snyder Memorial Bridge. Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, April 21, 2015 (194-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), April 21, 2015.  In the Senate - Laid on the table, Oct. 14, 2015.

 

HB 792 - An Act amending the act of December 3, 1959 (P.L.1688, No.621), known as the Housing Finance Agency Law, further providing for the Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, June 2, 2015 (195-0).  In the Senate - Reported as committed from URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING, Sept. 28, 2015.  First consideration, Sept. 28, 2015.  Second consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.  Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 29, 2015.  Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 13, 2015.

 

HB 824 - An Act amending Title 2 (Administrative Law and Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for confidentiality of personal information of public safety officials.  Last Action: PN 0992 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, March 24, 2015. PN 1565 Reported as amended from VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, May 13, 2015. First consideration, May 13, 2015.  Laid on the table, May 13, 2015.  Removed from table, June 1, 2015. Laid on the table, June 27, 2015.  Removed from table, June 27, 2015. Laid on the table, Oct. 5, 2015.  Removed from table, Oct. 5, 2015.

 

HB 834 - An Act designating the portion of State Route 443 within the municipal boundaries of Orwigsburg Borough, Schuylkill County, as the Corporal David F. Heiser Memorial Highway.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, June 15, 2015 (190-0).  In the Senate - Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, June 26, 2015.  First consideration, June 26, 2015.  Laid on the table, July 13, 2015.

 

HB 928 - An Act amending the act of February 9, 1999 (P.L.1, No.1), known as the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities, further providing for appropriation for and limitation on redevelopment assistance capital projects. Last Action: Removed from table, Oct. 19, 2015. PN 2409 Second consideration, with amendments, Oct. 20, 2015. Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 20, 2015. (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 20, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 21, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 21, 2015 (121-76). (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 21, 2015. In the Senate - Referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 23, 2015.

 

HB 930 - An Act amending the act of February 9, 1999 (P.L.1, No.1), known as the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities, further providing for appropriation for and limitation on redevelopment assistance capital projects. Last Action: Removed from table, Oct. 19, 2015. Second consideration, Oct. 20, 2015. Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 20, 2015. (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 20, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 21, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 21, 2015 (121-75). (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 21, 2015. In the Senate - Referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 23, 2015.

 

HB 946 - An Act providing for pharmacy audit procedures. Last Action: PN 2120 Referred to HEALTH, Aug. 18, 2015.

PN 2321 Reported as amended from HEALTH, Oct. 7, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 7, 2015. Laid on the table, Oct. 7, 2015. 

 

HB 947 - An Act providing for registration of pharmacy benefits managers and for maximum allowable cost transparency. Last Action: PN 2322 Reported as amended from HEALTH, Oct. 7, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 7, 2015. Laid on the table, Oct. 7, 2015. 

 

HB 967 - An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for industrial hemp research; imposing powers and duties on the Department of Agriculture and the Legislative Reference Bureau; abrogating a regulation; and making a related repeal.  Last Action: PN 2312 Reported as amended from AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS, Oct. 6, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 6, 2015.  Laid on the table, Oct. 6, 2015. 

 

HB 1105 - An Act amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, further providing for definitions; and providing for certain governmental prohibitions.  The American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the New England Journal of Medicine, have all consistently advocated that without the ability to engage in honest, accurate and candid conversations in the exam room, patient care can be greatly compromised. Unfortunately, there have been a proliferation of recent proposals by state legislatures across the country that would intrude on the patient-provider relationship mandating or otherwise directing how health care providers communicate, interact with, and care for their patients. These proposals are often in direct contradiction with empirical evidence or what is considered appropriate medical care. In worst case scenarios, this type of legislation forces health care providers to choose between their ethical mandate to provide the best possible care and following the rule of law.  The Patient Trust Act was born in response to consistent, unrelenting government intrusions into the exam room.  Specifically, this bill will prevent the Commonwealth and all political subdivisions from requiring a health care practitioner to provide a patient with information that is not medically accurate and medically appropriate for the patient, or providing a medical service that is not evidence based and patient appropriate. Additionally, health care practitioners would not be prohibited from sharing medically accurate information with their patients. This legislation is pro-patient, pro-doctor and a pro-health attempt to reign in legislative over-reach into the examination room and to protect those medically accurate, evidence based treatments and approaches for which physicians - not legislators - are trained to dispense.  Last Actions: PN 2288 Referred to PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Oct. 1, 2015.

 

HB 1113 - An Act providing for certification of community paramedics, for community paramedicine service coverage by casualty insurance carriers and for medical assistance reimbursement.  Last Actions: PN 2357 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 15, 2015.

 

HB 1167 - An Act amending the act of November 24, 1998 (P.L.882, No.111), known as the Crime Victims Act, in enforcement, providing for State income tax intercept.  Last Actions: Second consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.  Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 29, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 30, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 30, 2015 (194-0).  In the Senate - Referred to JUDICIARY, Oct. 14, 2015.

 

HB 1170 - An Act designating a portion of Blair Mill Road in Montgomery County as the PVT William H. Walls, U.S.M.C. Memorial Highway.  Last Action: Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 5, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 5, 2015.  Laid on the table, Oct. 5, 2015.  Removed from table, Oct. 6, 2015. Second consideration, Oct. 7, 2015.  Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 7, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 19, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 19, 2015 (195-0).  In the Senate - Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 22, 2015.

 

HB 1233 - An Act providing for summaries or copies of patient test results to be sent directly to a patient or the patient's designee when there is a finding of a significant abnormality; and providing for duties of the Department of Health. Last Action: PN 2323 Reported as amended from HEALTH, Oct. 7, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 7, 2015.  Laid on the table, Oct. 7, 2015. 

 

HB 1275 - An Act amending the act of May 1, 1933 (P.L.216, No.76), known as The Dental Law, further providing for definitions, for public health dental hygiene practitioner and for restricted faculty license. Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, June 29, 2015 (193-0).  In the Senate - Reported as committed from CONSUMER PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Sept. 30, 2015. First consideration, Sept. 30, 2015.  PN 2336 Amended on second consideration, Oct. 13, 2015. Second consideration, Oct. 14, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 21, 2015 (46-0).

 

HB 1279 - An Act designating a section of Christopher Columbus Boulevard between Oregon Avenue and Washington Avenue in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, as the William J. Guarnere and Edward James Heffron Memorial Boulevard.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, June 28, 2015 (192-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), June 28, 2015. In the Senate - PN 2218 Reported as amended from TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 29, 2015. First consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.

HB 1295 - An Act amending the act of October 24, 2012 (P.L.1198, No.148), known as the Methadone Death and Incident Review Act, further providing for title of act, for short title, for definitions, for establishment of Methadone Death and Incident Review Team, for team duties, for duties of coroner and medical examiner and for confidentiality.  Last Action: PN 2277 Reported as amended from HUMAN SERVICES, Sept. 30, 2015.  First consideration, Sept. 30, 2015.  Laid on the table, Sept. 30, 2015.

 

HB 1310 - An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in emergency telephone service, providing for prohibited release of information.  Last Action: Re-reported as committed from RULES, Sept. 21, 2015. Laid on the table, Sept. 21, 2015.  Removed from table, Sept. 30, 2015. Second consideration, Oct. 5, 2015.  Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 5, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 6, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 6, 2015 (199-0).  In the Senate - Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 9, 2015.

 

HB 1313 - An Act amending the act of December 19, 1988 (P.L.1262, No.156), known as the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, further providing for definitions, for games of chance permitted, for prize limits, for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers and for licensing of eligible organizations; and imposing a club licensee tax.  Last Action: PN 2224 Referred to GAMING OVERSIGHT, Sept. 29, 2015.

 

HB 1317 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion of U.S. Route 15 over State Route 114, Mechanicsburg Borough, Cumberland County as the Corporal Jonathan Dean Faircloth Memorial Bridge.  Last Action: Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 5, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 5, 2015.  Laid on the table, Oct. 5, 2015.  Removed from table, Oct. 6, 2015. Second consideration, Oct. 7, 2015.  Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 7, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 19, 2015.  Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 19, 2015 (195-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 19, 2015. In the Senate - Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 22, 2015.

 

HB 1540 - An Act amending the act of May 13, 2015 (P.L.14, No.3), entitled, "An act designating the interchange of State Route 43 at the Mon-Fayette Expressway Interchange with State Route 88, known as Exit 28, in Washington County as the Marine Cpl. Thomas R. Matty Memorial Interchange; designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 1013, known as Knupp Road, over the Hypocrite Creek, Fairfield Township, Westmoreland County, as the PFC LeRoy D. "Whitey" Schaller Bridge; designating a portion of State Route 711 in New Florence Borough through St. Clair Township, Westmoreland County, as the Veterans Highway; designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 88 over Muddy Creek, Cumberland Township, Greene County, as the Army Corporal Richard W. Kowalewski, Jr., Memorial Bridge; designating the bridge carrying U.S. Route 322 over the east branch of the Brandywine Creek in West Bradford and East Caln Townships, Chester County, as the Robbie and Ryan Miller Memorial Bridge; designating the bridge located on State Route 34 that connects the banks of the Juniata River in Newport, Perry County, as the Paul Reider bridge; and designating a portion of State Route 2029 and 2049, also known as Bath Road, in Bristol Township, Bucks County, as the Sergeant George Stuckey Memorial Road," further providing for the Army Corporal Richard W. Kowalewski, Jr., Memorial Bridge. Last Action: Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 5, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 5, 2015.  Laid on the table, Oct. 5, 2015.  Removed from table, Oct. 6, 2015. Second consideration, Oct. 7, 2015.  Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 7, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 19, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 19, 2015 (195-0). In the Senate - Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 22, 2015.

 

HB 1544 - An Act providing for Sickle Cell Disease or Sickle Cell Trait testing.  Last Action: PN 2227 Referred to HEALTH, Sept. 29, 2015.

 

HB 1560 - An Act amending Title 25 (Elections) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in voting procedures, further providing for application for absentee ballots.  Last Action: PN 2240 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Sept. 29, 2015.

 

HB 1569 - An Act amending the act of July 10, 2015 (P.L.148, No.29), entitled "An act designating the Conodoguinet Bridge on that portion of State Route 641 over the Conodoguinet Creek, Hopewell Township, Cumberland County, as the Army Pfc. Harold 'Sam' E. Barrick Memorial Bridge; designating the bridge located on that portion of State Route 865, over the railroad tracks and Main Street in Bellwood, Blair County, as the Dominec M. 'Patsy' Padula Memorial Bridge; designating the bridge on that portion of State Route 940 over Tobyhanna Creek (Pocono Lake) in Tobyhanna Township, Monroe County, as the Sullivan Bridge; designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 155 over the Allegheny River, Port Allegany Borough and Liberty Township, McKean County, as the Port Allegany Veterans Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge on that portion of Local Route T-325 over the Allegheny River, Coudersport Borough, Potter County, as the Lt. William E. Daisley, Jr., Memorial Bridge; designating the bridge on that portion of State Route 3005 over the outlet of Lily Lake, Conyngham Township, Luzerne County, as the Senior Officer Eric J. Williams Memorial Bridge; designating the bridge on that portion of State Route 3005 over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, Greenwood Township, Clearfield County, as the 1st Lieutenant Wendell Elbert Ross Memorial Bridge; designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 3007 over the Redbank Creek, Summerville Borough, Jefferson County, as the Summerville Veterans Memorial Bridge; and renaming the bridge on that portion of U.S. Route 219 over U.S. Route 422 in Ebensburg Borough, Cambria County, as the Alexander Miller Abercrombie Memorial Bridge," further providing for the Dominec M. "Patsy" Padula Memorial Bridge.  Last Action: PN 2249 Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 29, 2015.

 

HB 1577 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 580, over the west branch of the Susquehanna River, Cherry Tree Borough, Indiana County, as the Airman Second Class Gerald Emmett Johnson Memorial Bridge. Last Action: PN 2271 Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 30, 2015.

 

HB 1579 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 62 over the Allegheny River, Tionesta Borough, Forest County, as the Lt. Col. Michael McLaughlin/AMVETS Post 113 Memorial Bridge. Last Action: PN 2273 Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 30, 2015.

 

HB 1597 - An Act designating a portion of State Route 2026, also known as Blair Mill Road, in Montgomery County as the Private First Class Paul T. Wright Memorial Highway. Last Action: PN 2304 Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 5, 2015.

 

HB 1600 -  An Act amending Titles 51 (Military Affairs) and 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services, for bonding and progress payments and for reports; providing for business fee exemption; making editorial changes; in administrative practice and procedure, further providing for diverse business participation; and providing for the status of a veteran-owned small business and a service-disabled veteran-owned small business.  Last Action: PN 2252 Referred to COMMERCE, Sept. 29, 2015.

 

HB 1607 - Joint Resolution proposing separate and distinct amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for terms of members and for the Legislative Reapportionment Commission.  The proposal would increase the length of the term for a Representative in the General Assembly to four years and place half of the House districts on the ballot for election every two years.  Representatives would be limited to three successive terms for a total of 12 years of service.  Additionally, the Senate would see the length of its terms increased to six years.  Senators would be limited to two successive terms for a total of twelve years of service.  By extending terms, the legislation seeks to improve the efficiency of the General Assembly by eliminating the constant election cycle for members of the House of Representative.  In addition, the legislation imposes term limits in order to ensure that the makeup of the General Assembly is representative of the changing population of the Commonwealth.   Last Action: PN 2325 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Oct. 8, 2015.

 

HB 1613 - An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, further providing for person with disability plate and placard. Last Action: PN 2329 Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 8, 2015.

 

HB 1615 - An Act prohibiting certain conduct in public office; and prescribing penalties. Under this proposal, abuse of office would be a criminal offense if an elected official, public officer or public employee would (1) intentionally compel a public employee to perform an activity knowing the activity is not related to the performance of the duties of the office held by the elected official or public officer and (2) intentionally compel a public contractor to provide a good or service for the private pecuniary benefit of the elected official, public officer or another person.  A violation would constitute a misdemeanor of the second degree.  However, if the aggregate value of the activities, goods or services performed would exceed $2,000, a violation would be a third degree felony.  A person who falsely reports an alleged violation would also be subject to criminal prosecution.  Last Action: PN 2331 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Oct. 8, 2015.

 

HB 1619 - An Act authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact; providing for the form of the compact; and imposing additional powers and duties on the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact.  Last Action: PN 2348 Referred to HEALTH, Oct. 14, 2015.

 

HB 1622 - An Act establishing the naturally occurring retirement community program; and providing for powers and duties of the Department of Aging.  Last Action: PN 2349 Referred to AGING AND OLDER ADULT SERVICES, Oct. 14, 2015.

 

HB 1630 - An Act amending the act of July 9, 1976 (P.L.817, No.143), known as the Mental Health Procedures Act, establishing an Assertive Community Treatment Program in the Department of Human Services.  Last Action:

PN 2365 Referred to HEALTH, Oct. 15, 2015.

 

HB 1644 - An Act amending the act of February 9, 1999 (P.L.1, No.1), known as the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities, further providing for bonds, issue of bonds and notes, maturity and interest.  Last Action: PN 2392 Referred to FINANCE, Oct. 19, 2015.

 

HB 1653 - An Act amending Title 62 (Procurement) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for recognized entities.  Legislation providing for the certification of Pennsylvania-based minority-owned, woman-owned and veteran-owned businesses by the Department of General Services.  Last Action: PN 2430 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 21, 2015.

 

HB 1656 - An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, as follows: In 911 emergency communication services, further providing for telecommunications management. In general provisions, further providing for definitions and for purposes of part. In Commonwealth services: further providing for general authority of Governor, for temporary housing, for debris and wreckage removal, for community disaster loans, for individual and family assistance and for grants for hazard mitigation; providing for use and appropriation of unused Commonwealth funds; further providing for laws suspended during emergency assignments; providing for deployment protections and for penalty for false application; further providing for organization, for powers and duties, for utilization of existing services and facilities, for radiological emergency response preparedness, planning and recovery program and for definitions; and establishing the Statewide Public Safety Communications and Interoperability Advisory Committee. In local organizations and services: further providing for general authority of political subdivisions, for local coordinator of emergency management, for powers and duties of political subdivisions, for coordination, assistance and mutual aid, for appropriations by political subdivisions, for law applicable to local organizations, for agreements among political subdivisions, for payments involving single political subdivisions and for payments involving multiple subdivisions; and providing for regional all-hazards preparedness and emergency management. In miscellaneous provisions: further providing for duties concerning disaster prevention, for acceptance of services, gifts, grants and loans, for interstate agreements, for immunity from civil liability, for special powers of local agencies, for compensation for accidental injury and for penalties; and providing for replacement of volunteer service, for authority of Federal law enforcement officers, for confidentiality and for adverse interests. Making an editorial change. Making a repeal.  Last Action: PN 2433 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 21, 2015.

 

HB 1660 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 403 over the Two Lick Creek, Clymer Borough, Indiana County, as the Sergeant James Robert Pantall Memorial Bridge.  Last Action: PN 2438 Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 23, 2015.

 

 

COMMONWEALTH OF PA HOUSE RESOLUTIONS - 2015-2016 Session

HR 424 - A Resolution memorializing Congress to examine existing Federal laws relating to sober living arrangements.   Latest Major Action: PN 2278 Reported as amended from HUMAN SERVICES, Sept. 30, 2015.

HR 436 - A Resolution commemorating September 2, 2015, as "V-J Day" in Pennsylvania.  Latest Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 29, 2015 (192-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Sept. 29, 2015.

HR 453 - A Resolution designating the month of October 2015 as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.  Latest Major Action: Adopted, Oct. 19, 2015 (195-0). (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 19, 2015.

HR 456 - A Resolution recognizing September 26, 2015, as "National Hunting and Fishing Day" in Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 21, 2015 (197-0).

HR 465 - A Resolution celebrating the 2015 World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia and Pope Francis' inaugural visit to the United States.  Latest Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 21, 2015 (197-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Sept. 21, 2015.

HR 469 - A Resolution urging the Congress of the United States to reject the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action relating to Iran's nuclear program.  Latest Major Action: PN 2220 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Sept. 29, 2015.

HR 474 - A Resolution observing September 15 through October 15, 2015, as "Hispanic Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania.  Latest Major Action: Adopted, Oct. 5, 2015 (197-0).

 HR 475 - A Resolution honoring Jose Molina, Executive Director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, for his extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the Commonwealth in observance of "Hispanic Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania.  Latest Major Action: Adopted, Oct. 5, 2015 (196-0).

HR 477 - A Resolution recognizing the Democratic State Committee Latino Task Force and newly formed Pennsylvania Democratic Latino Caucus and its members in observance of "Hispanic Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: PN 2187 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Sept. 18, 2015. Adopted, Oct. 5, 2015 (195-1).

HR 482 - A Resolution recognizing September 15 through October 15, 2015, as "National Hispanic Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania and honoring Captain Michael Anthony Bastone, Sr., of the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office in conjunction with this observance.  Latest Major Action: Adopted, Oct. 5, 2015 (196-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 5, 2015.

HR 486 - A Resolution honoring female veterans who heroically served our country as members of the United States Armed Forces.  Latest Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 29, 2015 (192-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Sept. 29, 2015.

HR 489 - A Resolution recognizing the week of October 19 through 23, 2015, as "National Medical Assistants Recognition Week" in Pennsylvania in recognition of the quality care, support and vital services provided by medical assistants in this Commonwealth.   Latest Major Action: Adopted, Oct. 7, 2015 (200-0).

HR 490 - A Resolution recognizing the month of October 2015 as "National Breast Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania and October 16, 2015, as "National Mammography Day" in Pennsylvania to promote awareness of breast cancer issues and encourage women and men to take action to protect themselves against breast cancer.  Latest Major Action: Adopted, Oct. 6, 2015 (199-0).

HR 507 - A Resolution recognizing the week of September 20 through 26, 2015, as "National Rehabilitation Awareness Celebration Week" in Pennsylvania.  Latest Major Action: Adopted, Sept. 24, 2015 (198-0).

HR 512 - A Resolution designating the month of September as "Code Green: First Responders Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.  Latest Major Action: PN 2257 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Sept. 30, 2015.  Adopted, Sept. 30, 2015 (195-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Sept. 30, 2015.

HR 517 - A Resolution recognizing the 75th anniversary of the American Diabetes Association. Latest Major Action: PN 2281 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 1, 2015. Adopted, Oct. 6, 2015 (199-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 6, 2015.

HR 518 - A Resolution commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Latest Major Action: PN 2282 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 1, 2015. Adopted, Oct. 6, 2015 (199-0).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 6, 2015.

HR 524 - A Resolution designating the week of October 18 through 24, 2015, as "Freedom from Workplace Bullies Week" in Pennsylvania to help Commonwealth residents recognize workplace bullying, stop bullying and gain the tools needed to appropriately deal with workplace violence and bullying.  Latest Major Action: PN 2292 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 5, 2015. Adopted, Oct. 19, 2015 (195-0).

HR 527 - A Resolution urging the Pennsylvania delegation to the 114th Congress of the United States to support the passage of the Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015. Latest Major Action: PN 2295 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 5, 2015.

HR 531 - A Resolution designating October 21, 2015, as "Biomedical Research Day" in Pennsylvania.  Latest Major Action: PN 2315 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 6, 2015. Adopted, Oct. 19, 2015 (195-0).

HR 533 - A Resolution designating the week of October 19 through 23, 2015, as "No Place for Hate Week" in Pennsylvania and commending the Anti-Defamation League for its outstanding efforts to promote peace, brotherhood and goodwill. Latest Major Action: PN 2322 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 8, 2015. Adopted, Oct. 19, 2015 (195-0).

HR 536 - A Resolution honoring and recognizing Pennsylvania's American Indian peoples and communities and recognizing the first Saturday in October of every year as "Indigenous Peoples Day" in Pennsylvania.  Latest Major Action: PN 2338 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 14, 2015. Referred to RULES, Oct. 21, 2015.

HR 545 - A Resolution designating the month of November 2015 as "Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Latest Major Action: PN 2377 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 19, 2015.

HR 552 - A Resolution honoring and recognizing Pennsylvania's Native American peoples and communities and recognizing the first Saturday in October of every year, which this year is October 2, 2015, as "Indigenous Peoples Day" in Pennsylvania.   Latest Major Action: PN 2400 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 20, 2015. Adopted, Oct. 21, 2015 (198-0).

HR 553 - A Resolution recognizing the month of October 2015 as "National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.  Latest Major Action: PN 2413 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 21, 2015.

HR 554 - A Resolution designating the week of October 25 through 31, 2015, as "Respiratory Care Week" in Pennsylvania and commending respiratory therapists for their outstanding contributions to health care.  Latest Major Action: PN 2411 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 21, 2015. Adopted, Oct. 21, 2015 (197-0).

HR 557 - A Resolution designating November 6, 2015, as "Pennsylvania Veterans Day of Caring."  Latest Major Action: PN 2435 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 23, 2015.

HR 560 - A Resolution designating the month of November 2015 as "Military Family Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania.  Latest Major Action: PN 2440 INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, Oct. 23, 2015.

 

COMMONWEALTH OF PA SENATE BILLS - 2015-2016 Session

SB 170 - An Act providing for museum preservation and for grant program; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; establishing the Pennsylvania Museum Preservation Fund; and making an appropriation. Last Action: PN 1304 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Oct. 7, 2015.

SB 283 - A Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, eliminating the Traffic Court of Philadelphia.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, Jan. 28, 2015 (49-0).  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Jan. 28, 2015. In the House - Reported as committed from JUDICIARY, Sept. 30, 2015. First consideration, Sept. 30, 2015.  Laid on the table, Sept. 30, 2015. 

SB 411 - An Act amending the act of February 14, 2008 (P.L.6, No.3), known as the Right-to-Know Law, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in requirements and prohibitions, providing for Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association; in access, providing for inmate access; in procedure, further providing for access, for requests, for written requests, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for general rule and for extension of time; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; and, in judicial review, further providing for Commonwealth agencies, legislative agencies and judicial agencies, for fee limitations and for Office of Open Records.  Last Action: Laid on the table, Oct. 14, 2015.  Removed from table, Oct. 14, 2015. PN 1325 Amended on second consideration, Oct. 19, 2015. (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 19, 2015. PN 1335 Second consideration, with amendments, Oct. 20, 2015. (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 20, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 21, 2015 (46-0). (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 21, 2015. In the House - Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Oct. 23, 2015.

SB 609 - An Act establishing a task force on prostate cancer and related chronic prostate conditions; and providing for powers and duties of the task force, the Department of Health, the Insurance Department, the Department of Aging and the Department of Human Services, and for prevention and education strategies.  Related bills: HB 804 and SB 605. Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, June 25, 2015 (49-0).  In the House - Referred to HEALTH, June 26, 2015. PN 1324 Reported as amended from HEALTH, Oct. 19, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 19, 2015.  Laid on the table, Oct. 19, 2015. 

SB 685 - An Act amending the act of December 20, 1985 (P.L.457, No.112), known as the Medical Practice Act of 1985, providing for visiting team physician.  Last Action: Second consideration, Sept. 28, 2015.  Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 30, 2015 (48-0).  In the House - Referred to PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Oct. 1, 2015.

SB 686 - An Act amending the act of October 5, 1978 (P.L.1109, No.261), known as the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act, providing for visiting team physician.  Last Action: Second consideration, Sept. 28, 2015.  Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 30, 2015 (48-0).  In the House - Referred to PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Oct. 1, 2015.

SB 747 - An Act amending the act of March 20, 2002 (P.L.154, No.13), known as the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (Mcare) Act, further providing for punitive damages; providing for punitive damages study; and imposing duties on the Insurance Commissioner. The legislation will require the Insurance Commissioner to study the amount of punitive damages paid by the following in the last 10 years; 1) physicians 2) long-term care nursing facilities licensed by the Department of Health and 3) personal care homes licensed by the Department of Human Services in the Commonwealth. State agencies shall cooperate with the Commissioner as necessary to obtain this information.  The Commissioner shall complete the study within one year of the effective date of the act.  The study would be submitted to the Chairman and Minority Chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee of the Senate and the Chairman and Minority Chairman of the Insurance Committee of the House of Representatives. Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, June 25, 2015 (40-9).  In the House - Reported as committed from JUDICIARY, June 28, 2015. First consideration, June 28, 2015.  Laid on the table, June 28, 2015.  Removed from table, Oct. 6, 2015. Laid on the table, Oct. 6, 2015. 

SB 772 - An Act amending the act of March 23, 1972 (P.L.136, No.52), known as the Professional Psychologists Practice Act, further providing for definitions and for temporary license; allowing applicants to take test sooner; defining board's powers; making editorial changes; and making a repeal.  Last Action: Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 28, 2015.  Second consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.  Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 13, 2015 (49-0).  In the House - Referred to PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE, Oct. 19, 2015.

SB 868 - An Act designating the section of Pennsylvania Route 849 in Newport, Perry County, as the United States Navy Petty Officer 1st Class A. Louis De Lancey Memorial Highway.  Last Action: Laid on the table (Pursuant to Senate Rule 9) Oct. 19, 2015.  Removed from table, Oct. 20, 2015.

SB 879 - An Act providing for the establishment of a savings program by the Treasury Department to encourage savings accounts for individuals with disabilities; establishing the Pennsylvania ABLE Savings Program and the ABLE Savings Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Treasury Department.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 18, 2015 (49-0).  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 18, 2015.  In the House - Referred to FINANCE, Sept. 29, 2015.

SB 890 - An Act designating the bridge carrying State Route 6011 (Harrison Avenue) over Roaring Brook in the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County, as the Colonel Frank Duffy Memorial Bridge.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, July 13, 2015 (47-0).  In the House - Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 5, 2015. First consideration, Oct. 5, 2015.  Laid on the table, Oct. 5, 2015.  Removed from table, Oct. 6, 2015. Second consideration, Oct. 7, 2015.  Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 7, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 19, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Oct. 19, 2015 (195-0). Signed in Senate, Oct. 20, 2015. Signed in House, Oct. 20, 2015. Presented to the Governor, Oct. 21, 2015.

SB 956 - An Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 711 over the Loyalhanna Creek in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland County, as the Lieutenant Eric Eslary Memorial Bridge.  Last Action: Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 29, 2015.  First consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.  Second consideration, Oct. 14, 2015.

SB 983 - An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, further providing for person with disability plate and placard. Last Action: Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 29, 2015. First consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.  Re-referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Oct. 13, 2015.

SB 988 -  An Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 403 over the Two Lick Creek, Borough of Clymer, Indiana County as the Sergeant James Robert Pantall Memorial Bridge.   Pantall was from CLYMER, PA, and is listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.  Last Action: Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 29, 2015.  First consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.  Second consideration, Oct. 14, 2015.

SB 989 -  An Act designating a bridge on that portion of State Route 580 over the Susquehanna River, Cherry Tree Borough, Indiana County, as the Airman Second Class Gerald Emmett Johnson Memorial Bridge.   Last Action: PN 1224 Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 8, 2015. Reported as committed from TRANSPORTATION, Sept. 29, 2015. First consideration, Sept. 29, 2015.  Second consideration, Oct. 14, 2015.

SB 1000 - An Act to provide from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive and Judicial Departments, the State Government Support Agencies and the General Assembly of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, for certain institutions and organizations, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015; to provide appropriations from the State Lottery Fund, the Tobacco Settlement Fund, the Aviation Restricted Account, the Hazardous Material Response Fund, The State Stores Fund, the Milk Marketing Fund, the Home Investment Trust Fund, the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, the Tuition Account Guaranteed Savings Program Fund, the Banking Fund, the Firearm Records Check Fund, the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority Fund, the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, the Home Improvement Account, the Cigarette Fire Safety and Firefighter Protection Act Enforcement Fund, the Insurance Regulation and Oversight Fund, the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development Restricted Receipt Account, the Justice Reinvestment Fund and the Multimodal Transportation Fund to the Executive Department; to provide appropriations from the Judicial Computer System Augmentation Account to the Judicial Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016; to provide appropriations from the Motor License Fund for the fiscal year July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, for the proper operation of several departments of the Commonwealth and the Pennsylvania State Police authorized to spend Motor License Fund money; and to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive Department of the Commonwealth and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015. Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 18, 2015 (30-19).  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 18, 2015. In the House - Referred to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 21, 2015.  Reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 21, 2015.  First consideration, Sept. 21, 2015.  Laid on the table, Sept. 21, 2015.  Removed from table, Sept. 21, 2015.  Second consideration, Sept. 22, 2015.  Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 22, 2015.  Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 24, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 24, 2015 (117-83).  (Remarks see House Journal Page ....), Sept. 24, 2015. Signed in House, Sept. 24, 2015. Presented to the Governor, Sept. 28, 2015.  Vetoed by the Governor, Sept. 29, 2015.  Veto No. 7.  In the Senate - Bill, together with Governor's Veto Message, laid on the table, Sept. 29, 2015.

SB 1001 - An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in special funds, further providing for funding, for State Workers' Insurance Board and for expiration; in the Tobacco Settlement Fund, further providing for use; in the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Fund, further providing for distribution; in general budget implementation, further providing for the Department of Community and Economic Development and for the Pennsylvania State Police; providing for 2015-2016 budget implementation and for 2015-2016 restrictions on appropriations for funds and accounts; and making related repeals.  Last Action: Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 18, 2015 (30-19). (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 18, 2015. In the House - Reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 21, 2015. First consideration, Sept. 21, 2015.  Laid on the table, Sept. 21, 2015.  Removed from table, Sept. 21, 2015. Second consideration, Sept. 22, 2015.  Re-committed to APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 22, 2015. Re-reported as committed from APPROPRIATIONS, Sept. 24, 2015. Third consideration and final passage, Sept. 24, 2015 (113-86). (Remarks see House Journal Page ....), Sept. 24, 2015. Signed in Senate, Sept. 28, 2015. Signed in House, Sept. 24, 2015. Presented to the Governor, Sept. 28, 2015. Vetoed by the Governor, Sept. 29, 2015. Veto No. 8. In the Senate - Bill, together with Governor's Veto Message, laid on the table, Sept. 29, 2015.

SB 1013 - An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for voluntary veterans' preference in private employment.  This bill would allow a private employer to adopt and apply a veterans’ employment policy which would need to: be in writing, include a statement an employer has and applies a preference in a job posting, be provided to an applicant upon hire and all employees annually; and be applied uniformly.  The bill would exempt an employer who has adopted and applies a policy in compliance with the act from violations of State and Local equal employment opportunities law.  For purposes of this act, a veteran would include surviving spouses and a spouse of a disabled veteran.  This bill would leave the decision whether or not to adopt a policy solely up to an employer.  There would be no mandate on an employer to have a veterans’ preference.   Allowing private employers to adopt a veterans’ preference has been signed into law in a number of states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, and Oklahoma.  Last Action: PN 1309 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 9, 2015.

SB 1019 -  An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for the delivery of services and programs to veterans with cognitive mental disability and emotional trauma; and establishing the Office of Veterans' Mental Health Awareness.  Last Action: PN 1285 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Sept. 29, 2015.

SB 1025 - An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, establishing the Office of State Inspector General.  Currently, the Inspector General is a cabinet-level official who is appointed by, and reports to, the Governor.  Pennsylvania is among a small minority of states that does not have a separate statute providing for the appointment, term and duties of the Inspector General.  Currently, the office only exists if the Governor wishes it to continue by Executive Order.  This legislation would create, by law, this important post and provide that the Inspector General be nominated by the Governor and confirmed by two-thirds of the Senate.  Under this bill, the Inspector General would serve a term of 6 years and could serve no more than 2 terms.   The goal is to create this office in a manner that will allow our Inspector General to work independently from the influence of any one Governor, who now can unilaterally direct the detection of waste, fraud and abuse in state government.   Last Action: PN 1311 Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Oct. 9, 2015.

SB 1039 - A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for exemptions and special provisions.   Would expand the Property Tax Exemption Program for Disabled Veterans.  Currently, an honorably discharged disabled veteran must be 100 percent disabled and have a financial need to receive a 100 percent exemption from property taxes.  This Constitutional Amendment would exempt additional honorably discharged disabled veterans from paying a portion of their property taxes.  The amount of the tax exemption would depend on the extent of the veteran’s disability, as determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  If a veteran is determined to be 100 percent disabled, he or she would be exempt from paying property taxes; a veteran considered 75 percent disabled, would be exempt from paying 75 percent of his or her property taxes.  A fifty percent disability would be the threshold.  Additionally, all veterans - whether 50 percent or 100 percent disabled - would still have to qualify based on their financial need.  Last Action: PN 1332 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 20, 2015.

SB 1040 - An Act designating the bridge on State Route 225 that crosses the Armstrong Creek in Halifax Township, Dauphin County, as the Staff Sergeant Brian K. Mowery Memorial Bridge.  Last Action: PN 1333 Referred to TRANSPORTATION, Oct. 20, 2015.

SB 1045 - An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, providing for character of discharge.  Last Action: PN 1356 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 23, 2015.

SB 1046 - An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Pennsylvania National Guard, further providing for retired Pennsylvania National Guard personnel.  Last Action: PN 1357 Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Oct. 23, 2015.

 

COMMONWEALTH OF PA SENATE RESOLUTIONS - 2015-2016 Session

SR 149 - A Concurrent Resolution urging the Congress to take all necessary action to prohibit any force structure changes, to prohibit any transfer of AH-64 Apache helicopters from the National Guard, and maintain the Army National Guard at 350,200 soldiers until the National Commission on the Future of the Army has reported its findings; and urging the United States Army to reverse its decision to deactivate the 55th Armored Brigade Combat Team, and to reverse its decision to transfer any National Guard AH-64 Apache helicopters to active duty.  Last Action: Adopted, June 22, 2015 (49-0).  In the House - Referred to RULES, June 22, 2015. In the House - Referred to VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, June 24, 2015. PN 1128 Reported as amended from VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, June 26, 2015. Adopted, June 30, 2015 (191-3).  In the Senate - Referred to RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, July 13, 2015. Re-reported on concurrence from RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, as committed, Sept. 29, 2015.  Senate concurred in House amendments, Sept. 29, 2015 (47-0).  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 29, 2015. Transmitted as directed, Sept. 30, 2015.

SR 171 - A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study relating to the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing privately owned veterans care facilities to augment the Commonwealth's six State-owned veterans care facilities. Last Action: PN 1294 Reported as amended from VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, Sept. 30, 2015.  Adopted, Oct. 13, 2015.  Transmitted as directed, Oct. 14, 2015.

SR 196 - A Resolution designating the week of November 9 through 15, 2015, as "United States Colored Troops Grand Review Week" in Pennsylvania.  Last Action: PN 1279 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 28, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 28, 2015.

SR 201 - A Resolution recognizing the month of October 2015 as "Italian-American Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania.   Last Action: PN 1291 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 29, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 29, 2015.

SR 202 - A Resolution recognizing the week of September 20 through 26, 2015, as "Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week" in Pennsylvania.  Last Action: PN 1292 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 29, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 29, 2015. Transmitted as directed, Sept. 30, 2015. 

SR 204 - A Resolution designating the month of October 2015 as "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.  Last Action: PN 1296 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 29, 2015. (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 29, 2015.

SR 205 -  A Resolution designating the week of October 25 through 31, 2015, as "Pro Bono Week" in Pennsylvania.  Last Action: PN 1298 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 30, 2015. 

SR 206 - A Resolution designating the month of October 2015 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. Last Action: PN 1299 Introduced and adopted, Sept. 30, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Sept. 30, 2015. Transmitted as directed, Oct. 6, 2015. 

SR 209 - A Resolution designating the week of October 18 through 25, 2015, as "Homeless Children's Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.  Last Action: PN 1316 Introduced and adopted, Oct. 13, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 13, 2015.

SR 210 - A Resolution recognizing October 21, 2015, as "Biomedical Research Day" in Pennsylvania.  Last Action: PN 1317 Introduced and adopted, Oct. 13, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 13, 2015.

SR 212 - A Resolution recognizing November 10, 2015, as "Marine Corps Day" in Pennsylvania in honor of the United States Marine Corps' 240th anniversary of its founding.  Last Action: PN 1319 Introduced and adopted, Oct. 14, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 14, 2015.

SR 218 - A Resolution designating the week of October 19 through 23, 2015, as "No Place for Hate Week" in Pennsylvania.  Last Action: PN 1328 Introduced and adopted, Oct. 19, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 19, 2015.

SR 220 - A Resolution recognizing the month of November 2015 as "Native American Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania. Last Action: PN 1336 Introduced and adopted, Oct. 20, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 20, 2015.

SR 221 - A Resolution recognizing the month of October 2015 as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.  Last Action: PN 1337 Introduced and adopted, Oct. 20, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 20, 2015.

SR 222 - A Resolution designating the week of November 8 through 14, 2015, as "Nurse Practitioner Week" in Pennsylvania.  Last Action: PN 1338 Introduced and adopted, Oct. 20, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 20, 2015.

SR 223 - A Resolution recognizing the month of October 2015 as "The Great Hunger Remembrance Month" in Pennsylvania. Last Action: PN 1339 Introduced and adopted, Oct. 20, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 20, 2015.

SR 224 - A Resolution recognizing October 20, 2015, as "Pennsylvania Career Development Day" in Pennsylvania.   Last Action: PN 1340 Introduced and adopted, Oct. 20, 2015.  (Remarks see Senate Journal Page ....), Oct. 20, 2015.

 

FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LEGISLATION 114^th Congress

FEDERAL HOUSE RESOLUTIONS

H.J.RES.65 : Authorization of Use of Force Against Iran Resolution.  Latest Major Action: 9/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.J.RES.66 : Iran Accountability and Enforcement Resolution.  Latest Major Action: 9/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.J.RES.69 : Proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

H.CON.RES.74 : Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for an event to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Million Man March.  Latest Major Action: 9/16/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.  Latest Action: 9/17/2015 Message on Senate action sent to the House.

H.CON.RES.75 : Expressing the sense of Congress that those who commit or support atrocities against Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities, including Yezidis, Turkmen, Sabea-Mandeans, Kaka'e, and Kurds, and who target them specifically for ethnic or religious reasons, are committing, and are hereby declared to be committing, "war crimes", "crimes against humanity", and "genocide".  Latest Major Action: 9/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.CON.RES.77 : Recognizing the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations.  Latest Major Action: 9/16/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.CON.RES.78 : Expressing the sense of Congress that the President in consultation with the Department of the Treasury should apply economic sanctions against Chinese businesses and state-owned enterprises that can be linked to cyberattacks against United States entities.  Latest Major Action: 9/18/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.CON.RES.81 : Providing for corrections to the enrollment of the bill H.R. 1735.  Latest Major Action: 10/7/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.  Latest Action: 10/8/2015 Message on Senate action sent to the House.

H.CON.RES.86 : Welcoming Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on his official visit to the United States in October 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/16/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.RES.408 : Providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 64) disapproving of the agreement transmitted to Congress by the President on July 19, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran; and for other purposes.  House Reports: 114-256.  Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 House floor actions. Status: Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 421 , H. Res. 408 is laid on the table.

H.RES.410 : Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 does not apply to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding Iran and submitted to Congress on July 19, 2015, because the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is a treaty and, pursuant to Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the Senate must give its advice and consent to ratification if the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is to be effective and binding upon the United States.  Latest Major Action: 9/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.RES.411 : Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/10/2015 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 245 - 186 (Roll no. 492).  Latest Action: 9/10/2015 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

H.RES.412 : Providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 411) finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3461) to approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3460) to suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran.  House Reports: 114-259.  Latest Major Action: 9/10/2015 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 243 - 186 (Roll no. 491).

H.RES.413 : Honoring the victims of hate crimes of Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment, in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, where individuals were targeted by violence and hatred, because they were Muslim or perceived to be Muslim.  Latest Major Action: 9/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

H.RES.423 : Expressing support for the designation of October 2015 as Special Operations Forces Appreciation Month in order to honor members of United States Special Operations Forces for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States.  Latest Major Action: 9/16/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

H.RES.425 : Expressing support for designation of September 2015 as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month".  Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.RES.429 : Congratulating Captain Kristen Griest and First Lieutenant Shaye Haver on their graduation from Ranger School.  Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

H.RES.435 : Recognizing the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, especially Christians and Yezidis, by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as Daesh, and calling for the immediate prioritization of accepting refugees from such communities.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.

H.RES.438 : Supporting the designation of a week as National Federal Nurse Recognition Week. Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.RES.440 : Calling for urgent international action on behalf of Iraqi and Syrian civilians facing a dire humanitarian crisis and severe persecution because of their faith or ethnicity in the Nineveh Plain region of Iraq and Khabor, Kobane, and Aleppo regions of Syria.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.RES.443 : Commending the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs for their joint campaign to raise awareness during September, Suicide Prevention Month, to reduce suicide among members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans.  Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 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.

H.RES.447 : Calling upon the President to use the United States' voice and vote in the United Nations Security Council to condemn the ongoing sexual violence against women and children from Yezidi, Christian, Shabak, and other religious communities by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant militants as crimes against humanity, to prosecute all perpetrators and those complicit in these crimes, and to support other United Nations member states prosecuting these perpetrators and those complicit.  Latest Major Action: 9/29/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.

H.RES.449 : Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3457) to prohibit the lifting of sanctions on Iran until the Government of Iran pays the judgments against it for acts of terrorism, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 1735) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of motions to suspend the rules.  House Reports: 114-273.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 241 - 181 (Roll no. 530).  Latest Action: 10/1/2015 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

H.RES.451 : Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Sergeant Charles Martland, a decorated member of the Special Forces, should be reinstated in the United States Army.  Latest Major Action: 9/30/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

H.RES.454 : Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives relating to the exercise of presidential waiver authority of certain sanctions imposed against Iran under United States law.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.RES.457 : Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to require that the House be in session at least 40 hours each week other than a week that is designated as a district work period.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Rules.

H.RES.459 : Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Christians in the Middle East are victims of genocide.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.

H.RES.460 : Supporting the goals and ideals of the International Day of Non-Violence.  Latest Major Action: 10/2/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

H.RES.474 : Recognizing the important contribution and added value of mental health and psychosocial support services and the importance of building such capacity in humanitarian and development contexts.  Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.

H.RES.475 : Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide for the consideration of continuing resolutions to fund the Government at the current rate of operations if offered not more than 24 hours before funding for the Government expires.  Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Rules.

H.RES.477 : Recommending the designation of a Presidential Special Envoy to the Balkans to evaluate the successes and shortcomings of the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords in Bosnia and Herzegovina, to provide policy recommendations, and to report back to Congress within one year.  Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.AMDT.706 to H.R.348 An amendment numbered 9 printed in House Report 114-261 to preserve the current law relating to the permitting projects that could be a potential target for a terrorist attack or that involves chemical facilities and other critical infrastructure.  Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 House amendment not agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Jackson Lee amendment (A009) Failed by recorded vote: 176 - 232 (Roll no. 515).

H.RES.482 : Expressing the sense of the House that Congress should recognize the benefits of charitable giving and express support for the designation of #GivingTuesday.  Latest Major Action: 10/20/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.RES.485 : Expressing solidarity with the people of Israel in the wake of recent terrorist attacks and condemning the Palestinian Authority for inciting an atmosphere of violence.  Latest Major Action: 10/21/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.AMDT.717 to H.R.702 Amendment to ensure the Administration is able to ban the export of crude oil to state sponsors of terrorism.  Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Messer amendment (A005) Agreed to by recorded vote: 414 - 1 (Roll no. 546).

H.AMDT.718 to H.R.702 Amendment to prohibit the export of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and petrochemical products to the Islamic Republic of Iran.  Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 House amendment agreed to. Status: On agreeing to the Messer amendment (A006) Agreed to by recorded vote: 419 - 0 (Roll no. 547).

 

FEDERAL HOUSE BILLS 114^th Congress

H.R.1735 : Latest Title: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2016 for military activities of the Department of Defense and for military construction, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.  Related Bills: H.RES.255, H.RES.260, H.R.2026, H.R.2055, H.R.2133.  Latest Major Action: 4/30/2015: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 60 - 2. 5/15/2015 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 269 - 151 (Roll no. 239).  5/15/2015 The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 1735. House Reports:  114-102, 114-102 Part 2. 5/21/2015 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 99.  6/18/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 71 - 25. Record Vote Number: 215  9/29/2015 Conference report H. Rept. 114-270 filed.  10/1/2015 Conference report agreed to in House: On agreeing to the conference report Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 270 - 156 (Roll no. 532). 10/7/2015 Conference report agreed to in Senate: Senate agreed to conference report by Yea-Nay Vote. 70 - 27. Record Vote Number: 277. [See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCAXFvrhDTo ] [See also: http://consumerist.com/2015/05/13/legislators-once-again-trying-to-delay-new-lending-protections-for-military-personnel/ ]  [See also: http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2015-Articles/VFW-Against-Privatizing-Commissaries/ ]  [The $612 billion bill includes $89 billion for war-related activities, also known as overseas contingency operations, or OCO.  $38 billion of that latter figure is for base budget-related operation and maintenance.  The funding shift to the OCO account, which is exempt from federal spending caps, fully funds defense at President Obama’s requested level without relying on the President to agree to entitlement reforms.  President Obama vowed Wednesday to veto the annual defense policy bill demanding an increase in non-defense spending and escalating a clash over mandatory spending caps.  The President objects to the use of OCO funds to end-run spending limits under sequestration caps.  The defense bill calls for a 1.3-percent pay raise for military members, slower growth in basic allowances for housing (BAH) so troops pay 5 percent of the costs by 2019, overhauling the retirement system to include a 401(k)-like benefit in 2018, higher TRICARE pharmacy co-pays for retirees, and letting commanders authorize troops to carry firearms on U.S. bases, among other provisions.  A vote in the Senate on the conference report is expected next week.  As expected, the NDAA would overhaul the military retirement system by offering troops a 401(k)-like plan with full vesting after just two years of service and matching contributions of up to 5 percent of basic pay after four years of service.  Under the military's existing defined-benefit plan, most officers and enlisted personnel who serve 20 years receive annual retirement pay equal to half of their average basic pay over their last three years of service. The legislation would reduce that figure from 50 percent to 40 percent, in part to fund a 401(k)-like defined-contribution Thrift Savings Plan for the more than eight in 10 service members who leave the military without getting any retirement benefit.  The so-called blended retirement plan would also let a service member take part of his retirement pay as a lump-sum payment after 12 years of service and after 20 years. The overhaul wouldn't take effect until 2018 "to allow DoD and relevant stakeholders time for implementation," the summary states.  Unfortunately the bill also includes a troop pay raise of only 1.3 percent rather than 2.3 percent for next year.  The Pentagon proposed the lower figure, which compares to a 1 percent bump in basic pay service members received the past two years. But it's less than the 2.3 percent estimated increase in private-sector wage growth (Employment Cost Index), which military pay is supposed to track by law.  Lawmakers rejected proposals to overhaul the military commissary system and ordered the Defense Commissary Agency to plan for making the system self-funded by 2018.  They asked officials to submit a report by March 1 on how the commissary, which receives $1.4 billion a year in taxpayer funding, could find savings by privatizing operations, working with grocers to provide military discounts, closing stores or combining the commissary and exchange systems. They also blocked the commissary from making changes in how produce is shipped to stores in Asia.  Base Commanders May Allow Carrying of Personal Weapons.  The NDAA calls for Defense Secretary Ashton Carter to establish a process by December 31 in which commanders can authorize a service member at a military installation, reserve center, recruiting location or defense facility in the U.S. to carry a gun on the premises if he or she "determines that carrying such a firearm is necessary as a personal- or force-protection measures."  "Tragic domestic attacks on DOD personnel, including those at Little Rock, Chattanooga, and Fort Hood, convinced Conferees that a one-size-fits-all force protection standard for domestic installations is inadequate, especially where carrying personal firearms is involved," the document states.  Source: NAUS Watchdog for Oct 2 2015.]

H.R.2029 :  Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016.   A bill making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 4/30/2015 Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 255 - 163 (Roll no. 193). 5/21/2015 Committee on Appropriations. Reported by Senator Kirk with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 114-57.  10/1/2015 Senate floor actions: Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 44. Record Vote Number: 273. [Democrats on Thursday blocked plans for a nearly $164 billion VA/Military Construction bill for fiscal 2016 over objections to Republicans’ overarching spending plans and a lack of progress on a compromise budget deal.  The procedural move follows similar decisions to stall the fiscal 2016 defense appropriations bill earlier this year and echoes President Obama’s pledge to veto any budget measure that does not repeal mandatory spending caps looming over all federal operations.  The VA appropriations bill, which also includes military construction funds, would have provided a 3 percent budget increase for the new fiscal year. It’s another spending boost for the department, which has seen its total budget nearly triple since the late 1990s.  The VA budget is not subject to the spending caps. But just before Thursday’s vote, the White House reiterated plans for a veto of the VA spending measure.  Source: NAUS Watchdog for Oct 2 2015.]

H.R.3449 : To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to extend honorary citizenship to otherwise qualified noncitizens who enlisted in the Philippines and died while serving on active duty with the United States Armed Forces during certain periods of hostilities, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.

H.R.3457 : Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 251 - 173 (Roll no. 533).  Latest Action: 10/1/2015 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. 10/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

H.R.3460 : To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran.  Latest Major Action: 9/15/2015 Received in the Senate.

H.R.3461 : To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran.  Latest Major Action: 9/11/2015 Failed of passage/not agreed to in House. Status: On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 162 - 269, 1 Present (Roll no. 493).  Latest Action: 9/11/2015 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

H.R.3471 : Veterans Mobility Safety Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.3476 : Prevent a Government Shutdown Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/10/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.

H.R.3484 : Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.3491 : To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of special pension for Medal of Honor recipients, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

H.R.3499 : Veteran Disability Rating Parity Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/11/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.3507 : To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 99 West 2nd Street in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, as the "Lieutenant Colonel James 'Maggie' Megellas Post Office".  Latest Major Action: 9/15/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

H.R.3510 : Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Strategy Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/7/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

H.R.3518 : Stop Civil Asset Forfeiture Funding for Marijuana Suppression Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/16/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

H.R.3547 : Lawrence J. Hackett Jr. Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Fairness Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

H.R.3549 : VA Billing Accountability Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.3558 : Perpetual POW/MIA Stamp Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/18/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

H.R.3573 : Refugee Resettlement Oversight and Security Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/18/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

H.R.3580 : To establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a continuing medical education program for non-Department medical professionals who treat veterans and family members of veterans to increase knowledge and recognition of medical conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 9/18/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.3588 : Guaranteed 3 Percent COLA for Seniors Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/22/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, 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.

H.R.3589 : Midshipmen Education Certainty Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/22/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

H.R.3590 : Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/22/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.3595 : Increased Authorizations for the Denver VA Medical Center Construction Project Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.3596 : Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.3603 : To grant a Federal charter to the National American Indian Veterans, Incorporated.  Latest Major Action: 10/5/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.

H.R.3616 : Defending Our Defenders Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.

H.R.3628 : Pay Our Military Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.

H.R.3633 : District of Columbia Government Shutdown Avoidance Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

H.R.3635 : Latest Title: Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act.  Related Bills: H.R.1024.  Latest Major Action: 9/29/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

H.R.3639 : Veterans Access to Care Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/29/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R.3640 : Mental Health Awareness Semipostal Stamp Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/29/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.

H.R.3649 : To amend titles 10, 32, and 37 of the United States Code to authorize the establishment of units of the National Guard in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.  Latest Major Action: 9/29/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

H.R.3654 : To require a report on United States strategy to combat terrorist use of social media, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 9/30/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), 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.

H.R.3656 : To prohibit the sale or distribution of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21.  Latest Major Action: 9/30/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R.3662 : Iran Terror Finance Transparency Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, 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.

H.R.3677 : Opioid Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R.3681 : Improving Access to Emergency Psychiatric Care Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/2/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

H.R.3684 : Preserving Teacher Loan Forgiveness for Military Spouses Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/6/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

H.R.3686 : Veterans Care and Reporting Enforcement Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/6/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.3693 : IRGC Terrorist Sanctions Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/6/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.R.3696 : Latest Title: Medicare Premium Fairness Act of 2015.  Related Bills: S.2148.  Latest Major Action: 10/7/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.

H.R.3698 : Military Enlistment Opportunity Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/7/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.

H.R.3708 : Prevent a December Government Shutdown Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Budget, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.

H.R.3709 : Helping our Rural Veterans Receive Health Care Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.3712 : Improving Access to Mental Health Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, 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.

H.R.3713 : Sentencing Reform Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.

H.R.3715 : Final Farewell Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.3722 : Mental Health and Safe Communities Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/21/2015 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

H.R.3728 : To amend the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 to modify the requirement to impose sanctions with respect to the provision of specialized financial messaging services to the Central Bank of Iran and other sanctioned Iranian financial institutions, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committees on the Judiciary, and Financial Services, 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.

H.R.3737 : Responsibly Paying Our Nation's Bills Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.R.3739 : Veterans' Expanded Trucking Opportunities Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

H.R.3741 : Commission to Verify Iranian Nuclear Compliance Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

H.R.3746 : State Marihuana And Regulatory Tolerance Enforcement Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, 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.

H.R.3755 : To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the disregard of certain resident slots that include Department of Veterans Affairs training in determining payments for direct graduate medical education costs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 10/9/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Veterans' Affairs, 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.

H.R.3757 : To provide that Members of Congress shall be paid last whenever the Treasury is unable to satisfy the obligations of the United States Government in a timely manner because the public debt limit has been reached.  Latest Major Action: 10/16/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on House Administration.

H.R.3761 : To increase Social Security and military retirement benefits by 2.9 percent, and base future cost-of-living increase adjustments to the Consumer Price Index for the elderly.  Latest Major Action: 10/16/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, 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.

H.R.3768 : Senior Executive Service Taking Responsibility for Unilateral Station Transfers Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/20/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, 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.

H.R.3776 : End Government Shutdowns Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/21/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.

H.R.3789 : Honor Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/21/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

H.R.3796 : Nursing Home Accountability Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/21/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.

H.R.3807 : To provide a process for ensuring the United States does not default on its obligations.  Latest Major Action: 10/22/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, 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.

H.R.3815 : To deter terrorism, provide justice for victims, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 10/23/2015 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

 

** Union Calendar: A separate calendar in the United States House of Representatives that schedules bills involving money issues. It arose from the requirement in Article One of the United States Constitution that all revenue bills originate in the House of Representatives. To meet that requirement, Rule XIII

 

FEDERAL SENATE RESOLUTIONS 114th Congress:

S.RES.249 : A resolution honoring the Red Land Little League Team of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania for the performance of the team in the 2015 Little League World Series.  Latest Major Action: 9/9/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.RES.250 : A resolution relative to the death of Richard Schultz Schweiker, former United States Senator for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Latest Major Action: 9/9/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.RES.251 : A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the congressional review provision of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 does not apply to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action announced on July 14, 2015, because the President failed to transmit the entire agreement as required by such Act, and that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action would only preempt existing Iran sanctions laws as "the supreme Law of the Land" if ratified by the Senate as a treaty with the concurrence of two thirds of the Senators present pursuant to Article II, section 2, clause 2, of the Constitution or if Congress were to enact new implementing legislation that supersedes the mandatory statutory sanctions that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action announced on July 14, 2015, purports to supersede.  Latest Major Action: 9/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.RES.257 : A resolution congratulating Captain Kristen Griest and First Lieutenant Shaye Haver on their graduation from Ranger School.  Latest Major Action: 9/21/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Resolution agreed to in Senate without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.RES.259 : A resolution honoring the bravery and heroism of those who selflessly prevented a deadly terrorist attack and saved countless lives while aboard a passenger train bound from Amsterdam to Paris on August 21, 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.RES.264 : A resolution designating September 23, 2015, as "National Falls Prevention Awareness Day" to raise awareness and encourage the prevention of falls among older adults.  Latest Major Action: 9/22/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.RES.268 : A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate regarding the Syrian refugee crisis.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.RES.281 : A resolution designating the week of October 5 through October 9, 2015, as "National Health Information Technology Week" to recognize the value of health information technology in transforming and improving the healthcare system for all people in the United States.  Latest Major Action: 10/7/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote.

S.RES.282 : A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.RES.284 : A resolution recognizing the importance of mental health globally and highlighting the contributions and value of mental health, psychosocial support, and human capacity, particularly in development contexts and humanitarian settings.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.RES.294 : A resolution designating October 26, 2015, as Day of the Deployed.  Latest Major Action: 10/22/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.RES.295 : A resolution designating the week of November 2 through November 6, 2015 as "National Veterans Small Business Week".  Latest Major Action: 10/22/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate. Status: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

S.AMDT.2669 to H.J.RES.61 Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Motion to table amendment SA 2669 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

S.AMDT.2670 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2670 fell when SA 2669 was tabled.

S.AMDT.2671 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2671 fell when SA 2670 fell.

S.AMDT.2672 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Motion to table amendment SA 2672 agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote.

S.AMDT.2673 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2673 fell when SA 2672 was tabled.

S.AMDT.2674 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2674 fell when the motion to commit was tabled.

S.AMDT.2675 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2675 fell when SA 2674 fell.

S.AMDT.2676 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 SA 2676 fell when SA 2675 fell.

S.AMDT.2677 to S.1632 To require that the Director of National Intelligence assess the capability of the United States Government to help implement the 5-year strategy to counter the regional threat of Boko Haram.  Latest Major Action: 9/22/2015 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2677 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.

S.AMDT.2680 to H.J.RES.61 Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)

S.AMDT.2681 to H.J.RES.61 To change the enactment date.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)

S.AMDT.2682 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)

S.AMDT.2683 to H.J.RES.61 To change the enactment date.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)

S.AMDT.2684 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)

S.AMDT.2685 to H.J.RES.61 To change the enactment date.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)

S.AMDT.2686 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)

S.AMDT.2687 to H.J.RES.61 Of a perfecting nature.  Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment proposed (on the floor)

S.AMDT.2689 to H.R.719 Making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 9/30/2015 Considered by Senate.

S.AMDT.2690 to H.R.719 To change the enactment date. Latest Major Action: 9/30/2015 Proposed amendment SA 2690 withdrawn in Senate.

S.AMDT.2691 to H.R.719 To change the enactment date. Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015 SA 2691 (the instructions of the motion to refer) fell when cloture invoked on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 719 with an amendment (SA 2689).

S.AMDT.2692 to H.R.719 Of a perfecting nature. Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015 SA 2692 fell when SA 2691 fell.

S.AMDT.2693 to H.R.719 Of a perfecting nature. Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015 SA 2693 fell when SA 2692 fell.

S.AMDT.2694 to H.R.1020 To make a conforming amendment. Latest Major Action: 9/24/2015 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2694 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.

S.AMDT.2700 to S.2082 To prohibit the transfer of amounts from the Veterans Choice Fund to fund the increase of the authorization to carry out the medical facility construction project of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Denver, Colorado. Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Senate amendment agreed to. Status: Amendment SA 2700 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous Consent.

 

FEDERAL SENATE BILLS 114^th Congress:

S.1676 : A bill to increase the number of graduate medical education positions treating veterans, to improve the compensation of health care providers, medical directors, and directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.   Latest Major Action: 10/6/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S. 1945 : Latest Title: Mental Health Reform Act of 2015. Latest Major Action: 8/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.2013 : Los Angeles Homeless Veterans Leasing Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/9/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 10/6/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.2022 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount of special pension for Medal of Honor recipients, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 9/10/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. 10/6/2015 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held.

S.2035 : Federal Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/16/2015 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 229.

S.2040 : Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/16/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2048 : Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2049 : A bill to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs a continuing medical education program for non-Department medical professionals who treat veterans and family members of veterans to increase knowledge and recognition of medical conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2052 : Latest Title: Department of Veterans Affairs Billing Accountability Act of 2015. Related Bills: H.R.3549.  Latest Major Action: 9/17/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2062 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend authority for operation of the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Manila, the Republic of the Philippines.  Latest Major Action: 9/21/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2081 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend authorities for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to expand presumption of service connection for compensation for diseases the Secretary determines are associated with exposure to herbicide agents, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 9/25/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2082 : Latest Title: Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015.  Related Bills: H.R.3596, S.2048. Latest Major Action(s): 9/25/2015 Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.  9/30/2015 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): 423 - 0 (Roll no. 526).  9/30/2015 Presented to President. 9/30/2015 Signed by President. [This legislation amends title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring provisions of law administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  The health care provisions extended through fiscal year 2016. Some of these include: Authority for collection of copayments for hospital care and nursing home care, Authorization of appropriations for assistance and support services for caregivers,  Authority for recovery from third parties of the cost of care and services furnished to veterans with health-plan contracts for non-service-connected disability, Authority for the pilot program on assistance for child care for certain veterans receiving health care, Authority to make grants to veterans service organizations for transportation of highly rural veterans, Authority for Department of Defense (DOD)-VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund, and  Authority for the pilot program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service.  The legislation also extends through Dec. 31, 2016, the requirement to provide nursing home care to certain veterans with service-connected disabilities and extends through fiscal year 2017 authority for the Joint DOD-VA Demonstration Fund.  This bill additionally authorizes $1.675 billion for the completion of the VA Medical Center in Denver.  At a meeting NAUS attended on Wednesday, with the Majority Staff of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, it was disclosed that when the building in Denver was finally finished it would additionally take over $300 million for medical equipment, furniture and IT.  It appears the final bill for this one VA Medical Center, which the construction of has been taken over by the Army Corps of Engineers, will cost over $2 billion dollars.  Source: NAUS Watchdog for Oct 2 2015.]

S.2086 : Justice for Victims of Iranian Terrorism Act.  Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.2088 : A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 90 Cornell Street in Kingston, New York, at the "Staff Sergeant Robert H. Dietz Post Office Building".  Latest Major Action: 9/28/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

S.2106 : A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop and publish an action plan for improving the vocational rehabilitation services and assistance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 9/30/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2119 : Iran Policy Oversight Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.2120 : Veterans Justice Outreach Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2127 : Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/1/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

S.2130 : An Act Making Appropriations for National Security and for Other Purposes, 2016.  Latest Major Action: 10/6/2015 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 249.

S.2134 : A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide educational assistance to certain former members of the Armed Forces for education and training as physician assistants of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to establish pay grades and require competitive pay for physician assistants of the Department, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 10/5/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2137 : Military Family Stability Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/6/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.

S.2144 : North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/6/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.2148 : Latest Title: Protecting Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2015.  Related Bills: H.R.3696.  Latest Major Action: 10/7/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2160 : Military Enlistment Opportunity Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/7/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

S.2170 : Veterans E-Health and Telemedicine Support Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2173 : Improving Access to Mental Health Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

S.2175 : A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to clarify the role of podiatrists in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2179 : Veteran CARE Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

S.2180 : Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/8/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

S.2181 : Default Prevention Act.  Latest Major Action: 10/20/2015 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 273.

S.2182 : Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/20/2015 Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 274.

S.2184 : Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015.  Latest Major Action: 10/20/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.

S.2195 : A bill to prohibit the indefinite detention of persons by the United States and for other purposes.  Latest Major Action: 10/22/2015 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

 

Grassroots lobbying is an effective way to let your Representative and Senators know your opinion, which is key to increasing co-sponsorship on veteran related bills and subsequent passage into law.

NOTE: For an electronic version of this document, please send an email message to the below signed at: lholman@prodigy.net .

Respectfully submitted,

Larry D. Holman

Larry D. Holman

Legislative Chairman, DAV Chap. 15

Cell: 215 601-6263