Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2021 This bill establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases associated with exposure to burn pits (an area used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) and other toxins by veterans who were awarded specified medals on or after August 2, 1990. Under a presumption of service-connection, specific conditions diagnosed in certain veterans are presumed to have been caused by the circumstances of their military service. Health care benefits and disability compensation may then be awarded. Under the bill, if the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) receives a written petition to add a disease to the list, the VA must request a determination by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine with respect to whether there is a positive association between the exposure of humans to a covered toxin and the occurrence of the disease in humans. The bill makes disability or death of certain employees from specified diseases compensable as a work injury. Specifically, such employees are those who were employees of the Department of State, the Department of Defense, or an element of the intelligence community on or after August 2, 1990, and carried out job responsibilities for at least 30 days during a contingency operation.
Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2021 This bill addresses water infrastructure and the discharge of pollution (e.g., wastewater or stormwater) into waters of the United States, including by reauthorizing through FY2026 and revising the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. The clean water SRF program provides communities low-cost financing for water quality infrastructure projects.
Clean Energy for America Act This bill provides for tax incentives for investments in clean electricity, clean transportation, energy efficiency, and the termination of certain provisions relating to oil, gas, and other fossil fuels. Among other provisions, the bill allows new tax credits for investment in clean energy facilities and for the production of electricity from clean energy and clean fuel; allows a new tax credit for expenditures for clean energy property used in connection with a principal residence; allows a new tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel; allows an alternative motor vehicle tax credit for fuel cell motor vehicles, electric vehicles, and for refueling property; allows a tax credit for the production of electricity from clean hydrogen; extends for one year the second generation biofuel producer tax credit and the tax credit for alternative fuels; modifies existing tax credits for energy efficient residential buildings, energy efficient home improvement expenditures, geothermal heat pumps, and the tax deduction for energy efficient commercial buildings; terminates certain provisions relating to oil, gas, and other fossil fuels; requires that at least 15% of the total workforce labor hours be performed by qualified apprentices; requires that projects receiving federal assistance comply with federal prevailing wage requirements; and allows the issuance of tax-exempt private activity bonds for qualified carbon dioxide capture facilities.
Puppy Protection Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to expand standards that govern the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of animals to include new requirements for commercial dog dealers. Specifically, the standards must require dog dealers to provide to dogs adequate housing, exercise, and veterinary care; appropriate and nutritious food; continuous access to potable water; and meaningful socialization with humans and compatible dogs for at least 30 minutes each day. The standards must also include requirements for breeders to use safe breeding practices and make all reasonable efforts to find humane placement for retired breeding dogs.
Renewable Energy for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands Act This bill addresses renewable energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Specifically, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) must establish a grant program under which USDA may award grants for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency activities, energy storage, smart grids, or microgrids. In addition, USDA may award grants to train residents of Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands to develop, construct, maintain, or operate renewable energy systems. The Department of Energy must ensure that its national laboratories offer to provide technical assistance to grant recipients. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on renewable energy and energy efficiency in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
This joint resolution nullifies the Oil and Natural Gas Sector: Emission Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review rule published by the Environmental Protection Agency on September 14, 2020. The rule finalized amendments to new source performance standards under the Clean Air Act for the oil and natural gas sector, such as an amendment that removed limitations on methane emissions from such sector.
This resolution acknowledges and condemns the discrimination against, wrongful termination of, and exclusion from the federal civil service, the Foreign Service, and the Armed Forces of the thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals who were affected by the anti-LGBT policies of the federal government. The resolution expresses that the Senate, on behalf of the United States, apologizes to the affected LGBT military service members, Foreign Service members, veterans, and federal civil service employees and their families. Finally, the resolution reaffirms the commitment of the federal government to treat all military service members, Foreign Service members, veterans, and federal civil service employees and retirees, including LGBT individuals, with equal respect and fairness.
Stop Shackling and Detaining Pregnant Women Act This bill prohibits the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from detaining an individual during pregnancy or postpartum recovery and addresses related issues. DHS must immediately release any detainee found to be pregnant, unless the detainee presents an immediate and serious threat of hurting themselves or others. A DHS detention facility may not use a restraint on a detainee who is known to be pregnant, including during labor, transport to a medical facility or birthing center, and delivery, or during postpartum recovery, except for medical or safety purposes. The bill requires DHS to use the least restrictive restraint necessary and prohibits certain specified restraint types, including four-point restraints and binding hands behind the detainee's back. The bill prohibits DHS detention officers from being present during a detainee's pelvic exam, labor, delivery, or treatment relating to a pregnancy, unless specifically requested by medical personnel. If a detention officer is requested by medical personnel, such officer shall be female, if practicable, and remain at a reasonable distance from the detainee. A pregnant detainee must have access to health care services, including comprehensive services relating to reproductive health care and pregnancy. DHS must provide annual training about this bill's requirements to each employee who has a role in the detention or care of a pregnant detainee or a postpartum parent of a newborn. DHS must also provide each detainee notice of their rights under this bill in the detainee's native language.
Juneteenth National Independence Day Act This bill establishes Juneteenth National Independence Day, June 19, as a legal public holiday.
Work Without Worry Act This bill modifies eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for individuals who have a disability that began before age 22. Under current law, these individuals may obtain SSDI benefits based on the work record of a retired, disabled, or deceased parent. However, an individual with earnings after age 22 that exceed a specified monetary limit (i.e., constitute substantial gainful activity) permanently loses eligibility for such benefits. This bill allows individuals to retain eligibility for such benefits regardless of the amount of earnings after age 22. Additionally, individuals who apply for SSDI benefits on a parent's record and also independently qualify for Social Security benefits on their own record will receive the larger of the two benefit amounts.
This resolution recognizes the historical significance to the nation of Juneteenth Independence Day (commemorating the end of slavery in the United States).
Segal AmeriCorps Education Award Tax Relief Act of 2021 This bill modifies the requirements for calculating taxable income to exclude from gross income any AmeriCorps educational awards provided under the National and Community Service Act of 1990.
