This resolution designates September 2021 as National Workforce Development Month.
This resolution expresses the condolences of the Senate regarding the death of the Honorable Maurice Robert Gravel, former Senator from Alaska.
Protect Equality And Civics Education Act or the PEACE Act This bill prohibits the use of FY2021 funding made available for the American History and Civics Education program to fund a curriculum, teaching, or counseling that promotes a divisive concept under the priorities noticed in the Department of Education's proposed rule titled Proposed Priorities-American History and Civics Education , published on April 19, 2021.
Return Act This bill directs each federal agency to require the level of telework of employees to return to the level of telework in place on February 14, 2020. The General Services Administration must submit to Congress a report that includes a description of how, during the period beginning on February 14, 2020, and ending on the date of this bill's enactment, agency services and response times for individuals in the United States who benefit from services of agencies were affected by the increased level of telework and the limited access to physical mail, data servers, and voice mail at agencies.
Protect Our Disabled Heroes Act of 2021 This bill imposes criminal penalties and/or fines on individuals for the commission or attempted commission of certain acts (e.g., charging certain fees) in connection with the representation of a veteran who is seeking Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits or filing a claim for such benefits. Additionally, the VA is authorized to prescribe limitations and restrictions on the types and timing of for-profit business transactions which may be entered into by an agent or attorney who is representing a claimant for VA benefits.
No Vaccine Mandates Act of 2021 This bill creates a federal statutory framework to govern restrictions and requirements related to vaccinations. Specifically, the bill prohibits (1) requiring individuals to receive a vaccination that has only received emergency use authorization or received emergency use authorization prior to full approval, or (2) administering such a vaccine to a minor or other individual who lacks the capacity to consent without the consent of a parent or guardian. Additionally, the bill requires a medical provider who administers a COVID-19 vaccination to provide a potential recipient with certain information about the risks associated with the vaccine so the potential recipient can make an informed decision. The bill authorizes civil actions for damages.
PACE Part D Choice Act of 2021 This bill allows Medicare-only beneficiaries who are enrolled in Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) to choose prescription drug plans that are not operated by PACE. (PACE is a program under Medicare and Medicaid that provides in-home and community services for certain individuals as an alternative to nursing home care.) Specifically, the bill allows PACE enrollees who are Medicare (but not Medicaid) beneficiaries to choose a prescription drug plan that is not a Medicare Advantage plan or operated by PACE and for which annual out-of-pocket costs and federal subsidies are equal to or less than that under the applicable PACE prescription drug plan. The bill also allows for disenrollment from a chosen plan upon a change in medication or demonstration of an unexpected increase in out-of-pocket costs. PACE programs must conduct outreach, monitor data, and coordinate benefits with respect to such options.
Bringing Enhanced Treatments and Therapies to ESRD Recipients Kidney Care Act or the BETTER Kidney Care Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a demonstration program for Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Under the program, renal dialysis facilities, kidney disease specialists, physician practices, and other health care practitioners may form an organization that partners with certain health care entities to provide integrated care to beneficiaries with ESRD. Such care must include all covered Medicare benefits as well as transition services for transplantations, palliative care, and hospice. Each organization must have a minimum number or percentage of participating beneficiaries (350 or 60% of beneficiaries served at the organization's facilities) and must also comply with certain fiscal, governance, and quality of care requirements. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study certain data that is reported to the CMS regarding pediatric dialysis care, as well as the effects of race-based corrections to a specified kidney function test on referrals of ESRD patients for transplant evaluations.
Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion for Disasters Act or the REAADI for Disasters Act This bill establishes programs and requirements to assist individuals with disabilities and older adults (age 50 or older) with disaster preparedness. Among other provisions, the bill requires the establishment of an advisory committee that includes disabled individuals and older adults to oversee the use of funds made available by this bill; allows states to contract with Centers for Independent Living to provide services and support to disabled individuals in preparing for hazards; requires the Department of Health and Human Services to award grants to carry out projects of national significance that, among other things, create opportunities for disabled individuals and older adults to directly contribute to disaster preparedness, recovery, and mitigation; modifies and expands the membership of the National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters to ensure that it represents the diversity of the disabled and older adult communities; and establishes the Disability and Disaster Preparedness Advisory Commission to review settlement agreements involving potential violations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The Government Accountability Office must study the compliance of federal agencies with such enactments in expending funds to support disabled individuals and older adults in responding to, recovering from, and mitigating disasters.
This resolution supports the designation of Hip Hop Celebration Day, Hip Hop Recognition Month, and Hip Hop History Month. The resolution recognizes the contributions of Hip Hop to art and culture. Finally, the resolution encourages local governments to build partnerships with local Hip Hop entities and other members of the creative arts and music communities.
National Firearms Amendments Act of 2021 This bill includes within the definition of firearm under the National Firearms Act a semiautomatic rifle or shotgun that has the capacity to accept a detachable ammunition feeding device.
Maintaining Access to Essential Services Act of 2021 This bill establishes several loan programs to assist households with paying utility bills for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater management, energy (e.g., electricity, natural gas, or propane), and internet services during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Under the programs, the utilities may apply for loans that are equal to the amount of the payment shortfall from their customers during the emergency.
