No Student Loan Interest Act This bill provides for zero-interest rates on certain federal student loans. Specifically, the bill sets the interest rate at 0% for (1) existing loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan Program or the Federal Direct Loan Program, and (2) new loans made under the Federal Direct Loan Program.
Close the Medigap Act of 2021 This bill (1) expands guaranteed issue rights with respect to Medigap policies (Medicare supplemental health insurance policies), (2) eliminates certain limitations on Medigap policies for newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and (3) modifies other provisions related to Medigap policies. (Guaranteed issue rights require that a policy be offered to any eligible applicant without regard to health status.)
Securing Universal Communications Connectivity to Ensure Students Succeed Act or the SUCCESS Act This bill provides additional funding for the Emergency Connectivity Fund, which supports remote learning during the COVID-19 emergency period by covering reasonable costs of laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons.
This bill repeals the limitation on the amount of distilled spirits excise tax covered over (paid) to the treasuries of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The bill requires certain amounts of the excise tax paid to the treasury of Puerto Rico to be transferred to the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust Fund.
Universal School Meals Program Act of 2021 This bill revises requirements under the food and nutrition programs of the Department of Agriculture, such as the school lunch and breakfast programs. For example, the bill permanently provides free meals to all school children regardless of income. The bill increases the reimbursement rate for school food authorities participating in the food and nutrition programs. The bill also prohibits school food authorities from (1) physically segregating or otherwise discriminating against any child participating in the free breakfast program, or (2) overtly identifying a child participating in the program with a special token or announcement. Additionally, the bill expands the summer food service program by making all children eligible for participation in the program. Further, the bill revises eligibility determinations for measuring poverty to include runaway or homeless youth, foster children, migratory children, and children participating in specified programs (e.g., Head Start).
Transportation Security Public Health Threat Preparedness Act of 2021 This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to analyze the preparedness of the U.S. transportation security system for public health threats. Additionally, the TSA may provide its personnel to other components of the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to improve coordination with such components and agencies to prepare for, protect against, and respond to public health threats to the transportation security system.
Transportation Security Preparedness Act of 2021 This bill directs the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to survey its workforce regarding the TSA's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It must also develop and biennially review a transportation security preparedness plan for addressing future outbreaks of communicable diseases. The Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress that contains the results of a study assessing the plan, including an analysis of (1) whether such plan aligns with relevant federal plans and strategies for communicable disease outbreaks, and (2) the extent to which the TSA is prepared to implement the plan.
Refugee Sanitation Facility Safety Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of State, when providing overseas assistance for refugees, to ensure the provision of safe and secure access to sanitation facilities, with a special emphasis on women, girls, and vulnerable populations.
This resolution supports the designation of a Muslim-American Heritage Month. The resolution also honors the contributions and integral role of Muslim Americans in the economy, culture, and identity of the United States.
This resolution expresses support for the designation of Black Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week.
