Rep. Paul Tonko

REAL ID Gender Requirement Reform Act This bill removes the requirement that a state driver's license or identification card must include the individual's gender to be recognized for federal purposes (i.e., to be a REAL ID). If a state includes any such gender or sex identification, there must not be any additional documentation requirement and the state must include a neutral or other designation in the gender or sex field.

Choose Home Care Act of 2021 This bill provides for coverage of home-based extended care services under Medicare. Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of services that are furnished to Medicare beneficiaries in their homes by home health agencies, including nursing care, meals and nutritional support, home medical supplies, nonemergency medical transportation, and care coordination. Coverage includes 30 days of post-hospital care and other periods of extended illness, as determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Home health agencies that provide such services may receive additional payments in accordance with a specified methodology. The CMS may make payments for covered services furnished before 2022 during any period in which there is a public health emergency.

Maddy summaryThis is a non-binding House resolution (HRES 707) introduced on October 8, 2021, that formally supports recognizing October 8, 2021, as "National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day." It does not create new laws or policies - it is a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the importance of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The resolution cites their role in energy, transportation, and environmental applications but does not affect any specific groups or require government action. It has no legislative effect beyond raising awareness.

NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2021 This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, to establish or designate a laboratory to conduct research on premise plumbing in relation to water safety, security, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience; conduct an organizational review of all research and other activities related to premise plumbing conducted by federal entities; and appoint one or more officers or employees of NIST to liaise with nonfederal entities that are conducting research or other activities related to premise plumbing. The bill defines premise plumbing as the water distribution system within the property lines of a property, including all buildings and permanent structures on such property. This term also includes building supply and distribution pipes, fixtures, fittings, water heaters, water-treating and water-using equipment; and all respective joints, connections, devices, and appurtenances.

Preventing Youth Substance Abuse Act of 2021 This bill authorizes for FY2022-FY2026 the Opioid Affected Youth Initiative, which is administered by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

This resolution expresses that the House of Representatives (1) recognizes the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer, and other identities (LGBTQ+) people as a significant part of the history, progress, and heritage of the United States; (2) believes that LGBTQ+ history should be preserved by the National Park Service (NPS); and (3) encourages the NPS to honor the contributions of LGBTQ+ Americans through direct action, including by increasing the number of LGBTQ+ sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Health Emergencies Are Literally Tenets of HHS Act of 2021 or the HEALTH Act of 2021 This bill expands the authorities and responsibilities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with respect to federal responses to public health and other emergencies and the Strategic National Stockpile. Specifically, the bill expands the responsibility of HHS to lead federal public health and medical responses to expressly include national disasters or emergencies declared under presidential authorities. Additionally, the bill provides authority for HHS to deploy the Strategic National Stockpile in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), rather than as required by DHS.

Bringing Regulatory Advances Into Neuroscience Act of 2021 or the BRAIN Act of 2021 This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish the Neuroscience Center of Excellence. The center must develop and implement processes to coordinate FDA activities related to a major disease area or areas affecting the brain or central nervous system. The FDA must also establish and maintain the Neuroscience Translation Working Group to advise the center. If the FDA terminates the center, the working group shall advise the FDA.

Minks in Narrowly Kept Spaces are Superspreaders Act or the MINKS are Superspreaders Act This bill makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase American mink ( Neovison vison ) raised in captivity for fur production, whether dead or alive.

Ensuring Medicaid Continuity for Children in Foster Care Act of 2021 This bill allows states to receive federal Medicaid payment for services provided to foster care children in qualified residential treatment programs (i.e., programs with trauma-informed treatment models that address the needs of children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances).