Massachusetts Congressional Bills

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 20, 2021

S 2757: SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2021

SNAP Tribal Food Sovereignty Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts upon the request of Indian tribes and tribal organizations to carry out the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

in committee · Massachusetts · House Sep 20, 2021

HR 5273: Gun Safety Board and Research Act

Gun Safety Board and Research Act This bill establishes a gun safety board in the Department of Health and Human Services. The board must (1) conduct original research about firearm violence reduction; (2) publish policy recommendations for and findings about the efficacy of federal, state, and local actions to reduce firearm violence; and (3) establish a grant program to support original research on firearm violence reduction and education for the public about the effects of and ways to mitigate firearm violence.

in committee · Massachusetts · House Sep 17, 2021

HRES 647: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the President and the Secretary of State should ensure that the Government of Canada does not permanently store nuclear waste in the Great Lakes Basin.

This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that Canada should not allow construction of a nuclear waste repository within the Great Lakes Basin and that the President and the Department of State should work with Canada to prevent such construction and craft a long-term solution for nuclear waste storage that does not threaten the Great Lakes.

Topics ✓ Environment

Daniel T. Kildee (D) · 35 co-sponsors

in committee · Massachusetts · House Sep 17, 2021

HR 5285: Extend Unemployment Assistance Act of 2021

Extend Unemployment Assistance Act of 2021 This bill extends pandemic unemployment compensation provisions set to expire on September 6, 2021, until February 1, 2022. Extended provisions include benefits to covered individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment compensation or traditional extended benefits, the $300 weekly benefit increase, waiting week benefits, and federal reimbursement of short-time compensation. The bill also increases the maximum duration of compensation from 79 weeks to 100 weeks.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 15, 2021

S 2752: Do No Harm Act

Do No Harm Act This bill prohibits the application of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) to specified federal laws or the implementation of such laws. Currently, RFRA prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, except in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest when using the least restrictive means. Under the bill, RFRA is inapplicable to laws or the implementation of laws that protect against discrimination or the promotion of equal opportunity (e.g., the Civil Rights Act of 1964); require employers to provide wages, other compensation, or benefits, including leave; protect collective activity in the workplace; protect against child labor, abuse, or exploitation; or provide for access to, information about, referrals for, provision of, or coverage for, any health care item or service. The bill prevents RFRA from being used to deny (1) goods or services the government has contracted, granted, or made an agreement to provide to a beneficiary of or participant in a program or activity funded by such government contract, grant, agreement, or other award; or (2) a person's full and equal enjoyment of a government-provided good, service, benefit, facility, privilege, advantage, or accommodation. In order for a person to assert a RFRA claim or defense in a judicial proceeding, the government must be a party to the proceeding.

Cory A. Booker (D) · 35 co-sponsors

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 15, 2021

S 2756: A bill to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal, in commemoration of the service members who perished as a result of the attack in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021, during the evacuation of citizens of the United States and Afghan allies at Hamid Karzai International Airport, and for other purposes.

This bill posthumously provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal in commemoration of the 13 service members who died on August 26, 2021, while stationed at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Afghanistan.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Steve Daines (R) · 68 co-sponsors

in committee · Massachusetts · House Sep 15, 2021

HR 5196: Expediting Assistance to Renters and Landlords Act of 2021

Expediting Assistance to Renters and Landlords Act of 2021 This bill modifies the Department of the Treasury's Emergency Rental Assistance program by extending time limits on payments, allowing landlords to seek rents and arrears from the program without renter consent, and allowing renters to prove eligibility through attestation. The program provides grants to state and local governments to assist eligible households in paying rent and utility costs and other expenses related to housing incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill extends the availability of program assistance from 18 to 24 months for eligible households. The bill also relaxes requirements for proof of eligibility by requiring only that households attest that they meet eligibility requirements instead of requiring proof of eligibility. It also allows for direct payment of funds to eligible households where the landlord refuses direct payment. Additionally, the bill allows a landlord to apply for program funds without the consent of a renter if the landlord agrees to certain terms, including a 120-day bar on evicting the renter for nonpayment. This bill also expands the stable housing services available under the program to additional low-income households. Further, the bill requires Treasury and state and local governments to increase outreach to renters and landlords and allows for coordination with public entities to provide application assistance services.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Maxine Waters (D) · 48 co-sponsors

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 14, 2021

SRES 361: A resolution expressing support for the recognition of July as "Muslim-American Heritage Month" and celebrating the heritage and culture of Muslim Americans in the United States.

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.

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 14, 2021

SRES 325: A resolution recognizing the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of September 2021 as "PCOS Awareness Month".

This resolution expresses support for the designation of September 2021 as PCOS Awareness Month. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is caused by a hormone imbalance, which may result in infertility, weight gain, excess hair growth, and other symptoms.

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 14, 2021

SRES 315: A resolution commending the service of Hamilton-class Coast Guard cutters and the officers and crew who served on them.

This resolution (1) recognizes the success of the Hamilton-class Coast Guard cutters, and (2) commends the officers and crew who have served on them.

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 14, 2021

S 2738: Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act

Dustoff Crews of the Vietnam War Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to Dustoff crews (helicopter air ambulance crews) of the Vietnam War in recognition of their heroic military service.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Sep 14, 2021

S 2730: Comprehensive Mental Health in Schools Pilot Program Act of 2021

Comprehensive Mental Health in Schools Pilot Program Act of 2021 This bill requires the Department of Education to establish a pilot program to award grants to local educational agencies for establishing comprehensive mental and behavioral health services programs in elementary and secondary schools.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Massachusetts Congressional Bills

Bill results