Downwinders Act This bill expands eligibility for and extends a program that compensates individuals who were exposed to radiation from atmospheric nuclear testing and subsequently developed specified cancers. Under current law, the program compensates, among others, individuals who were present in a designated geographic area during a period of nuclear testing. The bill expands that area to include all of Utah and specified counties in New Mexico. In addition, individuals may submit claims for compensation for 10 years following this bill's enactment (currently, the program terminates on July 10, 2022). To support the program, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration must auction 100 megahertz of electromagnetic spectrum assigned or allocated to the federal government with a portion of the proceeds to be deposited into the Radiation Exposure Compensation Trust Fund in the Treasury. The bill extends this trust fund for 10 years following the bill's enactment. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services must study which counties in Nevada and New Mexico were affected by radiation fallout from open air nuclear testing.
Sponsored bills
Transparency in COVID-19 Expenditures Act This bill requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to audit certain funding that was provided to address COVID-19. Specifically, the GAO must audit and report on the use of funding provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020; the Families First Coronavirus Response Act; the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act); the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act; Divisions M and N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021; and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
NFIP Underwater Properties Act This bill requires that the premium rate for flood insurance provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for structures that have incurred repetitive flood-related damage 1) be based on sound actuarial principles, and 2) not be subject to any rate caps if the structure is located in a special flood hazard area. Under current law, certain types of property are not charged actuarial rates for NFIP coverage.
No NFIP Subsidies for Millionaires Act This bill requires that the premium rate for flood insurance provided through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for single-family homes valued at more than $1 million be based on sound actuarial principles and not be subject to any rate caps. Under current law, certain types of property are not charged actuarial rates for NFIP coverage.
Flood Insurance Flexibility Act This bill requires the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to refund the appropriate amount of the premiums paid for flood insurance coverage if an insured cancels an NFIP policy and obtains non-NFIP coverage.
Balance the Highway Trust Fund Act This bill prohibits the Department of Transportation from obligating more funding from the Highway Trust Fund and the Mass Transit Account for federal-aid highway and highway safety construction projects and mass transit activities than the fund receives in tax revenue.
Transportation Empowerment Act This bill limits federal support available through the Highway Trust Fund to highways and surface transportation systems designated as part of the Interstate System and correspondingly reduces the taxes on gasoline and other fuels that generate revenue for the fund. The bill phases in these changes over five years. In addition, the bill eliminates various programs, such as the Congestion and Air Quality Mitigation Improvement Program, that currently receive funding through the Highway Trust Fund; removes requirements for states to comply with federal standards, environmental provisions, and related matters with respect to the design, construction, and maintenance of highways and surface transportation systems that are not part of the Interstate System; and transfers unobligated COVID-19 relief funding to the Highway Trust Fund for unpaid obligations incurred prior to the bill's enactment.
Enhanced Protection from Unmanned Aircraft Attacks Act This bill allows the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, and Energy to contract with other entities in order to protect U.S. facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft. The Federal Acquisition Regulation must be updated accordingly within 180 days of the date of enactment of the bill.
Protecting Our Kids from Harmful Research Act This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for research or publications concerning gender transitions in individuals under the age of 18.
COVID-19 Vaccine Dishonorable Discharge Prevention Act This bill provides that a member of the Armed Forces who was discharged on the basis of choosing not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine may only receive an honorable discharge.