Rep. Adrian Smith

Rural Health Fairness in Competition Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a Medicare Rural Health Clinic Value-Based Care Program that exempts certain rural health clinics (e.g., those participating in Medicare quality programs) from payment limitations if they meet reporting requirements relating to quality measures and performance standards, as set by the CMS.

Supplying America Needs Truckers Aged 18 Act or the SANTA 18 Act This bill exempts drivers who transport goods from a port of entry and another place within the same state from age restrictions and other requirements that apply to federal commercial driver's licenses.

Long-Term Care Pharmacy Definition Act of 2021 This bill establishes a statutory definition for long-term care pharmacy under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Currently, there is no statutory definition. Regulations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) define a long-term care pharmacy as a pharmacy that is owned by or under contract with a long-term care facility to provide prescription drugs to the facility's residents. Additional requirements are set out in CMS guidance relating to the Medicare prescription drug benefit; pharmacies are also subject to regulations and guidance from other agencies (e.g., packaging requirements from the Food and Drug Administration).      The bill defines a long-term care pharmacy as a state-licensed pharmacy that is able to provide enhanced pharmacy and clinical services to individuals who have certain comorbid and medically complex chronic conditions and who reside in skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, or any other applicable setting (as determined by the CMS). The term enhanced pharmacy and clinical services includes medication dispensed in special packaging, drug utilization review, and 24-7 availability of medication delivery and on-call pharmacists.

This resolution recognizes and appreciates the dedication and devotion demonstrated by the men and women of law enforcement. It also condemns calls to defund, disband, dismantle, or abolish the police.

American Critical Mineral Independence Act of 2021 This bill provides support for a domestic supply of critical minerals, establishes deadlines to complete the environmental review of critical mineral projects on federal land, and sets forth related requirements to expedite the review of such projects under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Specifically, the National Science Foundation must award grants to support research to advance critical mineral mining strategies and technologies. The Department of Energy must also provide grants to research, develop, and assess technologies and techniques to recover critical minerals from mine waste and metallurgical activities. If an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement is required for a critical mineral project, then all necessary federal review and permit considerations must be completed within 18 or 24 months, respectively. However, the review may exceed the time limit if the project sponsor agrees. The lead agency of the environmental review of such project must allow a state or another appropriate entity to assume certain federal responsibilities regarding the environmental review of the project upon the request of such entity. Further, the bill authorizes a lead agency to determine that the requirements of NEPA have been satisfied if a state or federal agency acting under state or federal law has addressed specified factors. If the lead agency does not make such a determination, then the agency must enter into an agreement with the project sponsor to set time limits for each part of the permitting process.

History and Tradition Protection Act of 2021 This bill limits the remedies available for certain civil actions involving the deprivation of rights under color of law. Specifically, remedies will be limited to injunctive and declaratory relief for claims where the deprivation of rights consists of violation of a prohibition in the Constitution against the establishment of religion. Additionally, no attorney's fees shall be awarded in proceedings in vindication of civil rights with respect to such a claim concerning the actions of states and localities. With regard to a claim brought against the United States or a federal official acting in his or her official capacity, the bill prohibits the award of reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys to the prevailing party.

Prohibiting IRS Financial Surveillance Act This bill prohibits the Department of the Treasury from requiring a financial institution to report the transfers into and out of a financial account. This prohibition does not apply to laws or regulations in effect on October 1, 2021.

Primary and Virtual Care Affordability Act This bill extends until December 31, 2023, the exemption for telehealth services from certain high deductible health plan rules. It also provides a high deductible health plan safe harbor for the absence of a deductible for certain primary care services provided in any plan year beginning on or before December 31, 2023 (COVID-19 emergency period). The Government Accountability Office must complete a study, and report on, the effects of the safe harbor for certain primary care services provided during the COVID-19 emergency period.

No Taxation Without Congressional Consent Act This bill prohibits assessing a fine, fee, or tax against any person who violates a COVID-19 vaccine mandate issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or other executive agency.

Improving Access to Home Dialysis Act of 2021 This bill provides for Medicare coverage of staff-assisted home dialysis services for certain individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of services for ESRD individuals who are either initiating peritoneal or home hemodialysis or receiving home dialysis and are unable to self-dialyze due to illness, injury, caregiver issues, or other temporary circumstances. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must develop a payment system for such services. The bill also requires the development of a patient-centered decision tool that includes home dialysis as an option, as well as a report on racial disparities with respect to the use of staff-assisted home dialysis services.