This resolution recognizes the people of Bangladesh on the 50th anniversary of their independence and the historical significance of this milestone to those of Bangladeshi heritage. It also recognizes the contributions of Bangladesh for hosting Rohingya refugees fleeing genocide in Burma (Myanmar).
This resolution expresses support for the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day.
This resolution expresses the sense of Congress that school districts should use certain COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) relief funds to reopen elementary and secondary schools for in-person instruction as soon as possible.
This resolution acknowledges the impact of redlining (i.e., geographic discrimination) and states that the federal government has a responsibility to ameliorate its effects, including through the creation, preservation, and maintenance of equitable economic opportunities and recovery efforts in response to the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic.
This resolution acknowledges racial disparities in the impact of colorectal cancer, particularly in the Black community, and encourages actions to address those disparities.
Emergency Water Infrastructure Improvements Act of 2021 This bill provides financial support for water infrastructure. Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to the Environmental Protection Agency for grants under the drinking water state revolving fund program to address contaminants in drinking water, which may include the repair and replacement of water distribution system components. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Commerce to provide a specified amount of funding to address contaminants in drinking water from unobligated amounts of certain funds provided for economic development assistance programs.
Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2021 This bill creates, for the purpose of claims for black lung benefits, a rebuttable presumption that a deceased miner's death was caused by black lung disease if such miner was totally disabled due to black lung disease. It also establishes a program to pay up to a maximum of $4,500 in attorney fees and $3,000 in medical expenses incurred while establishing such claims.
Continuing Coverage for Preexisting Conditions Act of 2021 This bill establishes severability between provisions relating to the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage (i.e., the individual mandate) and other provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Specifically, the bill provides that if the individual mandate is found to be illegal or incapable of being enforced, such findings do not affect the validity of other provisions relating to (1) the availability and renewability of coverage, or (2) the prohibitions against discriminatory coverage practices based on preexisting conditions or health status.
Better Planning and Land-Use for Accessible Neighborhoods Act or the Better PLAN Act This bill revises the metropolitan transportation planning process for a metropolitan area to consider projects and strategies that will enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system by better connecting housing to employment. Additionally, the transportation planning process must address the integration of housing, transportation, and economic development strategies through a process that provides for effective integration, based on a cooperatively developed and implemented strategy, of new and existing transportation facilities. In carrying out the planning process, a metropolitan planning organization must (1) consult with state and local entities responsible for land use, economic development, housing, management of road networks, or public transportation; and (2) coordinate with such entities to align the goals of the process with the goals of any comprehensive housing affordability strategies established within the metropolitan planning area.
Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act This bill requires private health insurance plans to cover diagnosis and treatment of congenital anomalies and birth defects, such as reconstructive services and items. Coverage must include services and items that functionally improve, repair, or restore any body part that is medically necessary for normal bodily functions or appearance, as determined by the treating physician. Coverage limits and cost-sharing requirements for such services and items may not be more restrictive than those applicable to all medical and surgical benefits under the plan.
Nursing Home Reform Modernization Act of 2021 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a ranking system and related programs for Medicare skilled nursing facilities and Medicaid nursing facilities, taking into account the findings and recommendations of a specified advisory council. Specifically, the bill establishes the Advisory Council on Skilled Nursing Facility Rankings under Medicare and Nursing Facility Rankings under Medicaid. The council must study processes and make related recommendations for rankings, including with respect to appropriate metrics, data sources, and quality control. The CMS must then develop a ranking system and use the system to implement a high-rated facility program and a low-rated facility program. Facilities in the low-rated facility program are subject to progressive enforcement actions of increasing severity until they meet applicable standards; facilities in the high-rated facility program may also have their designations suspended if they fail to meet the requisite standards. The CMS must post facility designations on the Nursing Home Compare website in a specified manner. The Government Accountability Office must report on the quality of services provided by facilities and their compliance with applicable requirements, including the effectiveness of the bill's low-rated facility program.
Elaine M. Checketts Military Families Act of 2021 This bill directs the Department of Defense to amend regulations to provide that approved parental leave shall not terminate upon the death of the child for whom the leave is taken.
