Rep. Jim Cooper

Congressional Budget Justification Transparency Act of 2021 This bill requires federal agencies to post budget justification materials on certain public websites, including a single searchable website (e.g., USAspending.gov) and each agency's website. The materials most be posted in an open format that enables users to download individual reports, all reports in bulk, and the results of a search. In addition, the materials must be posted no later than two weeks after they are first submitted to Congress. The bill also requires the Office of Management and Budget to maintain a public website that includes details regarding the materials, including a list of the agencies that submit budget justification materials to Congress, the dates that the materials were submitted to Congress and posted online, and links to the materials.

Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2021 This bill requires executive agencies to submit information regarding settlement agreements to a public database. Specifically, an agency must submit information regarding any settlement agreement (including a consent decree) entered into by the agency related to an alleged violation of federal law. If an agency determines that information regarding an agreement must remain confidential to protect the public interest, the agency must publish an explanation of why the information is confidential.

Same Day Registration Act of 2021 This bill requires states with a voter registration requirement to make same-day voter registration available at the polling place on any day voting is permitted.

Reenergized Economic Sustainability for Community and Urban Entities Act for Black and Community Banks or the RESCUE Act for Black and Community Banks This bill establishes programs and requirements related to minority banks, Black banks, community banks, women's banks, and low-income credit unions. The bill establishes the Office of Black and Community Banks in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to oversee Black and community banks. The OCC and the Securities and Exchange Commission must exempt these banks from specified securities and federal banking regulations in certain circumstances. The bill also establishes the Minority Bank Deposit Program. The Department of the Treasury must certify a depository institution or credit union upon successful application as a minority bank, a women's bank, or a low-income credit union. Every federal department and agency is directed to implement standards and procedures to ensure the use of such institutions to serve the financial needs of the department or agency. The Government Accountability Office must study the use of the new markets tax credit, lower-value home mortgages, and blockchain investments.

Ensuring Homeowner and Occupant Monetary Encouragement and Stability Act or the Ensuring HOMES Act This bill sets forth additional housing protections during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency period. Mortgage holders and lenders are prohibited from requiring payment on a mortgage deferred during the COVID-19 emergency period until the later of (1) the last day of the loan term, or (2) the end of the deferral period. The bill establishes the Tenant Protection Program that provides loans to landlords who waive rent during the COVID-19 emergency period. The bill also provides for forgiveness of these loans if the landlord provides lease extensions and agrees not to evict tenants. This bill applies retroactively to the beginning of the COVID-19 emergency period and applies to any future declared COVID-19 emergency period.

Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act of 2021 This bill expands the awards program for cost-saving identifications by federal employees of fraud, waste, or mismanagement to include identifications of certain operational expenses that are wasteful. An agency must propose any such identified wasteful expenses for rescission. The bill also doubles the maximum cash award that may be made under the program.