Continuity for Operators with Necessary Training Required for ATC Contract Towers Act of 2021 or the CONTRACT Act of 2021 This bill exempts certain air traffic controllers from a required reduction in their retirement annuity payment on account of earnings from certain work performed while entitled to such annuity. Under current law, retired Federal Aviation Administration air traffic controllers receive an annuity payment during the period between the mandatory retirement age of 56 and the Social Security minimum age of 62. Such annuity payment is required to be reduced by a certain percentage of any excess earnings during this period. The bill exempts from such reduction in annuity payments an air traffic controller who participates in the Air Traffic Control Contract Program (a public-private partnership for air traffic control services) following mandatory retirement.
Sponsored bills
Cyber Incident Reporting Act of 2021 This bill requires reporting and other actions to address cybersecurity incidents, including ransomware attacks. Entities that own or operate critical infrastructure must report cyber incidents and ransom payments within specified time frames while other entities may voluntarily report incidents. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) must establish an office to receive and analyze such reports. The bill limits the use and disclosure of reported information. The information may be shared (subject to protections) with federal agencies or to address cybersecurity threats. However, shared information may not be used as a basis for certain regulatory enforcement. Additionally, an entity may not be liable for submitting required reports. Further, reports do not constitute waivers of applicable protections against disclosure (e.g., attorney-client privilege) and are not subject to laws governing release of federal records. The bill authorizes CISA to take specified action (e.g., issuing subpoenas) if an entity fails to submit a required report. CISA may share subpoenaed information with a regulator or the Department of Justice for regulatory enforcement or criminal prosecution. A federal agency must share any information it receives about cyber attacks with CISA. The bill also establishes (1) an interagency council to standardize federal reporting of cybersecurity threats, (2) a task force on ransomware attacks, and (3) a pilot program to identify information systems vulnerable to ransomware attacks.
Multinational Species Conservation Funds Semipostal Stamp Reauthorization Act of 2021 This bill directs the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to sell each copy of the Multinational Species Conservation Fund Semipostal Stamp and notify Congress when all copies have been sold. If the USPS destroys one or more such stamps before this bill's enactment, it shall print and sell the same number of such stamps.
Protecting our Servicemembers through Proven Methods Act of 2022 This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to include new elements in its annual primary prevention research agenda, for example, a focus on whether and to what extent sub-populations of the military community may be targeted for interpersonal violence more than others. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to submit a report to Congress (1) comparing the DOD's sexual harassment and prevention training with similar programs at other federal departments and agencies; and (2) that includes relevant data collected by colleges, universities, and other relevant outside entities on hazing, bullying, and interpersonal and self-directed violence.
Improving Digital Identity Act of 2022 This bill establishes the Improving Digital Identity Task Force to establish a government-wide effort to develop secure methods for governmental agencies to protect the privacy and security of individuals and support reliable, interoperable digital identity verification in the public and private sectors. The Government Accountability Office shall submit to Congress a report on the estimated potential savings, due to the increased adoption and widespread use of digital identification, of (1) the federal government from averted fraud, and (2) the U.S. economy and consumers from averted identity theft.
Preventing Health Emergencies And Temperature-related Illness and Deaths Act of 2021 or the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2021 This bill provides statutory authority for, and otherwise revises, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System to improve the capacity of the United States to prepare for, adapt to, and mitigate health risks of extreme heat. The bill tasks the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) with administering the system. (Currently, the system is jointly administered by NOAA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) The bill also authorizes financial assistance for projects to increase awareness, education, and research about extreme heat events and prioritizes projects that serve historically disadvantaged communities and communities with the greatest risk or highest incidence of heat-related illnesses and deaths. Additionally, NOAA must contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to study relevant policy, research, and data gaps concerning extreme heat information and response. The bill also establishes an interagency committee within the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a strategic plan and otherwise coordinate federal activities related to addressing health risks and impacts of heat.
This bill directs U.S. Customs Border and Protection (CBP) to establish procedures for performing repairs and maintenance projects below a certain cost threshold at federally owned ports of entry where certain activities are conducted, such as entry inspections and activities to prevent the entry of illicit drugs, agricultural pests, and contraband. CBP may perform such repair and maintenance projects in accordance with the procedures established under this bill.
Shadow Wolves Enhancement Act This bill authorizes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reclassify officers assigned to the tactical patrol unit on Tohono O'odham Nation land, commonly known as Shadow Wolves , as ICE special agents upon completing certain required training. Officers assigned to a comparable unit, regardless of location, may also be reclassified as ICE special agents upon completing the training and receiving the approval and consent of the appropriate Indian tribe. The Department of Homeland Security and the Government Accountability Office shall separately study and report on the best processes for expanding the Shadow Wolves program.
Military Spouse Employment Act This bill authorizes federal agencies to make noncompetitive appointments of spouses of members of the Armed Forces on active duty, or spouses of disabled or deceased members of the Armed Forces, to positions in which the spouses engage in remote work.
Technology Grants to Strengthen Domestic Mining Education Act of 2022 or the Mining Schools Act of 2022 This bill establishes a grant program for mining schools to recruit students and enhance educational programs, including those related to critical mineral and rare earth element exploration, extraction, and refining.