Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2021 This bill establishes transparency and public accountability standards for federal agencies with respect to (1) certain civil actions seeking to compel agency action, and (2) related consent decrees and settlement agreements. For example, an agency must publish a complaint filed against it within 15 days. Additionally, settlement proceedings must be conducted through mediation or an alternative dispute resolution program of the court, and those proceedings must include intervening parties. The bill also creates a presumption in favor of a motion to intervene in settlement proceedings. Further, at least 60 days prior to entering a consent decree or settlement agreement, an agency must publish, and accept and respond to public comment on, the proposed agreement or decree. An agency also must provide the court with the administrative record, a summary of the public comments, and access to the record of any public hearings on the proposed decree or agreement. The Department of Justice, or the agency litigating a matter independently, must certify to the court its approval of certain terms included in an agreement or decree, including terms that convert a discretionary authority into a nondiscretionary duty. A court may not approve a consent decree or settlement agreement unless the agency has sufficient time and procedures to comply with federal administrative procedures, other rulemaking statutes, and applicable executive orders. Finally, courts must review a consent decree or settlement if an agency files a motion to modify the decree or agreement on the basis of changed facts or circumstances.
Sponsored bills
This resolution opposes any attempt to expand the number of justices on the Supreme Court.
Medical Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Sustainability Act of 2021 or the MMEDS Act of 2021 This bill provides incentives for relocating medical manufacturing facilities in the United States and for manufacturing medical products (i.e., drugs and devices) in economically distressed zones. Specifically, the bill allows a income tax credit for 40% of the sum of wages paid in a medical product manufacturing economically distressed zone, employee fringe benefit expenses, and depreciation and amortization allowances with respect to qualified medical product manufacturing facility property, and a credit for economically distressed zone products and services acquired by domestic medical product manufacturers.. The bill also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to study the extent to which the health of aging individuals and vulnerable populations have been disproportionately harmed by the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and prior epidemics and pandemics.
This resolution designates April 17, 2021, through April 25, 2021, as National Park Week. The resolution also encourages the people of the United States and the world to responsibly visit, experience, and support the treasured national parks of the United States while protecting public health during the coronavirus pandemic.
This resolution expresses the Senate's solidarity with the members of the San Isidro Movement, an organization of artists, activists, academics, and journalists protesting increased censorship and persecution in Cuba. Further, it calls on Cuba to release arbitrarily imprisoned artists and journalists, repeal laws that violate freedom of expression, and engage with activists seeking to advance freedom of expression in Cuba.
This resolution reaffirms the Senate's commitment to the historic partnership between the United States and Ecuador, and it supports actions to strengthen this bilateral relationship. Further, it recognizes President Moreno and his administration for committing to democratic values and commends President Moreno for taking steps to protect freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Ecuador.
Protect Funding for Women's Health Care Act This bill prohibits federal funding of Planned Parenthood Federation of America or its affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, or clinics.
Master Sergeant Roddie Edmonds Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the posthumous award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Roddie Edmonds in recognition of his achievements and heroic actions during World War II.
Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act of 2021 This bill reduces from 10% to 3% the excise tax rate that applies to the sale of portable, electronically-aerated bait containers by the manufacturer, producer, or importer.
Ending China's Exit Ban for American Citizens Act of 2021 This bill bars an official of China's government from obtaining a visa to enter the United States if the official was involved in prohibiting a U.S. citizen from leaving China in an attempt to achieve certain goals, such as convincing a relative of the U.S. citizen to submit to Chinese government custody for prosecution. Any existing visa belonging to such an official shall be revoked.