Advanced Research Project s Agency-Health Act or the ARPA-H Act This bill establishes within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health to accelerate health and medical innovation by investing in high-risk, high-reward research. The bill also establishes a committee to advise on agency activities. HHS must transfer all authorities, functions, funds, and personnel from a similar entity within the National Institutes of Health to a new, independent agency. Additionally, the President must appoint a director to lead the agency. The director may submit testimony and recommendations concerning the agency to Congress without review or approval by other federal officers or agencies. The director must appoint personnel to administer the agency's research programs, including by selecting projects to support and making recommendations about terminating or continuing projects. The agency may use grants, prize competitions, and a variety of other mechanisms to support the research projects. The agency's budget is separate from that of HHS. The agency must coordinate with the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to expedite development and coverage of high-need cures. Additionally, the agency may partner with other public and private entities (e.g., institutions of higher education and patient advocacy organizations). The bill also requires the agency to develop and periodically update a strategic plan and annually report on its activities. Furthermore, (1) the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine must evaluate the agency's performance; and (2) the Government Accountability Office must review the research portfolio of HHS and its components, including the new agency.
Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 or the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 This bill addresses health care, presumption of service-connection, research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. TITLE I--EXPANSION OF HEALTH CARE ELIGIBILITY Conceding Our Veterans' Exposure Now and Necessitating Training Act of 2022 or the COVENANT Act of 2022 Subtitle A--Toxic-Exposed Veterans (Sec. 103) This section provides eligibility for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical care, including mental health services and counseling, to veterans who (1) participated in a toxic exposure risk activity (e.g., a qualifying activity that requires a corresponding entry in an exposure tracking record system, such as the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record); (2) served in specified locations on specified dates; or (3) deployed in support of a specified contingency operation. (Sec. 104) The VA must complete an assessment to determine (1) the personnel and material resources necessary to implement the expanded provision of care to the veterans specified in Section 103 of this bill (e.g., veterans who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity), and (2) the total number of veterans who served in specified locations on specified dates and receive hospital care or medical services from the VA, disaggregated by priority group. Subtitle B--Certain Veterans Of Combat Service And Other Matters (Sec. 111) This section extends the eligibility period for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for combat veterans who served after September 11, 2001, and are toxic-exposed veterans, including those who did not enroll to receive VA care during the eligibility period. TITLE II--TOXIC EXPOSURE PRESUMPTION PROCESS Toxic Exposure in the American Military Act of 2022 or the TEAM Act of 2022 (Sec. 202) This section prescribes the procedures for establishing or removing presumptions of service-connection based on toxic exposure, including by providing for public notice and comment periods and the establishment of a working group to advise and make recommendations regarding toxic exposures during military service. (Sec. 203) The VA must conduct outreach to certain claimants when a law establishes or modifies a presumption of service-connection. Specifically, the VA must identify and conduct outreach for all claims for compensation for a service-connected disability that (1) were submitted to the VA, (2) were evaluated and denied before the new law went into effect, and (3) might have been evaluated differently if the modification had been applicable to the claim. (Sec. 204) The VA must conduct outreach to certain claimants when a law establishes or modifies a presumption of service-connection in relation to dependency and indemnity compensation. Specifically, the VA must identify and conduct outreach for all claims for dependency and indemnity compensation related to service-connected conditions that (1) were submitted to the VA, (2) were evaluated and denied before the new law went into effect, and (3) might have been evaluated differently if the modification had been applicable to the claim. TITLE III--IMPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SERVICE CONNECTION PROCESS FOR TOXIC-EXPOSED VETERANS Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2022 (Sec. 302) This section establishes a presumption that veterans were exposed to certain substances, chemicals, and airborne hazards during military service in specified locations in specified time frames (e.g., on or after August 2, 1990, in Bahrain). (Sec. 303) The VA must provide a veteran with a medical examination regarding the nexus between a disability and toxic exposure risk activity if a veteran submits a disability compensation claim for a service-connected disability with insufficient evidence. TITLE IV--PRESUMPTIONS OF SERVICE CONNECTION Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2022 (Sec. 401) This section includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands between January 1, 1977, and December 31, 1980, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the VA presumption of service-connection for specified cancers. Palomares or Thule Veterans Act of 2022 (Sec. 402) This section includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of radioactive materials at Palomares, Spain, or in the response effort following the on-board fire and crash of a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber in the vicinity of Thule Air Force Base, Greenland, as radiation-exposed veterans for purposes of the presumption of service-connection for specified cancers. Veterans Agent Orange Exposure Equity Act of 2022 (Sec. 403) This section expands the presumption of service-connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents for veterans who served in Vietnam between January 9, 1962, and May 7, 1975. Specifically, the bill expands the presumption to cover veterans who served during specified time frames in Thailand at any U.S. or Royal Thai bases, Laos, Cambodia, Guam or American Samoa or the waters thereof, or on Johnson Atoll. Under the bill, such veterans are eligible for VA hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care. Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2022 (Sec. 404) This section provides a presumption of service-connection for hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) for veterans who performed service specified in Section 403 of this bill (e.g., in Thailand). (Sec. 405) This section addresses disability compensation and care issues for Persian Gulf War veterans, including by expanding who qualifies as a Persian Gulf Veteran. Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2022 (Sec. 406) This section establishes a presumption of service-connection for specified diseases associated with exposure to specified substances, chemicals, or airborne hazards becoming manifest in veterans who served in specified locations during specified times (e.g., Iraq on or after August 2, 1990). TITLE V--RESEARCH MATTERS (Sec. 501) The VA must collaborate with various entities, such as the Department of Defense (DOD), to establish the Toxic Exposure Research Working Group to (1) identify collaborative research activities and resources and conduct such research related to health consequences of toxic exposure during military service, and (2) develop a five-year strategic plan for collaborative research activities. (Sec. 502) The VA must continually analyze all clinical data obtained in connection with its provision of hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care for toxic-exposed veterans that is likely to be scientifically useful in determining the association between a veteran's medical condition and a toxic exposure. (Sec. 503) The VA must conduct an updated analysis of total and respiratory disease mortality in veterans who served in specified locations at specified times, such as in Kuwait on or after August 2, 1990. (Sec. 504) The VA must conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. (Sec. 505) The VA must study the incidence of cancer in veterans to determine trends in the rates of incidence of cancer in veterans. (Sec. 506) The VA must enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) to study the health trends of veterans who, during active service, participated in activities relating to the Manhattan Project or resided near specified locations proximate to waste arising from activities in connection with the Manhattan Project. (Sec. 507) The VA must enter an agreement with NASEM to study possible relationships between toxic exposures experienced during service in the Armed Forces and mental health conditions. (Sec. 508) The Government Accountability Office must study the state of access and barriers to benefits and services furnished by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to veterans in territories and Freely Associated States of the United States. (Sec. 509) The VA must establish and maintain a publicly accessible website to serve as a clearinghouse for the publication of all toxic exposure research carried out or funded by the executive branch of the federal government. (Sec. 510) The VA must report to Congress on the health effects of jet fuels used by the Armed Forces. TITLE VI--IMPROVEMENT OF RESOURCES AND TRAINING REGARDING TOXIC-EXPOSED VETERANS Fairly Assessing Service-related Toxic Exposure Residuals Presumptions Act of 2022 or the FASTER Presumption Act of 2022 (Sec. 602) The VA must publish a list of its resources for toxic-exposed veterans and veterans who report toxic exposure, families and caregivers of such veterans, and survivors of such veterans who are receiving death benefits. The VA must also develop an informative outreach program for veterans on illnesses that may be related to toxic exposures. (Sec. 603) The VA must incorporate a screening to help determine potential toxic exposures during active military service as part of the health care screening furnished to veterans enrolled in the VA health care system. (Sec. 604) The VA must provide its health care personnel with education and training to identify, treat, and assess the impact on veterans of illnesses related to toxic exposures. Additionally, the VA must incorporate an annual training program for processors of claims for disability benefits relating to service-connected disabilities based on toxic exposures. TITLE VII--RESOURCING (Sec. 701) The VA is authorized to use funds appropriated to the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund to continue the modernization, development, and expansion of capabilities and capacity of information technology systems and infrastructure of the VBA to support expected increased claims processing for newly eligible veterans. The VA must submit a plan to Congress for the modernization of the information technology systems of the VBA. (Sec. 702) This section authorizes the VA to carry out various medical facility leases at specified amounts in FY2023 (e.g., an outpatient clinic in Allentown, Pennsylvania). (Sec. 703) This section prohibits funds from being appropriated, obligated, or expended for any major VA medical facility lease unless the congressional veterans affairs committees each adopt a resolution approving the lease. Additionally, this section (1) modifies the requirements for the prospectus that must be submitted regarding a request for funding a major medical facility lease, and (2) authorizes the VA to carry out interim leasing actions as it considers necessary for approved major medical facility leases and replacement leases that do not require approval. (Sec. 704) The VA may enter into a lease with an academic affiliate or other specified entity to acquire space for the purpose of providing health care resources to veterans. (Sec. 705) This section modifies the enhanced-use lease authority of the VA, including by permanently authorizing such authority and extending the maximum term of such leases from 75 to 99 years. This section also provides appropriations for entering into enhanced-used leases and authorizes the VA to deposit unutilized funds received under an enhanced-use lease in the Medical Facilities or the Construction, Minor Projects accounts. (Sec. 706) This section prescribes the authority for joint leasing actions between DOD and the VA. (Sec. 707) This section provides specified appropriations for major medical facility leases through FY2031. TITLE VIII--RECORDS AND OTHER MATTERS (Sec. 801) The VA must conduct an epidemiological study on the health trends of veterans who served at Fort McClellan at any time between January 1, 1935, and May 20, 1999. (Sec. 802) DOD must brief Congress on the quality of its databases that provide the information presented in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record and the usefulness of the record in supporting members of the Armed Forces and veterans in receiving health care and benefits. (Sec. 803) The VA must provide a means for veterans to update their records as necessary to reflect exposures to occupational or environmental hazards in the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record. Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (Sec. 804) This section provides a federal cause of action for individuals who resided, worked, or were otherwise exposed (including in utero) for not less than 30 days to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. (Sec. 805) This section establishes the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund in the Treasury to be administered by the VA to invest in the delivery of veterans' health care and benefits associated with exposures to environmental hazards during military services and medical and other research relating to exposure to environmental hazards. (Sec. 806) This section provides appropriations to the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund to remain available through FY2024. The VA must submit a plan for expending such amounts. (Sec. 807) This section authorizes the VA to provide notice related to claims in an electronic format upon the election of the claimant, including for decisions by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. (Sec. 808) The VA must annually submit a report related to veterans who submit a disability claim for a service-connected disability and were deployed at specified locations at specified times. Additionally, the VA must ensure that VA medical professionals inform a veteran of the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry if a veteran seeks treatment at a VA medical facility for issues related to, or ancillary to, the exposure to toxic airborne chemicals and fumes caused by open burn pits. TITLE IX--IMPROVEMENT OF WORKFORCE OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (Sec. 901) The VA must develop and implement a national rural recruitment and hiring plan for the VHA to, among other purposes, recruit health care professionals for rural and highly rural community-based outpatient clinics and medical centers. (Sec. 902) The VA may buy out a non-VA service contract of certain health care professionals to whom the VA has offered employment in exchange for the individual agreeing to be employed at a rural or highly rural facility for at least four years. (Sec. 903) The VA must establish qualifications for each of its human resources positions and establish standardized performance metrics for such positions. The VA must also establish or enhance its systems to monitor human resources actions that occur at local, regional, and national levels to improve performance of those actions. The VA must also submit a plan to Congress for the recruitment and retention of human resources employees within the VA. (Sec. 904) This section increases the pay cap for certain employees of the VHA. (Sec. 905) This section expands employment opportunities for housekeeping aides by removing the requirement that competition for VA housekeeping aide positions is restricted to preference eligibles. (Sec. 906) This section modifies the authority of the VA related to hours, conditions and employment, and pay for certain employees of the VHA, specifically certain appointees and Senior Executive Service positions. Additionally, the section authorizes the VA to establish an awards program for certain appointed personnel, such as physicians. (Sec. 907) The VA is authorized to waive any annual premium or aggregate limitation on pay for an employee of the VHA during the calendar year in which the official duty station of the employee is closed or the office, facility, activity, or organization of the employee is realigned. Similarly, the VA may waive any annual premium or aggregate limitation on pay for an employee whose primary duties include providing expanded care for veterans exposed to open burn pits. (Sec. 908) This section eliminates the limitation on aggregate amounts for awards and bonuses for employees of the VA. (Sec. 909) Among other elements, this section provides additional authority for the VA to provide recruitment and relocation bonuses, retention bonuses, merit awards, incentives for critical skills, and student loan repayments. The section increases the cap on the number of college graduates and post-secondary students the VA may hire through an expedited process. The VA may authorize the fixing of the rate of pay for critical positions in the VA, with some limitations. Additionally, the VA may establish a rate for special pay and may waive the limitation on certain payments, such as bonuses.
State Antitrust Enforcement Venue Act of 2021 This bill limits the transfer and consolidation of antitrust cases that are brought by states in federal court. Current law generally permits federal civil cases that are related to be transferred to a single district court and consolidated for pretrial proceedings. However, under current law, antitrust cases brought by the federal government are exempt from transfer and consolidation. This bill adds to that exemption antitrust cases brought by states.
Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2022 This bill provides funding for the conservation or restoration of wildlife and plant species of greatest conservation need, including endangered or threatened species, and establishes related requirements. TITLE I--WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION (Sec. 101) This title establishes and funds a subaccount of the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account, which was established under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. The subaccount must be used to support efforts of states, territories, or the District of Columbia to recover and manage wildlife and plant species of greatest conservation need. The Department of the Interior must use a portion of the funding from the subaccount for grants to state fish and wildlife departments, the District of Columbia fish and wildlife department, fish and wildlife departments of territories, nonprofit organizations, or regional associations of fish and wildlife departments. The grants must be used for innovative recovery efforts for species of greatest conservation need, species listed as endangered or threatened species, or the habitats of such species. Funding for the subaccount must supplement existing funds available to the states from funds distributed under the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act and the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account. Recipients of the funding from the subaccount must match federal funds as specified by the title. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on the progress of states, territories, the District of Columbia, and Indian tribes in protecting species of greatest conservation need, endangered species, and threatened species. TITLE II--TRIBAL WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION (Sec. 201) This title establishes and funds a Tribal Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account to support Indian tribes' efforts to recover and manage wildlife and plant species of greatest conservation need. Indian tribes are not required to provide matching funds. TITLE III--ENDANGERED SPECIES RECOVERY AND HABITAT CONSERVATION LEGACY FUND (Sec. 301) This title establishes and funds through FY2026 the Endangered Species Recovery and Habitat Conservation Legacy Fund. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must use the fund to (1) implement an Endangered Species Recovery Grant Program; (2) address its interagency consultation responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act of 1973; (3) work with nonfederal entities to conserve wildlife habitat and at-risk species, threatened or endangered species, or species proposed to be listed as threatened or endangered species; or (4) address the development and permitting of voluntary conservation agreements under such act. Amounts made available under the fund must supplement other federal amounts made available to carry out such activities. The President must annually submit to Congress, together with the annual budget of the United States, a list of threatened species and endangered species for which recovery plans will be developed or implemented with amounts from the Endangered Species Recovery and Habitat Conservation Legacy Fund. TITLE IV--REPORT (Sec. 401) Interior must also report on information concerning the amount of grants and contracts that were awarded or are allocated under this bill to Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving educational institutions, tribally controlled colleges and universities, minority-serving educational institutions, minority-owned business enterprises, women-owned business enterprises, and community-based organizations that are principally administered by, operated by, or serving minority communities.
Protecting Our Kids Act This bill makes various changes to federal firearms laws, including to establish new criminal offenses and to expand the types of weapons and devices that are subject to regulation. Among the changes, the bill generally prohibits the sale or transfer of certain semiautomatic firearms to individuals who are under 21 years of age; establishes new federal criminal offenses for gun trafficking and related conduct; establishes a federal statutory framework to regulate ghost guns (i.e., guns without serial numbers); establishes a framework to regulate the storage of firearms on residential premises at the federal, state, and tribal levels; subjects bump stocks to regulation under federal firearms laws; generally prohibits the import, sale, manufacture, transfer, and possession of large capacity ammunition feeding devices; and requires the Department of Justice to report on the demographic data of persons who are determined to be ineligible to purchase a firearm based on a background check performed by the national instant criminal background check system.
Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2022 This bill authorizes and establishes procedures for federal courts to issue federal extreme risk protection orders. Additionally, the bill establishes grants to support the implementation of extreme risk protection order laws at the state and local levels, extends federal firearms restrictions to individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders, and expands related data collection. Extreme risk protection order laws, or red flag laws, generally allow certain individuals (e.g., law enforcement officers or family members) to petition a court for a temporary order that prohibits an at-risk individual from purchasing and possessing firearms. Among its provisions, the bill authorizes a family or household member, or a law enforcement officer, to petition for a federal extreme risk protection order with respect to an individual who poses a risk to themselves or others; directs the Department of Justice to establish a grant program to help states, local governments, Indian tribes, and other entities implement extreme risk protection order laws; extends federal restrictions on the receipt, possession, shipment, and transportation of firearms and ammunition to individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders; and requires the Federal Bureau of Investigation to compile records from federal, tribal, and state courts and other agencies that identify individuals who are subject to extreme risk protection orders.
Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022 This bill establishes new requirements to expand the availability of information on domestic terrorism, as well as the relationship between domestic terrorism and hate crimes. It authorizes domestic terrorism components within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to monitor, analyze, investigate, and prosecute domestic terrorism. The domestic terrorism components of DHS, DOJ, and the FBI must jointly report on domestic terrorism, including white-supremacist-related incidents or attempted incidents. DHS, DOJ, and the FBI must review the anti-terrorism training and resource programs of their agencies that are provided to federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. Additionally, DOJ must make training on prosecuting domestic terrorism available to its prosecutors and to assistant U.S. attorneys. It creates an interagency task force to analyze and combat white supremacist and neo-Nazi infiltration of the uniformed services and federal law enforcement agencies. Finally, it directs the FBI to assign a special agent or hate crimes liaison to each field office to investigate hate crimes incidents with a nexus to domestic terrorism.
Relief for Restaurants and other Hard Hit Small Businesses Act of 2022 This bill addresses support for restaurants, arts and entertainment venues, and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill provides an additional $42 billion in FY2021 for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund and gives priority to previous applicants who have not received a grant. The Small Business Administration (SBA) must provide to applicants an explanation for denied applications, establish a reconsideration process for denied applications, and institute an audit and oversight plan with respect to grant recipients. Additionally, the bill establishes the Hard Hit Industries Award Program for small businesses that suffered a pandemic-related revenue loss of 40% or more. Aggregate grant amounts are capped at $1 million. Funds may be used for expenses including mortgage, rent, and utility payments and payroll. SBA must prioritize entities that have experienced significant pandemic-related revenue loss, with first priority going to those that experienced a loss of at least 80%, and second priority going to those that experienced a loss of at least 60%. Finally, the bill extends to March 11, 2023 (or a later date as determined by the SBA), the time frame during which Shuttered Venue Operators Grant recipients may use grant funds to cover their expenses.
Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 This bill establishes new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals). Specifically, it prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check. The prohibition does not apply to certain firearm transfers or exchanges, such as a gift between spouses in good faith.
Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021 (Sec. 2) This bill revises background check requirements applicable to proposed firearm transfers from a federal firearms licensee (e.g., a licensed gun dealer) to an unlicensed person. Specifically, it increases the amount of time, from 3 business days to a minimum of 10 business days, that a federal firearms licensee must wait to receive a completed background check prior to transferring a firearm to an unlicensed person. (This type of transaction is often referred to as a default proceed transaction.) If a submitted background check remains incomplete after 10 business days, then the prospective purchaser may submit a petition for a final firearms eligibility determination. If an additional 10 days elapse without a final determination, then the federal firearms licensee may transfer the firearm to the prospective purchaser. (Sec. 3) The Government Accountability Office must report on the extent to which the changes have prevented firearms transfers to prohibited persons. (Sec. 4) The Federal Bureau of Investigation must report on the number of petitions it receives for final federal firearms determinations. (Sec. 5) The Department of Justice, in consultation with the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms, must report on further amendments to the background check process that would likely reduce the risk of death or great bodily harm to victims of domestic violence, domestic abuse, dating partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 This bill modifies and reauthorizes through FY2026 programs and activities under the Violence Against Women Act that seek to prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The bill also authorizes new programs, makes changes to federal firearms laws, and establishes new protections to promote housing stability and economic security for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.
Fraud and Scam Reduction Act This bill expands activities to address mail, telephone, and internet fraud, particularly such scams targeting older adults. The bill establishes a Senior Scams Prevention Advisory Group, which must create model educational materials to educate employees of retailers, financial-services companies, and wire-transfer companies on how to identify and prevent scams that affect older adults. Further, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) must establish an advisory office in the Bureau of Consumer Protection to assist the FTC in monitoring scams targeting older adults, educating consumers, and receiving complaints.
