(172) – H.R. 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan - Previous Question
May 01, 2019 -McGovern, D-Md., motion to order the previous question (thus ending the debate and possibility of amendment) to the rule that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill (HR 9) that would direct the president to develop a plan for the United States to meet its nationally-determined contribution under the Paris Agreement, and for other purposes.
Vote: Nay
(173) – H.R. 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan – Rule
May 01, 2019 -Adoption of the rule (H Res 329) that would provide for House floor consideration of the Climate Action Now Act (HR 9) that would direct the president to develop a plan for the United States to meet its nationally-determined contribution under the Paris Agreement, and for other purposes.
Vote: Nay
(174)- H Res 304: Cohen Testimony Transcript - Motion to Table
May 01, 2019 -Hoyer, D-Md., motion to table the privileged resolution that would direct the Oversight and Reform Committee to submit a transcript of the testimony of Michael Cohen to the attorney general.
Vote: Nay
(175) - HR 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan - Climate Justice Finding
May 02, 2019 -Espaillat, D-N.Y., amendment that would state that the Paris Agreement urges parties to consider "climate justice" and the impacts of climate change on local communities, migrants, children, and other "people in vulnerable situations."
Vote: Nay
(176) - HR 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan - Treaty Status
May 02, 2019 -Gosar, R-Ariz., amendment that would state that the Paris Agreement is a treaty and state that no further action toward its goals should occur before the Senate ratifies the agreement.
Vote: Yea
(177) - HR 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan - Use of Federal Funds
May 02, 2019 -Gosar, R-Ariz., amendment that would remove from the bill a section that would prohibit any federal funds from being used to facilitate the withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement.
Vote: Yea
(178) - HR 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan - Technology Finding
May 02, 2019 -Porter, D-Calif., amendment that would state that the Paris Agreement recognizes the importance of technology in implementing actions to be taken under the agreement.
Vote: Nay
(179) - HR 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan - Energy Technology Inclusion
May 02, 2019 -Fletcher, D-Texas, amendment that would specify that nothing in the bill should be construed to require or prohibit the inclusion of any specific energy technology in the emissions reduction plan required by the bill.
Vote: Nay
(180) - HR 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan - Voluntary Agricultural Practices
May 02, 2019 -Schrier, D-Wash., amendment that would specify that nothing in the bill should be construed to require or prohibit the president from including voluntary agricultural practices that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the emissions reduction plan required by the bill.
Vote: Nay
(181 - HR 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan - Hurricane and Storm Finding
May 02, 2019 -Van Drew, D-N.J., amendment that would state that the Paris Agreement recognizes the importance of preventing and addressing loss and damage associated with the effects of climate change, including extreme weather and slow onset events such as strong winds and flooding from hurricanes and tropical storms.
Vote: Nay
(182) - HR 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan - U.S. Impacts
May 02, 2019 -Engel, D-N.Y., for Cox, D-Calif., amendment that would require the emissions reduction plan required by the bill to describe and take into account how U.S. regions and industries would be affected by the fulfillment of the nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement, including potential effects on U.S. jobs, energy costs, and technology development.
Vote: Nay
(183) - HR 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan – Recommit
May 02, 2019 -Barr, R-Ky., motion to recommit the bill to the House Foreign Affairs Committee with instructions to report it back immediately with an amendment that would set the bill's effective date as the date on which the president certifies that meeting the nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement will not result in a "net transfer of jobs" from the U.S. to China.
Vote: Yea
(184) - HR 9: International Emissions Reduction Plan – Passage
May 02, 2019 -Passage of the bill, as amended, that would prohibit the use of federal funds for U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change and would require the president to develop a plan for the United States to meet its nationally determined contribution under the accord. Specifically, it would require the plan to describe how the U.S. will meet, by 2025, its proposed goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels. It would also require the plan to describe how the U.S. will confirm that other major parties to the accord are fulfilling their proposed contributions. The bill would require the plan to be submitted to Congress and made public no later than 120 days after enactment and to be updated annually. As amended, the bill would require the plan to describe how the U.S. can assist other parties in fulfilling contributions to the accord; require a public comment period on the plan and on subsequent updates to the plan; and order a number of reports on the impacts of the Paris Agreement on clean energy job development, the U.S. economy, and U.S. territories.
Vote: Nay
(185) - H Res 273: U.S.-Taiwan Relations – Passage
May 07, 2019 -Sires, D-N.J., motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution that would express that the House of Representatives reaffirms existing U.S. diplomatic policy toward Taiwan, including commitment to strengthening Taiwan's defense capabilities. It would encourage diplomatic relations between U.S. and Taiwan officials, reiterate that the president should conduct defense article transfers to Taiwan in accordance with existing law, and call on the secretary of State to advocate for Taiwan's "meaningful participation" in international organizations that address transnational threats and challenges, including those related to health, aviation security, and crime and terrorism.
Vote: Yea
(186) - HR 1704: Economic Foreign Policy – Passage
May 07, 2019 -Sires, D-N.J., motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would create the position of assistant secretary of State for economic and business matters. The assistant secretary would be responsible for foreign policy related to international economics and business, including international trade and investment policy and economic sanctions. Among other provisions related to international commercial activity, it would make the promotion of U.S. economic interests a "principal duty" of each U.S. mission to a foreign country and require the State Department to produce a report to Congress detailing such efforts, disaggregated by country and region. It would also direct the State and Commerce Departments to publish a report on business climates and commercial relations with foreign countries and regions and would direct the president to pursue negotiations with other countries to establish international standards for government-supported infrastructure investment.
Vote: Yea
(187) - HR 1503: FDA Patent Disclosures – Passage
May 08, 2019 -Eshoo, D-Calif., motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would require the Food and Drug Administration to include additional patent information in its list of approved drugs, including substance patents, drug product patents, and method of use patents. It would require patent holders for approved drugs to notify the FDA in writing if a patent is invalidated. It would also require the Health and Human Services secretary to solicit public comment and subsequently report to Congress on any patent information that should be added to or removed from the public listing and would require the Government Accountability Office to report to Congress on whether the inclusion or omission of patents in the listing would delay the market entry of generic drugs.
Vote: Yea
(188) - HR 1520: FDA Biological Products Listing – Passage
May 08, 2019 -Eshoo, D-Calif., motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended, that would statutorily require the Food and Drug Administration to maintain a public listing of biological products licensed by the agency, including the nonproprietary name, marketing application and licensure status, and exclusivity date of each product. It would require the FDA to publish the list in searchable, electronic format within 180 days of enactment. The bill would also require the Health and Human Services secretary to solicit public comment and subsequently report to Congress on any information that should be added to or removed from the public listing.
Vote: Yea
(189) - HR 2157, HR986: Health Insurance Guidance, Disaster Supplemental - Previous Question
May 09, 2019 -Shalala, D-Fla., motion to order the previous question (thus ending the debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 357) that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill (HR 986) that would prohibit the Health and Human Services and Treasury departments from implementing or enforcing guidance related to Section 1332 waivers under the 2010 health care overhaul. It would also provide for floor consideration of the bill (HR 2157) that would provide $17.4 billion in supplemental disaster funds for response efforts to damage caused by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters that occurred in 2017, 2018, and 2019. The rule would also provide for the automatic adoption of a Lowey, D-N.Y., manager's amendment to HR 2157 that would authorize an additional $91.2 million for "necessary expenses" to repair federal buildings and courthouses damaged as a result of Hurricane Florence and clarify the types of costs eligible for such disaster assistance.
Vote: Nay
(190) - HR 2157, HR986: Health Insurance Guidance, Disaster Supplemental – Rule
May 09, 2019 -Adoption of the rule (H Res 357) that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill (HR 986) that would prohibit the Health and Human Services and Treasury departments from implementing or enforcing guidance related to Section 1332 waivers under the 2010 health care overhaul. It would also provide for floor consideration of the bill (HR 2157) that would provide $17.4 billion in supplemental disaster funds for response efforts to damage caused by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters that occurred in 2017, 2018, and 2019. The rule would also provide for the automatic adoption of a Lowey, D-N.Y., manager's amendment to HR 2157 that would authorize an additional $91.2 million for "necessary expenses" to repair federal buildings and courthouses damaged as a result of Hurricane Florence and clarify the types of costs eligible for such disaster assistance.
Vote: Nay
(191) - HR 986: State Health Insurance Plan Guidance - Reinsurance Program Exemption
May 09, 2019 -Brown, D-Md., amendment that would specify that reinsurance programs established under section 1332 waivers that meet requirements for public notice and input be exempt from the bill's prohibition on the implementation of the October 2018 guidance on the criteria for such waivers.
(192) - HR 986: State Health Insurance Plan Guidance - Short Title
May 09, 2019 -Holding, R-N.C., amendment that would change the short title of the bill to "Insert Politically Punchy Title That Doesn't Reflect the Bill Substance Act."
Vote: Yea
(193) - HR 986: State Health Insurance Plan Guidance - Health Insurance Affordability
May 09, 2019 -Malinowski, D-N.J., amendment that would prohibit the Health and Human Services and Treasury departments from taking any action that would reduce the affordability, for individuals with preexisting conditions, of health insurance at least as comprehensive as the "essential health benefits packages" defined under the 2010 health care law.
Vote: Nay
(194) - HR 986: State Health Insurance Plan Guidance - Health Insurance Premiums
May 09, 2019 -Wild, D-Pa., amendment that would prohibit the Health and Human Services and Treasury departments from taking any action that would result in increased health insurance premiums for individuals enrolled in health insurance at least as comprehensive as the "essential health benefits package" defined under the 2010 health care law.
Vote: Nay
(195) - HR 986: State Health Insurance Plan Guidance – Recommit
May 09, 2019 -Walden, R-Ore., motion to recommit the bill to the Energy and Commerce Committee with instructions to report it back immediately with an amendment that would include in the bill a finding that the 2018 guidance related to Section 1332 waivers does not amend Section 1332 of the 2010 health care overhaul and does not permit the Health and Human Services Department to waive protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions. It also adds a finding that the guidance stipulates that any Section 1332 waivers must ensure that access to coverage under state plans would be "at least as comprehensive and affordable" as would be provided under the Affordable Care Act.
Vote: Yea
(196) - HR 986: State Health Insurance Plan Guidance – Passage
May 09, 2019 -Passage of the bill that would prohibit the Health and Human Services and Treasury departments from taking any action to implement or enforce their October 2018 guidance regarding criteria for evaluating Section 1332 state health care plan waivers under the 2010 health care overhaul, and would prohibit the departments from effectively reissuing the guidance. Section 1332 waivers exempt state health care plans from certain federal requirements under the Affordable Care Act, including requirements related to qualified health plans, tax credits, and individual and employer mandates. To be eligible for such waivers, proposed state plans are required to provide care to a "comparable number" of residents that is "as comprehensive" and "as affordable" as would otherwise be provided under the ACA. The October 2018 guidance modifies guidelines for considering waiver applications, emphasizing that a proposed state health care plan should be evaluated based on the number of residents that would have "access" to comparable coverage under the plan, as opposed to the number of residents that purchase such coverage.
Vote: Nay
(197) - HR 2157: Fiscal 2019 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations - Natural Disaster Forecasting
May 10, 2019 -Perlmutter, D-Colo., amendment that would increase by $5 million funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the purposes of improving hurricane, flood, and wildfire forecasting models.
Vote: Nay
(198) - HR 2157: Fiscal 2019 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations - Water Treatment Facility Repairs
May 10, 2019 -Sablan, D-M.P., amendment that would increase by $8.8 million funding to repair drinking water facilities and waste water treatment plants impacted by Typhoon Yutu, which impacted the Northern Mariana Islands.
Vote: Nay
(199) - HR 2157: Fiscal 2019 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations - Highway Repair Regulation
May 10, 2019 -Huffman, D-Calif., amendment that would clarify that no funds made available by the bill may be used to enforce a Federal Highway Administration regulation requiring certain highway construction relief projects to be completed within two fiscal years, in the case of any projects in response to disasters that occurred in fiscal 2017 or thereafter.
Vote: Nay
(200) - HR 2157: Fiscal 2019 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations - HUD Grant Publication
May 10, 2019 -Fletcher, D-Texas, amendment that would require the Housing and Urban Development Department to publish, within 14 as opposed to 90 days of enactment, all mitigation activity grant allocations made by the department from funds made available by the bill.
(201) - HR 2157: Fiscal 2019 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations – Recommit
May 10, 2019 -Granger, R-Texas, motion to recommit the bill to the House Appropriations Committee with instructions to report it back immediately with an amendment that would increase by $2.9 billion Health and Human Services Department funding for Head Start programs, for expenses related to the consequences of Hurricanes Florence and Michael, Typhoon Mangkhut, Super Typhoon Yutu, and other natural disasters occurring in 2018 and 2019.
Vote: Yea
(202) - HR 2157: Fiscal 2019 Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations – Passage
May 10, 2019 -Passage of the bill, as amended, that would provide $17.4 billion in supplemental disaster funds for response efforts to damage caused by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters that occurred in 2017, 2018, and 2019. It would provide $693 million in disaster nutrition and Medicaid assistance for individuals impacted by natural disasters in Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. It would extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which will expire on May 31, through September 30, 2019. It would also provide funds for areas impacted by natural disasters for economic development, training and employment services, and behavioral and social health services. The bill includes a total of $4.3 billion for Agriculture Department disaster-related activities, including $3 billion for crop, tree, bush, vine, and livestock losses from hurricanes, wildfires and other declared disasters that occurred in 2018 and 2019. The bill would provide $2.2 billion for a Housing and Urban Development Department community development block grant program, and $1.7 billion for Transportation Department programs and activities, including $1.65 billion for the cost of federal highway and bridge repairs. It would provide $1.5 billion to the Defense Department to repair military facilities damaged by hurricanes Florence and Michael, $2.8 billion to the Army Corps of Engineers for civil construction projects, and $2 billion the Army Corps for facility repairs. It would also state that military construction funds provided by the bill may only be used for purposes specified in the bill. As amended, the bill would authorize an additional $1.9 billion in funding for disaster response efforts, including $955 million for Armed Services construction and repair planning, $500 million for highway and road repairs, $310 million for the Farm Service Agency emergency watershed protection program, and $91.2 million for repairs to federal buildings and courthouses damaged as a result of Hurricane Florence.
Vote: Nay
(203) - HR 299: VA Health Benefit Eligibility – Passage
May 14, 2019 -Takano, D-Calif., motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended, that would make certain veterans who served offshore of Vietnam between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 eligible for a presumption of Agent Orange exposure for the purposes of Veterans Affairs Department disability compensation for service-connected medical conditions. It would direct the VA to conduct outreach to eligible veterans whose claims were previously denied, and it would authorize retroactive payments to such veterans. The bill would also extend dates of service constituting eligibility for certain Korea veterans to receive disability compensation related to Agent Orange exposure, and it would extend eligibility to certain veterans who served in Thailand for benefits to veterans whose children have spina bifida. Finally, it would require the VA to report to Congress on the health status of Gulf War veterans and would make several modifications to VA authority related to the department's mortgage loan program, including adjustments to loan limits and loan fees.
(204) - HR 2379: Bulletproof Vest Grant Program – Passage
May 14, 2019 -Johnson, D-Ga., motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended, that would authorize $30 million annually for a Justice Department grant program for the purchase of armor vests for state and local law enforcement and rename the program the "Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program."
Vote: Yea
(205) - HR 987, HR312, HR5: LGBTQ Discrimination, Tribal Lands, Health Care Package - Previous Question
May 15, 2019 -Scanlon, D-Pa., motion to order the previous question (thus ending the debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 377) that would provide for floor consideration of the bill (HR 5) that would prohibit discrimination of the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation; the bill (HR 312) that would reaffirm the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe reservation; and the bill (HR 987) consisting of a package of measures related to prescription drug costs and health insurance marketplaces.
Vote: Nay
(206) - HR 5, HR987, HR312: LGBTQ Discrimination, Tribal Lands, Health Care Package – Rule
May 15, 2019 -Adoption of the rule (H Res 377) that would provide for floor consideration of the bill (HR 5) that would prohibit discrimination of the basis of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation; the bill (HR 312) that would reaffirm the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe reservation; and the bill (HR 987) consisting of a package of measures related to prescription drug costs and health insurance marketplaces.
Vote: Nay
(207) - HR 312: Mashpee Wampanoag Lands – Passage
May 15, 2019 -Passage of the bill, as amended, that would ratify 2015 Interior Department actions taking into trust approximately 321 acres of land in Massachusetts for the benefit of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts. It would also require any pending or future legal actions related to the land to be dismissed in federal court.
Vote: Nay
(208) - HR 375: Tribal Land Trusts – Passage
May 15, 2019 -Grijalva, D-Ariz., motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would clarify that the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act, which authorizes the Interior Department to take land into trust for Indian tribes, applies to any federally-recognized Indian tribe regardless of date of recognition. It would also expand the definition of "Indian tribe" under the reorganization act to include any community acknowledged as a tribe by the Interior Department.
Vote: Yea
(209) - HR 1892: Homeland Security Department Reviews – Passage
May 15, 2019 -Torres Small, D-N.M., motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill that would modify requirements for the quadrennial Homeland Security Department review outlining department strategy and operations. Specifically, it would add internal advisory groups to an existing group of agency heads and department officials advising DHS on the review, require the review to base its outline of DHS mission areas on a risk assessment of threats to national security, and require DHS to provide records to Congress including information on risk assessment and incorporation of feedback in the review.
Vote: Yea
(210) - HR 987: Generic Drug Regulations and Health Insurance Marketplaces - Removing Health Insurance Provisions
May 16, 2019 -McKinley, R-W.V., for Bucshon, R-Ind. amendment that would remove from the bill Title II, which contains several provisions that would facilitate enrollment in and support Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces.
Vote: Yea
(211) - HR 987: Generic Drug Regulations and Health Insurance Marketplaces - Navigator Training on Opioids
May 16, 2019 -Harder, D-Calif., amendment that would require that "navigators" certified to help individuals enroll in Affordable Care Act marketplace plans receive opioid-specific training on coverage of opioid-related health care treatment under qualified plans.
Vote: Nay
(212) - HR 987: Generic Drug Regulations and Health Insurance Marketplaces - Short-Term Health Plan Findnig
May 16, 2019 -Wexton, D-Va., amendment that would add to the bill findings that an August 2018 Health and Human Services Department rule related to short-term, limited-duration health insurance expands the sale and marketing of such plans, which may discriminate against individuals with preexisting health conditions, may exclude essential health benefit coverage, and are not subject to Affordable Care Act financial protection requirements.
Vote: Nay
(213) - HR 987: Generic Drug Regulations and Health Insurance Marketplaces – Recommit
May 16, 2019 -Walden, R-Ore., motion to recommit the bill to the House Energy and Commerce Committee with instructions to report it back immediately with an amendment that would remove from the bill Title II, which contains several provisions that would facilitate enrollment in and support Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces. The amendment would replace the title with a provision that would authorize $4.96 billion annually through fiscal 2024 for the National Institutes of Health to carry out NIH Innovation Projects to conduct research on pediatric cancer.
Vote: Yea
(214) - HR 987: Generic Drug Regulations and Health Insurance Marketplaces – Passage
May 16, 2019 -Passage of the bill, as amended, that comprises a package of measures related to the development and market entry of generic drugs and a package of measures related to enrollment in and federal funding to support Affordable Care Act health insurance marketplaces. Title I of the bill includes provisions intended to facilitate the development and market entry of generic and biosimilar drug products. Specifically, it would allow the Food and Drug Administration to approve a subsequent company's application to manufacture a generic drug in cases where an initial company has applied but not received final FDA approval to introduce the drug after 30 months; approval of the subsequent application would trigger a 180-day exclusivity period for sale of the generic drug by the initial applicant company, after which point other generic versions could enter the market. It would prohibit generic and brand-name drug manufacturers from entering into agreements in which brand-name manufacturers pay to delay entry of a generic drug into the market, and it would authorize the Federal Trade Commission to issue penalties and initiate civil actions to enforce the prohibition. It would allow generic drug manufacturers to bring civil action against the license holder for a brand-name drug if the license holder does not provide "sufficient quantities" of samples of the brand-name drug on "commercially reasonable, market-based terms;" it would also outline certain affirmative legal defenses for defendants and certain terms for legal remedies in the case of a successful suit. Title II of the bill includes several provisions intended to facilitate enrollment in and provide funding and support for state- and federally-operated health insurance marketplaces under the Affordable Care Act. Specifically, it would authorize $200 million in grant funding for states to establish and operate state-based ACA health insurance marketplaces. It would authorize $100 million for Health and Human Services Department consumer outreach and educational activities related to ACA marketplace plans. It would authorize $100 million for the HHS "navigator" program, which funds certified entities to help individuals enroll in qualified plans, and would make certain modifications to the duties and selection of navigators. It would prohibit the HHS, Treasury, and Labor departments from taking any action to implement or enforce an August 2018 rule that effectively extends the maximum duration of coverage for short-term, limited-duration health insurance plans, which are not required to meet ACA patient protection requirements. As amended, the bill would authorize $25 million annually in grant funding for the ACA navigator program in state-based marketplaces and include a number of additional requirements related to outreach and education programs by navigators and by HHS.
(215): Procedural Motion – Journal
May 17, 2019 -Approval of the House journal of May 17, 2019.
Vote: Nay
(216) - HR 5: LGBTQ Anti-Discrimination Protections – Recommit
May 17, 2019 -Steube, R-Fla., motion to recommit the bill to the House Judiciary Committee with instructions to report it back immediately with an amendment that would clarify that nothing contained in the bill may be construed to diminish any protections under title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex under any federally-funded education programs, stating that no person can be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of such programs on the basis of sex.
Vote: Yea
(217) - HR 5: LGBTQ Anti-Discrimination Protections – Passage
May 17, 2019 -Passage of the bill that would prohibit discrimination or segregation based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity under 1964 Civil Rights Act protections, including in public facilities, public education, federal assistance programs, employment, jury service, and areas of public accommodation. It would expand the definition of "public accommodations" to include transportation services and any establishment providing a good, service, or program, including retailers, health care facilities, and legal services. The bill would define "gender identity" as "gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual," regardless of designated sex at birth. The bill would also allow the Justice Department to intervene in equal protection cases regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.
Vote: Yea
(218) - HR 1952: Intercountry Adoption – Passage
May 20, 2019 -Castro, D-Texas, motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended, that would require the State Department to include in its annual report to Congress on intercountry adoption a list of countries with policies prohibiting or preventing adoption involving immigration to the U.S. and to make the report publicly available. It would require the report to describe the background of such policies and any State Department efforts to help such countries reopen intercountry adoptions, and to assess the impact of adoption fees on families seeking to adopt internationally.
Vote: Nay
(219) - H Res 106: Denouncing Female Genital Mutilation – Passage
May 20, 2019 -Castro, D-Texas, motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution that would express the support of the House of Representatives for international efforts to end female genital mutilation/cutting, denounce such practices as a human rights violation, and urge the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to include efforts to eliminate such practices within their existing gender programming.
Vote: Yea
(220) - HR 1500, HR1994: Consumer Financial Protection, Retirement Security - Previous Question
May 21, 2019 -Perlmutter, D-Colo., motion to order the previous question (thus ending debate and possibility of amendment) on the rule (H Res 389) that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill (HR 1500) that includes a number of provisions related to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau programs and operations; provide for House floor consideration of the bill (HR 1994) that would modify requirements for retirement plans and retirement accounts; and provide for proceedings during the period from May 24, 2019, through May 31, 2019.
Vote: Nay
(221) - HR 1994, HR1500: Consumer Financial Protection, Retirement Security – Rule
May 21, 2019 -Adoption of the rule (H Res 389) that would provide for House floor consideration of the bill (HR 1500) that includes a number of provisions related to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau programs and operations; provide for House floor consideration of the bill (HR 1994) that would modify requirements for retirement plans and retirement accounts; and provide for proceedings during the period from May 24, 2019, through May 31, 2019. The rule would also provide for the automatic adoption of a Neal, D-Mass., manager's amendment to HR 1994 that would make adjustments to taxes on certain military survivor benefits for children of a parent killed in action and would remove from the bill provisions that would have allowed for up to $10,000 of section 529 funding to be used toward homeschool expenses and non-tuition expenses of private or religious schools.
Vote: Nay
(222) - HR 1500: Consumer Financial Protection Reevaluation - CFPB Effectiveness Study
May 22, 2019 -Steil, R-Wis., amendment that would require the Government Accountability Office to submit a report to Congress on the effectiveness and efficiency of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the prevalence of discriminatory lending practices, and workplace rights of CFPB staff.
Vote: Yea
(223) - HR 1500: Consumer Financial Protection Reevaluation - Consumer Complaints
May 22, 2019 -Burgess, R-Texas, amendment that would remove from the bill a section that would require all consumer complaints to be made publicly available on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website.
Vote: Yea
(224) - HR 1500: Consumer Financial Protection Reevaluation - CFPB Funding
May 22, 2019 -Burgess, R-Texas, amendment that would subject Consumer Financial Protection Bureau funding to congressional appropriations and authorize fiscal 2020 funding for the CFPB equal to the aggregate funds transferred to the agency by the Federal Reserve Board in fiscal 2019.
Vote: Yea
(225) - HR 1500: Consumer Financial Protection Reevaluation - Advisory Board Appointments
May 22, 2019 -Stevens, D-Mich., amendment that would require the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to consider appointing experts in U.S. economic growth and jobs and individuals representing industries affected by the CFPB, including community banks, credit unions, and small business owners, to CFPB consumer advisory board.
Vote: Yea
(226) - HR 1500: Consumer Financial Protection Reevaluation - Prohibiting Arbitration Agreements
May 22, 2019 -Green, D-Texas, amendment that would require the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to reissue a 2017 rule prohibiting arbitration agreements between consumers and providers of consumer financial products, such as credit card companies, that bar consumers from participating in class action lawsuits against providers. It would repeal a joint resolution that overturned the 2017 rule. It would also reduce by $10 million surplus discretionary funds that may be held by the Federal Reserve.
Vote: Nay
(227) - HR 1500: Consumer Financial Protection Reevaluation – Recommit
May 22, 2019 -Steil, R-Wis., motion to recommit the bill to the House Financial Services Committee with instructions to report it back immediately with an amendment that would clarify that no funds from civil penalties collected by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau could be used for purposes other than compensating "actual victims" of activities for which civil penalties have been imposed under federal consumer financial laws. Under existing law, the CFPB may use such funds for the purpose of consumer education and financial literacy programs.
Vote: Yea
(228) - HR 1500: Consumer Financial Protection Reevaluation – Passage
May 22, 2019 -Passage of the bill, as amended, that would statutorily clarify and establish certain objectives, authorities, and offices of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Among provisions related to CFPB organization and authorities, the bill would require the CFPB director to ensure each statutorily established functional unit of the agency performs its assigned duties and functions; require the director to provide "adequate staff" to each unit to carry out these functions; and prohibit the director from reorganizing or renaming such units. It would statutorily reestablish a CFPB Office of Students and Young Consumers to inform students and young people about education-related savings, loans, and debt. It would statutorily authorize the CFPB Office of Fair Lending and Equal Opportunity to carry out any supervisory and enforcement activities regarding fair lending laws. It would statutorily designate the CFPB as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, replacing any references in federal laws and documents to the "Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection." Among other provisions, the bill would require the CFPB director to ensure the number and duties of political appointees on staff match those of such appointees at other federal financial regulatory agencies. It would add certain qualifications for CFPB consumer advisory board members, urging the CFPB director to appoint certain experts and representatives, including experts in consumer protection, community development, and fair lending, and representatives of communities "significantly impacted" by higher-priced mortgage loans. It would require the CFPB database of consumer complaints to remain publicly available on the CFPB website. As an offset for its provisions, the bill, as amended, would reduce by a total of $38 million the amount of discretionary surplus funds that may be held by the Federal Reserve. As amended, the bill would require the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to reissue a 2017 rule prohibiting arbitration agreements between consumers and providers of consumer financial products, such as credit card companies, that bar consumers from participating in class action lawsuits against providers. It would reinstate memoranda of understanding between the CFPB and Education Department regarding coordination of oversight related to federal student loans.
Vote: Nay
(229) - : Procedural Motion – Journal
May 23, 2019 -Approval of the House journal of May 23, 2019.
Vote: Nay
(230) - HR 1994: Retirement Savings Plans – Recommit
May 23, 2019 -McHenry, R-N.C., motion to recommit the bill to the House Ways and Means Committee with instructions to report it back immediately with an amendment that would require the Treasury Department to add to an existing list of individuals participating in an international boycott any individuals who "knowingly engage" in boycott, divestment, and sanctions activities in relation to Israel. It would define such activities as those "intended to penalize, inflict economic harm on, or otherwise limit commercial relations with Israel or persons doing business in Israel." It would also raise the international boycott factor with respect to such individuals on the list to 1, resulting in a loss of certain tax benefits.
Vote: Yea
(231) - HR 1994: Retirement Savings Plans – Passage
May 23, 2019 -Passage of the bill, as amended, that would allow small businesses to offer certain retirement savings plans for their employees and make a number of modifications related to individual contributions to and use of tax-favored retirement accounts. The bill would allow small businesses to offer "pooled" retirement savings plans for their employees by combining with other unrelated businesses to offer plans with multiple employer providers. It would require each employer to register with the Labor Department to be designated as a multiple employer plan sponsor. The bill would increase certain tax credits for small businesses that establish retirement plans, including for plans including automatic enrollment. It would require employers to allow certain part-time employees to participate in defined contribution retirement plans and would make "difficulty of care" payments for home health care workers eligible for investment in such retirement plans. It would increase from 70 and one-half to 72 the age at which individuals are required to take minimum distributions from their retirement accounts and would allow individuals to continue making contributions to a regular IRA after reaching the age of 70 and one-half. It would allow individuals to withdraw up to $5,000 from retirement savings accounts to help pay for expenses related to a birth or adoption, and allow such funds to be later repaid to their accounts without penalty. It would also modify qualification requirements for safe harbor provisions exempting employers from Internal Revenue Service nondiscrimination tests related to employee participation in 401(k) plans. Among provisions related to employer-provided retirement plan administration, it would provide a safe harbor protecting employers from liability for losses due to an insurer's inability to meet its financial obligations, if the employer takes certain steps to confirm the license and certification of the insurer. It would allow employers to treat qualified retirement plans adopted before the tax filing date for a taxable year as if they were in effect for the last day of that tax year. It would require pension plan administrators to include a "lifetime income disclosure" at least once a year in a benefits statement, detailing a total benefits accrued by the beneficiary. It would also establish retirement plan insurance premiums under the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, for charities and cooperative associations. Among other provisions, the bill would modify the Internal Revenue Code to allow section 529 education savings plans to be used to cover expenses associated with apprenticeship programs and student loans, including for the sibling of the primary beneficiary. It would increase penalties for failure to file federal tax returns, including for retirement savings plans, and would modify distribution rules for beneficiaries of retirement savings plans. As amended, the bill would make adjustments to taxes on unearned income for child survivors of a parent killed in military action, known as Gold Star families.
Vote: Yea
