Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021
DIVISION A--AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations for the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Food and Drug Administration, and related agencies.
The division provides appropriations to USDA for agricultural programs, including
The division also provides appropriations to USDA for farm production and conservation programs, including
In addition, the division provides appropriations to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Fund and the Commodity Credit Corporation Fund.
For USDA Rural Development programs, the division includes appropriations for
The division provides appropriations to the Food and Nutrition Service for
The division provides appropriations to the Foreign Agricultural Service for (1) Food for Peace Title II Grants, and (2) McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program Grants.
The division also provides appropriations for (1) the Food and Drug Administration, and (2) the Farm Credit Administration.
DIVISION B--COMMERCE, JUSTICE, SCIENCE, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations to the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice (DOJ), science agencies, and several related agencies.
The division provides appropriations to Commerce for
The division provides appropriations to DOJ for
The division also provides appropriations to DOJ for state and local law enforcement activities, including
The division provides appropriations for science agencies, including
The division provides appropriations to related agencies, including
DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military activities.
Within the DOD budget, the division provides appropriations for
The division also provides appropriations for other DOD programs, including
The division provides appropriations for (1) related agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System Fund and the Intelligence Community Management Account; and (2) Overseas Contingency Operations.
DIVISION D--ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and independent agencies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The division provides appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, including for
The division provides appropriations to the Department of the Interior for the Central Utah Project and the Bureau of Reclamation.
The division provides appropriations to DOE for energy programs, including
The division also provides appropriations to DOE for
The division provides appropriations to several independent agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
DIVISION E--FINANCIAL SERVICES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations for several federal departments and agencies, including
The independent agencies funded in the division include
DIVISION F--DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security.
The division provides appropriations for departmental management, operations, intelligence, and oversight, including
The division provides appropriations for security, enforcement, and investigations, including
The division provides appropriations for protection, preparedness, response, and recovery, including
The division provides appropriations for research, development, training, and services, including
DIVISION G--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVIRONMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations for the Department of the Interior, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and related agencies.
The division provides appropriations to Interior for
The division also provides appropriations to the EPA and the Forest Service.
Within the Department of Health and Human Services, the division provides appropriations for
The division provides appropriations to several related agencies, including
DIVISION H--DEPARTMENTS OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations to the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; and related agencies.
The division provides appropriations to the Department of Labor for
The division provides appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Services for
The division provides appropriations to the Department of Education for
The division provides appropriations to related agencies, including
DIVISION I--LEGISLATIVE BRANCH APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations for the legislative branch, including the House of Representatives, the Senate, and joint items such as
In addition, the division provides FY2021 appropriations for
DIVISION J--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION, VETERANS AFFAIRS, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies.
The division provides appropriations to the Department of Defense (DOD) for military construction for
The division also provides appropriations to DOD for
Within the VA budget, the division provides appropriations for
The division provides appropriations for related agencies and programs, including
The division provides appropriations to specified DOD military construction accounts for Overseas Contingency Operations.
DIVISION K--DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs.
The division provides appropriations to the State Department for
The division provides appropriations for related agencies and programs, including
The division provides appropriations for other commissions, including
The division provides appropriations to
The division provides appropriations for bilateral economic assistance to
The division provides appropriations for export and investment assistance to
DIVISION L--TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 appropriations to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies.
The division provides appropriations to DOT for
The division provides appropriations to HUD for
The division also provides appropriations to several related agencies, including
DIVISION M--CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE AND RELIEF SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2021
This division provides FY2021 supplemental appropriations for federal agencies to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19.
Within the Department of Health and Human Service, the division provides appropriations for
The division also provides appropriations for
DIVISION N--ADDITIONAL CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE AND RELIEF
This division provides funding for, extends, and sets out policies for various programs and activities, including COVID-19 economic relief measures.
For example, the division temporarily increases physician payments under Medicare and extends Medicare's exemption from sequestration (i.e., automatic spending cuts).
Additionally, the division extends and otherwise modifies economic relief measures put in place to respond to COVID-19, including modifications to unemployment compensation and various tax provisions.
Changes to unemployment compensation programs include, among others, extending unemployment relief to government entities and nonprofits and addressing procedures for pandemic unemployment assistance for individuals who are self-employed.
Changes to tax provisions include, among others, providing for direct payments to eligible individuals and extending certain refundable payroll tax credits for businesses that provide sick and family leave.
The division also provides funding for, extends, and makes changes (some retroactively) to eligibility criteria, permitted uses of funds, and other aspects of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other economic relief measures managed by the Small Business Administration.
Changes to the PPP include
Other changes include establishing a grant program to support live venues, performing arts organizations, and related entities in response to COVID-19 and providing additional funding for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
Furthermore, the division provides for programs to support passenger air carriers and other providers of transportation services. It also permits the Department of Transportation to temporarily waive certain requirements that apply to highway transportation safety and related programs.
The division also extends an emergency order to temporarily halt residential evictions, provides for emergency rental assistance and housing stability services, and supports economic development in low- and moderate-income communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Development activities include providing funding for (1) capital investment in designated depository institutions, and (2) activities of community development financial institutions to respond to economic hardship created by COVID-19.
Other changes include extending various provisions and emergency authorities put in place to respond to COVID-19 and allowing the Department of Housing and Urban Development to cover operating losses of certain health care facilities under specified circumstances.
In addition, the division temporarily expands eligibility for job corps training programs administered by the Department of Labor.
The division also extends modifications to federal nutrition assistance programs for children, pregnant women, and older adults and provides funding for programs to support agricultural producers, growers, and processors.
Changes to nutrition programs include
Moreover, the division provides loan forgiveness to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for amounts borrowed pursuant to specified COVID-19 relief laws. It also temporarily allows the USPS to accept certain international mail shipments that present a low risk of violating drug trafficking laws concerning synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl) without transmitting certain information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Additionally, the division provides funding for, extends, and otherwise makes changes to various programs that support access to broadband internet service. These include programs that (1) facilitate broadband internet access and digital literacy in minority communities, and (2) support health care providers in expanding telehealth services.
The division extends the period of time in which certain expenses of state, tribal, and local governments may be reimbursed under specified COVID-19 relief laws.
It also rescinds certain funds made available under specified COVID-19 relief laws for direct loans and emergency lending.
DIVISION O--EXTENSIONS AND TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS
This division extends, modifies, and makes technical corrections to programs and activities concerning immigration, foreign trade, federal crimes, agriculture, and other topics.
For example, the division allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to increase, subject to certain conditions, the number of visas for temporary nonagricultural labor and extends a visa program for foreign investors in U.S. businesses. It also extends
The division also extends the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to accept donations of land at certain points of entry.
Furthermore, the division extends mandatory reporting requirements concerning the price of livestock and extends a pilot project to promote soil health in certain prairie states.
In addition, the division makes technical corrections to legislation implementing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, including with respect to claims of preferential tariffs and record retention.
The division also modifies delegation authorities for the Architect of the Capitol and expands the scope of a congressional committee's oversight of COVID-19 relief funds to include, for example, Paycheck Protection Program expenditures.
Moreover, the division extends the application period of an immigration program for certain Liberian nationals.
The division also repeals specified provisions of the federal criminal code, including prohibitions against the interstate transport of certain plants and prohibitions against the unauthorized use of the Smokey Bear character or name.
In addition, the division reimburses designated child care centers affiliated with the congressional branch for certain costs associated with closures and other COVID-19 response measures.
The division also stipulates the application of statutory budget provisions to specified funding.
DIVISION P--NATIONAL BIO AND AGRO-DEFENSE FACILITY ACT OF 2020
This division provides statutory authority and sets out requirements for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, a biocontainment laboratory for the study of zoonotic diseases and other threats to the U.S. food system, agriculture, and public health.
Specifically, the division requires ongoing coordination between the Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other relevant agencies concerning planning, reporting, and budgeting activities related to the facility's management and operation.
USDA must evaluate the facility's work, develop a strategic plan to guide the facility's research, and report to Congress concerning the status of the facility's operations and research.
Furthermore, USDA, DHS, and other relevant federal agencies must submit joint budget plans and reports regarding the defense and protection of the U.S. food supply to the Office of Management and Budget and to Congress.
DIVISION Q--FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVISIONS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
This division establishes financial services requirements related to federally assisted housing, diversified companies, and cybersecurity reporting. It also establishes intellectual property measures related to copyright and trademark.
Specifically, the division requires that carbon monoxide alarms or detectors be installed in (1) public housing, (2) supportive housing for the elderly and for persons with disabilities, (3) housing for persons with AIDS, and (4) rural housing constructed with federal assistance. The division provides for the participation of Indian tribes and tribally designated housing entities in the Continuum of Care Program, a program administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that oversees certain efforts to end homelessness. HUD must also renew for one year all Continuum of Care projects with existing grants that expire during 2021.
Public housing agencies that receive federal assistance must extend their aid to youth who are aging out of foster care.
The division also establishes requirements to accelerate the provision of mortgage loans for Native American housing.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must study and report on issues affecting the provision of and reliance upon investment research into small issuers. The SEC must also study the impact of the current definition of diversified company.
Further, each banking regulator must submit a report explaining measures undertaken to strengthen cybersecurity within the financial services sector.
The division prohibits unauthorized streaming for commercial public performance of computer programs, musical works, sound recordings, motion pictures, or other audiovisual works if (1) they have not been commercially publicly performed in the United States by or with the authorization of the copyright owner, and (2) the copyright owner has a reasonable expectation of commercial public performance.
The division also establishes the Copyright Claims Board to serve as an alternative forum for parties to voluntarily seek resolution of certain copyright claims.
The division establishes requirements and procedures related to the registration of a trademark, including (1) providing for third-party submission of evidence relevant to a ground for refusal of a registration, and (2) allowing flexibility in response periods for applicants that are found not to be entitled to registration. The division also establishes a procedure for ex parte expungement of a trademark whereby any person may file a petition to expunge the registration of a mark on the basis that the mark has never been used in commerce or in connection with some or all of the goods or services recited in the registration.
The division establishes a rebuttable presumption of irreparable harm on behalf of a plaintiff seeking an injunction to prevent the violation of a mark. The division also provides that the authorities of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office include the authority to reconsider, and modify or set aside, a decision of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board.
The Government Accountability Office must study and report on efforts to address inaccurate and false claims of use in trademark applications and registrations.
DIVISION R--PROTECTING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE OF PIPELINES AND ENHANCING SAFETY ACT OF 2020
This division provides funding through FY2023 for, and otherwise modifies, natural gas and hazardous material pipeline safety programs. It also makes changes to requirements that apply to natural gas distribution systems.
With respect to pipeline safety programs, the division specifies due process protections in certain enforcement proceedings, including placing the burden of proof in such proceedings on the enforcement agency.
In addition, the division expressly includes the consideration of safety and environmental benefits in certain cost-benefit analyses related to the proposal or issuance of pipeline safety regulations. It also requires the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration to carry out rulemaking activities to address
Furthermore, the division expands whistleblower protections for employees who disclose pipeline safety concerns. These protections may not be waived by any agreement or condition of employment.
The division also sets out various reporting requirements, including a report by the National Academy of Sciences on the use of remote shut-off valves on pipelines located in areas where a leak or release from a pipeline would pose great consequences to health, safety, and the environment.
With respect to gas distribution systems, the division expands requirements for plans, procedures, and record-keeping that apply to operators of a gas distribution system. These include requiring operators to address in relevant plans and manuals (1) risks associated with cast iron pipes and mains, and (2) indicators of overpressure.
DIVISION S--INNOVATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
This division addresses environmental concerns related to diesel emissions, carbon dioxide, and hydrofluorocarbons (greenhouse gases used in refrigeration, fire suppression, aerosols, and other applications).
Specifically, the division extends through FY2024 a diesel emission reduction program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The division also requires the Department of Energy and the EPA to carry out research and establish task forces on carbon utilization, capture, and sequestration (a process to capture carbon dioxide emissions and either reuse it or store it so it will not enter the atmosphere). The division also expedites permit procedures and requires reports and guidance pertaining to projects to capture, utilize, and sequester carbon.
In addition, the division provides the EPA with authority to regulate specified hydrofluorocarbon compounds. It directs the EPA to (1) phase down the production and consumption of specified compounds; (2) establish standards to manage, reclaim, and reuse the compounds; and (3) restrict the use of the compounds by certain sectors to facilitate the transition to alternative technologies.
DIVISION T--SMITHSONIAN AMERICAN WOMEN'S HISTORY MUSEUM ACT AND NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN LATINO
This division establishes within the Smithsonian Institution a women's history museum and the National Museum of the American Latino. It also creates advisory bodies to provide guidance and oversight concerning the development, construction, and administration of the respective museums.
DIVISION U--HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS PROVISIONS
This division establishes provisions related to homeland security and governmental affairs, including requirements regarding artificial intelligence (AI), synthetic opioid exposure, and countering unmanned aircraft systems.
Specifically, the division establishes the AI Center of Excellence to facilitate and coordinate federal government adoption of AI technologies. The Office of Management and Budget must issue guidance for agency use of AI, and the Office of Personnel Management must establish or update an occupational series to include AI positions.
The division requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to (1) brief Congress regarding DHS personnel with primary duties that take place outside of the United States, and (2) submit a plan to enhance the effectiveness of its personnel at foreign locations.
The division also requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to specify effective protocols and procedures that (1) address the safe handling of potential synthetic opioids by its officers, agents, other personnel, and canines; and (2) reduce the risk of injury or death from accidental exposure and enhance postexposure management.
The division prohibits the use of reverse auctions (i.e., auctions in which multiple sellers lower their bids to win a supply or service contract) for awarding federal contracts for construction and design services. The division also requires the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to establish and maintain a website to provide access to any audit report, inspection report, or evaluation report made by an Office of Inspector General.
Further, the division establishes the Counter Threats Advisory Board within DHS and requires the board to coordinate departmental intelligence activities and policy and information related to the functions of DHS that counter threats. The board must also advise DHS on the issuance of terrorism alerts.
The division requires DHS to designate a Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator to oversee and coordinate relevant DHS offices and components regarding the development of guidance and regulations for countering threats associated with unmanned aircraft systems.
The division also expands the prohibition on reprisals against whistleblowers to include subgrantees for federal grants.
The division transfers to DHS the .gov internet domain and requires DHS to make .gov internet domain registration services generally available to any federal, state, local, or territorial government entity, or other publicly controlled entity, that complies with certain registration requirements. DHS must also maintain an inventory of all hostnames and services in active use within the .gov internet domain.
The division allows states to accept identifying information from driver's licenses and identification cards that are stored or accessed via electronic means, such as mobile or digital driver's licenses or identification cards.
Additionally, the division requires DHS to submit a technology needs analysis for border security technology along the Southwest border that includes an assessment of technology needs and gaps along the border.
DIVISION V--AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION, SAFETY, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
This division addresses certain safety standards relating to the aircraft certification process.
For example, the division requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to
The division also revises the Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) program, under which the FAA may, subject to particular limitations, delegate examination, testing, inspection, and other functions related to transport airplane certification to U.S. aircraft and aerospace organizations (ODA holders). These revisions include
The FAA must also develop a program for regular training of subject-matter experts employed in the FAA's Aircraft Certification Service, as well as a voluntary safety reporting program for those individuals to confidentially report instances where they have identified safety concerns during certification or oversight processes.
The FAA must revise its process for issuing amended type certificates for modifying an aircraft and recommend reforms of aircraft type certifications.
Further, the FAA must implement specified safety recommendations related to alerting flight crew in the event of systems failures or non-normal operation. It must also undertake specified activities with respect to pilot training required to operate new transport airplanes, including independently reviewing any proposal by an airplane's manufacturer concerning such training and initiating a review of pilot certification standards to facilitate stakeholder sharing of lessons learned, best practices, and actions to address any safety issues identified. Additionally, the FAA must revise policies to ensure that pilot operational evaluations of airplanes undergoing certification use pilots with varying levels of experience from air carriers that are expected to operate such airplanes.
The FAA must develop (1) a human factors education program that addresses the effects of modern flight deck systems, including automated systems, on human performance for transport airplanes and the approaches for better integration of human factors in aircraft design and certification; (2) research requirements to address the integration of human factors in the design and certification of aircraft that are intended for use in air transportation; and (3) a Center of Excellence focused on automated systems and human factors in transport category aircraft.
The division also requires various reports on aviation safety, including an assessment carried out by the National Academy of Sciences of the methodology and effectiveness of the Transport Airplane Risk Assessment Methodology process used by the FAA.
The FAA must establish the National Air Grant Fellowship Program for qualified individuals at the graduate and post-graduate levels in fields related to aerospace. The FAA must also establish requirements for issuing aviation maintenance technician school certificates and associated ratings and the general operating rules for the holders of those certificates and ratings.
The FAA must establish a Whistleblower Ombudsman and an Office of Investigations and Professional Responsibility to provide additional accountability for the FAA.
DIVISION W--INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
This division authorizes various intelligence-related activities for FY2021.
The division requires (1) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and other intelligence agencies to establish continuity of operations plans; (2) the ODNI to establish standards for collecting disaggregated attrition data for the intelligence community workforce; and (3) certain elements of the intelligence community to buy specified satellite components from American sources.
Additionally, the division (1) directs the ODNI to establish minimum standards for the repayment of student loans for employees of elements of the intelligence community by such elements of the intelligence community, (2) establishes the Office of the Ombudsman for Analytic Objectivity, (3) authorizes the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to carry out a program of personnel management authority to facilitate the recruitment of experts in science or engineering, and (4) requires the ODNI to establish an honorary award for the recognition of female personnel of the National Security Agency for distinguished career contributions.
The division requires the Department of Homeland Security to carry out an intelligence and cybersecurity diversity fellowship program. The division also requires the CIA to identify actions and establish programs to improve education in the scientific, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics skills necessary to meet the long-term national security needs of the United States. In addition, the division requires the ODNI to award contracts or grants or make other transactions to encourage microelectronics research.
Further, the division requires reports on various topics, including
DIVISION X--SUPPORTING FOSTER YOUTH AND FAMILIES THROUGH THE PANDEMIC
This division provides additional FY2021 funding for and otherwise modifies foster care and other programs that support youth and families in responding to COVID-19.
Specifically, the division provides FY2021 funding for grants to help current and former foster care youths achieve self-sufficiency. It also temporarily waives matching requirements and provides additional programmatic flexibilities. For example, through FY2021, the division allows foster care and former foster care youths to remain eligible for certain services, including vouchers for post-secondary education and training, until age 27.
Furthermore, the division prevents youth from aging out of foster care during the COVID-19 emergency. Youth who already aged out of foster care during the COVID-19 emergency may voluntarily reenter foster care.
The division also provides FY2021 funding and waives applicable matching requirements for a grant program that supports safe, stable families. It reserves a portion of that funding to address needs stemming from the COVID-19 emergency in family courts.
In addition, the division waives matching requirements and provides various administrative and programmatic flexibilities to address COVID-19 with respect to
DIVISION Y--AMERICAN MINER BENEFITS IMPROVEMENT
This division makes additional retired coal miners eligible for health benefits through the United Mine Workers of America 1993 Benefit Plan. It also provides mandatory funding to the plan if retiree health benefits would otherwise be reduced or denied because of a qualified bankruptcy proceeding of a coal mining operator that commenced in any year after 2019.
DIVISION Z--ENERGY ACT OF 2020
This division addresses energy efficiency, alternative energy, carbon management and removal, grid modernization, and other energy provisions.
Specifically, the division requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to carry out activities to promote energy efficiency and alternative energy, including in schools, institutions of higher education, federal agencies, and residential and commercial buildings. DOE must also implement (1) rebate programs to incentivize the use of energy-efficient electric motors and transformers; and (2) a pilot program to improve the net energy balance of water, wastewater, and water-reuse systems.
With respect to nuclear energy, DOE must carry out programs that support (1) the availability of certain uranium for civilian domestic research and commercial purposes; (2) modernizing technologies for nuclear power plants to improve capacity, safety, and efficiency; (3) collaboration in international efforts concerning diplomatic, financing, and nonproliferation objectives for the use of nuclear technology; and (4) the development of a competitive U.S. fusion power industry. The division also extends and expands limitations on importing uranium from Russia.
The division requires DOE to carry out projects and other initiatives for (1) water power technology, hydropower, and marine energy; geothermal energy; (2) wind energy; and (3) solar energy. The division also extends through FY2036 certain hydroelectric production incentives and provisions related to increasing efficiency.
DOE must (1) establish a national office to carry out an existing program that improves coordination of federal permits for renewable energy projects on specified federal lands, and (2) set national goals for renewable energy production on federal land. The division also authorizes coproduction of geothermal energy on oil and gas leases.
DOE must establish (1) the Energy Storage System Research, Development, and Deployment Program; and (2) a grant program for energy storage technology and microgrid projects that use renewable energy sources.
The division also contains provisions related to carbon management and carbon removal, including provisions that establish programs for coal and natural gas carbon capture technologies, carbon storage, carbon utilization, high-efficiency gas turbines, and large-scale removal of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
DOE must promote emissions reduction efforts, including by establishing an advisory committee, providing technical assistance, and implementing an industrial emissions reduction technology development program. This program must (1) increase technological and economic competitiveness of U.S. industry and manufacturing, (2) increase viability and competitiveness of U.S. industrial technology exports, and (3) reduce emissions in non-power industries.
DOE must conduct a program to (1) develop advanced separation technologies to extract and recover rare earth elements and critical materials from coal and coal byproducts, and (2) determine the environmental or public health impacts of such extraction. The Department of the Interior must establish a consortium to support this program. Interior and DOE must also disseminate relevant information on critical materials.
The division also requires measures to modernize the energy grid, such as a smart grid regional demonstration initiative and programs for integrated energy systems. Further, DOE must establish a program to develop integrated microgrid systems for isolated communities and increase critical infrastructure resiliency.
The division establishes an office within DOE to expand the commercial impact of DOE's research and investments and to focus on commercializing technologies that support its missions. DOE must establish a pilot program to foster partnerships between the National Laboratories and public and private sector entities. The division extends through FY2030 certain DOE contracting authority and requires DOE to establish a research program in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing for veteran's health care. DOE must also operate an Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research grant program to increase the number of researchers capable of performing research in support of DOE's mission.
DOE must carry out a research program on low-dose and low dose-rate radiation to enhance the scientific understanding of the effects of exposure to such radiation. The division also extends through FY2031 DOE's authority to operate the disposal site for residual radioactive material in Mesa County, Colorado.
DIVISION AA--WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2020
This division contains measures related to water resources, including programs for developing such resources, required studies and reports, and the deauthorization of certain projects.
Specifically, the division (1) expands the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund for port and harbor maintenance; (2) directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to equitably allocate harbor maintenance expenditures for harbor operation and maintenance needs while also addressing the needs of certain donor and energy-transfer ports, Great Lakes harbors, emerging harbors, and commercial strategic seaports; and (3) provides additional federal resources for the construction of inland waterways projects.
The USACE must issue final agency procedures to implement principles, requirements, and guidelines that ensure that the formulation of future water resources development projects is sustainable, protects and restores the functions of natural systems, and addresses the needs of economically disadvantaged communities. The USACE may provide technical assistance to support the flood risk resiliency planning efforts of economically disadvantaged communities or communities subject to repetitive flooding. In addition, the USACE must (1) update its policies on environmental justice considerations and community engagement and consultation, and (2) consult with Indian tribes when working on or adjacent to tribal lands and areas. The USACE must review and, where appropriate, revise existing planning guidance documents and regulations on the assessment of the effects of sea-level rise or inland flooding on future water resources development projects.
The division provides for the evaluation of natural and nature-based projects as alternatives to structural projects. The division also addresses the water resources needs of economically disadvantaged communities, minority communities, and rural communities.
The USACE must carry out a pilot program to conduct feasibility studies for flood risk management and hurricane and storm damage risk reduction projects for economically disadvantaged communities. The USACE must also carry out a program to study, design, and construct water resources projects for communities that have been subject to repetitive flooding events. When evaluating the placement of dredged material obtained from water resources projects, the USACE must consider the suitability of the dredged material for other beneficial uses. Additionally, the USACE must carry out a demonstration program to assist in detecting, treating, and preventing harmful algal blooms.
In addition to other required studies and reports, the division authorizes various feasibility studies for water resources development projects and directs the USACE to complete comprehensive river basin studies for the Great Lakes, the Lower Mississippi River, the Upper Mississippi River, the Lower Missouri River Basin, the Upper Missouri River, and the Sacramento River.
The USACE must deauthorize certain inactive construction projects. In addition, the division modifies funding and other requirements for a number of existing projects.
The division also authorizes the construction of pending water resources infrastructure projects identified in specified USACE reports.
The USACE must update its Invasive Species Policy Guidance based on the most recent National Invasive Species Management Plan and must take other steps to control, manage, and eradicate certain invasive species.
DIVISION BB--PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE AND PUBLIC HEALTH PROVISIONS
This division establishes federal protections from surprise medical bills and otherwise modifies reporting and disclosure requirements related to health insurance. It also reauthorizes, establishes, and modifies various public health programs, including certain activities of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Specifically, the division generally prohibits insurance companies and providers from billing a patient more than the applicable in-network, cost-sharing amount if the patient received care in an emergency situation or in a non-emergency situation where the patient did not have the option to choose an in-network provider. With respect to this prohibition, the division outlines procedures to resolve payment disputes between health insurers and providers and makes changes to increase price transparency, address continuity of care, and expand related consumer protections. It also provides grants for state all-payer claims databases and requires reports on market consolidation and other topics.
Other changes that affect health insurance include (1) prohibiting, subject to privacy rules and other limitations, health insurance plans from entering into agreements with health care providers that restrict the plans from accessing and sharing cost or quality information or anonymous claims information; and (2) requiring agents, brokers, and consultants who assist employers and individuals with obtaining health insurance to disclose information about certain compensation they expect to receive from insurance carriers.
Moreover, health insurers must annually assess their compliance with federal standards concerning parity in coverage of mental health and substance use disorder treatment and must report on pharmacy benefit and drug costs, including remuneration provided by drug manufacturers.
The division also extends through FY2023 specified programs to expand access to health care in medically underserved areas, including scholarships and student loan repayment for certain health care providers. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must expand a grant program that supports access to specialist health services in rural and other underserved areas through videoconferencing and related technology.
Furthermore, the division extends and modifies public health programs and activities. Specifically, it
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must also carry out activities to address vaccine-preventable diseases, obesity prevention and reduction, and public health data infrastructure modernization.
With respect to the FDA, the division
DIVISION CC--HEALTH EXTENDERS
This division extends and modifies provisions concerning Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal social welfare programs.
Specifically, the division allows Medicare coverage to take effect the month after enrollment and otherwise revises Medicare enrollment processes. It also authorizes additional quality measures for an incentive program for skilled nursing facilities.
The division changes various Medicare payment rules and systems. Changes to physician payments include extending modifications to the work geographic index and delaying use of a particular add-on code for certain complex evaluation and management visits through 2023. Other changes include eliminating coinsurance for colorectal cancer screening.
In addition, the division addresses Medicare payments in rural areas. It establishes a classification and payment methodology for rural hospitals that furnish only outpatient and emergency services and increases the maximum payment for visits at certain independent rural health clinics.
The division also expands, subject to specified conditions, Medicare payments for certain hospice services and home-infusion therapies. Additionally, it allows Medicare beneficiaries who do not live in rural areas to receive mental health services furnished via telehealth after the COVID-19 emergency period ends.
Furthermore, the division delays certain Medicare Alternative Payment Model requirements until payment year 2024 and delays until January 1, 2022, a demonstration model for improving the quality of care for cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.
The division also makes changes to the Medicare prescription drug benefit. It allows, subject to confidentiality restrictions, disclosure of payment information to specified commissions and provides statutory authority for (1) a program that assists individuals who are newly eligible for the benefit and have limited income, and (2) a requirement for drug plan sponsors to implement electronic tools to share relevant pricing and benefit information with prescribers. The Department of Health and Human Services must develop standards for the tools and require their incorporation as a condition of certification for health information technology.
Moreover, the division increases the number of residency positions eligible for graduate medical payments under Medicare for qualifying hospitals, including hospitals in rural areas.
The division also extends funding for outreach and Medicare enrollment activities targeting low-income older individuals and requires outreach concerning Medicare benefits for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
The division also extends Medicare coverage for immunosuppressive drugs for kidney transplant recipients.
Additionally, the division provides statutory authority for a public-private partnership to prevent health care fraud, waste, and abuse.
With respect to Medicaid, the division changes multiple provisions. For example, it extends coverage to citizens of freely associated states who lawfully reside in the United States and expands the scope of certain patient abuse and neglect investigations.
It also delays reductions to Medicaid disproportionate-share hospital (DSH) allotments until FY2024. In addition, beginning on October 1, 2021, the division excludes costs and payments for individuals for whom Medicaid is not the primary payer from certain DSH payment calculations.
Moreover, the division extends protections against spousal impoverishment for recipients of home- and community-based services through FY2023 and extends various demonstration projects, including the Money Follows the Person demonstration.
The division also provides statutory authority for required Medicaid coverage of nonemergency transportation services and requires coverage of routine items and services provided in connection with clinical trials.
With respect to other social welfare programs, the division extends the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, funding for child care, and related activities through FY2021. It also extends programs for
The division rescinds funds from the Medicaid Improvement Fund and provides funds to the Medicare Improvement Fund.
The division provides supplemental FY2021 funding to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to carry out the bill's activities and programs.
DIVISION DD--MONTANA WATER RIGHTS PROTECTION ACT
This division authorizes, ratifies, and confirms a specified water rights settlement entered into by the United States, Montana, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation of Montana. Specified claims of the tribes against the United States are waived and released.
The division directs the Department of the Interior to allocate specified amounts of storage water in Hungry Horse Reservoir for use by the tribes.
It also requires Interior (or the tribes on behalf of Interior) to carry out specified activities related to the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project, such as rehabilitating structures, upgrading irrigation facilities, and restoring streams that are affected by the project.
In addition, the division (1) establishes the Séliš-Qlispé Ksanka Settlement Trust Fund, (2) requires the National Bison Range to be held in trust for the benefit of the tribes, (3) requires Interior to make certain payments to Lake and Sanders Counties in Montana for the restoration of the National Bison Range, and (4) requires Interior to offer to negotiate with Montana for the transfer of specified parcels of state land.
DIVISION EE--TAXPAYER CERTAINTY AND DISASTER TAX RELIEF ACT OF 2020
This division extends certain individual and business-related tax provisions, provides tax incentives for renewable energy production and green economy jobs, and provides disaster-related tax relief.
Specifically, the division makes permanent certain tax provisions, including (1) the reduction in the medical expense deduction floor; (2) the energy efficient commercial buildings deduction; (3) the exclusion from income for certain benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders; (4) the railroad track maintenance credit; and (5) reductions in tax rates and certain other changes related to taxation of beer, wine, and distilled spirits.
The division extends through 2025 certain tax provisions, including (1) the look-through rule for related controlled foreign corporations (a rule that allows a U.S. corporation to shift profits among its foreign subsidiaries without triggering certain tax liabilities), (2) the new markets tax credit (a credit for making certain equity investments in qualified community development entities), (3) empowerment zone tax incentives (tax incentives for certain economically distressed urban and rural communities), (4) the employer credit for paid family and medical leave, (5) the exclusion for certain employer payments of student loans, and (6) the carbon oxide sequestration credit.
Further, the division extends through 2021 certain other tax provisions, including (1) the credit for electricity produced from certain renewable resources; (2) the credit for certain health insurance costs of eligible individuals; (3) certain credits related to Indian employment, business property, and coal production; and (4) specified credits related to alternative fuels, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles.
Further, the division establishes new tax provisions, such as (1) setting a minimum rate for the low-income housing tax credit, (2) specifying that waste energy recovery property (i.e., property that generates electricity solely from heat from buildings or equipment where the primary purpose of the building or equipment is not electricity generation) is eligible for certain energy credits, and (3) specifying minimum rates of interest for certain determinations related to life insurance contracts.
The division also provides disaster-related tax relief, including by establishing special rules for the use of retirement funds and establishing an employee retention credit for employers affected by qualified disasters.
DIVISION FF--OTHER MATTER
This division addresses various matters not covered elsewhere in the bill, including provisions related to public lands, foreign relations, cloud services, student aid, telecommunications and consumer protection, and bankruptcy relief.
Specifically, the division requires the Social Security Administration (SSA) to enter into an agreement with the Department of the Treasury whereby the SSA must inform Treasury as to whether certain individuals receive disability insurance benefits or Supplemental Security Income benefits.
The division also reschedules certain educational progress assessments applicable to 4th, 8th, and 12th grade reading and mathematics.
The division expands the boundary of Saguaro National Park in Arizona, designates New River Gorge National Park and New River Gorge National Preserve in West Virginia, and designates Miracle Mountain in Utah.
The division also contains foreign relations provisions, including measures related to (1) hostage recovery and hostage-taking accountability; (2) scholarly exchanges between the United States and India; and (3) U.S. support for Taiwan, Belarus, Tibet, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
Further, the division
The division also encompasses telecommunications provisions that include repealing the requirement for the Federal Communications Commission to reallocate and auction the 470-512 megahertz (MHz) band (referred to as the T-Band spectrum). This band is a frequency range currently utilized by public-safety entities in certain urban areas. The division (1) establishes the Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, (2) mandates an interagency agreement to coordinate the distribution of federal funds for new broadband deployment, and (3) establishes requirements related to the assignment and allocation of electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies of 3450 MHz and 3550 MHz.
The division includes measures related to western water and Indian affairs, such as measures that (1) establish an aging infrastructure account in Treasury, (2) ratify the Navajo-Utah Water Rights Settlement Agreement, (3) finalize the Aamodt litigation settlement, (4) authorize the use of certain Bureau of Reclamation facilities and federal land to convey water to recharge certain aquifers, (5) authorize rural water-supply projects in Montana and North Dakota, and (6) establish the Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program.
Additionally, the division
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 600.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 599.
Mrs. Lowey moved that the House agree in Senate amendment with portion of amendment comprising divisions B, C, E and F
Mrs. Lowey moved that the House agree in Senate amendment with amendment (except divisions B, C, E and F).
Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 1271, the previous question was ordered on the motion to agree to the Senate amendment with an amendment to H.R. 133.
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion to agree in Senate amendment with portion of amendment comprising divisions B, C, E and F Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 327 - 85 (Roll no. 250).
Roll Call #250 (House)On motion to agree in Senate amendment with portion of amendment comprising divisions B, C, E and F Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 327 - 85 (Roll no. 250).
Roll Call #250 (House)Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion to agree in Senate amendment with amendment (except divisions B, C, E and F) Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 359 - 53 (Roll no. 251).
Roll Call #251 (House)On motion to agree in Senate amendment with amendment (except divisions B, C, E and F) Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 359 - 53 (Roll no. 251).
Roll Call #251 (House)Enacted as Public Law 116-260
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Committee on Rules and Administration. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 116-339.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 357.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 358.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 359.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 360.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 361.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 362.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 363.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 366.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 367.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 368.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Resolving differences -- House actions: On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection.
On motion that the House agree with an amendment to the Senate amendment Agreed to without objection. (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H7323-7878)
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate amendment.
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 133 by Yea-Nay Vote. 92 - 6. Record Vote Number: 289.
Roll Call #289 (Senate)Senate agreed, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 133 by Yea-Nay Vote. 92 - 6. Record Vote Number: 289. (consideration: CR S7922-7923, S7924-7928)
Roll Call #289 (Senate)Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Became Public Law No: 116-260.
Became Public Law No: 116-260.