Results for

  • Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act of 2020

    HR #5685 | Last Action: 1/28/2020
    Securing American Leadership in Science and Technology Act of 2020 This bill extends through FY2029 the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Office of Science of the Department of Energy, the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The bill sets forth programs, projects, and activities, including those regarding federal research security, the science and technical workforce, basic energy sciences research and upgrades to certain facilities, computational materials and chemistry science, advanced scientific computing, high energy physics, biological systems science and environmental science, fusion energy sciences research, nuclear physics, carbon utilization research infrastructure, enhanced geothermal energy, quantum information science and technology research, cybersecurity research, artificial intelligence and data science, engineering biology research, next generation digital radar, Antarctic nongovernmental activities and environmental liability requirements, and federal government inventions. The OSTP shall * submit a comprehensive national science and technology strategy, and * complete a review of U.S. science and technology enterprise. The Office of Science shall continue to leverage U.S. participation in the Large Hadron Collider, prioritize international partnerships and investments in the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility/Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, and prioritize international collaboration that would provide U.S. researchers access to the most advanced accelerator facilities in the world. The Government Accountability Office shall evaluate NIST's Center for Neutron Research. The NSF shall contract the National Academy of Public Administration to study the organizational and management structure of the NSF.
  • Biological Weapons Policy Act of 2021

    S #2912 | Last Action: 9/30/2021
  • Biologic Patent Transparency Act

    S #659 | Last Action: 3/5/2019
    Biologic Patent Transparency Act This bill requires the holder of a license to market a biologic drug to disclose all patents believed to be covering that drug. The bill also directs the Department of Health and Human Services  (HHS) to make such information publicly available. (Biologics are drugs produced through natural processes or isolated from natural sources.) The holder of a market approval license for a biologic product shall submit a list to HHS of all patents that the holder reasonably believes would be infringed by an unauthorized person making, using, offering to sell, selling, or importing that product. The license holder shall update HHS as to any relevant patents granted after the initial submission and as to listed patents that were later invalidated or rendered unenforceable. If a patent that should have been listed was not timely disclosed to HHS, the patent holder may not sue for infringement of that patent. HHS shall publish an easily searchable list of all biologics that have received market approval or for which an application for approval has been filed. The list shall contain information including (1) the official and proprietary name of the product, (2) the patents the license holder has listed under this bill, (3) whether various market exclusivity periods apply to the product, and (4) information about whether the product is interchangeable with another biologic product.
  • Biologic Patent Transparency Act

    HR #4850 | Last Action: 10/23/2019
    Biologic Patent Transparency Act This bill requires the holder of a license to market a biologic drug to disclose all patents believed to be covering that drug. The bill also directs the Department of Health and Human Services  (HHS) to make such information publicly available. (Biologics are drugs produced through natural processes or isolated from natural sources.) The holder of a market approval license for a biologic product shall submit a list to HHS of all patents that the holder reasonably believes would be infringed by an unauthorized person making, using, offering to sell, selling, or importing that product. The license holder shall update HHS as to any relevant patents granted after the initial submission and as to listed patents that were later invalidated or rendered unenforceable. If a patent that should have been listed was not timely disclosed to HHS, the patent holder may not sue for infringement of that patent. HHS shall publish an easily searchable list of all biologics that have received market approval or for which an application for approval has been filed. The list shall contain information including (1) the official and proprietary name of the product, (2) the patents the license holder has listed under this bill, (3) whether various market exclusivity periods apply to the product, and (4) information about whether the product is interchangeable with another biologic product.
  • Biological Implant Tracking and Veteran Safety Act of 2019

    HR #547 | Last Action: 1/15/2019
    Biological Implant Tracking and Veteran Safety Act of 2019 This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to adopt and implement a device identification system for use in identifying biological implants intended for use in medical procedures conducted in VA facilities. The VA may adopt the system developed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or may develop its own comparable system. Additionally, the VA shall implement a compatible system for tracking the biological implants from human donor or animal source to implantation. The bill requires the VA to implement compatible inventory controls so patients can be notified if they have received a biological implant in a VA facility that is subject to a recall. The bill prescribes requirements for vendors from which the VA may procure biological implants of human and nonhuman origin. Under the bill, the VA shall (1) procure such implants under General Services Administration Federal Supply Schedules unless they are not available under such schedules, (2) accommodate reasonable vendor requests to undertake specified outreach efforts to educate VA medical professionals about the use and efficacy of implants, and (3) procure biological implants that are unavailable under such schedules using competitive procedures in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation. In procuring biological implants, the VA must permit a vendor to use any of the accredited entities identified by the FDA as an issuing agency. Certain biological implants may be temporarily procured by the VA without relabeling under the standard identification system.
  • Effective Prosecution of Possession of Biological Toxins and Agents Act of 2019

    S #744 | Last Action: 5/16/2019
    Effective Prosecution of Possession of Biological Toxins and Agents Act of 2019 This bill revises the criminal prohibition on the shipment, transport, possession, or receipt of a biological agent or toxin by a restricted person. Specifically, it updates references to the lists of agents and toxins covered by the prohibition.
  • Effective Prosecution of Possession of Biological Toxins and Agents Act of 2019

    HR #1986 | Last Action: 3/28/2019
    Effective Prosecution of Possession of Biological Toxins and Agents Act of 2019 This bill revises the criminal prohibition on the shipment, transport, possession, or receipt of a biological agent or toxin by a restricted person. Specifically, it updates references to the lists of agents and toxins covered by the prohibition.
  • Science and Transparency Over Politics Act

    S #4638 | Last Action: 9/22/2020
    Science and Transparency Over Politics Act This bill directs the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee to appoint a task force to investigate political interference with decisions made by scientific agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services during the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) emergency, such as pressure placed on the Food and Drug Administration to reach a certain outcome related to a drug or device to treat or prevent COVID-19. This committee, which is made up of inspectors general of certain federal agencies, conducts and supports oversight of the federal government's COVID-19 response efforts.
  • A resolution designating February 12, 2020, as "Darwin Day" and recognizing the importance of science to the betterment of humanity.

    SRES #495 | Last Action: 2/11/2020
    This resolution designates February 12, 2020, as Darwin Day. Also, the resolution recognizes the importance of science to the bettering of humanity. Finally, the resolution recognizes Charles Darwin as a worthy symbol for celebrating science, the achievements of reason, and the advancement of human knowledge.
  • Expressing support for the designation of February 12, 2020, as "Darwin Day" and recognizing the importance of science to the betterment of humanity.

    HRES #847 | Last Action: 2/11/2020
    This resolution supports the designation of Darwin Day. Also, the resolution recognizes the importance of science to the bettering of humanity. Finally, the resolution recognizes Charles Darwin as a worthy symbol for celebrating science, the achievements of reason, and the advancement of human knowledge.
  • Securing American Science and Technology Act of 2019

    HR #3038 | Last Action: 5/30/2019
    Securing American Science and Technology Act of 2019 This bill establishes a working group and a roundtable related to the security of science and technology. The bill directs the National Science and Technology Council to establish an interagency working group to coordinate activities to protect federally funded research and development from foreign interference, cyberattacks, theft, or espionage and to identify and track threats. The National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to create a new National Science, Technology, and Security Roundtable.
  • Sanctity of Human Life Act

    HR #305 | Last Action: 1/8/2019
    Sanctity of Human Life Act This bill declares that (1) the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution is vested in each human and is a person's most fundamental right; (2) each human life begins with fertilization, cloning, or its equivalent, at which time every human has all the legal and constitutional attributes and privileges of personhood; and (3) Congress, each state, the District of Columbia, and each U.S. territory have the authority to protect all human lives.
  • Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act

    S #2384 | Last Action: 7/31/2019
    Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior to establish a botanical science research program, hire botanical scientists, and establish a student loan repayment program for botanical scientists. The bill also (1) requires certain federal agencies and states to establish a preference for using locally adapted native plant materials in various federally funded projects and activities, (2) authorizes federal agencies to carry out specified activities related to native plant materials, and (3) establishes a grant program for projects to prevent rare plants species from becoming endangered species and encourage the recovery of endangered plant species.
  • Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act

    S #446 | Last Action: 2/12/2019
    Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act This bill authorizes the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct monitoring, scientific assessments, and research in support of fisheries within the Great Lakes Basin between the United States and Canada. The USGS shall (1) execute a comprehensive, multi-lake, freshwater fisheries science program; (2) work cooperatively with regional, state, tribal, and local governments; and (3) consult with interested groups, including academia and Canadian agencies. The USGS may provide * deepwater ecosystem research, * fish behavior and habitat reports, * fish population assessments, * invasive species research, * use of biological equipment and laboratory capabilities necessary to support fishery management decisions, and * studies that assess impacts on Great Lakes fishery resources.
  • Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act

    HR #1572 | Last Action: 3/28/2019
    Botanical Sciences and Native Plant Materials Research, Restoration, and Promotion Act This bill directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and other appropriate entities to support a program of intramural and extramural botanical science research to support the land management responsibilities of the Department of the Interior. Interior may hire additional personnel to augment its expertise in the botanical sciences. Interior's land management agencies and the Forest Service shall give preference to using locally adapted native plant materials when undertaking land management activities on lands under their respective jurisdictions. Specified federal agencies shall collaborate regarding land use responsibility when undertaking specified activities, including the development of genetically appropriate seed, related to native plant materials. The bill authorizes the BLM to undertake specified activities for the development and use of native plant materials, including the protection of rare plants on public lands. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation shall ensure that a program of activities which is focused on conservation and protection of native plants is incorporated into its existing programs and activities.
  • Social Sciences Protect Our Nation Act

    HR #7106 | Last Action: 6/4/2020
    Social Sciences Protect Our Nation Act This bill directs the Department of Defense to maintain a defense-wide basic research program with an emphasis on diverse social sciences.
  • Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019

    S #1067 | Last Action: 4/8/2019
    Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019 This bill addresses sexual harassment in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by supporting sexual harassment research and efforts to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or their consortia) to * expand research into sexual harassment in the STEM workforce, including students and trainees; and * examine interventions for reducing the incidence and negative consequences of such harassment. The NSF must convene a working group composed of representatives of federal statistical agencies to develop questions on sexual harassment in STEM departments in order to gather national data on the prevalence, nature, and implications of such harassment in institutions of higher education. The NSF shall enter into agreements with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to (1) update a responsible conduct guide issued by the National Academies, and (2) study the influence of sexual harassment in institutions of higher education on the career advancement of individuals in the STEM workforce. The National Science and Technology Council shall establish an interagency working group to coordinate the federal science agencies' efforts to reduce the prevalence of sexual harassment involving grant personnel. The Office of Science and Technology Policy must develop a uniform set of policy guidelines for such agencies to prevent and respond to reports of sexual harassment.
  • Expressing support for designation of February 12, 2019, as "Darwin Day" and recognizing the importance of science in the betterment of humanity.

    HRES #123 | Last Action: 2/11/2019
    This resolution supports the designation of Darwin Day. The resolution recognizes Charles Darwin as a worthy symbol on which to celebrate the achievements of reason, science, and the advancement of human knowledge.
  • Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019

    HR #36 | Last Action: 7/23/2019
    Combating Sexual Harassment in Science Act of 2019 This bill addresses sexual harassment and gender harassment in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by supporting research regarding such harassment and efforts to prevent and respond to such harassment. This bill directs the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award grants to institutions of higher education or nonprofit organizations (or their consortia) to * expand research into sexual harassment and gender harassment in the STEM workforce, including students and trainees; and * examine interventions for reducing the incidence and negative consequences of such harassment. The NSF must convene a working group composed of representatives of federal statistical agencies to develop questions on sexual harassment and gender harassment in STEM departments in order to gather national data on the prevalence, nature, and implications of such harassment in institutions of higher education. The NSF shall enter into agreements with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to (1) update a responsible conduct guide issued by the National Academies to include, among other things, updated professional standards of conduct in research and evidence-based practices for fostering a climate that is intolerant of sexual harassment and gender harassment; and (2) study the influence of such harassment in institutions of higher education on the career advancement of individuals in the STEM workforce. The National Science and Technology Council shall establish an interagency working group to coordinate the federal science agencies' efforts to reduce the prevalence of sexual harassment and gender harassment involving grant personnel. The Office of Science and Technology Policy must develop a uniform set of policy guidelines for such agencies to prevent and respond to reports of sexual harassment and gender harassment.
  • A resolution expressing support for the designation of February 12, 2019, as "Darwin Day" and recognizing the importance of science in the betterment of humanity.

    SRES #63 | Last Action: 2/11/2019
    This resolution supports the designation of Darwin Day. Also, the resolution recognizes Charles Darwin as a worthy symbol on which to celebrate the achievements of reason, science, and the advancement of human knowledge.
  • Creating Opportunity And Sustainability Through Science Act

    HR #3919 | Last Action: 7/23/2019
    Creating Opportunity And Sustainability Through Science Act or theCOASTS Act This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to implement a competitive grant program focused on interdisciplinary coastal resilience and sustainability and a grant program for (1) activities that strengthen coastal communities, and (2) restoration of coastal habitats to provide vital habitat for fish and strengthen the resilience of coastal ecosystems.
  • Computer Science for All Act of 2019

    HR #1485 | Last Action: 3/4/2019
    Computer Science for All Act of 2019 This bill establishes a program through which the Department of Education (ED) shall award grants to states, local educational agencies, and eligible tribal schools to serve as models for national replication of computer education expansion efforts. A grant recipient shall use the grant funds to * train teachers to teach computer science; * expand access to high-quality learning materials and online learning options; * create plans for expanding overall access to science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) classes; * utilize computer science as a catalyst for increased interest in STEAM more broadly; * reduce course equity gaps for all students; and * ensure additional support and resources. A grantee may also use grant funds to * build effective regional collaborations, * recruit and hire instructional personnel, * prepare for effectively sustaining project activities after the grant period ends, and * disseminate information about effective practices. At least semiannually, a grantee must report to ED on specified data related to the number of students served through program activities.
  • Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act of 2019

    HR #1023 | Last Action: 2/6/2019
    Great Lakes Fishery Research Authorization Act of 2019 This bill authorizes the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct monitoring, scientific assessments, and research in support of fisheries within the Great Lakes Basin between the United States and Canada. The USGS shall (1) execute a comprehensive, multi-lake, freshwater fisheries science program; (2) work cooperatively with regional, state, tribal, and local governments; and (3) consult with interested groups, including academia and Canadian agencies. The USGS may provide * deepwater ecosystem research, * fish behavior and habitat reports, * fish population assessments, * invasive species research, * use of biological equipment and laboratory capabilities necessary to support fishery management decisions, and * studies that assess impacts on Great Lakes fishery resources.
  • Life-Sustaining Prescription Drug Price Relief Act of 2019

    HR #5039 | Last Action: 11/12/2019
    Life-Sustaining Prescription Drug Price Relief Act of 2019 This bill establishes a series of oversight and disclosure requirements relating to the prices of life-sustaining prescription drugs. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review at least annually all life-sustaining drugs for excessive pricing; HHS must also review prices upon petition. HHS must create a public database with its determinations for each drug and report its overall findings and related activities. Under the bill, a price is considered excessive if the domestic average manufacturing price exceeds 110% of the average price for the drug in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Japan. If a price does not meet this criteria, or if pricing information is unavailable in at least three of the aforementioned countries, the price is still considered excessive if it is higher than reasonable in light of specified factors, including cost, revenue, and the size of the affected patient population. The bill also requires drug manufacturers, subject to civil penalties, to (1) report specified financial information for life-sustaining drugs, including research and advertising expenditures; and (2) negotiate the prices of excessively priced life-sustaining drugs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit with HHS.
  • Clean Water for All Act

    HR #6745 | Last Action: 5/8/2020
    Clean Water for All Act This bill nullifies the 2020 rule titledThe Navigable Waters Protection Rule: Definition of "Waters of the United States,"which describes the bodies of water that fall under federal jurisdiction and the scope of the Clean Water Act. The 2020 rule replaces the 2015 Clean Water Rule, which includes a broader definition ofwaters of the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers must promulgate a regulation definingwaters of the United Statesunder the Clean Water Act. The EPA and the Corps must ensure that such definition includes categories of water bodies that affect the physical, chemical, or biological integrity of traditionally navigable and interstate waters, based on the best available scientific evidence. In addition, the EPA and the Corps must ensure that implementation of the Clean Water Act using such definition will prevent any degradation of surface water quality, increased contaminant levels in drinking water sources, increased flooding-related risks to human life or property, or disproportionate adverse impacts on minority or low-income populations.