Sen. Chuck Grassley

Stop Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2021 This bill makes the misappropriation of trade secrets a ground for deporting or barring an alien from entry into the United States. Specifically, an alien may be denied entry into the United States if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the alien has violated, is violating, or is seeking entry to violate any U.S. law relating to the misappropriation of trade secrets or economic espionage. Similarly, an alien may be deported if the alien has violated, is violating, or after admission into the United States violates any U.S. law relating to the misappropriation of trade secrets or economic espionage.

This bill requires educational institutions that participate in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to report certain information regarding that institution's dealings with China's government. Specifically, when an institution petitions for certification or recertification with the program, its petition must include (1) the final copies of any documentation of financial transactions between the institution (or any affiliated groups or entities) and an entity funded by China's government, and (2) a detailed description of any financial contribution from China's government to any student or faculty groups affiliated with the institution. An institution that fails to provide such information shall lose its approval (or be denied approval) under the program, and visas for students attending the institution under the program shall be revoked or denied. Furthermore, the program shall conduct an out-of-cycle review of such an institution.

Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act This bill provides for Medicare coverage and payment with respect to certain pharmacist services that (1) are furnished by a pharmacist in a health-professional shortage area, and (2) would otherwise be covered under Medicare if furnished by a physician.

Lymphedema Treatment Act This bill provides for Medicare coverage of lymphedema compression treatment items. Specifically, the bill provides for coverage of (1) standard and custom fitted gradient compression garments that are prescribed by a physician or other specified health care professional to treat lymphedema, and (2) other devices determined to be effective in the prevention or treatment of lymphedema.

Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2021 This bill expands tax incentives and federal assistance for employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) that are sponsored by S corporations. The bill extends to all domestic corporations, including S corporations, provisions allowing deferral of tax on gain from the sale of employer securities to an ESOP. The Department of the Treasury must establish the S Corporation Employee Ownership Assistance Office to foster increased employee ownership of S corporations. The bill defines an ESOP business concern and allows such a concern to continue to qualify as a small business for the purposes of programs under the Small Business Act. An ESOP business concern is a business concern that was a small business concern eligible for a loan, preference, or other program under the Small Business Act before more than 49% of the business concern was acquired by an ESOP.

This resolution recognizes the Senate's observation of Countering International Parental Child Abduction Month in April 2021. It also urges the United States to lead in raising awareness about the devastating impact of international child abduction.

This resolution extends condolences to the family and friends of former Vice President Walter Mondale. The resolution acknowledges Mondale's lifetime service to the United States, including as a U.S. Senator and as the first presidential candidate from a major party to select a woman, Geraldine Ferraro, as his running mate.

Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2021 This bill establishes transparency and public accountability standards for federal agencies with respect to (1) certain civil actions seeking to compel agency action, and (2) related consent decrees and settlement agreements. For example, an agency must publish a complaint filed against it within 15 days. Additionally, settlement proceedings must be conducted through mediation or an alternative dispute resolution program of the court, and those proceedings must include intervening parties. The bill also creates a presumption in favor of a motion to intervene in settlement proceedings. Further, at least 60 days prior to entering a consent decree or settlement agreement, an agency must publish, and accept and respond to public comment on, the proposed agreement or decree. An agency also must provide the court with the administrative record, a summary of the public comments, and access to the record of any public hearings on the proposed decree or agreement. The Department of Justice, or the agency litigating a matter independently, must certify to the court its approval of certain terms included in an agreement or decree, including terms that convert a discretionary authority into a nondiscretionary duty. A court may not approve a consent decree or settlement agreement unless the agency has sufficient time and procedures to comply with federal administrative procedures, other rulemaking statutes, and applicable executive orders. Finally, courts must review a consent decree or settlement if an agency files a motion to modify the decree or agreement on the basis of changed facts or circumstances.

Temporary Extension of Fentanyl Scheduling Act of 2021 This bill extends until July 6, 2022, the temporary scheduling order issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration to place fentanyl-related substances in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. The temporary order expires on May 6, 2021.

This bill authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to request assistance from any appropriate party with an interest in imported merchandise when determining whether the merchandise is imported in violation of certain trademark and copyright laws. To permit the party to conduct examination and testing, CBP must provide them with specified information that appears on the merchandise, including its packaging and packing materials (including labels).