Protect Equality And Civics Education Act or the PEACE Act This bill prohibits the use of FY2021 funding made available for the American History and Civics Education program to fund a curriculum, teaching, or counseling that promotes a divisive concept under the priorities noticed in the Department of Education's proposed rule titled Proposed Priorities-American History and Civics Education , published on April 19, 2021.
Return Act This bill directs each federal agency to require the level of telework of employees to return to the level of telework in place on February 14, 2020. The General Services Administration must submit to Congress a report that includes a description of how, during the period beginning on February 14, 2020, and ending on the date of this bill's enactment, agency services and response times for individuals in the United States who benefit from services of agencies were affected by the increased level of telework and the limited access to physical mail, data servers, and voice mail at agencies.
No Mask Mandates Act of 2021 This bill nullifies existing federal mask mandates and prohibits future actions to require individuals to wear face masks to respond to COVID-19. Specifically, the bill nullifies the executive order issued on January 20, 2021, that requires the use of face masks in federal buildings and on federal lands; and the emergency order issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on January 29, 2021, that requires the use of face masks on public transportation conveyances and in transportation hubs. In addition, the bill prohibits (1) federal agencies or offices from issuing any future orders that mandate face masks, and (2) the use of previously appropriated federal funds to implement or enforce masking requirements.
No Vaccine Mandates Act of 2021 This bill creates a federal statutory framework to govern restrictions and requirements related to vaccinations. Specifically, the bill prohibits (1) requiring individuals to receive a vaccination that has only received emergency use authorization or received emergency use authorization prior to full approval, or (2) administering such a vaccine to a minor or other individual who lacks the capacity to consent without the consent of a parent or guardian. Additionally, the bill requires a medical provider who administers a COVID-19 vaccination to provide a potential recipient with certain information about the risks associated with the vaccine so the potential recipient can make an informed decision. The bill authorizes civil actions for damages.
Bringing Enhanced Treatments and Therapies to ESRD Recipients Kidney Care Act or the BETTER Kidney Care Act This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to establish a demonstration program for Medicare beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Under the program, renal dialysis facilities, kidney disease specialists, physician practices, and other health care practitioners may form an organization that partners with certain health care entities to provide integrated care to beneficiaries with ESRD. Such care must include all covered Medicare benefits as well as transition services for transplantations, palliative care, and hospice. Each organization must have a minimum number or percentage of participating beneficiaries (350 or 60% of beneficiaries served at the organization's facilities) and must also comply with certain fiscal, governance, and quality of care requirements. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office must study certain data that is reported to the CMS regarding pediatric dialysis care, as well as the effects of race-based corrections to a specified kidney function test on referrals of ESRD patients for transplant evaluations.
Harlem Hellfighters Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill provides for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to the 369th Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Harlem Hellfighters, in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service during World War I.
Greater Insight into Foreign Transactions in Higher Education Act of 2021 or the GIFTs in Higher Education Act This bill revises certain disclosure requirements for institutions of higher education (IHEs). Under current law, an IHE must disclose to the Department of Education (ED) a gift or contract from a foreign source that is valued at $250,000 or more, considered alone or in combination with all other gifts from or contracts with that foreign source. This bill extends the disclosure requirement to include faculty, professional staff, and all staff engaged in research and development at the IHE. Further, an IHE (including faculty and staff) must disclose to ED a gift or contract from a designated foreign adversary source that is valued at $50,000 or more, considered alone or in combination with all other gifts from or contracts with that foreign adversary source within a calendar year. The IHE must, within 30 days of receipt of the gift or contract, file a disclosure report with ED. ED must, within 30 days of submission, publish online these disclosure reports. Next, the bill requires each federal agency to ensure that no federal funds are distributed to an IHE that knowingly or willfully violates these disclosure requirements. The bill also prohibits an IHE that knowingly or willfully violates these disclosure requirements from receiving federal education funds, with an exception for federal student-aid program funding.
Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act This bill allows a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to fulfill documentation requirements for coverage, under Medicare, of special shoes for diabetic individuals. Under current law, such requirements may be satisfied only by a physician.
Airport Classification Retention Act This bill maintains through FY2023 the classification of any airport that was classified for FY2021 as a nonhub primary airport for purposes of apportioning funds for airport planning and noise compatibility programs.
Alexander Lofgren Veterans in Parks (VIP) Act This bill makes the America the Beautiful-National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available, without charge, to members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and Gold Star Families. The pass covers the entrance fee and standard amenity recreation fee for all federal recreational lands and waters.
This bill requires the President to report to Congress on the national security risks associated with any plans by China's government to create an official digital currency.
Restore Public Health Institution Trust Act of 2021 This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on public health messaging and other recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report must specifically address (1) the data used to make recommendations, (2) the effect of inconsistent messaging on the public's trust in the CDC and willingness to follow its vaccine and other COVID-19 guidance, and (3) the degree to which outside entities influenced CDC recommendations.
