autograders/mongodb/source/bills.json

[
   {
      "bill_id": "hr2739-113",
      "bill_type": "hr",
      "number": "H.R.2739",
      "bill_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/113/bills/hr2739.json",
      "title": "Efficient Use of Government Spectrum Act of 2013",
      "sponsor_title": "Rep.",
      "sponsor_id": "M001163",
      "sponsor_name": "Doris Matsui",
      "sponsor_state": "CA",
      "sponsor_party": "D",
      "sponsor_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/members/M001163.json",
      "gpo_pdf_uri": "http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr2739ih/pdf/BILLS-113hr2739ih.pdf",
      "congressdotgov_url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/2739",
      "govtrack_url": "https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr2739",
      "introduced_date": "2013-07-18",
      "active": false,
      "house_passage": null,
      "senate_passage": null,
      "enacted": null,
      "vetoed": null,
      "cosponsors": 4,
      "committees": "House Armed Services Committee",
      "committee_codes": [
         "HSAS",
         "HSIF"
      ],
      "subcommittee_codes": [
         "HSAS26",
         "HSIF16"
      ],
      "primary_subject": "Science, Technology, Communications",
      "summary": "Efficient Use of Government Spectrum Act of 2013 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), within three years after enactment of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, to: (1) reallocate electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 1755 to 1780 megahertz (currently, such frequencies are occupied by the Department of Defense [DOD] and other federal agencies); and (2) as part of the competitive bidding auctions required by such Act, grant new initial licenses, subject to flexible-use service rules, for the use of such spectrum, paired with the spectrum between frequencies from 2155 to 2180 megahertz already designated for auction. Directs the proceeds attributable to the competitive bidding of the 1755 to 1780 megahertz range to be allocated in the same manner as other specified frequencies pursuant to such Act for uses including reimbursements to agencies for relocation and sharing costs, the building of the nationwide public safety broadband network, and deposits or reimbursements to the U.S. Treasury.  Requires such spectrum to be relocated in a manner to ensure cooperation between federal and commercial entities under procedures in the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act, except for DOD-operated spectrum, which shall be relocated under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. Directs federal entities operating a federal government station, within a specified period before commencement of competitive bidding, to identify stations that cannot be relocated without jeopardizing essential military capability. Requires the transition plans of federal entities identifying such essential spectrum to: (1) provide for non-federal users to share such stations, and (2) limit any necessary exclusion zones to the smallest possible zones.  Directs the President to withdraw assignments upon relocation or to modify assignments to permit federal and non-federal use.",
      "summary_short": "Efficient Use of Government Spectrum Act of 2013 - Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), within three years after enactment of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, to: (1) reallocate electromagnetic spectrum between the frequencies from 1755 to 1780 megahertz (currently, such frequencies are occupied by the Department of Defense [DOD] and other federal agencies); and (2) as part of the competitive bidding auctions required by such Act, grant new initial lic...",
      "latest_major_action_date": "2013-08-29",
      "latest_major_action": "Referred to the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats & Capabilities."
   },
   {
      "bill_id": "hr3355-113",
      "bill_type": "hr",
      "number": "H.R.3355",
      "bill_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/113/bills/hr3355.json",
      "title": "Reducing Employer Burdens, Unleashing Innovation, and Labor Development Act of 2013",
      "sponsor_title": "Rep.",
      "sponsor_id": "G000558",
      "sponsor_name": "Brett Guthrie",
      "sponsor_state": "KY",
      "sponsor_party": "R",
      "sponsor_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/members/G000558.json",
      "gpo_pdf_uri": "http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr3355ih/pdf/BILLS-113hr3355ih.pdf",
      "congressdotgov_url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/3355",
      "govtrack_url": "https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr3355",
      "introduced_date": "2013-10-28",
      "active": false,
      "house_passage": null,
      "senate_passage": null,
      "enacted": null,
      "vetoed": null,
      "cosponsors": 0,
      "committees": "House Armed Services Committee",
      "committee_codes": [
         "HSFA",
         "HSSY",
         "HSAP",
         "HSRU",
         "HSJU",
         "HSHA",
         "HSII",
         "HSED",
         "HSAS",
         "HSWM",
         "HSIF"
      ],
      "subcommittee_codes": [
         "HSAS26",
         "HSED02",
         "HSED13",
         "HSJU05",
         "HSSY20",
         "HSIF14",
         "HSII24",
         "HSII06"
      ],
      "primary_subject": "Economics and Public Finance",
      "summary": "Reducing Employer Burdens, Unleashing Innovation, and Labor Development Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that increasing the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers will strengthen the national economy. Title I: Investing in America's Workforce - Investing in America's Workforce Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require state or local workforce investment systems to use youth activities funds allocated to a local area for programs that provide training, which may include priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials aligned with in-demand occupations or industries in the local area involved.  Authorizes the operator and employees of a one-stop center, in assisting individuals in selecting programs of training services, to give priority consideration to such programs.  Adds to eligibility requirements for providers of training services and providers of youth activities for such programs. Requires programs of training services and youth activities programs that lead to a recognized postsecondary credential to meet quality criteria established by the state governor.  Amends the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 and the Trade Act of 1974 to require the same priority consideration in the state and local plans for career and technical education programs as well as in tech prep programs and trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs. Title II: Research and Development Tax Credits - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2014 the tax credit for increasing research activities, and (2) increase and make permanent the alternative simplified research tax credit.  Title III: Comprehensive Tax Reform - Directs the Chair of the Joint Committee on Taxation to notify Congress of any introduced tax reform bill that contains proposals for: (1) a transition to a more globally competitive corporate tax code, (2) a reduction in the complexity of the tax code, and (3) the elimination of special interest loopholes in the tax code. Sets forth procedures for expedited congressional consideration of such bill. Title IV: Federal Oil and Gas Resources - Subtitle A: Expanding Offshore Energy Development - Amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) regarding the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and natural gas leasing program to direct the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary in this title) to make lands available for leasing and to conduct lease sales that include: (1) at least 50% of the available unleased acreage within each OCS planning area considered to have the largest undiscovered, technically recoverable oil and gas resources, with an emphasis upon offering the most geologically prospective parts; and (2) any state subdivision of an OCS planning area whose state governor requests that the land be made available for leasing.  Directs the Secretary to make available for leasing in each five-year oil and gas leasing program, OCS planning areas that are estimated to contain more than 2.5 billion barrels of oil or more than 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Directs the Secretary, when determining such planning areas, to use the document entitled "Minerals Management Service Assessment of Undiscovered Technically Recoverable Oil and Gas Resources of the Nation's Outer Continental Shelf, 2006." Requires the Secretary, when developing a five-year oil and gas leasing program that applies before 2027, to determine increased domestic strategic production goals. Subtitle B: Coastal Plain of Alaska - American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act - Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a competitive oil and gas leasing program that will result in an environmentally sound program for the exploration, development, and production of the oil and gas resources of the Coastal Plain; and (2) ensure the oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities on the Coastal Plain will result in no significant adverse effect on fish and wildlife, their habitat, subsistence 
      "summary_short": "Reducing Employer Burdens, Unleashing Innovation, and Labor Development Act of 2013 - Expresses the sense of Congress that increasing the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers will strengthen the national economy. Title I: Investing in America's Workforce - Investing in America's Workforce Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to require state or local workforce investment systems to use youth activities funds allocated to a local area for programs that provide training, which may...",
      "latest_major_action_date": "2014-01-24",
      "latest_major_action": "Referred to the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Emerging Threats & Capabilities."
   },
   {
      "bill_id": "s2473-113",
      "bill_type": "s",
      "number": "S.2473",
      "bill_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/113/bills/s2473.json",
      "title": "Wireless Innovation Act of 2014",
      "sponsor_title": "Sen.",
      "sponsor_id": "R000595",
      "sponsor_name": "Marco Rubio",
      "sponsor_state": "FL",
      "sponsor_party": "R",
      "sponsor_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/members/R000595.json",
      "gpo_pdf_uri": "http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113s2473is/pdf/BILLS-113s2473is.pdf",
      "congressdotgov_url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/2473",
      "govtrack_url": "https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s2473",
      "introduced_date": "2014-06-12",
      "active": false,
      "house_passage": null,
      "senate_passage": null,
      "enacted": null,
      "vetoed": null,
      "cosponsors": 0,
      "committees": "Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee",
      "committee_codes": [
         "SSCM"
      ],
      "subcommittee_codes": [],
      "primary_subject": "Science, Technology, Communications",
      "summary": "Wireless Innovation Act of 2014 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the Secretary of Commerce to report to the President and Congress with recommendations to reallocate a span of at least 200 megahertz of spectrum, located below 5 gigahertz, from federal government use to: (1) commercial use on an exclusive, licensed basis; (2) unlicensed use to protect licensed services from harmful interference; and (3) shared use between federal government stations and non-federal stations.   Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin auctioning specified amounts of such spectrum beginning not later than December 31, 2018, and to continue such auctions at 18-month intervals according to a staggered schedule.  Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to use a percentage of the proceeds from the first auction to pay federal entities to: (1) conduct feasibility analyses regarding the potential future reallocation of additional spectrum from federal use to exclusive non-federal use or shared use; and (2) develop efficiency guidelines to increase the flexibility of federal spectrum-dependent systems through multiple-band tuning capabilities, the use of commercial systems, and public-private partnerships.  Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a presumption under which an application to the FCC for the transfer of a construction permit or station license is deemed to be in the public interest, convenient, and necessary, unless the FCC acts to deny the application, if the application does not: (1) involve a broadcast, common carrier, aeronautical en route, or aeronautical fixed radio station license that is prohibited from being granted to or held by an alien or foreign corporation; (2) require a premerger notification and waiting period under the Clayton Act; and (3) concern a merger, acquisition, or takeover subject to review under the Defense Production Act of 1950.  Requires applications qualifying for such presumption to be granted within 90 days after the FCC issues a public notice of the application.  Directs federal agencies seeking a new or modified frequency assignment for a mobile or other radio service to submit to the Secretary and the OMB a report analyzing whether the federal agency could instead use commercial services, use an existing or already planned federal service, share with another federal agency, use unlicensed spectrum, or lease from commercial providers.  Directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the OMB to incorporate spectrum efficiency guidelines into budget and procurement processes. Requires NTIA to develop a framework for determining the annual economic opportunity cost of each specific federal spectrum band allocated for federal entities, with the value determined as if such spectrum were to be reallocated on a licensed basis to the highest commercial alternative use that currently does not have access to that spectrum.  Requires federal entities assigned or allocated use of federal spectrum to: (1) report the opportunity cost of spectrum bands in budgets and annual financial statements; and (2) compare, every five years, the entity's spectrum opportunity cost to the projected costs of relocating, co-locating, leasing, or contracting out for spectrum activities.",
      "summary_short": "Wireless Innovation Act of 2014 - Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the Secretary of Commerce to report to the President and Congress with recommendations to reallocate a span of at least 200 megahertz of spectrum, located below 5 gigahertz, from federal government use to: (1) commercial use on an exclusive, licensed basis; (2) unlicensed use to protect licensed services from harmful interference; and (3) shared use between feder...",
      "latest_major_action_date": "2014-06-12",
      "latest_major_action": "Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation."
   },
   {
      "bill_id": "s2278-114",
      "bill_type": "s",
      "number": "S.2278",
      "bill_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/114/bills/s2278.json",
      "title": "Promoting Unlicensed Spectrum Act of 2015",
      "sponsor_title": "Sen.",
      "sponsor_id": "S001194",
      "sponsor_name": "Brian Schatz",
      "sponsor_state": "HI",
      "sponsor_party": "D",
      "sponsor_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/members/S001194.json",
      "gpo_pdf_uri": "http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114s2278is/pdf/BILLS-114s2278is.pdf",
      "congressdotgov_url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2278",
      "govtrack_url": "https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/s2278",
      "introduced_date": "2015-11-10",
      "active": false,
      "house_passage": null,
      "senate_passage": null,
      "enacted": null,
      "vetoed": null,
      "cosponsors": 0,
      "committees": "Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee",
      "committee_codes": [
         "SSCM"
      ],
      "subcommittee_codes": [],
      "primary_subject": "Science, Technology, Communications",
      "summary": "Promoting Unlicensed Spectrum Act of 2015  This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that spectrum allocation and assignment produces a balance between radio frequency bands available for: (1) exclusive licensing through an auction, and (2) unlicensed operations on a nonexclusive basis without the expectation of protection from interference.  The FCC must consider whether to adopt rules that permit unlicensed operations in spectrum assigned by auction until the licensee brings the spectrum into use by initiating commercial service.  The bill declares that it is the policy of the United States to:   maximize the utility of the spectrum resources of the United States, advance innovation and investment in wireless broadband services, and  promote a balanced spectrum policy that makes adequate spectrum resources available for both licensed and unlicensed technologies.  The FCC must consult with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a national strategy for making additional radio frequency bands available for unlicensed operations. The strategy must: (1) identify proposed radio frequency bands to be cleared of incumbent users; (2) ensure that consumers have access to additional low-, mid-, and high-band frequencies for unlicensed operations; and (3) consider rules and other ways to promote spectrum sharing and improve spectrum utilization. The NTIA, in conjunction with the FCC and the Office of Management and Budget, must submit to Congress a report on the steps necessary to designate additional radio frequency bands used by federal entities for unlicensed operations without causing harmful interference to government operations. The report must consider the impact on homeland security or national security communications and include recommendations to ensure the solvency of the Spectrum Relocation Fund. ",
      "summary_short": "Promoting Unlicensed Spectrum Act of 2015  This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that spectrum allocation and assignment produces a balance between radio frequency bands available for: (1) exclusive licensing through an auction, and (2) unlicensed operations on a nonexclusive basis without the expectation of protection from interference.  The FCC must consider whether to adopt rules that permit unlicensed operations in spectrum assigned by auction until the ...",
      "latest_major_action_date": "2015-11-10",
      "latest_major_action": "Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation."
   },
   {
      "bill_id": "s1618-114",
      "bill_type": "s",
      "number": "S.1618",
      "bill_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/114/bills/s1618.json",
      "title": "Wireless Innovation Act of 2015",
      "sponsor_title": "Sen.",
      "sponsor_id": "R000595",
      "sponsor_name": "Marco Rubio",
      "sponsor_state": "FL",
      "sponsor_party": "R",
      "sponsor_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/members/R000595.json",
      "gpo_pdf_uri": "http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114s1618is/pdf/BILLS-114s1618is.pdf",
      "congressdotgov_url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/1618",
      "govtrack_url": "https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/s1618",
      "introduced_date": "2015-06-18",
      "active": false,
      "house_passage": null,
      "senate_passage": null,
      "enacted": null,
      "vetoed": null,
      "cosponsors": 5,
      "committees": "Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee",
      "committee_codes": [
         "SSCM"
      ],
      "subcommittee_codes": [],
      "primary_subject": "Science, Technology, Communications",
      "summary": "Wireless Innovation Act of 2015 Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the Secretary of Commerce to report to the President and Congress with recommendations to reallocate a span of at least 200 megahertz of spectrum, located below 5 gigahertz, from federal government use to: (1) commercial use on an exclusive, licensed basis; (2) unlicensed use to protect licensed services from harmful interference; and (3) shared use between federal government stations and nonfederal stations.  Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin auctioning specified amounts of such spectrum beginning not later than December 31, 2018, and to continue such auctions at 18-month intervals according to a staggered schedule.  Authorizes the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to use a percentage of the proceeds from the first auction to pay federal entities to: (1) conduct feasibility analyses regarding the potential future reallocation of additional spectrum from federal use to exclusive nonfederal use or shared use; and (2) develop efficiency guidelines to increase the flexibility of federal spectrum-dependent systems through multiple-band tuning capabilities, the use of commercial systems, and public-private partnerships.  Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a presumption under which an application to the FCC for the transfer of a construction permit or station license is deemed to be in the public interest, convenient, and necessary, unless the FCC acts to deny the application, if the application does not: (1) involve a broadcast, common carrier, aeronautical en route, or aeronautical fixed radio station license that is prohibited from being granted to or held by an alien or foreign corporation; (2) require a premerger notification and waiting period under the Clayton Act; and (3) concern a merger, acquisition, or takeover subject to review under the Defense Production Act of 1950.  Requires applications qualifying for such presumption to be granted within 90 days after the FCC issues a public notice of the application.  Directs federal agencies seeking a new or modified frequency assignment for a mobile or other radio service to submit to the Secretary and the OMB a report analyzing whether the federal agency could instead use commercial services, use an existing or already planned federal service, share with another federal agency, use unlicensed spectrum, or lease from commercial providers.  Directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the OMB to incorporate spectrum efficiency guidelines into budget and procurement processes. Requires the NTIA to develop a framework for determining the annual economic opportunity cost of each specific federal spectrum band allocated for federal entities, with the value determined as if such spectrum were to be reallocated on a licensed basis to the highest commercial alternative use that currently does not have access to that spectrum.  Requires federal entities assigned or allocated use of federal spectrum to: (1) report the opportunity cost of spectrum bands in budgets and annual financial statements; and (2) compare, every five years, the entity's spectrum opportunity cost to the projected costs of relocating, co-locating, leasing, or contracting out for spectrum activities. Revises federal easement and right-of-way procedures to allow an executive agency, a state, a person, a firm, or an organization to apply for the grant of a real property interest (including a lease, license, easement, or right-of-way) to, in, over, or on a building or other property owned by the federal government for the right to install, construct, modify, and maintain a communications facility installation. Requires the executive agency that owns the building or other property on behalf of the federal government to grant to the applicant, if technically feasible, a real property interest to perform such installation, construction, modification, and maintenance.  Sets forth requir
      "summary_short": "Wireless Innovation Act of 2015 Amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to require the Secretary of Commerce to report to the President and Congress with recommendations to reallocate a span of at least 200 megahertz of spectrum, located below 5 gigahertz, from federal government use to: (1) commercial use on an exclusive, licensed basis; (2) unlicensed use to protect licensed services from harmful interference; and (3) shared use between federal...",
      "latest_major_action_date": "2015-06-18",
      "latest_major_action": "Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation."
   },
   {
      "bill_id": "s2555-114",
      "bill_type": "s",
      "number": "S.2555",
      "bill_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/114/bills/s2555.json",
      "title": "MOBILE NOW Act",
      "sponsor_title": "Sen.",
      "sponsor_id": "T000250",
      "sponsor_name": "John Thune",
      "sponsor_state": "SD",
      "sponsor_party": "R",
      "sponsor_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/members/T000250.json",
      "gpo_pdf_uri": "https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114s2555rs/pdf/BILLS-114s2555rs.pdf",
      "congressdotgov_url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2555",
      "govtrack_url": "https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/s2555",
      "introduced_date": "2016-02-11",
      "active": true,
      "house_passage": null,
      "senate_passage": null,
      "enacted": null,
      "vetoed": null,
      "cosponsors": 1,
      "committees": "Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee",
      "committee_codes": [
         "SSCM"
      ],
      "subcommittee_codes": [],
      "primary_subject": "Science, Technology, Communications",
      "summary": "Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless Act or the MOBILE NOW Act  (Sec. 3) This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), by December 31, 2020, to make available at least 255 megahertz of federal and nonfederal spectrum below the frequency of 6000 megahertz for mobile and fixed wireless broadband use. At least: (1) 100 megahertz shall be made available on an unlicensed basis; and (2) 100 megahertz shall be made available on an exclusive, licensed basis for commercial mobile use, subject to the FCC's regulatory purview, including consideration of continued use of such spectrum by incumbent federal or nonfederal entities in designated geographic areas indefinitely. In making such spectrum available, the Department of Commerce and the FCC must consider: (1) the need to preserve critical existing and planned federal government capabilities; (2) the impact on existing state, local, and tribal government capabilities; (3) international implications; (4) appropriate enforcement mechanisms and authorities; and (5) the importance of the deployment of wireless broadband services in rural areas. (Sec. 4) The NTIA must submit to Congress and the FCC an assessment of the feasibility of authorizing mobile or fixed terrestrial wireless operations, including for advanced mobile service operations, on federal entities and operations in specified frequency bands. The FCC must publish a notice of proposed rulemaking within two years after enactment of this bill, or within 90 days after it receives the NTIA's feasibility assessment, whichever is earlier, to consider service rules authorizing such operations. (Sec. 5) Commerce and the FCC must submit reports evaluating the feasibility of allowing commercial wireless services to share use of specified frequencies between 3100 and 4200 megahertz. If such sharing is feasible, the reports must identify which of the frequencies are most suitable for sharing with commercial wireless services through the assignment of new licenses by competitive bidding, for sharing with unlicensed operations, or through a combination of licensing and unlicensed operations. The FCC must seek public comment regarding these reports.  (Sec. 6) Before 2017, the FCC must take action in its Program Alternatives for Small Wireless Communications Facility Deployments proceeding. (Sec. 7) The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 is amended to require executive agencies, within 270 days after receiving an application, to grant or deny easements, rights-of-way, or leases to, in, over, or on federal property to install, construct, modify, or maintain a communications facility installation. Executive agencies must: (1) notify applicants of the reasons for denials, and (2) designate an agency point of contact for applicants. The bill expands the categories of infrastructure, antennas, wiring, and wireless transmission equipment for which applicants may seek such easements, rights-of-way, or leases. The NTIA must coordinate with the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, Defense, and Transportation (DOT), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the General Services Administration to develop recommendations for tracking and expediting such applications. (Sec. 8) To facilitate installation of broadband infrastructure, DOT must ensure that states receiving federal-aid highway funds: (1) identify a broadband utility coordinator to coordinate the broadband infrastructure right-of-way needs of the state with federal-aid highway projects, (2) register broadband infrastructure entities that seek to be included in those coordination efforts, (3) coordinate statewide telecommunication and broadband plans and state and local transportation and land use plans, (4) provide strategies to minimize repeated excavations, and (5) ensure that any existing broadband infrastructure entities are not disadvantaged. (Sec. 9) The Office of Science a
      "summary_short": "Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless Act or the MOBILE NOW Act  (Sec. 3) This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), by December 31, 2020, to make available at least 255 megahertz of federal and nonfederal spectrum below the frequency of 6000 megahertz for mobile and fixed wireless broadband use. At least: (1) 100 megahertz shall be m...",
      "latest_major_action_date": "2016-12-20",
      "latest_major_action": "By Senator Thune from Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation filed written report under authority of the order of the Senate of 12/10/2016. Report No. 114-427."
   },
   {
      "bill_id": "hr1314-114",
      "bill_type": "hr",
      "number": "H.R.1314",
      "bill_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/114/bills/hr1314.json",
      "title": "Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015",
      "sponsor_title": "Rep.",
      "sponsor_id": "M001181",
      "sponsor_name": "Pat Meehan",
      "sponsor_state": "PA",
      "sponsor_party": "R",
      "sponsor_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/members/M001181.json",
      "gpo_pdf_uri": "https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114hr1314enr/pdf/BILLS-114hr1314enr.pdf",
      "congressdotgov_url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1314",
      "govtrack_url": "https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/hr1314",
      "introduced_date": "2015-03-04",
      "active": true,
      "house_passage": "2015-10-27",
      "senate_passage": "2015-05-21",
      "enacted": "2015-11-01",
      "vetoed": null,
      "cosponsors": 2,
      "committees": "House Ways and Means Committee",
      "committee_codes": [
         "SSFI",
         "HSWM"
      ],
      "subcommittee_codes": [],
      "primary_subject": "Economics and Public Finance",
      "summary": "(This measure has not been amended since the Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate amendment on October 30, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015  TITLE I--BUDGET ENFORCEMENT  (Sec. 101) This bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to increase the discretionary spending limits for FY2016 and FY2017. The bill revises procedures for implementing the sequester of direct spending, which is required under current law and involves cuts that interact with discretionary spending levels. The bill requires the sequester to take place in FY2016 and FY2017 as if the amendments that this bill makes to the discretionary spending limits have not been made. It also adds an additional year to the sequester in FY2025 and adjusts the cuts required for Medicare.  (Direct spending, also known as mandatory spending, is spending provided by laws other than appropriations bills. Sequestration is a process of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to enforce specific budget policy goals.)  The bill requires the discretionary spending limits in FY2016 and FY2017 to be increased by specified amounts for overseas contingency operations.  (Sec. 102) The chairman of the Senate Budget Committee must file for publication in the Congressional Record committee allocations, aggregate spending and revenue levels, and levels of revenues and outlays for Social Security consistent with this bill. The chairman may also include reserve funds contained in the FY2016 budget resolution that are extended by one year.  The bill provides that the allocations, aggregates, and levels submitted by the chairman are enforceable in the Senate as if they were included in a budget resolution conference agreement. The provisions in this section expire if Congress agrees to a budget resolution for FY2017.  TITLE II--AGRICULTURE  (Sec. 201) The bill amends the Federal Crop Insurance Act to require the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to renegotiate the Standard Reinsurance Agreement no later than December 31, 2016, and at least once every five years thereafter.  (The Standard Reinsurance Agreement is an agreement between USDA and the private companies that administer the federal crop insurance program. It specifies details such as administrative and operating expense reimbursements and risk sharing between USDA and the companies in the operation of the program.)  The bill establishes an 8.9% cap on the overall rate of return for insurance providers under the agreement, which is a decrease from the current negotiated rate of approximately 14.5%.  TITLE III--COMMERCE  (Sec. 301) The bill amends the Communications Act of 1934 to authorize the use of automated telephone equipment to call cellular telephones for the purpose of collecting debts owed to the U.S. government. The Federal Communications Commission must issue regulations implementing this section within nine months of enactment of this bill. The regulations may restrict the number and duration of the calls. TITLE IV--STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE  (Sec. 401) The Energy Policy and Conservation Act is amended to revise the requirement that the Department of Energy (DOE) transmit a detailed explanation to Congress regarding a test drawdown and sale or exchange of petroleum products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). DOE shall notify Congress of the test at least 14 days before the date on which it is conducted, unless an emergency requires the test, in which case DOE must notify Congress as soon as possible.  The detailed description of the test DOE is currently required to submit to Congress must be submitted within 180 days after completion of the test.  The term "severe energy supply interruption" shall now include a national energy supply shortage resulting, or is likely to result, from an act of terrorism. (Sec. 402) DOE shall within 180 days after enactment of this Act:    complete a long-range strategic review of the S
      "summary_short": "(This measure has not been amended since the Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate amendment on October 30, 2015. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015  TITLE I--BUDGET ENFORCEMENT  (Sec. 101) This bill amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to increase the discretionary spending limits for FY2016 and FY2017. The bill revises procedures for implementing the sequester of direct spending, which is required under c...",
      "latest_major_action_date": "2015-11-02",
      "latest_major_action": "Became Public Law No: 114-74."
   },
   {
      "bill_id": "s2644-114",
      "bill_type": "s",
      "number": "S.2644",
      "bill_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/114/bills/s2644.json",
      "title": "FCC Reauthorization Act of 2016",
      "sponsor_title": "Sen.",
      "sponsor_id": "T000250",
      "sponsor_name": "John Thune",
      "sponsor_state": "SD",
      "sponsor_party": "R",
      "sponsor_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/members/T000250.json",
      "gpo_pdf_uri": "https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-114s2644is/pdf/BILLS-114s2644is.pdf",
      "congressdotgov_url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2644",
      "govtrack_url": "https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/114/s2644",
      "introduced_date": "2016-03-07",
      "active": true,
      "house_passage": null,
      "senate_passage": null,
      "enacted": null,
      "vetoed": null,
      "cosponsors": 1,
      "committees": "Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee",
      "committee_codes": [
         "SSCM"
      ],
      "subcommittee_codes": [],
      "primary_subject": "Science, Technology, Communications",
      "summary": "FCC Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Sec. 4) This bill reauthorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for FY2017-FY2018. The bill designates amounts for: (1) the FCC's office of inspector general, and (2) the FCC to move to a new facility or reconfigure its existing facility. (Sec. 5) The bill allows a person chosen to fill a commissioner's vacancy on the FCC to continue to serve after the expiration of the fixed term of the commissioner that the person succeeds until a successor has taken office. But the person filling the vacancy may not continue to serve after the session of Congress that begins after the expiration of the fixed term of the commissioner that the person succeeds.  (Sec. 6) The FCC must submit concurrently to Congress a copy of any budget estimates, requests, or legislative recommendations that it submits to the President or the Office of Management and Budget. No U.S. officer or agency may require the FCC to obtain that officer's or agency's approval before the FCC submits legislative recommendations to Congress.  The FCC inspector general must concurrently submit its semiannual reports on the FCC's activities to both the FCC and Congress.  (Sec. 7) The Government Accountability Office (GAO) must recommend adjustments to the FCC's regulatory fee structure in a report that considers: (1) the FCC's workload, (2) benefits to payors, and (3) whether the current fee structure has a disparate impact on certain technologies or small-sized payors. (Sec. 8) The Universal Service Antideficiency Temporary Suspension Act is amended to extend through FY2018 provisions rendering the Antideficiency Act inapplicable to: (1) amounts collected or received as universal service contributions, or (2) expenditures or obligations of such contributions. (Sec. 9) Any deposits that the FCC may require for the qualification of bidders in a system of competitive bidding for spectrum licenses must be deposited directly in the Treasury instead of in an interest bearing account at a financial institution. The bill removes a provision that requires the interest accrued to such a financial institution account to be dedicated for the sole purpose of deficit reduction. The deposits of successful bidders must be credited to the deposit fund of the Treasury, unless existing exceptions apply. (Sec. 10) The FCC is prohibited from changing its regulations for universal service support payments to implement the February 27, 2004, recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service regarding single connection or primary line restrictions on universal service support payments.  (Sec. 11) The Communications Act of 1934 is amended to expand the prohibition against knowingly transmitting misleading or inaccurate caller identification information to apply to: (1) persons outside the United States if the recipient of the call is within the United States, and (2) text messages.  Existing caller identification requirements that apply to calls made using a telecommunications service or IP-enabled voice service are revised to apply to: (1) voice communications using resources from the North American Numbering Plan; and (2) transmissions from a telephone facsimile machine, computer, or other device to a telephone facsimile machine.  The FCC must collaborate with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regularly update education materials that help consumers identify: (1) scams and fraudulent activity that rely upon misleading or inaccurate caller identification information, and (2) existing technologies that consumers can use to protect against such fraud.  The GAO must report on: (1) actions taken, or actions that could be taken, by the FCC or the FTC to combat the fraudulent provision of misleading or inaccurate caller identification information; and (2) any recommendations to combat the fraudulent provision of such information.  Kari's Law Act of 2016 (Sec. 12) This section prohibits businesses from manufacturing or importing for use in the United States, or selling or leasing in
      "summary_short": "FCC Reauthorization Act of 2016 (Sec. 4) This bill reauthorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for FY2017-FY2018. The bill designates amounts for: (1) the FCC's office of inspector general, and (2) the FCC to move to a new facility or reconfigure its existing facility. (Sec. 5) The bill allows a person chosen to fill a commissioner's vacancy on the FCC to continue to serve after the expiration of the fixed term of the commissioner that the person succeeds until a successor has ta...",
      "latest_major_action_date": "2016-09-20",
      "latest_major_action": "Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 637."
   },
   {
      "bill_id": "s19-115",
      "bill_type": "s",
      "number": "S.19",
      "bill_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/115/bills/s19.json",
      "title": "MOBILE NOW Act",
      "sponsor_title": "Sen.",
      "sponsor_id": "T000250",
      "sponsor_name": "John Thune",
      "sponsor_state": "SD",
      "sponsor_party": "R",
      "sponsor_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/members/T000250.json",
      "gpo_pdf_uri": "https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-115s19rs/pdf/BILLS-115s19rs.pdf",
      "congressdotgov_url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/19",
      "govtrack_url": "https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/s19",
      "introduced_date": "2017-01-03",
      "active": true,
      "house_passage": null,
      "senate_passage": null,
      "enacted": null,
      "vetoed": null,
      "cosponsors": 1,
      "committees": "Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee",
      "committee_codes": [
         "SSCM"
      ],
      "subcommittee_codes": [],
      "primary_subject": "Science, Technology, Communications",
      "summary": "Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless Act or the MOBILE NOW Act  (Sec. 3) This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), by December 31, 2020, to make available at least 255 megahertz of federal and nonfederal spectrum below the frequency of 6000 megahertz for mobile and fixed wireless broadband use. At least: (1) 100 megahertz shall be made available on an unlicensed basis; and (2) 100 megahertz shall be made available on an exclusive, licensed basis for commercial mobile use, pursuant to the FCC's authority to implement licensing in a flexible manner, and subject to potential continued use of such spectrum by incumbent federal entities in designated geographic areas indefinitely or for a length of time stipulated in transition plans approved by an NTIA technical panel for those incumbent entities to relocate to alternate spectrum. In making such spectrum available, the Department of Commerce and the FCC must consider: (1) the need to preserve critical existing and planned federal government capabilities; (2) the impact on existing state, local, and tribal government capabilities; (3) international implications; (4) appropriate enforcement mechanisms and authorities; and (5) the importance of the deployment of wireless broadband services in rural areas. (Sec. 4) The NTIA must submit to Congress and the FCC an assessment of the feasibility of authorizing mobile or fixed terrestrial wireless operations, including for advanced mobile service operations, on federal entities and operations in specified frequency bands. The FCC must publish a notice of proposed rulemaking within two years after enactment of this bill, or within 90 days after it receives the NTIA's feasibility assessment, whichever is earlier, to consider service rules authorizing such operations. (Sec. 5) Commerce and the FCC must submit reports evaluating the feasibility of allowing commercial wireless services to share use of specified frequencies between 3100 and 4200 megahertz. If such sharing is feasible, the reports must identify which of the frequencies are most suitable for sharing with commercial wireless services through the assignment of new licenses by competitive bidding, for sharing with unlicensed operations, or through a combination of licensing and unlicensed operations. The FCC must seek public comment regarding these reports.  (Sec. 6) The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 is amended to require executive agencies, within 270 days after receiving an application, to grant or deny easements, rights-of-way, or leases to, in, over, or on federal property to install, construct, modify, or maintain a communications facility installation. Executive agencies must: (1) notify applicants of the reasons for denials, and (2) designate an agency point of contact for applicants. The bill expands the categories of infrastructure, antennas, wiring, and wireless transmission equipment for which applicants may seek such easements, rights-of-way, or leases. The NTIA must coordinate with the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, Defense, and Transportation (DOT), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the General Services Administration to develop recommendations for tracking and expediting such applications. (Sec. 7) To facilitate installation of broadband infrastructure, DOT must ensure that states receiving federal-aid highway funds: (1) identify a broadband utility coordinator to facilitate the broadband infrastructure right-of-way efforts within the state; (2) register broadband infrastructure entities that seek to be included in those facilitation efforts; (3) establish a process to electronically notify such entities of the state transportation improvement program on an annual basis; (4) coordinate statewide telecommunication and broadband plans and state and local transportation and land use plans, including strategies to minimize repeated ex
      "summary_short": "Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless Act or the MOBILE NOW Act  (Sec. 3) This bill requires the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), by December 31, 2020, to make available at least 255 megahertz of federal and nonfederal spectrum below the frequency of 6000 megahertz for mobile and fixed wireless broadband use. At least: (1) 100 megahertz shall be m...",
      "latest_major_action_date": "2017-03-21",
      "latest_major_action": "Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 17."
   },
   {
      "bill_id": "s1129-115",
      "bill_type": "s",
      "number": "S.1129",
      "bill_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/115/bills/s1129.json",
      "title": "Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017",
      "sponsor_title": "Sen.",
      "sponsor_id": "S001198",
      "sponsor_name": "Dan Sullivan",
      "sponsor_state": "AK",
      "sponsor_party": "R",
      "sponsor_uri": "https://api.propublica.org/congress/v1/members/S001198.json",
      "gpo_pdf_uri": "https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-115s1129rs/pdf/BILLS-115s1129rs.pdf",
      "congressdotgov_url": "https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/1129",
      "govtrack_url": "https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/115/s1129",
      "introduced_date": "2017-05-16",
      "active": true,
      "house_passage": null,
      "senate_passage": null,
      "enacted": null,
      "vetoed": null,
      "cosponsors": 3,
      "committees": "Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee",
      "committee_codes": [
         "SSCM"
      ],
      "subcommittee_codes": [],
      "primary_subject": "Public Lands and Natural Resources",
      "summary": "",
      "summary_short": "",
      "latest_major_action_date": "2017-06-05",
      "latest_major_action": "Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 112."
   }
]