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Section 1. This Act may be cited as the ``Section 515 Rural Housing
Reform''.
Sec. 101. Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et
seq.) is amended:
(a) Section 502(c)(1) is amended by adding a new paragraph
(C) to read as follows:
``(C) Effective May 26, 1994, the Secretary may not
accept an offer to prepay, or request refinancing in
accordance with subsection (b)(3) of, any loan made or
insured under section 515 pursuant to a contract
entered into before the enactment of the Department of
Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989 for a
period of not less than two years from the date of
enactment of the Housing and Community Development Act
of 1994.
``(D) The Secretary shall conduct either directly
or through a contract an independent assessment of
rural housing preservation provisions. Such assessment,
along with recommendations of changes in law and
regulation shall be submitted to relevant committees of
the Congress by May 31, 1996.''.
(b) Section 502(c)(4)(C) is amended by revising it to read
as follows:
``(C) Approval of assistance.--The Secretary may
approve assistance under subparagraph (B) only if the
restrictive period has expired for any loan made or
insured under section 514 or 515 of this title pursuant
to a contract entered into after December 21, 1979, but
before the date of enactment of the Department of
Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989 and
the Secretary determines that the combination of
assistance provided.''.
Sec. 201. Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et
seq.) is amended:
(a) Section 515(a)(2) is amended to change ``fifty'' to
read ``thirty''.
(b) Section 515(b)(2) is amended to read ``provide for
amortization as if the term of the loan was for a period of not
to exceed fifty years and may allow for a balloon payment at
the end of the term of the loan. Such loan may be, in the
discretion of the Secretary, rescheduled for a period not to
exceed fifty years from the date of the original loan. The
amount of the unpaid principal and interest of the prior loan
rescheduled shall not create a new charge against any loan
levels authorized by law.''
Sec. 301. Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1471 et
seq.) is amended: Section 515(t) is amended by deleting paragraphs (4)
and (5) and renumbering paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (4),
(5), and (6) respectively.
Sec. 401. Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 (U.S.C. 1471 et seq.)
is amended: Section 510(d)(1) is amended to read ``prosecution and
defense of any litigation under sections 515 shall be conducted, at the
discretion of the Secretary, by''.
Sec. 501. Section 6103(1)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended by adding a new subparagraph (x) to read ``(x) any housing
assistance program administered by the Department of Agriculture that
involves initial and periodic review of an applicant's or participant's
income and only for use by officers and employees of the Department of
Agriculture with respect to the applicants and participants in such
programs.''.
Sec. 601. Section 536 of the Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 1471 et seq.)
is amended by redesignating paragraphs (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i)
as paragraphs (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j) respectively, adding a
new paragraph (d), and amending the last sentence of redesignated
paragraph (g) to read as follows:
``(d) Subsidy Layering.--The Secretary is authorized to establish a
process for evaluating assistance provided under this title to ensure
that excess assistance is not provided. In conducting such an
evaluation, the Secretary shall utilize information received under
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. To the extent practicable, the
Secretary is authorized to make use of procedures, policies and
regulations currently in use by the Department of Housing and Urban
Development and may, to the extent practicable, develop memoranda of
understanding with State housing agencies to implement the provisions
of this section.
``(g) Limitation of Assistance.--* * *Notwithstanding the
provisions of section 515(r), the Secretary may decrease the amount of
assistance provided under this title if he/she determines that other
assistance reported under paragraphs (b) and (c) will provide excess
assistance and/or profits to the recipient.''.
Sec. 701. Section 509(f) of the Housing Act of 1949 (U.S.C. 1471 et
seq.), is amended to read as follows:
``(f) Underserved Housing.--
``(1) Designation of underserved area.--The Secretary shall
designate as targeted underserved areas 100 counties and
communities in each fiscal year that have severe, unmet housing
needs as determined by the Secretary. A county or community
shall be eligible for designation if, during the 5-year period
preceding the year in which the designation is made, it has
received an average amount of assistance that is substantially
lower than the average annual amount of assistance received
during that 5-year period by other counties and communities in
the State that are eligible for such assistance calculated on a
per capita basis, and has--
``(A) 15 percent or more of its population at or
below the poverty level; and
``(B) 5 percent of its population residing in
substandard housing.
As used in this paragraph, the term `poverty level' has the
meaning given the term in section 102(a)(9) of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974.
``(2) Preferences.--In selecting projects to receive
assistance with amounts set aside under paragraph (6), the
Secretary shall give preference to any project located in a
county or community that has, at the time of designation and as
determined by the Secretary--
``(A) 20 percent or more of its population at or
below poverty level; and
``(B) 7 percent or more of its population residing
in substandard housing.
In designating underserved areas under paragraph (1), in each
fiscal year the Secretary shall designate not less than 5
counties or communities that contain tribal allotted or Indian
trust land. In designating underserved areas under paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall not designate more than 10 counties or
communities in one State or Puerto Rico during each designation
cycle. If in selecting the 100 underserved areas there are more
than 10 counties or communities in one State or Puerto Rico
which meet the requirements of this paragraph, the Secretary
will select the 10 most underserved counties or communities
utilizing the highest combined percentages of populations below
the poverty level and households residing in substandard
housing. The remaining counties will be eligible for unused
funds as described in paragraph (6)(A).
``(3) Other underserved areas.--In addition to the 100
targeted counties and communities, the Secretary may also
designate other underserved areas that have a severe, unmet
housing need based upon objective requirements. Such objective
requirements may include counties and communities experiencing
trauma due to natural disasters or structural change;
communities that have remained consistently poor; colonias as
defined in paragraph (10) and communities that have experienced
long-term populations decline and job deterioration.
``(4) Underserved applicants.--The Secretary may also set-
aside funds under paragraph (6) for applicants who have been
underserved. A class of applicants shall be eligible for
designation if, during the 5-year period preceding the year in
which the designation is made, the class received an average
annual amount of assistance under this title that is
substantially lower than the class proportionate percentage of
the rural population. Such underserved applicants may include
socially disadvantaged persons such as women, blacks,
Hispanics, Asian and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans.
``(5) Outreach program and review.--
``(A) Outreach.--The Secretary shall publicize the
availability to targeted underserved areas and
applicants of grants and loans under this title and
promote, to the maximum extent feasible, efforts to
apply for those grants and loans.
``(B) Review.--Upon receipt of data from the 1990
decennial census, the Secretary shall conduct a review
of any designations made under paragraph (1) and
preferences given under paragraph (2) and the
eligibility of communities and counties for such
designation and preference, examining the effects of
such data on such eligibility. The Secretary shall
submit to Congress, not later than 9 months after the
availability of the data, a report regarding the
review, which shall include any recommendations of the
Secretary for modifications in the standards for
designation and preference. The Secretary shall also
submit a report to Congress at any time between
decennial census when recommendations for modification
will promote targeting of assistance for underserved
housing.
``(6) Set-aside for targeted underserved housing and
colonias.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall set aside
and reserve for assistance an amount not less than 5
percent but not greater than 10 percent in each fiscal
year of the aggregate amount of lending authority under
sections 502, 504, and 515. During each fiscal year,
the Secretary shall set aside an amount of section 521
rental assistance that is appropriate to provide
assistance with respect to the appropriate lending
authority set aside each year. The Secretary shall also
set aside a reasonable amount of assistance in other
programs under this title if he/she deems necessary to
provide for underserved housing. The Secretary shall
establish a procedure to reallocate any assistance set
aside in any fiscal year for targeted underserved areas
that has not been expended during a reasonable period
in such year for use in (i) colonias that have applied
for and are eligible for assistance under subparagraph
(B) or paragraph (9) and did not receive assistance,
and (ii) counties and communities eligible for
designation as targeted underserved areas but which
were not designated. The procedure shall also provide
that any assistance reallocated under the preceding
sentence that has not been expended by a reasonable
date established by the Secretary (which shall be after
the expiration of the period referred to in the
preceding sentence) shall be made available and
allocated under the laws and regulations relating to
such assistance, notwithstanding this subsection.
``(B) Length of designation.--In designating
underserved areas under paragraph (1), each such area
shall remain designated for a period of two years;
except for counties which contain tribal allotted or
Indian trust land which shall remain designated for
three years.
``(C) Priority for colonias.--
``(i) Notwithstanding the designation of
counties and communities as targeted
underserved areas under paragraph (1) and the
provisions of section 520, colonias shall be
eligible for assistance with amounts reserved
under subparagraph (A), as provided in this
subparagraph.
``(ii) In providing assistance from amounts
reserved under this paragraph in each fiscal
year, the Secretary shall give priority to any
application for assistance to be used in, or in
close proximity to, and serving the residents
of, a colonia located in a State described
under clause (iii). After the Secretary has
provided assistance under the priority for
colonias located in a State in amount equal to
10 percent of the total amount of assistance
allocated under this title to such State in the
fiscal year or an average size loan, whichever
is greater, the priority shall not apply to any
applications for colonias in such State.
``(iii) This paragraph shall apply to any
State for the total amount of assistance
allocated to it under this title during each of
such 2 fiscal years.
``(7) List of underserved areas.--The Secretary shall
publish annually the current list of targeted underserved areas
in the Federal Register.
``(8) Project preparation assistance.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants
to eligible applicants under subparagraph (D) to
promote the development of affordable housing in
targeted underserved areas and colonias.
``(B) Use.--A grant under this subparagraph shall
not exceed an amount that the Secretary determines
equal to the customary and reasonable costs incurred in
preparing an application for a loan or a grant under
section 502, 504, 514, 515, or 524 or a grant under
section 516 or 533 (including preapplication planning,
site analysis, market analysis and other necessary
technical assistance). The Secretary shall adjust the
loan or grant amount under such sections to take
account of project preparation costs that have been
paid from grant proceeds under this paragraph and that
normally would be reimbursed with proceeds of the loan
or grant.
``(C) Approval.--The Secretary shall approve a
properly submitted application or issue a written
statement indicating the reasons for disapproval not
later than 60 days after receipt of the application.
``(D) Eligibility.--For purpose of this paragraph,
an eligible applicant may be a nonprofit organization
or corporation, a community housing development
organization, State, unit if general local government,
or agency of a State or unit of general local
government.
``(E) Availability of funding.--Any amounts
appropriate to carry out this paragraph shall remain
available until expended.
``(9) Priority for colonias.--
``(A) In general.--In providing assistance under
this title in any fiscal year described under paragraph
(B), each State in which colonias are located shall
give priority to any applications for assistance to be
used in a colonia. The priority under this subparagraph
shall not apply in such State after 5 percent of the
assistance available in such fiscal year has been
allocated for colonias qualifying for the priority.
``(B) Covered years.--This paragraph shall apply to
any fiscal year following 2 fiscal years in which the
State did not obligate the total amount of assistance
allocated it under this title during each of such 2
fiscal years.
``(10) Definition of colonia.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `colonia' means any identifiable community
that--
``(A) is in the State of Arizona, California, New
Mexico or Texas;
``(B) is in the area of the United States within
150 miles of the border between United States and
Mexico, except that the term does not include any
standard metropolitan statistical areas that has a
population exceeding 1,000,000;
``(C) is determined to be a colonia on the basis of
objective criteria, including lack of potable water
supply, lack of adequate sewage systems, and lack of
decent, safe, and sanitary housing; and
``(D) was in existence as a colonia before the date
of enactment of the Cranston-Gonzalez National
Affordable Housing Act.''.
Sec. 801. Section 515(s) of the Housing Act of 1949 (U.S.C. 1471 et
seq.), is amended to read as follows:
``(s) No fee other than a late fee or reasonable application fee
not to exceed one-half of one percent of the proposed mortgage amount,
may be imposed by or for the Secretary or any other Federal agency on
or with respect to a loan made or insured under this section. Such
application fee will be used, in part, to defray the cost of
professional market studies obtained by the Secretary to determine
market feasibility. Such application fee may be waived for non-profit
applicants which are not receiving any tax credit benefits under
section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code.''. | Section 515 Rural Housing Reform - Amends the Housing Act of 1949 to revise the elderly, handicapped, or low-income rural housing loan program. | Section 515 Rural Housing Reform |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Jobs Preservation Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. NOTIFICATION OF CERTAIN PLANT CLOSINGS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE
TREASURY; ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED ON CERTAIN
NOTICES.
(a) General Rule.--Subsection (a) of section 3 of the Worker
Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (29 U.S.C. 2102) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (1), by
striking the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting
``; and'', and by inserting after paragraph (2) the following
new paragraph:
``(3) to the Secretary of the Treasury if the employer or
any person related to the employer (within the meaning of
section 936(h)(3)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986)
holds (directly or indirectly) any stock in a corporation
eligible for the credit provided by section 936 of such
Code.'', and
(2) by adding at the end thereof the following new
sentence: ``If any notice is required under paragraph (3), each
notice required under paragraph (1) or (2) shall include a
statement that the employer directly or indirectly holds stock
in a corporation eligible for the credit provided by section
936 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The subsection heading for subsection (a)
of such section 3 is amended by striking ``Local Governments'' and
inserting ``Certain Governmental Units''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. LIMITATION ON PUERTO RICO AND POSSESSION TAX CREDIT.
(a) General Rule.--Section 936 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to Puerto Rico and possession tax credit) is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
``(i) Denial of Credit for Income Attributable to Runaway Plants.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Income attributable to shareholders.--The
runaway plant income of a corporation electing the
application of this section for any taxable year
(hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the
`electing corporation') shall be included on a pro rata
basis in the gross income of all shareholders of such
electing corporation at the close of the taxable year
of such electing corporation as income from sources
within the United States for the taxable year of such
shareholder in which or with which the taxable year of
such electing corporation ends.
``(B) Exclusion from the income of an electing
corporation.--The taxable income of an electing
corporation shall be reduced by the amount which is
included in the gross income of a shareholder of such
corporation by reason of subparagraph (A).
``(2) Foreign shareholders; shareholders not subject to
tax.--
``(A) In general.--Paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply
with respect to any shareholder--
``(i) who is not a United States person, or
``(ii) who is not subject to tax under this
title on runaway plant income which would be
allocated to such shareholder (but for this
subparagraph).
``(B) Treatment of nonallocated runaway plant
income.--For purposes of this subtitle, runaway plant
income of an electing corporation which is not included
in the gross income of a shareholder of such
corporation by reason of subparagraph (A) shall be
treated as taxable income from sources within the
United States.
``(3) Exclusion of income for qualification tests.--Any
gross income taken into account in determining the amount of
the runaway plant income of any electing corporation shall not
be taken into account for purposes of subsection (a)(2).
``(4) Runaway plant income.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `runaway plant income' means the portion
of the taxable income of the electing corporation which is
attributable to a disqualified facility.
``(5) Disqualified facility.--For purposes of this
subsection--
``(A) In general.--The term `disqualified facility'
means any facility at which operations are commenced
with respect to the electing corporation after
____________________ unless--
``(i) the Secretary determines that
operations at such facility--
``(I) will not result in a
substantial adverse effect on the level
of employment at any facility in the
United States operated by the electing
corporation or a person related to the
electing corporation, and
``(II) will not result in such an
effect with respect to any other
facility in the United States on
account of changes in a supplier
relationship to the electing
corporation or a person related to the
electing corporation, and
``(ii) the electing corporation files a
request with the Secretary for a determination
under clause (i) on or before the earlier of--
``(I) the day 90 days after the
date on which an application is
submitted to the possession for tax
incentives for such facility, or
``(II) the day 1 year before the
date on which operations at such
facility commence.
The Secretary may treat a request not filed before the
time required under clause (ii) as timely filed if the
Secretary determines that there was reasonable cause
for not filing the request before the time required.
``(B) Certain revocations required.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
revoke a determination under subparagraph
(A)(i) at any time before the close of the 3-
year period beginning on the date on which
operations at the facility commenced if the
Secretary determines that, on the basis of the
facts and circumstances then known, the
requirements of subparagraph (A)(i) are not
satisfied.
``(ii) Misrepresentations, etc.--The
Secretary shall, at any time, revoke a
determination under subparagraph (A)(i) if, in
connection with the request for such
determination, there was a misrepresentation
with respect to (or a failure to disclose) any
material information by the electing
corporation or a related person.
``(iii) Revocations retroactive.--If any
determination is revoked under this
subparagraph, this subsection (other than
paragraph (8) thereof) shall be applied as if
such determination had never been made.
``(C) Opportunity for public comment.--No
determination may be made under subparagraph (A)(i)
unless the Secretary allows an opportunity for public
comment on the request for such determination.
``(6) Expansions treated as separate facilities.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subsection,
any substantial increase in employment at a facility
shall be treated as a separate facility at which
operations are commenced with respect to the electing
corporation as of the date of such increase.
``(B) Substantial increase in employment.--For
purposes of subparagraph (A), there shall be deemed to
be a substantial increase in employment as of any day
at any facility if--
``(i) such day is the last day of a payroll
period and the average number of employees
performing services at such facility during
such period exceeds 110 percent of the average
number of employees performing services at such
facility during the corresponding payroll
period in the preceding calendar year, or
``(ii) there is an expansion in such
facility or the operations at such facility
with respect to which a separate or
supplemental application or other request
relating to tax incentives for such expansion
is made to governmental authorities of the
possession.
Appropriate adjustments in the application of clause
(i) shall be made in the case of employees not
performing services on a full-time basis.
``(7) Special rules.--
``(A) Distributions to meet qualification
standards.--Rules similar to the rules of subsection
(h)(4) shall apply for purposes of this subsection.
``(B) Related person.--For purposes of this
subsection, the rules of subparagraphs (D) and (E) of
subsection (h)(3) shall apply in determining whether
any person is related to the electing corporation.
``(8) Public disclosure.--
``(A) Publication in federal register.--The
Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register--
``(i) a notification of each request for a
determination under paragraph (5)(A)(i), and
``(ii) a notification of the Secretary's
determination in the case of each such request.
``(B) Public inspection of determination.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding section
6103, the text of any determination made by the
Secretary under paragraph (5)(A)(i) and any
background file document relating to such
determination shall be open to public
inspection at such place as the Secretary may
prescribe.
``(ii) Exemptions from disclosure.--Rules
similar to the rules of section 6110(c) (other
than paragraph (1) thereof) shall apply for
purposes of clause (i).
``(iii) Background file document.--For
purposes of this subparagraph, the term
`background file document' has the meaning
given such term by section 6110(b)(2)
determined by treating the determination under
paragraph (2) as a written determination.''
(b) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to taxable years ending after __________________________.
(2) Time for filing request.--The time for filing a request
under section 936(i)(5)(A)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 (as added by this section) shall in no event expire before
the date 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. | Jobs Preservation Act of 1993 - Amends the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act to require notification of certain plant closings to the Secretary of the Treasury if the employer or a related person holds stock in a corporation eligible for the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny the Puerto Rico and possession tax credit in cases of runaway plants. | Jobs Preservation Act of 1993 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Health Care Act of
2003''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE EXPENSES.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business-related
credits) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 45G. EMPLOYEE HEALTH INSURANCE EXPENSES.
``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 38, in the case of a
qualified small employer, the employee health insurance expenses credit
determined under this section is an amount equal to the applicable
percentage of the amount paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year
for qualified employee health insurance expenses.
``(b) Applicable Percentage.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a), the
applicable percentage is--
``(A) 50 percent in the case of an employer with
less than 26 qualified employees,
``(B) 40 percent in the case of an employer with
more than 25 but less than 36 qualified employees,
``(C) 30 percent in the case of an employer with
more than 35 but less than 51 qualified employees,
``(D) 20 percent in the case of an employer with
more than 50 but less than 76 qualified employees, and
``(E) 10 percent in the case of an employer with
more than 75 but less than 101 qualified employees.
``(2) High contribution bonus.--With respect to any taxable
year during which a qualified small employer pays 100 percent
of qualified employee health insurance expenses for the
qualified employees of the small employer, the applicable
percentage otherwise determined for such taxable year under the
preceding paragraph shall be increased by 5 percentage points.
``(c) Per Employee Dollar Limitation.--The amount of qualified
employee health insurance expenses taken into account under subsection
(a) with respect to any qualified employee for any taxable year shall
not exceed the maximum employer contribution for self-only coverage or
family coverage (as applicable) determined under section 8906(a) of
title 5, United States Code, for the calendar year in which such
taxable year begins.
``(d) Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) Qualified small employer.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified small
employer' means any small employer which--
``(i) provides eligibility for health
insurance coverage (after any waiting period
(as defined in section 9801(b)(4))) to all
qualified employees of the employer,
``(ii) pays at least 70 percent of the cost
of such coverage (60 percent in the case of
family coverage) for each qualified employee,
and
``(iii) in the case of a small employer
which is located in a State which has
established a health insurance purchasing pool
under section 3 of the Small Business Health
Care Act of 2003, joins such pool.
``(B) Transition rule for new plans.--
``(i) In general.--If a small employer (or
any predecessor) did not provide health
insurance coverage to the qualified employees
of the employer during the employer's
precompliance period, then subparagraph (A)
shall be applied to such employer for the first
5 taxable years following such period by
substituting `50 percent' for `70 percent' in
clause (ii) (or for `60 percent' in such
clause, in the case of family coverage).
``(ii) Precompliance period.--For purposes
of clause (i), the precompliance periods are--
``(I) the period beginning with the
small employer's taxable year preceding
its first taxable year beginning after
the date of the enactment of this
section, and
``(II) the period beginning with
the small employer's taxable year
preceding the first taxable year for
which the employer meets the
requirement of subparagraph (A)(i).
An employer not in existence for any period
shall be treated in the same manner as an
employer which is in existence and not
providing coverage.
``(C) Small employer.--
``(i) In general.--For purposes of this
paragraph, the term `small employer' means,
with respect to any calendar year, any employer
if such employer employed an average of not
less than 2 and not more than 100 qualified
employees on business days during either of the 2 preceding calendar
years. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a preceding calendar
year may be taken into account only if the employer was in existence
throughout such year.
``(ii) Employers not in existence in
preceding year.--In the case of an employer
which was not in existence throughout the 1st
preceding calendar year, the determination
under clause (i) shall be based on the average
number of qualified employees that it is
reasonably expected such employer will employ
on business days in the current calendar year.
``(2) Qualified employee health insurance expenses.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified employee
health insurance expenses' means any amount paid by an
employer for health insurance coverage to the extent
such amount is attributable to coverage provided to any
employee while such employee is a qualified employee.
``(B) Exception for amounts paid under salary
reduction arrangements.--No amount paid or incurred for
health insurance coverage pursuant to a salary
reduction arrangement shall be taken into account under
subparagraph (A).
``(C) Health insurance coverage.--The term `health
insurance coverage' has the meaning given such term by
section 9832(b)(1).
``(3) Qualified employee.--The term `qualified employee'
means an employee of an employer who, with respect to any
period, is not provided health insurance coverage under--
``(A) a health plan of the employee's spouse,
``(B) title XVIII, XIX, or XXI of the Social
Security Act,
``(C) chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code,
``(D) chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code,
``(E) chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, or
``(F) any other provision of law.
``(4) Employee--The term `employee'--
``(A) means any individual, with respect to any
calendar year, who is reasonably expected to receive at
least $5,000 and not more than $100,000 of compensation
from the employer during such year,
``(B) does not include an employee within the
meaning of section 401(c)(1), and
``(C) includes a leased employee within the meaning
of section 414(n).
``(5) Compensation.--The term `compensation' means amounts
described in section 6051(a)(3).
``(e) Certain Rules Made Applicable.--For purposes of this section,
rules similar to the rules of section 52 shall apply.
``(f) Denial of Double Benefit.--No deduction or credit under any
other provision of this chapter shall be allowed with respect to
qualified employee health insurance expenses taken into account under
subsection (a).''.
(b) Credit To Be Part of General Business Credit.--Section 38(b) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to current year business
credit) is amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (14),
by striking the period at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting ``,
plus'', and by adding at the end the following:
``(16) the employee health insurance expenses credit
determined under section 45G.''.
(c) No Carrybacks.--Subsection (d) of section 39 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to carryback and carryforward of unused
credits) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(11) No carryback of section 45g credit before effective
date.--No portion of the unused business credit for any taxable
year which is attributable to the employee health insurance
expenses credit determined under section 45G may be carried
back to a taxable year ending before the date of the enactment
of section 45G.''.
(d) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 45G. Employee health insurance
expenses.''.
(e) Employer Outreach.--The Internal Revenue Service shall, in
conjunction with the Small Business Administration, develop materials
and implement an educational program to ensure that business personnel
are aware of--
(1) the eligibility criteria for the tax credit provided
under section 45G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as
added by this section),
(2) the methods to be used in calculating such credit, and
(3) the documentation needed in order to claim such credit,
so that the maximum number of eligible businesses may claim the tax
credit.
(f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to amounts paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. HEALTH INSURANCE PURCHASING POOLS.
(a) Matching Funds for Operation of Pools.--
(1) In general.--In the case of a State or a unit of local
government that establishes a health insurance purchasing pool,
the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide, from
the funds allocated under subsection (b), a grant equal to the
applicable percentage of the administrative costs associated
with such pool.
(2) Applicable percentage.--For purposes of paragraph (1),
the applicable percentage is--
(A) 75 percent for the initial year of the grant;
(B) 50 percent for year succeeding the year to
which subparagraph (A) is applicable;
(C) 25 percent for the year succeeding the year to
which subparagraph (B) is applicable; and
(D) zero thereafter.
(3) Special rule for local government purchasing pools.--
The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall not provide a
grant under this section to any unit of a local government
unless such unit of local government submits to the Secretary a
certificate from the State in which such unit of local
government is located authorizing such grant.
(4) Health insurance purchasing pool.--For purposes of this
section, the term ``health insurance purchasing pool'' means a
purchasing pool for small employers (as defined under section
45G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) for the purpose of
providing health insurance coverage (as defined in such
section) to qualified employees (as defined in such section).
(b) Funding.--Out of the money in the Treasury of the United States
not otherwise appropriated, there are authorized and appropriated such
sums as are necessary to carry out this section. | Small Business Health Care Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish, in the case of a qualified small employer, an employee health insurance expenses credit determined for the applicable percentage of the amount paid by a taxpayer for qualified employee health insurance expenses.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide, in the case of a State or a unit of local government that establishes a health insurance purchasing pool, a grant equal to the applicable percentage of the administrative costs associated with such pool. | A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for tax credit for offering employer-based health insurance coverage and to provide for the establishment of health insurance purchasing pools. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1)(A) Tuberculosis is a great health and economic burden
to impoverished nations and a health and security threat to the
United States and other industrialized countries.
(B) Tuberculosis is one of the greatest infectious causes
of death of adults worldwide, killing nearly 2,000,000 people
per year--one person every 15 seconds.
(2) An estimated 8,000,000 individuals develop active
tuberculosis each year.
(3) Today, tuberculosis is the leading killer of women of
reproductive age and of people who are HIV-positive.
(4) Tuberculosis is spreading as a result of inadequate
treatment and is a disease that knows no national borders.
(5) With over 50 percent of tuberculosis cases in the
United States attributable to foreign-born individuals and with
the increase in international travel, commerce, and migration,
elimination of tuberculosis in the United States depends on
efforts to control the disease in developing countries.
(6) The threat that tuberculosis poses for Americans
derives from the global spread of tuberculosis and the
emergence and spread of strains of multi-drug resistant
tuberculosis (MDR-TB).
(7) Up to 50,000,000 individuals may be infected with
multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
(8) In the United States, tuberculosis treatment, normally
about $2,000 per patient, increases to as much as $1,000,000
per patient to treat multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, and
treatment may not even be successful.
(9) Without access to treatment, multi-drug resistant
tuberculosis is a virtual death sentence.
(10) There is a highly effective and inexpensive treatment
for standard tuberculosis. Recommended by the World Health
Organization (WHO) as the best curative method for
tuberculosis, this strategy, known as DOTS (Directly Observed
Treatment Short-course), includes low-cost effective diagnosis,
treatment, monitoring, and record keeping, as well as a
reliable drug supply. A centerpiece of DOTS is observing
patients to ensure that they take their medication and complete
treatment.
(11) DOTS is one of the most cost-effective health
interventions available today. A full course of DOTS drugs
costs as little as $10 in low-income countries.
(12) Proper DOTS treatment is imperative to prevent the
development of dangerous multi-drug resistant tuberculosis that
arises through improper or incomplete tuberculosis treatment.
(13) Building upon the DOTS strategy, DOTS-Plus is a
comprehensive tuberculosis management strategy that works as a
supplement to the standard DOTS strategy to address areas where
there is high prevalence of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.
(14) The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and
Malaria is an important new global partnership established to
combat these 3 infectious diseases that together kill 6,000,000
people a year. Expansion of effective tuberculosis treatment
programs constitutes a major component of Global Fund
investment, along with integrated efforts to address HIV and
tuberculosis in areas of high prevalence.
(15) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
is actively involved with global tuberculosis control efforts
since the global tuberculosis epidemic directly impacts
tuberculosis in the United States, and because Congress has
strongly urged the CDC each year to increase its involvement
with international tuberculosis control efforts.
(16) The CDC is assisting countries with a high burden of
tuberculosis--
(A) to implement the World Health Organization-
recommended control strategies, DOTS and DOTS-Plus;
(B) to identify and treat persons with multi-drug
resistant tuberculosis; and
(C) to conduct research to identify new
diagnostics, treatments, and interventions to control
tuberculosis.
SEC. 3. FOREIGN ASSISTANCE FOR TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION, TREATMENT, AND
CONTROL.
(a) Amendment to Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.--Chapter 1 of part
I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) is
amended by inserting after section 104 the following new section:
``SEC. 104A. ASSISTANCE FOR TUBERCULOSIS PREVENTION, TREATMENT, AND
CONTROL.
``(a) Statement of Policy.--Congress recognizes the growing
international problem of tuberculosis and the impact its continued
existence has on those nations that had previously largely controlled
the disease. Congress further recognizes that the means exist to
control and treat tuberculosis, and that it is therefore a major
objective of the foreign assistance program to control the disease.
``(b) Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--In meeting the objective described in
subsection (a), the President shall provide assistance for the
prevention, treatment, and control of tuberculosis.
``(2) Additional requirements.--In carrying out paragraph
(1), the President shall--
``(A) coordinate with the World Health Organization
(WHO), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and
Malaria, the Department of Health and Human Services
(including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
and the National Institutes of Health), and other
organizations with respect to the development and
implementation of a comprehensive tuberculosis control
program;
``(B) set as a goal the detection of at least 70
percent of the cases of infectious tuberculosis, the
cure of at least 85 percent of the cases detected by
focusing efforts on the use of the Directly Observed
Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy or other
internationally accepted primary tuberculosis control
strategies, in those countries in which the United
States Agency for International Development has
established development programs, by December 31, 2010,
and the reduction of tuberculosis-related deaths by 50
percent, by December 31, 2010; and
``(C) give priority to activities that increase
Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS)
coverage and treatment of multi-drug resistant
tuberculosis where needed using DOTS-Plus, including
funding for the Global Tuberculosis Drug Facility, the
Stop Tuberculosis Partnership, and the Global Alliance
for TB Drug Development.
``(c) Allocation of Funds.--In carrying out subsection (b), the
President shall ensure that--
``(1) not less than 75 percent of the amount made available
to carry out this section for a fiscal year shall be expended
for antituberculosis drugs, supplies, direct patient services,
and training in diagnosis and treatment for Directly Observed
Treatment Short-course (DOTS) coverage and treatment of multi-
drug resistant tuberculosis using DOTS-Plus; and
``(2) not less than 10 percent of the amount made available
to carry out this section for a fiscal year shall be expended
to provide a United States contribution to the Global
Tuberculosis Drug Facility.
``(d) Annual Report.--Not later than January 31 of each year, the
President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a
report that contains a summary of all programs, projects, and
activities carried out under this section for the preceding fiscal
year, including a description of the increase in the number of
individuals treated and cured through each program, project, and
activity.
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to the President to carry out this section $200,000,000 for
each of the fiscal years 2004 and 2005.
``(2) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations under paragraph (1) are
authorized to remain available until expended.
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
`appropriate congressional committees' means the Committee on
International Relations of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
``(2) DOTS.--The term `DOTS' or `Directly Observed
Treatment Short-course' means the World Health Organization-
recommended strategy for treating tuberculosis.
``(3) DOTS-plus.--The term `DOTS-Plus' means a
comprehensive tuberculosis management strategy that is built
upon and works as a supplement to the standard DOTS strategy,
and which takes into account specific issues (such as use of
second line anti-tuberculosis drugs) that need to be addressed
in areas where there is high prevalence of multi-drug resistant
tuberculosis.
``(4) Global alliance for tuberculosis drug development.--
The term `Global Alliance for Tuberculosis Drug Development'
means the public-private partnership that brings together
leaders in health, science, philanthropy, and private industry
to ensure that new medications are available and affordable in
high tuberculosis burden countries and other affected
countries.
``(5) Global tuberculosis drug facility.--The term `Global
Tuberculosis Drug Facility (GDF)' means the new initiative of
the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership to increase access to high-
quality tuberculosis drugs to facilitate DOTS expansion.
``(6) Stop tuberculosis partnership.--The term `Stop
Tuberculosis Partnership' means the partnership of the World
Health Organization, donors including the United States, high
tuberculosis burden countries, multilateral agencies, and
nongovernmental and technical agencies committed to short- and
long-term measures required to control and eventually eliminate
tuberculosis as a public health problem in the world.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 104(c) of the Foreign Assistance
Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151b(c)) is amended by striking paragraph (7).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on October 1, 2003, or the date of the enactment of this Act,
whichever occurs later.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR GLOBAL TUBERCULOSIS
ACTIVITIES OF THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND
PREVENTION.
For the purpose of carrying out global tuberculosis activities
through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are
authorized to be appropriated $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2004, and
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2005. Such authorization
is in addition to other authorizations of appropriations that are
available for such purpose. Amounts appropriated under this section
shall remain available until expended. | Stop Tuberculosis (TB) Now Act - Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct the President to provide assistance for the prevention, treatment and control of tuberculosis. Requires the President to: (1) coordinate with specified health agencies worldwide to develop and implement a comprehensive tuberculosis control program; (2) set as a goal the detection of at least 70 percent of the cases of infectious tuberculosis, the cure of at least 85 percent of the cases detected, and the reduction of tuberculosis-related deaths by 50 percent by December 31, 2010; (3) give priority to activities that increase Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) coverage (World Health Organization-recommended strategy for treating tuberculosis) and treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis using DOTS-Plus; (4) expend at least 75 percent of the allocated funds on antituberculosis drugs, supplies, direct patient service, and training in diagnosis and treatment of DOTS and DOTS-Plus; (5) expend at least 10 percent of the allocated funds on a U.S. contribution to the Global Tuberculosis Drug Facility.
Authorizes appropriations for global tuberculosis activities of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. | To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to provide increased foreign assistance for tuberculosis prevention, treatment, and control, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Santa Fe National Forest Boundary
Adjustment Act of 1994''.
SEC. 2. BOUNDARY MODIFICATION.
The boundary of the Santa Fe National Forest is hereby modified and
expanded as generally depicted on a map entitled ``Santa Fe National
Forest Boundary Expansion 1994'', dated July 19, 1994. The map shall be
on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Chief,
Forest Service, Washington, DC.
SEC. 3. ATALAYA PEAK EXCHANGES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to
exchange public lands and interests in lands managed by the Bureau of
Land Management for private lands and interests therein depicted on the
map referenced in section 2.
(b) Withdrawal.--Upon the acquisition of lands under subsection (a)
by the Secretary of the Interior, and subject to valid existing rights,
such lands are hereby withdrawn from all forms of entry, appropriation,
or disposal under the public land laws; from location, entry, and
patent under the mining laws; and from disposition under all laws
pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing.
SEC. 4. INTERCHANGE OF FEDERAL LANDS IN NEW MEXICO.
(a) Identification of Lands.--In conjunction with the land exchange
under section 3, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the
Interior shall identify federally-owned lands and interests in lands
currently situated within the Santa Fe National Forest which are
suitable for transfer to and administration by the Bureau of Land
Management. The identification of National Forest lands available for
such transfer shall utilize criteria which are mutually agreeable to
both of the Secretaries.
(b) Lands Acquired for the Bureau of Land Management.--
(1) Transfer by secretary of agriculture.--The Secretary of
Agriculture shall transfer, to the Bureau of Land Management,
those lands and interests in lands identified pursuant to
subsection (a). The transfer shall be effective upon
publication in the Federal Register of notice of such transfer
that identifies such lands and interests.
(2) Boundary modification.--The boundary of the Santa Fe
National Forest shall be modified as of the date of notice
under paragraph (1) to exclude such lands transferred to the
Secretary of the Interior.
(3) Management.--Lands transferred under paragraph (1)
shall be added to and administered by the Bureau of Land
Management as part of the public lands (as defined in section
103(e) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1702(e))).
(c) Lands Acquired for the Forest Service.--
(1) Addition to sante fe national forest.--Lands or
interests in lands--
(A) acquired by the Secretary of the Interior
pursuant to section 3, or
(B) acquired by the Secretary of Agriculture within
the areas identified as ``potential acquisition'' on
the map referenced in section 2,
shall, upon acquisition, be added to and administered as part
of the Santa Fe National Forest in accordance with the laws
relating to the National Forests.
(2) Management prescription.--The Secretary of Agriculture
shall manage the lands and interests in lands referred to in
paragraph (1) primarily to preserve open space and scenic
values and to preclude development.
(3) Availability of certain funds.--For purposes of section
7(a)(1) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16
U.S.C. 4601-9(a)(1)), the boundary of the Santa Fe National
Forest, as modified pursuant to this Act, shall be treated as
if it were the boundary as of January 1, 1965.
SEC. 5. SAVINGS PROVISION.
Nothing in this Act shall affect the authorities of the Secretary
of Agriculture to acquire lands in New Mexico by purchase or exchange
and, notwithstanding the Act of June 15, 1926 (16 U.S.C. 471a), all
such lands heretofore or hereafter acquired by the exchange of National
Forest lands shall be managed as a part of the National Forest System.
SEC. 6. IMPLEMENTATION.
The procedures used in carrying out the land transfers by this Act
shall be those procedures agreed to between the Secretary of the
Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture.
SEC. 7. SEARCH AND RESCUE.
As provided in section 4(c) of the Wilderness Act, mechanical
transport, including motor vehicles, motorized equipment, and the
landing of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, shall be permitted anywhere
within the boundaries of the Santa Fe National Forest with respect to
any emergency involving the health or safety to an individual within
the national forest.
Passed the House of Representatives August 8, 1994.
Attest:
DONNALD K. ANDERSON,
Clerk. | Santa Fe National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 1994 - Modifies and expands the boundary of the Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to exchange public lands and interests managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for private lands and interests within the Forest. Withdraws acquired lands from all public land, mining, and mineral and geothermal leasing laws.
Requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to identify federally-owned lands and interests currently situated within the Forest which are suitable for transfer to, and administration by, BLM. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer such identified lands to BLM. Modifies the boundary of the Forest to exclude such transferred lands. Requires the lands to be managed as public lands as defined in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976.
Requires lands acquired by the Secretaries under this Act to be added to and administered as part of the Forest in accordance with National Forests laws. Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to manage such lands primarily to preserve open space and scenic values and to preclude development.
Declares that nothing in this Act shall affect the authorities of the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire lands in New Mexico by purchase or exchange and that all such lands acquired by the exchange of National Forest lands shall be managed as a part of the National Forest System.
Permits mechanical transport anywhere within the boundaries of the Forest with respect to any health or safety emergency. | Santa Fe National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act of 1994 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS; REFERENCES.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Partnership for
Children and Families Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents; references.
TITLE I--EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY FOR ADOPTION ASSISTANCE AND FOSTER CARE
Sec. 101. Adoption assistance.
Sec. 102. Foster care maintenance payments.
TITLE II--CHILD WELFARE REINVESTMENT FUNDING
Sec. 201. Child welfare reinvestment funding.
TITLE III--EFFECTIVE DATES
Sec. 301. Effective dates.
(c) References.--Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever
in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an
amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the amendment
or repeal shall be considered to be made to a section or other
provision of the Social Security Act.
TITLE I--EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY FOR ADOPTION ASSISTANCE AND FOSTER CARE
SEC. 101. ADOPTION ASSISTANCE.
Section 473(a) (42 U.S.C. 673(a)) is amended by striking paragraph
(2) and inserting the following:
``(2)(A) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(ii), a child
meets the requirements of this paragraph if the child--
``(i)(I) at the time of the adoption proceedings
were initiated, had been removed from his or her home--
``(aa) pursuant to a voluntary placement
agreement with respect to which Federal
payments are made under section 474; or
``(bb) as a result of a judicial
determination to the effect that continuation
therein would be contrary to the welfare of the
child, including such determination made on
account of a voluntary relinquishment;
``(II) was residing in a foster family home or in a
child care institution with the child's minor parent as
described in section 475(4)(B); and
``(ii) has been determined by the State, pursuant
to subsection (c) to be a child with special needs.
``(B) A child who meets the requirements of subparagraph
(A)(ii), who was determined eligible for adoption assistance
payments under this part with respect to a prior adoption, and
who is available for adoption because the prior adoption has
been dissolved and the parental rights of the parents have been
terminated or because the adoptive parents have died, shall be
treated as meeting the requirements of this paragraph for the
purposes of paragraph (1)(B)(ii).''.
SEC. 102. FOSTER CARE MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS.
(a) Elimination of Income Eligibility Requirement.--Section 472(a)
(42 U.S.C. 672(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``if'' and all that
follows and inserting ``if the removal and foster care
placement met, and the placement continues to meet, the
requirements of paragraph (2).''; and
(2) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4).
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 470 (42 U.S.C. 670) is amended
by striking ``who otherwise would have been eligible for assistance
under the States plan approved under part A (as such plan was in effect
on June 1, 1995)''.
TITLE II--CHILD WELFARE REINVESTMENT FUNDING
SEC. 201. CHILD WELFARE REINVESTMENT FUNDING.
Section 474 (42 U.S.C. 674) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(g) Child Welfare Reinvestment Fund.--
``(1) In general.--Each State with a plan approved under
this part for a fiscal year may submit to the Secretary an
application to--
``(A) receive foster care maintenance payment
savings achieved by reducing the total number of days
children in the State experience in foster care during
the fiscal year; and
``(B) use the savings to--
``(i) provide to children in the State
family preservation services, family support
services, time-limited family reunification
services and adoption promotion and support
services, as such terms are defined in section
431(a); and
``(ii) train the staff of State and local
child welfare agencies, of child welfare
service providers, or of providers of related
services aimed at keeping children in their
homes, on effective practices relating to the
provision of any service referred to in this
subparagraph.
``(2) Contents of application.--An application submitted by
a State pursuant to this subsection shall contain--
``(A) an estimate of the the total number of
placement days the State will experience for the fiscal
year covered by the application, and a detailed
description of the methodology used to make the
estimate;
``(B) a plan which--
``(i) sets forth a detailed description of
how any amount paid to the State under this
subsection would be used as described in
paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection;
``(ii) contains the assurances described in
section 422(b)(8);
``(iii) does not impair the entitlement of
any qualified child or family to benefits under
the State plan approved under this part; and
``(iv) is consistent with any corrective
action plan that the State may be implementing
pursuant to section 1123A; and
``(C) such other information as the Secretary may
require.
``(3) Approval of applications.--Beginning October 1, 2008,
the Secretary may approve an application submitted by a State
pursuant to this subsection if--
``(A) the State and the Secretary have agreed on
the State's estimate of the total number of placement
days the State will experience for the fiscal year
covered by the application; and
``(B) the approval of the application would not--
``(i) result in the State violating any
assurances made by the State pursuant to
section 422(b)(8); or
``(ii) result in the impairment of the
entitlement of any qualified child or family to
benefits under the State plan approved under
this part.
``(4) Payments to states.--
``(A) In general.--In addition to any other payment
under this part for a fiscal year for which a State
application under this subsection is approved by the
Secretary, the State shall be entitled to receive from
the Secretary an amount equal to the lesser of--
``(i) the foster care maintenance payment
savings achieved by the State for the fiscal
year; or
``(ii) the Federal medical assistance
percentage (as defined in section 1905(b)) of
the total of the amounts expended by the State
during the fiscal year to carry out any
activity described in the application pursuant
to paragraph (2)(B)(i) of this subsection and
with respect to which amounts the State is not
otherwise entitled to receive a payment from
the Federal Government.
``(B) Determination of savings.--
``(i) In general.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A)(i), the foster care
maintenance payment savings achieved by a State
for a fiscal year shall be an amount equal to--
``(I) the foster care maintenance
unit cost of the State for the fiscal
year; multiplied by
``(II) the amount (if any) by which
the number of placement days estimated
by the State for the fiscal year
pursuant to paragraph (3)(A) exceeds
the number of placement days
experienced by the State during the
fiscal year.
``(ii) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(I) Foster care maintenance unit
cost.--The term `foster care
maintenance unit cost' means, with
respect to a State and a fiscal year--
``(aa) the total amount
payable to the State under
subsection (a)(1) for the
preceding fiscal year; divided
by
``(bb) the total number of
placement days experienced by
the State in the preceding
fiscal year.
``(II) Placement day.--The term
`placement day' means, with respect to
a State, a calendar day during all or
part of which a child (whether or not
eligible for foster care maintenance
payments under section 472(a)), other
than a child who has been determined to
be delinquent and is the subject of an
agreement referred to in section
472(a)(2), has been removed from his
home and placed into a family foster
home, child care institution, or the
home of a relative of the child
(whether or not a foster care
maintenance payment is made on behalf
of the child to the family foster home,
child care institution, or relative),
and during which the State retains
legal responsibility for the placement
and care of the child.
``(C) Timing.--The Secretary shall make the payment
to which a State is entitled under this subsection for
a fiscal year, at the end of the fiscal year.
``(5) Use of funds.--
``(A) In general.--A State to which funds are paid
under this subsection may use the funds only in
accordance with the approved application of the State
under this subsection.
``(B) Limitation on use for staff costs.--A State
may not use any funds paid to the State under this
subsection to cover the salaries or related costs of
any staff of any State or local child welfare agency,
except to the extent the staff are directly engaged in
carrying out an activity referred to in paragraph
(4)(A)(ii).
``(6) Availability of funds.--Funds paid to a State under
paragraph (4) shall remain available to the State for
expenditure through the end of the 5th fiscal year ending after
the date paid.
``(7) Report.--As soon as practicable after each fiscal
year for which a State has received funds under this part, the
State shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a written
report on the services provided through use of the funds, and
the effects of the provision of the services on the outcomes of
children in the State.''.
TITLE III--EFFECTIVE DATES
SEC. 301. EFFECTIVE DATES.
(a) Adoption Assistance.--The amendment made by section 101 shall
take effect on October 1, 2008, and shall apply to adoption assistance
agreements executed on or after that date.
(b) Foster Care Maintenance Payments.--The amendments made by
section 102 shall take effect on October 1, 2008, and shall apply to
children removed from their home and placed into foster care on or
after that date.
(c) Child Welfare Reinvestment Funding.--The amendment made by
section 201 shall take effect on October 1, 2008. | Partnership for Children and Families Act - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to revise the eligibility requirements for adoption assistance and foster care maintenance payments, eliminating certain income criteria.
Allows each state with an approved part E plan to apply to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) receive foster care maintenance payment savings achieved (in a "child welfare reinvestment fund") by reducing the total number of days children in the state experience in foster care during the fiscal year; and (2) use the savings to provide children with family preservation services, family support services, time-limited family reunification services, and adoption promotion and support services, and to train the staff of state and local child welfare agencies in effective service practices. | A bill to provide States with the incentives, flexibility and resources to develop child welfare services that focus on improving circumstances for children, whether in foster care or in their own homes. |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) The Congress finds that--
(1) the city of Waterloo, Iowa, and northeast Iowa of the
State possess many important elements of the nationally
significant story of American agriculture, including Native
American agriculture, agricultural mechanization, seed
hybridization, farm cooperative movements, rural
electrification, farm-to-market systems, rural to urban
migration, veterinary practice, food processing and
preservation, national farm organizations, international hunger
relief, and the development of national and international
agribusiness;
(2) these resources offer outstanding and unique
opportunities to acknowledge and appreciate the development of
American agriculture;
(3) the National Park Service has determined that the story
of American agriculture is nationally significant, that
northeast Iowa is an ideal place to tell that story, and that
this story could be divided into 4 principal topics for
interpretation in northeast Iowa: the Amazing Science of
Agriculture, Agriculture as a Way of Life, Organizing for
Survival, and Crops from Field to Table;
(4) the responsibility for interpreting, retaining,
enhancing, and promoting the resources, values, and amenities
of Waterloo, Iowa and northeast Iowa resides with volunteer
associations, private businesses, political subdivisions of the
State, and the State of Iowa; and
(5) despite the efforts by volunteer associations, private
businesses, political subdivisions of the State, and the State
of Iowa, the cultural and historical resources of the area have
not realized full potential and may be lost without some
assistance from the Federal Government.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to interpret, retain, enhance, and promote the unique
and significant contributions to national and international
agriculture of certain natural, historic, and cultural
resources within Waterloo, Iowa, and northeast Iowa;
(2) to provide a partnership management framework to assist
volunteer associations, private businesses, political
subdivisions of the State, and the State of Iowa in developing
and implementing Management Plan policies and programs that
will assist in the interpretation, retention, enhancement, and
promotion of the cultural, natural, and recreational resources
of northeast Iowa;
(3) to allow for local, State, and Federal contributions
through limited grants and technical assistance to create
America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership through cooperative
agreements among volunteer associations, private businesses,
political subdivisions of the State, the State of Iowa, and
residents of the area; and
(4) to provide for an economically self-sustaining
Partnership for the educational and inspirational benefit of
current and future generations concerning the story of American
agriculture.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act:
(1) Partnership.--The term ``Partnership'' means the
America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership as established by
section 3(a).
(2) Management entity.--The term ``management entity''
means the management entity as established by section 4(a).
(3) Political subdivision.--The term ``political
subdivision'' means a political subdivision of the State of
Iowa, any part of which is located in or adjacent to the area
in which the Partnership's Activities occur, including a
county, city, or town.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Iowa.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(6) Partnership management plan.--The term ``Partnership
Management Plan'' means the plan as established in section
5(a).
(7) Activities.--The term ``activities'' means the
activities limited in section 3(b).
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AMERICA'S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
PARTNERSHIP.
(a) Establishment.--To carry out this Act, there is established in
the State of Iowa the America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership upon
publication by the Secretary in the Federal Register of notice that a
Partnership Management Plan has been approved by the Secretary.
(b) Activities.--The Partnership's activities shall be limited to
the counties of northeast Iowa that are generally depicted in
``Alternatives #2 and #3'' described in the 1995 National Park Service
``Special Resource Study, Cedar Valley, Iowa.''.
(c) Participation.--Nothing in this Act shall require any resident
located in the area in which the Partnership's activities occur to
participate in or be associated with the Partnership or the
Partnership's activities.
(d) Affiliations.--Nothing in this Act shall prohibit future
affiliations or designations of the Partnership or Partnership
Management Entity.
(e) Grants, Technical Assistance, and Cooperative Agreements.--
(1) Grants and technical assistance.--The Secretary may
make grants and provide technical assistance to America's
Agricultural Heritage Partnership to assist it in carrying out
its purposes.
(2) Cooperative agreements.--The Secretary is authorized to
enter into cooperative agreements with private entities, the
State of Iowa, or any political subdivision thereof, and other
Federal entities, to further the purposes of this Act, the
Partnership, or the Partnership Management Entity.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AMERICA'S AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE
PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT ENTITY.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a management entity for
the Partnership based on the ``Management Option #5'' outlined in the
1995 National Park Service ``Special Resource Study, Cedar Valley,
Iowa'' and subject to the approval of the Secretary.
(b) Partnership Management Plan.--The Partnership management entity
shall be established in the Partnership Management Plan as established
in section 5(a).
(c) Composition.--The membership of the management entity may
include persons affiliated with the following entities: the American
Association of Museums, American Farm Bureau, American Farmland Trust,
Effigy Mounds National Monument and Herbert Hoover National Historic
Site, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa
Department of Corrections, Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Iowa
Department of Economic Development, National Trust for Historic
Preservation, Smithsonian Institution, the State Historic Preservation
Office of the State of Iowa, United States Department of Agriculture,
United States Department of Transportation and the America's
Agricultural/Industrial Heritage Landscape, Inc.
SEC. 5. PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT PLAN.
(a) Preparation of Partnership Management Plan.--A Partnership
Management Plan shall be submitted to the Secretary for approval no
later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Assistance.--The Secretary may provide technical assistance in
the preparation of the Partnership Management Plan.
SEC. 6. LAND USE REGULATION AND PRIVATE PROPERTY PROTECTION.
(a) Regulation.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify,
enlarge, or diminish any authority of Federal, State, and local
governments to regulate any use of privately owned land than that
provided by current law or regulation.
(b) Land Use.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to grant the
powers of zoning, land use or condemnation to the Partnership
Management Entity, the Secretary or any other Federal, State, or local
government entity.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated not more
than $400,000 annually for grants and technical assistance under
sections 3(e)(1) and 5(b).
(b) Percent of Cost.--Federal funding under sections 3(e)(1) and
5(b) shall not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of the grant or
technical assistance provided under such section. | Establishes in Iowa the America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership to promote the story of American agriculture, centered upon the area of Waterloo and northeast Iowa.
Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to provide grants and technical assistance to the Partnership, and to enter into related cooperative agreements with private and governmental entities. Establishes a Partnership management entity and requires the development of a management plan.
Authorizes appropriations. | To establish America's Agricultural Heritage Partnership in Iowa, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Economic Growth Incentive Act of
1995''.
TITLE I--REDUCTION IN INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAXES
SEC. 101. 5-PERCENT DECREASE IN INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAXES FOR MOST
TAXPAYERS.
(a) Rate Reductions.--Subsection (f) of section 1 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(8) Rate reductions.--In prescribing the tables under
paragraph (1) which apply with respect to taxable years
beginning in a calendar year after 1995--
``(A) `14.25%' shall be substituted for `15%',
``(B) `26.6%' shall be substituted for `28%',
``(C) `29.45%' shall be substituted for `31%', and
``(D) `34.2%' shall be substituted for `36%'.''
(b) Technical Amendments.--
(1) Subparagraph (B) of section 1(f)(2) of such Code is
amended by inserting ``except as provided in paragraph (8),''
before ``by not changing''.
(2) Subparagraph (C) of section 1(f)(2) of such Code is
amended by inserting ``and the reductions under paragraph (8)
in the rates of tax'' before the period.
(3) The heading for subsection (f) of section 1 of such
Code is amended by inserting ``Rate Reductions;'' before
``Adjustments''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1995.
TITLE II--INCENTIVE FOR PURCHASE OF AMERICAN-MADE PROPERTY
SEC. 201. DEDUCTION FOR GENERAL SALES TAXES ON AMERICAN-MADE TANGIBLE
PERSONAL PROPERTY.
(a) In General.--Subsection (a) of section 164 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to deduction for taxes) is amended by
inserting after paragraph (5) the following new paragraph:
``(6) State and local general sales taxes imposed in
respect of qualified sales at retail of American-made
property.''
(b) Definitions.--Subsection (b) of section 164 of such Code is
amended by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph:
``(5) Definitions relating to general sales taxes.--For
purposes of subsection (a)(6)--
``(A) Qualified sales.--The term `qualified sale'
means any sale of property if the price (including
taxes and shipping (if any)) paid by the taxpayer for
such property and all other American-made property
purchased with such property in the same transaction
exceeds $500.
``(B) American-made property.--The term `American-
made property' means tangible personal property more
than 50 percent of the cost of which is attributable to
value added in the United States.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
TITLE III--SURFACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS
SEC. 301. OBLIGATION CEILING.
Section 1002 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act of 1991 (23 U.S.C. 104 note; 105 Stat. 1916-1918) is repealed.
SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR HIGHWAY PROGRAMS.
Section 1003(a) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 1918-1922) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``and''; and
(B) by striking ``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting
``each of fiscal years 1997, 1998, and 1999'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by striking ``and''; and
(B) by striking ``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting
``each of fiscal years 1997, 1998, and 1999'';
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``and''; and
(B) by striking ``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting
``each of fiscal years 1997, 1998, and 1999'';
(4) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``and'' the second place it
appears; and
(B) by striking ``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting
``each of fiscal years 1997, 1998, and 1999'';
(5) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by striking ``and''; and
(B) by striking ``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting
``each of fiscal years 1997, 1998, and 1999'';
(6) in paragraph (6)(A) by striking ``and 1997'' and
inserting ``1997, 1998, and 1999'';
(7) in paragraph (6)(B) by striking ``and 1997'' and
inserting ``, 1997, 1998, and 1999'';
(8) in paragraph (6)(C) by striking ``and 1997'' and
inserting ``, 1997, 1998, and 1999'';
(9) in paragraph (7) by striking ``and 1997'' and inserting
``1997, 1998, and 1999''; and
(10) in paragraph (8) by striking ``and 1997'' and
inserting ``1997, 1998, and 1999''.
SEC. 303. DONOR STATE BONUS AMOUNTS.
Section 1013(c)(1) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation
Efficiency Act of 1991 (23 U.S.C. 157 note; 105 Stat. 1940) is amended
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(G) For fiscal year 1998 $514,000,000.
``(H) For fiscal year 1999 $514,000,000.''.
SEC. 304. APPORTIONMENT ADJUSTMENTS.
(a) Hold Harmless.--Section 1015(a)(1) of the Intermodal Surface
Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (23 U.S.C. 104 note; 105 Stat.
1943) is amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``1999''.
(b) 90-Percent of Payment Adjustments.--Section 1015(b)(1) of such
Act is amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``1999''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1015(e) of such Act
is amended by striking ``1997'' and inserting ``1999''.
SEC. 305. SET-ASIDE FOR 4R PROJECTS.
Section 118(c)(2)(A) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``fiscal year 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal years
1997, 1998, and 1999''.
SEC. 306. DISCRETIONARY BRIDGE PROGRAM.
Section 144(g)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``and 1997'' each place it appears and inserting ``1997, 1998,
and 1999''.
SEC. 307. NATIONAL HIGH-SPEED GROUND TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS.
Section 1036(d)(1) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation
Efficiency Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 1986) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A) by striking ``fiscal year 1997''
and inserting ``each of fiscal years 1997, 1998, and 1999'';
and
(2) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and 1997'' and
inserting ``1997, 1998, and 1999''.
SEC. 308. HIGHWAY TIMBER BRIDGE PROGRAM.
Section 1039(a) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act of 1991 (23 U.S.C. 144 note; 105 Stat. 1991) is amended by striking
``and 1997'' and inserting ``1997, 1998, and 1999''.
SEC. 309. HIGHWAY USE TAX EVASION PROJECTS.
Section 1040(f)(1) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation
Efficiency Act of 1991 (23 U.S.C. 101 note; 105 Stat. 1992-1993) is
amended by striking ``and 1997'' and inserting ``1997, 1998, and
1999''.
SEC. 310. SCENIC BYWAYS PROGRAM.
Section 1047(d) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act of 1991 (23 U.S.C. 101 note; 105 Stat. 1998) is amended by striking
``and 1997'' and inserting ``1997, 1998, and 1999''.
SEC. 311. CONSTRUCTION OF FERRY BOATS AND FERRY TERMINAL FACILITIES.
Section 1064(c) of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act of 1991 (23 U.S.C. 129 note; 105 Stat. 2005) is amended by striking
``and 1997'' and inserting ``1997, 1998, and 1999''.
SEC. 312. HIGHWAY SAFETY AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 2005 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 2079) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and 1997'' and inserting
``1997, 1998, and 1999''; and
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``1997'' and inserting
``1999''.
SEC. 313. HIGHWAY SAFETY OBLIGATION CEILINGS.
Section 2009 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 2080) is amended by striking subsections (a) and
(b) and inserting the following:
``Sums authorized to be appropriated by this title and the
amendments made by this title shall not be subject to any obligation
limitation.''.
SEC. 314. FEDERAL TRANSIT ACT AUTHORIZATIONS.
Section 5338 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(E) by striking ``the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal
years 1997, 1998, and 1999''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(E) by striking ``the fiscal year
ending September 30, 1997'' and inserting ``each of fiscal
years 1997, 1998, and 1999''.
SEC. 315. REDUCTION IN FEDERAL TRANSIT ACT AUTHORIZATIONS FOR BUDGET
COMPLIANCE.
Section 3038 of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 2138) is repealed.
SEC. 316. MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM.
Section 31104(a)(5) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997'' and inserting
``each of fiscal years 1997, 1998, and 1999''.
SEC. 317. 2-YEAR EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY TRUST FUND EXPENDITURES.
Subsections (c)(1) and (d)(3) of section 9503 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by this Act, are each amended by
striking ``1997'' and inserting ``1999''.
TITLE IV--RELIEF FROM CREDIT CRUNCH
SEC. 401. LOOSENING OF REQUIREMENTS ON LOAN LOSS RESERVES ENCOURAGED.
(a) Findings.--The Congress hereby finds that--
(1) the economy of the United States has been in a
sustained period of slow growth;
(2) credit for commercial and consumer loans and leases has
become more difficult to obtain over the past three years,
resulting in a ``credit crunch'';
(3) the banking industry has adopted a cautious credit
policy in response to the state of the economy and the problems
experienced by the savings and loan industry;
(4) the Federal Reserve has lowered its reserve
requirements on member banks for both checking and savings
deposits over the past two years in an effort to stimulate the
economy, with only moderate success; and
(5) the loosening of the requirements on loan loss reserves
by State banking authorities and the appropriate Federal
banking agencies, as that term is defined in section 3(q) of
the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(q)), might
help stimulate the economy.
(b) Declaration.--It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) the current ``credit crunch'' should be eased by making
it easier for businesses and individuals to obtain loans and
leases; and
(2) State banking authorities and the appropriate Federal
banking agencies, as that term is defined in section 3(q) of
the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(q)), should
more sensibly apply the requirements on loan loss reserves so
as not to punish or restrain responsible borrowers.
TITLE V--CAP ON FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT
SEC. 501. CAP ON FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT.
(a) Employment Cap.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
the total number of individuals employed by the Federal Government may
not exceed the number of individuals employed by the Federal Government
on the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Rescission of Appropriations.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, there are hereby rescinded all unobligated amounts
that were appropriated before the date of the enactment of this Act to
pay salary, wages, or benefits for a position in the employment of the
Federal Government that is not filled on that date.
TITLE VI--REDUCTION IN FEDERAL OVERHEAD EXPENSES
SEC. 601. REDUCTION OF AMOUNTS AVAILABLE TO FEDERAL AGENCIES FOR PAYING
OVERHEAD EXPENSES.
(a) Rescission of Appropriations.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, there is hereby rescinded an amount equal to 10
percent of all unobligated amounts that were appropriated before the
date of the enactment of this Act to pay overhead expenses of any
Federal agency.
(b) Reduction in Authorizations.--The amount authorized to be
appropriated for any fiscal year to pay overhead expenses of any
Federal agency is hereby reduced by 10 percent.
(c) Overhead Expenses Defined.--For purposes of this section, the
term ``overhead expenses'' means any expense incurred by a Federal
agency, except--
(1) the payment of salaries and wages of employees of the
agency; and
(2) direct spending (as that term is defined in section 250
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of
1985). | TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: Reduction in Individual Income Taxes
Title II: Incentive for Purchase of American-Made Property
Title III: Surface Transportation Programs
Title IV: Relief from Credit Crunch
Title V: Cap on Federal Employment
Title VI: Reduction in Federal Overhead Expenses
Economic Growth Incentive Act of 1995 -
Title I: Reduction in Individual Income Taxes
- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual income taxes.
Title II: Incentive for Purchase of American-Made Property
- Allows an itemized deduction for State and local general sales taxes imposed on the retail sale of American-made property.
Title III: Surface Transportation Programs
- Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to repeal the obligation ceiling for Federal-aid highways and highway safety construction programs.
Authorizes appropriations for FY 1998 through 1999 for: (1) highway programs; (2) donor State bonus amounts; (3) apportionment adjustments; (4) set asides for interstate discretionary projects; (5) the discretionary bridge program; (6) national high-speed ground transportation programs; (7) the highway timber bridge program; (8) highway use tax evasion projects; (9) the scenic byways program; (10) construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities; (11) certain highway safety programs; (12) Federal Transit Act authorizations; and (13) the motor carrier safety grant program.
Removes the highway safety obligation ceilings.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the authority to make expenditures from the Highway Trust Fund until September 30, 1999.
Title IV: Relief from Credit Crunch
- Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the current "credit crunch" should be eased by making it easier for businesses and individuals to obtain loans and leases; and (2) State banking authorities and the appropriate Federal banking agencies should more sensibly apply the requirements on loan loss reserves so as not to punish or restrain responsible borrowers.
Title V: Cap on Federal Employment
- Prohibits the number of Federal employees from exceeding such number on the date of enactment of this Act. Rescinds all unobligated amounts that were appropriated before such date to pay the salary, wages, or benefits for a position not filled on that date.
Title VI: Reduction in Federal Overhead Expenses
- Rescinds ten percent of all unobligated amounts that were appropriated before the date of enactment of this Act to pay overhead expenses of any Federal agency. Reduces authorizations for any fiscal year to pay overhead expenses of any Federal agency by ten percent. | Economic Growth Incentive Act of 1995 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Monument Designation
Transparency Act''.
SEC. 2. LIMITATION ON DESIGNATION OF NATIONAL MONUMENTS.
Section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``The President may''
and inserting ``Subject to the requirements of this section,
the President may'';
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``compatible with'' and
inserting ``essential to ensure''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) National Monument Designation Procedures.--
``(1) Precondition to proclamation.--The President may not
issue a proclamation under subsection (a) before the last day
of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which the
President provides the language of the proposed proclamation to
Congress and to the Governor of each State, the chief elected
official of each unit of local government, and the governing
entity of each tribal government with jurisdiction over parcels
of land located within the boundaries of the proposed national
monument.
``(2) Public participation.--
``(A) Public hearing requirement.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (iv),
not later than 90 days after the date on which
the President issues a proclamation under
subsection (a), the Secretary of the Interior
shall hold not fewer than one public hearing
within a county (or comparable unit of local
government) located wholly or in part within
the boundaries of the national monument. The
Secretary shall ensure that all interested
individuals are afforded an opportunity to
participate in a hearing held under this
subparagraph.
``(ii) Comments.--The Secretary of the
Interior shall solicit comments from the public
at a hearing held under clause (i), and shall
enter all comments received at or related to
such hearing into the record of the hearing.
``(iii) Availability of record.--The
Secretary of the Interior shall promptly make
the record of a hearing held under clause (i),
including a transcript of the hearing,
available to the public on the Internet or by
other electronic means. The Secretary shall
ensure that any components of the record that
are completed before the entire record is
finalized are made available upon their
completion.
``(iv) Waiver.--The Secretary of the
Interior may decline to hold a public hearing
under clause (i) if each unit of local and
tribal government located wholly or in part
within the boundaries of the national monument
expressly waives the right to such hearing.
``(B) Notice and comment period requirement.--Not
later than 30 days after the date on which the
President issues a proclamation under subsection (a),
the Secretary of the Interior shall initiate a notice
and comment period to receive comments from the public
regarding the proclamation.
``(C) Report.--
``(i) Contents.--Not later than one year
after issuing a proclamation under subsection
(a), the President shall submit to Congress a
report containing the following:
``(I) An analysis of the economic
impact of the designation on the
communities within the boundaries of
the monument, including an estimate of
the tax revenues that will be lost to,
or gained for, the Federal, State, and
local governments as a result of the
designation.
``(II) An analysis of the impact
the designation will have on the
Nation's energy security, including the
effects of the loss of sites to produce
wind, geothermal, or solar energy, and
the number of barrels of oil, tons of
coal, or cubic feet of natural gas that
will become unavailable as a result of
the proclamation.
``(III) The projected impact of the
designation on interests, rights, and
uses associated with the parcels of
land within the boundaries of the
monument, including water rights,
hunting, recreational shooting,
grazing, timber production, vegetation
manipulation to maintain forest health,
off-road vehicle use, hiking, horseback
riding, and mineral and energy leases,
claims, and permits.
``(IV) The record of any hearings
held under subparagraph (A).
``(V) Any written comments received
during the notice and comment period
conducted under subparagraph (B).
``(ii) Publication.--The President shall
ensure that a report submitted to Congress
under clause (i) is published on the White
House Internet website upon completion. The
President shall further ensure that any
components of the report that are completed
before the entire report is finalized and
submitted to Congress are published on the
White House Internet website upon their
completion.
``(D) Implementation guidelines.--The Secretary of
the Interior, in cooperation with the States, shall
develop and publish guidelines to provide for the
implementation of this paragraph.
``(3) Congressional approval of proclamation.--
``(A) Approval required.--A proclamation issued
under subsection (a) shall cease to be effective
following the last day of the 2-year period beginning
on the date on which the President issued the
proclamation, unless the proclamation is approved by an
Act of Congress on or before that last day.
``(B) Management of land before approval.--During
the period between the issuance of a proclamation under
subsection (a) and the approval of the proclamation
under subparagraph (A), the President shall ensure that
any restriction placed on land and interests, rights,
or uses associated with the parcels of land designated
as a national monument, including water rights,
hunting, recreational shooting, grazing, timber
production, vegetation manipulation to maintain forest
health, off-road vehicle use, hiking, horseback riding,
and mineral and energy leases, claims, and permits, is
narrowly tailored and essential to the proper care and
management of the objects to be protected.
``(C) Effect of nonapproval.--If Congress does not
approve a proclamation to designate a national monument
under subparagraph (A), any reservation of land made by
such proclamation, and any restriction imposed as a
result of such proclamation on interests, rights, or
uses associated with the parcels of land, shall cease
to be effective following the last day of the 2-year
period referred to in subparagraph (A).
``(D) Prohibition on repeat proclamations.--The
President may not issue a proclamation that is
substantially similar to a proclamation previously
issued under subsection (a) that Congress has not
approved under subparagraph (A).
``(f) Limitation on Restrictions.--The President shall ensure that
any restriction placed on land and interests, rights, or uses
associated with the parcels of land designated as a national monument
by a proclamation issued under this section is narrowly tailored and
essential to the proper care and management of the objects to be
protected.''. | National Monument Designation Transparency Act Requires land reserved as part of a national monument to be confined to the smallest area essential to ensure the proper care and management of the objects of historic or scientific interest protected by the monument. Sets forth additional procedures for the designation of national monuments. | National Monument Designation Transparency Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Economic Growth and Development
Act.''
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The promotion of sustainable economic growth is the
only long-term solution to lifting people out of poverty and
addressing development challenges such as infectious disease,
food security, education, and access to clean water.
(2) Several of the greatest development success stories in
the last 50 years demonstrate how private sector investment and
economic growth are fundamental to lifting populations out of
poverty.
(3) There has been a dramatic shift in the composition of
capital flows to the developing world. Whereas forty years ago
more than 70 percent of capital flowing to developing countries
was public sector foreign assistance, today 87 percent of
capital flowing to the developing world comes from the private
sector.
(4) Eleven of the 15 largest importers of United States
goods and services are countries that graduated from United
States foreign assistance, and 12 of the 15 fastest growing
markets for United States exports are former United States
foreign assistance recipients.
(5) With 12 departments, 26 agencies, and more than 60
Federal Government offices all involved in the delivery of
United States foreign assistance, it is extremely difficult for
United States businesses to navigate the bureaucracy in search
of opportunities to partner with such United States agencies.
(6) Although many United States development agencies have
taken steps to improve their private sector coordination
capabilities in recent years, these agency-specific strategies
remain opaque and must be integrated into a coherent
interagency coordination structure to engage the private
sector.
(7) President Barack Obama's 2010 Policy Directive on
Global Development created an Interagency Policy Committee
(IPC) for Global Development. However, the IPC has not yet
established a streamlined, interagency mechanism for
coordination with the private sector.
(8) In order to better leverage United States foreign
assistance dollars and to promote sustainable economic
development in partner countries, the private sector should be
consulted during development planning and programming
processes.
(9) Whether it is in the context of country, sector, or
global development strategy, decisions on program
prioritization and resource allocations would benefit greatly
from private sector perspectives and market data.
(10) By consulting with the private sector from the outset,
development programs can be designed to better attract private
sector investment and to promote public-private partnerships in
key development sectors.
(11) The Millennium Challenge Corporation and the
Partnership for Growth both analyze constraints to growth as
part of their planning processes, but these analyses need to be
included in all agency country, sector, and global development
strategies to more effectively inform and guide the full
spectrum of United States development programs.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development.
(2) United states development agencies.--The term ``United
States development agencies'' means the Department of State,
the United States Agency for International Development, the
Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Overseas Private
Investment Corporation, the Trade and Development Agency, the
Inter-American Foundation, and the African Development
Foundation.
(3) Private sector.--The term ``private sector'' means for-
profit United States businesses.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of State.
SEC. 4. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to maximize the impact of United States
development programs by--
(1) enhancing coordination between United States
development agencies and their programs and the private sector
and its investment activities;
(2) integrating the private sector into United States
development agencies planning and programming processes;
(3) institutionalizing analyses of constraints to growth
and investment throughout United States development agencies
planning and programming processes; and
(4) ensuring United States development agencies are
accountable for progress toward improving coordination of
United States development programs and private sector
investment activities.
SEC. 5. INTERAGENCY MECHANISM TO COORDINATE UNITED STATES DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMS AND PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--The President, in consultation with the Secretary,
the Administrator, the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium
Challenge Corporation, and the heads of other United States development
agencies, shall establish an interagency mechanism to improve
coordination of United States development programs with private sector
investment activities.
(b) Duties.--The mechanism established under subsection (a) shall--
(1) streamline and integrate the various private sector
liaison functions of United States development agencies;
(2) facilitate the use of various development and finance
tools across United States development agencies to attract
greater private sector participation in development activities;
and
(3) establish a single point of contact for the private
sector for partnership opportunities with United States
development agencies.
SEC. 6. INTEGRATING PRIVATE SECTOR CONSULTATION IN COUNTRY, SECTOR, AND
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES.
The Secretary and the Administrator shall direct their respective
policy and country teams to include private sector consultation in all
country, sector, and global development strategies, including
integrated country strategies, regional and functional strategies,
country development cooperation strategies, mission strategic resource
plans, and global development strategies.
SEC. 7. ANALYSIS OF CONSTRAINTS TO GROWTH AND INVESTMENT IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES AND SECTORS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary and the Administrator shall ensure
that independent constraints to growth and investment analyses are
conducted as a component of all appropriate country, sector, and global
development strategies.
(b) Matters To Be Included.--The analysis required under subsection
(a) shall include, at a minimum, an identification and analysis of--
(1) constraints posed by the inadequacies of critical
infrastructure, rule of law, tax and investment codes, and
customs and regulatory regimes of recipient countries, as
appropriate; and
(2) particular economic sectors that are central to
achieving economic growth, such as agriculture, transportation,
energy, and financial services.
(c) Conduct.--The analysis required under subsection (a) shall be
conducted by teams composed of representatives of United States
development agencies, international organizations, the private sector,
including representatives from commercial sectors of recipient
countries, and other stakeholders.
(d) Results.--The results of the analysis required under subsection
(a) shall be incorporated into development strategies of United States
development agencies and shall be used to inform and guide resource
allocations.
SEC. 8. REPORT.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the President shall transmit to the Committee on Foreign Relations
and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on
Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives a report that describes the specific measures that have
been taken to implement this Act and the outcomes that such measures
are intended to produce. | Economic Growth and Development Act - Directs the President to establish an interagency mechanism to improve coordination of U.S. development programs with private sector investment activities.
Directs the President and Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to: (1) direct their respective policy and country teams to include private sector consultation in all country, sector, and global development strategies; and (2) ensure that independent analyses of constraints to growth are conducted as a component of all appropriate country, sector, and global development strategies. | A bill to direct the President to establish an interagency mechanism to coordinate United States development programs and private sector investment activities, and for other purpose. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Governmentwide Mentor-Protege
Program Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. MENTOR-PROTEGE PROGRAM.
The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 36 as section 37; and
(2) by inserting after section 35 the following:
``SEC. 36. MENTOR-PROTEGE PROGRAM.
``(a) Establishment of Program.--The Administrator shall establish
a Program to be known as the `Governmentwide Mentor-Protege Program'.
``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program are to provide--
``(1) incentives for major Federal contractors to assist
eligible small business concerns to enhance the capabilities of
eligible small business concerns to perform as subcontractors
and suppliers under Federal contracts in order to increase the
participation of eligible small business concerns as
subcontractors and suppliers under those contracts; and
``(2) Governmentwide criteria for partial reimbursement of
certain agency costs incurred in the administration of the
Program.
``(c) Program Participants.--
``(1) Mentor firms.--A mentor firm may enter into
agreements under subsection (e) and furnish assistance to
eligible small business concerns upon making application to the
head of the agency for which it is contracting and being
approved for participation in the Program by the head of the
agency.
``(2) Eligible small business concerns.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible small business
concern may obtain assistance from a mentor firm upon
entering into an agreement with the mentor firm to
become a protege firm, as provided in subsection (e).
``(B) Restriction.--A protege firm may not be a
party to more than one agreement to receive assistance
described in subparagraph (A) at any time.
``(3) Certification.--
``(A) In general.--Before receiving assistance from
a mentor firm under this section, a small business
concern shall furnish to the mentor firm--
``(i) if the Administration regularly
issues certifications of qualification for the
category of that small business concern listed
in subsection (k)(1), that certification; and
``(ii) if the Administration does not
regularly issue certifications of qualification
for the category of that small business concern
listed in subsection (k)(1), a statement
indicating that it is an eligible small
business concern.
``(B) Development of certification.--Nothing in
this section shall be construed to require the
Administration to develop a certification program for
any category of small business concern listed in
subsection (k)(1).
``(C) Assistance to non-eligible small business
concern.--If at any time, a small business concern is
determined by the Administration not to be an eligible
small business concern in accordance with this
section--
``(i) the small business concern shall
immediately notify the mentor firm of the
determination; and
``(ii) assistance furnished to that small
business concern by the mentor firm after the
date of the determination may not be considered
to be assistance furnished under the Program.
``(d) Mentor Firm Eligibility.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to subsection (c)(1), a mentor
firm that is eligible for award of Federal contracts may enter
into an agreement with one or more protege firms under
subsection (e) and provide assistance under the Program
pursuant to that agreement, if the mentor firm demonstrates to
the subject agency the capability to assist in the development
of protege firms.
``(2) Presumption of capability.--A mentor firm shall be
presumed to be capable under paragraph (1) if the total amount
of contracts and subcontracts that the mentor firm has entered
into with the subject agency exceeds an amount determined by
the Administrator, in consultation with the head of the subject
agency, to be significant relative to the contracting volume of
the subject agency.
``(e) Mentor-Protege Agreement.--
``(1) In general.--Before providing assistance to a protege
firm under the Program, a mentor firm shall enter into a
mentor-protege agreement with the protege firm regarding the
assistance to be provided by the mentor firm.
``(2) Contents of agreement.--The agreement required by
paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) a developmental program for the protege firm,
in such detail as may be reasonable, including--
``(i) factors to assess the developmental
progress of the protege firm under the Program;
and
``(ii) the anticipated number and type of
subcontracts to be awarded to the protege firm;
``(B) a Program participation term of not longer
than 3 years, except that the term may be for a period
of not longer than 5 years if the Administrator
determines, in writing, that unusual circumstances
justify a Program participation term of longer than 3
years; and
``(C) procedures for the protege firm to terminate
the agreement voluntarily and for the mentor firm to
terminate the agreement for cause.
``(f) Forms of Assistance.--A mentor firm may provide to a protege
firm--
``(1) assistance using mentor firm personnel, in--
``(A) general business management, including
organizational management, financial management, and
personnel management, marketing, business development,
and overall business planning;
``(B) engineering and technical matters, including
production, inventory control, and quality assurance;
and
``(C) any other assistance designed to develop the
capabilities of the protege firm under the
developmental program referred to in subsection
(e)(2)(A);
``(2) the award of subcontracts on a noncompetitive basis
under Federal contracts;
``(3) progress payments for performance of the protege firm
under a subcontract referred to in paragraph (2), in amounts as
provided for in the subcontract, except that no such progress
payment may exceed 100 percent of the costs incurred by the
protege firm for the performance;
``(4) advance payments under subcontracts referred to in
paragraph (2);
``(5) loans;
``(6) cash in exchange for an ownership interest in the
protege firm, not to exceed 10 percent of the total ownership
interest;
``(7) assistance obtained by the mentor firm for the
protege firm from--
``(A) small business development centers
established pursuant to section 21;
``(B) entities providing procurement technical
assistance pursuant to chapter 142 of title 10, United
States Code; or
``(C) a historically Black college or university or
a minority institution of higher education.
``(g) Incentives for Mentor Firms.--
``(1) Reimbursement for progress or advance payment.--The
head of the agency for which a mentor firm is contracting may
provide to a mentor firm reimbursement for the total amount of
any progress payment or advance payment made under the Program
by the mentor firm to a protege firm in connection with a
Federal contract awarded to the mentor firm.
``(2) Reimbursement for mentoring assistance.--
``(A) Mentor firm.--The head of the agency for
which a mentor firm is contracting may provide to a
mentor firm reimbursement for the costs of the
assistance furnished to a protege firm pursuant to
paragraphs (1) and (7) of subsection (f), as provided
for in a line item in a Federal contract under which
the mentor firm is furnishing products or services to
the agency, subject to a maximum amount of
reimbursement specified in the contract, except that
this subparagraph does not apply in a case in which the
head of the agency determines in writing that unusual
circumstances justify reimbursement using a separate
contract.
``(B) Total amount of reimbursement.--The total
amount reimbursed under subparagraph (A) to a mentor
firm for costs of assistance furnished in a fiscal year
to a protege firm may not exceed $1,000,000, except in
a case in which the head of the subject agency
determines in writing that unusual circumstances
justify reimbursement of a higher amount.
``(C) Reimbursement to agency.--The head of an
agency may submit documentation to the Administrator
indicating the total amount of reimbursement that the
agency paid to each mentor firm under this paragraph,
and the agency shall be reimbursed by the
Administration for not more than 50 percent of that
total amount, as indicated in the documentation.
``(3) Costs not reimbursed.--
``(A) In general.--
``(i) Credit.--Costs incurred by a mentor
firm in providing assistance to a protege firm
that are not reimbursed pursuant to paragraph
(2) shall be recognized as credit in lieu of
subcontract awards for purposes of determining
whether the mentor firm attains a
subcontracting participation goal applicable to
the mentor firm under a Federal contract or
under a divisional or companywide
subcontracting plan negotiated with an agency.
``(ii) Subject agency authority.--Clause
(i) shall not be construed to authorize the
negotiation of divisional or companywide
subcontracting plans by an agency that did not
have such authority before the date of
enactment of the Governmentwide Mentor-Protege
Program Act of 2001.
``(B) Amount of credit.--The amount of the credit
given to a mentor firm for unreimbursed costs described
in subparagraph (A) shall be equal to--
``(i) 4 times the total amount of the
unreimbursed costs attributable to assistance
provided by entities described in subsection
(f)(7);
``(ii) 3 times the total amount of the
unreimbursed costs attributable to assistance
furnished by the employees of the mentor firm;
and
``(iii) 2 times the total amount of any
other unreimbursed costs.
``(C) Adjustment of credit.--Under regulations
issued by the Administrator pursuant to subsection (j),
the head of the subject agency shall adjust the amount
of credit given to a mentor firm pursuant to
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of this paragraph, if the
head of the subject agency determines that the
performance of the mentor firm regarding the award of
subcontracts to eligible small business concerns has
declined without justifiable cause.
``(h) Administrative Provisions.--
``(1) Developmental assistance.--For purposes of this Act,
no determination of affiliation or control (either direct or
indirect) may be found between a protege firm and its mentor
firm on the basis that the mentor firm has agreed to furnish
(or has furnished) to the protege firm pursuant to a mentor-
protege agreement under this section any form of developmental
assistance described in subsection (f).
``(2) Participation in program.--Notwithstanding section 8,
the Administration may not determine an eligible small business
concern to be ineligible to receive any assistance authorized
under this Act on the basis that the small business concern has
participated in the Program, or has received assistance
pursuant to any developmental assistance agreement authorized
under the Program.
``(3) Administration review.--
``(A) In general.--Upon determining that the
mentor-protege program administered by the subject
agency conforms to the standards set forth in the rules
issued under subsection (j)(1), the Administrator may
not require a small business concern that is entering
into, or has entered into, an agreement under
subsection (e) as a protege firm, or a firm that makes
an application under subsection (c)(1), to submit the
application, agreement, or any other document required
by the agency in the administration of the Program to
the Administration for review, approval, or any other
purpose.
``(B) Exception.--The Administrator may require
submission for review of an agreement entered into
under subsection (e), or application submitted under
subsection (c)(1), if the agreement or application
relates to--
``(i) a mentor-protege program administered
by the agency that does not conform to the
standards set forth in the rules issued under
subsection (j)(1); or
``(ii) a claim for reimbursement of costs
submitted by an agency to the Administration
under subsection (g)(2)(C) that the
Administrator has reason to believe is not
authorized under this section.
``(i) Participation in Program Not To Be a Condition for Award of a
Contract or Subcontract.--A mentor firm may not require a small
business concern to enter into an agreement with the mentor firm
pursuant to subsection (e) as a condition for being awarded a contract
by the mentor firm, including a subcontract under a contract awarded to
the mentor firm.
``(j) Regulations.--
``(1) Proposed rules.--Not later than 270 days after the
date of enactment of the Governmentwide Mentor-Protege Program
Act of 2001, the Administrator shall issue final rules to carry
out this section.
``(2) Proposed rules from the federal acquisition
regulatory council.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
issuance of the final rules of the Administration under
paragraph (1), the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall
publish final rules that conform to the final rules issued by
the Administration.
``(k) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `eligible small business concern' means--
``(A) any qualified HUBZone small business concern,
as defined in section 3(p)(5);
``(B) any small business concern that is owned and
controlled by women, as defined in section 3(n);
``(C) any small business concern that is owned and
controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged
individuals, as defined in section 8(a)(4); and
``(D) any small business concern that is owned and
controlled by service-disabled veterans, as defined in
section 3(q)(2);
``(2) the term `historically Black college and university'
means any of the historically Black colleges and universities
referred to in section 2323 of title 10, United States Code;
``(3) the term `mentor firm' means a business concern
that--
``(A) meets the requirements of subsection (d); and
``(B) is approved for participation in the Program
under subsection (c)(1);
``(4) the term `minority institution of higher education'
means an institution of higher education with a student body
that reflects the composition specified in paragraphs (3), (4),
and (5) of section 312(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1058(b)(3), (4), (5));
``(5) the term `Program' means the Mentor-Protege Program
established under this section;
``(6) the term `protege firm' means an eligible small
business concern that receives assistance from a mentor firm
under this section; and
``(7) the term `subcontracting participation goal', with
respect to a Federal Government contract, means a goal for the
extent of the participation by eligible small business concerns
in the subcontracts awarded under such contract, as established
by the Administrator and the subject agency head, in accordance
with the goals established pursuant to section 15(g).
``(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $30,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2002 through 2004.''. | Governmentwide Mentor-Protege Program Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Act to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to establish the Governmentwide Mentor-Protege Program under which major Federal contractors (mentor firms) assist eligible small businesses (protege firms) to perform as subcontractors and suppliers under Federal contracts. Requires a mentor-protege agreement regarding the assistance to be provided.Provides incentives for mentor firms to enter into such agreements, including reimbursement for progress or advance payments made to protege firms in connection with a Federal contract, as well as reimbursement for mentoring assistance (with a total reimbursement limit of $1 million per protege firm). Prohibits a mentor firm from requiring an eligible small business to enter into an agreement as a condition for the award of a contract or subcontract.Makes eligible for such Program: (1) any qualified HUBZone small business; and (2) any small business owned and controlled by women, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or service-disabled veterans. | A bill to enhance small business access to Federal contracting opportunities and provide technical advice and support that small businesses need to perform contracts awarded to them, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rural Energy Savings Program Act''.
SEC. 2. RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM.
Subtitle E of title VI of the Farm Security and Rural Investment
Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-71; 116 Stat. 424) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``SEC. 6407. RURAL ENERGY SAVINGS PROGRAM.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to create jobs,
promote rural development, and help rural families and small businesses
achieve cost savings by providing loans to qualified consumers to
implement durable cost-effective energy efficiency measures.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) any public power district, public utility
district, or similar entity, or any electric
cooperative described in section 501(c)(12) or
1381(a)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, that
borrowed and repaid, prepaid, or is paying an electric
loan made or guaranteed by the Rural Utilities Service
(or any predecessor agency);
``(B) any entity primarily owned or controlled by
one or more entities described in subparagraph (A); or
``(C) any other entity that is an eligible borrower
of the Rural Utility Service, as determined under
section 1710.101 of title 7, Code of Federal
Regulations (or a successor regulation).
``(2) Energy efficiency measures.--The term `energy
efficiency measures' means, for or at property served by an
eligible entity, structural improvements and investments in
cost-effective, commercial technologies to increase energy
efficiency.
``(3) Qualified consumer.--The term `qualified consumer'
means a consumer served by an eligible entity that has the
ability to repay a loan made under subsection (d), as
determined by the eligible entity.
``(4) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Agriculture, acting through the Administrator of the Rural
Utilities Service.
``(c) Loans to Eligible Entities.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
shall make loans to eligible entities that agree to use the
loan funds to make loans to qualified consumers for the purpose
of implementing energy efficiency measures.
``(2) Requirements.--
``(A) In general.--As a condition of receiving a
loan under this subsection, an eligible entity shall--
``(i) establish a list of energy efficiency
measures that is expected to decrease energy
use or costs of qualified consumers;
``(ii) prepare an implementation plan for
use of the loan funds, including use of any
interest to be received pursuant to subsection
(d)(1)(A);
``(iii) provide for appropriate measurement
and verification to ensure--
``(I) the effectiveness of the
energy efficiency loans made by the
eligible entity; and
``(II) that there is no conflict of
interest in carrying out this section;
and
``(iv) demonstrate expertise in effective
use of energy efficiency measures at an
appropriate scale.
``(B) Revision of list of energy efficiency
measures.--Subject to the approval of the Secretary, an
eligible entity may update the list required under
subparagraph (A)(i) to account for newly available
efficiency technologies.
``(C) Existing energy efficiency programs.--An
eligible entity that, at any time before the date that
is 60 days after the date of enactment of this section,
has established an energy efficiency program for
qualified consumers may use an existing list of energy
efficiency measures, implementation plan, or
measurement and verification system of that program to
satisfy the requirements of subparagraph (A) if the
Secretary determines the list, plan, or systems are
consistent with the purposes of this section.
``(3) No interest.--A loan under this subsection shall bear
no interest.
``(4) Repayment.--With respect to a loan under paragraph
(1)--
``(A) the term shall not exceed 20 years from the
date on which the loan is closed; and
``(B) except as provided in paragraph (6), the
repayment of each advance shall be amortized for a
period not to exceed 10 years.
``(5) Amount of advances.--Any advance of loan funds to an
eligible entity in any single year shall not exceed 50 percent
of the approved loan amount.
``(6) Special advance for start-up activities.--
``(A) In general.--In order to assist an eligible
entity in defraying the appropriate start-up costs (as
determined by the Secretary) of establishing new
programs or modifying existing programs to carry out
subsection (d), the Secretary shall allow an eligible
entity to request a special advance.
``(B) Amount.--No eligible entity may receive a
special advance under this paragraph for an amount that
is greater than 4 percent of the loan amount received
by the eligible entity under paragraph (1).
``(C) Repayment.--Repayment of the special
advance--
``(i) shall be required during the 10-year
period beginning on the date on which the
special advance is made; and
``(ii) at the election of the eligible
entity, may be deferred to the end of the 10-
year period.
``(7) Limitation.--All special advances shall be made under
a loan described in paragraph (1) during the first 10 years of
the term of the loan.
``(d) Loans to Qualified Consumers.--
``(1) Terms of loans.--Loans made by an eligible entity to
qualified consumers using loan funds provided by the Secretary
under subsection (c)--
``(A) may bear interest, not to exceed 3 percent,
to be used for purposes that include--
``(i) to establish a loan loss reserve; and
``(ii) to offset personnel and program
costs of eligible entities to provide the
loans;
``(B) shall finance energy efficiency measures for
the purpose of decreasing energy usage or costs of the
qualified consumer by an amount that ensures, to the
maximum extent practicable, that a loan term of not
more than 10 years will not pose an undue financial
burden on the qualified consumer, as determined by the
eligible entity;
``(C) shall not be used to fund purchases of, or
modifications to, personal property unless the personal
property is or becomes attached to real property
(including a manufactured home) as a fixture;
``(D) shall be repaid through charges added to the
electric bill for the property for, or at which, energy
efficiency measures are or will be implemented, on the
condition that this requirement does not prohibit--
``(i) the voluntary prepayment of a loan by
the owner of the property; or
``(ii) the use of any additional repayment
mechanisms that are--
``(I) demonstrated to have
appropriate risk mitigation features,
as determined by the eligible entity;
or
``(II) required if the qualified
consumer is no longer a customer of the
eligible entity; and
``(E) shall require an energy audit by an eligible
entity to determine the impact of proposed energy
efficiency measures on the energy costs and consumption
of the qualified consumer.
``(2) Contractors.--In addition to any other qualified
general contractor, eligible entities may serve as general
contractors.
``(e) Contract for Measurement and Verification, Training, and
Technical Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this section, the Secretary--
``(A) shall establish a plan for measurement and
verification, training, and technical assistance of the
program; and
``(B) may enter into one or more contracts with a
qualified entity for the purposes of--
``(i) providing measurement and
verification activities; and
``(ii) developing a program to provide
technical assistance and training to the
employees of eligible entities to carry out
this section.
``(2) Use of subcontractors authorized.--A qualified entity
that enters into a contract under paragraph (1) may use
subcontractors to assist the qualified entity in carrying out
the contract.
``(f) Fast Start Demonstration Projects.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall offer to enter into
agreements with eligible entities (or groups of eligible
entities) that have energy efficiency programs described in
subsection (c)(2)(C) to establish an energy efficiency loan
demonstration projects consistent with the purposes of this
section.
``(2) Evaluation criteria.--In determining which eligible
entities to award loans under this section, the Secretary shall
take into consideration eligible entities that--
``(A) implement approaches to energy audits and
investments in energy efficiency measures that yield
measurable and predictable savings;
``(B) use measurement and verification processes to
determine the effectiveness of energy efficiency loans
made by eligible entities;
``(C) include training for employees of eligible
entities, including any contractors of such entities,
to implement or oversee the activities described in
subparagraphs (A) and (B);
``(D) provide for the participation of a majority
of eligible entities in a State;
``(E) reduce the need for generating capacity;
``(F) provide efficiency loans to--
``(i) in the case of a single eligible
entity, not fewer than 20,000 consumers; or
``(ii) in the case of a group of eligible
entities, not fewer than 80,000 consumers; and
``(G) serve areas in which, as determined by the
Secretary, a large percentage of consumers reside--
``(i) in manufactured homes; or
``(ii) in housing units that are more than
50 years old.
``(3) Deadline for implementation.--To the maximum extent
practicable, the Secretary shall enter into agreements
described in paragraph (1) by not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this section.
``(4) Effect on availability of loans nationally.--Nothing
in this subsection shall delay the availability of loans to
eligible entities on a national basis beginning not later than
180 days after the date of enactment of this section.
``(5) Additional demonstration project authority.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may conduct
demonstration projects in addition to the project
required by paragraph (1).
``(B) Inapplicability of certain criteria.--The
additional demonstration projects may be carried out
without regard to subparagraphs (D), (F), or (G) of
paragraph (2).
``(g) Additional Authority.--The authority provided in this section
is in addition to any other authority of the Secretary to offer loans
under any other law.
``(h) Effective Period.--Subject to the availability of funds and
except as otherwise provided in this section, the loans and other
expenditures required to be made under this section shall be available
until expended, with the Secretary authorized to make new loans as
loans are repaid.
``(i) Regulations.--
``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this section, the Secretary shall promulgate such
regulations as are necessary to implement this section.
``(2) Procedure.--The promulgation of the regulations and
administration of this section shall be made without regard
to--
``(A) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of
Agriculture effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg.
13804), relating to notices of proposed rulemaking and
public participation in rulemaking; and
``(B) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code
(commonly known as the `Paperwork Reduction Act').
``(3) Congressional review of agency rulemaking.--In
carrying out this section, the Secretary shall use the
authority provided under section 808 of title 5, United States
Code.
``(4) Interim regulations.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (1)
and (2), to the extent regulations are necessary to carry out
any provision of this section, the Secretary shall implement
such regulations through the promulgation of an interim
rule.''. | Rural Energy Savings Program Act - Amends the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA), through the Rural Utilities Service, to make interest-free loans to eligible entities (public power districts, public utility districts, or specified electric cooperatives that borrowed and repaid, prepaid, or are paying an electric loan made or guaranteed by the Rural Utilities Service) for loans to consumers to implement energy efficient measures.
Provides a special advance for start-up activities.
Authorizes the Secretary to contract with a qualified entity to provide verification and measurement activities and employee technical assistance and training.
Directs the Secretary to offer to enter into agreements with eligible entities, or groups of eligible entities, that have specified energy efficiency programs to establish energy efficiency loan demonstration projects. | A bill to amend the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to certain entities that will use the funds to make loans to consumers to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures to promote energy cost savings and rural development. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Patent Term Amendment Act of 1994''.
SEC. 2. PATENT TERM.
Section 154 of title 35, United States Code, is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 154 Contents and term of patent
``(a) Every patent shall contain a short title of the invention and
a grant to the patentee, his heirs or assigns, of the right to exclude
others from making, using, or selling the invention throughout the
United States and, if the invention is a process, of the right to
exclude others from using or selling throughout the United States, or
importing into the United States, products made by that process,
referring to the specification for the particulars thereof. Subject to
the payment of fees as provided for in this title, such grant shall be
for a term beginning on the date on which the patent issues and ending
twenty years from the date on which the application for the patent was
filed in the United States or, if the application contains a specific
reference to an earlier filed application or applications under
sections 120, 121 or 365(c) of this title, from the date on which the
earliest such application was filed. Priority under sections 119,
365(a) or 365(b) of this title shall not be taken into account in
determining the term of a patent. A copy of the specification and
drawings shall be annexed to the patent and be a part thereof.
``(b) Where the issuance of an original patent is delayed because
of a proceeding under section 135(a) of this title or the application
is placed under an order pursuant to section 181 of this title, the
term of the patent shall be extended for the period of delay up to five
years. Any and all extensions available under this subsection shall not
extend the term of an original patent for more than five years.''.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF A DOMESTIC PRIORITY SYSTEM.
(a) Section 119 of title 35, United States Code, is amended to read
as follows:
``Sec. 119 Benefit of earlier filing date; right of priority
``(a) An application for patent for an invention filed in this
country by any person who has, or whose legal representatives or
assigns have, previously filed an application for a patent for the same
invention in a foreign country which affords similar privileges in the
case of applications filed in the United States shall have the same
effect as the same application would have if filed in this country on
the date on which the application for patent for the same invention was
first filed in such foreign country, if the application in this country
is filed within twelve months from the earliest date on which such
foreign application was filed; but no patent shall be granted on any
application for patent for an invention which had been patented or
described in a printed publication in any country more than one year
before the date of the actual filing of the application in this
country, or which had been in public use or on sale in this country
more than one year prior to such filing.
``(b) No application for patent shall be entitled to a right of
priority under subsection (a) unless a claim therefor and a certified
copy of the original foreign application, specification and drawings
upon which it is based are filed in the Patent and Trademark Office
before the patent is granted, or at such time during the pendency of
the application as required by the Commissioner not earlier than six
months after the filing of the application in this country. Such
certification shall be made by the patent office of the foreign country
in which filed and show the date of the application and of the filing
of the specification and other papers. The Commissioner may require a
translation of the papers filed if not in the English language and such
other information as he deems necessary.
``(c) In like manner and subject to the same conditions and
requirements, the right provided under subsection (a) may be based upon
a subsequent regularly filed application in the same foreign country
instead of the first filed foreign application, provided that any
foreign application has been withdrawn, abandoned, or otherwise
disposed of, without having been laid open to public inspection and
without leaving any rights outstanding, and has not served, nor
thereafter shall serve, as a basis for claiming a right of priority.
``(d) Applications for inventor's certificates filed in a foreign
country in which applicants have a right to apply, at their discretion,
either for a patent or for an inventor's certificate shall be treated
in this country in the same manner and have the same effect for purpose
of the right of priority under subsection (a) as applications for
patents, subject to the same conditions and requirements of this
section as apply to applications for patents, provided such applicants
are entitled to the benefits of the Stockholm Revision of the Paris
Convention at the time of such filing.
``(e) An application for patent filed under sections 111(a) or 363
of this title for an invention disclosed in the manner provided by the
first paragraph of section 112 of this title in a provisional
application filed under section 111(b) of this title, by an inventor or
inventors named in the provisional application shall have the same
effect, as to such invention, as though filed on the date of the
provisional application filed under section 111(b) of this title, if
the application for patent filed under sections 111(a) or 363 of this
title is filed within twelve months from the date on which the
provisional application was filed and if it contains or is amended to
contain a specific reference to the provisional application. A
provisional application filed under section 111(b) of this title may
not be relied upon in any proceeding in the Patent and Trademark Office
unless the fee set forth in subsections 41(a)(1) (A) or (C) has been
paid and the provisional application was pending on the filing date of
the application for patent under sections 111(a) or 363 of this
title.''.
(b) Section 41(a)(1) of title 35, United States Code, is amended to
include a new subparagraph c, as follows:
``c. On filing each provisional application for an original
patent, $150.00.''.
(c) Section 111 of title 35, United States Code, is amended to read
as follows:
``Sec. 111 Application
``(a) Application for patent shall be made, or authorized to be
made, by the inventor, except as otherwise provided in this title, in
writing to the Commissioner. Such application shall include (1) a
specification as prescribed by section 112 of this title; (2) a drawing
as prescribed by section 113 of this title; and (3) an oath by the
applicant as prescribed by section 115 of this title. The application
must be accompanied by the fee required by law. The fee and oath may be
submitted after the specification and any required drawing are
submitted, within such period and under such conditions, including the
payment of a surcharge, as may be prescribed by the Commissioner. Upon
failure to submit the fee and oath within such prescribed period, the
application shall be regarded as abandoned, unless it is shown to the
satisfaction of the Commissioner that the delay in submitting the fee
and oath was unavoidable or unintentional. The filing date of an
application shall be the date on which the specification and any
required drawing are received in the Patent and Trademark Office.
``(b)(1) A provisional application for patent shall be made, or
authorized to be made, by the inventor, in accordance with regulations
prescribed by the Commissioner. Such application shall include (A) a
specification as prescribed by the first paragraph of section 112 of
this title; and (B) a drawing as prescribed by section 113 of this
title. A claim shall not be required in a provisional application. The
application must be accompanied by the fee required by law. The fee may
be submitted after the specification and any required drawing are
submitted, within such period and under such conditions, including the
payment of a surcharge, as may be prescribed by the Commissioner. Upon
failure to submit the fee within such prescribed period, the
application shall be regarded as abandoned, unless it is shown to the
satisfaction of the Commissioner that the delay in submitting the fee
was unavoidable or unintentional. The filing date of a provisional
application shall be the date on which the specification and any
required drawing are received in the Patent and Trademark Office. The
provisional application shall be regarded as abandoned twelve months
after its filing date and shall not be subject to revival thereafter.
Subject to all the conditions in this subsection, subsections 111(b)(2)
and 119(e) and as prescribed by the Commissioner, an application for
patent filed under section 111(a) of this title may be treated as a
provisional application for patent.
``(2) A provisional application shall not be entitled to the right
of priority of any other application under sections 119 or 365(a) of
this title or the benefit of an earlier filing date in the United
States under sections 120, 121 or 365(c) of this title.
``(3) The provisions of this title relating to applications for
patent shall be applicable to provisional applications for patent,
except as otherwise provided and except that provisional applications
for patent shall not be subject to sections 115, 131, 135 and 157 of
this title.''.
SEC. 4. CONFORMING CHANGES.
(a) The table of sections for chapter 11 of title 35, United States
Code, is amended in the item relating to section 111 by deleting ``for
patent'' and in the item relating to section 119 by deleting ``in
foreign country.''
(b) Section 156 of title 35, United States Code, is amended by
adding ``under subsection (e)(1) of this section'' after ``extended''
in subsection (a)(2).
(c) Section 172 of title 35, United States Code, is amended by
changing ``section 119'' to ``subsections 119(a) through 119(d)''.
Further, ``The right of priority provided for by subsection 119(e) of
this title shall not apply to designs.'' has been added as a second
sentence.
(d) Section 173 of title 35, United States Code, is amended by
adding ``from the date of grant'' after ``years.''
(e) Subsection 365(a) of title 35, United States Code, is amended
by changing ``section 119'' to ``subsections 119(a) through 119(d)''
and subsection 365(b) of title 35, United States Code, is amended by
changing ``the first paragraph of section 119'' to ``subsection
119(a).''
(f) Subsection 373 of title 35, United States Code, is amended by
changing ``section 119'' to ``subsections 119(a) through 119(d)''.
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Sections 2 through 4 shall take effect six months from the date of
enactment and shall apply to all applications filed in the United
States on or after the effective date. The term of a patent granted on
a plant or utility application that is filed after the effective date
and that contains a specific reference to an earlier filed application
under the provisions of sections 120, 121 or 365(c) of title 35 shall
be measured from the filing date of the earliest filed application, a
reference to which is made under sections 120, 121 or 365(c) of this
title. | Patent Term Amendment Act of 1994 - Revises Federal patent law to establish a 20-year patent term from the date of filing. Provides that, where the issuance of an original patent is delayed because of a proceeding regarding situations where a patent application would interfere with a pending application or with an unexpired patent, the term of the patent shall be extended for the period of delay up to five years.
Sets forth provisions with respect to the filing of a provisional application for a patent. Specifies that a provisional application shall not be entitled to the right of priority of any other application or the benefit of an earlier filing date in the United States.
Directs the Commissioner of the Patent and Trademark Office to charge a $150 filing fee on each provisional application for an original patent. | Patent Term Amendment Act of 1994 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Safe, Flexible, and Efficient
Trucking Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. MODERNIZED WEIGHT LIMITATIONS FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES.
Section 127 of title 23, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(m) Additional Exception to Weight Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), a State
may authorize a vehicle with a maximum gross weight, including
all enforcement tolerances, that exceeds the maximum gross
weight otherwise applicable under subsection (a) to operate on
Interstate System routes in the State, if--
``(A) the vehicle is equipped with at least 6
axles;
``(B) the weight of any single axle on the vehicle
does not exceed 20,000 pounds, including enforcement
tolerances;
``(C) the weight of any tandem axle on the vehicle
does not exceed 34,000 pounds, including enforcement
tolerances;
``(D) the weight of any group of 3 or more axles on
the vehicle does not exceed 51,000 pounds, including
enforcement tolerances;
``(E) the gross weight of the vehicle does not
exceed 91,000 pounds, including enforcement tolerances;
and
``(F) the vehicle complies with the bridge formula
in subsection (a)(2) of this section.
``(2) Special rules.--
``(A) Other exceptions not affected.--This
subsection shall not restrict--
``(i) a vehicle that may operate under any
other provision of this section or another
Federal law; or
``(ii) a State's authority with respect to
a vehicle that may operate under any other
provision of this section or another Federal
law.
``(B) Means of implementation.--A State may
implement this subsection by any means, including
statute or rule of general applicability, by special
permit, or otherwise.
``(3) Additional equipment.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may issue such
regulations as are necessary to require a vehicle
operating pursuant to this subsection to include 1 item
of additional equipment not otherwise required by law.
The Secretary may issue such regulations only if the
equipment item to be required is available at the time
a rule is proposed.
``(B) Comment.--In issuing regulations pursuant to
this paragraph, the Secretary shall invite comment on
the effective date of any proposed equipment
requirement.
``(C) Limited authority.--The authority to issue
regulations pursuant to this paragraph applies only to
a rule that is published as a final rule in the Federal
Register not later than the date that is 6 months after
the date of enactment of this subsection.
``(4) Reporting requirements.--
``(A) Triennial report.--If a State, pursuant to
paragraph (1), authorizes vehicles described in such
paragraph to operate on Interstate System routes in the
State, the State shall submit to the Secretary a
triennial report containing--
``(i) an identification of highway routes
in the State, including routes not on the
Interstate System, on which the State so
authorizes such vehicles to operate;
``(ii) a description of any gross vehicle
weight limit applicable to such vehicles so
authorized and of any operating requirements
applicable to such vehicles that are in
addition to requirements applicable to all
commercial motor vehicles;
``(iii) the number of crashes that occurred
in the State involving such vehicles so
authorized on the Interstate System, the number
of such crashes involving fatalities, and the
number of such crashes involving non-fatal
injuries;
``(iv) estimated vehicle miles traveled on
the Interstate System in the State by such
vehicles so authorized; and
``(v) other information, such as the gross
vehicle weight of a vehicle operating pursuant
to the authority of this subsection at the time
of a crash, as the Secretary and the State
jointly determine necessary.
``(B) Public availability.--The Secretary shall
make all information required under subparagraph (A)
available to the public.
``(5) Termination as to route segment.--The Secretary may
terminate the operation of vehicles authorized by a State under
this subsection on a specific Interstate System route segment
if, after the effective date of a decision of a State to allow
vehicles to operate pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary
determines that such operation poses an unreasonable safety
risk based on an engineering analysis of the route segment or
an analysis of safety or other applicable data from the route
segment.
``(6) Waiver of highway funding reduction.--Notwithstanding
subsection (a), the total amount of funds apportioned to a
State under section 104(b)(1) for any period may not be reduced
under subsection (a) if the State authorizes a vehicle
described in paragraph (1) to operate on the Interstate System
in the State in accordance with this subsection.
``(7) Preserving state and local authority regarding non-
interstate system highways.--Subsection (b) of this section
shall not apply to motor vehicles operating on the Interstate
System solely under the authority provided by this
subsection.''. | Safe, Flexible, and Efficient Trucking Act of 2015 This bill allows a state to authorize a vehicle with a maximum gross weight (including enforcement tolerances) exceeding certain federal weight limitations to operate on Interstate Highway System routes in the state if: the vehicle is equipped with at least six axles, the weight of any single axle does not exceed 20,000 pounds, the weight of any tandem axle does not exceed 34,000 pounds, the weight of any group of 3 or more axles does not exceed 51,000 pounds, the gross weight of the vehicle does not exceed 91,000 pounds, and the vehicle complies with a specified bridge formula. The Department of Transportation may issue regulations necessary to require such a vehicle to include one item of additional equipment not otherwise required by law, but only if the equipment item is available at the time the rule is proposed. | Safe, Flexible, and Efficient Trucking Act of 2015 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Transforming Energy Now Act of
2006''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) the United States is dangerously dependent on foreign
oil;
(2) as of April 2006, the United States imported nearly 60
percent of the oil used in the United States, and that
percentage is expected to increase to almost 70 percent by 2025
unless the United States takes decisive action;
(3) approximately 2,500,000 barrels of oil per day are
imported from countries in the Persian Gulf region;
(4) oil imports comprise nearly 30 percent of the
dangerously high trade deficit of the United States;
(5) it is feasible to dramatically reduce the dependence of
the United States on foreign oil by increasing production and
commercialization of alternative liquid fuels;
(6) as of April 2006, only 4 percent of the total gasoline
sold was derived from renewable fuel, including 4,000,000,000
gallons of ethanol production;
(7) at the current rate of renewable fuel production
growth, the United States will increase its production of
ethanol by approximately 1,000,000,000 gallons a year,
resulting in the annual production of 14,000,000,000 gallons of
ethanol in the United States by 2016;
(8) at the current increase of renewable fuel production
capacity, the United States will produce 10,000,000,000 gallons
of ethanol by 2012, easily surpassing the current renewable
fuels mandate required by the Energy Policy Act of 2005;
(9) an aggressive schedule of renewable fuels production
will lessen the United States dependence on foreign oil;
(10) 10 percent of the Nation's motor vehicle fuel supply
should be renewable by 2016; and
(11) setting a goal of 19,000,000,000 gallons of ethanol by
2016 would require an aggressive increase in renewable fuels
production without requiring significant ethanol imports.
SEC. 3. ETHANOL AND BIODIESEL FUEL REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 211(o)(2)(B) of the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. 7545 (o)(2)(B)) is amended to read as follows:
``(B) Minimum percentage.--Motor vehicle fuel sold
or introduced into commerce in the United States
(except in noncontiguous States or territories) after
December 31, 2015, shall contain, in the aggregate, not
less than 10 percent renewable fuel, by volume.''.
(b) Rulemaking.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall promulgate regulations
to carry out the amendment made by subsection (a).
SEC. 4. INCREASE IN ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLE REFUELING PROPERTY CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Section 30C(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by striking ``30 percent'' and inserting ``50
percent''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to property placed in service after December 31, 2005, in taxable
years ending after such date.
SEC. 5. USE OF CAFE PENALTIES TO BUILD ALTERNATIVE FUELING
INFRASTRUCTURE.
Section 32912 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(e) Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program.--
``(1) Trust fund.--
``(A) Establishment.--There is established in the
Treasury of the United States a trust fund, to be known
as the Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Trust Fund
(referred to in this subsection as the `Trust Fund'),
consisting of such amounts as are deposited into the
Trust Fund under subparagraph (B) and any interest
earned on investment of amounts in the Trust Fund.
``(B) Transfers of civil penalties.--The Secretary
of Transportation shall remit 90 percent of the amount
collected in civil penalties under this section to the
Trust Fund.
``(2) Establishment of grant program.--The Secretary of
Energy shall obligate such sums as are available in the Trust
Fund to establish a grant program to increase the number of
locations at which consumers may purchase alternative
transportation fuels.
``(3) Grant recipients.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary of Energy may
award grants under this paragraph, to--
``(i) individual fueling stations in an
amount not greater than $150,000 per site or
$500,000 per entity; and
``(ii) corporations (including nonprofit
corporations) with demonstrated experience in
the administration of grant funding for the
purpose of alternative fueling infrastructure.
``(B) Priority.--In awarding grants under this
paragraph, the Secretary of Energy shall--
``(i) give priority to recognized non-
profit corporations that have proven experience
and demonstrated technical expertise in the
establishment of alternative fueling
infrastructure;
``(ii) consider the number of vehicles
produced for sale in the preceding production
year capable of using each specific type of
alternative fuel; and
``(iii) identify 1 primary group per
alternative fuel.
``(4) Use of funds.--
``(A) In general.--Grant funds received under this
subsection may be used to--
``(i) construct new facilities to dispense
alternative fuels;
``(ii) purchase equipment to upgrade,
expand, or otherwise improve existing
alternative fuel facilities; or
``(iii) purchase equipment or pay for
specific turnkey fueling services by
alternative fuel providers.
``(B) Matching requirement.--The Secretary of
Energy may not award a grant under this paragraph
unless the grant recipient agrees to provide $1 of non-
Federal contributions for every $3 of grant funds
received under this paragraph. In no case may
administrative expenses exceed 10 percent of any total
award that may be provided.
``(5) Selection of alternative fuel stations.--Each grant
recipient shall select the locations for each alternative fuel
station to be constructed with grant funds received under this
paragraph on a formal, open, and competitive basis, based on--
``(A) the public demand for each alternative fuel
in a particular county based on state registration
records showing the number of vehicles that can be
operated with alternative fuel; and
``(B) the opportunity to create or expand corridors
of alternative fuel stations along interstate or State
highways.
``(6) Operation of alternative fuel stations.--Facilities
constructed or upgraded with grant funds received under this
subsection shall--
``(A) provide alternative fuel available to the
public for a period of not less than 4 years;
``(B) establish a marketing plan to advance the
sale and use of alternative fuels;
``(C) prominently display the price of alternative
fuel on the marquee and in the station;
``(D) provide point of sale materials on
alternative fuel;
``(E) clearly label the dispenser with consistent
materials;
``(F) price the alternative fuel at the same margin
that is received for unleaded gasoline; and
``(G) support and use all available tax incentives
to reduce the cost of the alternative fuel to the
lowest possible retail price.
``(7) Notification requirements.--
``(A) Opening.--Not later than the date on which
each alternative fuel station begins to offer
alternative fuel to the public, the grant recipient
that used grant funds to construct such station shall
notify the Secretary of Energy of such opening. The
Secretary of Energy shall add each new alternative fuel
station to the alternative fuel station locator on its
Website when it receives notification under this
subparagraph.
``(B) Semi-annual report.--Not later than 6 months
after the receipt of a grant award under this
subsection, and every 6 months thereafter, each grant
recipient shall submit a report to the Secretary of
Energy that describes--
``(i) the status of each alternative fuel
station constructed with grant funds received
under this subsection;
``(ii) the amount of alternative fuel
dispensed at each station during the preceding
6-month period; and
``(iii) the average price per gallon of the
alternative fuel sold at each station during
the preceding 6-month period.
``(8) Alternative fuel defined.--For the purposes of this
subsection, the term `alternative fuel' means--
``(A) any fuel of which at least 85 percent (or
such percentage, but not less than 70 percent, as
determined by the Secretary, by rule, to provide for
requirements relating to cold start, safety, or vehicle
functions) of the volume consists of ethanol, natural
gas, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas,
liquefied petroleum gas, or hydrogen; or
``(B) any mixture of biodiesel and diesel fuel
determined without regard to any use of kerosene that
contains at least 20 percent biodiesel.''.
SEC. 6. LOW-INTEREST LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM FOR RETAIL DELIVERY OF E-85
FUEL.
(a) Purposes of Loans.--Section 312(a) of the Consolidated Farm and
Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1942(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (9)(B)(ii), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (10), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) building infrastructure, including pump stations,
for the retail delivery to consumers of any fuel that contains
not less than 85 percent ethanol, by volume.''.
(b) Program.--Subtitle B of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1941 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``SEC. 320. LOW-INTEREST LOAN AND GRANT PROGRAM FOR RETAIL DELIVERY OF
E-85 FUEL.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a low-interest
loan and grant program to assist farmer-owned ethanol producers
(including cooperatives and limited liability corporations) to develop
and build infrastructure, including pump stations, that is directly
related to the retail delivery to consumers of any fuel that contains
not less than 85 percent ethanol, by volume.
``(b) Loan Terms.--
``(1) Amortization.--The repayment of a loan received under
this section shall be amortized over the expected life of the
infrastructure project that is being financed with the proceeds
of the loan.
``(2) Interest rate.--The annual interest rate of a loan
received under this section shall be fixed at not more than 5
percent.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.''.
(c) Regulations.--As soon as practicable after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate
such regulations as are necessary to carry out the amendments made by
this section. | Transforming Energy Now Act of 2006 - Amends the Clean Air Act to establish a 10% minimum renewable fuel requirement for motor vehicle fuel sold in the United States after 2015.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase from 30 to 50% the tax credit rate for alternative fuel vehicle refueling property costs (service stations capable of dispensing alternative fuels to retail consumers).
Establishes in the Treasury the Alternative Fueling Infrastructure Trust Fund to provide grants to increase the number of retail service stations dispensing alternative transportation fuels. Directs the Secretary of Transportation to transfer 90% of civil penalties for noncompliance with automobile fuel economy standards to the Trust Fund to finance such grant program.
Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to provide low-interest loans to build service stations which dispense E-85 (85% ethanol content) fuel to retail consumers. | A bill to facilitate the increased use of alternative fuels for motor vehicles, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Forest Service Flexible Partnerships
Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION FOR LEASE OF FOREST SERVICE SITES.
(a) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Administrative site.--
(A) In general.--The term ``administrative site''
means--
(i) any facility or improvement, including
curtilage, that was acquired or is used
specifically for purposes of administration of
the National Forest System;
(ii) any Federal land that--
(I) is associated with a facility
or improvement described in clause (i)
that was acquired or is used
specifically for purposes of
administration of Forest Service
activities; and
(II) underlies or abuts the
facility or improvement; and
(iii) for each fiscal year, not more than
10 isolated, undeveloped parcels of not more
than 40 acres each.
(B) Exclusions.--The term ``administrative site''
does not include--
(i) any land within a unit of the National
Forest System that is exclusively designated
for natural area or recreational purposes;
(ii) any land within--
(I) a component of the National
Wilderness Preservation System;
(II) a component of the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System; or
(III) a National Monument; or
(iii) any Federal land that the Secretary
determines--
(I) is needed for resource
management purposes or to provide
access to other land or water; or
(II) would be in the public
interest not to lease.
(2) Facility or improvement.--The term ``facility or
improvement'' includes--
(A) a forest headquarters;
(B) a ranger station;
(C) a research station or laboratory;
(D) a dwelling;
(E) a warehouse;
(F) a scaling station;
(G) a fire-retardant mixing station;
(H) a fire-lookout station;
(I) a guard station;
(J) a storage facility;
(K) a telecommunication facility; and
(L) any other administrative installation for
conducting Forest Service activities.
(3) Market analysis.--The term ``market analysis'' means
the identification and study of the market for a particular
economic good or service.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(b) Authorization.--The Secretary may lease an administrative site
that is under the jurisdiction of the Secretary in accordance with this
Act.
(c) Identification of Eligible Sites.--A regional forester, in
consultation with forest supervisors in the region, may submit to the
Secretary a recommendation for administrative sites in the region that
the regional forester considers eligible for leasing under this Act.
(d) Consultation With Local Government and Public Notice.--Before
making an administrative site available for lease under this Act, the
Secretary shall--
(1) consult with local governmental officials of the
community, and governmental officials of the State, in which
the administrative site is located; and
(2) provide public notice of the proposed lease.
(e) Lease Requirements.--
(1) Size.--An administrative site or compound of
administrative sites under a single lease under this Act may
not exceed 40 acres.
(2) Configuration of administrative sites.--
(A) In general.--To facilitate the lease of an
administrative site under this Act, the Secretary may
configure the administrative site--
(i) to maximize the marketability of the
administrative site; and
(ii) to achieve management objectives.
(B) Separate treatment of facility or
improvement.--A facility or improvement on an
administrative site to be leased under this Act may be
severed from the land and leased under a separate lease
under this Act.
(3) Consideration.--
(A) In general.--A person to which a lease of an
administrative site is made under this Act shall
provide to the Secretary consideration described in
subparagraph (B) in an amount that is not less than the
market value of the administrative site, as determined
in accordance with subparagraph (C).
(B) Form of consideration.--The consideration
referred to in subparagraph (A) may be--
(i) cash;
(ii) in-kind, including--
(I) the construction of new
facilities or improvements, title to
which the lessee transfers to the
Secretary, for use by the Secretary;
(II) the maintenance, repair,
improvement, or restoration of existing
facilities or improvements; and
(III) other services relating to
activities that occur on the
administrative site as the Secretary
considers appropriate; or
(iii) any combination of the consideration
described in clauses (i) and (ii).
(C) Determination of market value.--
(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
determine the market value of an administrative
site to be leased under this Act--
(I) by conducting an appraisal in
accordance with--
(aa) the Uniform Appraisal
Standards for Federal Land
Acquisitions established in
accordance with the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real
Property Acquisition Policies
Act of 1970 (42 U.S.C. 4601 et
seq.); and
(bb) the Uniform Standards
of Professional Appraisal
Practice; or
(II) by competitive lease.
(ii) In-kind consideration.--The Secretary
shall determine the market value of any in-kind
consideration under subparagraph (B)(ii) by a
process determined by the Secretary to be
appropriate for the form of the in-kind
consideration.
(4) Conditions.--The lease of an administrative site under
this Act shall be subject to such conditions, including
bonding, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(f) Relation to Other Laws.--
(1) Federal property disposal.--Chapter 5 of subtitle I of
title 40, United States Code, shall not apply to the lease of
an administrative site under this Act.
(2) Lead-based paint and asbestos abatement.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any provision of
law relating to the mitigation or abatement of lead-
based paint or asbestos-containing building materials,
the Secretary shall not be required to mitigate or
abate lead-based paint or asbestos-containing building
materials with respect to an administrative site to be
leased under this Act.
(B) Procedures.--With respect to an administrative
site to be leased under this Act that has lead-based
paint or asbestos-containing building materials, the
Secretary shall--
(i) provide notice to the person to which
the administrative site will be leased of the
presence of the lead-based paint or asbestos-
containing building material; and
(ii) obtain written assurance from that
person that the person will comply with
applicable Federal, State, and local laws
relating to the management of lead-based paint
and asbestos-containing building materials.
(3) Environmental review.--The National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) shall apply to the
lease of an administrative site under this Act, except that, in
any environmental review or analysis required under that Act
for the lease of an administrative site under this Act, the
Secretary shall be required only--
(A) to analyze the most reasonably foreseeable use
of the administrative site, as determined through a
market analysis;
(B) to determine whether to include any conditions
under subsection (e)(4); and
(C) to evaluate the alternative of not leasing the
administrative site in accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.).
(g) Use of Consideration.--Cash consideration for a lease of an
administrative site under this Act shall be available to the Secretary,
until expended and without further appropriation, to pay--
(1) any necessary and incidental costs incurred by the
Secretary in connection with--
(A) the acquisition, improvement, maintenance,
reconstruction, or construction of a facility or
improvement for the National Forest System; and
(B) the lease of an administrative site under this
Act; and
(2) reasonable commissions or fees for brokerage services
obtained in connection with the lease, subject to the
conditions that the Secretary--
(A) determines that the services are in the public
interest; and
(B) shall provide public notice of any brokerage
services contract entered into in connection with a
lease under this Act.
(h) Congressional Notifications.--
(1) Anticipated use of authority.--As part of the annual
budget justification documents provided to the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, the Secretary shall
include--
(A) a list of the anticipated leases to be made,
including the anticipated revenue that may be obtained,
under this Act;
(B) a description of the intended use of any
revenue obtained under a lease under this Act,
including a list of any projects that cost more than
$500,000; and
(C) a description of accomplishments during
previous years using the authority of the Secretary
under this Act.
(2) Changes to lease list.--If the Secretary desires to
lease an administrative site under this Act that is not
included on a list provided under paragraph (1)(A), the
Secretary shall submit to the congressional committees
described in paragraph (3) a notice of the proposed lease,
including the anticipated revenue that may be obtained from the
lease.
(3) Use of authority.--Not less frequently than once each
year, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on
Agriculture, the Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee
on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, the
Committee on Appropriations, and the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate a report describing each lease
made by the Secretary under this Act during the period covered
by the report.
(i) Expiration of Authority.--
(1) In general.--The authority of the Secretary to enter
into a lease agreement for an administrative site under this
Act expires on September 30, 2027.
(2) Effect on lease agreement.--Any lease agreement entered
into by the Secretary under this Act before the date of the
expiration of authority under paragraph (1) shall not be
affected by that expiration of authority. | Forest Service Flexible Partnerships Act of 2017 This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to lease as an administrative site, for consideration that is at least the market value of the site: any facility or improvement that was acquired or is used for the administration of the National Forest System (NFS); any federal land associated with such a facility or improvement that was acquired or is used for the administration of Forest Service activities and underlies or abuts such facility or improvement; or per fiscal year, no more than 10 isolated, undeveloped parcels no larger than 40 acres each. The bill makes the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 applicable to the leasing of administrative sites, subject to an exception. Cash consideration for an administrative site shall be available to USDA to pay: necessary and incidental costs incurred in acquiring, improving, maintaining, reconstructing, or constructing a facility or improvement for the NFS and the lease of such site; and reasonable commissions or fees for brokerage services obtained regarding the lease. | Forest Service Flexible Partnerships Act of 2017 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Fishery Mitigation
Coordination Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The operation of dams and other water diversion
projects are for the benefit of the American public. The
construction and operation of these Federal water resource
development projects have had impacts on many water systems and
their respective fish populations, resulting in the need to
build and operate fish hatcheries to mitigate for aquatic
resources affected by these projects.
(2) In accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956
(16 U.S.C. 742(a)-754), the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
(16 U.S.C. 661-667(e)), the Watershed Protection and Flood
Prevention Act (16 U.S.C. 1001-1009), and the National
Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321-4347), the Service has
established policy (501 FW 2) to seek to mitigate for fish,
wildlife, and their habitats, and uses thereof, from the
effects of land and water developments.
(3) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service currently
operates nearly 40 fish hatcheries that are involved in
mitigation fishery activities related to construction and
operation of Federal water resource development projects.
(4) Mitigation fishery activities conducted by the Service
at these facilities are highly valued by the State and Indian
tribal partners, and the fishing community.
(5) Inconsistency in authorities, which now number over
200, to construct and operate Federal water resource
development projects have led to myriad mechanisms for funding
and conducting Federal mitigation fishery activities. In most
cases Federal water project sponsors fund mitigation fishery
costs. In some cases the Service expends its appropriations to
offset mitigation fishery costs.
(6) The Service is the Federal agency through which a
sponsor agency will negotiate to provide goods and services to
augment fisheries to compensate for the impact of Federal water
development projects on aquatic resources.
(7) The sponsor agency should bear the financial
responsibility for mitigation fishery costs incurred by the
Service.
SEC. 3. FISH HATCHERIES.
A sponsor agency shall enter into an agreement with the Service
described in section 5 to pay the cost that fish hatcheries that
conduct mitigation activities incur, including the following:
(1) Arizona--Willow Beach, National Fish Hatchery.
(2) Arkansas--
(A) Greers Ferry, National Fish Hatchery; and
(B) Norfolk, National Fish Hatchery.
(3) California--Tehama-Colusa Fish Facility.
(4) Colorado--Hotchkiss, National Fish Hatchery.
(5) Georgia--Chattahoochee Forest, National Fish Hatchery.
(6) Kentucky--Wolf Creek, National Fish Hatchery.
(7) Missouri--Neosho, National Fish Hatchery.
(8) Montana--Ennis, National Fish Hatchery.
(9) Nevada--Lahontan, National Fish Hatchery.
(10) North Dakota--
(A) Garrison Dam, National Fish Hatchery; and
(B) Valley City, National Fish Hatchery.
(11) Oklahoma--Tishomingo, National Fish Hatchery.
(12) South Dakota--Gavins Point, National Fish Hatchery.
(13) Tennessee--
(A) Dale Hollow, National Fish Hatchery; and
(B) Erwin, National Fish Hatchery.
(14) Utah--Jones Hole, National Fish Hatchery.
(15) Wyoming--Jackson, National Fish Hatchery.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
For this Act, the following definitions apply:
(1) Sponsor agency.--The term ``sponsor agency'' means the
United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of
Reclamation, or the Tennessee Valley Authority.
(2) Service.--The term ``Service'' means the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service.
(3) Mitigation fisheries.--The term ``mitigation
fisheries'' means fisheries augmented by hatchery fish to
compensate for the impacts of Federal water development
projects on aquatic resources.
(4) Mitigation fishery activities.--The term ``mitigation
fishery activities'' means rearing and stocking of native and
nonnative fish to replace or maintain harvest levels lost as a
result of Federal water resource development projects and
includes project planning and evaluation.
(5) Mitigation fishery costs.--The term ``mitigation
fishery costs'' means the expenditures necessary to operate,
maintain, and rehabilitate facilities to conduct mitigation
fishery activities, and include: personnel, transportation,
utilities, contractual services, fish feed, supplies,
equipment, routine maintenance, deferred maintenance, fish
eggs, technical support, fish health, management and
administration, planning, and evaluation.
(6) Mitigation fishery facility.--The term ``mitigation
fishery facility'' means facilities owned and operated by the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service through the National
Fish Hatchery System for the purpose, either wholly or in part,
of conducting mitigation fishery activities.
(7) Fishery mitigation plan.--The term ``fishery mitigation
plan'' refers to a resource management plan developed between
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and one or more
sponsor agencies, and in cooperation and coordination with
affected States and Indian Tribes, that describes the long-term
goals and annual targets for conducting mitigation fishery
activities. A fishery mitigation plan shall be approved in
advance by a sponsor agency and the Service.
SEC. 5. MITIGATION FISHERY COSTS.
Not later than October 1, 2007, and each October 1st thereafter, a
sponsor agency shall pay to the Service the total amount of funds
necessary to meet the mitigation fishery costs to meet objectives
described in the fishery mitigation plan for a respective water
development project. The funds to be obligated for this purpose shall
be identified in advance by the Director of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service. | National Fishery Mitigation Coordination Act - Directs a sponsor agency (the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, or the Tennessee Valley Authority) to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to pay the mitigation fishery cost that specified mitigation fishery facilities located in the United States and owned and operated by the Service incur in conducting mitigation activities.
Defines mitigation fishery cost as the expenditures necessary to operate, maintain, and rehabilitate facilities to conduct mitigation fishery activities, including the rearing and stocking of native and nonnative fish to replace or maintain harvest levels lost as a result of Federal water resource development projects. | To ensure the continuation of successful fish mitigation programs. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``International Fusion Energy Act of
1993''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS, PURPOSES AND DEFINITIONS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) fusion energy has the potential to be a safe,
environmentally attractive, secure and economically affordable
source of energy;
(2) the United States Department of Energy's magnetic
fusion energy program has made significant progress toward
realizing fusion as a viable source of energy;
(3) other industrial nations have also invested in
significant magnetic fusion energy programs;
(4) an integrated program of international collaboration
will be necessary for continued progress to demonstrate the
scientific and technological feasibility of magnetic fusion
energy;
(5) there is international agreement to proceed with the
engineering and design of the International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor to prove the scientific and technical
feasibility of fusion energy and to lead to a demonstration
reactor;
(6) the United States should focus the Department of
Energy's magnetic fusion energy program on elements furthering
the design, construction and operation of the International
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and a fusion demonstration
reactor, including the operation of the Tokamak Physics
Experiment;
(7) the continuation of an aggressive fusion energy program
requires the Department of Energy, industry, utilities, and the
international fusion community to commit to the International
Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor as soon as practicable; and
(8) an effective United States fusion energy program
requires substantial involvement by industry and utilities in
the design, construction, and operation of fusion facilities.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to--
(1) redirect and refocus the Department's magnetic fusion
energy program in a way that will lead to the design,
construction and operation of the International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor by 2005, in cooperation with other
countries, and operation of a fusion demonstration reactor by
2025;
(2) develop a plan identifying the budget, critical path,
milestones and schedules for the International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor;
(3) limit the Department of Energy's magnetic fusion energy
program to elements that support the development of the
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor or a fusion
demonstration reactor, including the Tokamak Physics Experiment
to be built at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory; and
(4) select a candidate host site within the United States
for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor and to
identify the steps necessary to lead to the selection of the
final host site by the international community.
(c) Definitions.--
(1) ``Department'' means the United States Department of
Energy;
(2) ``ITER'' means the International Thermonuclear
Experimental Reactor; and
(3) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the United States
Department of Energy.
SEC. 3. INTERNATIONAL FUSION ENERGY PROGRAM.
(a)(1) Office of the Fusion Negotiator.--(A) There is established
the Office of the International Fusion Negotiator that shall be an
independent establishment in the executive branch.
(B) The Office shall be headed by an International Fusion
Negotiator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate. The Negotiator shall hold office at
the pleasure of the President, and shall be compensated at the rate
provided for level III of the Executive Schedule in section 5314 of
title 5, United States Code.
(C) The Negotiator, in consultation with the Secretary and the
Secretary of State, shall represent the United States in negotiations
with other countries relating to the design, construction or operation
of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor.
(2) Program.--The Secretary shall redirect and refocus the
Department's magnetic fusion program in a way that will lead to the
design, construction and operation of ITER by 2005 and operation of a
fusion demonstration reactor by 2025. The Department's magnetic fusion
program shall be referred to as the program and shall be carried out in
cooperation with the international community.
(b) Requirements.--In developing the program, the Secretary shall--
(1) establish as the main focus of the Department's
magnetic fusion energy program the development of ITER;
(2) provide for the development of fusion materials and
other reactor components to the extent necessary for the
development of a fusion demonstration reactor;
(3) eliminate those components of the magnetic fusion
energy program not contributing directly to development of ITER
or to the development of a fusion demonstration reactor;
(4) select a candidate host site within the United States
for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor;
(5) provide support, as requested, to the International
Fusion Negotiator in negotiating with other countries involved
in ITER to select a final host site for ITER and to agree to
construct ITER as soon as practicable;
(6) provide for substantial United States industry and
utility involvement in the design, construction and operation
of ITER to ensure United States industry and utility expertise
in the technologies developed; and
(7) provide for reducing the level of effort in the program
to the levels prescribed in section 4(b)(2) in the event the
program is terminated in accordance with subsection (g).
(c) Management Plan.--(1) Within one hundred eighty days of the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prepare, in
consultation with the International Fusion Negotiator, and implement a
management plan for the program. The plan shall be revised and updated
biannually.
(2) The plan shall--
(A) establish the goals of the program;
(B) describe how each component of the Department's program
contributes directly to the development of ITER or development
of a fusion demonstration reactor;
(C) set priorities for the elements of the Department's
program, identifying those elements that contribute directly to
the development of ITER or to the development of a fusion
demonstration reactor;
(D) provide for the elimination of those elements of the
magnetic fusion energy program not contributing directly to the
development of ITER, or to the development of fusion materials
or other reactor components that are necessary for the
development of a fusion demonstration reactor;
(E) describe the selection process for a proposed host site
within the United States for ITER;
(F) establish the necessary steps that will lead to the
final selection of the host site for ITER by the countries
involved in the program by the end of 1996.
(G) establish the necessary steps that will lead to the
design, construction and operation of ITER by 2005 and
operation of a fusion demonstration reactor by 2025;
(H) establish a schedule and critical path, including
milestones, and a budget that will allow for the design,
construction and operation of ITER by 2005 and operation of a
demonstration fusion reactor by 2025;
(I) provide mechanisms for ensuring substantial industry
and utility involvement in the design, construction and
operation of ITER;
(J) set forth any recommendations of the Secretary on--
(i) the need for additional legislation regarding
the program; or
(ii) the possibility and desireability of
accelerating the design and construction of ITER or the
development of a fusion demonstration reactor; and
(K) provide for reducing the level of effort in magnetic
fusion to the levels prescribed in section 4(b)(2) in the event
the program is terminated in accordance with subsection (g).
(d) International Agreements.--(1) The International Fusion
Negotiator may negotiate or enter into agreements with any country
governing the design, construction and operation of ITER or facilities
related to ITER.
(2) The International Fusion Negotiator shall seek to enter into
agreements with other countries to share in the cost of the facilities
and components of the program that contribute to the design,
construction or operation of ITER or to the development of a fusion
demonstration reactor.
(e) Report on ITER Negotiations.--The International Fusion
Negotiator shall submit an annual report to the Congress on the status
of negotiations with other countries regarding ITER. The report shall--
(1) identify the issues to be negotiated with other
countries involved in the program;
(2) identify impediments to reaching agreement on a host
site for ITER, or on issues related to the construction or
operation of ITER;
(3) identify the steps needed to reach agreement on a host
site for ITER or on issues related to the construction or
operation of ITER;
(4) establish the timetable for agreement related to the
siting, operation and construction of ITER; and
(5) assess the likelihood of reaching agreement on a host
site for ITER and on issues related to the construction or
operation of ITER.
(f) Certification.--Prior to seeking funds for construction of
ITER, the Secretary, after consultation with the International Fusion
Negotiator, shall certify to the Congress that there is agreement in
place or there is a substantial likelihood agreement will be reached
with the countries involved in ITER on the siting, construction and
operation of ITER.
(g) Termination.--(1) The Secretary shall report to Congress if the
Secretary determines that--
(A) ITER is no longer essential to the development of a
fusion demonstration reactor;
(B) no agreement can be reached on the final host site for
ITER;
(C) no agreement can be reached on the final design of ITER
or on issues related to construction of ITER; or
(D) there is an insufficient commitment to the final ITER
design by United States industry and utilities.
(2) Within thirty days of submission of the report under paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall initiate the termination of the program.
(3) In the event the Secretary terminates the program, the
Secretary may continue to carry out research in magnetic fusion, but
only at the levels authorized in section 4(b)(2).
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Limitation on Appropriations.--No more funds may be
appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act than the amounts set
forth in subsection (b). This Act shall be the exclusive source of
authorization of appropriations to support any activities of the
Secretary relating to magnetic fusion energy.
(b) Appropriations.--(1) There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary for carrying out the purposes of this Act $380,000,000
for fiscal year 1994, $425,000,000 for fiscal year 1995, $475,000,000
for fiscal year 1996, and such sums as may be necessary thereafter.
(2) In the event the Secretary terminates the program, there is
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $50,000,000 for 1994,
$50,000,000 for 1995 and $50,000,000 for 1996 for activities relating
to magnetic fusion energy.
Passed the Senate June 29 (legislative day, June 22), 1993.
Attest:
WALTER J. STEWART,
Secretary. | International Fusion Energy Act of 1993 - Establishes the Office of the International Fusion Negotiator, whose head shall represent the United States in international negotiations regarding the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).
Directs the Secretary of Energy to redirect and refocus the Department of Energy (DOE) magnetic fusion program towards implementation of ITER, and a fusion demonstration reactor. Outlines ITER program requirements and management plan.
Authorizes the Negotiator to enter into international agreements regarding ITER implementation and cost sharing. Requires the Negotiator to submit an annual status report to the Congress on such agreements.
Authorizes appropriations. | International Fusion Energy Act of 1993 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Employees Paid Parental
Leave Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. PAID PARENTAL LEAVE UNDER TITLE 5.
(a) Amendment to Title 5.--Subsection (d) of section 6382 of title
5, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating such subsection as subsection (d)(1);
(2) by striking ``subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or'' and
inserting ``subparagraph (C) or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) An employee may elect to substitute for any leave without pay
under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection (a)(1) any paid leave which
is available to such employee for that purpose.
``(3) The paid leave that is available to an employee for purposes
of paragraph (2) is--
``(A) subject to paragraph (6), 4 administrative workweeks
of paid parental leave under this subparagraph in connection
with the birth or placement involved; and
``(B) any annual or sick leave accrued or accumulated by
such employee under subchapter I.
``(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be considered to require
that an employee first use all or any portion of the leave described in
subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) before being allowed to use the paid
parental leave described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3).
``(5) Paid parental leave under paragraph (3)(A)--
``(A) shall be payable from any appropriation or fund
available for salaries or expenses for positions within the
employing agency;
``(B) shall not be considered to be annual or vacation
leave for purposes of section 5551 or 5552 or for any other
purpose; and
``(C) if not used by the employee before the end of the 12-
month period (as referred to in subsection (a)(1)) to which it
relates, shall not accumulate for any subsequent use.
``(6) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management--
``(A) may promulgate regulations to increase the amount of
paid parental leave available to an employee under paragraph
(3)(A), to a total of not more than 8 administrative workweeks,
based on the consideration of--
``(i) the benefits provided to the Federal
Government of offering increased paid parental leave,
including enhanced recruitment and retention of
employees;
``(ii) the cost to the Federal Government of
increasing the amount of paid parental leave that is
available to employees;
``(iii) trends in the private sector and in State
and local governments with respect to offering paid
parental leave;
``(iv) the Federal Government's role as a model
employer;
``(v) the impact of increased paid parental leave
on lower-income and economically disadvantaged
employees and their children; and
``(vi) such other factors as the Director considers
necessary; and
``(B) shall prescribe any regulations necessary to carry
out this subsection, including, subject to paragraph (4), the
manner in which an employee may designate any day or other
period as to which such employee wishes to use paid parental
leave described in paragraph (3)(A).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall not
be effective with respect to any birth or placement occurring before
the end of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 3. PAID PARENTAL LEAVE FOR CONGRESSIONAL EMPLOYEES.
(a) Amendment to Congressional Accountability Act.--Section 202 of
the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1312) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by adding at the end the
following: ``In applying section 102(a)(1)(A) and (B) of such
Act to covered employees, subsection (d) shall apply.'';
(2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
(e) and (f), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
``(d) Special Rule for Paid Parental Leave for Congressional
Employees.--
``(1) Substitution of paid leave.--A covered employee
taking leave without pay under subparagraph (A) or (B) of
section 102(a)(1) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
(29 U.S.C. 2612(a)(1)) may elect to substitute for any such
leave any paid leave which is available to such employee for
that purpose.
``(2) Amount of paid leave.--The paid leave that is
available to a covered employee for purposes of paragraph (1)
is--
``(A) the number of weeks of paid parental leave in
connection with the birth or placement involved that
correspond to the number of administrative workweeks of
paid parental leave available to Federal employees
under section 6382(d)(3)(A) of title 5, United States
Code; and
``(B) any additional paid vacation or sick leave
provided by the employing office to such employee.
``(3) Limitation.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
considered to require that an employee first use all or any
portion of the leave described in subparagraph (B) of paragraph
(2) before being allowed to use the paid parental leave
described in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (2).
``(4) Additional rules.--Paid parental leave under
paragraph (2)(A)--
``(A) shall be payable from any appropriation or
fund available for salaries or expenses for positions
within the employing office; and
``(B) if not used by the covered employee before
the end of the 12-month period (as referred to in
section 102(a)(1) of the Family and Medical Leave Act
of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2612(a)(1))) to which it relates,
shall not accumulate for any subsequent use.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall not
be effective with respect to any birth or placement occurring before
the end of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT FOR GAO
AND LIBRARY OF CONGRESS EMPLOYEES.
(a) Amendment to Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993.--Section
102(d) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2612(d))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Special rule for gao and library of congress
employees.--
``(A) Substitution of paid leave.--An employee of
an employer described in section 101(4)(A)(iv) taking
leave under subparagraph (A) or (B) of subsection
(a)(1) may elect to substitute for any such leave any
paid leave which is available to such employee for that
purpose.
``(B) Amount of paid leave.--The paid leave that is
available to an employee of an employer described in
section 101(4)(A)(iv) for purposes of subparagraph (A)
is--
``(i) the number of weeks of paid parental
leave in connection with the birth or placement
involved that correspond to the number of
administrative workweeks of paid parental leave
available to Federal employees under section
6382(d)(3)(A) of title 5, United States Code;
and
``(ii) any additional paid vacation or sick
leave provided by such employer.
``(C) Limitation.--Nothing in this paragraph shall
be considered to require that an employee first use all
or any portion of the leave described in clause (ii) of
subparagraph (B) before being allowed to use the paid
parental leave described in clause (i) of such
subparagraph.
``(D) Additional rules.--Paid parental leave under
subparagraph (B)(i)--
``(i) shall be payable from any
appropriation or fund available for salaries or
expenses for positions with the employer
described in section 101(4)(A)(iv); and
``(ii) if not used by the employee of such
employer before the end of the 12-month period
(as referred to in subsection (a)(1)) to which
it relates, shall not accumulate for any
subsequent use.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall not
be effective with respect to any birth or placement occurring before
the end of the 6-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVES.
(a) Executive Branch Employees.--For purposes of determining the
eligibility of an employee who is a member of the National Guard or
Reserves to take leave under paragraph (1)(A) or (B) of section 6382(a)
of title 5, United States Code, or to substitute such leave pursuant to
paragraph (2) of such section (as added by section 2), any service by
such employee on active duty (as defined in section 6381(7) of such
title) shall be counted as service as an employee for purposes of
section 6381(1)(B) of such title.
(b) Congressional Employees.--For purposes of determining the
eligibility of a covered employee (as such term is defined in section
101(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act) who is a member of the
National Guard or Reserves to take leave under subparagraph (A) or (B)
of section 102(a)(1) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
(pursuant to section 202(a)(1) of the Congressional Accountability
Act), or to substitute such leave pursuant to subsection (d) of section
202 of such Act (as added by section 3), any service by such employee
on active duty (as defined in section 101(14) of the Family and Medical
Leave Act of 1993) shall be counted as time during which such employee
has been employed in an employing office for purposes of section
202(a)(2)(B) of the Congressional Accountability Act.
(c) GAO and Library of Congress Employees.--For purposes of
determining the eligibility of an employee of the Government
Accountability Office or Library of Congress who is a member of the
National Guard or Reserves to take leave under subparagraph (A) or (B)
of section 102(a)(1) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, or to
substitute such leave pursuant to paragraph (3) of section 102(d) of
such Act (as added by section 4), any service by such employee on
active duty (as defined in section 101(14) of such Act) shall be
counted as time
during which such employee has been employed for purposes of section
101(2)(A) of such Act.
Passed the House of Representatives June 4, 2009.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk. | Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act of 2009 - Allows federal employees to substitute any available paid leave for any leave without pay available for either the: (1) birth of a child; or (2) placement of a child with the employee for either adoption or foster care. Makes available (subject to specified requirements) for any of the 12 weeks of leave an employee is entitled to for such purposes: (1) four administrative weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth or placement involved; and (2) any accumulated annual or sick leave.
Authorizes the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to promulgate regulations to increase the amount of paid parental leave available to such an employee to a total of eight administrative workweeks, based on the consideration of: (1) the benefits to the federal government, including enhanced recruitment and employee retention; (2) the cost to the government; (3) trends in the private sector and in state and local governments; (4) the federal government's role as a model employer; and (5) the impact of increased paid parental leave on lower-income and economically disadvantaged employees and their children.
Amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 and the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to allow the same substitution for covered congressional employees, Government Accountability Office (GAO) employees, and Library of Congress employees. Counts certain service by an employee of the executive branch, Congress, GAO, or the Library of Congress while on active duty as a member of the National Guard or Reserves as service for that branch or agency for purposes of determining such employee's eligibility to take or substitute leave as provided under this Act. | To provide that 4 of the 12 weeks of parental leave made available to a Federal employee shall be paid leave, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. CORRECTION PERIOD FOR CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING
SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES.
(a) Amendment of Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.--
Section 408(b) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
(29 U.S.C. 1108(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(14)(A) Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C),
a transaction described in section 406(a) in connection with
the acquisition, holding, or disposition of any security or
commodity, if the transaction is corrected before the end of
the correction period.
``(B) Subparagraph (A) does not apply to any transaction
between a plan and a plan sponsor or its affiliates that
involves the acquisition or sale of an employer security (as
defined in section 407(d)(1)) or the acquisition, sale, or
lease of employer real property (as defined in section
407(d)(2)).
``(C) In the case of any fiduciary or other party in
interest (or any other person knowingly participating in such
transaction), subparagraph (A) does not apply to any
transaction if, at the time the transaction occurs, such
fiduciary or party in interest (or other person) knew that the
transaction would (without regard to this paragraph) constitute
a violation of section 406(a).
``(D) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `correction
period' means, in connection with a fiduciary or party in
interest (or other person knowingly participating in the
transaction), the 14-day period beginning on the date on which
such fiduciary or party in interest (or other person)
discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, that the
transaction would (without regard to this paragraph) constitute
a violation of section 406(a).
``(E) For purposes of this paragraph--
``(i) The term `security' has the meaning given
such term by section 475(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (without regard to subparagraph (F)(iii)
and the last sentence thereof).
``(ii) The term `commodity' has the meaning given
such term by section 475(e)(2) of such Code (without
regard to subparagraph (D)(iii) thereof).''.
(b) Amendment of Internal Revenue Code of 1986.--
(1) In general.--Subsection (d) of section 4975 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to exemptions) is
amended by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (14), by
striking the period at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting
``, or'', and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(16) except as provided in subsection (f)(7), a
transaction described in subparagraph (A), (B), (C), or (D) of
subsection (c)(1) in connection with the acquisition, holding,
or disposition of any security or commodity, if the transaction
is corrected before the end of the correction period.''.
(2) Special rules relating to correction period.--
Subsection (f) of section 4975 of such Code (relating to other
definitions and special rules) is amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraph:
``(7) Correction period.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of subsection
(d)(16), the term `correction period' means the 14-day
period beginning on the date on which the disqualified
person discovers, or reasonably should have discovered,
that the transaction would (without regard to this
paragraph and subsection (d)(16)) constitute a
prohibited transaction.
``(B) Exceptions.--
``(i) Employer securities.--Subsection
(d)(16) does not apply to any transaction
between a plan and a plan sponsor or its
affiliates that involves the acquisition or
sale of an employer security (as defined in
section 407(d)(1)) or the acquisition, sale, or
lease of employer real property (as defined in
section 407(d)(2)).
``(ii) Knowing prohibited transaction.--In
the case of any disqualified person, subsection
(d)(16) does not apply to a transaction if, at
the time the transaction is entered into, the
disqualified person knew that the transaction
would (without regard to this paragraph)
constitute a prohibited transaction.
``(C) Abatement of tax where there is a
correction.--If a transaction is not treated as a
prohibited transaction by reason of subsection (d)(16),
then no tax under subsection (a) and (b) shall be
assessed with respect to such transaction, and if
assessed the assessment shall be abated, and if
collected shall be credited or refunded as an
overpayment.
``(D) Securities and commodities defined.--For
purposes of this paragraph and subsection (d)(16)--
``(i) Security.--The term `security' has
the meaning given such term by section
475(c)(2) (without regard to subparagraph
(F)(iii) and the last sentence thereof).
``(ii) Commodity.--The term `commodity' has
the meaning given such term by section
475(e)(2) (without regard to subparagraph
(D)(iii) thereof).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to any transaction which the fiduciary or disqualified person
discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, after the date of the
enactment of this Act constitutes a prohibited transaction. | Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to allow a correction period for certain security and commodity transactions under the prohibited transaction rules. | To amend title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a reasonable correction period for certain security and commodity transactions under the prohibited transaction rules. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nonprofit Property Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. COMMERCIAL INSURANCE.
The Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 is amended--
(1) in section 2(a) (15 U.S.C. 3901(a))--
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (7)(B), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(8) `commercial insurance' includes all forms of
commercial insurance but does not include health, life, or
disability insurance or workers compensation insurance or
express contractual obligations owed to a consumer as a result
of a personal, family, or household transaction, where a
separate consideration is paid by the consumer for the express
contractual obligation.''; and
(2) in section 3(b) (15 U.S.C. 3902(b))--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(4) the provision of other lines of commercial insurance
by a risk retention group to an organization organized and
operated exclusively for purposes identified under section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C.
501(c)(3)), provided that--
``(A) the risk retention group serves nonprofit
organizations with tax-exempt status under section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26
U.S.C. 501(c)(3)) or educational institutions and
education-related institutions that are nonprofit
organizations or governmental entities;
``(B) the risk retention group has been chartered
or licensed as an insurance company under the laws of a
State and authorized to engage in the business of
insurance under the laws of such State;
``(C) the risk retention group has engaged in the
business of insurance pursuant to the charter or
license and authority described in subparagraph (B) for
a period not less than ten consecutive years;
``(D) the risk retention group maintains capital
and surplus of at least $10,000,000, as calculated in
accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States; and
``(E) the total insured value of the risks covered
by the initial policy for other forms of commercial
insurance provided by a risk retention group to any one
member of the risk retention group does not exceed
$50,000,000, provided further that--
``(i) the amount specified in this
paragraph shall, beginning one year after the
date of the enactment of the Nonprofit Property
Protection Act and on an annual basis
thereafter, be adjusted by a percentage equal
to the estimated percentage increase, if any,
in the Consumer Price Index, which adjustment
shall be subject to approval by the risk
retention group's domicile state regulator; and
``(ii) for purposes of this paragraph, any
computation of total insured value shall
exclude liability insurance coverage provided
by a risk retention group to any member as
authorized pursuant to this Act.''.
SEC. 3. CONFORMING AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS.
The Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 is further amended--
(1) in section 2(a)(4) (15 U.S.C. 3901(a)(4))--
(A) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``a
liability'' and inserting ``an''; and
(B) in subparagraph (G)--
(i) in clause (i), by inserting ``or other
commercial'' after ``liability'' each place
such term appears; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by inserting ``or
other commercial'' after ``liability'';
(2) in section 3 (15 U.S.C. 3902)--
(A) in subsection (a)(1)(C), by inserting ``or
other commercial'' after ``liability''; and
(B) in subsection (d)(1)(B), by inserting ``or
other commercial'' after ``liability''; and
(3) in section 6(b) (15 U.S.C. 3905(b)), by inserting ``or
other forms of commercial'' before ``insurance by a risk
retention group''.
SEC. 4. AMENDMENT TO SHORT TITLE.
Section 1 of the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 (15 U.S.C.
3901 note) is amended by striking ``Liability Risk Retention Act of
1986'' and inserting ``Risk Retention Act of 1986''. | Nonprofit Property Protection Act This bill: amends the Liability Risk Retention Act of 1986 to rename it the Risk Retention Act of 1986; and exclude from "commercial insurance" covered by the Act any health, life, or disability insurance or workers compensation insurance or express contractual obligations owed to a consumer as a result of a personal, family, or household transaction, where the consumer pays a separate consideration for the express contractual obligation. The bill expands the kinds of state laws pertaining to business insurance from which a risk retention group shall be exempt to include laws pertaining to other lines of commercial insurance offered by a risk retention group to an entity organized and operated exclusively as a federal tax-exempt nonprofit charitable or educational institution, as long as the group meets specified criteria. | Nonprofit Property Protection Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Pain Management Improvement
Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF PAIN MANAGEMENT BOARDS OF DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter I of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 7309A. Pain management boards
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish in each
Veterans Integrated Service Network a Pain Management Board (in this
section referred to as a `Board').
``(b) Duties.--(1)(A) Each Board shall provide treatment
recommendations for patients described in subparagraph (B) with complex
clinical pain who are being treated at a medical facility of the
Department located in the Veterans Integrated Service Network covered
by the Board, regardless of whether such treatment is on an in-patient
or out-patient basis.
``(B) A patient described in this subparagraph is a patient for
whom a request for treatment recommendations under subparagraph (A) has
been made by--
``(i) the patient;
``(ii) the spouse of the patient;
``(iii) a family member of the patient or an individual if
such family member or individual has been designated by the
patient to make health care decisions for the patient or to
receive health care information of the patient;
``(iv) a physician of the patient; or
``(v) an employee of the medical facility of the Department
described in such subparagraph.
``(2) Based on treatment recommendations developed by the Board
under paragraph (1)(A), each Board shall provide to health care
professionals of the Department located in the Veterans Integrated
Service Network covered by the Board recommendations on the best
practices regarding pain management in complex clinical pain cases.
``(3)(A) Each Board shall annually submit to the Secretary and the
Under Secretary for Health a report on pain management practices
carried out in the Veterans Integrated Service Network covered by the
Board. Such report shall include, for the year covered by the report,
the following:
``(i) The treatment recommendations provided under
paragraph (1)(A), including--
``(I) a summary of such recommendations; and
``(II) an explanation of the merits of each such
recommendation.
``(ii) The recommendations for best practices provided
under paragraph (2), including--
``(I) a summary of such recommendations; and
``(II) an explanation of the merits of each such
recommendation.
``(iii) Any other information the Board determines
appropriate.
``(B) Not later than January 31 of each year, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Senate a report that contains each report
submitted to the Secretary under subparagraph (A) during the previous
year.
``(4) No Board shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
``(c) Membership.--(1) Each Board shall consist of a number of
members determined appropriate by the Secretary who are appointed by
the Secretary from among individuals who have experience as--
``(A) a professional in a field relating to pain
management, including as--
``(i) a board certified pain medicine specialist;
``(ii) a trained and qualified primary care pain
champion;
``(iii) a pain psychologist;
``(iv) a pain social worker;
``(v) a pain point of contact for a Veterans
Integrated Service Network;
``(vi) a psychiatrist with addiction and
psychopharmacology expertise and experience; or
``(vii) a health care professional or a mental
health care professional;
``(B) clinical patients; or
``(C) family members of clinical patients.
``(2) The Secretary shall determine the terms of service of the
members.
``(3) Members shall serve without pay and, except as provided by
this paragraph, members who are full-time officers or employees of the
United States may not receive additional pay, allowances, or benefits
by reason of their service on the Board. Members may receive travel
expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence for travel in
connection with their duties as members of the Board. Any member who
has clinical duties as an officer or employee of the United States
shall be relieved of such duties during periods in which such relief is
necessary for the member to carry out the duties of the Board.
``(d) Powers.--(1) Each Board may hold hearings, sit and act at
times and places, take testimony, and receive evidence as the Board
determines appropriate.
``(2) Each Board may secure directly from any department or agency
of the Federal Government information necessary to enable it to carry
out this section.
``(3) Each Board may conduct site visits of medical facilities of
the Department to collect information necessary to enable it to carry
out this section.
``(4) The Secretary shall provide to each Board administrative
support services necessary for the Board to carry out this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
7309 the following new item:
``7309A. Pain management boards.''.
(c) Report.--Not later than December 1, 2015, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of
the House of Representatives and the Senate the approved clinical
guideline, handbook, directive, policy, or other guidance established
to govern the stepdown methodologies employed by clinicians in medical
facilities of the Department to manage the use of opioid therapies and
associated prescribing practices. | Veterans Pain Management Improvement Act Directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a Pain Management Board in each Veterans Integrated Service Network. Requires each Board to provide: (1) recommendations for treatment, on an in-patient or out-patient basis, for patients with complex clinical pain for whom a request has been made by the patient, the patient's physician, spouse, family member, or an individual designated by the patient to make health care decisions or receive health care information for the patient, or an employee of the covered VA facility; and (2) recommendations on best practices regarding pain management in complex clinical pain cases to VA health care professionals located in the Network covered by the Board. Requires each Board to annually submit to the VA a report on pain management practices carried out in the covered Network. Directs the VA, by December 1, 2015, to submit to specified congressional committees the approved clinical guideline, handbook, directive, policy, or other guidance established to govern the step-down methodologies employed by clinicians in VA medical facilities to manage the use of opioid therapies and associated prescribing practices. | Veterans Pain Management Improvement Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nino's Act''.
SEC. 2. MEDICAID COVERAGE OF DRUGS PRESCRIBED FOR RESEARCH STUDY CHILD
PARTICIPANTS.
(a) Mandatory Coverage if State Provides Drug Coverage.--
(1) State plan requirement.--Section 1902(a) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (69), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (70), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (70) the following
new paragraph:
``(71) in the case of a State plan that provides medical
assistance for prescribed drugs under section 1905(a)(12),
provide for such medical assistance to include coverage for any
drug, biological product, or insulin prescribed for a child
(including any such drug, product, or insulin that is self-
administered) who--
``(A) is eligible for medical assistance under the
State plan (including a child who is eligible only on
the basis of paragraph (10)(A)(i)(VIII));
``(B) is a current or former participant in a
research study conducted or funded (in whole or in
part) by the National Institutes of Health; and
``(C) satisfies the requirements of subparagraphs
(B), (C), and (D) of subsection (dd)(1).''.
(2) Mandatory coverage of drugs of research study child
participants who are not otherwise eligible for medicaid if the
state offers drug coverage.--
(A) In general.--Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(a)(10)(A)(i)) is
amended--
(i) in subclause (VI), by striking ``or''
at the end;
(ii) in subclause (VII), by adding ``or''
at the end; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following
new subclause:
``(VIII) who are research study
child participants described in
subsection (dd)(1), but only if the
medical assistance made available by
the State includes prescribed drugs
under section 1905(a)(12),''.
(B) Group described.--Section 1902 of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a) is amended by adding at
the end the following new subsection:
``(dd)(1) Research study child participants described in this
subsection are individuals who--
``(A) are not otherwise eligible for medical assistance
under the State plan;
``(B) have not attained age 19;
``(C) have been certified by a physician participating in a
research study conducted or funded (in whole or in part) by the
National Institutes of Health to be current or former
participants in such trial or study who have a specific disease
or condition that--
``(i) is or has been successfully treated under
such trial or study with a prescribed use of a drug,
biological product, or insulin that is not approved
under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and
``(ii) is likely to continue to be successfully
treated with such drug, product, or insulin; and
``(D) do not have other health coverage for such drug,
product, or insulin.
``(2) A State shall redetermine not less than every 2 years the
eligibility of an individual for medical assistance who is eligible
solely on the basis of subsection (a)(10)(A)(i)(VIII).
``(3) For purposes of this subsection and paragraphs
(10)(A)(i)(VIII) and (71) of subsection (a), the term `research study'
means a clinical study, including an observational (or natural history)
study, or a clinical trial, to test an experimental therapy.''.
(C) Medical assistance limited to coverage of the
research or observational trial drugs, biological
product, or insulin.--Section 1902(a)(10) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)) is amended in the
matter following subparagraph (G)--
(i) by striking ``and (XIV)'' and inserting
``(XIV)''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, and (XV) the medical
assistance made available to a research study
child participant described in subsection
(dd)(1) who is eligible for medical assistance
solely on the basis of subparagraph
(A)(10)(i)(VIII) shall be limited to medical
assistance for a drug, biological product, or
insulin that is prescribed for the participant
as a result of participation in such trial or
study (including any such drug, product, or
insulin that is self-administered)'' before the
semicolon.
(D) Conforming amendment.--Section 1903(f)(4) of
such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b)(f)(4)) is amended in the
matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting
``1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(VIII),'' after
``1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(VII),''.
(b) Presumptive Eligibility.--Section 1920B of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1396r-1b) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``or research
study child participants'' after ``patients'';
(2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``or a child who is
eligible for medical assistance under the State plan (including
a child who is eligible only on the basis of section
1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(VIII) but subject to the limitation on
medical assistance for such a child under clause (XV) of the
matter following section 1902(a)(10)(G)), is a current or
former participant in a research study conducted or funded (in
whole or in part) by the National Institutes of Health, and
satisfies the requirements of subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D)
of section 1902(dd)(1)'' after ``patients)'';
(3) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by inserting ``or subsection
(a)'' after ``1902(aa)''; and
(4) in subsection (d), in the flush language following
paragraph (2), by striking ``for purposes of clause (4) of the
first sentence of section 1905(b)'' and inserting ``for
purposes of the first sentence of section 1905(b) (and, in the
case of medical assistance furnished to an individual described
in section 1902(aa), for purposes of clause (4) of such
sentence)''.
(c) Notice of Medicaid Coverage for Research Study Child
Participants.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, in consultation with the Director of the Institutes
of Health and State Medicaid Directors, shall--
(A) develop a written notice for child participants
in research studies (as defined in section 1902(dd)(3)
of the Social Security Act, as added by subsection
(a)(2)(B)) conducted or funded (in whole or in part) by
the National Institutes of Health who are likely to
eligible for medical assistance for a drug, biological
product, or insulin prescribed for such participants as
a result of participation in such a study (including
any such drug, product, or insulin that is self-
administered) in accordance with paragraph
(10)(A)(i)(VIII) or (71) of section 1902(a) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)) (as added by
subsection (a)), of the availability of such
assistance; and
(B) establish procedures for making such notice
available to the child participants through physicians
participating in such research studies or such other
means as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated for fiscal year 2008 and each fiscal year
thereafter such sums as may be necessary to carry out this
subsection.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section apply to
medical assistance for items and services furnished on or after the
date of enactment of this Act, without regard to whether final
regulations to carry out such amendments have been promulgated. | Nino's Act - Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to provide for mandatory Medicaid coverage of drugs prescribed for certain research study child participants, regardless of Medicaid eligibility otherwise, if the state provides drug coverage. | To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide Medicaid coverage of drugs prescribed for certain research study child participants. |
SECTION 1. JAIL-BASED SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAMS.
(a) Use of Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Grants To Provide
Aftercare Services.--Section 1901 of part S of the Omnibus Crime
Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796ff-1) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(f) Use of Grant Amounts for Nonresidential Aftercare Services.--
A State may use amounts received under this part to provide
nonresidential substance abuse treatment aftercare services for inmates
or former inmates that meet the requirements of subsection (c), if the
chief executive officer of the State certifies to the Attorney General
that the State is providing, and will continue to provide, an adequate
level of residential treatment services.''.
(b) Jail-Based Substance Abuse Treatment.--Part S of title I of the
Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796ff et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 1906. JAIL-BASED SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Jail-based substance abuse treatment program.--The
term `jail-based substance abuse treatment program' means a
course of individual and group activities, lasting for a period
of not less than 3 months, in an area of a correctional
facility set apart from the general population of the
correctional facility, if those activities are--
``(A) directed at the substance abuse problems of
prisoners; and
``(B) intended to develop the cognitive,
behavioral, social, vocational, and other skills of
prisoners in order to address the substance abuse and
related problems of prisoners.
``(2) Local correctional facility.--The term `local
correctional facility' means any correctional facility operated
by a unit of local government.
``(b) Authorization.--
``(1) In general.--Not less than 10 percent of the total
amount made available to a State under section 1904(a) for any
fiscal year may be used by the State to make grants to local
correctional facilities in the State for the purpose of
assisting jail-based substance abuse treatment programs
established by those local correctional facilities.
``(2) Federal share.--The Federal share of a grant made by
a State under this section to a local correctional facility may
not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the jail-based
substance abuse treatment program described in the application
submitted under subsection (c) for the fiscal year for which
the program receives assistance under this section.
``(c) Applications.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant from a
State under this section for a jail-based substance abuse
treatment program, the chief executive of a local correctional
facility shall submit to the State, in such form and containing
such information as the State may reasonably require, an
application that meets the requirements of paragraph (2).
``(2) Application requirements.--Each application submitted
under paragraph (1) shall include--
``(A) with respect to the jail-based substance
abuse treatment program for which assistance is sought,
a description of the program and a written
certification that--
``(i) the program has been in effect for
not less than 2 consecutive years before the
date on which the application is submitted; and
``(ii) the local correctional facility
will--
``(I) coordinate the design and
implementation of the program between
local correctional facility
representatives and the appropriate
State and local alcohol and substance
abuse agencies;
``(II) implement (or continue to
require) urinalysis or other proven
reliable forms of substance abuse
testing of individuals participating in
the program, including the testing of
individuals released from the jail-
based substance abuse treatment program
who remain in the custody of the local
correctional facility; and
``(III) carry out the program in
accordance with guidelines, which shall
be established by the State, in order
to guarantee each participant in the
program access to consistent, continual
care if transferred to a different
local correctional facility within the
State;
``(B) written assurances that Federal funds
received by the local correctional facility from the
State under this section will be used to supplement,
and not to supplant, non-Federal funds that would
otherwise be available for jail-based substance abuse
treatment programs assisted with amounts made available
to the local correctional facility under this section;
and
``(C) a description of the manner in which amounts
received by the local correctional facility from the
State under this section will be coordinated with
Federal assistance for substance abuse treatment and
aftercare services provided to the local correctional
facility by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration of the Department of Health and
Human Services.
``(d) Review of Applications.--
``(1) In general.--Upon receipt of an application under
subsection (c), the State shall--
``(A) review the application to ensure that the
application, and the jail-based residential substance
abuse treatment program for which a grant under this
section is sought, meet the requirements of this
section; and
``(B) if the requirements of this section are met,
make an affirmative finding in writing that the jail-
based substance abuse treatment program for which
assistance is sought meets the requirements of this
section.
``(2) Approval.--Based on the review conducted under
paragraph (1), not later than 90 days after the date on which
an application is submitted under subsection (c), the State
shall--
``(A) approve the application, disapprove the
application, or request a continued evaluation of the
application for an additional period of 90 days; and
``(B) notify the applicant of the action taken
under subparagraph (A) and, with respect to any denial
of an application under subparagraph (A), afford the
applicant an opportunity for reconsideration.
``(3) Eligibility for preference with aftercare
component.--
``(A) In general.--In making grants under this
section, a State shall give preference to applications
from local correctional facilities that ensure that
each participant in the jail-based substance abuse
treatment program for which a grant under this section
is sought, is required to participate in an aftercare
services program that meets the requirements of
subparagraph (B), for a period of not less than 1 year
following the earlier of--
``(i) the date on which the participant
completes the jail-based substance abuse
treatment program; or
``(ii) the date on which the participant is
released from the correctional facility at the
end of the sentence of the participant or is
released on parole.
``(B) Aftercare services program requirements.--For
purposes of subparagraph (A), an aftercare services
program meets the requirements of this paragraph if the
program--
``(i) in selecting individuals for
participation in the program, gives priority to
individuals who have completed a jail-based
substance abuse treatment program;
``(ii) requires each participant in the
program to submit to periodic substance abuse
testing; and
``(iii) involves the coordination between
the jail-based substance abuse treatment
program and other human service and
rehabilitation programs that may assist in the
rehabilitation of program participants, such
as--
``(I) educational and job training
programs;
``(II) parole supervision programs;
``(III) half-way house programs;
and
``(IV) participation in self-help
and peer group programs; and
``(iv) assists in placing jail-based
substance abuse treatment program participants
with appropriate community substance abuse
treatment facilities upon release from the
correctional facility at the end of a sentence
or on parole.
``(e) Coordination and Consultation.--
``(1) Coordination.--Each State that makes 1 or more grants
under this section in any fiscal year shall, to the maximum
extent practicable, implement a statewide communications
network with the capacity to track the participants in jail-
based substance abuse treatment programs established by local
correctional facilities in the State as those participants move
between local correctional facilities within the State.
``(2) Consultation.--Each State described in paragraph (1)
shall consult with the Attorney General and the Secretary of
Health and Human Services to ensure that each jail-based
substance abuse treatment program assisted with a grant made by
the State under this section incorporates applicable components
of comprehensive approaches, including relapse prevention and
aftercare services.
``(f) Use of Grant Amounts.--
``(1) In general.--Each local correctional facility that
receives a grant under this section shall use the grant amount
solely for the purpose of carrying out the jail-based substance
abuse treatment program described in the application submitted
under subsection (c).
``(2) Administration.--Each local correctional facility
that receives a grant under this section shall carry out all
activities relating to the administration of the grant amount,
including reviewing the manner in which the amount is expended,
processing, monitoring the progress of the program assisted,
financial reporting, technical assistance, grant adjustments,
accounting, auditing, and fund disbursement.
``(3) Restriction.--A local correctional facility may not
use any amount of a grant under this section for land
acquisition or a construction project.
``(g) Reporting Requirement; Performance Review.--
``(1) Reporting requirement.--Not later than March 1 of
each year, each local correctional facility that receives a
grant under this section shall submit to the Attorney General,
through the State, a description and evaluation of the jail-
based substance abuse treatment program carried out by the
local correctional facility with the grant amount, in such form
and containing such information as the Attorney General may
reasonably require.
``(2) Performance review.--The Attorney General shall
conduct an annual review of each jail-based substance abuse
treatment program assisted under this section, in order to
verify the compliance of local correctional facilities with the
requirements of this section.
``(h) No Effect on State Allocation.--Nothing in this section shall
be construed to affect the allocation of amounts to States under
section 1904(a).''.
(c) Technical Amendment.--The table of contents for title I of the
Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3711 et
seq.) is amended, in the matter relating to part S, by adding at the
end the following:
``1906. Jail-based substance abuse treatment.''. | Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize: (1) a State to use residential substance abuse treatment grant amounts to provide non-residential substance abuse treatment aftercare services for State prisoners, subject to specified requirements and certification by the State's chief executive officer; and (2) not less than ten percent of the total amount made available to a State for residential substance abuse treatment for State prisoners to be used for grants to local correctional facilities in the State to assist jail-based substance abuse treatment programs. Limits the Federal share (with respect to the latter) to 75 percent of the total program cost.Grants preference to applications that provide for certain aftercare services and periodic substance abuse testing. Requires States making grants to implement a statewide communications network with the capacity to track participants. | A bill to amend part S of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to permit the use of certain amounts for assistance to jail-based substance treatment programs, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Endangered Cultural Heritage Act of
1996''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) the cultural heritage of mankind--
(A) is of the utmost importance to the United
States and the world;
(B) contains evidence of mankind's common human
past; and
(C) is part of the economic, social, and
educational foundation of society;
(2) with a growth of research concerning the vital quality
of the cultural heritage of mankind has come the realization
that many of the most significant cultural resources in the
world are seriously endangered by a growing range of threats,
including natural catastrophes, environmental deterioration,
destructive acts of man, and the complex political and societal
changes occurring in the world;
(3) a timely response is critical to prevent the loss of
cultural heritage that is imminently endangered;
(4) sustained funding is needed to stabilize and strengthen
the ability to protect cultural resources on a national and
international scale, consistently and on a long-term basis;
(5) funding will support a program through which
professionals in the field of historic preservation can obtain
support on a short-term basis to address situations of
immediate peril affecting important works that are in danger of
loss in order to gain time to plan for long-term conservation
of the works;
(6) the inauguration of the World Monuments Watch List of
100 Most Endangered Sites in 1996 has made apparent the great
need for additional support and protection for threatened
cultural heritage worldwide;
(7) conservation work funded as a result of this Act will
result in both direct and indirect benefits to many communities
by creating jobs, offering opportunities for training in
skilled trades, protecting resources that generate economic
activity through tourism, and opening direct access to enriched
educational experiences;
(8) the American people share the responsibility of
ensuring the survival of key cultural resources worldwide,
since the resources, whether in the United States or abroad,
represent a trust held in common by all peoples in all
communities; and
(9) participation in the preservation of cultural heritage,
which is of common human concern, is an international act of
good will.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrative agency.--The term ``administrative
agency'' means the agency designated or established by the
Secretary under section 6(a).
(2) Endangered site.--The term ``endangered site'' refers
to a structure, a group of buildings, a historic district, an
archaeological zone, public art, or a cultural landscape that
is in significant peril of being lost or seriously compromised
as a result of irreversible human or natural destruction.
(3) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Endangered Cultural
Heritage Trust fund established by section 4.
(4) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given in
section 1201(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1141(a)).
(5) Matching basis.--The term ``matching basis'' means the
condition to a grant award that the award be supplemented by
the recipient with equivalent financial support from other
sources prior to release of funds by the Secretary.
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Treasury.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ENDANGERED CULTURAL HERITAGE FUND.
There is established in the Treasury of the United States a trust
fund to be known as the ``Endangered Cultural Heritage Fund'' that
shall consist of--
(1) amounts appropriated pursuant to section 5; and
(2) interest and proceeds credited pursuant to section
8(c).
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Fund such sums as
are necessary to carry out this Act.
SEC. 6. PAYMENTS FROM THE FUND AND USES OF PAYMENTS.
(a) Designation of Administrative Agency.--The Secretary, in
consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the
Interior, shall designate or establish a Federal agency to administer
the Fund.
(b) Availability for Administrative Agency.--The interest on any
obligations held in the Fund shall be available, as provided in advance
by an appropriations Act, for payment to the administrative agency for
use in accordance with this section.
(c) Use by Administrative Agency.--The administrative agency shall
administer funds provided under subsection (b) and direct the funds to
the following to support activities carried out by qualified United
States and international organizations that have as a common purpose
the preservation and protection of cultural resources that are
significantly at risk:
(1) Endangered cultural resources in the united states.--
(A) In general.--The administrative agency shall
provide funding awards, released incrementally and on a
matching basis, to support stabilization and
conservation measures for endangered cultural resources
in the United States.
(B) Qualifications for award.--An award under
subparagraph (A) shall be made on a competitive basis
to a governmental or nongovernmental entity that has
demonstrated an ability to implement a conservation
program in accordance with prescribed United States
standards for conservation and rehabilitation, as
specified by the Secretary of the Interior in
accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act
(16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).
(C) Qualified sites.--A site that has been listed
as endangered by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation, the United States National Park Service,
or the World Monuments Fund shall be qualified to
receive an award under subparagraph (A).
(2) Endangered cultural resources outside the united
states.--
(A) In general.--The administrative agency shall
provide funding awards, released on a matching basis,
to support stabilization and conservation measures for
endangered cultural resources outside the United
States.
(B) Qualifications for award.--An award under
subparagraph (A) shall be made on a competitive basis
to a governmental or nongovernmental entity responsible
for a site that has demonstrated an ability to
implement a conservation program that will
significantly advance the state of conservation of the
endangered site.
(C) Qualified sites.--A site that has been listed
as endangered by the World Monuments Fund or the World
Heritage Center shall be qualified to receive an award
under subparagraph (A).
(3) Grants and fellowships.--The administrative agency
shall provide grants or fellowships that engage--
(A) United States professionals in historic
preservation; and
(B) United States and foreign graduate-level
students in--
(i) onsite conservation programs supported
under this Act; and
(ii) the development of plans to protect
endangered cultural resources.
(4) Public education.--The administrative agency shall
support programs to educate and engage the public, including
citizens, students, and school children, in a concern for the
preservation of endangered cultural resources.
(5) Seminars and conferences.--The administrative agency
shall provide grants to qualified organizations to conduct
seminars, conferences, and other similar workshops designed to
facilitate collaboration and cooperation between the United
States and foreign institutions, private specialists, and site
managers in the conservation of endangered cultural resources.
(d) Other Expenditures.--Not more than 10 percent of the funds made
available under subsection (b) for any fiscal year may be used by the
administrative agency to--
(1) award contracts for projects chosen for support under
subsection (c);
(2) disseminate information about the Fund and solicit
proposals (which shall include cost-sharing provisions) from
site mangers, United States institutions of higher education,
and other qualified entities and persons to participate in the
conservation of qualifying sites and related programs; and
(3) prepare documentation about projects supported under
subsection (c) and disseminate the documentation through
publications and electronic media.
(e) Expert Advisors.--A project shall be selected for support under
subsection (c) by a panel of expert advisors, including a
representative of--
(1) the United States Committee of the International
Council on Monuments and Sites;
(2) the National Park Service;
(3) the National Trust for Historic Preservation;
(4) the College Art Association; and
(5) the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation.
(f) Payments.--
(1) Time.--The administrative agency shall make an award
authorized under this section as soon as practicable after
approval of an application, pending the acquisition of any
matching funds by the recipient of the award.
(2) Form.--The administrative agency may make an award
authorized under this section in installments, in advance, or
by way of reimbursement, and may make necessary adjustments on
account of any overpayment or underpayment.
SEC. 7. APPLICATIONS.
(a) In General.--The administrative agency shall prepare and submit
an application to the Secretary once each fiscal year that--
(1) provides a description of the purposes for which any
grant award will be used; and
(2) provides such fiscal control and such accounting
procedures as are necessary--
(A) to ensure a proper accounting of grant awards
paid to the applicant under this Act; and
(B) to ensure the verification of the costs of the
continuing education program furnished by the grant
recipient.
(b) Expeditious Approval.--The Secretary shall expeditiously
approve any application that meets the requirements of this section.
SEC. 8. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND.
(a) Investments.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall invest such portion of
the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the Secretary, required
to meet current withdrawals.
(2) Types of investment.--Investments may be made only in
interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in
obligations guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the
United States.
(3) Acquisition of investments.--Obligations may be
acquired only--
(A) on original issue at the issue price; or
(B) by purchase of outstanding obligations at the
market price.
(4) Special obligations.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding chapter 31 of
title 31, United States Code, the Secretary may issue
special obligations at par exclusively to the Fund.
(B) Interest.--A special obligations shall bear
interest at a rate equal to the average rate of
interest, computed as of the end of the calendar month
next preceding the date of the obligation, borne by all
marketable interest-bearing obligations of the United
States then forming a part of the public debt, except
that if the average rate is not a multiple of \1/8\
percent, the rate of interest of the special obligation
shall be the multiple of \1/8\ percent next lower than
the average rate.
(C) Public interest.--Special obligations shall be
issued only if the Secretary determines that the
purchase of other interest-bearing obligations of the
United States, or of obligations guaranteed as to both
principal and interest by the United States on original
issue or at the market price, is not in the public
interest.
(b) Sale and Redemption.--
(1) In general.--An obligation acquired by the Fund (except
a special obligation issued under subsection (a)(4)) may be
sold by the Secretary at market price.
(2) Special obligations.--A special obligation issued under
subsection (a)(4) may be redeemed at par plus accrued interest.
(c) Proceeds and Interest.--The interest on, and the proceeds from
the sale or redemption of, any obligation held in the Fund shall be
credited to and form a part of the Fund.
SEC. 9. REPORT.
The administrative agency shall prepare and submit to the President
and Congress at the end of every other fiscal year in which the
administrative agency receives assistance under this Act a report on
the activities of the administrative agency and such recommendations as
the administrative agency considers advisable. | Endangered Cultural Heritage Act of 1996 - Establishes in the Treasury an Endangered Cultural Heritage Fund. Authorizes appropriations.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to designate or establish a Federal agency to administer the Fund.
Requires use of the Fund to support activities by qualified U.S. and international organizations to preserve and protect cultural resources that are significantly at risk, at qualified sites both inside and outside the United States.
Requires the designated agency to provide grants or fellowships that engage: (1) U.S. professionals in historic preservation; and (2) U.S. and foreign graduate students in onsite conservation and development of plans to protect endangered cultural resources. Directs the agency to support public education programs, seminars, conferences, and other activities. | Endangered Cultural Heritage Act of 1996 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Consumer Lending Education And
Reform Act'' and the ``C.L.E.A.R. Act''.
SEC. 2. PROTECTIONS FOR CONSUMERS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 2 of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C.
1631 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 129A the following
new section:
``Sec. 129B Protections for consumers
``(a) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the following
definitions shall apply:
``(1) Affiliate.--The term `affiliate' has the same meaning
as in section 129(k).
``(2) Electronic signature.--The term `electronic
signature' means a signatures in digital or other electronic
form that meets the validity requirements of the Electronic
Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.
``(3) Extended payment plan.--The term `extended payment
plan' means an amendment to the payday loan that is signed in
person or electronically by both the consumer and the creditor
reflecting an agreement that the consumer pay the outstanding
balance on a payday loan in 4 equal payments, where the period
between each payment may not be less than the duration of the
original payday loan.
``(4) Home state.--
``(A) In general.--The term `home State' means,
with respect to any creditor or any affiliate of a
creditor, the State in which the primary home office of
the creditor or any affiliate of the creditor is
located.
``(B) Home office.--The term `home office' means
the office that houses a majority of the applicable
party's day-to-day management and administrative
support functions.
``(5) Interest and fees.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the term `interest and fees' includes
any charge payable directly or indirectly by the
consumer and imposed directly or indirectly by the
creditor as an incident to or a condition of the
extension of credit.
``(B) Charges not included.--The term `interest and
fees' does not include--
``(i) any charge for a default,
delinquency, or similar occurrence; or
``(ii) any charge imposed when, if for any
reason, funds are not made available to pay an
item or authorization delivered to the creditor
in the manner described in subparagraph (A) or
(B) of paragraph (1) to the extent that--
``(I) the charge does not exceed
the greater of $25 or the amount
charged to the creditor by the
creditor's financial institution; and
``(II) the charge is only imposed
once per each item or authorization
regardless of whether the item or
authorization is presented for payment
more than once.
``(6) Loan store.--The term `loan store' means each
location operated by a creditor at which applications for
payday loans are received or the proceeds of payday loans are
disbursed.
``(7) Payday loan; loan.--The terms `payday loan' and
`loan' mean a closed-end credit transaction, evidenced by a
loan agreement signed by the creditor and the consumer, in
person or electronically, unsecured by any interest in the
consumer's tangible personal property with a term of at least 7
and not more than 90 days in which the amount financed does not
exceed $2,000 with a finance charge exceeding an annual
percentage rate of 36 percent, and the consumer--
``(A) receives funds from and incurs interest or a
fee payable to a creditor, and contemporaneously with
the receipt of funds, provides a check or other payment
instrument to the creditor who agrees with the consumer
not to deposit or present the check or payment
instrument for more than 1 day; or
``(B) receives funds from and incurs interest or a
fee payable to a creditor, and contemporaneously with
the receipt of funds, authorized the creditor to
initiate a debt or debits to the consumer's deposit
account (by electronic fund transfer or remotely
created check) after 1 or more days.
``(8) Payday lender.--The term `payday lender' means any
creditor with respect to a payday loan.
``(9) Refinancing.--The term `refinancing' means the use of
the proceeds of 1 payday loan obtained from a creditor to pay
off any amount due to that creditor.
``(b) Protections for Consumers.--
``(1) Interest and fee cap.--A payday lender may not--
``(A) require a consumer to pay--
``(i) in the case of any original payday
loan, interest and other fees and charges that
total more than 15 cents for every dollar
loaned; and
``(ii) in the case of an original payday
loan originated over the Internet, an
additional origination fee in excess of 5
percent of the original principal loan amount;
``(B) require a consumer to pay interest and fees
that, combined, total more than--
``(i) in the case of the 1st refinancing of
an outstanding payday loan, 15 cents for every
dollar of the outstanding original principal
loan amount; and
``(ii) in the case of the 2nd refinancing
of an outstanding payday loan, 10 cents for
every dollar of the outstanding original
principal loan amount; or
``(C) require a consumer to pay an origination fee
for a payday loan that is refinanced.
``(2) Mandatory disclosures.--A payday lender may not make
or refinance a payday loan unless the creditor has first
provided the consumer with a copy of a written loan agreement,
which shall be signed by the creditor and by the consumer and
shall include the following information in English and in the
language in which the loan was negotiated:
``(A) A clear and conspicuous description of the
terms of the loan, including the total cost of all fees
and other charges in connection with the loan stated as
a dollar amount, and the consumer's payment obligations
under the loan.
``(B) The name, address and telephone number of the
creditor making the loan, and the name of title of the
individual employee of the creditor who signs the loan
agreement on behalf of the creditor.
``(C) The following statements, in at least 14-
point bold face type:
``(i) Warning.--This loan is not intended
to meet long-term financial needs. This loan
should be used only to meet short-term cash
needs.
``(ii) Credit counseling availability.--You
should consider contacting an independent,
nonprofit credit counseling agency approved by
the National Foundation for Credit Counseling
(NFCC) or by a State or Federal Government
agency. You may obtain information on how to
contact an approved counselor near you by
calling the National Foundation for Credit
Counseling at 1-800-388-2227.
``(iii) No criminal prosecution or security
interest.--You cannot be prosecuted in criminal
court to collect this loan, and the creditor
may not take or attempt to take an interest in
any of your personal property to secure his
loan.
``(3) Additional public disclosures.--A payday lender may
not make or refinance a payday loan to any consumer unless the
following notices are posted conspicuously in English and
Spanish and in not less than 1-inch bold print in the
creditor's public lending area in each loan store, or, if the
loan is made using the Internet, fax or other means, are posted
conspicuously on the creditor's public internet site relating
to any such payday loan:
``(A) Warning.--This loan is not intended to meet
long-term financial needs. This loan should be used
only to meet short-term cash needs.
``(B) Credit counseling availability.--You should
consider contacting an independent, nonprofit credit
counseling agency approved by the National Foundation
for Credit Counseling (NFCC) or by a State or Federal
Government agency. You may obtain information on how to
contact an approved counselor near you by calling the
National Foundation for Credit Counseling at 1-800-388-
2227.
``(C) No criminal prosecution or security
interest.--You cannot be prosecuted in criminal court
to collect this loan, and the creditor may not take or
attempt to take an interest in any of your personal
property to secure his loan.
``(4) Creditor surety bond requirements.--
``(A) In general.--A payday lender may not make or
refinance a payday loan unless the creditor has
obtained and filed, in accordance with subparagraph
(B), a surety bond in the following amount:
``(i) A surety bond in the amount of
$100,000 for each loan store operated by the
creditor, if the creditor operates fewer than
10 loan stores and does not offer any payday
loans over the Internet.
``(ii) A surety bond in the amount of
$1,000,000, if the creditor operates 10 or more
loan stores or offers loans over the Internet.
``(iii) Such greater amount as may be
required by applicable State law.
``(B) Bond requirements.--The surety bond obtained
by a payday lender to meet the requirements of
subparagraph (A) shall be filed with, and for the
benefit of, the State attorney general in the
creditor's home state.
``(C) Aggregation of lender and affiliate under
certain circumstances.--For purposes of this paragraph,
a creditor and each affiliate of a creditor which has
the same home State as the creditor may aggregate the
loan stores operated by such creditor and any such
affiliate for purposes of determining the amount of the
surety bond required to be filed under subparagraph
(A).
``(5) Extended payment plan.--
``(A) In general.--A payday lender may not make or
refinance a payday loan unless the terms of the loan
require the creditor, upon receiving notice from the
consumer of an inability to repay prior to close of
business on the last business day before the original
due date of the loan, provides the consumer with notice
of and the right to opt into an extended payment plan,
without charge, 1 time in any 12 month period.
``(B) Limitation during extended payment plan.--A
creditor may not engage in any collection activity (or
procure the services of any other for such purpose)
during the term of any extended payment plan.
``(6) Refinancing.--A payday lender may not--
``(A) refinance a payday loan for less than 7 days;
``(B) refinance a payday loan more than 2
consecutive times; refinance a payday loan without
terminating the previous agreement and entering into a
new agreement that the creditor and consumer each sign
in person or with an electronic signature; or
``(C) require a consumer to pay interest and fees
in connection with a refinancing that, combined, total
more than the amount permitted under paragraph
(1)(B).''.
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Disclosures.--Section 128(a)(4) of the Truth in Lending
Act (U.S.C. 1638(a)(4)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``or'' after ``does not exceed
$5,'' and
(B) by inserting ``, or if the loan is subject to
section 129B''.
(2) Effect on other laws.--Section 111 of the Truth in
Lending Act (U.S.C. 1610) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b), by inserting ``subsection
(f) of this section and'' after ``Except as provided
in''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(f) Payday Loans.--
``(1) In general.--The following provisions of the law of
any State shall not apply to any payday loan, or any
refinancing of a payday loan, that is subject to section 129B:
``(A) Any provision requiring minimum loan terms.
``(B) Any provision prohibiting, defining or
limiting any refinancing.
``(C) Any provision prohibiting or limiting the use
of a check or debit authorization to originate a payday
loan.
``(D) Any provision prohibiting or mandating
extended payment plans.
``(E) Any provision limiting the rate or amount of
interest and fees or default, delinquency or not
sufficient fund fees or other charges which may be
taken, received or reserved by creditors for payday
loans or any refinancing of a payday loan.
``(2) Enforcement.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), any
State may employ or establish State laws for the purpose of
enforcing the requirements of section 129B.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 2 of the
Truth in Lending Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 129 the following new items:
``129A. Fiduciary duty of servicers of pooled residential mortgages.
``129B. Protections for consumers.''. | Consumer Lending Education And Reform Act or the C.L.E.A.R. Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to limit the interest, fees and charges that a payday lender may require a consumer to pay with respect to an original payday loan and a refinanced payday loan.
Prohibits a payday lender from: (1) requiring a consumer to pay an origination fee for a payday loan that is refinanced; or (2) making or refinancing a payday loan unless the creditor has first provided the consumer with a copy of a written loan agreement, signed by the creditor and by the consumer, which includes specified information in English and in the language in which the loan was negotiated.
Requires a payday lender to file a surety bond.
Prohibits a payday lender from making or refinancing a payday loan unless the terms of the loan require the creditor, upon receiving notice of consumer's inability to repay, to provide the consumer with notice of and the right to opt into an extended payment plan, without charge, one time in any 12-month period.
Prohibits a creditor from engaging in any collection activity (or procuring the services of any other for such purpose) during the term of any extended payment plan. | To amend the Truth in Lending Act to establish additional payday loan disclosure requirements and preempt certain State laws, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Health Care Conscience Rights Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds as follows:
(1) As Thomas Jefferson declared to New London Methodists
in 1809, ``[n]o provision in our Constitution ought to be
dearer to man than that which protects the rights of conscience
against the enterprises of the civil authority''.
(2) Jefferson's conviction on respect for conscience is
deeply embedded in the history and traditions of our Nation,
and codified in numerous Federal laws approved by congressional
majorities and Presidents of both parties, including in the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.); the United
States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7601 et seq.); the Religious Freedom
Restoration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 2000bb et seq.);
longstanding provisions on respect for conscience rights in the
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and District of
Columbia appropriations; and laws to protect individuals from
being forced to participate in Federal executions or
prosecutions.
(3) Following enactment of the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148, in this section
referred to as ``PPACA''), the Federal Government has sought to
impose specific requirements that infringe on the rights of
conscience of those who offer or purchase health coverage.
(4) While PPACA provides an exemption for some religious
groups that object to participation in health insurance
generally, and exempts millions of Americans from most of the
Act's provisions, including the preventive services mandate, it
fails to provide statutory protection for those seeking to
offer or to purchase health coverage who have a religious or
moral objection only to specific items or services.
(5) Nurses and other health care providers have
increasingly been subjected to discrimination for abiding by
their conscience rather than providing, paying for, or
referring for abortion.
(6) Conscience rights protections for health care providers
are an important part of civil rights protections in Federal
law and are indispensable to the continued viability of the
health care system in the United States. The increasingly
significant discrimination suffered by faith-based nonprofit
health care providers risks undermining access to high-quality
compassionate care for some of the most vulnerable populations
in our country.
SEC. 3. APPLYING LONGSTANDING POLICY ON CONSCIENCE RIGHTS TO THE
AFFORDABLE CARE ACT.
(a) In General.--Title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act (Public Law 111-148) is amended--
(1) by redesignating the second section 1563 (relating to
conforming amendments and as redesignated by section
10107(b)(1) of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act)
as section 1564;
(2) by redesignating the third section 1563 (relating to
the Sense of the Senate promoting fiscal responsibility) as
section 1565; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 1566. RESPECTING CONSCIENCE RIGHTS IN HEALTH COVERAGE.
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this
title, no provision of this title (and no amendment made by this title)
shall--
``(1) require an individual to purchase individual health
insurance coverage that includes coverage of an abortion or
other item or service to which such individual has a moral or
religious objection, or prevent an issuer from offering or
issuing, to such individual, individual health insurance
coverage that excludes such item or service;
``(2) require a sponsor (or, in the case of health
insurance coverage offered to students through an institution
of higher education, the institution of higher education
offering such coverage) to sponsor, purchase, or provide any
health benefits coverage or group health plan that includes
coverage of an abortion or other item or service to which such
sponsor or institution, respectively, has a moral or religious
objection, or prevent an issuer from offering or issuing to
such sponsor or institution, respectively, health insurance
coverage that excludes such item or service;
``(3) require an issuer of health insurance coverage or the
sponsor of a group health plan to include, in any such coverage
or plan, coverage of an abortion or other item or service to
which such issuer or sponsor has a moral or religious
objection; or
``(4) authorize the imposition of a tax, penalty, fee,
fine, or other sanction, or the imposition of coverage of the
item or service to which there is a moral or religious
objection, in relation to health insurance coverage or a group
health plan that excludes an item or service pursuant to this
section.
``(b) Restriction on Contrary Governmental Action.--No provision in
this title (or amendment made by this title) or law, regulation,
guideline or other governmental action that implements such provision
or amendment, or derives its authority therefrom, shall be given legal
effect to the extent that it violates this section.
``(c) No Effect on Other Laws.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to preempt, modify, or otherwise have any effect on--
``(1) the Civil Rights Act of 1964;
``(2) the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990;
``(3) the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978;
``(4) the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996; or
``(5) any other State or Federal law, other than a
provision in this title (or an amendment made by this title) or
a law, regulation, guideline or other governmental action that
implements such provision or amendment or derives its authority
therefrom.
``(d) Aggregate Actuarial Value.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to prohibit the Secretary from issuing regulations or other
guidance to ensure that health insurance coverage or group health plans
excluding abortion or other items or services under this section shall
have an aggregate actuarial value at least equivalent to that of health
insurance coverage or group health plans at the same level of coverage
that do not exclude such items or services.
``(e) Continued Application of Nondiscrimination Rules.--Nothing in
this section shall be construed to permit a health insurance issuer,
group health plan, or other health care provider to act in a manner
inconsistent with subparagraph (B) or (D) of section 1302(b)(4).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) is amended--
(1) by striking the following items:
``1563. Conforming amendments.
``1563. Sense of the Senate promoting fiscal responsibility.'';
and
(2) by inserting after the item relating to the section
1563 relating to small business procurement the following
items:
``1564. Conforming amendments.
``1565. Sense of the Senate promoting fiscal responsibility.
``1566. Respecting conscience rights in health coverage.''.
SEC. 4. ABORTION NONDISCRIMINATION FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS.
Section 245 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 238n) is
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``and licensing of
physicians'' and inserting ``, licensing, and practice of
physicians and other health care entities'';
(2) in subsection (a), by amending paragraph (1) to read as
follows:
``(1) the entity refuses--
``(A) to undergo training in the performance of
induced abortions;
``(B) to require or provide such training;
``(C) to perform, participate in, provide coverage
of, or pay for induced abortions; or
``(D) to provide referrals for such training or
such abortions;'';
(3) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``standards'' and
inserting ``standard'';
(4) in subsection (c), by amending paragraphs (1) and (2)
to read as follows:
``(1) The term `financial assistance', with respect to a
government program, means governmental payments to cover the
cost of health care services or benefits, or other Federal
payments, grants, or loans to promote or otherwise facilitate
health-related activities.
``(2) The term `health care entity' includes an individual
physician or other health professional, a postgraduate
physician training program, a participant in a program of
training in the health professions, a hospital, a provider-
sponsored organization as defined in section 1855(d) of the
Social Security Act, a health maintenance organization, an
accountable care organization, an issuer of health insurance
coverage, any other kind of health care facility, organization,
or plan, and an entity that provides or authorizes referrals
for health care services.'';
(5) by adding at the end of subsection (c) the following
new paragraph:
``(4) The term `State or local government that receives
Federal financial assistance' includes any agency or other
governmental unit of a State or local government if such
government receives Federal financial assistance.'';
(6) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(7) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new
subsection:
``(c) Administration.--The Secretary shall designate the Director
of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human
Services--
``(1) to receive complaints alleging a violation of this
section, section 1566 of the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act, or any of subsections (b) through (e) of section 401
of the Health Programs Extension Act of 1973; and
``(2) to pursue the investigation of such complaints, in
coordination with the Attorney General.''.
SEC. 5. REMEDIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF FEDERAL CONSCIENCE LAWS.
Title II of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 202 et seq.)
is amended by inserting after section 245 the following:
``SEC. 245A. CIVIL ACTION FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS.
``(a) In General.--A qualified party may, in a civil action, obtain
appropriate relief with regard to a designated violation.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `qualified party' means--
``(A) the Attorney General; or
``(B) any person or entity adversely affected by
the designated violation; and
``(2) the term `designated violation' means an actual or
threatened violation of section 245 of this Act, section 1566
of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or any of
subsections (b) through (e) of section 401 of the Health
Programs Extension Act of 1973.
``(c) Administrative Remedies Not Required.--An action under this
section may be commenced, and relief may be granted, without regard to
whether the party commencing the action has sought or exhausted
available administrative remedies.
``(d) Defendants in Actions Under This Section May Include
Governmental Entities as Well as Others.--
``(1) In general.--An action under this section may be
maintained against, among others, a party that is a Federal or
State governmental entity. Relief in an action under this
section may include money damages even if the defendant is such
a governmental entity.
``(2) Definition.--For the purposes of this subsection, the
term `State governmental entity' means a State, a local
government within a State, or any agency or other governmental
unit or authority of a State or of such a local government.
``(e) Nature of Relief.--The court shall grant--
``(1) all necessary equitable and legal relief, including,
where appropriate, declaratory relief and compensatory damages,
to prevent the occurrence, continuance, or repetition of the
designated violation and to compensate for losses resulting
from the designated violation; and
``(2) to a prevailing plaintiff, reasonable attorneys' fees
and litigation expenses as part of the costs.''. | Health Care Conscience Rights Act - Amends title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to declare that nothing in such title shall require an individual to purchase individual health insurance coverage that includes coverage of an abortion or other item or service to which the individual has a moral or religious objection, or prevent an issuer from offering or issuing, to that individual, individual coverage excluding such item or service. Makes similar denials about requiring a sponsor to sponsor, purchase, or provide such coverage, or a health insurance issuer or group health plan sponsor to cover an abortion or other item or service to which the sponsor or issuer has a moral or religious objection. Denies also that such title authorizes imposition of a tax, penalty, fee, fine, or other sanction, or imposition of coverage of such an item or service, in relation to health insurance coverage or a group health plan that excludes such an item or service. Amends the Public Health Service Act to codify the prohibition against any action by the federal government and any state or local government receiving federal financial assistance to subject a health professional, a hospital, a provider-sponsored organization, a health maintenance organization, an accountable care organization, a health insurance plan, or any other kind of health care facility, organization, or plan to discrimination on the basis that the entity refuses to participate in abortion-related activities. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to designate the Director of the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive and investigate complaints alleging a violation of abortion discrimination prohibition. Creates a cause of action for the Attorney General or any person or entity adversely affected to obtain equitable or legal relief for any violation of this abortion discrimination prohibition. Allows commencement of an action to be commenced and the granting of relief without a prerequisite pursuit of administrative remedies. Allows such an action against a federal or state governmental entity. | Health Care Conscience Rights Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Timber-Dependent Counties
Stabilization Act of 1999''.
SEC. 2. SHARING OF FOREST SERVICE TIMBER SALE RECEIPTS.
(a) Payments.--
(1) Fiscal years 2000 through 2004.--In lieu of making the
25-percent payments to States for each of fiscal years 2000
through 2004, the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to each
State that is otherwise eligible to receive those payments the
special payment amount determined for that State.
(2) Fiscal years after fiscal year 2004.--
(A) In general.--For each fiscal year after fiscal
year 2004, the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to
each State that is otherwise eligible for the 25-
percent payments to States, as elected by the State,
either--
(i) the special payment amount determined
for that State, in lieu of the 25-percent
payments to States otherwise applicable for
that State; or
(ii) the 25-percent payments to States
applicable for that State.
(B) Election.--The election under subparagraph (A)
shall be made by the Governor of a State only once, for
all fiscal years after fiscal year 2004, by not later
than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this
Act. If the Governor of a State fails to make the
election by that date, the State is deemed to have
elected the payment described in subparagraph (A)(i)
for all fiscal years after fiscal year 2004.
(3) Expenditure by states.--Amounts paid to a State under
this subsection shall be expended by the State in the same
manner in which 25-percent payments to States are required to
be expended.
(b) Definitions.--As used in this section:
(1) 25-percent payments to states.--The term ``25-percent
payments to States'' means the 25-percent payments authorized
by the Act of May 23, 1908 (35 Stat. 260, chapter 192; 16
U.S.C. 500) for the benefit of counties in which national
forests are situated, as in effect immediately before the date
of the enactment of this section.
(2) Special payment amount.--The term ``special payment
amount'' means, for a State, the amount equal to--
(A) 76 percent, multiplied by
(B) the amount equal to--
(i) the total amount of 25-percent
payments to States made to the State
for the 3 fiscal years (whether or not consecutive) for which those
payments were the highest in the period beginning October 1, 1985, and
ending September 30, 1995, divided by
(ii) 3.
The amount described in this paragraph shall be adjusted to
reflect changes in the consumer price index for urban areas (as
published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics) that occur after
publication of that index for fiscal year 2004.
SEC. 3. SHARING OF BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT TIMBER SALE RECEIPTS.
(a) Payments.--
(1) Fiscal years 2000 through 2004.--In lieu of making the
50-percent payments to counties for each of fiscal years 2000
through 2004, the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to each
county that is otherwise eligible to receive those payments the
special payment amount determined for that county.
(2) Fiscal years after fiscal year 2004.--
(A) In general.--For each fiscal year after fiscal
year 2004, the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay to
each county that is otherwise eligible to receive the
50-percent payments to counties, as elected by the
county, either--
(i) the special payment amount, in lieu of
the 50-percent payments to counties otherwise
applicable and allocable to that county; or
(ii) the share of the 50-percent payments
to counties otherwise applicable and allocable
to the county.
(B) Election.--The election under subparagraph (A)
shall be made by the chief executive officer of a
county only once, for all fiscal years after fiscal
year 2004, by not later than 5 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act. If the chief executive
officer of a county fails to make the election by that
date, the county is deemed to have elected the payment
described in subparagraph (A)(i) for all fiscal years
after fiscal year 2004.
(b) Definitions.--As used in this section:
(1) 50-percent payments to counties.--The term ``50-percent
payments to counties'' means the sum of the 50-percent share
otherwise paid to a county pursuant to title II of the Act of
August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 875, chapter 876; 43 U.S.C. 1181f),
and the payments made to counties pursuant to the Act of May
24, 1939 (53 Stat. 753, chapter 144; 43 U.S.C. 1181f-1 et
seq.), as in effect immediately before the date of the
enactment of this section.
(2) Special payment amount.--The term ``special payment
amount'' means the amount equal to--
(A) 76 percent, multiplied by
(B) the amount equal to--
(i) the total amount of 50-percent
payments to counties made to the county
for the 3 fiscal years (whether or not
consecutive) for which those payments
were the highest in the period
beginning October 1, 1985, and ending
September 30, 1995, divided by
(ii) 3.
The amount described in this paragraph shall be adjusted to
reflect changes in the consumer price index for urban areas (as
published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics) that occur after
publication of that index for fiscal year 2004.
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENT.
Title XIII of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (Public
Law 103-66) is amended by striking chapter 4 (107 Stat. 681-682). | Timber-Dependent Counties Stabilization Act of 1999 - Revises the existing rate for State sharing of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management timber sale receipts through a specified date, and permits States to choose either rate after such date. | Timber-Dependent Counties Stabilization Act of 1999 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Coastal Pollution Reduction Act of
1997''.
SEC. 2. MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICO.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The existing discharge from the Mayaguez publicly owned
treatment works is to the stressed waters of Mayaguez Bay, an
area containing severely degraded coral reefs, and relocation
of that discharge to unstressed ocean waters could benefit the
marine environment.
(2) The Federal Water Pollution Control Act should,
consistent with the environmental goals of the Act, be
administered with sufficient flexibility to take into
consideration the unique characteristics of Mayaguez, Puerto
Rico.
(3) Some deep ocean areas off the coastline of Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico, might be able to receive a less-than-secondary
sewage discharge while still maintaining healthy and diverse
marine life.
(4) A properly designed and operated deep ocean outfall off
the coast of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, coupled with other
pollution reduction activities in the Mayaguez Watershed could
facilitate compliance with the requirements and purposes of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act without the need for more
costly treatment.
(5) The owner or operator of the Mayaguez publicly owned
treatment works should be afforded an opportunity to make the
necessary scientific studies and submit an application
proposing use of a deep ocean outfall for review by the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under
section 301(h) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
(b) Application for Secondary Treatment Waiver for Mayaguez, Puerto
Rico, Deep Ocean Outfall.--Section 301 of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1311) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(q) Application for Waiver.--
``(1) Study.--In order to be eligible to apply for a waiver
under this section, the owner or operator of the Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico, publicly owned treatment works shall transmit to
the Administrator a report on the results of a study of the
marine environment of coastal areas in the Mayaguez area to
determine the feasibility of constructing a deep ocean outfall
for the Mayaguez treatment works. In conducting the study, the
owner or operator shall consider variations in the currents,
tidal movement, and other hydrological and geological
characteristics at any proposed outfall location. Such study
may recommend one or more technically feasible and
environmentally acceptable locations for a deep ocean outfall
intended to meet the requirements of subsection (h). Such study
may be initiated, expanded, or continued not later than 3
months after the date of the enactment of this subsection.
``(2) Section 301(h) application for mayaguez, puerto
rico.--Notwithstanding subsection (j)(1)(A), not later than 18
months after the date of the enactment of this subsection, an
application may be submitted for a modification pursuant to
subsection (h) of the requirements of subsection (b)(1)(B) by
the owner or operator of the Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, publicly
owned treatment works at a location recommended in a study
conducted pursuant to paragraph (1). Such application shall not
be subject to the application revision procedures of section
125.59(d) of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations. No such
application may be filed unless and until the applicant has
entered into a binding consent decree with the United States
that includes, at a minimum, the following:
``(A) A schedule and milestones to ensure
expeditious compliance with the requirements of
subsection (b)(1)(B) in the event the requested
modification is denied, including interim effluent
limits and design activities to be undertaken while the
application is pending.
``(B) A schedule and interim milestones to ensure
expeditious compliance with the requirements of any
modification of subsection (b)(1)(B) in the event the
requested modification is approved.
``(C) A commitment by the applicant to contribute
not less than $400,000 to the Mayaguez Watershed
Initiative in accordance with such schedules as may be
specified in the consent decree.
``(3) Initial determination.--On or before the 270th day
after the date of submittal of an application under paragraph
(2) that has been deemed complete by the Administrator, the
Administrator shall issue to the applicant a tentative
determination regarding the requested modification.
``(4) Final determination.--On or before the 270th day
after the date of issuance of the tentative determination under
paragraph (3), the Administrator shall issue a final
determination regarding the modification.
``(5) Additional condition.--The Administrator may not
grant a modification pursuant to an application submitted under
this subsection unless the Administrator determines that the
new deep water ocean outfall will use a well-designed and
operated diffuser that discharges into unstressed ocean waters
and is situated so as to avoid discharge (or transport of
discharged pollutants) to coral reefs, other sensitive marine
resources or recreational areas, and shorelines.
``(6) Effectiveness.--If a modification is granted pursuant
to an application submitted under this subsection, such
modification shall be effective only if the new deepwater ocean
outfall is operational on or before the date that is 4\1/2\
years after the date of the Administrator's initial tentative
determination on the application.''.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL ESTUARY PROGRAM.
(a) Grants for Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans.--
Section 320(g)(2) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C.
1330(g)(2)) is amended by inserting ``and implementation'' after
``development''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 320(i) of such Act
(33 U.S.C. 1330(i)) is amended by striking ``1987'' and all that
follows through ``1991'' and inserting the following: ``1987 through
1991, such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 1992 through 1997,
and $20,000,000 for fiscal year 1998''.
Passed the House of Representatives November 13, 1997.
Attest:
ROBIN H. CARLE,
Clerk. | Coastal Pollution Reduction Act of 1997 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to require the owner or operator of the Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, publicly owned treatment works, in order to be eligible to apply for a waiver of secondary treatment requirements, to transmit to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency the results of a study of the marine environment of coastal areas in the Mayaguez area to determine the feasibility of constructing a deep ocean outfall for the treatment works.
Authorizes the owner or operator of such treatment works to submit an application for modification of secondary treatment requirements. Prohibits the filing of such application unless the applicant has entered into a binding consent decree with the United States that includes certain minimum requirements for schedules of compliance, milestones, and a commitment to contribute a minimum amount to the Mayaguez Watershed Initiative. Bars the Administrator from granting a modification unless the outfall will use a well-designed and operated diffuser that discharges into unstressed ocean waters and is situated so as to avoid discharge to coral reefs, sensitive marine resources or recreational areas, and shorelines. Makes a modification effective only if the outfall is operational within four and a half years of the date of the Administrator's initial determination on the application.
Permits certain grants for the development of estuary conservation and management plans to be used for the implementation of plans as well.
Extends the authorization of appropriations for the National Estuary Program through FY 1998. | Coastal Pollution Reduction Act of 1997 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Child Sex Trafficking Data and
Response Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2. STREAMLINE DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING ON SEX TRAFFICKING.
(a) Foster Care and Adoption Assistance Program.--
(1) State plan requirements.--Section 471(a) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph
(32);
(B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph
(33) and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(34) provides that for each child over whom the State
agency has responsibility for placement, care, or supervision,
the State agency shall--
``(A) identify and document appropriately in agency
records each child who is identified as being a victim
of sex trafficking (as defined in section 103(10) of
the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000) or as a
victim of severe forms of trafficking in persons
described in section 103(9)(A) of the Trafficking
Victims Protection Act of 2000 (relating to sex
trafficking) as such a victim; and
``(B) report immediately, and in no case later than
24 hours after receiving, information on missing or
abducted children to the law enforcement authorities
for entry into the National Crime Information Center
(NCIC) database of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
established pursuant to section 534 of title 28, United
States Code; and
``(35) contains a regularly updated description of the
specific measures taken by the State agency to protect and
provide services to children who are victims of sex trafficking
(as defined in section 103(10) of the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act of 2000), including efforts to coordinate with
State law enforcement, juvenile justice, and social service
agencies such as runaway and homeless youth shelters to serve
that population.''.
(2) Regulations.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services shall promulgate regulations implementing the
amendments made by paragraph (1) and shall provide uniform
definitions for States to use for the reports required under
paragraph (34)(B) of section 471(a) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 671(a)(34)(B)) (as added by paragraph (1)). The
regulations promulgated under this paragraph shall include
provisions to permit the Secretary of Health and Human Services
the discretion to withhold a portion of the Federal funds to be
paid a State under section 474 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 674) for a fiscal year quarter from any State that fails
to substantially comply with the requirements of paragraphs
(34) and (35) of section 471(a) of such Act (as so added).
(3) Inclusion of data in afcars.--
(A) In general.--Section 479(c)(3) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 679(c)(3)) is amended--
(i) in subparagraph (C)(iii), by striking
``and'' after the semicolon; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) the annual aggregate number of children in
foster care who are identified as victims of sex
trafficking (as defined in section 103(10) of the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000); and''.
(B) Report to congress.--During the period that
begins on January 1, 2014, and ends on the effective
date of a final rule promulgated by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services implementing the AFCARS data
collection requirement added by the amendments made by
subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Health and Human
Services shall submit an annual report to Congress that
contains the annual aggregate number of children in
foster care who are identified as victims of sex
trafficking (as defined in section 103(10) of the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C.
7102(10))), together with such other information as the
Secretary determines appropriate relating to the
identification of, and provision of services for, that
population of children.
(b) State Reporting.--Section 3702 of the Crime Control Act of 1990
(42 U.S.C. 5780) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(2) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by
striking ``paragraph (2)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(3)'';
(B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and a
photograph taken within the previous 180 days'' after
``dental records'';
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(D) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as
subparagraph (D); and
(E) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the
following:
``(C) notify the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children of each report received relating to
a child reported missing from a foster care family home
or childcare institution; and''.
(c) CAPTA Amendments.--
(1) State plan amendments.--Section 106 of the Child Abuse
Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(2)(B)--
(i) in clause (xxii), by striking ``and''
at the end; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(xxiv) provisions and procedures
requiring identification and assessment of all
reports involving children known or suspected
to be, victims of sex trafficking (as defined
in paragraph (10) of section 103 of the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22
U.S.C. 7102)) or victims of severe forms of
trafficking in persons described in paragraph
(9)(A) of that section; and
``(xxv) provisions and procedures for
training child protective services workers
about identifying and providing comprehensive
services for children who are victims described
in clause (xxiv), and providing such services
for such children, including efforts to
coordinate with State law enforcement, juvenile
justice, and social service agencies such as
runaway and homeless youth shelters to serve
this population;''; and
(B) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the
following:
``(17) The number of children determined to be victims
described in subsection (b)(2)(B)(xxiv).''.
(2) Special rule.--
(A) In general.--Section 111 of the Child Abuse
Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106g) is
amended--
(i) by striking ``For purposes'' and
inserting the following:
``(a) Definitions.--For purposes''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Special Rule.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of section 3(2) and
subsection (a)(4), a child shall be considered a victim of
`child abuse and neglect' and of `sexual abuse' if the child is
identified, by a State or local agency employee of the State or
locality involved, as being a victim of sex trafficking (as
defined in paragraph (10) of section 103 of the Trafficking
Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102)) or a victim of
severe forms of trafficking in persons described in paragraph
(9)(A) of that section.
``(2) State option.--Notwithstanding the definition of
`child' in section 3(1), a State may elect to define that term
for purposes of the application of paragraph (1) to section
3(2) and subsection (a)(4) as a person who has not attained the
age of 24.''.
(B) Conforming amendment.--Section 3(2) of the
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C.
5101 note) is amended by inserting ``(including sexual
abuse as determined under section 111)'' after ``sexual
abuse or exploitation''.
(3) Technical correction.--Paragraph (5)(C) of subsection
(a), as so designated, of section 111 of the Child Care and
Development Block Grant Act of 1990 is amended by striking
``inhumane;'' and inserting ``inhumane.''.
SEC. 3. REPORT TO CONGRESS ON LABOR TRAFFICKING IN CHILD WELFARE AND
BARRIERS TO DOCUMENTATION AND SERVICE PROVISION TO UNIQUE
VICTIM POPULATIONS.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, in coordination with the
Attorney General, shall submit to the Congress a report detailing
issues related to identifying, and providing services for, victims of
labor trafficking, as defined in section 103(9)(B) of the Trafficking
Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102(9)(B)), within the child
welfare system. The report shall address the following:
(1) Whether State law enforcement, child welfare, and other
relevant State agencies have identified a significant presence
of victims of labor trafficking within the child welfare
population.
(2) With respect to any States that have identified a
significant presence of such victims--
(A) any numerical estimates of the prevalence of
such victims;
(B) a description of how such States provide
services for, or plan to provide services for, such
victims; and
(C) a description of the extent to which there are
service delivery issues, particularly with respect to
the extent to which the requirements associated with
existing sources of Federal funding for all victims of
trafficking, as defined in section 103(15) of the
Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C.
7102(15)), prevents population-specific service
delivery within the child welfare system.
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date that is 1
year after the date of the enactment of this Act (and in the case of
the amendments made by section 2(a)(1), without regard to whether final
regulations required under section 2(a)(2) have been promulgated).
(b) Delay Permitted if State Legislation Required.--In the case of
a State plan approved under part E of title IV of the Social Security
Act which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines
requires State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds)
in order for the plan to meet the additional requirements imposed by
this Act, the State plan shall not be regarded as failing to comply
with the requirements of such part solely on the basis of the failure
of the plan to meet such additional requirements before the 1st day of
the 1st calendar quarter beginning after the close of the 1st regular
session of the State legislature that ends after the 1-year period
beginning with the date of the enactment of this Act. For purposes of
the preceding sentence, in the case of a State that has a 2-year
legislative session, each year of the session is deemed to be a
separate regular session of the State legislature. Except as otherwise
provided in this Act the amendments made by this Act shall take effect
on the date that is 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act. | Child Sex Trafficking Data and Response Act of 2013 - Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require state plans for foster care and adoption assistance to provide that for each child over whom the state has responsibility for placement, care, or supervision, the state agency shall: (1) identify and document in agency records each child identified as a victim of sex trafficking, including severe forms of trafficking in certain persons; and (2) report immediately, within 24 hours, any information on missing or abducted children to the law enforcement authorities for entry into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Requires such plans also to contain a regularly updated description of the specific measures the state agency has taken to protect and provide services to child victims of sex trafficking, including efforts to coordinate with state law enforcement, juvenile justice, and social service agencies such as runaway and homeless youth shelters to serve that population. Requires the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) to provide comprehensive national information with respect to the aggregate number of children in foster care identified as victims of sex trafficking. Amends the Crime Control Act of 1990 to require any law enforcement agency that entered a missing child report into the NCIC to notify the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of each report received relating to a child reported missing from a foster care family home or childcare institution. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to require that the state plan under the Act certifies that the state has in effect and is enforcing a state law, or is operating a statewide program, relating to child abuse and neglect that includes provisions and procedures requiring: (1) identification and assessment of all reports involving child victims of sex trafficking, and (2) training child protective services workers about identifying and providing comprehensive services for such children. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report to Congress on issues related to identifying, and providing services for, victims of labor trafficking within the child welfare system. | Child Sex Trafficking Data and Response Act of 2013 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Nurse and Health
Care Worker Protection Act of 2015''.
(b) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) In 2014, registered nurses ranked sixth among all
occupations for the number of cases of musculoskeletal
disorders resulting in days away from work, with 11,360 total
cases. Nursing assistants reported 20,020 cases in 2014, the
second highest of any profession. The leading cause of these
health care employees' injuries is patient lifting,
transferring, and repositioning injuries, which constitute a
significant risk to the health and welfare of those employees
under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
(2) The physical demands of the nursing profession lead
many nurses to leave the profession. Fifty-two percent of
nurses complain of chronic back pain and 38 percent suffer from
pain severe enough to require leave from work. Many nurses and
other health care workers suffering back injury do not return
to work. These consequences constitute a material impairment of
health for these employees under the Occupational Safety and
Health Act of 1970.
(3) Patients are not at optimum levels of safety while
being lifted, transferred, or repositioned manually.
Appropriate mechanical lifts can substantially reduce skin
tears and pressure ulcers suffered by patients and the
frequency of patients being dropped, thus allowing patients a
safer means to progress through their care and avoid disabling
injuries due to unsafe practices.
(4) The development of assistive patient handling
technology, equipment, and devices has essentially rendered the
act of strict manual patient handling outdated and typically
unnecessary as a function of nursing care.
(5) A growing number of health care facilities that have
incorporated patient handling technology and practices have
reported positive results. Injuries among nursing staff and
health care workers have dramatically declined at health care
facilities implementing safe patient handling technology,
equipment, devices, and practices. As a result, the number of
lost work days due to injury and staff turnover has declined.
Studies have also shown that assistive patient handling
technology successfully reduces workers' compensation costs for
musculoskeletal disorders.
(6) A number of States have implemented safe patient
handling, mobility and injury prevention standards. The success
of these programs at the facility and State level demonstrates
the technological and economical feasibility of such standards.
(7) Establishing a safe patient handling, mobility, and
injury prevention standard for direct-care registered nurses
and other health care workers is a critical component
reasonably necessary for protecting the health and safety of
nurses and other health care workers, addressing the nursing
shortage, and increasing patient safety.
(c) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; findings; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Safe patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention
standard.
Sec. 3. Application of safe patient handling, mobility, and injury
prevention standard to facilities receiving
Medicare and Medicaid funds.
Sec. 4. Nonpreemption.
Sec. 5. Definitions.
SEC. 2. SAFE PATIENT HANDLING, MOBILITY, AND INJURY PREVENTION
STANDARD.
(a) Rulemaking.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not
later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Labor shall, pursuant to section 6 of the Occupational
Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 655), promulgate an interim
final standard on safe patient handling, mobility, and injury
prevention (in this section such standard is referred to as the ``safe
patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention standard'') to
prevent musculoskeletal disorders for direct-care registered nurses and
all other health care workers handling patients. The interim final
standard shall remain in effect until it is replaced by a final safe
patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention standard.
(b) Requirements.--The safe patient handling, mobility, and injury
prevention standard shall require the use of engineering and safety
controls to perform handling of patients and to reduce the incidence of
injuries from manual handling of patients by direct-care registered
nurses and all other health care workers, through the development of a
comprehensive program, to include the use of mechanical technology and
devices to the greatest degree feasible. Where the use of mechanical
technology and devices is not feasible, the standards shall require the
use of alternative controls and measures to minimize the risk of injury
to nurses and health care workers resulting from the manual handling of
patients. The standard shall apply to all health care employers, shall
generally align with interprofessional national safe patient handling,
mobility, and injury prevention standards, and shall include the
following:
(1) Program development.--A requirement that each health
care employer shall develop and implement a safe patient
handling, mobility, and injury prevention program within 6
months of the date of promulgation of the interim final
standard, which program shall include hazard identification,
risk assessments, and control measures in relation to patient
care duties and patient handling.
(2) Technology and equipment purchase and management.--A
requirement that, within 2 years of the date of issuance by the
Secretary of an interim final standard, each health care
employer shall purchase, use, maintain, and make accessible to
health care workers, such safe patient handling equipment,
technology, and accessories as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(3) Health care worker participation.--A requirement that
each health care employer shall obtain input from health care
workers, to include direct care registered nurses, health care
workers, their representatives, and their collective bargaining
agents, in developing and implementing the safe patient
handling, mobility, and injury prevention program, including
training and education and the purchase of technology and
equipment and necessary accessories.
(4) Data tracking and review.--A requirement that each
health care employer shall establish a review program to
analyze data relevant to the implementation of the employers'
safe patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention program,
and shall account for circumstances where safe patient handling
technology or equipment were not utilized in accordance with
the health care employers' safe patient handling, mobility, and
injury prevention standard. Each health care employer shall
upon request, make available their findings and data used in
such review, to health care workers, their representatives,
their collective bargaining agents, and the Secretary or other
Federal agency. Each health care employer shall maintain the
data and findings from their review for at least 5 years
(5) Incorporation of technology into facilities.--A
requirement that each health care employer shall consider the
feasibility of incorporating safe patient handling technology
as part of process of new facility design and construction, or
facility remodeling.
(6) Education and training.--A requirement that each health
care employer shall train health care workers on safe patient
handling, mobility, and injury prevention policies, technology,
equipment, and devices, initially, and on a continuing annual
basis, and as necessary. Such training shall prepare health
care workers, to identify, assess, and control musculoskeletal
hazards of a general nature, and those specific to particular
patient care areas, and shall be conducted by an individual
with knowledge in the subject matter, and delivered, at least
in part, in an interactive simulated point-of-care training and
hands-on format that reflects the specific demands of a health
care workers' duties.
(7) Notice of safe patient handling and rights under this
act.--A requirement that each health care employer shall post a
uniform notice in a form specified by the Secretary that--
(A) explains the safe patient handling, mobility,
and injury prevention standard;
(B) includes information regarding safe patient
handling, mobility, and injury prevention policies and
training;
(C) explains procedures to report patient handling-
related injuries; and
(D) explains health care workers' rights under this
Act, including any whistleblower protections.
(8) Annual evaluation.--A requirement that each health care
employer shall conduct an annual written evaluation of the
implementation of the safe patient handling, mobility, and
injury prevention program, including handling procedures,
selection of technology, equipment, and engineering controls,
assessment of injuries, and new safe patient handling,
mobility, and injury prevention technology and devices that
have been developed. The evaluation shall be conducted with the
involvement of nurses, other health care workers, their
representatives, and their collective bargaining agents, and
their input shall be documented in the evaluation. Health care
employers shall take corrective action as recommended in the
written evaluation.
(9) Right to refuse unsafe assignment.--A requirement that
each health care employer shall provide procedures under which
a health care worker or employee may refuse to perform the
employee's duties if the employee has a reasonable apprehension
that performing such duties would violate the safe patient
handling, mobility, and injury prevention standard, and would
result in injury or impairment of health to the health care
worker, other health care workers, or patients. Where
practicable, the health care worker must have communicated the
health or safety concern to the health care employer and have
not been able to obtain a correction of the violation.
(c) Inspections.--The Secretary of Labor shall conduct unscheduled
inspections under section 8 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act
of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 657) to ensure implementation of and compliance with
the safe patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention standard.
SEC. 3. APPLICATION OF SAFE PATIENT HANDLING, MOBILITY, AND INJURY
PREVENTION STANDARD TO FACILITIES RECEIVING MEDICARE AND
MEDICAID FUNDS.
(a) In General.--Section 1866 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395cc) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(V), by inserting ``and safe
patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention standard (as
initially promulgated under section 2 of the Nurse and Health
Care Worker Protection Act of 2015)'' before the period at the
end; and
(2) in subsection (b)(4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and the
safe patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention
standard'' after ``Bloodborne Pathogens standard''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or the safe
patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention
standard'' after ``Bloodborne Pathogens standard''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to health care facilities 1 year after date of issuance of the
final safe patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention standard
required under section 2.
SEC. 4. NONPREEMPTION.
(a) Effect on Other Laws.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed
to--
(1) preempt any law, rule, or regulation of a State or
political subdivision of a State, unless such law, rule, or
regulation is in conflict with this Act or a regulation or
order issued under this Act;
(2) impair or diminish in any way the authority of any
State to enact and enforce any law which provides equivalent or
greater protections for employees engaging in conduct protected
under this Act;
(3) curtail or limit in any way the right of people with
disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (42
12101 et seq.) or section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(29 U.S.C. 794) to those reasonable modifications needed to
receive equal access to health care, including the requirement
that health care employees give priority consideration to the
lifting, movement, or transfer needs and preferences of people
with disabilities; or
(4) curtail or limit in any way consideration as an
expenditure to acquire or modify equipment for use by or to
benefit individuals with disabilities that is specified in
section 44 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which is
available to eligible small businesses.
(b) Rights Retained by Health Care Workers.--Nothing in this Act
shall be construed to diminish the rights, privileges, or remedies of
any health care worker or employee under any Federal or State law, or
under any collective bargaining agreement.
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Direct-care registered nurse.--The term ``direct-care
registered nurse'' means an individual who has been granted a
license by at least one State to practice as a registered nurse
and who provides bedside care or outpatient services for one or
more patients or residents.
(2) Employee.--The term ``employee'' means any individual
employed by a health care employer, to include health care
workers, as well as employees who do not qualify as health care
workers, including independent contractors.
(3) Employment.--The term ``employment'' includes the
provision of services under a contract or other arrangement.
(4) Handling.--The term ``handling'' includes actions such
as lifting, transferring, repositioning, mobilizing, moving, or
any other action involving the physical movement, manipulation,
or support of a patient by a health care worker, or any direct
patient care action which presents a risk of musculoskeletal
injury.
(5) Health care employer.--The term ``health care
employer'' means an outpatient health care facility, hospital,
nursing home, home health care agency, social assistance
facility or program, hospice, federally qualified health
center, nurse managed health center, rural health clinic or
rehabilitative center, or any similar health care facility that
employs direct-care registered nurses or other health care
workers.
(6) Health care worker.--The term ``health care worker''
means an individual who has been assigned by a health care
employer to engage in patient handling, including direct-care
registered nurses, independent contractors, or individuals who
perform the duties of health care workers. | Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2015 This bill requires the Department of Labor to establish a standard on safe patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention to prevent musculoskeletal disorders for health care workers. The standard must require the use of engineering and safety controls to handle patients. The standard must require health care employers to: (1) develop and implement a safe patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention program; (2) train their workers on safe patient handling, mobility, and injury prevention; and (3) post a notice that explains the standard, procedures to report patient handling-related injuries, and workers' rights under this Act. Labor must conduct unscheduled inspections to ensure compliance with the standard. This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to apply the standard to hospitals receiving Medicare funds. | Nurse and Health Care Worker Protection Act of 2015 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Digital TV Transition Fairness
Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Assistant secretary.--The term ``Assistant Secretary''
means the Assistant Secretary for Communications and
Information of the Department of Commerce.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
Communications Commission.
(3) Digital-to-analog converter box.--The term ``digital-
to-analog converter box'' has the same meaning as in section
3005(d) of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety
Act of 2005.
(4) Local market.--The term ``local market'' has the same
meaning as in section 122(j) of title 17, United States Code.
(5) Multichannel video programming distributor.--The term
``multichannel video programming distributor'' has the same
meaning as in section 602(13) of the Communications Act of
1934.
(6) Television broadcast station.--The term ``television
broadcast station'' has the same meaning as in section
325(b)(7) of the Communications Act of 1934.
SEC. 3. DIGITAL VIEWERSHIP COUPON PROGRAM.
(a) Creation of Program.--The Assistant Secretary, in coordination
and consultation with the Commission, shall implement and administer a
program through which households or individuals in the United States
may obtain coupons that can be applied toward--
(1) the cost to install a digital-to-analog converter box;
(2) the purchase of an indoor or outdoor antenna, or both
if needed, to facilitate the reception and display of signals
of channels broadcast in digital television service;
(3) the cost to install any antenna described in paragraph
(2); and
(4) the cost to install, or the cost of any other equipment
needed to receive and display, basic broadcast television
service, as such service is described in section 4.
(b) Program Specifications.--
(1) Eligibility.--
(A) Household or individual.--Any household or
individual that was or is eligible for a digital-to-
analog converter box coupon under the coupon program
established under section 3005 of the Digital
Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005
shall be eligible to receive a coupon under the coupon
program established under this section.
(B) Product eligibility.--The Assistant Secretary,
in consultation with the Commission, shall determine
minimum standards for which types of antennas,
installation providers, and other companies are
eligible to participate in the coupon program
established under this section. Such minimum standards
shall be established not later than 30 days after the
date of enactment of this Act.
(C) Limitation.--No household or individual may be
eligible to participate in the coupon program
established under this section if--
(i) on the date of enactment of this Act,
the household or individual was receiving
broadcast television that it had purchased from
a multichannel video programming distributor;
or
(ii) after the date of enactment of this
Act, the household or individual purchases
television broadcasts, other than basic
broadcast television service described in
section 4, from a multichannel video
programming distributor.
(2) Request.--A household or individual may obtain coupons
under this section by making a request as required by the
regulations implementing this section.
(3) Coupon value.--The Assistant Secretary shall determine
the value of any coupons issued under this section, provided
that the value of any single coupon does not exceed $80. In
making the determination of the value of any single coupon, the
Assistant Secretary shall consider the purpose for which the
requesting household or individual is requesting the coupon and
the types of costs to which the coupon will be applied.
(4) Duration.--All coupons issued under this section shall
expire upon the later of the date of termination of the program
established under this section or 90 days.
(5) Termination.--The program established under this
section shall terminate on the date that is 18 months after the
date on which the first coupon under this section is issued.
(c) Consumer Education.--The Assistant Secretary shall develop, in
consultation with the Commission and broadcast and television industry
representatives, an Internet website and a toll-free telephone hotline
accessible to consumers that have degraded or lost signals or channels
as a result of the full power transition from analog to digital
television that is to occur on February 17, 2009. The website and
telephone hotline shall provide relevant information in order to assist
consumers in determining--
(1) if the purchase or installation of an outdoor or indoor
antenna will assist the consumer in resolving or improving
their digital television reception problems; and
(2) what options are available to them should they find
that purchasing an outdoor or indoor antenna will not assist in
resolving or improving their digital television reception.
(d) Anti-Fraud Protections.--The Assistant Secretary shall develop,
in consultation with the Commission, anti-fraud measures and procedures
to ensure that only eligible households and individuals receive a
coupon issued under this section.
(e) Reporting Requirement.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 month after the date of
enactment of this Act, and every 7 days thereafter, the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
shall make publicly available on its website the--
(A) number of requests for coupons under this
section;
(B) number of coupons issued under this section;
(C) amount of each coupon issued, including the
total amount of all such issued coupons;
(D) types of costs to which each such issued coupon
will be applied, as such costs are self-reported on the
application of each household or individual;
(E) number of issued coupons that have been
redeemed; and
(F) amount of unobligated and unexpended funds that
remain from the amounts authorized under section 6.
(2) Termination.--The requirement described under paragraph
(1) shall terminate 3 months after the last coupon under this
section is issued.
SEC. 4. BASIC BROADCAST TELEVISION SERVICE.
(a) Requirement.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall promulgate rules
requiring that each multichannel video programming distributor,
who provides broadcast television for a local market, provide
to eligible consumers in that local market access to basic
broadcast television service, as such service is described in
subsection (b).
(2) Safe harbor.--
(A) In general.--The retransmission or secondary
transmission of any televison broadcast station by a
multichannel video programming distributor pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall not be subject to any prohibitions
on such activities as described under sections 325 and
338 of the Communications Act of 1934 or under section
122 of title 17, United States Code, and any such
distributor shall be immune from any civil liability
related to fulfilling the requirements under paragraph
(1).
(B) Fee exemption.--In promulgating rules under
paragraph (1), the Commission shall require that each
television broadcast station--
(i) grant consent to multichannel video
programming distributors to retransmit the
signal of such broadcasting station only for
the purposes of fulfilling the requirements
under paragraph (1); and
(ii) waive any fees or charges that are
customarily or usually applied for the grant of
such consent.
(b) Basic Broadcast Television Service.--Any rule promulgated under
subsection (a) relating to the definition of basic broadcast television
service shall ensure that, at a minimum, such service includes the
transmission, retransmission, or secondary transmission of the over-
the-air signal of any nonsubscription television broadcast station
located within the local market.
(c) Eligible Consumers.--
(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, an
``eligible consumer'' is a consumer--
(A) whose primary residence is located in a local
market where at least 1 television broadcast station
has certified to the Commission that channel signal
loss has occurred as a result of the transition from
analog to digital television that is to occur on
February 17, 2009; and
(B) who does not currently subscribe to a
multichannel video programming service at his or her
primary residence.
(2) Loss of eligibility; purchase of additional service.--
If at any time after purchasing basic broadcast television
service pursuant to this section, an eligible consumer
purchases any additional channel service from a multichannel
video programming distributor, such consumer shall no longer be
eligible to purchase such basic broadcast television service.
(d) Additional Cost Requirements.--In promulgating rules under
subsection (a), the Commission shall ensure that--
(1) the cost to purchase basic broadcast television service
does not exceed $10 per month, except that such maximum monthly
fee shall be adjusted annually in accordance with the annual
percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index of the Bureau
of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor in increments of
$1 only when the percentage increase in such index, when
applied to the maximum monthly fee, produces dollar increases
that exceed $1; and
(2) a multichannel video programming distributor providing
such basic broadcast service may not charge installation costs
for such service that are in excess of the regular market rate
charged to normal non-basic broadcast television service
customers who purchase installation for any other services
provided by the multichannel video programming distributor.
(e) Anti-Fraud Protections.--The Commission shall develop anti-
fraud measures and procedures to ensure that only eligible consumers
are provided access to basic broadcast television service under the
terms of this section.
(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, and every 12 months thereafter, the Commission
shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce
of the House of Representatives on--
(1) the number of eligible consumers who have purchased
basic broadcast television service;
(2) the problems encountered by eligible consumers,
multichannel video programming distributors, television
broadcasters, or the Commission in adhering to or implementing
the requirements of this section; and
(3) any other information the Commission determines
appropriate.
(g) Public Availability.--The Commission shall make any report
required under subsection (e) available to the public on its website in
a searchable and downloadable manner.
(h) Termination Only by Act of Congress.--This section may be
limited, canceled, terminated, or rescinded only by an Act of Congress.
SEC. 5. OUTREACH CAMPAIGN.
(a) In General.--The Commission, in consultation and coordination
with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration,
the Administrator of the Administration on Aging, the heads of any
other relevant Federal agency, State and local agencies, the broadcast,
cable, satellite, and other telecommunications industries, and
nonprofit, religious, community-based, and other similar organizations,
shall carry out an education and outreach campaign to inform and
educate consumers on the availability, benefits, and advantages of the
programs and requirements established under this Act.
(b) Requirements.--The education and outreach campaign required
under subsection (a) shall, at a minimum--
(1) begin immediately upon the date of enactment of this
Act;
(2) involve dissemination of information over radio,
television, the Internet, and other electronic media, as well
other traditional nonelectronic media;
(3) require that each agency described in subsection (a)
maintain information relating to the programs and requirements
established under this Act on the website of such agency; and
(4) require efforts to inform and educate all relevant
consumers, in particular those consumers--
(A) in vulnerable populations such as--
(i) senior citizens;
(ii) consumers living in rural and tribal
areas;
(iii) non-English speaking consumers;
(iv) consumers with disabilities; and
(v) low-income consumers; and
(B) located in a local market where channel signal
loss as a result of the full power transition from
analog to digital television that is to occur on
February 17, 2009, is likely or predicted to be likely.
(c) Provision of Funds.--The Commission may distribute funds to
nonprofit, religious, community-based, and other similar organizations
to assist with the education and outreach campaign required under this
section.
(d) Website.--Each Federal agency participating in the education
and outreach campaign required under this section shall work to ensure
the existence and operation of a single website accessible by the
public that shall serve as the clearinghouse for all information
relating to this Act and the programs established by this Act.
SEC. 6. FUNDING.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this Act $700,000,000 for fiscal years 2009
and 2010, of which--
(1) $600,000,000 shall be made available to the Assistant
Secretary to carry out the digital viewership coupon program
established under section 3; and
(2) $100,000,000 shall be made available to the Commission
to carry out the requirements of sections 4 and 5.
(b) Transfer of Funds in the Digital Television Transition and
Public Safety Fund.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any
funds remaining in the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety
Fund established under section 309(j)(8)(E) of the Communications Act
of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 309(j)(8)(E)) shall, upon the expiration of the
digital-to-analog converter box program established under section 3005
of the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005, be
used to cary out the provisions of this Act. | Digital TV Transition Fairness Act - Requires the Department of Commerce to implement and administer a program to obtain coupons that can be applied toward: (1) the cost to install a digital-to-analog converter box; (2) the purchase and installation of an indoor or outdoor antenna, or both if needed, to facilitate the reception and display of signals of channels broadcast in digital television service; and (3) the cost to install, or the cost of any other equipment needed to receive and display, basic broadcast television service.
Sets forth consumer and product eligibility criteria.
Provides for a website and telephone hotline to provide relevant information to assist consumers that have degraded or lost signals or channels as a result of the full power transition from analog to digital television that is to occur on February 17, 2009.
Requires the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to develop anti-fraud measures and procedures to ensure that only eligible households and individuals receive a coupon.
Requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to promulgate rules requiring that each multichannel video programming distributor providing broadcast television for a local market provide to eligible consumers in that local market access to basic broadcast television service. Requires the FCC to develop anti-fraud measures and procedures to ensure that only eligible consumers are provided access to basic broadcast television service.
Directs the FCC to carry out an education and outreach campaign to inform and educate consumers on the availability, benefits, and advantages of the programs and requirements established under this Act. | To ensure access to basic broadcast television after the Digital Television Transition, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Comprehensive Child Welfare Services
Reform Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE CHILD WELFARE SERVICES PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601
et seq.) is amended--
(1) in part F, by redesignating sections 481 through 487
(42 U.S.C. 681-687) as sections 491 through 497, respectively;
(2) by striking the heading for part E and inserting the
following:
``PART E--FOSTER CARE, ADOPTION ASSISTANCE, AND COMPREHENSIVE CHILD
WELFARE SERVICES.
``Subpart 1--Foster Care and Adoption Assistance'';
(3) in section 474(a) (42 U.S.C. 674(a)), by striking
paragraph (3), and redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph
(3); and
(4) by adding at the end of part E the following:
``Subpart 2--Comprehensive Child Welfare Services
``SEC. 480. PURPOSE; APPROPRIATION.
``For the purposes of assisting each State to meet the needs of
children (including children ineligible for assistance under the
programs under subpart 1) for comprehensive child welfare services, and
enabling each State to administer its programs under subpart 1, there
are authorized to be appropriated--
``(1) $1,328,000,000 for fiscal year 1994;
``(2) $1,449,000,000 for fiscal year 1995;
``(3) $1,585,000,000 for fiscal year 1996;
``(4) $1,734,000,000 for fiscal year 1997; and
``(5) $1,892,000,000 for fiscal year 1998.
``SEC. 481. RESERVATION OF FUNDS FOR SECRETARY; ALLOTMENTS TO STATES;
REALLOTMENTS.
``(a) Reservation of Funds.--1 percent of the amount appropriated
pursuant to section 480 for each fiscal year shall be reserved to the
Secretary for expenditure in accordance with section 484.
``(b) Allotments.--The allotment for each State for each of fiscal
years 1994 through 1998 shall be an amount which bears the same ratio
to 99 percent of the amount authorized to be appropriated under section
480 for the fiscal year as the total payment to which the State is
entitled under section 474(a)(3) for fiscal year 1992 bears to the
total amount to which all States are entitled under such section for
the fiscal year (as determined on the basis of claims submitted by the
State and received by the Secretary on or before March 31, 1993, and
found by the Secretary to be allowable on or before July 31, 1993).
``(c) Reallotment.--The amount of any allotment to a State under
subsection (b) for any fiscal year which the State certifies to the
Secretary will not be used by the State to carry out the State plan
under section 482 shall be available for reallotment from time to time,
on such dates as the Secretary may fix, to other States which the
Secretary determines will be able to use such excess amounts during
such fiscal year, in addition to amounts already allotted or reallotted
to such other States, under the State plans under such section. The
amount reallotted to each State eligible for reallotted funds shall
bear the same ratio to the amount available for reallotment as the
State's allotment under subsection (b) bears to the total amount
allotted to all States so eligible.
``SEC. 482. STATE PLAN FOR COMPREHENSIVE CHILD WELFARE SERVICES.
``In order to be eligible for payments under this subpart for a
fiscal year, a State shall publish in the State and furnish to the
Secretary a plan of the State for expenditure of funds under this
subpart. The plan shall provide that--
``(1) expenditures will be made under the plan only for--
``(A) provision of child welfare services (as
defined in section 425) in accordance with section
422(b), other than foster care maintenance payments and
adoption assistance payments, but including
nonrecurring adoption expenses (as defined in section
473(a)(6)); and
``(B) administration of the programs of the State
under subpart 1 (including training of current or
prospective State or local agency personnel, and of
foster care and adoptive parents, related to
administration of such program); and
``(2) the State share of expenditures under this subpart
shall be an amount not less than the amount of the State share
of expenditures for which payment was made under section
474(a)(3) for fiscal year 1993.
``SEC. 483. PAYMENTS TO STATES.
``Each State shall be entitled to a payment for each fiscal year in
an amount equal to the lesser of--
``(1) the allotment of the State under this subpart for the
fiscal year; or
``(2) 75 percent of amounts (other than amounts for which
the State receives payment under part B) expended in the fiscal
year in accordance with the State plan under section 482.
``SEC. 484. SECRETARY'S DISCRETIONARY ACTIVITIES.
``The Secretary shall use the amounts reserved under section 481(a)
to provide, through grants to or contracts with public or private
entities, for--
``(1) technical assistance and training for State and local
public and private agencies to enable them to improve their
administration of the program under subpart 1, including--
``(A) States or cities with large numbers of
children at risk of foster care placement, or with
substantial deficiencies in program operation; and
``(B) State agencies in greatest need of assistance
in meeting the requirements of section 479 or other
Federal data collection requirements;
``(2) evaluation of State programs under this part and part
B; and
``(3) demonstrations designed to--
``(A) develop or identify more effective programs
to support and strengthen families;
``(B) improve child protective, foster care, and
adoption assistance services; and
``(C) reduce burdens on caseworkers.''.
(b) Coordination With Other Programs Providing Services to Children
and Families.--Section 422(b)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 622(b)(2)) is
amended by striking ``under part E'' and inserting ``under subpart 1,
and the State plan published under subpart 2, of part E''.
(c) Elimination of Conditional Part E of Title IV Ceiling and
Authority to Transfer Funds to Part B of Title IV.--Section 474 of such
Act (42 U.S.C. 674) is amended--
(1) by striking subsections (b) and (c), and redesignating
subsection (d) as subsection (b); and
(2) in subsection (b), as so redesignated--
(A) by striking ``subsections (a), (b), and (c)''
and inserting ``subsection (a)'';
(B) by striking ``such estimates'' and inserting
``such estimate''; and
(C) by striking ``such subsections'' and inserting
``such subsection''.
(d) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Part E of title IV of such Act (42
U.S.C. 470-479) is amended by striking ``this part'' each place such
term appears and inserting ``this subpart''.
(2) Section 403(a)(3)(D) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 603(a)(3)(D)) is
amended by striking ``486(a)'' and inserting ``496(a)''.
(3) Section 403(l)(1)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 603(l)(1)(A)) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``482(a)'' and inserting ``492(a)''; and
(B) by striking ``482(i)(2)'' and inserting ``492(i)(2)''.
(4) Section 403(l)(4)(A)(i) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 603(l)(4)(A)(i))
is amended by striking ``482(d)(1)'' and inserting ``492(d)(1)''.
(5) Section 403(l)(4)(A)(ii) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
603(l)(4)(A)(ii)) by striking ``482'' and inserting ``492''.
(6) Section 473(a)(6) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 673(a)(6)) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``(6)(A)'' and inserting ``(6)''; and
(B) by striking subparagraph (B).
(7) Section 477(e)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 677(e)(3)) is amended
by striking ``(a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3)'' and inserting ``(a)(1) and
(a)(2)''.
(8) Section 492(e)(2)(B) of such Act, as so redesignated by
subsection (a) of this section, is amended by striking ``484'' and
inserting ``494''.
(9) Section 492(f) of such Act, as so redesignated by subsection
(a) of this section, is amended by striking ``section 482(a)(1)'' and
inserting ``subsection (a)(1)''.
(10) Section 493(a)(1) of such Act, as so redesignated by
subsection (a) of this section, is amended by striking ``482(a)(1)''
and inserting ``492(a)(1)''.
(11) Section 494(c) of such Act, as so redesignated by subsection
(a) of this section, is amended by striking ``482(e)'' and inserting
``492(e)''.
(12) Section 494(d)(2) of such Act, as so redesignated by
subsection (a) of this section, is amended by striking ``482(f)'' and
inserting ``492(f)''.
(13) Section 495(c) of such Act, as so redesignated by subsection
(a) of this section, is amended by striking ``482(a)(1)'' and inserting
``492(a)(1)''.
(14) Section 497(a)(1) of such Act, as so redesignated by
subsection (a) of this section, is amended by striking ``486'' and
inserting ``496''.
(15) Section 1902(a)(10)(A)(i)(I) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
1396a(a)(10)(A)(i)(I)) is amended by striking ``482(e)(6)'' and
inserting ``492(e)(6)''.
(16) Section 1928(a)(1)(D) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396s(a)(1)(D))
is amended by striking ``482(e)(6)'' and inserting ``492(e)(6)''.
(17) Any other reference in law or regulation, as of the effective
date of this Act, to section 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, or 487 of
the Social Security Act shall be considered to be a reference to
section 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, or 497 of such Act, respectively.
SEC. 3. SECTION 1115 DEMONSTRATION WAIVERS.
Section 1115(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1315(a)) is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``part A or D'' and inserting ``part A, B, D, or E'';
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``454,'' and inserting
``422, 454, 471, 472, 473,''; and
(3) in paragraph (2), by striking ``455,'' and inserting
``423, 455, 474,''.
SEC. 4. RECOVERY OF TRAINING COSTS.
(a) Under Part E of Title IV.--Section 471(a) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 671(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (16);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (17) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(18) provide that the State agency--
``(A) will require each individual who receives, at
an institution of higher education, education or
training in child welfare or a related field supported
by funds from the State agency under this part or part
B to enter into a written agreement either--
``(i) to work, after the completion of such
education or training, for the State agency or
another public child welfare agency, or for a
private child welfare agency operating under a
contract with a public child welfare agency,
for a period not less in duration than the
period of such education or training; or
``(ii) to repay to the State agency the
full amount expended by it for such education
or training for the individual;
``(B) will enforce compliance with such agreements;
and
``(C) will repay to the Secretary the Federal share
of amounts recovered in accordance with this
requirement, to the extent that such amounts exceed
amounts necessary to reimburse the State agency for
costs reasonably incurred to obtain recovery.''.
(b) Under Section 426.--Section 426 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 626) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(C), by inserting ``subject to
subsection (d),'' after ``(c)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(d) As a condition of eligibility for grants under subsection
(a)(1)(C), a public or other nonprofit institution of higher learning
shall undertake--
``(1) to require each individual who receives education or
training in child welfare or a related field supported by a
stipend or other financial assistance under this section to
enter into a written agreement either--
``(A) to work, after the completion of such
education or training, for a public child welfare
agency, or for a private child welfare agency operating
under a contract with a public child welfare agency,
for a period not less in duration than the period of
such education or training, or
``(B) to repay to the institution the full amount
of such stipend or other assistance;
``(2) to enforce compliance with such agreements; and
``(3) to repay to the Secretary amounts recovered in
accordance with this requirement, to the extent that such
amounts exceed amounts necessary to reimburse the institution
for costs reasonably incurred to obtain recovery.''.
SEC. 5. EXTENSION OF THE INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM.
Section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking the last sentence;
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``In the case of'' and
all that follows through ``1992, such'' and inserting ``Such'';
(3) in subsection (e)(1)(A), by striking ``of the fiscal
years 1987 through 1992'' and inserting ``fiscal year'';
(4) in subsection (e)(1)(B), by striking ``fiscal years
1991 and 1992'' and inserting ``each fiscal year'';
(5) by amending subsection (e)(1)(C) to read as follows:
``(C) As used in this section:
``(i) The term `basic ceiling' means
$45,000,000.
``(ii) The term `additional ceiling' means
$25,000,000.'';
(6) in subsection (f), by striking the last sentence; and
(7) in subsection (g)--
(A) by striking ``(g)(1)'' and inserting ``(g)'';
and
(B) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3).
SEC. 6. ACCUMULATION OF ASSETS BY OLDER CHILDREN RECEIVING FOSTER CARE
MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS.
Section 472 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 672) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(i) In determining the eligibility of an individual who has
attained age 16 for foster care maintenance payments under this
subpart, the State agency shall disregard from the resources of the
individual an amount of funds not exceeding an amount the agency
determines to be reasonable for the purpose of achieving self-
sufficiency.''.
SEC. 7. REPEAL OF ANNUAL REPORT ON VOLUNTARY PLACEMENT.
Section 102(e) of the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of
1980 (Public Law 96-272; 42 U.S.C. 672 note) is repealed.
SEC. 8. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this Act shall become effective with respect
to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 1993. | Comprehensive Child Welfare Services Reform Act of 1993 - Amends title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to establish a new comprehensive child welfare services program under part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance). Authorizes appropriations.
Amends SSA title IV part B (Child-Welfare Services) to provide for coordination with other programs providing services to children and families.
Amends SSA title XI to revise demonstration waiver provisions.
Amends SSA title IV parts B and E to provide for recovery of training costs.
Amends SSA title IV part E to make permanent the independent living program and to maintain basic and additional ceiling amounts at the latter amounts authorized under current law. Provides that in determining the eligibility of an individual aged 16 for foster care maintenance payments under such part, the State agency shall disregard from the resources of the individual an amount not exceeding what the agency determines to be reasonable for the purpose of achieving self-sufficiency.
Amends the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980 to repeal provisions respecting the annual report on voluntary placement. | Comprehensive Child Welfare Services Reform Act of 1993 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; ETC.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Victims of Anthrax
Tax Relief Act of 2001''.
(b) Amendment of 1986 Code.--Except as otherwise expressly
provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in
terms of an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision,
the reference shall be considered to be made to a section or other
provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(c) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; etc.
Sec. 2. Income and employment taxes of victims of terrorist attacks.
Sec. 3. Estate tax reduction.
Sec. 4. Payments by charitable organizations treated as exempt
payments.
Sec. 5. Exclusion of certain cancellations of indebtedness.
Sec. 6. No impact on social security trust funds.
SEC. 2. INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT TAXES OF VICTIMS OF ANTHRAX.
(a) In General.--Section 692 (relating to income taxes of members
of Armed Forces on death) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(d) Individuals Dying as a Result of Anthrax Attacks.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of any individual who dies
as a result of illness incurred as a result of a terrorist
attack involving anthrax occurring on or after September 11,
2001, and before January 1, 2002, any tax imposed by this
subtitle shall not apply--
``(A) with respect to the taxable year in which
falls the date of such individual's death, and
``(B) with respect to any prior taxable year in the
period beginning with the last taxable year ending
before the taxable year in which the wounds, injury, or
illness were incurred.
``(2) Exceptions.--
``(A) Taxation of certain benefits.--Subject to
such rules as the Secretary may prescribe, paragraph
(1) shall not apply to the amount of any tax imposed by
this subtitle which would be computed by only taking
into account the items of income, gain, or other
amounts attributable to--
``(i) amounts payable in the taxable year
by reason of the death of an individual
described in paragraph (1) which would have
been payable in such taxable year if the death
had occurred by reason of an event other than
an event described in paragraph (1), or
``(ii) amounts payable in the taxable year
which would not have been payable in such
taxable year but for an action taken after the
date of the applicable terrorist attack.
``(B) No relief for perpetrators.--Paragraph (1)
shall not apply with respect to any individual
identified by the Attorney General to have been a
participant or conspirator in any event described in
paragraph (1), or a representative of such
individual.''.
(b) Refund of Other Taxes Paid.--Section 692, as amended by
subsection (a), is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(e) Refund of Other Taxes Paid.--In determining the amount of tax
under this section to be credited or refunded as an overpayment with
respect to any individual for any period, such amount shall be
increased by an amount equal to the amount of taxes imposed and
collected under chapter 21 and sections 3201(a), 3211(a)(1), and
3221(a) with respect to such individual for such period.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 5(b)(1) is amended by inserting ``and victims
of certain terrorist attacks'' before ``on death''.
(2) Section 6013(f)(2)(B) is amended by inserting ``and
victims of certain terrorist attacks'' before ``on death''.
(d) Clerical Amendments.--
(1) The heading of section 692 is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 692. INCOME AND EMPLOYMENT TAXES OF MEMBERS OF ARMED FORCES AND
VICTIMS OF CERTAIN TERRORIST ATTACKS ON DEATH.''.
(2) The item relating to section 692 in the table of
sections for part II of subchapter J of chapter 1 is amended to
read as follows:
``Sec. 692. Income and employment taxes
of members of Armed Forces and
victims of certain terrorist
attacks on death.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending on or after September 11, 2001.
SEC. 3. ESTATE TAX REDUCTION.
(a) In General.--Section 2201 is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 2201. COMBAT ZONE-RELATED DEATHS OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
AND DEATHS OF VICTIMS OF CERTAIN TERRORIST ATTACKS.
``(a) In General.--Unless the executor elects not to have this
section apply, in applying section 2001 to the estate of a qualified
decedent, the rate schedule set forth in subsection (c) shall be deemed
to be the rate schedule set forth in section 2001(c).
``(b) Qualified Decedent.--For purposes of this section, the term
`qualified decedent' means--
``(1) any citizen or resident of the United States dying
while in active service of the Armed Forces of the United
States, if such decedent--
``(A) was killed in action while serving in a
combat zone, as determined under section 112(c), or
``(B) died as a result of wounds, disease, or
injury suffered while serving in a combat zone (as
determined under section 112(c)), and while in the line
of duty, by reason of a hazard to which such decedent
was subjected as an incident of such service, or
``(2) any individual who died as a result of illness
incurred as a result of a terrorist attack involving anthrax
occurring on or after September 11, 2001, and before January 1,
2002.
Paragraph (2) shall not apply with respect to any individual identified
by the Attorney General to have been a participant or conspirator in
any such terrorist attack, or a representative of such individual.
``(c) Rate Schedule.--
``If the amount with respect to The tentative tax is:
which the tentative tax to
be computed is:
Not over $150,000..............
1 percent of the amount by
which such amount
exceeds $100,000.
Over $150,000 but not over
$200,000.
$500 plus 2 percent of the
excess over $150,000.
Over $200,000 but not over
$300,000.
$1,500 plus 3 percent of the
excess over $200,000.
Over $300,000 but not over
$500,000.
$4,500 plus 4 percent of the
excess over $300,000.
Over $500,000 but not over
$700,000.
$12,500 plus 5 percent of the
excess over $500,000.
Over $700,000 but not over
$900,000.
$22,500 plus 6 percent of the
excess over $700,000.
Over $900,000 but not over
$1,100,000.
$34,500 plus 7 percent of the
excess over $900,000.
Over $1,100,000 but not over
$1,600,000.
$48,500 plus 8 percent of the
excess over $1,100,000.
Over $1,600,000 but not over
$2,100,000.
$88,500 plus 9 percent of the
excess over $1,600,000.
Over $2,100,000 but not over
$2,600,000.
$133,500 plus 10 percent of the
excess over $2,100,000.
Over $2,600,000 but not over
$3,100,000.
$183,500 plus 11 percent of the
excess over $2,600,000.
Over $3,100,000 but not over
$3,600,000.
$238,500 plus 12 percent of the
excess over $3,100,000.
Over $3,600,000 but not over
$4,100,000.
$298,500 plus 13 percent of the
excess over $3,600,000.
Over $4,100,000 but not over
$5,100,000.
$363,500 plus 14 percent of the
excess over $4,100,000.
Over $5,100,000 but not over
$6,100,000.
$503,500 plus 15 percent of the
excess over $5,100,000.
Over $6,100,000 but not over
$7,100,000.
$653,500 plus 16 percent of the
excess over $6,100,000.
Over $7,100,000 but not over
$8,100,000.
$813,500 plus 17 percent of the
excess over $7,100,000.
Over $8,100,000 but not over
$9,100,000.
$983,500 plus 18 percent of the
excess over $8,100,000.
Over $9,100,000 but not over
$10,100,000.
$1,163,500 plus 19 percent of
the excess over
$9,100,000.
Over $10,100,000...............
$1,353,500 plus 20 percent of
the excess over
$10,100,000.
``(d) Determination of Unified Credit.--In the case of an estate to
which this section applies, subsection (a) shall not apply in
determining the credit under section 2010.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 2011 is amended by striking subsection (d) and
by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as subsections
(d), (e), and (f), respectively.
(2) Section 2053(d)(3)(B) is amended by striking ``section
2011(e)'' and inserting ``section 2011(d)''.
(3) Paragraph (9) of section 532(c) of the Economic Growth
and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 is repealed.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The item relating to section 2201 in the
table of sections for subchapter C of chapter 11 is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 2201. Combat zone-related deaths
of members of the Armed Forces
and deaths of victims of
certain terrorist attacks.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to estates of decedents dying on or after September 11, 2001.
SEC. 4. PAYMENTS BY CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS TREATED AS EXEMPT
PAYMENTS.
(a) In General.--For purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986--
(1) payments made by an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of such Code by reason of the death, injury,
wounding, or illness of an individual incurred as the result of
a terrorist attack involving anthrax occurring on or after
September 11, 2001, and before January 1, 2002, shall be
treated as related to the purpose or function constituting the
basis for such organization's exemption under section 501 of
such Code if such payments are made using an objective formula
which is consistently applied, and
(2) in the case of a private foundation (as defined in
section 509 of such Code), any payment described in paragraph
(1) shall not be treated as made to a disqualified person for
purposes of section 4941 of such Code.
(b) Effective Date.--This section shall apply to payments made on
or after September 11, 2001.
SEC. 5. EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN CANCELLATIONS OF INDEBTEDNESS.
(a) In General.--For purposes of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986--
(1) gross income shall not include any amount which (but
for this section) would be includible in gross income by reason
of the discharge (in whole or in part) of indebtedness of any
taxpayer if the discharge is by reason of the death of an
individual incurred as the result of a terrorist attack
involving anthrax occurring on or after September 11, 2001, and
before January 1, 2002, and
(2) return requirements under section 6050P of such Code
shall not apply to any discharge described in paragraph (1).
(b) Effective Date.--This section shall apply to discharges made on
or after September 11, 2001, and before January 1, 2002.
SEC. 6. NO IMPACT ON SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this Act (or an amendment made by this
Act) shall be construed to alter or amend title II of the Social
Security Act (or any regulation promulgated under that Act).
(b) Transfers.--
(1) Estimate of secretary.--The Secretary of the Treasury
shall annually estimate the impact that the enactment of this
Act has on the income and balances of the trust funds
established under section 201 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 401).
(2) Transfer of funds.--If, under paragraph (1), the
Secretary of the Treasury estimates that the enactment of this
Act has a negative impact on the income and balances of the
trust funds established under section 201 of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401), the Secretary shall transfer, not
less frequently than quarterly, from the general revenues of
the Federal Government an amount sufficient so as to ensure
that the income and balances of such trust funds are not
reduced as a result of the enactment of this Act. | Victims of Anthrax Tax Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the tax treatment of any individual who died as a result of the anthrax attacks on or after September 11, 2001, and before January 1, 2002 with regard to income, employment, and estate taxes.Treats as exempt payments made by charitable organizations by reason of such deaths.Excludes from gross income amounts from the discharge of indebtedness as a result of such deaths. | A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief for victims of the terrorist attacks against the United States involving anthrax. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Thunder Bay National Marine
Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Boundary Modification Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater
Preserve in Lake Huron contains more than 100 recorded historic
vessel losses.
(2) The areas immediately surrounding the Sanctuary,
including the offshore waters of Presque Isle and Alcona
counties, Michigan, contain an equal number of historic vessel
losses.
(3) Many of these shipwrecks and underwater cultural
resources are popular recreational diving destinations, and all
contribute to our collective maritime heritage.
(4) These resources are susceptible to damage from human
activities, and must be properly preserved for themselves and
to protect the economic viability of their contribution to
national and regional economies.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to expand the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and
Underwater Preserve boundaries to encompass the offshore waters
of Presque Isle and Alcona counties, Michigan, and outward to
the international border between the United States and Canada;
and
(2) to provide the underwater cultural resources of those
areas equal protection to that currently afforded to the
Sanctuary.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Sanctuary.--The term ``Sanctuary'' means the Thunder
Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce.
SEC. 4. SANCTUARY BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.
(a) Boundary Adjustment.--Notwithstanding any provision of law or
regulation, including section 922.190 of title 15, Code of Federal
Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Sanctuary shall consist of the geographic area described in subsection
(b).
(b) Expanded Sanctuary Boundary.--The area referred to in
subsection (a) is all submerged lands, including the underwater
cultural resources, lake ward of the mean high water line, within the
boundaries of a line formed by connecting points in succession
beginning at a point along the mean high water line located
approximately at 45.628741N, 84.206983W (at Hammond Bay in Presque Isle
County) then due east to the international boundary between the United
States and Canada approximately located at 45.628741N, 83.163783W then
following the international boundary between the United States and
Canada in a generally southeasterly direction where it intersects
latitude 44.511111N, then due west to a point along the mean high water
line located approximately at 44.511111N, 83.318483W (in Alcona County
just south of the town of Greenbush) returning to the first point along
the mean high water line.
(c) Authority To Make Minor Adjustments.--The Secretary may make
minor adjustments to the boundary described in subsection (b) to
facilitate enforcement and clarify the boundary to public provided the
resulting boundary is consistent the purposes described in section
2(b).
(d) Inclusion in the System.--The area described in subsection (b),
as modified in accordance with subsection (c), shall be managed as part
of the National Marine Sanctuary System established by section 301(c)
of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431(c)), in
accordance with that Act.
(e) Updated NOAA Charts.--The Secretary shall--
(1) produce updated National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration charts for the area in which the Sanctuary is
located; and
(2) include on such charts the boundaries of the Sanctuary
described in subsection (b), as modified in accordance with
subsection (c).
SEC. 5. EXTENSION OF REGULATIONS AND MANAGEMENT.
(a) Regulations.--The regulations applicable to the Sanctuary
codified in subpart R of part 922 of title 15, Code of Federal
Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act,
shall apply to the geographic area added to the Sanctuary pursuant to
section 4, unless the Secretary specifies otherwise by regulation.
(b) Existing Certifications.--The Secretary may certify that any
license, permit, approval, other authorization, or right to conduct a
prohibited activity made pursuant to section 922.194 of title 15, Code
of Federal Regulations, that exists on the date of the enactment of
this Act shall apply to such an activity conducted within the
geographic area added to the Sanctuary pursuant to section 4.
(c) Date of Sanctuary Designation.--For purposes of section 922.194
of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, the date of the enactment of
this Act shall be deemed to be the date of Sanctuary designation.
(d) Management Plan.--To the extent practicable, the Secretary
shall apply the management plan in effect for the Sanctuary of the date
of the enactment of this Act to the geographic area added to the
Sanctuary pursuant to section 4. | Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve Boundary Modification Act - Expands, notwithstanding any provision of law or regulation, the boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve in Lake Huron, located off the northeast coast of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Requires that the expanded area be managed as part of the National Marine Sanctuary System.
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to certify that any license, permit, approval, other authorization, or right to conduct a prohibited activity (made pursuant to specified regulations) that exists on enactment of this Act shall apply to such an activity conducted within the area added by this Act. | A bill to expand the boundaries of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Unlawful Employers Accountability
Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Current efforts to stem the tide of illegal immigrants
crossing into the United States have fallen far short of need.
(2) The number of illegal immigrants currently in the
United States is approximating 11 million.
(3) Cities, counties, and States are forced to absorb the
costs of illegal immigration without compensation from the
Federal Government or employers.
(4) United States companies continue to recruit and hire
illegal immigrants and thereby aid in the erosion of the border
security of the United States.
(5) The hiring of illegal immigrants has had a negative
impact on the employment opportunities of legal immigrants and
United States citizens.
(6) Federal law expressly prohibits the hiring of illegal
immigrants.
(7) In 2004, only three United States companies were cited
for hiring illegal immigrants.
SEC. 3. COMPLIANCE WITH RESPECT TO THE UNLAWFUL EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS.
(a) Civil Penalty.--Paragraph (4) of subsection (e) of section 274A
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a) is amended to
read as follows:
``(4) Cease and desist order with civil money penalty for
hiring, recruiting, and referral violations.--
``(A) In general.--With respect to a violation by
any person or other entity of subsection (a)(1)(A) or
(a)(2), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
require the person or entity to cease and desist from
such violations and to pay a civil penalty in the
amount specified in subparagraph (B).
``(B) Amount of civil penalty.--A civil penalty
under this paragraph shall not be less than $50,000 for
each occurrence of a violation described in subsection
(a)(1)(A) or (a)(2) with respect to the alien referred
to in such subsection, plus, in the event of the
removal of such alien from the United States based on
findings developed in connection with the assessment or
collection of such penalty, the costs incurred by the
Federal Government, cooperating State and local
governments, and State and local law enforcement
agencies, in connection with such removal.
``(C) Distribution of penalties to state and local
governments.--
``(i) In general.--Penalties collected
under this paragraph from a person or entity
shall be distributed as follows:
``(I) 25 percent of such amount
shall be distributed to the State in
which the person or entity is located.
``(II) 25 percent of such amount
shall be distributed to the county in
which the person or entity is located.
``(III) 25 percent of such amount
shall be distributed to the
municipality, if any, in which the
person or entity is located, or, in the
absence of such a municipality, to the
county described in subclause (II).
``(D) Limitation on use of funds.--Amounts paid to
a State, county, or municipality under subparagraph (C)
may only be used for costs incurred by such State,
county, or municipality in providing public services to
aliens not lawfully present in the United States.
``(E) Distinct, physically separate subdivisions.--
In applying this subsection in the case of a person or
other entity composed of distinct, physically separate
subdivisions each of which provides separately for the
hiring, recruiting, or referring for employment,
without reference to the practices of, and not under
the control of or common control with, another
subdivision, each such subdivision shall be considered
a separate person or other entity.''.
(b) Denial of Agricultural Assistance for Violators.--Such section
is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(i) Denial of Agricultural Assistance for Violators.--In the case
of a violation of subsection (a)(1)(A) or (a)(2) by an agricultural
association, agricultural employer, or farm labor contractor (as
defined in section 3 of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker
Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 1802)), such association, employer, or
contractor shall be ineligible for agricultural assistance described in
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of section 1211(a) of the Food Security
Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3811(a)) for a period not to exceed five
years.''.
(c) Good Faith Defense.--
(1) In general.--Such section is further amended--
(A) by striking subsection (a)(3); and
(B) by striking subsection (b)(6).
(2) Conforming amendments.--Such section is further
amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(5), by striking ``paragraphs
(1)(B) and (3)'' and inserting ``paragraph (1)(B)'';
and
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in the matter preceding paragraph (1),
by striking ``paragraphs (1)(B) and (3)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (1)(B)''; and
(ii) by striking paragraph (6).
(d) Employee Whistleblower Protection.--It shall be unlawful for
any employer, including an employer primarily engaged in agriculture,
or any labor contractor to intimidate, threaten, restrain, coerce,
retaliate, discharge, demote, or in any other manner discriminate
against an employee or former employee, regardless of the immigration
status of such employee or former employee, because such employee or
former employee--
(1) has disclosed, is disclosing, or seeks to disclose to
Federal, State, or local law enforcement authorities
information related to a violation of an applicable Federal
labor law as defined by the Secretary of Labor; or
(2) has cooperated, is cooperating, or seeks to cooperate
in an investigation or other proceeding concerning compliance
with such an applicable Federal labor law.
(e) Disclosure Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
establish, maintain, and regularly update a publicly accessible
website that contains a list of persons or other entities that
the Secretary has determined to have been in violation of
subsection (a)(1)(A) or (a)(2) of section 274A of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a) in the
preceding five years.
(2) Contents of website.--Such website shall contain, with
respect to each such person or entity, the following
information:
(A) The name, address, and telephone number of the
person or entity.
(B) The names of the owners, chief executive
officers, or other similar officers of the person or
entity.
(C) The number of unauthorized aliens (as defined
in subsection (h)(3) of such section) found to be
employed by the person or entity.
(D) The aggregate dollar amount that the person or
entity has received in the preceding five years under
any Federal contract.
(f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a), (b),
and (c) shall take effect 30 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act and shall apply to violations occurring on or after such
effective date. | Unlawful Employers Accountability Act of 2005 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act respecting unlawful employment of alien provisions to: (1) require the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a cease and desist order, replace the tiered civil penalty provisions with a single, increased-maximum civil penalty, and require an employer to pay the costs incurred in any related removal of an alien from the United States; (2) provide for penalty distribution to state, county, and municipal governments, which shall be used to provide illegal aliens with public services; (3) deny specified agricultural assistance for up to five years to an agricultural employer, contractor, or association in violation of such provisions; (4) eliminate specified good faith defenses; (4) provide whistleblower protection; and (5) direct the Secretary to establish and update a publicly accessible website containing specified information on violators of such provisions in the preceding five years. | To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to improve enforcement of restrictions on employment in the United States of unauthorized aliens. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Raise the Wage Act''.
SEC. 2. MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES.
(a) In General.--Section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of
1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) except as otherwise provided in this section, not
less than--
``(A) $9.25 an hour, beginning on the effective
date under section 7 of the Raise the Wage Act;
``(B) $10.10 an hour, beginning 1 year after such
effective date;
``(C) $11.00 an hour, beginning 2 years after such
effective date;
``(D) $12.00 an hour, beginning 3 years after such
effective date;
``(E) $13.00 an hour, beginning 4 years after such
effective date;
``(F) $13.50 an hour, beginning 5 years after such
effective date;
``(G) $14.25 an hour, beginning 6 years after such
effective date;
``(H) $15.00 an hour, beginning 7 years after such
effective date; and
``(I) beginning on the date that is 8 years after
such effective date, and annually thereafter, the
amount determined by the Secretary under subsection
(h);''.
(b) Determination Based on Increase in the Median Hourly Wage of
All Employees.--Section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29
U.S.C. 206) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h)(1) Not later than each date that is 90 days before a new
minimum wage determined under subsection (a)(1)(I) is to take effect,
the Secretary shall determine the minimum wage to be in effect under
this subsection for each period described in subsection (a)(1)(I). The
wage determined under this subsection for a year shall be--
``(A) not less than the amount in effect under subsection
(a)(1) on the date of such determination;
``(B) increased from such amount by the annual percentage
increase, if any, in the median hourly wage of all employees as
determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and
``(C) rounded to the nearest multiple of $0.05.
``(2) In calculating the annual percentage increase in the median
hourly wage of all employees for purposes of paragraph (1)(B), the
Secretary, through the Bureau of Labor Statistics, shall compile data
on the hourly wages of all employees to determine such a median hourly
wage and compare such median hourly wage for the most recent year for
which data are available with the median hourly wage determined for the
preceding year.''.
SEC. 3. TIPPED EMPLOYEES.
(a) Base Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees.--Section 3(m)(1) of the
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(m)(1)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(1) the cash wage paid such employee, which for purposes
of such determination shall be not less than--
``(A) for the 1-year period beginning on the
effective date under section 7 of the Raise the Wage
Act, $4.15 an hour;
``(B) for each succeeding 1-year period until the
hourly wage under this paragraph equals the wage in
effect under section 6(a)(1) for such period, an hourly
wage equal to the amount determined under this
paragraph for the preceding year, increased by the
lesser of--
``(i) $1.15; or
``(ii) the amount necessary for the wage in
effect under this paragraph to equal the wage
in effect under section 6(a)(1) for such
period, rounded to the nearest multiple of
$0.05; and
``(C) for each succeeding 1-year period after the
increase made pursuant to subparagraph (B)(ii), the
minimum wage in effect under section 6(a)(1); and''.
(b) Tips Retained by Employees.--Section 3(m) of the Fair Labor
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(m)) is amended--
(1) in the second sentence of the matter following
paragraph (2), by striking ``of this subsection, and all tips
received by such employee have been retained by the employee''
and inserting ``of this subsection. Any employee shall have the
right to retain any tips received by such employee''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``An employer shall
inform each employee of the right and exception provided under
the preceding sentence.''.
(c) Scheduled Repeal of Separate Minimum Wage for Tipped
Employees.--
(1) Tipped employees.--Section 3(m) of the Fair Labor
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(m)), as amended by
subsections (a) and (b), is further amended by striking the
sentence beginning with ``In determining the wage an employer
is required to pay a tipped employee,'' and all that follows
through ``of this subsection.'' and inserting ``The wage
required to be paid to a tipped employee shall be the wage set
forth in section 6(a)(1).''.
(2) Publication of notice.--Section 6(i) of the Fair Labor
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(i)), as added by section
5, is amended by striking ``or in accordance with subparagraph
(B) or (C) of section 3(m)(1) (as applicable),''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraphs (1)
and (2) shall take effect on the date that is one day after the
date on which the hourly wage under section 3(m)(1)(C) of the
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(m)(1)(C)), as
amended by subsection (a), takes effect.
SEC. 4. NEWLY HIRED EMPLOYEES WHO ARE LESS THAN 20 YEARS OLD.
(a) Base Minimum Wage for Newly Hired Employees Who Are Less Than
20 Years Old.--Section 6(g)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938
(29 U.S.C. 206(g)(1)) is amended by striking ``a wage which is not less
than $4.25 an hour.'' and inserting the following: ``a wage at a rate
that is not less than--
``(A) for the 1-year period beginning on the
effective date under section 7 of the Raise the Wage
Act, $5.00 an hour;
``(B) for each succeeding 1-year period until the
hourly wage under this paragraph equals the wage in
effect under section 6(a)(1) for such period, an hourly
wage equal to the amount determined under this
paragraph for the preceding year, increased by the
lesser of--
``(i) $1.05; or
``(ii) the amount necessary for the wage in
effect under this paragraph to equal the wage
in effect under section 6(a)(1) for such
period, rounded to the nearest multiple of
$0.05; and
``(C) for each succeeding 1-year period after the
increase made pursuant to subparagraph (B)(ii), the
minimum wage in effect under section 6(a)(1).''.
(b) Scheduled Repeal of Separate Minimum Wage for Newly Hired
Employees Who Are Less Than 20 Years Old.--
(1) In general.--Section 6(g)(1) of the Fair Labor
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(g)(1)), as amended by
subsection (a), shall be repealed effective on the date
provided in paragraph (3).
(2) Publication of notice.--Section 6(i) of the Fair Labor
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(i)), as amended by section
3(c)(2), is further amended by striking ``or subparagraph (B)
or (C) of section 6(g)(1) (as applicable),''.
(3) Effective date.--The repeal and amendment made by
paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, shall take effect on the
date that is one day after the date on which the hourly wage
under section 6(g)(1)(C) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, as
amended by subsection (a), takes effect.
SEC. 5. PUBLICATION OF NOTICE.
Section 6 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206),
as amended by the preceding sections, is further amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(i) Not later than 60 days prior to the effective date of any
increase in the required wage determined under subsection (h), or in
accordance with subparagraph (B) or (C) of section 3(m)(1) (as
applicable), section 14(c)(1)(A) (as applicable), or subparagraph (B)
or (C) of section 6(g)(1) (as applicable), the Secretary shall publish
in the Federal Register and on the website of the Department of Labor a
notice announcing each increase in such required wage.''.
SEC. 6. PROMOTING ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH
DISABILITIES.
(a) Wages.--
(1) Transition to fair wages for individuals with
disabilities.--Subparagraph (A) of section 14(c)(1) of the Fair
Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 214(c)(1)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(A) at a rate that equals, or exceeds, the
greater of--
``(i)(I) $4.25 an hour, beginning 1 year
after the date the wage rate specified in
section 6(a)(1)(A) takes effect;
``(II) $6.25 an hour, beginning 2 years
after such date;
``(III) $8.25 an hour, beginning 3 years
after such date;
``(IV) $10.25 an hour, beginning 4 years
after such date;
``(V) $12.25 an hour, beginning 5 years
after such date; and
``(VI) the wage rate in effect under
section 6(a)(1), on the date that is 6 years
after the date the wage specified in section
6(a)(1)(A) takes effect; or
``(ii) if applicable, the wage rate in
effect on the day before the date of enactment
of the Raise the Wage Act for the employment,
under a special certificate issued under this
paragraph, of the individual for whom the wage
rate is being determined under this
subparagraph,''.
(2) Prohibition on new special certificates; sunset.--
Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29
U.S.C. 214(c)) (as amended by paragraph (1)) is further amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Prohibition on new special certificates.--
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary shall not issue a
special certificate under this subsection to an employer that
was not issued a special certificate under this subsection
before the date of enactment of the Raise the Wage Act.
``(7) Sunset.--Beginning on the day after the date on which
the wage rate described in paragraph (1)(A)(i)(VI) takes
effect, the authority to issue special certificates under
paragraph (1) shall expire, and no special certificates issued
under paragraph (1) shall have any legal effect.
``(8) Transition assistance.--Upon request, the Secretary
shall provide--
``(A) technical assistance and information to
employers issued a special certificate under this
subsection for the purposes of--
``(i) transitioning the practices of such
employers to comply with this subsection, as
amended by the Raise the Wage Act; and
``(ii) ensuring continuing employment
opportunities for individuals with disabilities
receiving a special minimum wage rate under
this subsection; and
``(B) information to individuals employed at a
special minimum wage rate under this subsection, which
may include referrals to other Federal or State
entities with expertise in competitive integrated
employment.''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Publication of Notice.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 6(i) of the Fair Labor Standards
Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(i)), as amended by section 4(b)(2),
is further amended by striking ``section 14(c)(1)(A) (as
applicable),''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect on the day after the date on which the wage
rate described in paragraph (1)(A)(i)(VI) of section 14(c) of
the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 214(c)), as
amended by subsection (a)(1), takes effect.
SEC. 7. GENERAL EFFECTIVE DATE.
Except as otherwise provided in this Act or the amendments made by
this Act, this Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take
effect on the first day of the third month that begins after the date
of enactment of this Act. | Raise the Wage Act This bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the federal minimum wage for regular employees over a 7-year period, for tipped employees, and for newly hired employees who are less than 20 years old. The bill sets forth a schedule of annual increases in the federal minimum wage for individuals with disabilities. The Department of Labor shall no longer issue special certificates for the payment of subminimum wages to such individuals after the final wage increase under this bill for such individuals takes effect. Labor shall provide, upon request, technical assistance and information to employers to: (1) help them transition their practices to comply with wage increases and other requirements under this bill for individuals with disabilities, and (2) ensure continuing employment opportunities for such individuals. The bill eliminates the separate minimum wage requirements for tipped, newly hired, and disabled employees. After a specified period, these employees shall be paid the same minimum wage as regular employees. Labor must publish any increase in the minimum wage in the Federal Register and on its website 60 days before it takes effect. | Raise the Wage Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``US-Israel Global Neuroscience
Partnership Act of 2014''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) it is in the highest national security interests of the
United States to develop neuroscience-related research and
neurotechnology;
(2) the State of Israel is a steadfast ally of the United
States;
(3) the special relationship between the United States and
Israel is manifested in a variety of cooperative scientific
research and development programs, such as--
(A) the United States-Israel Binational Science
Foundation; and
(B) the United States-Israel Binational Industrial
Research and Development Foundation;
(4) those programs have made possible many scientific,
technological, and commercial breakthroughs in the fields of
life sciences, medicine, bioengineering, agriculture,
biotechnology, communications, and others;
(5) in December 2011 the Office of Science and Technology
Policy was directed by Congress to establish an Interagency
Working Group on Neuroscience which was chartered on June 20,
2012, is housed at the White House, and is currently convening
representatives across the Federal Government to make
recommendations about the future of neuroscience research;
(6) Israeli scientists and engineers are at the forefront
of research and development in the field of neuroscience;
(7) Israel Brain Technologies is a nonprofit organization
whose mission is to turn Israel into a global brain technology
and research leader by--
(A) supporting applied brain research;
(B) accelerating brain technology development;
(C) creating and fostering a community around
neurotechnology; and
(D) attracting key stakeholders to partner and
support brain technology in Israel; and
(8) enhanced cooperation between the United States and
Israel for the purpose of research and development of
neuroscience would be in the national interests of both
countries.
SEC. 3. GRANTS FOR NEUROSCIENCE-RELATED RESEARCH.
(a) Authority.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the
National Institutes of Health, in consultation with the BIRD or BSF,
shall award grants to eligible entities for neuroscience-related
research.
(b) Application.--
(1) Submission of applications.--To receive a grant under
this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to
the Secretary containing such information and assurances as the
Secretary, in consultation with the BIRD or BSF, may require.
(2) Selection of eligible entities.--The Secretary, in
consultation with the Directors of the BIRD and BSF, may review
any application submitted by any eligible entity and select any
eligible entity meeting criteria established by the Secretary,
in consultation with the Advisory Board, for a grant under this
section.
(c) Amount of Grant.--The amount of each grant awarded for a fiscal
year under this section shall be determined by the Secretary, in
consultation with the BIRD or BSF.
(d) Recoupment.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish procedures
and criteria for recoupment in connection with any eligible
project carried out by an eligible entity that receives a grant
under this section, which has led to the development of a
product or process which is marketed or used.
(2) Amount required.--
(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), such
recoupment shall be required as a condition for award
and be proportional to the Federal share of the costs
of such project, and shall be derived from the proceeds
of royalties or licensing fees received in connection
with such product or process.
(B) In the case where a product or process is used
by the recipient of a grant under this section for the
production and sale of its own products or processes,
the recoupment shall consist of a payment equivalent to
the payment which would be made under subparagraph (A).
(3) Waiver.--The Secretary may at any time waive or defer
all or some of the recoupment requirements of this subsection
as necessary, depending on--
(A) the commercial competitiveness of the entity or
entities developing or using the product or process;
(B) the profitability of the project; and
(C) the commercial viability of the product or
process utilized.
(e) Private Funds.--The Secretary may accept contributions of funds
from private sources to carry out this Act.
(f) Report.--Not later than 180 days after receiving a grant under
this section, each recipient shall submit a report to the Secretary--
(1) documenting how the recipient used the grant funds; and
(2) evaluating the level of success of each project funded
by the grant.
SEC. 4. INTERNATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE-RELATED RESEARCH ADVISORY BOARD.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the National Institutes
of Health an International Neuroscience-Related Research Advisory
Board.
(b) Duties.--The Advisory Board shall advise the Secretary on--
(1) criteria for the recipients of grants awarded under
section 3(a);
(2) the total amount of grant money to be awarded to all
grantees selected by the Secretary, in consultation with the
BIRD; and
(3) the total amount of grant money to be awarded to all
grantees selected by the Secretary, in consultation with the
BSF, for each fiscal year.
(c) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--The Advisory Board shall be composed of--
(A) 1 member appointed by the Director of the
National Science Foundation;
(B) 1 member appointed by the Director of the
National Institutes of Health;
(C) 1 member appointed by the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology; and
(D) in addition to the member appointed under
subparagraph (B), 3 members who shall be Israeli
citizens, appointed by the Director of the National
Institutes of Health after consultation with
appropriate officials in the Israeli Government.
(2) Deadline for appointments.--The initial appointments
under paragraph (1) shall be made not later than 60 days after
the date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Term.--Each member of the Advisory Board shall be
appointed for a term of 4 years.
(4) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Advisory Board shall be
filled in the manner in which the original appointment was
made.
(5) Basic pay.--
(A) Compensation.--A member of the Advisory Board
shall serve without pay.
(B) Travel expenses.--Each member of the Advisory
Board shall receive travel expenses, including per diem
in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with applicable
provisions of subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5,
United States Code.
(6) Quorum.--Three members of the Advisory Board shall
constitute a quorum.
(7) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Advisory Board
shall be designated by the Director of the National Institutes
of Health from among the members appointed by the Director at
the time of the appointment.
(8) Meetings.--The Advisory Board shall meet at least once
annually at the call of the Chairperson.
(d) Termination.--Section 14(a)(2)(B) of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Advisory Board.
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Advisory board.--The term ``Advisory Board'' means the
International Neuroscience-Related Research Advisory Board
established by section 4(a).
(2) BIRD.--The term ``BIRD'' means the Israel-United States
Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation.
(3) BSF.--The term ``BSF'' means the United States-Israel
Binational Science Foundation.
(4) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a
joint venture comprised of both Israeli and United States
private business entities or a joint venture comprised of both
Israeli academic persons (who reside and work in Israel) and
United States academic persons, that--
(A) carries out an eligible project; and
(B) is selected by the Secretary, in consultation
with the BIRD or BSF, using the criteria established by
the Secretary, in consultation with the Advisory Board.
(5) Eligible project.--The term ``eligible project'' means
a project to encourage cooperation between the United States
and Israel on neuroscience-related research.
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
SEC. 6. TERMINATION.
The grant program authorized under section 3 and the Advisory Board
shall terminate upon the expiration of the 7-year period which begins
on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
The Secretary is authorized to expend not more than $20,000,000 to
carry out this Act for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2020. | US-Israel Global Neuroscience Partnership Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to eligible entities for U.S.-Israel cooperative neuroscience research. Establishes in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) an International Neuroscience-Related Research Advisory Board. Terminates the grant program and the Advisory Board seven years after the date of enactment of this Act. | US-Israel Global Neuroscience Partnership Act of 2014 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Earthquake
Insurance Affordability Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings and purposes.
Sec. 3. Definitions.
Sec. 4. Eligible State programs.
Sec. 5. Establishment of debt-guarantee program.
Sec. 6. Effect of guarantee.
Sec. 7. Assessment at time of guarantee.
Sec. 8. Payment of losses.
Sec. 9. Full faith and credit.
Sec. 10. Budgetary impact; costs.
Sec. 11. Regulations.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Major earthquakes are likely in the United States. For
example, the United States Geological Survey predicts that
there is a 99.7 percent chance that a magnitude 6.7 earthquake
will strike in California in the next 30 years and that there
is a 46 percent chance that a magnitude 7.5 earthquake will
strike in California in the next 30 years. Earthquakes can be
caused by volcanic or tectonic events and result in destructive
shaking of the earth, fires, landslides, volcanic eruptions,
and tsunamis.
(2) Despite the known risk of earthquakes, relatively few
homeowners have earthquake insurance. For example, in
California, 88 percent of homes insured for fire do not have
earthquake insurance. In the event of a catastrophic
earthquake, the lack of homeowner earthquake-insurance coverage
will slow recovery, create economic hardship, and increase the
risk of mortgage and other credit defaults and adversely affect
the Nation's banking system.
(3) It is important that States improve the affordability,
availability, and quality of earthquake insurance so that more
homeowners will purchase coverage. For example, California has
created the California Earthquake Authority to provide
earthquake insurance to homeowners through private-sector
insurers.
(4) It is a proper role of the Federal Government to help
prepare and protect its citizens from catastrophes such as
earthquakes and to facilitate consumer protection, victim
assistance, and individual and community recovery, including
financial recovery.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to establish a
program--
(1) to promote the availability of private capital to
provide liquidity and capacity to State earthquake insurance
programs; and
(2) to expedite the payment of claims under State
earthquake insurance programs and better assist the financial
recovery from significant earthquakes by authorizing the
Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee debt for such purposes.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Commitment to guarantee.--The term ``commitment to
guarantee'' means a commitment to make debt guarantees to an
eligible State program pursuant to section 5.
(2) Eligible state program.--The term ``eligible State
program'' means a State program that, pursuant to section 4, is
eligible to receive a debt guarantee under this Act.
(3) Insured loss.--The term ``insured loss'' means any loss
resulting from an earthquake, an earthquake-related event, or
fire following an earthquake that is determined by an eligible
State program as being covered by insurance made available
under that eligible State program.
(4) Qualifying assets.--The term ``qualifying assets''
means the policyholder surplus of the eligible State program as
stated in the most recent quarterly financial statement filed
by the program with the domiciliary regulator of the program in
the last quarter ending prior to an insured-loss triggering
event or events.
(5) Residential property insurance.--The term ``residential
property insurance'' means insurance coverage for--
(A) individually owned residential structures of
not more than 4 dwelling units, individually owned
condominium units, or individually owned mobile homes,
and their contents, located in a State and used
exclusively for residential purposes or a tenant's
policy written to include personal contents of a
residential unit located in the State, but shall not
include--
(i) insurance for real property or its
contents used for any commercial, industrial,
or business purpose, except a structure of not
more than 4 dwelling units rented for
individual residential purposes; or
(ii) a policy that does not include any of
the perils insured against in a standard fire
policy or any earthquake policy; or
(B) commercial residential property, which includes
property owned by a condominium association or its
members, property owned by a cooperative association,
or an apartment building.
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Treasury.
(7) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands,
American Samoa, and any other territory or possession of the
United States.
SEC. 4. ELIGIBLE STATE PROGRAMS.
(a) Eligible State Programs.--A State program shall be considered
an eligible State program for purposes of this Act if the State program
or other State entity authorized to make such determinations certifies
to the Secretary, in accordance with the procedures established under
subsection (b), that the State program complies with the following
requirements:
(1) State program design.--The State program is established
and authorized by State law as an earthquake insurance program
that offers residential property insurance coverage for insured
losses to property, contents, and additional living expenses,
and which is not a State program that requires insurers to pool
resources to provide property insurance coverage for
earthquakes.
(2) Operation.--The State program shall meet the following
requirements:
(A) A majority of the members of the governing body
of the State program shall be public officials or
appointed by public officials.
(B) The State shall have a financial interest in
the State program.
(C) If the State has at any time appropriated
amounts from the State program's funds for any purpose
other than payments for losses insured under the State
program, or payments made in connection with any of the
State program's authorized activities, the State shall
have returned such amounts to the State fund, together
with interest on such amounts.
(3) Tax status.--The State program shall have received from
the Secretary (or the Secretary's designee) a written
determination, within the meaning of section 6110(b) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, that the State program either--
(A) constitutes an ``integral part'' of the State
that has created it; or
(B) is otherwise exempt from Federal income
taxation.
(4) Earnings.--The State program may not provide for any
distribution of any part of any net profits of the State
program to any insurer that participates in the State program.
(5) Loss prevention and mitigation.--
(A) Mitigation of losses.--The State program shall
include provisions designed to encourage and support
programs to mitigate losses for which the State
insurance program was established to provide insurance.
(B) Operational requirements.--The State program
shall operate in a State that--
(i) has in effect and enforces, or the
appropriate local governments within the State
have in effect and enforce, nationally
recognized building, seismic-design, and safety
codes and consensus-based standards; and
(ii) has taken actions to establish an
insurance rate structure that takes into
account measures to mitigate insured losses.
(6) Requirements regarding coverage.--The State program--
(A) may not, except for charges or assessments
related to post-event financing or bonding, involve
cross-subsidization between any separate property-and-
casualty insurance lines offered under the State
program pursuant to paragraph (1);
(B) shall be subject to a requirement under State
law that for earthquake insurance coverage made
available under the State insurance program the premium
rates charged on such insurance shall be actuarially
sound; and
(C) shall make available to all qualifying
policyholders insurance coverage and mitigation
services on a basis that is not unfairly
discriminatory.
(b) Annual Certification.--The Secretary shall establish procedures
for initial certification and annual recertification as an eligible
State program.
SEC. 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF DEBT-GUARANTEE PROGRAM.
(a) Authority of Secretary.--The Secretary is authorized and shall
have the powers and authorities necessary--
(1) to guarantee, and to enter into commitments to
guarantee, holders of debt against loss of principal or
interest, or both, on any debt issued by eligible State
programs for purposes of this Act; and
(2) to certify and recertify State catastrophe insurance
programs that cover earthquake peril to become or remain
eligible for the benefits of such a debt-guarantee program.
(b) Limit on Outstanding Debt Guarantee.--The aggregate amount of
debt covered by the Secretary's guarantees and commitments to guarantee
for all eligible State programs outstanding at any time shall not
exceed $5,000,000,000, including interest.
(c) Funding.--
(1) Appropriation of federal payments.--Subject to
subsection (b), there are hereby appropriated, out of funds in
the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, such sums as may be
necessary to satisfy debt guarantee commitments extended to
eligible State programs under this Act.
(2) Certification fee.--Upon certification or
recertification as an eligible State program under section 4(a)
or 4(b), a State program shall be charged a certification fee
sufficient in the judgement of the Secretary at the time of
certification to cover--
(A) applicable administrative costs arising from
each certification or recertification, including all
pre-certification costs and a proportional share of the
costs arising from the administration of the program
established under this Act, but in any event not to
exceed one-half of 1 percent annum of the aggregate
principal amount of the debt for which the eligible
State program is issued a guarantee commitment; and
(B) any probable losses on the aggregate principal
amount of the debt for which the eligible State program
is issued a guarantee commitment.
(3) Rule of construction.--Any funds expended or obligated
by the Secretary for the payment of administrative expenses for
conduct of the debt-guarantee program authorized by this Act
shall be deemed appropriated at the time of such expenditure or
obligation from the certification and recertification fees
collected pursuant to paragraph (2).
(d) Conditions for Guarantee Eligibility.--A debt guarantee under
this section may be made only if the Secretary has issued a commitment
to guarantee to a certified, eligible State program. The commitment to
guarantee shall be in force for a period of 3 years from its initial
issuance and may be extended by the Secretary for 1 year on each annual
anniversary of the issuance of the commitment to guarantee. The
commitment to guarantee and each extension of such commitment may be
issued by the Secretary only if the following requirements are
satisfied:
(1) The eligible State program submits to the Secretary a
report setting forth, in such form and including such
information as the Secretary shall require, how the eligible
State program plans to repay guarantee-eligible debt it may
incur.
(2) Based on the eligible State program's report submitted
pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary determines there is
reasonable assurance that the eligible State program can meet
its repayment obligation under such debt.
(3) The eligible State program enters into an agreement
with the Secretary, as the Secretary shall require, that the
eligible State program will not use Federal funds of any kind
or from any Federal source (including any disaster or other
financial assistance, loan proceeds, and any other assistance
or subsidy) to repay the debt.
(4) The commitment to guarantee shall specify and require
the payment of the fees for debt guarantee coverage.
(5) The maximum term of the debt specified in a commitment
issued under this section may not exceed 30 years.
(e) Mandatory Assistance for Eligible State Programs.--The
Secretary shall upon the request of an eligible State program and
pursuant to a commitment to guarantee issued under subsection (d),
provide a guarantee under subsection (f) for such eligible State
program in the amount requested by such eligible State program, subject
to the limitation under subsection (f)(2).
(f) Catastrophe Debt Guarantee.--A debt guarantee under this
subsection for an eligible State program shall be subject to the
following requirements:
(1) Preconditions.--The eligible State program shows to the
satisfaction of the Secretary that insured losses to the
eligible State program arising from the event or events covered
by the commitment to guarantee are likely to exceed 80 percent
of the eligible State program's qualifying assets available to
pay claims, as calculated on the date of the event and based on
the eligible State program's most recent quarterly financial
statement filed with its domiciliary regulator.
(2) Use of funds.--Proceeds of debt guaranteed under this
section shall be used only to pay the costs of issuing debt and
of securing or providing claim-payment capacity for paying the
insured losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred by an
eligible State program. Such amounts shall not be used for any
other purpose.
SEC. 6. EFFECT OF GUARANTEE.
The issuance of any guarantee by the Secretary under this Act shall
be conclusive evidence that--
(1) the guarantee has been properly obtained;
(2) the underlying debt qualified for such guarantee; and
(3) the guarantee is valid, legal, and enforceable.
SEC. 7. ASSESSMENT AT TIME OF GUARANTEE.
To extent not satisfied by the fees collected under section
5(c)(2), the Secretary shall charge and collect fees for each guarantee
issued in amounts sufficient in the judgement of the Secretary at the
time of issuance of the guarantee to cover applicable administrative
costs and probable losses on the guaranteed obligations.
SEC. 8. PAYMENT OF LOSSES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary agrees to pay to the duly appointed
paying agent or trustee (in this section referred to as the ``Fiscal
Agent'') for the eligible State program that portion of the principal
and interest on any debt guaranteed under this Act that shall become
due to payment but shall be unpaid by the eligible State program as a
result of such program having provided insufficient funds to the Fiscal
Agent to make such payments. The Secretary shall make such payments on
the date such principal or interest becomes due for payment or on the
business day next following the day on which the Secretary shall
receive notice of failure on the part of the eligible State program to
provide sufficient funds to the Fiscal Agent to make such payments,
whichever is later. Upon making such payment, the Secretary shall be
subrogated to all the rights of the ultimate recipient of the payment.
The Secretary shall be entitled to recover from the eligible State
program the amount of any payments made pursuant to any guarantee
entered into under this Act.
(b) Role of the Attorney General.--The Attorney General shall take
such action as may be appropriate to enforce any right accruing, and to
collect any and all sums owing, to the United States as a result of the
issuance of any guarantee under this Act.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to preclude any forbearance for the benefit of the eligible
State program which may be agreed upon by the parties to the guaranteed
debt and approved by the Secretary, provided that budget authority for
any resulting cost, as such term is defined under the Federal Credit
Reform Act of 1990, is available.
(d) Right of the Secretary.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law relating to the acquisition, handling, or disposal of property by
the United States, the Secretary shall have the right in the discretion
of the Secretary to complete, recondition, reconstruct, renovate,
repair, maintain, operate, or sell any property acquired by the
Secretary pursuant to the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 9. FULL FAITH AND CREDIT.
The full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the
payment of all guarantees issued under this Act with respect to
principal and interest.
SEC. 10. BUDGETARY IMPACT; COSTS.
For purposes of section 502(5) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of
1990, the cost of guarantees to be issued under this Act shall be
calculated by adjusting the discount rate in section 502(5)(E) of such
Act for market risk.
SEC. 11. REGULATIONS.
The Secretary shall issue any regulations necessary to carry out
the debt-guarantee program established under this Act. | Earthquake Insurance Affordability Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee holders of debt against loss of principal or interest, or both, on debt issued by eligible state programs designed to: (1) promote the availability of private capital to provide liquidity and capacity to state earthquake (specifically, residential property) insurance programs, and (2) expedite the payment of claims under such programs and better assist financial recovery from significant earthquakes.
Prescribes operational requirements for eligible state programs which include an established earthquake insurance program that: (1) offers residential property insurance coverage for insured losses to property, contents, and additional living expenses; and (2) does not require insurers to pool resources to provide property insurance coverage for earthquakes.
Includes among such operational requirements that the state: (1) has in effect and enforces, or the appropriate local governments within the state have in effect and enforce, nationally recognized building, seismic-design, and safety codes and consensus-based standards; and (2) has taken actions to establish an insurance rate structure that takes into account measures to mitigate insured losses.
Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for certification of an eligible state program.
Limits to $5 billion, including interest, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt obligations guaranteed by the Secretary.
Makes appropriations to satisfy debt guarantee commitments.
Requires the Secretary, upon request of an eligible state program, to provide such debt guarantees.
Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to the payment of all guarantees issued under this Act. | To establish a program to provide guarantees for debt issued by or on behalf of State catastrophe insurance programs to assist in the financial recovery from earthquakes, earthquake-induced landslides, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. |
SECTION 1. EXTENSION OF EXPIRING AUTHORITIES OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) Outpatient Services for Persian Gulf Veterans Exposed to Toxic
Substances.--Section 1712(a)(1)(D) of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by striking out ``December 31, 1995'' and inserting in lieu
thereof ``December 31, 1997''.
(b) Contract Authority for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Care.--(1)
Subsection (e) of section 1720A of such title is amended by striking
out ``December 31, 1995'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``December 31,
1997''.
(2) Subsection (f) of such section is amended by striking out
``October 1, 1997'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``March 31, 1998''.
(c) Nursing Home Care Alternatives.--(1) Section 1720C(a) of such
title is amended by striking out ``September 30, 1995'' and inserting
in lieu thereof ``December 31, 1996''.
(2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a
report, not later than March 31, 1996, on the medical efficacy and cost
effectiveness, and disadvantages and advantages, associated with the
use by the Secretary of noninstitutional alternatives to nursing home
care.
(d) Real Property for Use by Homeless Veterans.--(1) Section
3735(c) of such title is amended by striking out ``December 31, 1995''
and inserting in lieu thereof ``December 31, 1997''.
(2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a
report, not later than March 31, 1997, on the operation of the program
under section 3735 of such title relating to housing assistance for
homeless veterans. The report shall include the number of veterans
served by the program and the costs of the program and any savings
generated to the Government under the program.
(e) Health Scholarships Program.--(1) Section 7618 of such title is
amended by striking out ``December 31, 1995'' and inserting in lieu
thereof ``December 31, 1997''.
(2) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a
report, not later than March 31, 1997, on the operation of the health
scholarships program under subchapter 2 of chapter 76 of title 38,
United States Code. The report shall include the number and types of
scholarships awarded and the effect of the program on retention of
employees by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(f) Enhanced-Use Leases of Real Property.--Section 8169 is amended
by striking out ``December 31, 1995'' and inserting in lieu thereof
``December 31, 1997''.
(g) Community-Based Residential Care for Homeless Chronically
Mentally Ill Veterans.--Section 115(d) of the Veterans' Benefits and
Services Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-322; 38 U.S.C. 1712 note) is
amended by striking out ``September 30, 1995'' and inserting in lieu
thereof ``December 31, 1997''.
(h) Compensated Work Therapy and Therapeutic Transitional Housing
Program.--Section 7 of Public Law 102-54 (38 U.S.C. 1718 note) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking out ``During fiscal
years 1991 through 1995, the Secretary'' and inserting in lieu
thereof ``The Secretary''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(m) Sunset.--The authority for the demonstration program under
this section expires on December 31, 1997.''.
SEC. 2. REPEAL OF AUTHORITY TO MAKE GRANTS TO VETERANS MEMORIAL MEDICAL
CENTER IN THE PHILIPPINES.
(a) Repeal.--Section 1732 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by striking out subsection (b);
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b) and
striking out ``or grant'' both places it appears in that
subsection; and
(3) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c) and
striking out ``and to make grants'' in that subsection.
(b) Clerical Amendments.--(1) The heading of such section is
amended by striking out ``and grants''.
(2) The item relating to such section in the table of sections at
the beginning of chapter 17 of such title is amended by striking out
``and grants''.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF MAJOR MEDICAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS FOR FISCAL
YEAR 1996.
(a) Project Authorization.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs may
carry out the major medical facility projects for the Department of
Veterans Affairs, and may carry out the major medical facility leases
for that Department, for which funds are requested in the budget of the
President for fiscal year 1996 and for which authorization is required
under section 8104(a)(2) of title 38, United States Code.
(b) Funding Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for fiscal year 1996--
(1) $224,800,000 for the major medical facility projects
authorized in subsection (a); and
(2) $2,790,000 for the major medical facility leases
authorized in subsection (a).
(c) Limitations.--The projects authorized in subsection (a) may
only be carried out using--
(1) funds appropriated for fiscal year 1996 pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations in subsection (b);
(2) funds appropriated to the Department of Veterans
Affairs for Construction, Major Projects, for any fiscal year
that remain available for obligation; and
(3) funds appropriated to the Department of Veterans
Affairs for Construction, Major Projects, for any fiscal year
for a category of activity not specific to a project. | Extends through December 31, 1997, the following authorities of the Department of Veterans Affairs: (1) the authority to provide outpatient services to Persian Gulf veterans exposed to toxic substances or environmental hazards during such service; (2) the authority to contract with community-based treatment facilities for the care of eligible veterans suffering from alcohol or drug dependence or abuse disabilities (also extends a certain evaluation in connection with such treatment); (3) the authority to enter into agreements with States and nonprofit organizations for the provision of housing assistance for homeless veterans ( requires a report); (5) the Department's health professionals scholarship program (requires a report); (6) the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into enhanced-use leases of Department real property; (7) the authority under the Veterans' Benefits and Services Act of 1988 for a pilot program providing community-based residential care for homeless chronically mentally ill veterans; and (8) the Department's compensated work therapy and therapeutic transitional housing program.
Extends through December 31, 1996, a pilot program for determining noninstitutional alternatives to veterans' nursing home care (requires a report).
Repeals the authority of the Secretary to make contracts and grants for providing care and treatment for veterans at the Department's Veterans Memorial Medical Center in the Philippines.
Authorizes the Secretary to carry out the Department's major medical facility projects and leases for which funds are requested in the President's FY 1996 budget and for which authorization is required. Authorizes FY 1996 appropriations to the Secretary for such projects and leases, with limitations. | To amend title 38, United States Code, to extend certain expiring authorities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to authorize medical construction projects for that Department for fiscal year 1996, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Black Lung Disability Trust Fund
Debt Restructuring Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The Black Lung Disability Trust Fund (in this Act
referred to as the ``Trust Fund'') was created in 1978 as part
of the Black Lung Benefits Revenue Act of 1977, with the goal
of shifting, from the Federal Government to the coal mining
industry, the cost of compensating victims of occupational
black lung disease.
(2) The Trust Fund draws its principal revenue from excise
taxes on coal. The Black Lung Benefits Revenue Act of 1977
authorized repayable advances from the Treasury to the Trust
Fund, in such sums as may be necessary to make benefit payments
and other authorized expenditures. Any such advances are
required to be repaid, with interest at the rate prescribed in
section 9501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to the
general fund of the Treasury when the Secretary of the Treasury
determines that monies are available in the Trust Fund for such
purposes.
(3) In each year prior to 1990, the Trust Fund revenues
were insufficient to satisfy all benefit payments and other
authorized expenditures, resulting in the need for repayable
advances from the Treasury to the Trust Fund.
(4) Since 1990, the Trust Fund revenues from excise taxes
on coal have generally been sufficient to cover current benefit
payments and administrative costs, but have not been sufficient
to repay any portion of the outstanding principal that the
Trust Fund owes to the Treasury. Instead, that indebtedness has
grown each year as additional advances were taken to pay the
portion of the interest charges not covered by the Trust Fund's
revenues.
(5) Beginning in 1998, the annual interest charges on the
debt alone have exceeded benefit payments made by the Trust
Fund.
(6) The annual interest charges to the Trust Fund now
exceed its total annual excise tax revenues.
(7) Without action, the Trust Fund's indebtedness to the
Treasury, which totals approximately $8,200,000,000, will
continue to grow and the Trust Fund will never become solvent,
even when benefit outlays have declined to a level approaching
zero.
(8) It is in the public interest to refinance the Trust
Fund debt and to restore long-term fiscal solvency to the Trust
Fund.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Repayable advance.--The term ``repayable advance''
means an amount that has been appropriated to the Trust Fund in
order to make benefit payments and other expenditures that are
authorized under section 9501 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 and are required to be repaid when the Secretary of the
Treasury determines that monies are available in the Trust Fund
for this purpose.
(2) Market value of the outstanding repayable advances,
plus accrued interest.--The term ``market value of the
outstanding repayable advances, plus accrued interest'' means
the present value (determined by the Secretary of the Treasury
as of the refinancing date and using the Treasury rate as the
discount rate) of the stream of principal and interest payments
derived assuming that each repayable advance that is
outstanding on the refinancing date is due on the thirtieth
anniversary of the end of the fiscal year in which the advance
was made to the Trust Fund, and that all such principal and
interest payments are made on September 30 of the applicable
fiscal year.
(3) Refinancing date.--The term ``refinancing date'' means
the date occurring 2 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(4) Treasury 1-year rate.--The term ``Treasury 1-year
rate'' means a rate determined by the Secretary of the
Treasury, taking into consideration current market yields on
outstanding marketable obligations of the United States with
remaining periods to maturity of approximately 1 year, to have
been in effect as of the close of business 1 business day
before the date on which the Trust Fund issues obligations to
the Secretary of the Treasury under section 4(b).
(5) Treasury rate.--The term ``Treasury rate'' means a rate
determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, taking into
consideration current market yields on outstanding marketable
obligations of the United States of comparable maturities.
SEC. 4. REFINANCING OF OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL OF REPAYABLE ADVANCES AND
UNPAID INTEREST ON SUCH ADVANCES.
(a) In General.--On the refinancing date, the Trust Fund shall pay
the market value of the outstanding repayable advances, plus accrued
interest, by transferring into the general fund of the Treasury the
following sums:
(1) The proceeds from obligations that the Trust Fund shall
issue to the Secretary of the Treasury in such amounts as the
Secretaries of Labor and the Treasury shall determine and
bearing interest at the Treasury rate, and that shall be in
such forms and denominations and be subject to such other terms
and conditions, including maturity, as the Secretary of the Treasury
shall prescribe.
(2) All, or that portion, of the appropriation made to the
Trust Fund pursuant to section 5 that is needed to cover the
difference defined in that section.
(b) Additional Issuance of Obligations.--In the event that the
Trust Fund is unable to repay the obligations that it has issued to the
Secretary of the Treasury under subsection (a)(1) and this subsection,
or is unable to make benefit payments and other authorized
expenditures, the Trust Fund shall issue obligations to the Secretary
of the Treasury in such amounts as may be necessary to make such
repayments, payments, and expenditures, with a maturity of 1 year, and
bearing interest at the Treasury 1 year rate. These obligations shall
be in such forms and denominations and be subject to such other terms
and conditions as the Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe.
(c) Authorization To Issue Obligations.--The Trust Fund is
authorized to issue obligations to the Secretary of the Treasury under
subsections (a)(1) and (b). The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized
to purchase such obligations of the Trust Fund. For the purposes of
making such purchases, the Secretary of the Treasury may use as a
public debt transaction the proceeds from the sale of any securities
issued under chapter 31 of title 31, United States Code, and the
purposes for which securities may be issued under such chapter are
extended to include any purchase of such Trust Fund obligations under
this subsection.
SEC. 5. APPROPRIATIONS.
There is hereby appropriated to the Trust Fund an amount sufficient
to pay to the general fund of the Treasury the difference between--
(1) the market value of the outstanding repayable advances,
plus accrued interest, and
(2) the proceeds from the obligations issued by the Trust
Fund to the Secretary of the Treasury under section 4(a)(1).
SEC. 6. PREPAYMENT OF TRUST FUND OBLIGATIONS.
The Trust Fund is authorized to repay any obligation issued to the
Secretary of the Treasury under subsections (a)(1) and (b) of section 4
before its maturity date by paying a prepayment price that would, if
the obligation being prepaid (including all unpaid interest accrued
thereon through the date of prepayment) were purchased by a third party
and held to the maturity date of such obligation, produce a yield to
the third-party purchaser for the period from the date of purchase to
the maturity date of such obligation substantially equal to the
Treasury yield on outstanding marketable obligations of the United
States having a comparable maturity to this period.
SEC. 7. EXTENSION OF EXCISE TAX LEVELS.
Paragraph (2) of section 4121(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 (relating to reduction in amount of tax) is amended to read as
follows:
``(2) Temporary increase termination date.--For purposes of
paragraph (1), the temporary increase termination date is the
first January 1 following a determination by the Secretary that
there are--
``(A) no outstanding obligations of the Black Lung
Disability Trust Fund held by the Secretary; and
``(B) no unpaid interest on such obligations.''. | Black Lung Disability Trust Fund Debt Restructuring Act - Requires the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, on a certain refinancing date, to pay the market value of the outstanding repayable advances, plus accrued interest, by transferring into the general fund of the Treasury specified amounts derived from proceeds from obligations issued to the Secretary of the Treasury and from an appropriation to the Trust Fund under this Act.
Authorizes the Trust Fund to issue additional obligations to the Secretary if it is unable to: (1) repay those obligations issued in such initial repayment; or (2) make benefit payments and other authorized expenditures.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend provisions for a temporary increase in excise tax levels related to the Trust Fund. | A bill to resolve the structural indebtedness of the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
There is established the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks
Upon the United States (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission'').
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of the Commission are to--
(1) examine and report upon the facts and causes relating
to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, occurring at
the World Trade Center in New York, New York and at the
Pentagon in Virginia;
(2) ascertain, evaluate, and report on the evidence
developed by all relevant governmental agencies regarding the
facts and circumstances surrounding the attacks;
(3) make a full and complete accounting of the
circumstances surrounding the attacks, and the extent of the
United States' preparedness for, and response to, the attacks;
and
(4) investigate and report to the President and Congress on
its findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective
measures that can be taken to prevent acts of terrorism.
SEC. 3. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Members.--Subject to the requirements of subsection (b), the
Commission shall be composed of 10 members, of whom--
(1) 3 members shall be appointed by the majority leader of
the Senate;
(2) 3 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives;
(3) 2 members shall be appointed by the minority leader of
the Senate; and
(4) 2 members shall be appointed by the minority leader of
the House of Representatives.
(b) Qualifications.--
(1) Political party affiliation.--Not more than 5 members
of the Commission shall be from the same political party.
(2) Nongovernmental appointees.--No member of the
Commission shall be an officer or employee of the Federal
Government or any State or local government.
(3) Other qualifications.--It is the sense of Congress that
individuals appointed to the Commission should be prominent
United States citizens, with national recognition and
significant depth of experience in such professions as
governmental service, law enforcement, the armed services,
legal practice, public administration, intelligence gathering,
commerce, including aviation matters, and foreign affairs.
(c) Chairperson; Vice Chairperson.--
(1) In general.--Subject to the requirement of paragraph
(2), the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the Commission
shall be elected by the members.
(2) Political party affiliation.--The Chairperson and Vice
Chairperson shall not be from the same political party.
(d) Initial Meeting.--If 60 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, 6 or more members of the Commission have been appointed,
those members who have been appointed may meet and, if necessary,
select a temporary Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, who may begin the
operations of the Commission, including the hiring of staff.
(e) Quorum; Vacancies.--After its initial meeting, the Commission
shall meet upon the call of the Chairperson or a majority of its
members. Six members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. Any
vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be
filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
SEC. 4. FUNCTIONS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) In General.--The functions of the Commission are to--
(1) investigate the relevant facts and circumstances
relating to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001,
including any relevant legislation, Executive order,
regulation, plan, policy, practice, or procedure;
(2) identify, review, and evaluate the lessons learned from
the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, regarding the
structure, coordination, management policies, and procedures of
the Federal Government, and, if appropriate, State and local
governments and nongovernmental entities, relative to
detecting, preventing, and responding to such terrorist
attacks; and
(3) submit to the President and Congress such reports as
are required by this Act containing such findings, conclusions,
and recommendations as the Commission shall determine,
including proposing organization, coordination, planning,
management arrangements, procedures, rules, and regulations.
(b) Scope of Investigation.--For purposes of subsection (a)(1), the
term ``facts and circumstances'' includes facts and circumstances
relating to--
(1) intelligence agencies;
(2) law enforcement agencies;
(3) diplomacy;
(4) immigration, nonimmigrant visas, and border control;
(5) the flow of assets to terrorist organizations;
(6) commercial aviation; and
(7) other areas of the public and private sectors
determined relevant by the Commission for its inquiry.
SEC. 5. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings and Evidence.--The Commission may, for purposes of
carrying out this Act--
(1) hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take
testimony, receive evidence, and administer oaths; and
(2) require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and
testimony of witnesses and the production of books, records,
correspondence, memoranda, papers, and documents.
(b) Subpoenas.--
(1) Service.--Subpoenas issued under subsection (a)(2) may
be served by any person designated by the Commission.
(2) Enforcement.--
(A) In general.--In the case of contumacy or
failure to obey a subpoena issued under subsection
(a)(2), the United States district court for the
judicial district in which the subpoenaed person
resides, is served, or may be found, or where the
subpoena is returnable, may issue an order requiring
such person to appear at any designated place to
testify or to produce documentary or other evidence.
Any failure to obey the order of the court may be
punished by the court as a contempt of that court.
(B) Additional enforcement.--Sections 102 through
104 of the Revised Statutes of the United States (2
U.S.C. 192 through 194) shall apply in the case of any
failure of any witness to comply with any subpoena or
to testify when summoned under authority of this
section.
(c) Closed Meetings.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law
which would require meetings of the Commission to be open to the
public, any portion of a meeting of the Commission may be closed to the
public if the President determines that such portion is likely to
disclose matters that could endanger national security.
(d) Contracting.--The Commission may, to such extent and in such
amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to
enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this Act.
(e) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
directly from any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United
States any information related to any inquiry of the Commission
conducted under this Act. Each such department, agency, or
instrumentality shall, to the extent authorized by law, furnish such
information directly to the Commission upon request.
(f) Assistance From Federal Agencies.--
(1) General services administration.--The Administrator of
General Services shall provide to the Commission on a
reimbursable basis administrative support and other services
for the performance of the Commission's functions.
(2) Other departments and agencies.--In addition to the
assistance prescribed in paragraph (1), departments and
agencies of the United States are authorized to provide to the
Commission such services, funds, facilities, staff, and other
support services as they may determine advisable and as may be
authorized by law.
(g) Gifts.--The Commission may, to such extent and in such amounts
as are provided in appropriation Acts, accept, use, and dispose of
gifts or donations of services or property.
(h) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as departments
and agencies of the United States.
(i) Powers of Subcommittees, Members, and Agents.--Any
subcommittee, member, or agent of the Commission may, if authorized by
the Commission, take any action which the Commission is authorized to
take by this section.
SEC. 6. STAFF OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Director.--The Commission shall have a Director who shall be
appointed by the Chairperson and the Vice Chairperson, acting jointly.
(b) Staff.--The Chairperson, in consultation with the Vice
Chairperson, may appoint additional personnel as may be necessary to
enable the Commission to carry out its functions.
(c) Applicability of Certain Civil Service Laws.--The Director and
staff of the Commission may be appointed without regard to the
provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in
the competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the
provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title
relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates, except that
no rate of pay fixed under this subsection may exceed the equivalent of
that payable for a position at level V of the Executive Schedule under
section 5316 of title 5, United States Code. Any individual appointed
under subsection (a) or (b) shall be treated as an employee for
purposes of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85, 87, 89, and 90 of that title.
(d) Detailees.--Any Federal Government employee may be detailed to
the Commission without reimbursement from the Commission, and such
detailee shall retain the rights, status, and privileges of his or her
regular employment without interruption.
(e) Consultant Services.--The Commission is authorized to procure
the services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109
of title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to exceed the daily
rate paid a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive
Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 7. COMPENSATION AND TRAVEL EXPENSES.
(a) Compensation.--Each member of the Commission may be compensated
at not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay
in effect for a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule under
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day during which
that member is engaged in the actual performance of the duties of the
Commission.
(b) Travel Expenses.--While away from their homes or regular places
of business in the performance of services for the Commission, members
of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem
in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as persons employed
intermittently in the Government service are allowed expenses under
section 5703(b) of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 8. SECURITY CLEARANCES FOR COMMISSION MEMBERS AND STAFF.
The appropriate executive departments and agencies shall cooperate
with the Commission in expeditiously providing to the Commission
members and staff appropriate security clearances in a manner
consistent with existing procedures and requirements, except that no
person shall be provided with access to classified information under
this section who would not otherwise qualify for such security
clearance.
SEC. 9. REPORTS OF THE COMMISSION; TERMINATION.
(a) Initial Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
first meeting of the Commission, the Commission shall submit to the
President and Congress an initial report containing such findings,
conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures as have been
agreed to by a majority of Commission members.
(b) Final Report.--Not later than 6 months after the submission of
the initial report of the Commission, the Commission shall submit to
the President and Congress a final report containing such findings,
conclusions, and recommendations for corrective measures as have been
agreed to by a majority of Commission members.
(c) Termination.--
(1) In general.--The Commission, and all the authorities of
this Act, shall terminate 60 days after the date on which the
final report is submitted under subsection (b).
(2) Administrative activities before termination.--The
Commission may use the 60-day period referred to in paragraph
(1) for the purpose of concluding its activities, including
providing testimony to committees of Congress concerning its
reports and disseminating the second report.
SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission to carry
out this Act $3,000,000, to remain available until expended. | Establishes a National Commission on Terrorist Acts Upon the United States. Directs the Commission to: (1) investigate facts and circumstances relating to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks; and (2) evaluate lessons learned regarding the abilities of the Federal Government, and, if appropriate, of State and local governments and nongovernmental entities to detect, prevent, and respond to such attacks. | To establish the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Park Renewal Fund Act''.
SEC. 2. FEES.
(a) Admission Fees.--Section 4(a) of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(a)) is amended as
follows:
(1) Delete ``fee-free travel areas'' and ``lifetime
admission permit'' from the title of this section.
(2) In paragraph (a)(1)(A)(i) by striking the first and
second sentences and inserting in lieu thereof, ``For admission
into any such designated area, an annual admission permit (to
be known as the Golden Eagle Passport) shall be available for a
fee and under such conditions as to be determined by the
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture.''.
(3) In paragraph (a)(1)(B) by striking the second sentence.
(4) Delete paragraph (a)(2) in its entirety and insert in
lieu thereof: ``Reasonable admission fees for a single visit to
any designated unit shall be established by the administering
Secretary for persons who choose not to purchase the annual
permit. A `single visit' means a continuous stay within a
designated unit. Payment of a single visit admission fee shall
authorize exits from and reentries to a designated unit for a
period to be defined for each designated unit by the
administering Secretary based upon a determination of the
period of time reasonably and ordinarily necessary for such a
single visit.''.
(5) In paragraph (a)(3) by inserting the word ``Great'' in
the third sentence before ``Smoky''.
(6) In paragraph (a)(3) delete the last sentence.
(7) Delete paragraph (a)(4) in its entirety and insert in
lieu thereof: ``The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary
of Agriculture shall establish procedures for discounted
admission fees to any citizen of, or person legally domiciled
in, the United States sixty-two years of age or older, such
discount to be received upon proof of age. Any such discount
will be nontransferable, applied only to the individual
qualifying on the basis of age, and given notwithstanding the
method of travel. No fees of any kind shall be collected from
any persons who have a right of access for hunting or fishing
privileges under a specific provision of law or treaty or who
are engaged in the conduct of official Federal, State, or local
government business.''.
(8) Delete paragraph (a)(5) in its entirety and insert in
lieu thereof: ``The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary
of Agriculture shall establish procedures providing for the
issuance of a lifetime admission permit to any citizen of, or
person legally domiciled in, the United States, if such citizen
or person applies for such permit and is permanently disabled.
Such procedures shall assure that such permit shall be issued
only to persons who have been medically determined to be
permanently disabled. Such permit shall be nontransferable,
shall be issued without charge, and shall entitle the permittee
and one accompanying individual to general admission into any
area designated pursuant to this subsection, notwithstanding
the method of travel.''.
(9) In paragraph (a)(6)(A) by striking ``No later than 60
days after December 22, 1987'' and inserting ``No later than
six months after enactment'' and striking ``Interior and
Insular Affairs'' and inserting ``Resources''.
(10) Delete paragraphs (a)(9) and (a)(11) in their
entirety. Renumber current paragraph ``(10)'' as ``(9)'' and
current paragraph ``(12)'' as ``(10)''.
(b) Recreation Fees.--Section 4(b) of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(b)) is amended as
follows:
(1) Delete ``Fees for Golden Age Passport Permittee'' from
section title.
(2) Delete the following: ``personal collection of the fee
by an employee or agent of the Federal agency operating the
facility''.
(3) Delete ``Any Golden Age Passport permittee, or'' and
insert in lieu thereof ``Any''.
(c) Criteria, Posting and Uniformity of Fees.--Section 4(d) of the
Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(d)) is
amended by deleting from the first sentence ``recreation fees charged
by non-Federal public agencies,'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``fees
charged by other public and private entities,''.
(d) Rules and Regulations.--Section 4(e) of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S. C. 460l-6a(e)) is amended by
deleting ``of not more than $100.'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``as
provided by law.''
(e) Federal and State Laws Unaffected.--Section 4(g) of the Land
and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(g)) is
amended by deleting the following in the first sentence ``or fees or
charges for commercial or other activities not related to recreation,''
and inserting ``: Provided, however, That in those park areas under
partial (if applicable) or exclusive jurisdiction of the United States
where State fishing licenses are not required, the National Park
Service may charge a fee for fishing.''.
(f) Technical Amendments.--Section 4(h) of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(h)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Bureau of Outdoor Recreation'' and
inserting in lieu thereof, ``National Park Service'';
(2) by striking ``Interior and Insular Affairs of the
United States House of Representatives and United States
Senate'' and inserting in lieu thereof, ``Resources of the
United States House of Representatives and on Energy and
Natural Resources of the United States Senate''; and
(3) by striking ``Bureau'' and inserting in lieu thereof,
``National Park Service''.
(g) Use of Fees.--Section 4(i) of the Land and Water Conservation
Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(i)) is amended as follows:
(1) After ``(i)'' by inserting ``Use of Fees.--''.
(2) In the first sentence of subparagraph (B) by striking
``fee collection costs for that fiscal year'' and inserting in
lieu thereof ``fee collection costs for the immediately
preceding fiscal year'' and by striking ``section in that
fiscal year'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``section in such
immediately preceding fiscal year''.
(3) In the second sentence of subparagraph (B) by striking
``in that fiscal year''.
(4) By adding the following at the end of paragraph (1):
``(C) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), beginning
in fiscal year 1996 and each fiscal year thereafter,
all additional fee revenue generated by the National
Park Service through enactment of this legislation, as
authorized to be collected pursuant to subsection 4 (a)
and (b), shall be covered into a special fund
established in the Treasury of the United States to be
known as the `National Park Renewal Fund'. In fiscal
year 1997 and each fiscal year thereafter, the amount
of additional fee revenue generated in the immediately
preceding fiscal year by the National Park Service
through enactment of this legislation shall be
available to the Secretary of the Interior, without
further provision in appropriations Acts, for
infrastructure needs at parks including but not limited
to facility refurbishment, repair and replacement,
interpretive media and exhibit repair and replacement,
and infrastructure projects associated with park
resource protection. Such amounts shall remain
available until expended. The Secretary shall develop
procedures for the use of the fund that ensure
accountability and demonstrated results consistent with
the purposes of this Act. Beginning the first full
fiscal year after the creation of the `National Park
Renewal Fund', the Secretary shall submit an annual
report to the Congress, on a unit-by-unit basis,
detailing the expenditures of such receipts. In fiscal
year 1996 only, fees authorized to be collected
pursuant to subsections 4 (a) and (b) of this Act may
be collected only to the extent provided in advance in
appropriations Acts.''.
(5) Paragraph (4)(A) is amended by striking ``resource
protection, research, and interpretation'' and inserting in
lieu thereof ``park operations''.
(h) Selling of Permits.--Section 4(k) of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(k)) is amended by--
(1) striking ``Selling of Annual Admission Permits by
Public and Private Entities Under Arrangements with Collecting
Agency Head'' from the title of this section; and
(2) deleting the last two sentences, regarding the sale of
Golden Eagle Passports, from this section.
(i) Charges for Transportation Provided by the National Park
Service.--(1) Section 4(l)(1) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(1)) is amended by striking the word
``viewing'' from the section title and inserting in lieu thereof
``visiting''.
(2) Section 4(l)(1) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of
1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(1)) is amended by deleting the word ``view''
and inserting in lieu thereof ``visit''.
(3) Section 4(l)(2) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of
1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(1)) is amended by deleting paragraph (2) and
inserting in lieu thereof: ``Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the charges imposed under paragraph (1) shall be retained by the
unit of the National Park System at which the service was provided. The
amount retained shall be expended for costs associated with the
transportation systems at the unit where the charge was imposed.''.
(j) Commercial Tour Fees.--Section 4 of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(n)) is amended by
striking section (2) in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof:
``(2) The Secretary shall establish a flat fee, per entry,
for such vehicles. The amount of the said flat fee shall
reflect both the commercial tour use fee rate and current
admission rates.''.
(k) Fees for Special Uses.--Section 4 of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a) is amended by adding
the following at the end thereof:
``(o) Fees for Commercial Nonrecreational Uses.--Utilizing the
criteria established in section 4(d) (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a(d)), the
Secretary of the Interior shall establish reasonable fees for non-
recurring commercial or non-recreational uses of National Park System
units that require special arrangements, including permits. At a
minimum, such fees will cover all costs of providing necessary services
associated with such use, except that at the Secretary's discretion,
the Secretary may waive or reduce such fees in the case of any
organization using an area within the National Park System for
activities which further the goals of the National Park Service.
Receipts from such fees may be retained at the park unit in which the
use takes place, and remain available, without further appropriation,
to cover the cost of providing such services. The portion of such fee
which exceeds the cost of providing necessary services associated with
such use shall be deposited into the National Park Renewal Fund.''.
(l) Fee Authority.--Section 4 of the Land and Water Conservation
Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-6a) is amended by adding the following
new subsection at the end thereof:
``(p) Admission or Recreation Use Fees.--No admission or recreation
use fee of any kind shall be charged or imposed for entrance into, or
use of, any federally owned area operated and maintained by a Federal
agency and used for outdoor recreation purposes, except as provided for
by this Act.''.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITION OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, DELAWARE WATER GAP NATIONAL
RECREATION AREA.
(a) In General.--Effective at noon on September 30, 2005, the use
of Highway 209 within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
by commercial vehicles, when such use is not connected with the
operation of the recreation area, is prohibited, except as provided in
section (b).
(b) Local Business Use Protected.--Subsection (a) does not apply
with respect to the use of commercial vehicles to serve businesses
located within or in the vicinity of the recreation area, as determined
by the Secretary.
(c) Conforming Provisions.--(1) Paragraphs (1) through (3) of the
third undesignated paragraph under the heading ``administrative
provisions'' in chapter VII of title I of Public Law 98-63 (97 Stat.
329), are repealed, effective September 30, 2005.
(2) Prior to noon on September 30, 2005, the Secretary shall
collect and utilize a commercial use fee from commercial vehicles in
accordance with paragraphs (1) through (3) of such third undesignated
paragraph. Such fee shall not exceed $25 per trip.
SEC. 4. CHALLENGE COST-SHARE AGREEMENTS.
(a) Agreements.--The Secretary of the Interior is authorized to
negotiate and enter into challenge cost-share agreements with
cooperators. For purposes of this section, the term--
(1) ``challenge cost-share agreement'' means any agreement
entered into between the Secretary and any cooperator for the
purpose of sharing costs or services in carrying out authorized
functions and responsibilities of the Secretary with respect to
any unit or program of the National Park System (as defined in
section 2(a) of the Act of August 8, 1953 (16 U.S.C. 1c(a)), any
affiliated area, or designated National Scenic or Historic Trail; and
(2) ``cooperator'' means any State or local government,
public or private agency, organization, institution,
corporation, individual, or other entity.
(b) Use of Federal Funds.--In carrying out challenge cost-share
agreements, the Secretary is authorized to provide the Federal funding
share from any funds available to the National Park Service.
SEC. 5. DONATIONS.
(a) Requests for Donations.--In addition to the Secretary's other
authorities to accept the donation of lands, buildings, other property,
services, and moneys for the purposes of the National Park System, the
Secretary is authorized to solicit donations of money, property, and
services from individuals, corporations, foundations and other
potential donors who the Secretary believes would wish to make such
donations as an expression of support for the national parks. Such
donations may be accepted and used for any authorized purpose or
program of the National Park Service, and donations of money shall
remain available for expenditure without fiscal year limitation. Any
employees of the Department to whom this authority is delegated shall
be set forth in the written guidelines issued by the Secretary pursuant
to paragraph (d).
(b) Employee Participation.--Employees of the National Park Service
may solicit donations only if the request is incidental to or in
support of, and does not interfere with their primary duty of
protecting and administering the parks or administering authorized
programs, and only for the purpose of providing a level of resource
protection, visitor facilities, or services for health and safety
projects, recurring maintenance activities, or for other routine
activities normally funded through annual agency appropriations. Such
requests must be in accordance with the guidelines issued pursuant to
subparagraph (d).
(c) Prohibitions.--(1) A donation may not be accepted in exchange
for a commitment to the donor on the part of the National Park Service
or which attaches conditions inconsistent with applicable laws and
regulations or that is conditioned upon or will require the expenditure
of appropriated funds that are not available to the Department, or
which compromises a criminal or civil position of the United States or
any of its departments or agencies or the administrative authority of
any agency of the United States.
(2) In utilizing the authorities contained in this section
employees of the National Park Service shall not directly conduct or
execute major fundraising campaigns, but may cooperate with others whom
the Secretary may designate to conduct such campaigns on behalf of the
National Park Service.
(d) Guidance.--(1) The Secretary shall issue written guidelines
setting forth those positions to which he has delegated his authority
under paragraph (a) and the categories of employees of the National
Park Service that are authorized to request donations pursuant to
paragraph (b). Such guidelines shall also set forth any limitations on
the types of donations that will be requested or accepted as well as
the sources of those donations.
(2) The Secretary shall publish guidelines which set forth the
criteria to be used in determining whether the solicitation or
acceptance of contributions of lands, buildings, other property,
services, moneys, and other gifts or donations authorized by this
section would reflect unfavorably upon the ability of the Department of
the Interior or any employee to carry out its responsibilities or
official duties in a fair and objective manner, or would compromise the
integrity or the appearance of the integrity of its programs or any
official involved in those programs. The Secretary shall also issue
written guidance on the extent of the cooperation that may be provided
by National Park Service employees in any major fundraising campaign
which the Secretary has designated others to conduct pursuant to
paragraph (c)(2).
SEC. 6. COST RECOVERY FOR DAMAGE TO NATIONAL PARK RESOURCES.
Public Law 101-337 is amended as follows:
(1) In section 1 (16 U.S.C. 19jj), by amending subsection
(d) to read as follows:
``(d) `Park system resource' means any living or non-living
resource that is located within the boundaries of a unit of the
National Park System, except for resources owned by a non-Federal
entity.''.
(2) In section 1 (16 U.S.C. 19jj) by adding at the end
thereof the following:
``(g) `Marine or aquatic park system resource' means any living or
nonliving part of a marine or aquatic regimen within or is a living
part of a marine or aquatic regimen within the boundaries of a unit of
the National Park System, except for resources owned by a non-Federal
entity.''.
(3) In section 2(b) (16 U.S.C. 19jj-1(b)), by striking
``any park'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``any marine or
aquatic park''. | Park Renewal Fund Act - Amends the Land and Water Conservation Act to authorize the sale of annual admission permits to National Park visitors for a fee. Designates the annual park permit the Golden Eagle Passport. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to determine the fees and conditions for issuing permits.
Authorizes the administering Secretary to charge reasonable admission fees for a single visit for those visitors who choose not to purchase an annual permit.
Deletes the provision prohibiting an admission fee at an urban park location which provides significant outdoor recreation opportunities and which has multiple points of access.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to establish procedures for discounted admission fees for U.S. citizens over the age of 62. Provides that the discount shall be nontransferable and given regardless of the method of travel.
Requires the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to develop procedures to grant persons who have been medically determined to be permanently disabled with a lifetime admission permit to National Parks. Allows one accompanying individual to enter the park with the permittee.
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to submit to the Congress within six months of the Act's enactment a report on the entrance fees to be charged at National Parks.
Allows admission fees to be charged at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Independence National Historic Park, any unit of the National Park System within the District of Columbia, Arlington House, San Juan National Historic Site, and Canaveral National Seashore. Deletes the provision requiring the Director of each park unit to designate one day during periods of high visitation as a "Fee-Free Day."
Allows any National Park permit holder to use specialized recreation facilities at a rate of 50 percent of the established use fee. Requires fees to be comparable to those charged by other public and private entities.
Permits persons violating National Park rules or regulations to be fined any amount as provided by law. Authorizes the National Park Service to charge a fee for fishing in areas where State fishing licenses are not required.
Authorizes the Secretaries of Agriculture and of the Interior to withhold money from the special account which equals the amount of money spent on fee collection costs for the immediately preceding fiscal year.
Directs that the additional revenue generated by the fees shall be used to cover infrastructure needs at the parks. Directs the Secretary to develop procedures for the use of the fund to ensure accountability and demonstrated results. Deletes the provision allowing the head of the fee collecting agency to enter into an agreement with public or private entities to sell annual admission permits.
Allows individual units of the National Park System to retain money earned from transporting persons visiting the park. Directs the park to use the money for costs associated with the transportation systems at the unit.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a flat fee for commercial tour vehicles based upon the commercial tour use fee rate and the current admission rates. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish reasonable fees for non-recurring commercial or non-recreational uses of National Park System units that require special arrangements. Requires the fees to cover the costs of services provided. Authorizes the individual park unit to keep the portion of the fee necessary to cover the cost of providing services. Requires that any additional funds be deposited into the National Park Renewal Fund. Prohibits fees for the use of any federally owned land except as provided for in this Act.
(Sec. 3) Prohibits the use of Highway 209 within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by commercial vehicles after noon on September 30, 2005. Exempts commercial vehicles serving businesses within the vicinity of the recreation area.
(Sec. 4) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to enter into challenge cost-share agreements with cooperators.
(Sec. 5) Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to accept, as well as solicit, donations on behalf of the National Park System. Permits employees of the National Park Service to solicit donations in limited circumstances. Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to issue written guidelines regarding the policy of employees soliciting donations.
(Sec. 6) Defines "park system resource" to mean any living or non-living resource located within the boundaries of a unit of the National Park System, except for those owned by a non-Federal entity. Describes "marine or aquatic park system resource" as any living or non-living part of a marine or aquatic regimen within, or within the boundaries of, a unit of the National Park System, except for those resources owned by a non-Federal entity. | Park Renewal Fund Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Defense Counterproliferation Act of
1994''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION.
For purposes of this legislation, weapons of mass destruction are
considered to include chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, their
associated components and production facilities, and their delivery
systems.
SEC. 3. PROGRAM TO COUNTER THE PROLIFERATION OF WEAPONS OF MASS
DESTRUCTION.
(a) Program.--The United States shall establish an integrated
program in the Department of Defense to counter potential threats to
United States interests that arise from the proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction. The program will improve the capabilities of the
United States to identify, monitor, and respond to the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction.
(b) Management.--The Secretary of Defense shall designate the
Deputy Secretary of Defense as the manager for the program referred to
in section (3)(a). The Secretary shall prescribe the duties of the
Deputy Secretary regarding management of such activities and programs.
The duties shall include coordination of counterproliferation
activities across all relevant government agencies.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Funds are authorized to be appropriated for the Department of
Defense for fiscal year 1995 for the program referred to in section
(3)(a) in the amount of $100,000,000. The amount appropriated pursuant
to such authorization of appropriations is authorized to be made
available for correcting aspects of such activities and programs that
are characterized as shortfalls in the report of the Deputy Secretary
of Defense entitled ``Report on Nonproliferation and
Counterproliferation Activities and Programs'', dated May 1994.
SEC. 5. JOINT COMMITTEE FOR REVIEW OF COUNTERPROLIFERATION PROGRAMS OF
THE UNITED STATES.
(a) Establishment.--(1) There is hereby established a
Counterproliferation Program Review Committee composed of the following
members:
(A) The Secretary of Defense.
(B) The Secretary of State.
(C) The Secretary of Energy.
(D) The Director of Central Intelligence.
(E) The Director of the United States Arms Control and
Disarmament Agency.
(F) The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
(2) The Secretary of Defense shall chair the committee.
(3) A member of the committee may designate a representative to
perform routinely the duties of the member. A representative shall be
in a position of Deputy Assistant Secretary or a position equivalent to
or above the level of Deputy Assistant Secretary. A representative of
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall be a person in a grade
equivalent to that of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense.
(4) The Secretary of Defense may delegate to the Deputy Secretary
of Defense the performance of the duties of the Chairman of the
committee.
(5) The members of the committee shall first meet not later than 30
days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Upon designation of
working level officials and representatives, the members of the
committee shall jointly notify the appropriate committees of Congress
that the committee has been constituted. The notification shall
identify the representatives designated pursuant to paragraph (3) and
the working level officials of the committee.
(b) Purposes of the Committee.--The purposes of the committee are--
(1) to optimize funding for, and ensure the development and
deployment of highly effective technologies and capabilities
for the counterproliferation of weapons of mass destruction;
and
(2) to identify and eliminate undesirable redundancies or
uncoordinated efforts in the development and deployment of such
technologies and capabilities.
(c) Duties.--The committee shall--
(1) identify and review existing and proposed capabilities
and technologies for support of United States
counterproliferation policy with regard to--
(A) intelligence;
(B) battlefield surveillance;
(C) passive defenses;
(D) active defenses; and
(E) counterforce capabilities;
(2) as part of the review pursuant to paragraph (1),
identify deficiencies in existing capabilities and
technologies;
(3) formulate near-term, mid-term, and long-term
programmatic options for meeting requirements established by
the committee and eliminating deficiencies identified by the
committee; and
(4) in carrying out the other duties of the committee,
ensure that all types of counterproliferation actions are
considered.
(d) Access to Information.--The committee shall have access to
information on all programs, projects, and activities of the Department
of Defense, the Department of State, the Department of Energy, the
intelligence community, and the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency
that are pertinent to the purposes and duties of the committee.
(e) Budget Recommendations.--The committee may submit to the
officials referred to in subsection (a) any recommendation regarding
existing or planned budgets as the committee considers appropriate to
encourage funding for capabilities and technologies at the level
necessary to support United States counterproliferation policy. | Defense Counterproliferation Act of 1994 - Directs the United States to establish an integrated program in the Department of Defense (DOD) to counter potential threats to U.S. interests that arise from the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons, as well as their associated components, facilities, and delivery systems). Directs the Secretary of Defense to designate the Deputy Secretary of Defense as program manager. Authorizes funds from DOD's FY 1995 appropriations for the program.
Establishes a Counterproliferation Program Review Committee to: (1) optimize funding for, and ensure the development and deployment of, highly effective technologies and capabilities for the counterproliferation of such weapons; and (2) identify and eliminate undesirable redundancies or uncoordinated efforts in the development and deployment of such technologies and capabilities. Provides for Committee access to all appropriate information. | Defense Counterproliferation Act of 1994 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Smartphone Theft Prevention Act of
2015''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) mobile device theft costs consumers billions of dollars
each year, according to the Federal Communications Commission;
(2) 1 in 3 robberies include the theft of a mobile device;
(3) carriers, manufacturers, law enforcement, the Federal
Communications Commission, and State governments have worked to
address the growing trend of mobile device theft, but more
remains to be done;
(4) consumers deserve to have the most secure technology
available to protect them and their information;
(5) technological protections continue to develop, evolve,
and improve in ways that are good for the economy and the
consumers of the United States, and for public safety in the
United States;
(6) the wireless industry should work with law enforcement
to educate consumers about the security tools that are
available to them and how to keep their data, their devices,
and themselves safe;
(7) because engineering and security needs change rapidly,
the mobile device industry, law enforcement, and consumer
advocates are best suited to proactively develop solutions to
protect consumers, drive innovation, and deter theft; and
(8) major cities such as San Francisco, New York, and
London have seen recent decreases in smartphone theft since
carriers and manufacturers began rolling out sophisticated new
technological functions to protect consumers from theft.
SEC. 3. FUNCTION FOR STOLEN SMARTPHONES.
(a) In General.--Part I of title III of the Communications Act of
1934 (47 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 343. FUNCTION FOR STOLEN SMARTPHONES.
``(a) Definitions.--
``(1) In general.--In this section--
``(A) the term `account holder', with respect to a
smartphone--
``(i) means the person who holds the
account through which commercial mobile service
or commercial mobile data service is provided
on the smartphone; and
``(ii) includes a person authorized by the
person described in clause (i) to take actions
with respect to the smartphone;
``(B) the term `commercial mobile data service' has
the meaning given the term in section 6001 of the
Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012
(47 U.S.C. 1401);
``(C) the term `commercial mobile service' has the
meaning given the term in section 332; and
``(D) the term `smartphone' means a cellular radio
telephone or other mobile voice communications handset
device--
``(i) on which commercial mobile service or
commercial mobile data service is provided; and
``(ii) that--
``(I) utilizes a mobile operating
system;
``(II) possesses advanced data
capabilities, including software
applications, Internet access, digital
voice services, email, and text
messaging;
``(III) has wireless network
connectivity; and
``(IV) is capable of operating on a
long-term evolution network.
``(2) FCC authority to modify definition of `smartphone'.--
The Commission may modify the definition of the term
`smartphone' under paragraph (1) if the Commission determines
that circumstances require such a modification.
``(b) Requirements.--
``(1) Function.--
``(A) In general.--A provider of commercial mobile
service or commercial mobile data service on a
smartphone, in coordination with the manufacturer of,
and the provider of the operating system for, the
smartphone, shall--
``(i) make available on the smartphone a
function described in subparagraph (B); and
``(ii) ensure that--
``(I) during the initial device
setup process, the smartphone prompts
the account holder to enable the
function described in subparagraph (B);
and
``(II) only the account holder is
able to opt out of enabling the
function described in subparagraph (B).
``(B) Function details.--A function described in
this subparagraph, with respect to a smartphone, is a
function that--
``(i) may only be used by the account
holder; and
``(ii) includes the capability to
remotely--
``(I) delete or render inaccessible
from the smartphone all information
relating to the account holder that has
been placed on the smartphone;
``(II) render the smartphone
inoperable on the network of any
provider of commercial mobile service
or commercial mobile data service
globally;
``(III) prevent the smartphone from
being reactivated or reprogrammed
without a passcode or similar
authorization after the smartphone has
been--
``(aa) rendered inoperable
as described in subclause (II);
or
``(bb) subject to an
unauthorized factory reset; and
``(IV) restore personal information
from the smartphone onto a compatible
or interoperable device.
``(2) Device standards.--A person may not manufacture in
the United States, or import into the United States for sale or
resale to the public, a smartphone unless the smartphone is
configured in such a manner that the provider of commercial
mobile service or commercial mobile data service on the
smartphone is able to comply with the requirements under
paragraph (1).
``(3) Exemptions for functionally equivalent technology.--
``(A) Mobile service providers.--The Commission may
exempt a provider of commercial mobile service or
commercial mobile data service on a smartphone, and the
manufacturer of, and provider of the operating system
for, the smartphone, from the requirement under
paragraph (1) with respect to that smartphone if the
service provider, in coordination with the manufacturer
and operating system provider, makes available on the
smartphone technology that accomplishes the functional
equivalent of the function, initial prompt, and ability
to opt out required under paragraph (1)(A).
``(B) Manufacturers and importers.--The Commission
may exempt a person from the requirement under
paragraph (2)(A), with respect to a smartphone that the
person manufactures in the United States or imports
into the United States for sale or resale to the
public, if the smartphone is configured in such a
manner that the provider of commercial mobile service
or commercial mobile data service on the smartphone may
make available on the smartphone technology that
accomplishes the functional equivalent of the function,
initial prompt, and ability to opt out required under
paragraph (1)(A).
``(c) No Fee.--A provider of commercial mobile service or
commercial mobile data service on a smartphone may not charge the
account holder any fee for making the function, initial prompt, and
ability to opt out required under subsection (b)(1)(A), or any
equivalent technology described in subsection (b)(3)(A), available to
the account holder.
``(d) Forfeiture Penalty.--
``(1) In general.--Any person that is determined by the
Commission, in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of
section 503(b), to have violated subsection (b) or (c) of this
section, including a manufacturer or operating system provider
that violates the requirement to coordinate with a service
provider under subsection (b)(1)(A), shall be liable to the
United States for a forfeiture penalty, in an amount to be
determined by the Commission.
``(2) Other penalties.--A forfeiture penalty under this
subsection shall be in addition to any other penalty provided
for in this Act.
``(e) Common National Framework.--The Commission shall establish a
common national framework for smartphone anti-theft measures that takes
into consideration the interest of all stakeholders for the purpose of
promoting national uniformity of the function, initial prompt, and
ability to opt out required under subsection (b)(1)(A), or functionally
equivalent technology described in subsection (b)(3)(A), to protect
consumers from the theft of smartphones.
``(f) Tablets.--
``(1) Commission determination.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of the Smartphone Theft Prevention
Act of 2015, the Commission shall determine whether this
section should apply with respect to tablets on which
commercial mobile service or commercial mobile data service is
provided.
``(2) Regulations.--If the Commission determines that this
section should apply with respect to tablets described in
paragraph (1), the Commission shall promulgate regulations to
implement that determination.
``(g) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to prohibit a manufacturer of smartphones, or a provider of
commercial mobile service or commercial mobile data service, from
taking actions not described in this section to protect consumers from
the theft of smartphones.
``(h) Relationship to State Law.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to preempt any provision of State law that provides
protections to users of smartphones (or tablets, if applicable) that
are at least as strong as the protections provided under this
section.''.
(b) Applicability of Function Requirement.--
(1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term
``smartphone'' has the meaning given the term in section 343 of
the Communications Act of 1934, as added by subsection (a).
(2) Applicability.--Except as provided in paragraph (3),
section 343 of the Communications Act of 1934, as added by
subsection (a), shall apply with respect to any smartphone
that, on or after January 1, 2016, is--
(A) manufactured in the United States; or
(B) imported into the United States for sale to the
public.
(3) Compliance extensions.--The Federal Communications
Commission may exempt a person that is subject to any
requirement under section 343(b) of the Communications Act of
1934, as added by subsection (a), from that requirement for a
temporary period after the date described in paragraph (2) of
this subsection, upon a showing by the person that the person
requires more time to be able to comply with the requirement. | Smartphone Theft Prevention Act of 2015 Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require commercial mobile service providers to make available on smartphones, in coordination with smartphone manufacturers and operating system providers, a function that an account holder may use remotely to: (1) delete or render inaccessible all information on the smartphone relating to the account holder, (2) render the smartphone inoperable on the global networks of such service providers, (3) prevent reactivation or reprogramming without a passcode or similar authorization after the smartphone has been rendered inoperable or has been subject to an unauthorized factory reset, and (4) restore personal information from the smartphone onto a compatible or interoperable device. Requires service providers to ensure that smartphones: (1) prompt the account holder to enable such functions during the initial setup process, and (2) allow only the account holder to opt out. Prohibits a smartphone from being manufactured in the United States or imported into the United States for sale or resale to the public, unless the smartphone is configured in such a manner that a service provider may comply with such functionality requirements. Prohibits service providers from charging a fee for making available such functions, the initial prompt, and the ability to opt out. Directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a common national framework for smartphone anti-theft measures to protect consumers. Requires the FCC to determine whether this Act should apply to tablets with commercial mobile services. | Smartphone Theft Prevention Act of 2015 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Computer Science for All Act of
2016''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that:
(1) Computer science is transforming industry, creating new
fields of commerce, driving innovation, and bolstering
productivity.
(2) There are more than 550,000 technology jobs unfilled in
the United States as of May of 2016. It is projected that there
will be 1,400,000 new jobs in the technology sector by 2020;
however, 70 percent of those jobs will be unfulfilled at the
rate American universities are producing qualified graduates.
(3) Knowledge of computer science and use of technology is
increasingly essential for all individuals, not just those
working or planning to work in the technology sector.
(4) Providing students with computer science education in
elementary school and secondary school is critical for student
success, and strengthening the workforce of a 21st century
economy.
(5) While an estimated 90 percent of parents want computer
science taught in their children's schools, just 25 percent of
all elementary schools and secondary schools offer high-quality
computer science instruction that includes programming and
coding.
(6) African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and
Pacific Islanders are disproportionately underrepresented in
the technology sector. For example, African-Americans and
Latinos make up 27 percent of the United States workforce, but
make up only 13.8 percent of the science and engineering
workforce, and only 11 percent of computer science
professionals.
(7) While underrepresented minority students overall face
an opportunity gap in STEAM education, women of color
particularly face an achievement gap in science and engineering
education. In 2012, while women received 48.8 percent of all
bachelor's degrees in science and engineering majors, women of
color received only 15.7 percent (Black: 5.3 percent; Latino:
5.5 percent; Native American or Alaska Native: 0.3 percent, and
Asian or Pacific Islander: 4.6 percent).
(8) Women overall face challenges in accessing computer
science education. Only 18 percent of all bachelor's degrees
awarded in computer science in 2012 went to women, and women of
color received only 6.6 percent (Black: 3.0 percent; Latino:
1.7 percent; Native American or Alaska Native: 0.1 percent, and
Asian or Pacific Islander: 1.8 percent).
(9) Disparities in enrollment and academic achievement
start early. In 2015, only 22 percent of students taking the AP
Computer Science exam were women, and just 13 percent were
African-American or Latino.
(10) Nationwide, only 184 Native American students took the
AP Computer Science exam in 2015. This means that while Native
Americans make up about 1.1 percent of the U.S. student
population, they made up less than half a percent of students
who took AP Computer Science exams in 2015.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Computational thinking.--The term ``computational
thinking'' aims to capture the wide range of creative processes
that go into formulating problems and their solutions in such a
way that the solutions can be carried out by a computer, and
may involve some understanding of software and hardware design,
logic and the use of abstraction and representation, algorithm
design, algorithm expression, problem decomposition,
modularity, programming paradigms and languages, issues of
information security and privacy, the application of
computation across a wide range of disciplines, and the
societal impact of computing. Programming is a hands-on,
inquiry-based way in which computational thinking may be
learned.
(2) Computer science education.--The term ``computer
science education'' includes any of the following:
computational thinking; software design; hardware architecture
and organization; theoretical foundations; use of abstraction
and representation in problem solving; logic; algorithm design
and implementation; the limits of computation; programming
paradigms and languages; parallel and distributed computing;
information security and privacy; computing systems and
networks; graphics and visualization; databases and information
retrieval; the relationship between computing and mathematics;
artificial intelligence; applications of computing across a
broad range of disciplines and problems; and the social impacts
and professional practices of computing.
(3) Eligible tribal school.--The term ``eligible Tribal
school'' means--
(A) a school operated by the Bureau of Indian
Education;
(B) a school operated pursuant to the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
450 et seq.); or
(C) a tribally controlled school (as defined in
section 5212 of the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of
1988 (25 U.S.C. 2511)).
(4) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1002).
(5) Local educational agency.--The term ``local educational
agency'' has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
8101).
(6) Poverty line.--The term ``poverty line'' has the
meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8101).
(7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
(8) Steam.--The term ``STEAM'' means the subjects of
science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics,
including computer science.
SEC. 4. GRANTS TO STATES, LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES, AND ELIGIBLE
TRIBAL SCHOOLS.
(a) Grants to States, Local Educational Agencies, and Eligible
Tribal Schools.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to
States, local educational agencies, and eligible Tribal
schools--
(A) that demonstrate an ability to carry out an
ambitious computer science education expansion effort
for all students served by the State, agency, or
school, including traditionally underrepresented
students; and
(B) to serve as models for national replication of
computer science education expansion efforts.
(2) Consortia and partnerships.--A State, local educational
agency, or eligible Tribal school may apply for a grant under
this section as part of a consortium or in partnership with a
State educational agency or other partner.
(3) Duration.--Grants awarded under this section shall be
for a period of not more than 5 years.
(b) Application Requirements.--A State, local educational agency,
or eligible Tribal school that desires a grant under this section shall
submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner,
and containing such information as the Secretary may require,
including, at a minimum, plans for the following:
(1) Every high school student served by the State, local
educational agency, or eligible Tribal school to have access to
computer science education not later than 5 years after receipt
of grant funds.
(2) All students served by the State, local educational
agency, or eligible Tribal school to have access to a
progression of computer science education from prekindergarten
through middle school that prepares students for high school
computer science education.
(3) Expansion of overall access to rigorous STEAM classes,
utilizing computer science as a catalyst for increased interest
in STEAM more broadly, and reducing the enrollment and academic
achievement gap for underrepresented groups such as minorities,
girls, and youth from families living at, or below, the poverty
line.
(4) Continuous monitoring and evaluation of project
activities.
(5) Effectively sustaining project activities after the
grant period ends, and the length of time which the applicant
plans to sustain the project activities.
(c) Use of Grant Funds.--
(1) Required activities.--A State, local educational
agency, or eligible Tribal school that receives a grant under
this section shall use the grant funds for the following
activities:
(A) Training teachers to teach computer science.
(B) Expanding access to high-quality learning
materials and online learning options.
(C) Creating plans for expanding overall access to
rigorous STEAM classes, utilizing computer science as a
catalyst for increased interest in STEAM more broadly,
and reducing course equity gaps for all students,
including underrepresented groups such as minorities,
girls, and youth from low-income families.
(D) Ensuring additional support and resources,
which may include mentoring for students traditionally
underrepresented in STEAM fields.
(2) Permissible activities.--A State, local educational
agency, or eligible Tribal school that receives a grant under
this section may use the grant funds for the following
activities:
(A) Building effective regional collaborations with
industry, nonprofit organizations, 2-year and 4-year
degree granting institutions of higher education
(including community colleges, Historically Black
Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving
institutions, Asian American and Native American
Pacific Islander-serving institutions, American Indian
Tribally controlled colleges and universities, Alaska
Native and Native Hawaiian-serving institutions,
Predominantly Black Institutions, Native American-
serving, Nontribal institutions, and other minority-
serving institutions), and out-of-school providers.
(B) Recruiting and hiring instructional personnel
as needed, including curriculum specialists.
(C) Preparations for effectively sustaining project
activities after the grant period ends.
(D) Disseminating information about effective
practices.
(3) Limitation.--Not more than 15 percent of a grant may be
used to purchase equipment.
(d) National Activities.--The Secretary may reserve not more than
2.5 percent of funds available for grants under this section for
national activities, including technical assistance, evaluation, and
dissemination.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $250,000,000.
SEC. 5. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Grantee Reports.--Each State, local educational agency, and
eligible Tribal school that receives a grant under this Act shall
submit to the Secretary a report, not less than twice a year during the
grant period, on the use of grant funds that shall include data on the
numbers of students served through activities funded under this Act,
disaggregated by race (for Asian and Native Hawaiian or Pacific
Islander students using the same race response categories as the
decennial census of the population), ethnicity, gender, and eligibility
to receive a free or reduced price lunch under the Richard B. Russell
National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.).
(b) Report by the Secretary.--Not later than 5 years after the
first grant is awarded under this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report based on the analysis of reports received under
subsection (a) with a recommendation on how to expand the program under
this Act. | Computer Science for All Act of 2016 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 application shall include specified plans that demonstrate the applicant's ability to carry out an ambitious expansion effort for all students, including traditionally underrepresented students. 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 semi-annually, a grantee must report to ED on specified data related to the number of students served through program activities. | Computer Science for All Act of 2016 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Forest Service Cost Reduction and
Efficiency Demonstration Act of 1997''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Budgetary reductions and project delays caused by
litigation have reduced certain levels of accomplishments and
resource outputs by the Forest Service in recent years, with
the result that many targets and goals of land and resource
management plans that were developed with years of public and
scientific input are not being met.
(2) Certain staffing levels of the Forest Service have been
reduced in recent years, but not to the extent that related
accomplishments and resource outputs have been reduced.
(3) Per unit costs and overhead of the Forest Service are
rising substantially.
(4) Staffing reductions and retirements have cost the
Forest Service substantial expertise in certain technical and
scientific disciplines.
(5) Technical and scientific expertise relevant to Forest
Service needs is available in the private sector.
(6) Contractor performance of certain tasks would be less
costly than performing those tasks using Forest Service
personnel, would free agency personnel to devote their time to
necessary tasks now being left undone, and would provide the
Forest Service with the ability to maintain an on-demand
skilled workforce to meet changing demands on public lands.
SEC. 3. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to implement Government reform, reduce
costs, and increase efficiency in the Forest Service, which has been
designated as a reinvention laboratory by the Vice President, and to
demonstrate that contractor performance of certain Forest Service tasks
can lower the cost, improve the efficiency, and increase the
accomplishment of tasks necessary to achieve the targets, goals, and
desired forest conditions established by final land and resource
management plans developed as required by section 6 of the Forest and
Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1604).
SEC. 4. CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE OF CERTAIN FOREST SERVICE TASKS.
(a) Establishment of National Forest System Efficiency Fund.--There
is established in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture a fund to
be known as the ``National Forest System Efficiency Fund'', which shall
be available to the Secretary as provided in this section. The Fund
shall consist of one percent of the amount appropriated for the
National Forest System account of the Forest Service budget for each of
the next three fiscal years beginning after the date of the enactment
of this Act. No other funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this section.
(b) Duration of Fund.--Amounts in the Fund are available for
obligation during the three fiscal years referred to in subsection (a)
and are available for expenditure until all obligations incurred under
this section are paid.
(c) Use of Fund for Contractor Performance.--Amounts in the Fund
are available for obligation by units of the National Forest System to
pay for the contractor performance of tasks related to the planning and
implementation of programs and projects in the National Forest System.
The total amount expended shall be distributed among the various
resource fields in approximately the same proportions as the total
National Forest System budget is distributed to the resource fields in
appropriation Acts.
(d) Application and Approval Process.--The Secretary of Agriculture
shall provide for an efficient and timely system of application for,
and approval of, the use of amounts in the Fund for the purpose
specified in subsection (c). The Secretary may designate particular
units of the National Forest System as special demonstration units for
purposes of this section.
(e) Exemption From Contracting Requirements for Small Contracts.--
In the case of a contract under $50,000 to be entered into under this
section using amounts in the Fund, the preparation, solicitation, and
award of the contract shall be exempt from--
(1) the requirements of the Competition in Contracting Act
(41 U.S.C. 253 et seq.) and the implementing regulations in the
Federal Acquisition Regulation issued pursuant to section 25(c)
of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C.
421(c)) and any departmental acquisition regulations; and
(2) the notice and publication requirements in section 18
of such Act (41 U.S.C. 416) and section 8(e) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(e)) and the implementing
regulations in the Federal Acquisition Regulations and any
departmental acquisition regulations.
(f) Administrative Expenses.--A unit of the National Forest System
entering into a contract under this section shall be permitted to
receive from the Fund for credit to the unit's account for unit
administration and overhead directly related to the contract an amount
equal to not more than 20 percent of the contract price.
(g) Use of Fund by Regional and National Offices.--Not more than
five percent annually of amounts in the Fund may be used in connection
with contracts entered into by regional offices of the Forest Service.
None of the amounts in the Fund may be used in connection with
contracts entered into by the national office of the Forest Service.
(h) Retention of Decisionmaking Following Public Input.--Tasks
related to planning and implementation of programs and projects
requiring public input prior to decisionmaking may be contracted out in
accordance with this section, except that the Secretary of Agriculture
shall ensure that final consideration of public input and
decisionmaking following that consideration is made by an appropriate
officer of the Forest Service.
(i) Reports to Congress.--Not later than six months after the end
of each fiscal year during which amounts are expended from the Fund,
the Secretary of Agriculture shall submit to Congress a report on the
tasks undertaken during the preceding fiscal year pursuant to contracts
entered into under this section. The report shall include information
on costs saved as a result of using private contractors and the
additional accomplishments of Forest Service employees during the time
saved by using private contractors and recommendations for further
expansion of the authority provided by this section.
(j) Other Contracting Authorities.--This section shall not be
construed as in any way eliminating, restricting, or replacing any
other authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to contract out any
tasks of the Forest Service. The Secretary shall continue to make use
of other available contracting authority, including the use of
expedited fire contracting procedures. | Forest Service Cost Reduction and Efficiency Demonstration Act of 1997 - Establishes in the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture the National Forest System Efficiency Fund which shall be used to pay for Forest System contractor performance work. Authorizes the Secretary to designate particular Forest System demonstration units.
Exempts certain small contracts from specified contracting requirements.
Authorizes a specified percentage of annual appropriations for use by regional Forest Service offices. | Forest Service Cost Reduction and Efficiency Demonstration Act of 1997 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``First Flight Commemorative Coin
Act''.
SEC. 2. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) Denominations.--The Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in
this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue the
following coins:
(1) $10 gold coins.--Not more than 100,000 $10 coins, each
of which shall--
(A) weigh 16.718 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 1.06 inches; and
(C) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy.
(2) $1 silver coins.--Not more than 500,000 $1 coins, each
of which shall--
(A) weigh 26.73 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and
(C) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent
copper.
(3) Half dollar clad coins.--Not more than 750,000 half
dollar coins each of which shall--
(A) weigh 11.34 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and
(C) be minted to the specifications for half dollar
coins contained in section 5112(b) of title 31, United
States Code.
(b) Reduced Amounts.--If the Secretary determines that there is
clear evidence of insufficient public demand for coins minted under
this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury may reduce the maximum amounts
specified in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (a).
(c) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal
tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.
SEC. 3. SOURCE OF BULLION.
The Secretary shall obtain gold and silver for minting coins under
this Act pursuant to the authority of the Secretary under other
provisions of law, including authority relating to the use of silver
stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical Materials
Stockpiling Act, as applicable.
SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) Design Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this
Act shall be emblematic of the first flight of Orville and
Wilbur Wright in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17,
1903.
(2) Designation and inscriptions.--On each coin minted
under this Act there shall be--
(A) a designation of the value of the coin;
(B) an inscription of the year ``2003''; and
(C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God
We Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E
Pluribus Unum''.
(b) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this Act
shall be--
(1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the
Board of Directors of the First Flight Foundation and the
Commission of Fine Arts; and
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory
Committee.
SEC. 5. PERIOD FOR ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
Secretary may issue coins minted under this Act only during the period
beginning on August 1, 2003, and ending on July 31, 2004.
(b) Exception.--If the Secretary determines that there is
sufficient public demand for the coins minted under section 2(a)(3),
the Secretary may extend the period of issuance under subsection (a)
for a period of 5 years with respect to those coins.
SEC. 6. SALE OF COIN.
(a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under the Act shall be sold by
the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of--
(1) the face value of the coins;
(2) the surcharge provided in subsection (d) with respect
to such coins; and
(3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including
labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses,
marketing, and shipping).
(b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins
issued under this Act at a reasonable discount.
(c) Prepaid Orders.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders
for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of such
coins.
(2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders
under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount.
(d) Surcharge.--All sales shall include a surcharge of--
(1) $35 per coin for the $10 coin;
(2) $10 per coin for the $1 coin; and
(3) $1 per coin for the half dollar coin.
(c) Marketing Expenses.--The Secretary shall ensure that--
(1) a plan is established for marketing the coins minted
under this Act; and
(2) adequate funds are made available to cover the costs of
carrying out that marketing plan.
SEC. 7. GENERAL WAIVER OF PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), no provision
of law governing procurement or public contracts shall be applicable to
the procurement of goods and services necessary for carrying out the
provisions of this Act.
(b) Equal Employment Opportunity.--Subsection (a) shall not relieve
any person entering into a contract under the authority of this Act
from complying with any law relating to equal employment opportunity.
SEC. 8. DISTRIBUTION OF SURCHARGES.
(a) In General.--All surcharges received by the Secretary from the
sale of coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the
Secretary to the First Flight Foundation for the purposes of--
(1) repairing, refurbishing, and maintaining the Wright
Brothers Monument on the Outer Banks of North Carolina; and
(2) expanding (or, if necessary, replacing) and maintaining
the visitor center and other facilities at the Wright Brothers
National Memorial Park on the Outer Banks of North Carolina,
including providing educational programs and exhibits for
visitors.
(b) Audits.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
have the right to examine such books, records, documents, and other
data of the First Flight Foundation as may be related to the
expenditures of amounts paid under subsection (a).
SEC. 9. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES.
The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure
that minting and issuing coins under this Act will not result in any
net cost to the United States Government.
SEC. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE.
None of the provisions of this Act shall take effect until January
1, 1998. | First Flight Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue, between certain dates, up to specified numbers of the following coins emblematic of the first flight of Orville and Wilbur Wright in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903: (1) ten-dollar gold coins; (2) one-dollar silver coins; and (3) half-dollar clad coins.
Requires the Secretary to select the coin design after consultation with the Board of Directors of the First Flight Foundation and the Commission of Fine Arts, subject to review by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee.
Mandates prompt payment of all coin sales surcharges to the First Flight Foundation for the: (1) Wright Brothers Monument; and (2) facilities at the Wright Brothers National Memorial Park. | First Flight Commemorative Coin Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Check Cashing Consumer Protection
Act of 1994''.
SEC. 2. UNIFORM STATE LICENSING AND REGULATION OF CHECK CASHING
SERVICES.
(a) Uniform Laws and Enforcement.--For purposes of protecting the
consumers of check cashing services from fraud and abuse, it is the
sense of the Congress that the several States should--
(1) establish uniform laws for licensing and regulating
businesses which--
(A) provide check cashing services, transmit money,
or issue or redeem money orders, travelers' checks, and
other similar instruments; and
(B) are not depository institutions (as defined in
section 19(b)(1)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act); and
(2) provide sufficient resources to the appropriate State
agency to enforce such laws and regulations prescribed pursuant
to such laws.
(b) Model Statute.--It is the sense of the Congress that the
several States should develop, through the auspices of the National
Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws, the American Law
Institute, or such other forum as the States may determine to be
appropriate, a model statute to carry out the goals described in
subsection (a) which would include the following:
(1) Licensing requirements.--A requirement that any issuer,
redeemer, or cashier of travelers' checks, checks, money
orders, or similar instruments, and any transmitter of money,
other than a depository institution (as defined in section
19(b)(1)(A) of the Federal Reserve Act), be licensed and
regulated by an appropriate State agency in order to engage in
any such activity within the State.
(2) Licensing standards.--A requirement that--
(A) in order for any issuer, redeemer, or cashier
of travelers' checks, checks, money orders, or similar
instruments, and any transmitter of money to be
licensed in the State, the appropriate State agency
shall review and approve--
(i) the business record and the capital
adequacy of the business seeking the license;
and
(ii) the competence, experience, integrity,
and financial ability of any individual who--
(I) is a director, officer, or
supervisory employee of such business;
or
(II) owns or controls such
business;
(B) as a condition for the issuance and continued
validity of the license the business may not impose,
charge, or collect any fee for cashing or redeeming any
travelers' check, check, money order or similar
instrument in excess of the amount which is equal to
the greater of--
(i) an amount equal to 1.5 percent
of the face amount of such check or
money order (not to exceed $8); or
(ii) 50 cents; and
(C) any record, on the part of any business seeking
the license or any person referred to in subparagraph
(A)(ii), of--
(i) any criminal activity;
(ii) any fraud or other act of personal
dishonesty;
(iii) any act, omission, or practice which
constitutes a breach of a fiduciary duty; or
(iv) any suspension or removal, by any
agency or department of the United States or
any State, from participation in the conduct of
any federally or State licensed or regulated
business,
be grounds for the denial of any such license by the
appropriate State agency.
(3) Procedures to ensure compliance with federal cash
transaction reporting requirements.--A civil or criminal
penalty for operating any business referred to in paragraph (1)
without establishing and complying with appropriate procedures
to ensure compliance with subchapter II of chapter 53 of title
31, United States Code (relating to records and reports on
monetary instruments transactions).
(4) Criminal penalties for operation of business without a
license.--A criminal penalty for operating, within the State,
any business referred to in paragraph (1) after the effective
date of the model statute without a license issued by the
State.
(c) Study Required.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall conduct a
study of--
(1) the progress made by the several States in developing
and enacting a model statute which--
(A) meets the requirements of subsection (b); and
(B) furthers the goals of--
(i) preventing money laundering by
businesses which are required to be licensed
under any such statute; and
(ii) protecting the payment system,
including the receipt, payment, collection, and
clearing of checks, from fraud and abuse by
such businesses; and
(2) the adequacy of--
(A) the activity of the several States in enforcing
the requirements of such statute; and
(B) the resources made available to the appropriate
State agencies for such enforcement activity.
(d) Report Required.--Before the end of the 3-year period beginning
on the date of the enactment of this Act and by the end of each 1-year
period beginning after the end of such period, the Secretary of the
Treasury shall submit a report to the Congress containing the findings
and recommendations of the Secretary in connection with the study under
subsection (c), together with such recommendations for legislative and
administrative action as the Secretary may determine to be appropriate,
including any recommendation pursuant to subsection (e).
(e) Recommendations for Incentives or Sanctions in Cases of
Inadequate Regulation and Enforcement by States.--If the Secretary of
the Treasury determines that any State has failed--
(1) to enact a statute which meets the requirements
described in subsection (b);
(2) to undertake adequate activity to enforce such statute;
or
(3) to make adequate resources available to the appropriate
State agency for such enforcement activity,
the report submitted pursuant to subsection (d) shall contain
recommendations for legislation establishing incentives which may be
provided or sanctions which may be imposed to remedy such failure. | Check Cashing Consumer Protection Act of 1994 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that States should: (1) establish uniform laws for licensing and regulating businesses which are not depository institutions and which provide check cashing services, transmit money, or issue or redeem money orders, travelers' checks, and similar instruments; and (2) provide sufficient resources to the appropriate State agency to enforce such laws and regulations. Asks the States to develop a model statute which includes, with respect to such businesses: (1) licensing requirements and standards; (2) procedures to ensure compliance with Federal cash transaction reporting requirements; and (3) criminal penalties for operation of such a business without a license.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to study and report to the Congress on the States' progress in developing and enacting a model statute meeting appropriate requirements and recommendations for appropriate legislative and administrative action, including possible incentives or sanctions for States failing to enact an appropriate model statute or failing to enforce such statute. | Check Cashing Consumer Protection Act of 1994 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Telecommunications Policy
Coordination Act of 1995''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) The term ``Committee'' means the Advisory Committee on
Telecommunications Policy established under section 10.
(2) The term ``Office'' means the Office of
Telecommunications Policy established in section 3.
(3) The term ``Deputy Director'' means the Deputy Director
of the Office appointed under section 5(b).
(4) The term ``Director'' means the Director of the Office
appointed under section 5(a).
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is hereby established in the Executive Office of the
President the Office of Telecommunications Policy.
SEC. 4. FUNCTIONS.
(a) In General.--The Office, acting through the Director, shall--
(1) take such action as may be necessary to provide for the
preparation of national telecommunications policy options;
(2) serve as the principal advisor to the President in
matters relating to telecommunications issues and policies;
(3) act as the arbiter of disputes and differences which
may arise between or among Government agencies in connection
with the development and implementation of national
telecommunications policies;
(4) communicate the views of Government agencies, as well
as the views of the President, with respect to
telecommunications matters to the Federal Communications
Commission, and communicate the views of the President and
Government agencies (other than the Commission) to the
Congress;
(5) monitor the development of new telecommunications
technologies, study the effects of new telecommunications
facilities, services, and systems, and make recommendations to
the President and to the Congress with respect to the
introduction of new technologies into the national economy; and
(6) perform such other functions vested in the President
relating to telecommunications as the President may delegate to
the Office.
(b) Effect on FCC Authority.--The authority of the Office under
this Act shall not affect the authority of the Federal Communications
Commission under the Communications Act of 1934 or the Satellite
Communications Act of 1962.
(c) Presidential Regulations.--The functions of the Office under
subsection (a) (3) and (4), and the corresponding obligations of other
agencies affected thereunder, shall be in accordance with regulations
which the President shall prescribe.
SEC. 5. DIRECTOR AND STAFF; ORGANIZATION OF OFFICE.
(a) Director.--The head of the Office shall be the Director, who
shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent
of the Senate. The Director shall be paid at a rate equal to the rate
of basic pay which is payable from time to time for level II of the
Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Deputy Director.--The Office shall have a Deputy Director, who
shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent
of the Senate. The Deputy Director shall be paid at a rate equal to the
rate of basic pay which is payable from time to time for level IV of
the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States
Code. The Deputy Director shall perform such duties and exercise such
powers as the Director may prescribe. The Deputy Director shall act
for, and exercise the powers of, the Director during any absence or
disability of the Director or during any vacancy in the office of
Director.
(c) Staff.--(1)(A) The Director may appoint not more than two full-
time professional staff members who shall perform such duties as the
Director may direct. The Deputy Director may appoint not more than one
such staff member who shall perform such duties as the Deputy Director
may direct.
(B) The appointments specified in subparagraph (A) may be made
without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code,
governing appointments in the competitive service. Such staff member
may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and
subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code, relating
to classification and General Schedule pay rates. The Director may fix
the compensation of not more than one such staff member at a rate not
in excess of the maximum rate payable from time to time for grade GS-18
of the General Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States
Code. The remaining staff members appointed under subparagraph (A) may
be compensated at a rate fixed by the Director or the Deputy Director,
as the case may be, not in excess of the maximum rate payable from time
to time for grade GS-16 of the General Schedule under section 5332 of
title 5, United States Code.
(2) The Director may appoint and fix the pay of such clerical and
other support personnel as the Director considers desirable. Such
personnel shall be appointed subject to the provisions of title 5,
United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service,
and shall be paid in accordance with the provisions of chapter 51 and
subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification
and General Schedule pay rates.
(d) Organization.--The Director may organize the personnel of the
Office into such bureaus, divisions, or offices as the Director may
consider necessary.
SEC. 6. AUTHORITY AND FUNCTIONS OF DIRECTOR.
(a) In General.--The Director shall exercise all the executive and
administrative functions of the Office.
(b) Additional Authority.--The Director--
(1) may obtain services as authorized in section 3109 of
title 5, United States Code, at rates not to exceed the daily
rate prescribed for GS-18 of the General Schedule under section
5332 of title 5, United States Code, for persons employed
intermittently in Federal Government service;
(2) may delegate to the Deputy Director, or to any other
employee of the Office, any authority of the Director
established in this Act;
(3) shall prescribe such rules as may be necessary to carry
out the provisions of this Act;
(4) shall distribute business among any personnel appointed
under section 5(c)(2), and among any bureaus, divisions, or
offices established under section 5(d);
(5) shall administer the use and expenditure of funds
available to the Office;
(6) shall coordinate and organize the work of the Office in
order to promote prompt and efficient disposition of all
matters within the jurisdiction of the Office; and
(7) shall assure appropriate consumer representation in
connection with the development of policy by the Office.
SEC. 7. ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment.--The Director shall establish an advisory
committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on Telecommunications
Policy.
(b) Membership.--The Committee shall consist of members appointed
by the Director from the general public, including representatives of--
(1) various segments of the telecommunications industry,
(2) labor organizations involved in such industry, and
(3) public interest and consumer organizations.
(c) Functions.--The Committee shall provide advice and
recommendations to the Director on matters referred to it by the
Director and on such other matters relating to the functions of the
Director as it considers appropriate. Consistent with otherwise
applicable law, the Committee may make public any advice or
recommendations it has provided to the Director under this subsection.
SEC. 8. ANNUAL REPORTS; FCC REPORTS.
(a) Duty To Submit.--The Director shall, not later than the 15th
day of February following the end of each fiscal year, commencing with
the first complete fiscal year following the effective date provided
for in section 9, make a report to the President for submission to the
Congress relating to the activities of the Office during the preceding
fiscal year.
(b) Contents.--Each report made by the Director under subsection
(a) shall--
(1) describe actions taken by the Office in connection with
the preparation of national telecommunications policies in
accordance with section 4(1);
(2) identify and analyze emerging trends in
telecommunications; and
(3) include such other information as the Director
considers appropriate.
(c) Commission Response to Office Views.--In any case in which the
Office submits views to the Federal Communications Commission under
section 4(a)(4) and the Commission takes any final action after such
submittal which is inconsistent with such views, the Commission shall,
within twenty days of such final action is taken, submit a report to
the President and to the Congress setting forth the reasons therefor.
SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The provisions of this Act shall take effect ninety days after the
date of the enactment of this Act. | Telecommunications Policy Coordination Act of 1995 - Establishes an Office of Telecommunications Policy (OTP) in the Executive Office of the President. Directs OTP to: (1) prepare national telecommunications policy options; (2) serve as the principal advisor to the President on telecommunications issues; (3) arbitrate telecommunications policy disputes among Federal agencies; (4) communicate the views of the agencies and the President concerning telecommunications policy to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Congress; and (5) monitor developments in telecommunications technology. Requires the Director of OTP to: (1) establish an Advisory Committee on Telecommunications Policy; and (2) report to the President and the Congress annually on OTP activities and on emerging trends in telecommunications.
Requires the FCC to report to the President and the Congress on its reasons for taking any final action which is inconsistent with views received from OTP. | Telecommunications Policy Coordination Act of 1995 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Steel Industry National Historic
Park Act of 2000''.
TITLE I--STEEL INDUSTRY NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
SEC. 101. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) certain sites and structures in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania symbolize in physical form the heritage of the
steel industry of the United States;
(2) a very large proportion of the buildings and other
structures in the Commonwealth are nationally significant
historical resources, including the United States Steel
Homestead Works, the Carrie Furnace complex, and the Hot Metal
Bridge;
(3) despite substantial efforts for cultural preservation
and historical interpretation by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and by individuals and public and private entities
in the region, these buildings and other structures may be lost
without the assistance of the Federal Government.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this title are to provide for the
preservation, development, interpretation, and use of the nationally
significant historical and cultural sites and structures as described
in subsection (a) for the benefit and inspiration of present and future
generations.
SEC. 102. STEEL INDUSTRY NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania the Steel Industry National Historic Park as a unit of the
National Park System.
(b) Description.--The historic park shall be comprised of the
following properties, each of which relate to the former United States
Steel Homestead Works:
(1) The historic location of the Battle of Homestead site
in the borough of Munhall, Pennsylvania, consisting of
approximately 3 acres of land, including the pumphouse and
water tower and related structures, within the property bounded
by the Monongahela River, the CSX railroad, Waterfront Drive,
and the Damascus-Marcegaglia Steel Mill.
(2) The historic location of the Carrie Furnace complex in
the boroughs of Swissvale and Rankin, Pennsylvania, consisting
of approximately 35 acres of land, including blast furnaces 6
and 7, the ore yard, the cast house, the blowing engine house,
the AC power house, and related structures, within the property
bounded by the CSX railroad, the Monongahela River, and a
property line drawn northeast to southwest approximately 100
yards east of the AC power house.
(3) The historic location of the Hot Metal Bridge,
consisting of the Union railroad bridge and its approaches,
spanning the Monongahela River and connecting the mill sites in
the boroughs of Rankin and Munhall, Pennsylvania.
(4) All other property included in the historic park by
Federal law or acquired by the Secretary for inclusion in the
historic park pursuant to section 103 or other Federal law.
SEC. 103. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.
To further the purposes of this title, the Secretary may acquire,
by donation, property for inclusion in the historic park as follows:
(1) Any land or interest in land with respect to the
property identified in paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) of section
102(b).
(2) Up to 10 acres of land adjacent to or in the general
proximity of the property identified in paragraphs (1), (2), or
(3) of section 102(b), for the development of visitor,
administrative, museum, curatorial, and maintenance facilities.
(3) Personal property associated with, and appropriate for,
the interpretation of the historic park.
SEC. 104. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer the historic park
in accordance with this title and the provisions of law generally
applicable to units of the National Park System, including the Act of
August 25, 1916 (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.), and the Act of August 21, 1935
(16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.).
(b) Cooperative Agreements.--
(1) In general.--To further the purposes of this title, the
Secretary may enter into a cooperative agreement with any
interested individual, public or private agency, organization,
or institution.
(2) Contrary purposes.--Any payment made by the Secretary
pursuant to a cooperative agreement under this subsection shall
be subject to an agreement that conversion, use, or disposal of
the project so assisted for purposes contrary to the purpose of
this title, as determined by the Secretary, shall result in a
right of the United States to reimbursement of all funds made
available to such a project or the proportion of the increased
value of the project attributable to such funds as determined
at the time of such conversion, use, or disposal, whichever is
greater.
(c) Technical and Preservation Assistance.--The Secretary may
provide to any person technical assistance for the preservation of
historic structures of, the maintenance of the cultural landscape of,
and local preservation planning for, the historic park.
SEC. 105. GENERAL MANAGEMENT PLAN.
(a) In General.--Not later than the last day of the third fiscal
year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall, in consultation with the officials described in subsection (b),
prepare a general management plan for the historic park.
(b) Officials Consulted.--The officials described in this
subsection are--
(1) an appropriate official of each appropriate political
subdivision of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that has
jurisdiction over all or a portion of the historic park; and
(2) an appropriate official of the Steel Industry Heritage
Corporation.
(c) Submission of Plan to Congress.--Upon the completion of the
general management plan, the Secretary shall submit a copy of the plan
to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the
Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 106. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this title, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Historic park.--The term ``historic park'' means the
Steel Industry National Historic Park established by section
102.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 107. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this title.
TITLE II--EXTENSION OF POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL
SEC. 201. DESIGNATION OF ALLEGHENY TRAIL ALLIANCE TRAILS AS COMPONENTS
OF POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL.
Section 5(a)(11) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C.
1244(a)(11)) is amended by inserting before the last sentence the
following: ``Consistent with the preceding sentence, the Secretary of
the Interior shall designate the approximately 214-mile system of
trails between Cumberland, Maryland, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
known as the Allegheny Trail Alliance Trails, as depicted on the map
entitled `Cumberland and Pittsburgh Trail' and dated July 24, 2000, as
official components of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.''. | Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) enter into a cooperative agreement for Park purposes; and (2) provide technical assistance for the preservation of Park structures, maintenance of the cultural landscape, and local Park preservation planning.
Directs the Secretary to prepare and submit to specified congressional committees a Park general management plan.
Authorizes appropriations.
Title II: Extension of Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
- Amends the National Trails System Act to direct the Secretary to designate the system of trails between Cumberland, Maryland, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, known as the Allegheny Trail Alliance Trails as components of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. | Steel Industry National Historic Park Act of 2000 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of
2018''.
SEC. 2. INCLUSION OF BROADBAND CONDUIT INSTALLATION IN CERTAIN HIGHWAY
CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 3 of title 23, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 331. Inclusion of broadband conduit installation in certain
highway construction projects
``(a) Requirement.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall require States to
evaluate the need for broadband conduit in accordance with this
section as part of any covered highway construction project.
``(2) Consultation.--The evaluation shall be done in
consultation with local and national telecommunications
providers, including telecommunications service and equipment
providers.
``(3) Results of evaluation.--If the evaluation reveals an
anticipated need in the next 15 years for broadband conduit
beneath hard surfaces to be constructed by the project, the
conduit shall be installed under the hard surfaces as part of
the covered highway construction project.
``(b) Installation Requirements.--In carrying out subsection (a),
the Secretary shall ensure with respect to a covered highway
construction project that--
``(1) an appropriate number of broadband conduits, as
determined by the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Communications and Information, are installed along such
highway to accommodate multiple broadband providers, with
consideration given to the availability of existing conduits;
``(2) the size of each such conduit is consistent with
industry best practices and is sufficient to accommodate
potential demand, as determined by the Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Communications and Information; and
``(3) hand holes and manholes for fiber access and pulling
with respect to each such conduit are placed at intervals
consistent with industry best practices, as determined by the
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and
Information.
``(c) Standards.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Assistant
Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, shall
establish standards, consistent with applicable requirements in section
156 of this title, section 1.23, part 645, and part 710 of title 23,
Code of Federal Regulations, and the Approved Utility Accommodation
Manual, to carry out subsection (b) that consider--
``(1) the ability to accommodate broadband installation
without impacting the safety, operations, and maintenance of
the highway facility, its users, or others;
``(2) population density in the area of a covered highway
construction project;
``(3) the type of highway involved in such project; and
``(4) existing broadband access in the area of such
project.
``(d) Pull Tape.--The Secretary shall ensure that each broadband
conduit installed pursuant to this section includes a pull tape and is
capable of supporting fiber optic cable placement techniques consistent
with industry best practices, as determined by the Secretary.
``(e) Depth of Installation.--The Secretary shall ensure that each
broadband conduit installed pursuant to this section is placed at a
depth consistent with industry best practices, as determined by the
Secretary, and that, in determining the depth of placement,
consideration is given to the location of existing utilities and the
cable separation requirements of State and local electrical codes.
``(f) Access.--The Secretary shall ensure that any requesting
broadband provider has access to each broadband conduit installed
pursuant to this section, on a competitively neutral and
nondiscriminatory basis, for a charge not to exceed a cost-based rate.
``(g) Waiver Authority.--The Secretary may waive the application of
this section if the Secretary determines that the waiver is appropriate
with respect to a covered highway construction project based upon--
``(1) a showing of undue burden;
``(2) a determination that the installation of broadband
conduit beneath hard surfaces to be constructed as part of a
covered highway construction project is not necessary based on
the availability of existing broadband infrastructure;
``(3) a cost-benefit analysis; or
``(4) the consideration of other relevant factors.
``(h) Coordination With FCC.--In carrying out this section, the
Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications
and Information shall coordinate with the Federal Communications
Commission, including in making determinations with respect to an
appropriate number of broadband conduits under subsection (b)(1),
potential demand under subsection (b)(2), and existing broadband access
under subsection (c).
``(i) Publication of Conduit Availability.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall
provide information to the Federal Communications Commission and the
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information for
inclusion within the National Broadband Map.
``(j) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Broadband.--The term `broadband' means an Internet
Protocol-based transmission service that enables users to send
and receive voice, video, data, graphics, or a combination
thereof.
``(2) Broadband conduit.--The term `broadband conduit'
means a conduit for fiber optic cables that support broadband
or, where appropriate, wireless facilities for broadband
service.
``(3) Covered highway construction project.--The term
`covered highway construction project' means a project to
construct a new highway or to construct an additional lane or
paved shoulder for an existing highway that is commenced after
the date of enactment of this section and that receives funding
under this title.
``(4) Hard surfaces.--The term `hard surfaces' means
asphalt and concrete pavement, curb and gutter, and
sidewalk.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 3 of title 23,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``331. Inclusion of broadband conduit installation in certain highway
construction projects.''. | Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2018 This bill directs the Department of Transportation to require states to evaluate the need to install broadband conduit in any project to construct a new highway or additional lane or paved shoulder for an existing highway that is begun after the enactment of this bill and that receives funding under the federal-aid highway program. | Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2018 |
SECTION. 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Tribal-State Tax Fairness Act of
2001''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Covered state tax.--The term ``covered State tax''
means a lawfully imposed and nondiscriminatory State or local
excise, sales, or transaction tax that is collected by the
State, levied or imposed on purchases, by nonmembers of a
tribe, of tobacco products or motor fuels from a tribal retail
enterprise.
(2) Indian country.--The term ``Indian country'' means any
land where an Indian tribe may legally assert sovereignty over
a tribal retail enterprise.
(3) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the
meaning given that term in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(e)).
(4) Person.--The term ``person'' includes individuals,
corporations, partnerships, associations of persons, State or
local governments, non-Indian retailers affiliated with one or
more Indian tribes, Indian tribes, or Indian tribal
governments.
(5) Petition for enforcement.--The term ``petition for
enforcement'' means a petition submitted to the Secretary by a
Governor of a State which requires action by the Secretary
under section 4(a).
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior or a designee of the Secretary.
(7) Service.--The term ``Service'' means the Federal
Mediation and Conciliation Service established under section
202 of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 172).
(8) Tribal retail enterprise.--The term ``tribal retail
enterprise'' means a person that has conducted business in
Indian country and at the time that such business was
conducted, was owned or operated (in whole or in part) by one
or more of the following:
(A) An Indian tribe.
(B) A member of an Indian tribe.
(C) A person who is not a member of an Indian tribe
under a management contract with an Indian tribe or a
member of an Indian tribe.
(9) Tribal-state agreement.--The term ``tribal-State
agreement'' means an agreement or compact between a State and
an Indian tribe concerning State taxes on tobacco products,
motor fuels, or both, that is in effect on the date of
enactment of this Act, or was in effect at any time between
January 1, 1990, and the date of enactment of this Act. If
there is more than 1 such agreement or compact, the term
``tribal-State agreement'' means the agreement or compact that
was most recently in effect.
SEC. 3. APPLICABILITY.
(a) In General.--Except to the extent that a tribal-State agreement
provides otherwise, this Act shall not apply to--
(1) that part of any covered State tax for which a State
law specifically exempts, either in whole or in part, the
collection or remittance of such taxes; or
(2) any covered State tax for which, under State or local
law which requires the collection or remittance tax, the legal
incidence of the otherwise applicable State tax falls on a
tribe or its members, thereby subjecting the purchase by a
tribal member from a tribal retail enterprise to a State
excise, sales, or transaction tax.
(b) Prospective Applicability.--This Act shall apply only to
covered State taxes due, or amounts due under tribal-State agreements,
with respect to purchases completed on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. COLLECTION OF COVERED STATE TAXES PURSUANT TO AN ENFORCEMENT
PETITION.
(a) Enforcement Petition by the Governor; Determination of Validity
by the Secretary.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a petition
from the Governor of a State within the exterior borders of which a
tribal retail enterprise is located alleging the non-collection, non-
remittance, or both, of a covered State tax by the tribal retail
enterprise and requesting action under this Act by the Secretary, the
Secretary shall determine, through an investigation, audit or other
method, whether or not the tribal retail enterprise is collecting and
remitting the appropriate amount of covered State tax.
(b) Notice Upon Finding of Validity of Enforcement Petition;
Remittance.--
(1) Notice.--Not later than 60 days after a determination
of the validity of the allegations in an Enforcement Petition,
the Secretary shall notify the tribal retail enterprise that is
the subject of the Enforcement Petition of this determination
and direct the tribal retail enterprise to collect the covered
State tax and remit it to the Secretary pursuant to subsection
(c).
(2) Remittance.--A tribal retail enterprise shall begin
remitting funds to the Secretary on the schedule established in
subsection (c) not later than 60 days after the later of the
following:
(A) The date that the Secretary notifies the tribal
retail enterprise under paragraph (1).
(B) The date that a determination is made as a
result of a mediation under subsection (c)(2)(D).
(c) Timing and Amount of Remittance to Secretary.--
(1) In general.--A tribal retail enterprise shall remit to
the Secretary covered State taxes collected pursuant to
subsection (b) on a monthly basis, by the 15th day following
the month in which the taxes were collected.
(2) Determination of amount to be remitted to secretary.--
(A) Existence of tribal-state agreement.--In the
event a tribal-State agreement exists or existed with
respect to the tribal retail enterprise or Indian tribe
named in a Enforcement Petition, then the amount of
covered State taxes collected and remitted to the
Secretary pursuant to such a Enforcement Petition shall
in no event be more than the amount provided for by the
terms of such tribal-State agreement, even if such
tribal-State agreement is no longer in effect at the
time that the Enforcement Petition was submitted
because the agreement has expired or one of the parties
to the agreement has terminated the agreement.
(B) Absence of tribal-state agreement.--In the
event a tribal-State agreement with respect to the
tribal retail enterprise or Indian tribe named in a
Enforcement Petition did not or does not exist, then
the Secretary shall consult with the Governor of the
State that submitted the Enforcement Petition to
determine the appropriate amount of covered State taxes
that should be remitted to the Secretary under this
subsection based upon relevant State law.
(C) Calculation of amounts to be remitted.--The
Secretary shall collect from the tribal retail
enterprise or Indian tribe named in an Enforcement
Petition all covered State taxes that the Secretary
determines should have been remitted to the appropriate
State since the date of enactment of this Act, unless
the Enforcement Petition specifies a alternative date
after the enactment of this Act.
(D) Mediation.--
(i) In general.--If the parties cannot
agree on the amount required to be remitted
under this subsection, the Secretary shall
contact the Service and request the
establishment of a mediation between the tribal
retail enterprise or the Indian tribe and the
Governor of the State for the purposes of
determining such amount.
(ii) Deadline for completion.--Not later
than 180 days after the initial contact by the
Secretary regarding the mediation, the Service
shall complete such mediation and render its
determination on the appropriate amount to be
remitted to the Secretary.
(iii) Use of determination.--The
determination of the Service shall be used by
the Secretary in establishing the appropriate
amount to be remitted.
(iv) Refusal to cooperate with mediation.--
If a tribal retail enterprise, Indian tribe, or
Governor of a State (or the designee of the
Governor) fails to participate in the mediation
under this subparagraph or fails to cooperate
with the Service regarding the mediation, the
Service may make its determination based upon
information available to the Service.
(d) Termination of Remittances to Secretary.--Remittances of
covered State taxes to the Secretary required under this subsection
shall continue until one of the following occurs:
(1) The Governor of the State submitting the Enforcement
Petition certifies in writing to the Secretary that the
Secretary's involvement is no longer required.
(2) The Governor of the State submitting the Enforcement
Petition and the appropriate Indian tribe enter into a binding
tribal-State agreement covering the collection and remittance
of covered State taxes.
(e) Return of Funds to Appropriate State.--Not later than 30 days
after receiving a covered State tax payment from a tribal retail
enterprise or Indian tribe under subsection (c), the Secretary shall
remit the balance of taxes collected under subsection (c) (after
subtracting administrative expenses subject to subsection (f)) to the
State fund specified to the Secretary by the Governor.
(f) Administrative Expenses.--Prior to remitting funds to the
appropriate State fund under subsection (e), the Secretary shall deduct
from the amount remitted from the tribal retail enterprise pursuant to
subsection (c) an administrative fee that is equal to the lesser of the
following:
(1) The direct cost of administering this Act.
(2) One percent of the amounts remitted pursuant to
subsection (c).
(g) Satisfaction of Obligations.--Amounts remitted to the Secretary
under subsection (c) or paid pursuant to a judgment under section 6
shall be applied by the State to amounts due under the terms of the
tribal-State agreement or the covered State tax obligation of the
relevant tribal retail enterprise.
SEC. 5. MEDIATION OF DISPUTES BETWEEN TRIBES AND STATES UNDER TRIBAL-
STATE AGREEMENTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 60 days after receiving a request
from the Governor of a State or an Indian tribe for the Secretary to
mediate a dispute between a the Governor of the State and an Indian
tribe regarding compliance with the terms of a tribal-State agreement
in effect on the date of an Enforcement Petition, the Secretary shall
initiate a mediation, or direct the Service to initiate a mediation,
for the Governor of the State and the Indian tribe to resolve the
dispute.
(b) Completion of Mediation.--Not later than 210 days after a
request for mediation is received by the Secretary under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall ensure that the mediation is concluded and
notify the parties to the mediation of the resulting determination by
the Secretary or the Service and urge the adoption of the determination
by such parties.
SEC. 6. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Notice of Violation--If a tribal retail enterprise fails to
comply with section 4(b)(2), the Secretary shall notify the tribal
retail enterprise of this violation and demand immediate compliance.
(b) Referral of Violation to Department of Justice.--If a tribal
retail enterprise is not in compliance with section 4(b)(2) within 30
days of the notification under subsection (a), the Secretary shall
refer the matter within 15 days to the Department of Justice.
(c) Commencement of Civil Enforcement Action.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after a referral
under subsection (b), the Department of Justice shall initiate
a civil enforcement action in Federal district court against
the tribal retail enterprise that is the subject of the
referral.
(2) Tribal-owned retail enterprise.--If the tribal retail
enterprise named in such a civil enforcement action is owned or
operated by an Indian tribe, then the civil action shall
include requests for injunctive relief against the tribal
retail enterprise and for the payment to the Secretary of all
covered State taxes, as determined under section 4 (and
interest as permitted by the State law of State regarding which
the Enforcement Petition was submitted) owed by the tribal
retail enterprise from the date of the enactment of this Act.
(3) Tribal member-owned retail enterprise.--If the tribal
retail enterprise named in such a civil enforcement action is
owned or operated by a member of an Indian tribe, then the
civil action shall include requests for injunctive relief and
civil penalties in the amount of 3 times the covered State
taxes, as determined under section 4, (and interest as
permitted by the State law of the State regarding which the
Enforcement Petition was submitted) owed by the tribal retail
enterprise from the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Posting of Bond During Appeal.--If the tribal retail enterprise
appeals the decision of the Federal district court in an action
pursuant to subsection (c), then the tribal retail enterprise shall
post a bond for the amount of the covered State taxes and interest that
was the subject of the action until a final determination has been made
in the action.
SEC. 7. JUDICIAL REVIEW.
The Governor of a State that has filed an enforcement petition, or
a tribal retail enterprise that has been named in such an enforcement
petition, may challenge the Secretary's conclusions under Section 4 by
commencing an action in Federal district court. If the challenge is not
sustained by the court, the challenging State or tribal retail
enterprise shall be liable to the Secretary for attorney's fees and
court costs.
SEC. 8. REGULATIONS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations providing for the
implementation and enforcement of this Act.
SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, regardless of whether regulations have been issued under
section 7. | Tribal-State Tax Fairness Act of 2001 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, within 60 days after receiving a petition from the government of a State within which a tribal retail enterprise is located alleging the non-collection, non-remittance, or both, of a covered State tax (a tax imposed on the purchase of tobacco products or motor fuel) by such enterprise: (1) to determine whether the enterprise is properly collecting and remitting such State tax; and (2) if it is not, to notify and direct the tribal enterprise to collect such tax and remit it to the Secretary on a monthly basis. Provides for the determination of the amount to be so remitted (which differs depending on the existence or absence of a tribal-State agreement).Requires the Secretary to return remitted amounts to the State within 30 days.Provides for the mediation of disputes between tribes and States under tribal-State agreements, with enforcement provisions. Provides for judicial review of determinations made by the Secretary. | To provide for the payment of State taxes and local taxes collected by the State on the sale of cigarettes and motor fuel by a tribal retail enterprise to persons that are not members of the tribe, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Miners Protection Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN RETIREES IN THE MULTIEMPLOYER HEALTH
BENEFIT PLAN.
Section 402 of the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of
1977 (30 U.S.C. 1232) is amended--
(1) in subsection (h)(2)(C)--
(A) by striking ``A transfer'' and inserting the
following:
``(i) Transfer to the plan.--A transfer'';
(B) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as
subclauses (I) and (II), respectively, and moving such
subclauses 2 ems to the right; and
(C) by striking the matter following such subclause
(II) (as so redesignated) and inserting the following:
``(ii) Calculation of excess.--The excess
determined under clause (i) shall be calculated
by taking into account only--
``(I) those beneficiaries actually
enrolled in the Plan as of the date of
the enactment of the Miners Protection
Act of 2015, who are eligible to
receive health benefits under the Plan
on the first day of the calendar year
for which the transfer is made; and
``(II) those beneficiaries whose
health benefits, defined as those
benefits payable directly following
death or retirement or upon a finding
of disability by an employer in the
bituminous coal industry under a coal
wage agreement (defined in section
9701(b)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986), would be denied or reduced as
a result of a bankruptcy proceeding
commenced in 2012.
``(iii) Eligibility of certain retirees.--
Individuals referred to in clause (ii)(II)
shall be treated as eligible to receive health
benefits under the Plan.
``(iv) Requirements for transfer.--The
amount of the transfer otherwise determined
under this subparagraph for a fiscal year shall
be reduced by any amount transferred for the
fiscal year to the Plan, to pay benefits
required under the Plan, from a voluntary
employees' beneficiary association established
as a result of the bankruptcy proceeding
described in clause (ii).
``(v) VEBA transfer.--The administrator of
such voluntary employees' beneficiary
association shall transfer to the Plan any
amounts received as a result of such bankruptcy
proceeding, reduced by an amount for
administrative costs of such association.'';
and
(2) in subsection (i)--
(A) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph
(5); and
(B) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Additional amounts.--
``(A) Calculation.--If the dollar limitation
specified in paragraph (3)(A) exceeds the aggregate
amount required to be transferred under paragraphs (1)
and (2) for a fiscal year, the Secretary of the
Treasury shall transfer an additional amount equal to
the difference between such dollar limitation and such
aggregate amount to the trustees of the 1974 UMWA
Pension Plan to pay benefits required under that plan.
``(B) Cessation of transfers.--The transfers
described in subparagraph (A) shall cease as of the
first fiscal year beginning after the first plan year
for which the funded percentage (as defined in section
432(i)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) of the
1974 UMWA Pension Plan is at least 100 percent.
``(C) Prohibition on benefit increases, etc.--
During a fiscal year in which the 1974 UMWA Pension
Plan is receiving transfers under subparagraph (A), no
amendment of such plan which increases the liabilities
of the plan by reason of any increase in benefits, any
change in the accrual of benefits, or any change in the
rate at which benefits become nonforfeitable under the
plan may be adopted unless the amendment is required as
a condition of qualification under part I of subchapter
D of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
``(D) Treatment of transfers for purposes of
withdrawal liability under erisa.--The amount of any
transfer made under subparagraph (A) (and any earnings
attributable thereto) shall be disregarded in
determining the unfunded vested benefits of the 1974
UMWA Pension Plan and the allocation of such unfunded
vested benefits to an employer for purposes of
determining the employer's withdrawal liability under
section 4201.
``(E) Requirement to maintain contribution rate.--A
transfer under subparagraph (A) shall not be made for a
fiscal year unless the persons that are obligated to
contribute to the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan on the date of
the transfer are obligated to make the contributions at
rates that are no less than those in effect on the date
which is 30 days before the date of enactment of the
Miners Protection Act of 2015.
``(F) Enhanced annual reporting.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than the 90th
day of each plan year beginning after the date
of enactment of the Miners Protection Act of
2015, the trustees of the 1974 UMWA Pension
Plan shall file with the Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation a report (including
appropriate documentation and actuarial
certifications from the plan actuary, as
required by the Secretary of Labor) that
contains--
``(I) whether the plan is in
endangered or critical status under
section 305 of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 and section
432 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 as of the first day of such plan
year;
``(II) the funded percentage (as
defined in section 432(i)(2) of such
Code) as of the first day of such plan
year, and the underlying actuarial
value of assets and liabilities taken
into account in determining such
percentage;
``(III) the market value of the
assets of the plan as of the last day
of the plan year preceding such plan
year;
``(IV) the total value of all
contributions made during the plan year
preceding such plan year;
``(V) the total value of all
benefits paid during the plan year
preceding such plan year;
``(VI) cash flow projections for
such plan year and either the 6 or 10
succeeding plan years, at the election
of the trustees, and the assumptions
relied upon in making such projections;
``(VII) funding standard account
projections for such plan year and the
9 succeeding plan years, and the
assumptions relied upon in making such
projections;
``(VIII) the total value of all
investment gains or losses during the
plan year preceding such plan year;
``(IX) any significant reduction in
the number of active participants
during the plan year preceding such
plan year, and the reason for such
reduction;
``(X) a list of employers that
withdrew from the plan in the plan year
preceding such plan year, and the
resulting reduction in contributions;
``(XI) a list of employers that
paid withdrawal liability to the plan
during the plan year preceding such
plan year and, for each employer, a
total assessment of the withdrawal
liability paid, the annual payment
amount, and the number of years
remaining in the payment schedule with
respect to such withdrawal liability;
``(XII) any material changes to
benefits, accrual rates, or
contribution rates during the plan year
preceding such plan year;
``(XIII) any scheduled benefit
increase or decrease in the plan year
preceding such plan year having a
material effect on liabilities of the
plan;
``(XIV) details regarding any
funding improvement plan or
rehabilitation plan and updates to such
plan;
``(XV) the number of participants
and beneficiaries during the plan year
preceding such plan year who are active
participants, the number of
participants and beneficiaries in pay
status, and the number of terminated
vested participants and beneficiaries;
``(XVI) the information contained
on the most recent annual funding
notice submitted by the plan under
section 101(f) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974;
``(XVII) the information contained
on the most recent Department of Labor
Form 5500 of the plan; and
``(XVIII) copies of the plan
document and amendments, other
retirement benefit or ancillary benefit
plans relating to the plan and
contribution obligations under such
plans, a breakdown of administrative
expenses of the plan, participant
census data and distribution of
benefits, the most recent actuarial
valuation report as of the plan year,
copies of collective bargaining
agreements, and financial reports, and
such other information as the Secretary
of Labor or the Secretary of the
Treasury may require by request to such
Corporation.
``(ii) Electronic submission.--The report
required under clause (i) shall be submitted
electronically.
``(iii) Information sharing.--The Pension
Benefit Guaranty Corporation shall share the
information in the report under clause (i) with
the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary
of Labor.
``(iv) Excise tax.--If the report required
under clause (i) is not filed as of the date
described in such clause, there shall be a tax
on the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan in the amount of
$100 for each day occurring after such date and
before the date on which such report is
actually filed. The preceding sentence shall
not apply if the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation determines that reasonable
diligence has been exercised by the trustees of
such plan in attempting to timely file such
report.
``(G) 1974 umwa pension plan defined.--For purposes
of this paragraph, the term `1974 UMWA Pension Plan'
has the meaning given the term in section 9701(a)(3) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, but without regard
to the limitation on participation to individuals who
retired in 1976 and thereafter.''. | Miners Protection Act of 2015 This bill amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to address potential shortages in the Multiemployer Health Benefit Plan for payment of health care benefits to retired coal miners by expanding the eligible uses of interest transferable to such plan from the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, and supplemental payments from the General Fund of the Treasury. The calculation of such interest and payments shall be made by taking into account only those beneficiaries who are actually enrolled in the plan as of the enactment of this Act, as well as those retirees whose health care benefits, payable directly by an employer in the bituminous coal industry under a coal wage agreement, would be denied or reduced as a result of a bankruptcy proceeding commenced in 2012. The bill requires the Department of the Treasury to transfer to the trustees of the 1974 United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Pension Plan additional funds to pay pension benefits required under that plan, if the $490 million cap on certain transfers to the UMWA Combined Benefit Fund and distributions to states and Indian tribes exceed the aggregate amount required to be transferred to them. The bill also expands the annual reporting requirements of the trustees of the 1974 UMWA Pension Plan on plan solvency and value of plan assets. | Miners Protection Act of 2015 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Global Development Lab Act of
2014''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development.
(2) Lab.--The term ``Lab'' means the United States Global
Development Lab established under section 4.
(3) USAID.--The term ``USAID'' means the United States
Agency for International Development.
SEC. 3. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Leveraging academic research and private sector
expertise to effectively apply science and technology to United
States foreign aid can increase the effectiveness of United
States aid dollars and lead to better outcomes.
(2) In the last 20 years, human ingenuity and
entrepreneurship around the world has reduced child mortality
rates by 42 percent and poverty rates by 52 percent, lifting
hundreds of millions of people out of poverty.
(3) Over the next 40 years, the developing world is
expected to be the largest source of product and services
growth. Breakthroughs pioneered for the developing world can
translate into jobs and economic growth in the United States.
(4) In 2014 the Office of Science and Technology and the
Office of Innovation and Development Alliances at the United
States Agency for International Development were abolished to
pave the way to bring their staffing and other resources into
the United States Global Development Lab.
(5) The Lab represents a new approach to invest, test, and
apply more effective solutions to humanity's greatest
challenges.
(6) The Lab will partner with entrepreneurs, experts,
nongovernmental organizations, universities, and science and
research institutions to solve development challenges in a
faster, more cost-efficient, and more sustainable way.
(7) The Lab will utilize a pay-for-success model, which
uses science, technology, and innovation-driven competitions to
expand the number and diversity of solutions to development
challenges.
(8) In contrast with traditional grants or contracts, where
USAID pays for a proposal to be implemented, pay-for-success
awards are given to a winner only after the objectives of the
competition have been achieved.
(9) Expanding pay-for-success authority to allow the Lab to
use these awards globally will increase the number of high
value solutions to choose from at a significantly reduced cost.
SEC. 4. UNITED STATES GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT LAB.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in USAID an entity to be
known as the United States Global Development Lab.
(b) Duties and Responsibilities.--The duties and responsibilities
of the Lab should include--
(1) increasing the application of science, technology,
innovation and partnerships to develop and scale new solutions
to end extreme poverty;
(2) discovering, testing, and scaling development
innovations to solve development challenges to increase cost
effectiveness and support United States foreign policy and
development goals;
(3) leveraging the expertise, resources, and investment of
businesses, nongovernmental organizations, science and research
organizations, and universities to increase program impact and
sustainability;
(4) utilizing innovation-driven competitions to expand the
number and diversity of solutions to development challenges;
and
(5) supporting USAID Missions and Bureaus in applying
science, technology, innovation, and partnership approaches to
decisionmaking, procurement, and program design.
(c) Authorities.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out the duties and
responsibilities of the Lab under subsection (b), the
Administrator may, in addition to such other authorities as may
be available to the Administrator--
(A) use not more than $15,000,000 of funds
appropriated or otherwise made available by an Act
making appropriations for the Department of State,
foreign operations, and related programs under the
heading ``Development Assistance'' for any fiscal year
for the provision of grants that are focused on
science, technology, or innovation and designed to
improve health outcomes;
(B) make awards in accordance with section 24 of
the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980
(15 U.S.C. 3719), except that foreign citizens and
foreign private entities may be eligible for such
prizes notwithstanding the eligibility requirements of
subsection (g) of such section; and
(C) if the authority to appoint individuals on a
limited term basis pursuant to schedule A or B of
subpart C of part 213 of title 5, Code of Federal
Regulations, is authorized for the Lab by the Office of
Personnel Management, use funds appropriated to carry
out part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22
U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) for the employment of not more
than 30 of such individuals.
(2) Recovery of funds.--
(A) In general.--In carrying out the duties and
responsibilities of the Lab under subsection (b), the
Administrator may provide that a cooperative agreement
or other transaction for performance of basic, applied,
or advanced research entered into between USAID and a
person or other entity include a clause that requires
the person or other entity to return to USAID program
income generated under the agreement or other
transaction.
(B) Treatment of payments.--
(i) In general.--The amount of any program
income returned to USAID pursuant to
subparagraph (A) shall be credited to the
account from which the obligation and
expenditure of funds under the cooperative
agreement or other transaction described in
subparagraph (A) was made.
(ii) Availability.--
(I) In general.--Except as provided
in subclause (II), amounts returned and
credited to an account under clause
(i)--
(aa) shall be merged with
other funds in the account; and
(bb) shall be available for
the same purposes and period of
time for which other funds in
the account are available for
programs and activities of the
Lab.
(II) Exception.--Amounts returned
and credited to an account under clause
(i) may not be used to pay for the
employment of individuals described in
paragraph (1)(C). | Global Development Lab Act of 2014 - Establishes in the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) the United States Global Development Lab whose responsibilities should include: increasing the application of science, technology, innovation and partnerships to develop and scale solutions to end extreme poverty; discovering, testing, and scaling development innovations to increase cost effectiveness and support U.S. foreign policy and development goals; leveraging the expertise and resources of businesses, nongovernmental organizations, science and research organizations, and universities to increase program impact; utilizing innovation-driven competitions to expand solutions to development challenges; and supporting USAID Missions and Bureaus in applying science, technology, innovation, and partnership approaches to decision making, procurement, and program design. | Global Development Lab Act of 2014 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``National Pain Care
Policy Act of 2008''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Institute of Medicine Conference on Pain.
Sec. 3. Pain research at National Institutes of Health.
Sec. 4. Pain care education and training.
Sec. 5. Public awareness campaign on pain management.
SEC. 2. INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE CONFERENCE ON PAIN.
(a) Convening.--Not later than June 30, 2009, the Secretary of
Health and Human Services shall seek to enter into an agreement with
the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies to convene a
Conference on Pain (in this section referred to as ``the Conference'').
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Conference shall be to--
(1) increase the recognition of pain as a significant
public health problem in the United States;
(2) evaluate the adequacy of assessment, diagnosis,
treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain in the
general population, and in identified racial, ethnic, gender,
age, and other demographic groups that may be
disproportionately affected by inadequacies in the assessment,
diagnosis, treatment, and management of pain;
(3) identify barriers to appropriate pain care, including--
(A) lack of understanding and education among
employers, patients, health care providers, regulators,
and third-party payors;
(B) barriers to access to care at the primary,
specialty, and tertiary care levels, including
barriers--
(i) specific to those populations that are
disproportionately undertreated for pain;
(ii) related to physician concerns over
regulatory and law enforcement policies
applicable to some pain therapies; and
(iii) attributable to benefit, coverage,
and payment policies in both the public and
private sectors; and
(C) gaps in basic and clinical research on the
symptoms and causes of pain, and potential assessment
methods and new treatments to improve pain care; and
(4) establish an agenda for action in both the public and
private sectors that will reduce such barriers and
significantly improve the state of pain care research,
education, and clinical care in the United States.
(c) Other Appropriate Entity.--If the Institute of Medicine
declines to enter into an agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary
of Health and Human Services may enter into such agreement with another
appropriate entity.
(d) Report.--A report summarizing the Conference's findings and
recommendations shall be submitted to the Congress not later than June
30, 2010.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $500,000 for
each of fiscal years 2009 and 2010.
SEC. 3. PAIN RESEARCH AT NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.
Part B of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 284
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 409J. PAIN RESEARCH.
``(a) Research Initiatives.--
``(1) In general.--The Director of NIH is encouraged to
continue and expand, through the Pain Consortium, an aggressive
program of basic and clinical research on the causes of and
potential treatments for pain.
``(2) Annual recommendations.--Not less than annually, the
Pain Consortium, in consultation with the Division of Program
Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives, shall
develop and submit to the Director of NIH recommendations on
appropriate pain research initiatives that could be undertaken
with funds reserved under section 402A(c)(1) for the Common
Fund or otherwise available for such initiatives.
``(3) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `Pain
Consortium' means the Pain Consortium of the National
Institutes of Health or a similar trans-National Institutes of
Health coordinating entity designated by the Secretary for
purposes of this subsection.
``(b) Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish not
later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
section and as necessary maintain a committee, to be known as
the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee (in this
section referred to as the `Committee'), to coordinate all
efforts within the Department of Health and Human Services and
other Federal agencies that relate to pain research.
``(2) Membership.--
``(A) In general.--The Committee shall be composed
of the following voting members:
``(i) Not more than 7 voting Federal
representatives as follows:
``(I) The Director of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
``(II) The Director of the National
Institutes of Health and the directors
of such national research institutes
and national centers as the Secretary
determines appropriate.
``(III) The heads of such other
agencies of the Department of Health
and Human Services as the Secretary
determines appropriate.
``(IV) Representatives of other
Federal agencies that conduct or
support pain care research and
treatment, including the Department of
Defense and the Department of Veterans
Affairs.
``(ii) 12 additional voting members
appointed under subparagraph (B).
``(B) Additional members.--The Committee shall
include additional voting members appointed by the
Secretary as follows:
``(i) 6 members shall be appointed from
among scientists, physicians, and other health
professionals, who--
``(I) are not officers or employees
of the United States;
``(II) represent multiple
disciplines, including clinical, basic,
and public health sciences;
``(III) represent different
geographical regions of the United
States; and
``(IV) are from practice settings,
academia, manufacturers or other
research settings; and
``(ii) 6 members shall be appointed from
members of the general public, who are
representatives of leading research, advocacy,
and service organizations for individuals with
pain-related conditions
``(C) Nonvoting members.--The Committee shall
include such nonvoting members as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
``(3) Chairperson.--The voting members of the Committee
shall select a chairperson from among such members. The
selection of a chairperson shall be subject to the approval of
the Director of NIH.
``(4) Meetings.--The Committee shall meet at the call of
the chairperson of the Committee or upon the request of the
Director of NIH, but in no case less often than once each year.
``(5) Duties.--The Committee shall--
``(A) develop a summary of advances in pain care
research supported or conducted by the Federal agencies
relevant to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of
pain and diseases and disorders associated with pain;
``(B) identify critical gaps in basic and clinical
research on the symptoms and causes of pain;
``(C) make recommendations to ensure that the
activities of the National Institutes of Health and
other Federal agencies, including the Department of
Defense and the Department of Veteran Affairs, are free
of unnecessary duplication of effort;
``(D) make recommendations on how best to
disseminate information on pain care; and
``(E) make recommendations on how to expand
partnerships between public entities, including Federal
agencies, and private entities to expand collaborative,
cross-cutting research.
``(6) Review.--The Secretary shall review the necessity of
the Committee at least once every 2 years.''.
SEC. 4. PAIN CARE EDUCATION AND TRAINING.
(a) Pain Care Education and Training.--Part D of title VII of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 294 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating sections 754 through 758 as sections
755 through 759, respectively; and
(2) by inserting after section 753 the following:
``SEC. 754. PROGRAM FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN PAIN CARE.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary may make awards of grants,
cooperative agreements, and contracts to health professions schools,
hospices, and other public and private entities for the development and
implementation of programs to provide education and training to health
care professionals in pain care.
``(b) Priorities.--In making awards under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall give priority to awards for the implementation of
programs under such subsection.
``(c) Certain Topics.--An award may be made under subsection (a)
only if the applicant for the award agrees that the program carried out
with the award will include information and education on--
``(1) recognized means for assessing, diagnosing, treating,
and managing pain and related signs and symptoms, including the
medically appropriate use of controlled substances;
``(2) applicable laws, regulations, rules, and policies on
controlled substances, including the degree to which
misconceptions and concerns regarding such laws, regulations,
rules, and policies, or the enforcement thereof, may create
barriers to patient access to appropriate and effective pain
care;
``(3) interdisciplinary approaches to the delivery of pain
care, including delivery through specialized centers providing
comprehensive pain care treatment expertise;
``(4) cultural, linguistic, literacy, geographic, and other
barriers to care in underserved populations; and
``(5) recent findings, developments, and improvements in
the provision of pain care.
``(d) Program Sites.--Education and training under subsection (a)
may be provided at or through health professions schools, residency
training programs, and other graduate programs in the health
professions; entities that provide continuing education in medicine,
pain management, dentistry, psychology, social work, nursing, and
pharmacy; hospices; and such other programs or sites as the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
``(e) Evaluation of Programs.--The Secretary shall (directly or
through grants or contracts) provide for the evaluation of programs
implemented under subsection (a) in order to determine the effect of
such programs on knowledge and practice of pain care.
``(f) Peer Review Groups.--In carrying out section 799(f) with
respect to this section, the Secretary shall ensure that the membership
of each peer review group involved includes individuals with expertise
and experience in pain care.
``(g) Definitions.--For purposes of this section the term `pain
care' means the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, or management of
acute or chronic pain regardless of causation or body location.''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 758(b)(1) of the
Public Health Service Act (as redesignated by subsection (a)(1) of this
section) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
(2) by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C)
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) not less than $5,000,000 for awards of
grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts under
sections 754.''.
(c) Technical Amendments.--Title VII of the Public Health Service
Act (42 U.S.C. 292 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2) of section 757(b) (as redesignated by
subsection (a)(1)), by striking ``754(3)(A), and 755(b)'' and
inserting ``755(3)(A), and 756(b)''; and
(2) in subparagraph (C) of section 758(b)(1) (as
redesignated by subsection (a)(1)), by striking ``754, and
755'' and inserting ``755, and 756''.
SEC. 5. PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON PAIN MANAGEMENT.
Part B of title II of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 238
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 249. NATIONAL EDUCATION OUTREACH AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON PAIN
MANAGEMENT.
``(a) Establishment.--Not later than June 30, 2009, the Secretary
shall establish and implement a national pain care education outreach
and awareness campaign described in subsection (b).
``(b) Requirements.--The Secretary shall design the public
awareness campaign under this section to educate consumers, patients,
their families, and other caregivers with respect to--
``(1) the incidence and importance of pain as a national
public health problem;
``(2) the adverse physical, psychological, emotional,
societal, and financial consequences that can result if pain is
not appropriately assessed, diagnosed, treated, or managed;
``(3) the availability, benefits, and risks of all pain
treatment and management options;
``(4) having pain promptly assessed, appropriately
diagnosed, treated, and managed, and regularly reassessed with
treatment adjusted as needed;
``(5) the role of credentialed pain management specialists
and subspecialists, and of comprehensive interdisciplinary
centers of treatment expertise;
``(6) the availability in the public, nonprofit, and
private sectors of pain management-related information,
services, and resources for consumers, employers, third-party
payors, patients, their families, and caregivers, including
information on--
``(A) appropriate assessment, diagnosis, treatment,
and management options for all types of pain and pain-
related symptoms; and
``(B) conditions for which no treatment options are
yet recognized; and
``(7) other issues the Secretary deems appropriate.
``(c) Consultation.--In designing and implementing the public
awareness campaign required by this section, the Secretary shall
consult with organizations representing patients in pain and other
consumers, employers, physicians including physicians specializing in
pain care, other pain management professionals, medical device
manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies.
``(d) Coordination.--
``(1) Lead official.--The Secretary shall designate one
official in the Department of Health and Human Services to
oversee the campaign established under this section.
``(2) Agency coordination.--The Secretary shall ensure the
involvement in the public awareness campaign under this section
of the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service, the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and
such other representatives of offices and agencies of the
Department of Health and Human Services as the Secretary
determines appropriate.
``(e) Underserved Areas and Populations.--In designing the public
awareness campaign under this section, the Secretary shall--
``(1) take into account the special needs of geographic
areas and racial, ethnic, gender, age, and other demographic
groups that are currently underserved; and
``(2) provide resources that will reduce disparities in
access to appropriate diagnosis, assessment, and treatment.
``(f) Grants and Contracts.--The Secretary may make awards of
grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to public agencies and
private nonprofit organizations to assist with the development and
implementation of the public awareness campaign under this section.
``(g) Evaluation and Report.--Not later than the end of fiscal year
2011, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Congress a report
evaluating the effectiveness of the public awareness campaign under
this section in educating the general public with respect to the
matters described in subsection (b).
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--For purposes of carrying
out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000
for fiscal year 2009 and $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010 and
2011.''.
Passed the House of Representatives September 24, 2008.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk. | National Pain Care Policy Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to seek to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine to convene a Conference on Pain to: (1) increase the recognition of pain as a significant public health problem in the United States; (2) evaluate the adequacy of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of acute and chronic pain in the general population and in identified demographics groups that may be disproportionately affected by inadequacies; (3) identify barriers to appropriate pain care; and (4) establish an agenda for action to reduce such barriers and significantly improve the state of pain care research, education, and clinical care in the United States. Allows the Secretary to enter into an agreement with another appropriate entity if the Institute of Medicine declines. Requires a report summarizing the Conference's findings and recommendations to be submitted to Congress. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2010.
(Sec. 3) Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to continue and expand, through the Pain Consortium, an aggressive program of basic and clinical research on the causes of and potential treatments for pain. Requires the Pain Consortium to develop and submit to the Director of NIH recommendations on appropriate pain research initiatives that could be undertaken with funds available for such initiatives.
Requires the Secretary to establish the Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee to coordinate all efforts within Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and other federal agencies that relate to pain research. Directs the Committee to: (1) develop a summary of advances in federal pain care research relevant to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of pain and diseases and disorders associated with pain; and (2) identify critical gaps in basic and clinical research on the symptoms and causes of pain. Requires the Secretary to review the necessity of the Committee at least once every two years.
(Sec. 4) Allows the Secretary to make awards of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts to health professions schools, hospices, and other public and private entities for the development and implementation of programs to provide education and training to health care professionals in pain care. Sets forth information and education that must be included in the program as a condition for receiving a grant.
(Sec. 5) Requires the Secretary to establish and implement a national pain care education outreach and awareness campaign to educate consumers, patients, their families, and other caregivers with respect to: (1) the incidence and importance of pain as a national public health problem; (2) the adverse physical, psychological, emotional, societal, and financial consequences that can result if pain is not appropriately assessed, diagnosed, treated, or managed; (3) the availability, benefits, and risks of all pain treatment and management options; and (4) having pain promptly assessed, appropriately diagnosed, treated, and managed and regularly reassessed with treatment adjusted as needed. Requires the Secretary, in designing such campaign, to: (1) take into account the special needs of geographic areas and underserved demographic groups; and (2) provide resources that will reduce disparities in access to appropriate diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. Authorizes appropriations for FY2009-FY2011. | To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to pain care. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``School And Family Education about
the Internet Act of 2009'' or the ``SAFE Internet Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The Internet is an invaluable tool that is critical to
the ability of the Nation to compete in a global economy. The
Internet provides instant access to research and boundless
information, and establishes digital connections between
individuals around the world.
(2) About 93 percent of youth ages 12 through 17 years are
online and nearly 45 percent of children ages 3 to 11 years
will use the Internet on a monthly basis in 2009. Eighty-nine
percent of youth 13 through 19 years of age have a profile on
social-networking sites. Eighty percent of teens 13 through 17
years of age use cell phones, most of which have built-in
cameras.
(3) Internet safety education, coupled with technology
tools, is the most effective way to resolve and prevent the
problems and dangers relating to misuse of the Internet and
other new media.
(4) According to an empirical study of 1,379 fourth grade
students in Virginia, the first State to mandate Internet
safety education in its schools, the students improved their
responses to 8 of 10 questions after completing an Internet
safety education program, especially in 2 major areas,
uncomfortable content and cyberbullying.
(5) As a result of the enactment of the Children's Internet
Protection Act (Public Law 106-554; 114 Stat. 2763A-336) in
2000, which mandated that schools implement Internet safety
policies and technology protection measures to receive E-Rate
funding, most schools have developed acceptable use policies
and implemented filtering and other technology-based solutions
to help protect children.
(6) Most elementary and secondary school educators have
received little or no professional development training on
Internet safety. As a result, many students receive little or
no education on safe, responsible, and ethical use of Internet
and other new media.
(7) The widespread use of the Internet, cell phones,
interactive gaming, and other electronic communication devices
by children both inside and outside of school suggest that
acceptable use policies and filtering alone cannot resolve
Internet safety concerns, and that a greater focus on education
would be beneficial.
(8) In a national poll on children's health, parents ranked
Internet safety fifth among their top health concerns for
children. Educating parents about Internet safety is key to
empowering them to understand actual risks and to take an
active role in protecting their children.
(9) The problem of online harassment or cyberbullying of
youth by other youths is widespread, and results in a range of
children's experiences from minor irritation to severe
emotional harm. The Bureau of Justice Statistics has found that
online harassment tends to begin in third and fourth grade,
peaks in seventh and eighth grade, and continues in reduced
amounts throughout high school, college, and professional
schools.
(10) Young people face greater risks in the form of
electronic aggression and sexual solicitation from other young
people known to them than from strangers.
(11) Gang members increasingly are using the Internet as a
recruitment tool to entice would-be members and as an
intimidation tool to threaten rival gangs. Gang members use the
Internet in particular to promote their message.
(12) More research is needed in several areas of youth
online safety, including--
(A) minor-to-minor solicitation to use the Internet
in an inappropriate manner;
(B) the creation of problematic content by youths;
(C) lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth
and youth with disabilities who may be particularly
vulnerable;
(D) the interplay between socioeconomic class and
risk factors;
(E) the role that pervasive digital image and video
capture devices play in harassment of youth by other
youth and youth production of problematic content;
(F) the intersection of different mobile and
Internet-based technologies; and
(G) the online activities of registered sex
offenders.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to--
(1) facilitate research and identify best practices in
Internet safety education; and
(2) establish a competitive grant program for State
educational agencies, local educational agencies, and nonprofit
organizations to promote Internet safety education in the
community.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Applicable agency heads.--The term ``applicable agency
heads'' means the Director, with the concurrence of the
Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health and Human
Services.
(2) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
(3) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a partnership between a State educational
agency and 1 or more local educational agencies (as
those terms are defined in section 9101 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7801)) of the State;
(B) a local educational agency;
(C) a nonprofit organization; or
(D) a consortium of elementary schools or secondary
schools (as those terms are defined in section 9101 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7801)) collaborating with an entity described in
subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).
(4) Grant guidance.--The term ``grant guidance'' means the
grant guidance issued under section 4(e)(1).
(5) Internet safety education program.--The term ``Internet
safety education program'' means an age-appropriate, research-
based program that encourages safe, ethical, and responsible
use of the Internet, promotes an informed, critical
understanding of the Internet, and educates children and
communities about how to prevent or respond to problems or
dangers related to the Internet or new media.
(6) New media.--The term ``new media''--
(A) means emerging digital, computerized, or
networked information and communication technologies
that often have interactive capabilities; and
(B) includes e-mail, instant messaging, text
messaging, websites, blogs, interactive gaming, social
media, cell phones, and mobile devices.
(7) Nonprofit.--The term ``nonprofit'' means that a person
is an organization that is described in section 501(c) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and exempt from tax under
section 501(a) of that Code.
SEC. 4. GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Authority To Make Grants.--
(1) In general.--Subject to subsection (e)(1), the
Director, after consultation with the Secretary of Education
and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, may make grants
to eligible entities to carry out an Internet safety education
program and other activities relating to Internet safety.
(2) Period.--A grant under this section shall be for a 2-
year period.
(b) Application.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this
section shall submit an application to the Director, which shall
include--
(1) a description of the partnership arrangements, if any,
of the eligible entity relating to the activities to be carried
out with the grant;
(2) a description of the measurable goals of the eligible
entity relating to the activities to be carried out with the
grant;
(3) a description of how the Internet safety education
program of the eligible entity shall achieve the measurable
goals described in paragraph (2);
(4) a description of the plan of the eligible entity to
continue to implement the Internet safety education program
after the grant under this section ends;
(5) a description of how funds under the grant may be used
and coordinated with Internet safety education programs being
carried out on the date of enactment of this Act or other
Internet safety education programs established with grants
under this section;
(6) a description of the demographics of the individuals
that shall be targeted under the proposed Internet safety
education program; and
(7) any other information or assurances required by the
Director.
(c) Prioritization.--In making grants under this section, the
Director shall give priority to an eligible entity that--
(1) is comprised of a partnership between 1 or more
nonprofit groups and education agencies;
(2) identifies and targets at-risk children;
(3) works in partnership with the private sector, law
enforcement, the philanthropic community, the media,
researchers, social services organizations, or other community-
based groups;
(4) provides Internet safety education programs at no cost
to students or schools;
(5) accommodates different languages and language
proficiencies;
(6) accommodates differing levels of technological
sophistication; or
(7) has a viable plan to sustain the Internet safety
education program after the grant program ends.
(d) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity may use a grant under this
section to--
(1) identify, develop, and implement Internet safety
education programs, including educational technology,
multimedia and interactive applications, online resources, and
lesson plans;
(2) provide professional training to elementary and
secondary teachers, administrators, and other staff on Internet
safety and new media literacy;
(3) develop online-risk prevention programs for children;
(4) train and support peer-driven Internet safety education
initiatives;
(5) coordinate and fund research initiatives that
investigate online risks to children and Internet safety
education;
(6) develop and implement public education campaigns to
promote awareness of online risks to children and Internet
safety education;
(7) educate parents about teaching their children how to
use the Internet and new media safely, responsibly, and
ethically and help parents identify and protect their children
from risks relating to use of the Internet and new media; or
(8) carry out any other activity approved by the Director.
(e) Grant Guidance.--
(1) In general.--Before making grants under this section,
and not later than 1 month after the date on which the study
under paragraph (3)(A) is completed, the applicable agency
heads, in consultation with education groups, Internet safety
groups, and other relevant experts in the field of new media,
shall issue detailed guidance for the grant program under this
section.
(2) Contents of guidance.--The grant guidance shall be in
accordance with best practices relating to Internet education
and the research-based recommendations derived from the study
conducted under paragraph (3)(A).
(3) Internet safety research.--
(A) Initial research.--The applicable agency heads
shall enter into contracts with one or more private
companies, government agencies, or nonprofit
organizations to complete a study, not later than 3
months after the date of enactment of this Act,
regarding--
(i) the nature and prevalence of Internet
safety education programs and any evidence-
based research conducted relating to the
programs;
(ii) findings regarding at-risk children;
(iii) gaps in Internet safety education and
youth online risk research; and
(iv) any other area determined appropriate
by the applicable agency heads.
(B) Additional research.--Subject to the
availability of appropriations, the applicable agency
heads shall enter into contracts with private
companies, government agencies, or nonprofit
organizations to conduct additional research regarding
the issues described in subparagraph (A). Any research
conducted under this subparagraph shall be included in
the reports under subsection (g)(3).
(f) Technical Assistance.--The applicable agency heads shall
provide technical assistance to eligible entities that receive a grant
under this section, which may include maintaining a website to
facilitate outreach and communication among the eligible entities that
receive a grant under this section.
(g) Reports.--
(1) By eligible entities.--An eligible entity that receives
a grant under this section shall issue publically an annual
report regarding the activities carried out using funds made
available under the grant, which shall include--
(A) a description of how the eligible entity
implemented the Internet safety education program
carried out with the grant;
(B) the number and demographic characteristics of
the individuals reached;
(C) an analysis of whether and to what degree the
goals for the Internet safety education program were
met; and
(D) an analysis of the challenges, if any, that
interfered with achieving the goals described in
subparagraph (C).
(2) Compilation of annual reports for revised grant
guidance.--The applicable agency heads shall--
(A) review the report under paragraph (1) issued by
each eligible entity that receives a grant under this
section during the first fiscal year for which grants
under this section are made; and
(B) not later than 6 months after the date on which
all reports described in subparagraph (A) are issued,
modify the grant guidance based on the reports.
(3) Reports to congress.--Not later than 27 months after
the date on which the Director makes the first grant under this
section, and annually thereafter, the applicable agency heads
shall submit to Congress a report regarding the grant program
under this section, which shall include--
(A) a compilation of the information and findings
of the annual reports issued under paragraph (1);
(B) the findings and conclusions of the applicable
agency heads, including findings and conclusions
relating to the effectiveness of Internet safety
education programs carried out using a grant under this
section; and
(C) best practices identified by the applicable
agency heads relating to Internet safety education.
(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Director to carry out this section $35,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2010 through 2014. Of amounts made available to
carry out this section, not more than 5 percent shall be available to
carry out subsections (e), (f), and (g)(2). | School And Family Education about the Internet Act of 2009 or the SAFE Internet Act - Authorizes the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance to make grants to eligible entities to carry out an age-appropriate, research-based Internet safety education program and other activities relating to Internet safety. Defines "eligible entity" as: (1) a local educational agency, a nonprofit organization, or a partnership between a state educational agency and one or more local educational agencies; or (2) a consortium of elementary schools or secondary schools collaborating with such an entity.
Requires the Director, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to: (1) enter into contracts with one or more private companies, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations to complete a study on Internet safety; and (2) provide technical assistance to recipients of such grants. | A bill to promote Internet safety education and cybercrime prevention initiatives, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Community Partner
Relief Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. MATCHING REQUIREMENTS UNDER SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS.
(a) Microloan Program.--Section 7(m) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(m)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3)(B)--
(A) by striking ``As a condition'' and inserting
the following:
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii),
as a condition'';
(B) by striking ``the Administration'' and
inserting ``the Administrator''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Waiver of non-federal share.--
``(I) In general.--Upon request by
an intermediary, and in accordance with
this clause, the Administrator may
waive, in whole or in part, the
requirement to obtain non-Federal funds
under clause (i) for a fiscal year. The
Administrator may not waive the
requirement for an intermediary to
obtain non-Federal funds under this
clause for more than a total of 2
fiscal years.
``(II) Considerations.--In
determining whether to waive the
requirement to obtain non-Federal funds
under this clause, the Administrator
shall consider--
``(aa) the economic
conditions affecting the
intermediary;
``(bb) the impact a waiver
under this clause would have on
the credibility of the
microloan program under this
subsection;
``(cc) the demonstrated
ability of the intermediary to
raise non-Federal funds; and
``(dd) the performance of
the intermediary.
``(III) Limitation.--The
Administrator may not waive the
requirement to obtain non-Federal funds
under this clause if granting the
waiver would undermine the credibility
of the microloan program under this
subsection.''; and
(2) in paragraph (4)(B)--
(A) by striking ``As a condition'' and all that
follows through ``the Administration shall require''
and inserting the following:
``(i) In general.--Subject to clause (ii),
as a condition of a grant made under
subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall
require''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Waiver of non-federal share.--
``(I) In general.--Upon request by
an intermediary, and in accordance with
this clause, the Administrator may
waive, in whole or in part, the
requirement to obtain non-Federal funds
under clause (i) for a fiscal year. The
Administrator may not waive the
requirement for an intermediary to
obtain non-Federal funds under this
clause for more than a total of 2
fiscal years.
``(II) Considerations.--In
determining whether to waive the
requirement to obtain non-Federal funds
under this clause, the Administrator
shall consider--
``(aa) the economic
conditions affecting the
intermediary;
``(bb) the impact a waiver
under this clause would have on
the credibility of the
microloan program under this
subsection;
``(cc) the demonstrated
ability of the intermediary to
raise non-Federal funds; and
``(dd) the performance of
the intermediary.
``(III) Limitation.--The
Administrator may not waive the
requirement to obtain non-Federal funds
under this clause if granting the
waiver would undermine the credibility
of the microloan program under this
subsection.''.
(b) Women's Business Center Program.--Section 29(c) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``As a condition'' and
inserting ``Subject to paragraph (5), as a condition''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Waiver of non-federal share relating to technical
assistance and counseling.--
``(A) In general.--Upon request by a recipient
organization, and in accordance with this paragraph,
the Administrator may waive, in whole or in part, the
requirement to obtain non-Federal funds under this
subsection for the technical assistance and counseling
activities of the recipient organization carried out
using financial assistance under this section for a
fiscal year. The Administrator may not waive the
requirement for a recipient organization to obtain non-
Federal funds under this paragraph for more than a
total of 2 fiscal years.
``(B) Considerations.--In determining whether to
waive the requirement to obtain non-Federal funds under
this paragraph, the Administrator shall consider--
``(i) the economic conditions affecting the
recipient organization;
``(ii) the impact a waiver under this
clause would have on the credibility of the
women's business center program under this
section;
``(iii) the demonstrated ability of the
recipient organization to raise non-Federal
funds; and
``(iv) the performance of the recipient
organization.
``(C) Limitation.--The Administrator may not waive
the requirement to obtain non-Federal funds under this
paragraph if granting the waiver would undermine the
credibility of the women's business center program
under this section.''. | Small Business Community Partner Relief Act of 2010 - Amends the Small Business Act relating to the Microloan program (loans to intermediaries to provide small-scale loans to startup, newly-established, and growing small businesses) to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), at the request of a loan intermediary, to waive the requirement that the intermediary obtain a percentage of the loan amount in cash or in-kind contributions from non-federal sources. Allows such waiver for up to two years. Provides conditions to be considered by the Administrator in determining whether to exercise such waiver, including economic conditions affecting the intermediary as well as the impact the waiver would have on the program.
Provides an identical waiver, with the same conditions, with respect to: (1) grants made to intermediaries for small business marketing, management, and technical assistance; and (2) the SBA's women's business center program. | A bill to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to waive the non-Federal share requirement under certain programs. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fort Reno Mineral Leasing Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Board of regents.--The term ``Board of Regents'' means
the Board of Regents of the University of Oklahoma.
(2) Fort reno historic district.--The term ``Fort Reno
Historic District'' means the former military installation at
El Reno, Oklahoma, as depicted on the map, that--
(A) includes land and facilities listed on the
National Register of Historic Places in June 1970; and
(B) is administered by the Secretary as part of the
Fort Reno Management Area.
(3) Fort reno management area.--The term ``Fort Reno
Management Area'' means the approximately 6,737 acres of
Federal land, including Fort Reno and the Park, as depicted on
the map.
(4) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the Fort Reno Management
Fund established by section 4(a).
(5) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled ``Fort
Reno Management Area'' and dated September 2005.
(6) Park.--The term ``Park'' means the approximately 24.3
acres of land in the State of Oklahoma known as the ``Fort Reno
Science Park'', as generally depicted on the map.
(7) Park instrument.--
(A) In general.--The term ``Park instrument'' means
an instrument covering an agreement between the
Department of Agriculture and the Board of Regents
relating to the use of the Park.
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``Park instrument''
includes--
(i) the master memorandum of understanding,
dated August 19, 1998;
(ii) the supplements numbered 1 and 2,
dated January 19, 1999;
(iii) the easement, dated January 19, 1999;
(iv) the amended easement deed, dated
February 24, 2004;
(v) a special warranty deed, dated May 29,
2001; and
(vi) a memorandum of agreement, dated
February 24, 2004.
(8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 3. FORT RENO MANAGEMENT AREA.
(a) Authorization by Congress Required for Declaration as Excess or
Surplus Property or Conveyance.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Fort Reno Management Area, without specific authorization by
Congress, shall not, in whole or part--
(1) be declared to be excess or surplus Federal property
under subtitle I of title 40, United States Code;
(2) be conveyed; or
(3) be transferred to the administrative jurisdiction of
any other Federal agency.
(b) Mineral Leasing.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding the provisions of the
first section of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 (30 U.S.C.
181) excluding Federal land in incorporated cities from mineral
leasing, the Secretary may provide for mineral leasing at the
Fort Reno Management Area in accordance with that Act, subject
to such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Agriculture
determines to be appropriate to preserve and protect historic
properties and ongoing and prospective research activities.
(2) Environmental analyses.--After the date of enactment of
this Act, no further administrative or environmental analyses
shall be required for the leasing and development of minerals
at the Fort Reno Management Area.
(c) Availability of Map.--The map shall be on file and available
for public inspection in--
(1) the office of the Administrator of the Agricultural
Research Center; and
(2) the office of the Director of the Grazinglands Research
Laboratory in El Reno, Oklahoma.
(d) Effect.--Nothing in this section precludes the Secretary of
Agriculture from granting utilities or access easements for, or issuing
temporary permits for the use of, the Fort Reno Management Area.
SEC. 4. FORT RENO MANAGEMENT FUND.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury of the
United States a revolving fund, to be known as the ``Fort Reno
Management Fund'', consisting of--
(1) such amounts as are appropriated to the Fund under
subsection (b);
(2) such amounts as are deposited under section 6(b)(1)(B);
and
(3) any interest earned on investment of amounts in the
Fund under subsection (d).
(b) Transfers to Fund.--Notwithstanding section 35 of the Mineral
Leasing Act (30 U.S.C. 191), there are appropriated to the Fund amounts
equivalent to amounts received in the Treasury as proceeds from the
leasing of mineral resources at the Fort Reno Management Area under
section 3(b).
(c) Expenditures From Fund.--
(1) In general.--On request by the Secretary of
Agriculture, the Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer from
the Fund to the Administrator of the Agricultural Research
Service--
(A) such amounts as the Administrator determines
are necessary, but not more than a total of
$22,000,000, to provide, with respect to the Fort Reno
Historic District--
(i) the restoration, maintenance, and
management of historic buildings and
facilities;
(ii) the interpretation, education, and
visitor services and related activities in
connection with historic buildings and
facilities;
(iii) the provision and maintenance of
facilities for utilities, waste management,
streets, visitor parking, and other
improvements necessary or desirable for
providing public and administrative services;
and
(iv) to reimburse the Secretary for the
costs of administering a mineral leasing
program for the Fort Reno Management Area under
section 3(b).
(B) not more than $250,000 for each fiscal year, as
adjusted under paragraph (4), to be deposited in a
repair and maintenance fund established by the
Secretary of Agriculture for the Fort Reno Historic
District.
(2) Reduction of national debt.--Any amounts remaining in
the Fund after the transfers are made under subparagraphs (A)
and (B) of paragraph (1) shall be used to reduce the debt of
the United States.
(3) Consultation.--In making expenditures from the Fund
under clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of paragraph (1)(A), the
Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service shall
consult with--
(A) Historic Fort Reno, Inc., (or any successors or
assigns); and
(B) the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation
Officer.
(4) Inflation adjustment.--For each fiscal year, the amount
specified in paragraph (1)(B) shall be increased by 4 percent.
(d) Investment of Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest
such portion of the Fund as is not, in the judgment of the
Secretary of the Treasury, required to meet current
withdrawals.
(2) Interest-bearing obligations.--Investments may be made
only in interest-bearing obligations of the United States.
(3) Acquisition of obligations.--For the purpose of
investments under paragraph (1), obligations may be acquired--
(A) on original issue at the issue price; or
(B) by purchase of outstanding obligations at the
market price.
(4) Sale of obligations.--Any obligation acquired by the
Fund may be sold by the Secretary of the Treasury at the market
price.
(5) Credits to fund.--The interest on, and the proceeds
from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the
Fund shall be credited to and form a part of the Fund.
(e) Transfers of Amounts.--
(1) In general.--The amounts required to be transferred to
the Fund under this section shall be transferred at least
monthly from the general fund of the Treasury to the Fund on
the basis of estimates made by the Secretary of the Treasury.
(2) Adjustments.--Proper adjustment shall be made in
amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates
were in excess of or less than the amounts required to be
transferred.
SEC. 5. RATIFICATION OF FORT RENO SCIENCE PARK INSTRUMENT.
(a) In General.--The Park instrument is ratified.
(b) Amendments.--The Park instrument may only be amended or revoked
if the parties to the Park instrument agree to the amendment or
revocation.
SEC. 6. LEASING AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Agriculture may--
(1) lease to any person or entity any property at the Fort
Reno Management Area, subject to any terms and conditions that
the Secretary of Agriculture determines to be in the public
interest;
(2)(A) if the Board of Regents agrees to the conversion,
convert to a lease, for no additional consideration, the
easements to the Park referred to in section 2(5)(B); and
(B) extend the lease converted under subparagraph (A),
subject to any terms and conditions that the Secretary of
Agriculture and the Board of Regents agree to, including terms
and conditions that provide that--
(i) the initial term of the lease shall expire on
February 3, 2049; and
(ii) the lease may be renewable for additional 20-
year terms.
(b) Special Terms and Conditions.--
(1) Consideration.--
(A) In general.--Subject to any terms and
conditions that the parties to the lease agree to,
consideration for a lease under subsection (a)(1) may
be in the form of--
(i) conveyance to the Secretary of
Agriculture of title to any non-Federal
structures of, or improvements to, the Fort
Reno Management Area;
(ii) repairs or renovations to structures
of, or improvements to, the Fort Reno
Management Area, that are conducted before or
after the lease is entered into;
(iii) cash; or
(iv) a combination of any of the forms of
consideration described in clauses (i) through
(iii).
(B) Disposition in fund.--Any amount received as
consideration for a lease under subparagraph (A) shall
be deposited in the Fund.
(2) Term.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subsection
(a)(2)(B) and subparagraph (B), the term of any lease
shall be for not more than 20 years.
(B) Renewal.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), a
lease may be renewed at the option of the parties,
subject to any terms and conditions that--
(i) the Secretary of Agriculture determines
to be in the public interest; and
(ii) are agreed to by the parties to the
lease.
SEC. 7. EFFECT.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this Act limits or modifies the
authority of the Secretary of Agriculture--
(1) to conduct research activities at the Fort Reno
Management Area; or
(2) to manage the Federal land under the jurisdiction of
the Secretary of Agriculture for research purposes.
(b) Grazinglands Research Laboratory.--Designation of the Federal
land at El Reno, Oklahoma, as the Fort Reno Management Area does not
affect the name or operations of the Grazinglands Research Laboratory. | Fort Reno Mineral Leasing Act - Requires a specific authorization by Congress as prerequisite to the Fort Reno Management Area being: (1) declared to be excess or surplus federal property; (2) conveyed; or (3) transferred to the administrative jurisdiction of any other federal agency.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide for mineral leasing at the Fort Reno Management Area.
States that no further administrative or environmental analyses shall be required for the leasing and development of minerals at the Fort Reno Management Area after enactment of this Act.
Establishes the Fort Reno Management Fund as a revolving fund in the Treasury. Transfers to it proceeds received in the Treasury from the leasing of mineral resources at the Fort Reno Management Area.
Requires the Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service, when making expenditures from the Fund, to consult with the Historic Fort Reno, Inc., and the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Officer.
Ratifies the Fort Reno Science Park Instrument.
Sets forth the leasing authority of the Secretary of Agriculture with regard to the Area, including lease conversion and extension. | A bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to lease oil and gas resources underlying Fort Reno, Oklahoma, to establish the Fort Reno Management Fund, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``American Promise Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN NON-IMMIGRANT NATIONALS
GRANTED TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS OR DEFERRED ENFORCED
DEPARTURE.
Title II of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et
seq.) is amended by inserting after section 244 the following (and
amending the table of contents accordingly):
``SEC. 244A. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN NATIONALS IN RECEIPT OF
TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS OR DEFERRED ENFORCED
DEPARTURE.
``(a) In General.--The status of any alien described in subsection
(c) shall be adjusted by the Secretary of Homeland Security to that of
an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, if the alien--
``(1) applies for such adjustment within 3 years after the
date of enactment of this section;
``(2) is determined to be admissible to the United States
for permanent residence; and
``(3) meets the criteria established under subsection (c)
``(b) Certain Grounds for Inadmissibility Inapplicable.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of determining
admissibility under subsection (a)(2), the grounds for
inadmissibility specified in paragraphs (4), (5), (6)(A), and
(7)(A) of section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
shall not apply.
``(2) Additional waiver for individual aliens.--The
Secretary may waive any other provision of section 212(a) in
the case of an individual alien for humanitarian purposes, to
assure family unity, or when it is otherwise in the public
interest.
``(c) Aliens Eligible for Adjustment of Status.--An alien shall be
eligible for adjustment of status if the alien--
``(1) is a national of a country (or part of a country)
with a designation under 244(b) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act during the period specified in section
244(b)(2) and who was granted temporary protected status, or
was otherwise eligible for temporary protected status, on or
before October 1, 2017, or has been granted Deferred Enforced
Departure (hereinafter in this section referred to as `DED') on
or before October 1, 2017; and
``(2) has been continuously physically present in the
United States for a period of not less than 3 years since the
effective date of this Act's enactment.
``(d) Waiver Authorized.--Notwithstanding any provision of the
Immigration and Nationality Act, an alien who fails to meet the
continuous physical presence requirement under paragraph (2) of
subsection (c) shall be considered eligible for status adjustment as
provided in this section if the Attorney General or the Secretary
determines that the removal of the alien from the United States would
result in extreme hardship to the alien, their spouse, their children,
their parents, or their domestic partner.
``(e) Effect of Application on Certain Orders.--An alien present in
the United States who has been ordered removed or has been granted
voluntary departure from the United States may, notwithstanding such
order, apply for adjustment of status under this section. Such alien
shall not be required to file a separate motion to reopen, reconsider,
or vacate the order of removal. If the Secretary approves the
application, the Secretary shall cancel the order of removal. If the
Secretary renders a final administrative decision to deny the
application, the order of removal shall be effective and enforceable to
the same extent as if the application had not been made.
``(f) Work Authorization.--The Secretary shall authorize an alien
who has applied for adjustment of status under this section to engage
in employment in the United States during the pendency of such
application and shall provide the alien with an appropriate document
signifying authorization of employment.
``(g) Adjustment of Status for Certain Family Members.--
``(1) In general.--The status of an alien shall be adjusted
by the Secretary to that of an alien lawfully admitted for
permanent residence if the alien--
``(A) is the spouse, parent, or unmarried son or
daughter of an alien whose status is adjusted under
this section;
``(B) applies for adjustment under this section
within 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act;
and
``(C) is determined to be admissible to the United
States for permanent residence.
``(2) Certain grounds for inadmissibility inapplicable.--
For purposes of determining admissibility under subsection
(g)(1)(C), the grounds for inadmissibility specified in
paragraphs (4), (5), (6)(A), and (7)(A) of section 212(a) shall
not apply.
``(h) Availability of Administrative Review.--The Secretary shall
provide to aliens applying for adjustment of status under this section
the same right to, and procedures for, administrative review as are
provided to--
``(1) applicants for adjustment of status under section
245; or
``(2) aliens subject to removal proceedings under section
240.
``(i) No Offset in Number of Visas Available.--The granting of
adjustment of status under this section shall not reduce the number of
immigrant visas authorized to be issued under any provision of the
Immigration and Nationality Act.
``(j) Treatment of Brief, Casual, and Innocent Departures and
Certain Other Absences.--An alien who has failed to maintain the 3-year
continuous physical presence requirement under subsection (c) because
of brief, casual, and innocent departures or, emergency travel, or
extenuating circumstances outside of the control of the alien, shall
not be considered to have failed to maintain continuous physical
presence in the United States.
``(k) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed
to include aliens (as a class or individual basis) from previously
designated countries that no longer have valid temporary protected
status designation under section 244(b), or aliens who no longer have a
valid deferred enforced departure status, unless such designated status
or previously deferred enforced departure expires on or after January
1, 2017.
``(l) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `domestic partner' means an adult of at
least 18 years of age in a committed relationship with the
alien applying for adjustment. A committed relationship is one
in which the employee and the domestic partner of the employee
are each other's sole domestic partner (and are not married to
or domestic partners with anyone else) and share responsibility
for a significant measure of each other's common welfare and
financial obligations. This includes, but is not limited to,
any relationship between two individuals of the same or
opposite sex that is granted legal recognition by a State or by
the District of Columbia as a marriage or analogous
relationship (including, but not limited to, a civil union).
``(2) The term `provide for its repatriated citizens' means
a country's ability to provide safety, and social safety net
services, including preventive healthcare services, and
housing.
``(3) The term `Deferred Enforced Departure' or `DED'
refers to the presidential directive issued on September 28,
2016.''.
SEC. 3. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS REGARDING FUTURE DISCONTINUED
ELIGIBILITY OF ALIENS FROM COUNTRIES CURRENTLY LISTED
UNDER TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS.
(a) Additional Reporting Requirements.--Section 244(b)(3) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)) is amended by
adding at the end, the following:
``(D) Report on terminations.--Within 3 days after
the Attorney General's announcement, including by
notice in the Federal Register, of a country's
designation being terminated from Temporary Protected
Status, the Attorney General shall submit to the
Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the House
Judiciary Committee a report that includes--
``(i) an explanation of the event or events
that initially prompted a country's designation
under temporary protected status;
``(ii) the progress the country has made in
remedying the designation specified in clause
(i), including any significant challenges or
shortcomings that have not been addressed since
the initial designation;
``(iii) an analysis, with applicable and
relevant metrics as determined by the
Secretary, of the country's ability to
repatriate its nationals, including--
``(I) the country's financial
ability to provide for its repatriated
citizens;
``(II) the country's financial
ability to address the initial
designation specified in clause (i)
without foreign assistance;
``(III) the country's gross
domestic product, gross domestic
product per capita, and an analysis of
the country's ability to be
economically self-sufficient without
foreign assistance;
``(IV) the economic and social
impact repatriation of nationals in
possession of temporary protected
status would have on the recipient
country; and
``(V) any additional metrics the
Secretary deems necessary.''.
SEC. 4. ADJUSTMENT OF RELATION OF PERIOD OF TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS
TO CANCELLATION OF REMOVAL.
Section 244(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C.1254a(e)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``With respect to an alien'' and inserting
the following:
``(1) In general.--With respect to an alien''; and
(2) by adding at the end, the following:
``(2) Waiver for certain temporary protected status
holders.--The provisions in subsection (e) shall not apply to
an Alien who is eligible for adjustment of status pursuant to
section 244A of the Immigration and Nationality Act.''.
SEC. 5. ELIGIBILITY FOR NATURALIZATION.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding sections 319(b), 328, and 329 of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1430(b), 1439, and 1440),
an alien whose status is adjusted under section 244A of the Immigration
and Nationality Act to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent
residence may apply for naturalization under chapter 2 of title III of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.) not earlier
than 5 years after such adjustment of status.
(b) Language Requirement Waiver.--Section 312(b)(2) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``or'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) is an alien in receipt of status adjustment
under section 244A of the Immigration and Nationality
Act.''. | American Promise Act of 2017 This bill amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit an alien who is in temporary protected status (TPS) or deferred enforced departure (DED) status to apply for legal permanent resident status if such alien: is eligible for permanent resident status, applies for adjustment within three years, was granted or was eligible for TPS or DED status on or before October 1, 2017, and has been continuously physically present in the U.S. for at least three years. (TPS designations permit eligible nationals of designated counties affected by armed conflict or natural disasters to temporarily reside and work in the United States. DED designations permit eligible nationals of presidentially-designated counties to be temporarily not subject to removal from the United States.) The bill: waives certain grounds of inadmissibility; authorizes the waiver of the continuous physical presence requirement if an alien's removal would cause extreme hardship to the alien or to the alien's spouse, children, parents, or domestic partner; authorizes an alien who has applied for status adjustment to work; and authorizes an alien who has been ordered removed or granted voluntary departure to apply for status adjustment. An alien's spouse, parent, or unmarried child shall have his or her status adjusted to legal permanent resident if such person is eligible for status adjustment and applies within three years. Aliens from countries that no longer have valid TPS designation and aliens who no longer have valid DED status are not included in this bill unless such TSP or DED status expires on or after January 1, 2017. | American Promise Act of 2017 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Trial and Experimental Studies
Transparency Act of 2012'' or the ``TEST Act''.
SEC. 2. EXPANDED CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY DATA BANK.
(a) In General.--Section 402(j) of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 282(j)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(A) in clause (ii)--
(i) by amending subclause (I) to read as
follows:
``(I) an interventional study of a
device subject to section 510(k), 515,
or 520(m) of the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act, including any
interventional study of a device
conducted outside of the United States
the results of which are submitted to
the Secretary in support of a PMA (as
such term is defined in section
814.3(e) of title 21, Code of Federal
Regulations); a premarket notification
required under section 510(k) of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act;
or a HDE (as such term is defined in
section 814.3(m) of title 21, Code of
Federal Regulations).''; and
(ii) in subclause (II)--
(I) by striking ``pediatric''; and
(II) by inserting ``that involves
data collection from human subjects''
before the period at the end;
(B) by amending clause (iii) to read as follows:
``(iii) Applicable drug clinical trial.--
The term `applicable drug clinical trial' means
an interventional study of a drug subject to
section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act or to section 351 of this Act,
including any interventional study of a drug
conducted outside of the United States the
results of which are submitted to the Secretary
in support of--
``(I) an IND (as such term is
defined in section 312.3 of title 21,
Code of Federal Regulations);
``(II) an application filed under
subsection (b) or (j) of such section
505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act; or
``(III) an application for a
license under section 351.'';
(C) by redesignating clauses (iv) through (ix) as
clauses (v) through (x), respectively;
(D) after clause (iii), by inserting the following
new clause:
``(iv) Interventional study.--For purposes
of clauses (ii) and (iii), the term
`interventional study' means a study in human
beings in which individuals are assigned by an
investigator, based on a protocol, to receive
specific interventions to evaluate their
effects on biomedical or health-related
outcomes.''; and
(E) in clause (vi), as redesignated by subparagraph
(C)--
(i) in the heading, by inserting ``;
primary completion date'' after ``date''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, also referred to as
`primary completion date','' before ``means'';
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii)--
(i) by redesignating subclauses (II),
(III), and (IV) as subclauses (III), (IV), and
(V), respectively;
(ii) by inserting after subclause (I) the
following:
``(II) supporting documents,
including--
``(aa) consent documents
used to enroll subjects into
the trial, as approved by the
Institutional Review Board or
equivalent committee prior to
the start of the trial; and
``(bb) protocol documents,
as approved by the
Institutional Review Board or
equivalent committee prior to
the start of the trial;''; and
(iii) in subclause (IV), as so
redesignated, in item (cc), by inserting ``(or,
in the case of a location outside of the United
States, other appropriate location
information)'' after ``zip code'';
(B) in subparagraph (C)(ii) by striking ``21 days
after'' and inserting ``before''; and
(C) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as
follows:
``(D) Posting of data.--The Director of NIH shall
ensure that clinical trial information for an
applicable clinical trial submitted in accordance with
this paragraph is posted publically in the registry
data bank not later than 30 days after such submission
is determined to meet the quality criteria established
by the Director of NIH.'';
(3) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (C)--
(i) by striking ``Not later than 1 year''
and all that follows through the colon and
inserting ``Subject to subparagraph (2)(C), the
Secretary shall include in the registry and
results data bank the following elements for an
applicable clinical trial:''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following new
clause:
``(v) Supporting documents.--Final consent
and protocol documents, including all dated
amendments to the initial version of such
documents, as approved by the Institutional
Review Board or equivalent committee.'';
(B) in subparagraph (D)--
(i) by striking clauses (ii) and (iv);
(ii) in clause (iii)--
(I) by striking subclause (III);
and
(II) by redesignating subclause
(IV) as subclause (III); and
(iii) by redesignating--
(I) clause (iii) as clause (ii);
and
(II) clauses (v) through (vii) as
clauses (iii) through (v),
respectively;
(C) in subparagraph (E)--
(i) by striking clauses (i) through (v) and
inserting the following:
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clauses (ii) and (iii), the responsible party
for an applicable clinical trial shall submit
to the Director of NIH for inclusion in the
registry and results data bank the clinical
trial information described in subparagraph (C)
not later than 1 year after the primary
completion date of such trial.
``(ii) Delayed submission of results with
certification.--If the responsible party for an
applicable clinical trial submits a
certification that an applicable clinical trial
involves a drug described in clause (iii) or a
device described in clause (iv), the
responsible party shall submit to the Director
of NIH, for inclusion in the registry and
results data bank, the clinical trial
information described in subparagraphs (C) and
(D) not later than the earliest of the
following:
``(I) The later of--
``(aa) 30 days after the
drug or device is approved,
licensed, or cleared, as
applicable; or
``(bb) 1 year after the
primary completion date of the
applicable clinical trial.
``(II) The date that is 2 years
after the primary completion date of
the applicable clinical trial.
``(iii) Drug described.--A drug described
in this clause is a drug that contains an
active ingredient, including any ester or salt,
that has not been an ingredient in a drug
approved in any other application under section
505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
or licensed for any use under section 351 of
this Act.
``(iv) Device described.--A device
described in this clause is a device that has
not been approved or cleared for any use under
section 510(k) or under section 515 or 520(m)
of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.'';
(ii) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause
(v); and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(vi) Public postings related to delays
and extensions.--Information submitted by the
responsible party as part of a certification
for delayed submission of results submitted
under clause (ii) or a request for extension
submitted under clause (v) shall be posted
publically in the registry data bank.'';
(D) by striking subparagraph (F);
(E) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) through (I)
as subparagraphs (F) through (H), respectively; and
(F) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, by
inserting before the period at the end the following:
``is determined to meet the quality criteria
established by the Director of NIH''; and
(4) in paragraph (4)(B)--
(A) in clause (i)(II), by striking ``(3)(E)(iii)''
and inserting ``(3)(E)(ii)''; and
(B) in clause (ii)(II)--
(i) by striking ``by both''; and
(ii) by striking ``and paragraph
(3)(D)(ii)(II))''.
(b) Implementation.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall implement the amendments made by subsection (a) not later than 6
months after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act,
and annually thereafter, the Director of the National Institutes of
Health and the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration shall
each submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate a report that includes the following:
(1) Based on information that is readily available in the
data bank described in section 402(j) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 282(j))--
(A) the number of trials that the Director or
Commissioner, as applicable, has identified as trials
that are likely to be subject to the reporting
requirements of such section;
(B) of the trials identified under subparagraph
(A), the estimated numbers and percentages of such
trials--
(i) that have complete registration
information; and
(ii) that have met the result reporting
requirements of section 402(j) of the Public
Health Service Act; and
(C) whether results of the trials have been
submitted by the responsible party by the due dates
outlined in section 402(j) of the Public Health Service
Act and, if not, whether certifications for delayed
submission of such results, or requests for extensions,
have been submitted by the responsible party.
For purposes of this paragraph, the Secretary may use an
algorithm or other technique for efficiently reviewing large
amounts of data.
(2) A description of any actions taken to consult with
other Federal agencies under 402(j)(5)(A)(iv) of the Public
Health Service Act.
(3) In the case of a report submitted by the Commissioner
of the Food and Drug Administration, a description of any
enforcement actions taken for violations of section 301(jj) of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 331(jj)),
including--
(A) warning letters or fines imposed related to
reporting requirements; and
(B) any inquiries made to responsible parties to
inform those parties of any potential enforcement
action.
(4) In the case of a report submitted by the Director of
the National Institutes of Health, a description of any actions
taken to withhold grant funds from responsible parties that are
not compliant with the requirements of this section as
indicated in 402(j)(5)(A) of the Public Health Service Act.
SEC. 4. RULEMAKING RELATED TO FOREIGN CLINICAL STUDIES.
(a) Drugs.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue final
regulations to amend section 312.120 of title 21, Code of Federal
Regulations (relating to foreign clinical studies not conducted under
an IND) to require that clinical trial information for such a foreign
clinical study be submitted for inclusion in the registry and results
data bank in accordance with section 402(j) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 282(j)), as amended by this Act, as a condition
for the acceptance of such study as support for an IND (as such term is
defined in section 312.3 of title 21, Code of Federal Regulations) or
application for marketing approval (an application under section 505 of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 355) or section 351
of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 262)).
(b) Devices.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue final
regulations (including regulations amending section 814.15 of title 21,
Code of Federal Regulations (relating to research conducted outside the
United States)) to require that clinical trial information for studies
conducted outside the United States be submitted for inclusion in the
registry and results data bank in accordance with section 402(j) of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 282(j)), as amended by this Act,
as a condition for the acceptance of such studies to support a PMA (as
such term is defined in section 814.3(e) of title 21, Code of Federal
Regulations), a premarket notification required under section 510(k) of
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360(k)), or HDE (as
such term is defined in section 814.3(m) of title 21, Code of Federal
Regulations). | Trial and Experimental Studies Transparency Act of 2012 [sic] or TEST Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to expand the clinical trials that must be reported to the clinical trial registry data bank to include: (1) any interventional study of a drug, device, or biological product conducted outside of the United States the results of which are submitted to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) as support for approval of an application; and (2) postmarket surveillance of a class II or class III device that involves data collection from human subjects. Defines "interventional study" to mean a study in human beings in which individuals are assigned by an investigator, based on a protocol, to receive specific interventions to evaluate their effects on biomedical health-related outcomes. Requires submission to the data bank of supporting documents, including protocol documents and consent documents used to enroll subjects into the trial. Requires the responsible party for a clinical trial to submit clinical trial information to the data bank before the first patient is enrolled in the trial. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to post the information submitted to the data bank within 30 days after the submission is determined to meet the quality criteria established by the Director. Revises time frames for the reporting of results data to the clinical trial registry. Requires the Director and the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA) to report on the number of clinical trials with information submitted to the registry and steps taken to enforce compliance with such reporting requirements. | TEST Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veteran Employment Through
Technology Education Courses Act of 2017'' or the ``VET TEC Act of
2017''.
SEC. 2. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HIGH TECHNOLOGY PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry
out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall provide eligible
veterans with the opportunity to enroll in high technology programs of
education.
(b) Eligibility.--For purposes of the pilot program under this
section, an eligible veteran is a veteran who is entitled to
educational assistance under the laws administered by the Secretary.
(c) Contracts.--
(1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out subsection
(a), by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the
State approving agencies and as the Secretary considers
applicable, seek to enter into contracts with multiple
qualified providers of high technology programs of education
for the provision of such programs to eligible veterans under
the pilot program.
(2) Payment of contractors.--A contract under this
subsection shall provide that the Secretary shall pay to a
provider--
(A) 25 percent of the cost of providing the program
of education upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran
in the program;
(B) 25 percent of such cost upon the completion of
the program by the veteran; and
(C) 50 percent of such cost upon the employment of
the veteran in a field related to the course of study,
following completion of the program.
(3) Qualified providers.--For purposes of the pilot
program, a provider of a high technology program of education
is qualified if the provider--
(A) has been operational for at least two years and
has offered, for at least two years, the credential it
plans to offer under the pilot program;
(B) verifies, to the satisfaction of the Secretary,
that each credential it plans to offer through the
pilot program has demonstrated market value based on
the employment and earnings of its participants in that
program during the most recent two-year period; and
(C) has the ability to evaluate job placement rates
and earnings through means other than survey data or
self-reported data, such as through agreements with
State or Federal agencies.
(4) Tuition reimbursement.--In entering into contracts to
carry out the pilot program, the Secretary shall give
preference to a qualified provider that offers tuition
reimbursement for any student who--
(A) completes a program of education offered by the
provider; and
(B) does not find full-time meaningful employment
within the 180-day period beginning on the date the
student completes the program.
(5) Limitation on tuition.--In the case of a qualified
provider that is a for-profit organization, the tuition charged
for a high technology program of education under a contract
under this subsection may not exceed 125 percent of the average
tuition charged by nonprofit organizations for similar
programs, as determined by the Secretary.
(6) Removal of contractors.--The Secretary shall remove
from participation in the pilot program any qualified provider
that increases the tuition for a high technology program of
education under a contract under this subsection by more than
10 percent in any year as compared to the previous year.
(d) Housing Stipend.--The Secretary shall pay to each eligible
veteran who is enrolled in a high technology program of education under
the pilot program on a full-time basis a monthly housing stipend equal
to the product--
(1) of--
(A) in the case of a veteran pursuing resident
training, the monthly amount of the basic allowance for
housing payable under section 403 of title 37, United
States Code, for a member with dependents in pay grade
E-5 residing in the military housing area that
encompasses all or the majority portion of the ZIP code
area in which is located the institution at which the
individual is enrolled; or
(B) in the case of a veteran pursuing a program of
education through distance learning, a monthly amount
equal to 50 percent of the amount payable under
subparagraph (A), multiplied by
(2) the lesser of--
(A) 1.0; or
(B) the number of course hours borne by the
individual in pursuit of the program of education
involved, divided by the minimum number of course hours
required for full-time pursuit of such program of
education, rounded to the nearest multiple of 10.
(e) Reports.--
(1) Secretary of veterans affairs.--Not later than one year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on
the pilot program under this section.
(2) Comptroller general.--
(A) Interim report.--Not later than three years
after the date on which the Secretary first enters into
a contract under this section, the Comptroller General
of the United States shall submit to Congress a report
containing the results of the interim assessment of the
Comptroller General. Such report shall include the
following:
(i) The recommendations of the Comptroller
General for improving the pilot program.
(ii) An assessment of each of the
following:
(I) The technology experience of
the directors and instructors of the
providers of high technology programs
of education under the pilot program.
(II) Whether the providers
cooperated with the technology industry
to create the curriculum for the
program of education.
(III) Whether the providers use an
open source curriculum for the program
of education.
(IV) The admittance rate into the
pilot program.
(V) The completion rate for
veterans who participate in the pilot
program.
(VI) The average age of veterans
who participate in the pilot program.
(VII) The job placement rate for
veterans who completed a program of
education under the pilot program.
(VIII) Whether the employment of
veterans who completed a program of
education under the pilot program was
part or full time.
(IX) Whether a veteran who found
employment after completing a program
of education under the pilot program
was employed in a field related to the
course of study under the program of
education.
(B) Final report.--Not later than five years after
the date on which the Secretary first enters into a
contract under this section, the Comptroller General
shall submit to Congress a final report on the pilot
program. Such report shall include the recommendation
of the Comptroller General with respect to whether the
program should be extended and an assessment of each of
the following:
(i) Each item described in subclauses (I)
through (IX) of subparagraph (A)(ii).
(ii) The percentage of veterans who
completed a program of education under the
pilot program who were subsequently employed
for a period of six months or longer.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) High technology program of education.--The term ``high
technology program of education'' means a program of education
that--
(A) is offered by an entity other than an
institution of higher learning;
(B) does not lead to a degree; and
(C) provides instruction in computer programming,
computer software, media application, data processing,
or information sciences.
(2) State approving agency.--The term ``State approving
agency'' means a department or agency of a State designated
under section 3671 of title 38, United States Code.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $15,000,000 for each
fiscal year during which the Secretary carries out a pilot program
under this section.
(h) Termination.--The authority to carry out a pilot program under
this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the
date on which the Secretary first enters into a contract under this
section. | Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses Act of 2017 or the VET TEC Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to carry out a five-year pilot program to provide eligible veterans with the opportunity to enroll in high technology programs of education, which are programs that are offered by entities other than institutions of higher learning, do not lead to a degree, and provide instruction in computer programming, computer software, media application, data processing, or information sciences. The VA shall enter into contracts with multiple qualified providers of such programs, under which the VA shall pay: (1) 25% of the cost of providing the program upon the enrollment of an eligible veteran, (2) 25% of such cost when the veteran completes the program, and (3) 50% of such cost upon the veteran's employment following completion in a field related to the course of study. A provider of a high technology program of education is qualified if the provider: (1) has offered, for at least two years, the credential it plans to provide under the pilot; (2) verifies that each such credential has demonstrated market value based on the employment and earnings of participants; and (3) has the ability to evaluate job placement rates and earnings through means other than survey or self-reported data. The VA shall give preference to a qualified provider that offers tuition reimbursement for any student who completes the program and does not find full-time meaningful employment within 180 days. The bill limits tuition and provides for removal of providers that increase tuition by more than 10% from the previous year. The VA shall pay a monthly housing stipend to each eligible veteran enrolled full-time in such a program. | Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses Act of 2017 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Open and Accountable Campaign
Financing Act of 2000''.
TITLE I--DISCLOSURE
SEC. 101. ADDITIONAL MONTHLY AND QUARTERLY DISCLOSURE REPORTS.
(a) Principal Campaign Committees.--
(1) Monthly reports.--Section 304(a)(2)(A) of the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434(a)(2)(A)) is
amended by striking clause (iii) and inserting the following:
``(iii) additional monthly reports, which shall be
filed not later than the 20th day after the last day of
the month and shall be complete as of the last day of
the month, except that monthly reports shall not be
required under this clause in November and December and
a year end report shall be filed not later than January
31 of the following calendar year.''.
(2) Quarterly reports.--Section 304(a)(2)(B) of such Act is
amended by striking ``the following reports'' and all that
follows through the period and inserting ``the treasurer shall
file quarterly reports, which shall be filed not later than the
15th day after the last day of each calendar quarter, and which
shall be complete as of the last day of each calendar quarter,
except that the report for the quarter ending December 31 shall
be filed not later than January 31 of the following calendar
year.''.
(b) National Committee of a Political Party.--Section 304(a)(4) of
the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434(a)(4)) is
amended by adding at the end the following flush sentence:
``Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a national committee of a
political party shall file the reports required under subparagraph
(B).''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 304.--Section 304(a) of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (3)(A)(ii), by striking
``quarterly reports'' and inserting ``monthly
reports''; and
(B) in paragraph (8), by striking ``quarterly
report under paragraph (2)(A)(iii) or paragraph
(4)(A)(i)'' and inserting ``monthly report under
paragraph (2)(A)(iii) or paragraph (4)(A)''.
(2) Section 309.--Section 309(b) of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 437g(b)) by striking ``calendar
quarter'' and inserting ``month''.
SEC. 102. REPORTING BY NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTY COMMITTEES.
Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
434) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Political Committees.--
``(1) National and congressional political committees.--The
national committee of a political party, any national
congressional campaign committee of a political party, and any
subordinate committee of either, shall report all receipts and
disbursements during the reporting period.
``(2) Itemization.--If a political committee has receipts
or disbursements to which this subsection applies from any
person aggregating in excess of $200 for any calendar year, the
political committee shall separately itemize its reporting for
such person in the same manner as required in paragraphs
(3)(A), (5), and (6) of subsection (b).
``(3) Reporting periods.--Reports required to be filed
under this subsection shall be filed for the same time periods
required for political committees under subsection (a).''.
SEC. 103. INCREASED ELECTRONIC DISCLOSURE.
Section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
434), as amended by section 102, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(e) Internet Availability.--The Commission shall make the
information contained in the reports submitted under this section
available on the Internet and publicly available at the offices of the
Commission as soon as practicable (but in no case later than 24 hours)
after the information is received by the Commission.''.
SEC. 104. PUBLIC ACCESS TO BROADCASTING RECORDS.
Section 315 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 315) is
amended by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and
(e), respectively, and inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Political Record.--
``(1) In general.--A licensee shall maintain, and make
available for public inspection, a complete record of a request
to purchase broadcast time that--
``(A) is made by or on behalf of a legally
qualified candidate for public office; or
``(B) communicates a message relating to any
political matter of national importance, including--
``(i) a legally qualified candidate;
``(ii) any election to Federal office; or
``(iii) a national legislative issue of
public importance.
``(2) Contents of record.--A record maintained under
paragraph (1) shall contain information regarding--
``(A) whether the request to purchase broadcast
time is accepted or rejected by the licensee;
``(B) the rate charged for the broadcast time;
``(D) the date and time that the communication is
aired;
``(E) the class of time that is purchased;
``(F) the name of the candidate to which the
communication refers and the office to which the
candidate is seeking election, the election to which
the communication refers, or the issue to which the
communication refers (as applicable);
``(G) in the case of a request made by, or on
behalf of, a candidate, the name of the candidate, the
authorized committee of the candidate, and the
treasurer of such committee; and
``(H) in the case of any other request, the name of
the person purchasing the time, the name, address, and
phone number of a contact person for such person, and a
list of the chief executive officers or members of the
executive committee or of the board of directors of
such person.
``(3) Time to maintain file.--The information required
under this subsection shall be placed in a political file as
soon as possible and shall be retained by the licensee for a
period of not less than 2 years.''.
TITLE II--SOFT MONEY OF NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES AND CONTRIBUTION
LIMITS
SEC. 201. LIMIT ON SOFT MONEY OF NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTY COMMITTEES.
Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
431 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 324. LIMIT ON SOFT MONEY OF NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTY COMMITTEES.
``(a) Limitation.--A national committee of a political party, a
congressional campaign committee of a national party, or an entity
directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained, or controlled
by such committee shall not accept a donation, gift, or transfer of
funds of any kind (not including transfers from other committees of the
political party or contributions), during a calendar year, from a
person (including a person directly or indirectly established,
financed, maintained, or controlled by such person) in an aggregate
amount in excess of $60,000.
``(b) Aggregate Limit on Donor.--A person shall not make an
aggregate amount of disbursements described in subsection (a) in excess
of $60,000 in any calendar year.
``(c) Index of Amount.--In the case of any calendar year after
2000--
``(1) each $60,000 amount under subsections (a) and (b)
shall be increased based on the increase in the price index
determined under section 315(c), except that the base period
shall be calendar year 2000; and
``(2) each amount so increased shall be the amount in
effect for the calendar year.''.
SEC. 202. JUDICIAL REVIEW.
(a) Expedited Review.--Any Member of Congress, candidate, national
committee of a political party, or any person adversely affected by
section 324 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as added by
section 201, may bring an action, in the United States District Court
for the District of Columbia, for declaratory judgment and injunctive
relief on the ground that such section 324 violates the Constitution.
(b) Appeal to Supreme Court.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, any order of the United States District Court for the District
of Columbia granting or denying an injunction regarding, or finally
disposing of, an action brought under subsection (a) shall be
reviewable by appeal directly to the Supreme Court of the United
States. Any such appeal shall be taken by a notice of appeal filed
within 10 calendar days after such order is entered; and the
jurisdictional statement shall be filed within 30 calendar days after
such order is entered.
(c) Expedited Consideration.--It shall be the duty of the District
Court for the District of Columbia and the Supreme Court of the United
States to advance on the docket and to expedite to the greatest
possible extent the disposition of any matter brought under subsection
(a).
(d) Enforceability.--The enforcement of any provision of section
324 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as added by section
201, shall be stayed, and such section 324 shall not be effective, for
the period--
(1) beginning on the date of the filing of an action under
subsection (a), and
(2) ending on the date of the final disposition of such
action on its merits by the Supreme Court of the United States.
(e) Applicability.--This section shall apply only with respect to
any action filed under subsection (a) not later than 30 days after the
effective date of this Act.
SEC. 203. INCREASE IN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS.
(a) Increase in Individual and Political Committee Contribution
Limits.--Section 315(a) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2
U.S.C. 441a(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$1,000'' and
inserting ``$3,000'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$20,000''
and inserting ``$60,000''; and
(C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``$5,000'' and
inserting ``$15,000''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``$25,000'' and inserting
``$75,000''; and
(B) by striking the second sentence.
(b) Increase in Multicandidate Limits.--Section 315(a)(2) of the
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a(a)(2)) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$5,000'' and
inserting ``$7,500'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$15,000'' and
inserting ``$30,000''; and
(3) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``$5,000'' and
inserting ``$7,500''.
(c) Indexing.--Section 315(c) of the Federal Election Campaign Act
of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking the second and third sentences;
(B) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``At the
beginning''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), in any calendar year
after 2000--
``(i) a limitation established by subsection (a), (b), or
(d) shall be increased by the percent difference determined
under subparagraph (A); and
``(ii) each amount so increased shall remain in effect for
the calendar year.
``(C) In the case of limitations under paragraphs (1)(A) and (2)(A)
of subsection (a), each amount increased under subparagraph (B) shall
remain in effect for the 2-year period beginning on the first day
following the date of the last general election in the year preceding
the year in which the amount is increased and ending on the date of the
next general election.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``means the calendar
year 1974'' and inserting ``means--
``(i) for purposes of subsections (b) and (d),
calendar year 1974; and
``(ii) for purposes of subsection (a), calendar
year 2000''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to calendar years beginning after December 31, 2000.
TITLE III--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 301. PROHIBITION OF SOLICITATION OF POLITICAL PARTY SOFT MONEY IN
FEDERAL BUILDINGS.
(a) In General.--Section 607 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``within the meaning of
section 301(8) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Definition of Contribution.--In this section, the term
`contribution' means a gift, subscription, loan, advance, or deposit of
money or anything of value made by any person in connection with--
``(1) any election or elections for Federal office;
``(2) any political committee (as defined in section 301 of
the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971); or
``(3) any State, district, or local committee of a
political party.''.
(b) Amendment of Title 18 To Include Prohibition of Donations.--
Section 602(a)(4) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``within the meaning of section 301(8)'' and inserting ``(as
defined in section 607(c))''.
SEC. 302. UPDATE OF PENALTY AMOUNTS.
Section 309 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
437g) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Adjustment of Dollar Amounts for Inflation.--In the case of
any calendar year after 2000--
``(1) each dollar amount under this section shall be
increased based on the increase in the price index determined
under section 315(c); and
``(2) each amount so increased shall be the amount in
effect for the calendar year.
The preceding sentence shall not apply to any amount under subsection
(d) other than the $25,000 amount under paragraph (1)(A) of such
subsection.''. | Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require a licensee to maintain and make available for public inspection a complete record of certain requests to purchase broadcast time that are related to legally qualified candidates.
Title II: Soft Money of National Political Parties and Contribution Limits
- Amends FECA to limit to $60,000 aggregate (indexed for inflation) per calendar year per contributor the amount of soft money a national committee of a political party, a congressional campaign committee of a national party, or an entity directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained, or controlled by such committee may accept. Places an aggregate limit on the soft money donor of $60,000 in any calendar year. Provides for judicial review with respect to such amendment.
Increases individual, political committee, and multicandidate political committee contribution limits. Revises indexing provisions.
Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions
- Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit solicitation of soft money in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an officer or employee of the United States or any department or agency thereof, or a person receiving any salary or compensation for service from the Treasury.
Amends FECA to provide for the indexing of certain penalty and other amounts under enforcement provisions. | Open and Accountable Campaign Financing Act of 2000 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform
Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. REFORM OF SPENDING FROM THE HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND.
(a) In General.--Section 9505(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Expenditures From Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund.--
``(1) Required distributions.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of any fiscal year
beginning after September 30, 2016, so much of the
amounts in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund as is
equal to the applicable amount shall be available,
without appropriation, for making expenditures--
``(i) to carry out section 210 of the Water
Resources Development Act of 1986,
``(ii) for payments of rebates of tolls or
charges pursuant to section 13(b) of the Act of
May 13, 1954 (as in effect on April 1, 1987),
and
``(iii) for the payment of all expenses of
administration incurred by the Department of
the Treasury, the Army Corps of Engineers, and
the Department of Commerce related to the
administration of subchapter A of chapter 36
(relating to harbor maintenance tax).
``(B) Applicable amount.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), the applicable amount for any fiscal
year is an amount equal to the sum of--
``(i) the amount of taxes received in the
Treasury under section 4461 for the immediately
preceding fiscal year, plus
``(ii) any amounts credited to the Harbor
Maintenance Trust Fund under section 9602(b)
which is attributable to the portion of the
amounts described in clause (i) that are
deposited in such Trust Fund.
``(C) Allocation of amounts.--Of the amounts
available under this paragraph for any fiscal year--
``(i) $5,000,000 shall be available for
purposes described in subparagraph (A)(iii),
``(ii) $40,000,000 shall be available for
purposes described in subparagraph (A)(ii), and
``(iii) the remainder shall be available
for purposes described in subparagraph (A)(i).
``(2) Other amounts.--The amounts in the Harbor Maintenance
Trust Fund after application of paragraph (1) shall be
available, as provided in appropriations Acts, for making
expenditures for purposes described in paragraph (1)(A).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to fiscal years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. ADDITIONAL MEASURES AT DONOR PORTS AND ENERGY TRANSFER PORTS.
Section 2106 of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of
2014 (33 U.S.C. 2238c) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D)
as clauses (i) through (iv), respectively, and
indenting appropriately;
(B) in the matter preceding clause (i) (as
redesignated), by striking ``The term'' and inserting
the following:
``(A) In general.--The term''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Calculation.--For the purpose of calculating
the percentage described in subparagraph (A)(iii),
payments described under subsection (c)(1) shall not be
included.'';
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Authority.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may provide to donor ports
and energy transfer ports amounts in accordance with this
section.
``(2) Limitations.--Amounts provided under this section for
each fiscal year--
``(A) shall be provided in equal amounts to donor
ports and energy transfer ports;
``(B) for donor ports--
``(i) 50 percent of the funds shall be
equally divided between the eligible donor
ports; and
``(ii) 50 percent of the funds shall be
divided between the eligible donor ports based
on the percentage of the total Harbor
Maintenance Tax revenues generated at each
eligible donor port;
``(C) for energy transfer ports, shall be divided
equally among all States with an energy transfer port;
and
``(D) shall be made available to a port as either a
donor port or an energy transfer port and no port may
receive amounts as both a donor port and an energy
transfer port.''; and
(3) by striking subsection (f).
SEC. 4. EXPENDITURES FROM THE HARBOR MAINTENANCE TRUST FUND.
(a) Operation and Maintenance of Harbor Projects.--Section 210(c)
of the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2238(c)) is
amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (3);
(2) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Certain donor ports and energy transfer ports.--The
Secretary shall allocate to carry out activities under section
2106(c) of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of
2014 (33 U.S.C. 2238c(c)) an amount that is not less than 20
percent of the funds made available under this section for each
fiscal year.
``(4) Emerging harbor projects.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this subsection, in making expenditures under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall allocate for operation and
maintenance costs of emerging harbor projects for each fiscal
year an amount that is not less than 10 percent of the funds
made available under this section for fiscal year 2012 to pay
the costs described in subsection (a)(2).''.
(b) Definition of Expanded Uses.--Section 210(f)(3) of the Water
Resources Development Act of 1986 (33 U.S.C. 2238(f)(3)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(C) An in-water improvement, if--
``(i) the improvement benefits commercial
navigation at the harbor; and
``(ii) the improvement is located in or
adjacent to a berth that is accessible to a
Federal navigation project.
``(D) An activity to maintain or improve slope
stability at a berth in a harbor that is accessible to
a Federal navigation project, if the activity benefits
commercial navigation at the harbor.''. | Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to make certain amounts in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund available, without appropriation, for expenditures to pay: 100% of the eligible operations and maintenance costs of specified portions of the Saint Lawrence Seaway as well as those assigned to commercial navigation of all U.S. harbors and inland harbors; rebates of certain tolls or charges on the Seaway; and all expenses of administration relating to harbor maintenance tax incurred by the Department of the Treasury, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Commerce. The Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 is amended to: require allocation to certain donor ports and energy transfer ports of at least 20% of amounts made available each fiscal year from the Trust Fund, and authorize the Department of the Army to make the allocations equally between these kinds of ports. A "donor port" is a port, subject to the harbor maintenance fee, located in a state in which more than 2 million cargo containers were unloaded from or loaded on to vessels in FY2012, whose total amount of collected harbor maintenance taxes comes to less than $15 million annually, and which received less than 25% of the total amount of harbor maintenance taxes collected at that port in the previous five fiscal years. An "energy transfer port" is one, also subject to the harbor maintenance fee, through which more than 40 million tons of cargo were transported in FY2012, and at which energy commodities constituted more than 25% of all commercial activity by tonnage in that fiscal year. | Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform Act of 2016 |
SECTION 1. AIR FORCE ACADEMY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION.
(a) In General.--Chapter 903 of title 10, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 9359 the following new section:
``Sec. 9359a. Air Force Academy Athletic Association: authorization,
purpose, and governance
``(a) Establishment Authorized.--The Secretary of the Air Force may
establish a nonprofit corporation, to be known as the `Air Force
Academy Athletic Association', to support the athletic program of the
Air Force Academy.
``(b) Organization and Duties.--(1) The Air Force Academy Athletic
Association (in this section referred to as the `Association') shall be
organized and operated as a nonprofit corporation under section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and under the powers and
authorities set forth in this section and the provisions of the laws of
the State of incorporation. The Association shall operate on a
nonpartisan basis exclusively for charitable, educational, and civic
purposes consistent with the authorities referred to in this subsection
to support the athletic program of the Academy.
``(2) Subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Air Force,
the Association may--
``(A) operate and manage athletic and revenue generating
facilities on Academy property;
``(B) use Government facilities, utilities, and services on
the Academy, without charge, in support of its mission;
``(C) sell products to the general public on or off
Government property;
``(D) charge market-based fees for admission to Association
events and other athletic or athletic-related events at the
Academy and for use of Academy athletic facilities and
property; and
``(E) engage in other activities, consistent with the
Academy athletic mission as determined by the Board of
Directors.
``(c) Board of Directors.--(1) The Association shall be governed by
a Board of Directors made up of at least nine members. The members,
other than the member referred to in paragraph (2), shall serve without
compensation, except for reasonable travel and other related expenses
for attendance at required meetings.
``(2) The Director of Athletics at the Academy shall be a standing
member of the Board as part of the Director's duties as the Director of
Athletics.
``(3) Subject to the prior approval of all nominees for appointment
by the Secretary of the Air Force, the Superintendent shall appoint the
remaining members of the Board.
``(4) The Secretary of the Air Force shall select one of the
members of the Board appointed under paragraph (3) to serve as
chairperson of the Board.
``(d) Bylaws.--Not later than July 1, 2010, the Association shall
propose its by-laws. The Association shall submit the by-laws, and all
future changes to the by-laws, to the Secretary of the Air Force for
review and approval. The by-laws shall be made available to Congress
for review.
``(e) Transition From Nonappropriated Fund Operation.--(1) Until
September 30, 2011, the Secretary of the Air Force may provide for
parallel operations of the Association and the Air Force
nonappropriated fund instrumentality whose functions include providing
support for the athletic program of the Academy. Not later than that
date, the Secretary shall dissolve the nonappropriated fund
instrumentality and transfer its assets and liabilities to the
Association.
``(2) The Secretary may transfer title and ownership to all the
assets and liabilities of the nonappropriated fund instrumentality
referred to in paragraph (1), including bank accounts and financial
reserves in its accounts, equipment, supplies, and other personal
property without cost or obligation to the Association.
``(f) Contracting Authorities.--(1) The Superintendent may procure
goods, services, human resources, and other support, on a
noncompetitive basis and at fair and reasonable prices, from the
Association in support of this section. Any such procurement shall be
exempt from Federal procurement and Federal procurement-preference
laws, rules, regulations, processes and procedures.
``(2) The Superintendent may accept from the Association funds,
goods, and services for use by cadets and Academy personnel during
participation in, or in support of, Academy or Association contests,
events, and programs.
``(g) Use of Air Force Personnel.--Air Force personnel may
participate in--
``(1) the management, operation, and oversight of the
Association;
``(2) events and athletic contests sponsored by the
Association; and
``(3) management and sport committees for the National
Collegiate Athletic Association and other athletic conferences
and associations.
``(h) Funding Authority.--The authorization of appropriations for
the operation and maintenance of the Academy includes Association
operations in support of the Academy athletic program, as approved by
the Secretary of the Air Force.
``(i) Federal Tort Claims Act.--The Association is deemed to be a
Federal entity for purposes of chapter 171 of title 28, relating to
tort claims. Members of the Board of Directors, Association employees,
and Air Force personnel participating in the management, operation, and
oversight of the Association are entitled to the protections of such
chapter and are entitled to qualified immunity from liability for
actions taken in the scope of their participation as members of the
Board of Directors or participation or employment as members of the Air
Force and Association.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
9359 the following new item:
``9359a. Air Force Academy Athletic Association: authorization,
purpose, and governance.''. | Authorizes the Secretary of the Air Force to establish (as a nonprofit corporation) the Air Force Academy Athletic Association, to support the athletic program of the Air Force Academy. | To amend title 10, United States Code, to authorize the establishment of a nonprofit corporation to support the athletic program of the Air Force Academy. |
SECTION 1. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ACT; LIABILITY PROTECTIONS FOR HEALTH-
CENTER PRACTITIONERS PROVIDING SERVICES IN EMERGENCY
AREAS.
(a) In General.--Section 224(g) of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 233(g)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), by striking ``subparagraph
(C)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (C) and paragraph (6)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following paragraph:
``(6)(A) Subject to subparagraph (C), paragraph (1)(B)(ii) applies
to health services provided to individuals who are not patients of the
entity involved if, as determined under criteria issued by the
Secretary, the following conditions are met:
``(i) The services are provided by a contractor or employee
of the entity who is a physician or other licensed or certified
health care practitioner and who is otherwise deemed to be an
employee for purposes of paragraph (1)(A) when providing
services with respect to the entity.
``(ii) The services are provided in an emergency area (as
defined in subparagraph (D)).
``(iii) The services of the contractor or employee
(referred to in this paragraph as the `out-of-area
practitioner') are provided under an arrangement with--
``(I) an entity that is deemed to be an employee
for purposes of paragraph (1)(A) and that serves the
emergency area involved (referred to in this paragraph
as an `emergency-area entity)'; or
``(II) a Federal agency that has responsibilities
regarding the provision of health services in such area
during the emergency.
``(iv) The purposes of the arrangement are--
``(I) to coordinate, to the extent practicable, the
provision of health services in the emergency area by
the out-of-area practitioner with the provision of
services by the emergency-area entity, or by the
Federal agency, as the case may be;
``(II) to identify a location in the emergency area
to which such practitioner should report for purposes
of providing health services, and to identify an
individual or individuals in the area to whom the
practitioner should report for such purposes; and
``(III) to verify the identity of the practitioner
and that the practitioner is licensed or certified by
one or more of the States.
``(v) With respect to the licensure or certification of
health care practitioners, the provision of services by the
out-of-area practitioner in the emergency area is not a
violation of the law of the State in which the area is located.
``(B) In issuing criteria under subparagraph (A), the Secretary
shall take into account the need to rapidly enter into arrangements
under such subparagraph in order to provide health services in
emergency areas promptly after the emergency begins.
``(C) Subparagraph (A) applies with respect to an act or omission
of an out-of-area practitioner only to the extent that the practitioner
is not immune from liability for such act or omission under the
Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.
``(D) For purposes of this paragraph, the term `emergency area'
means a geographic area for which--
``(i) the Secretary has made a determination under section
319 that a public health emergency exists; or
``(ii) a presidential declaration of major disaster has
been issued under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.''.
(b) Effective Date.--With respect to paragraph (6) of section
224(g) of the Public Health Service Act, as added by subsection (a) of
this section:
(1) Except as provided in this subsection, an arrangement
under subparagraph (A)(iii) of such paragraph (6) is deemed to
be in effect for any health professional who, within the
meaning of such paragraph--
(A) is an employee or contractor of a health center
under section 330 of such Act; and
(B) served or is serving as an out-of-area
practitioner in any emergency area declared as a result
of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita.
(2) Such paragraph (6) is deemed to have taken effect on
August 27, 2005, for purposes of paragraph (1) of this
subsection. Such paragraph (6) otherwise takes effect on the
date of the enactment of this Act.
(3) Paragraph (1) of this subsection applies until the
expiration of the 48-hour period beginning on the date on which
the Secretary of Health and Human Services publishes in the
Federal Register a notice that the applicability of such
paragraph is being terminated. | Amends the Public Health Service Act to deem certain physicians or other licensed or certified health care practitioners to be employees of the Public Health Service for purposes of any civil action that may arise due to services provided in an emergency area by a contractor or an employee of a qualified health center. Provides that such services must be provided under an arrangement with a qualified health center or with a federal agency with responsibility for providing health services in the emergency area. | To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide liability protections for employees and contractors of health centers under section 330 of such Act who provide health services in emergency areas. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veteran Women's Health Improvement
Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. WOMEN'S HEALTH SERVICES.
(a) Women's Health Services.--Section 1701 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)(A)(i), by inserting ``women's health
services,'' after ``preventive health services,''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(10) The term `women's health services' means health care
services provided to women, including counseling and services relating
to the following:
``(A) Papanicolaou tests (pap smear).
``(B) Breast examinations and mammography.
``(C) Comprehensive reproductive health care, including
pregnancy-related care.
``(D) The management of infertility.
``(E) The management and prevention of sexually-transmitted
diseases.
``(F) Menopause, osteoporosis, and other conditions
relating to aging.
``(G) Physical or psychological conditions arising out of
acts of sexual violence.''.
(b) Contracts for Women's Health Services.--Section 1703(a) of such
title is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Women's health services for veterans on an ambulatory
or outpatient basis.''.
(c) Repeal of Superseded Authority.--Section 106 of the Veterans
Health Care Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-585; 38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is
amended--
(1) by striking out subsection (a); and
(2) by striking out ``(b) Responsibilities of Directors of
Facilities.--'' before ``The Secretary''.
(d) Report on Health Care and Research.--Section 107(b) of such Act
(38 U.S.C. 1710 note) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``and women's health
services (as such term is defined in section 1701(10) of title
38, United States Code)'' after ``section 106 of this Act'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking out ``and (B)'' and
inserting in lieu thereof ``(B) the type and amount of services
provided by such personnel, including information on the
numbers of inpatient stays and the number of outpatient visits
through which such services were provided, and (C)'';
(3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (7);
(4) by adding after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraphs:
``(4) A description of the personnel of the Department who
provided such services to women veterans, including the number
of employees (including both the number of individual employees
and the number of full-time employee equivalents) and the
professional qualifications or specialty training of such
employees and the Department facilities to which such personnel
were assigned.
``(5) A description of any actions taken by the Secretary
to ensure the retention of the personnel described in paragraph
(4) and any actions undertaken to recruit additional such
personnel or personnel to replace such personnel.
``(6) An assessment by the Secretary of any difficulties
experienced by the Secretary in the furnishing of such services
and the actions taken by the Secretary to resolve such
difficulties.''; and
(5) by adding after paragraph (7), as redesignated by
paragraph (3) of this subsection, the following:
``(8) A description of the actions taken by the Secretary
to foster and encourage the expansion of such research.''.
SEC. 3. EXPANSION OF RESEARCH RELATING TO WOMEN VETERANS.
(a) Health Research.--Section 109(a) of the Veterans Health Care
Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-585; 38 U.S.C. 7303 note) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``The Secretary'';
(2) in paragraph (1), as so designated, by striking out
``veterans who are women'' and inserting in lieu thereof
``women veterans''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall consult
with the following:
``(A) The Director of the Nursing Service.
``(B) Officials of the Central Office assigned
responsibility for women's health programs and sexual trauma
services.
``(C) The members of the Advisory Committee on Women
Veterans established under section 542 of title 38, United
States Code.
``(D) Members of appropriate task forces and working groups
within the Department of Veterans Affairs (including the Women
Veterans Working Group and the Task Force on Treatment of Women
Who Suffer Sexual Abuse).
``(3) The Secretary shall foster and encourage research under this
section on the following matters as they relate to women:
``(A) Breast cancer.
``(B) Gynecological and reproductive health, including
gynecological cancer, infertility, sexually-transmitted
diseases, and pregnancy.
``(C) Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome.
``(D) Mental health, including post-traumatic stress
disorder, depression, combat related stress, and trauma.
``(E) Diseases related to aging, including menopause,
osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's Disease.
``(F) Substance abuse.
``(G) Sexual violence and related trauma.
``(H) Exposure to toxic chemicals and other environmental
hazards.
``(4) The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable,
ensure that personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs engaged in
the research referred to in paragraph (1) include the following:
``(A) Personnel of the geriatric research, education, and
clinical centers designated pursuant to section 7314 of title
38, United States Code.
``(B) Personnel of the National Center for Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder established pursuant to section 110(c) of the
Veterans Health Care Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-528; 98 Stat.
2692).
``(5) The Secretary shall ensure that personnel of the Department
engaged in research relating to the health of women veterans are
advised and informed of such research engaged in by other personnel of
the Department.''.
(b) Inclusion of Women and Minorities in Clinical Research
Projects.--(1) In conducting or supporting clinical research, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that--
(A) women who are veterans are included as subjects in each
project of such research; and
(B) members of minority groups who are veterans are
included as subjects of such research.
(2) The requirement in paragraph (1) regarding women and members of
minority groups who are veterans may be waived by the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs with respect to a project of clinical research if the
Secretary determines that the inclusion, as subjects in the project, of
women and members of minority groups, respectively--
(A) is inappropriate with respect to the health of the
subjects;
(B) is inappropriate with respect to the purpose of the
research; or
(C) is inappropriate under such other circumstances as the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs may designate.
(3) In the case of a project of clinical research in which women or
members of minority groups will under paragraph (1) be included as
subjects of the research, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
ensure that the project is designed and carried out so as to provide
for a valid analysis of whether the variables being tested in the
research affect women or members of minority groups, as the case may
be, differently than other persons who are subjects of the research.
(c) Population Study.--Section 110(a) of such Act (38 U.S.C. 1710
note) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking out the second sentence;
and
(2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the study shall be based on--
``(i) an appropriate sample of veterans who are women; and
``(ii) an examination of the medical and demographic
histories of the women comprising such sample.
``(B) The sample referred to in subparagraph (A) shall constitute a
representative sampling (as determined by the Secretary) of the ages,
the ethnic, social and economic backgrounds, the enlisted and officer
grades, and the branches of service of all veterans who are women.
``(C) In carrying out the examination referred to in subparagraph
(A)(ii), the Secretary shall determine the number of women of the
sample who have used medical facilities of the Department, nursing home
facilities of or under the jurisdiction of the Department, and
outpatient care facilities of or under the jurisdiction of the
Department.''.
SEC. 4. MAMMOGRAPHY QUALITY STANDARDS.
(a) Applicability to Department of Veterans Affairs of Mammography
Quality Standards Act of 1992.--Subsections (a) through (k) of section
354 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 263b) shall apply with
respect to facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs without
regard to the last sentence of subparagraph (A) of subsection (a)(3) of
such section.
(b) Extension of Deadlines.--Any deadline for the completion of any
action prescribed under any provision referred to in subsection (a)
shall be applied with respect to facilities of the Department of
Veterans Affairs by extending such deadline so as to be two years after
the date of the enactment of this Act or two years after the date which
would otherwise be applicable under such provision, whichever is later.
(c) Interagency Cooperation.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs
shall take appropriate steps to cooperate with the Secretary of Health
and Human Services in the implementation of this section. | Veteran Women's Health Improvement Act of 1993 - Includes women's health services within the definition of medical services authorized to be furnished to eligible veterans. Includes as women's health services pap smears, breast examinations, and reproductive health care. Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans to contract with non-Department of Veterans facilities for outpatient women's health services when Department facilities are inadequate or inaccessible. Requires information on the provision of women's health services to be included in a report from the Secretary to the Congress concerning women veterans.
Amends the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 to: (1) require consultation by the Secretary with various officials, advisory committees, and task forces with regard to appropriate women's health research; (2) expand the research related to women to include specified topics; (3) include certain appropriate personnel of the Department in conducting such research, including women veterans and veteran members of minority groups; and (4) direct that a women veterans population study report required under such Act include an examination of the medical and demographic histories of women veterans comprising the study sample.
Makes applicable to Department medical facilities provisions of the Public Health Service Act regarding mammography quality standards. Requires all Department facilities to meet such standards within two years. | Veteran Women's Health Improvement Act of 1993 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Sangre de Cristo National Heritage
Area Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Heritage area.--The term ``Heritage Area'' means the
Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area established by section
3(a).
(2) Management entity.--The term ``management entity''
means the management entity for the Heritage Area designated by
section 3(d).
(3) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means
the management plan for the Heritage Area required under
section 5.
(4) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled
``Proposed Sangre De Cristo National Heritage Area'' and dated
November 2005.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(6) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Colorado.
SEC. 3. SANGRE DE CRISTO NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the State the Sangre de
Cristo National Heritage Area.
(b) Boundaries.--The Heritage Area shall consist of--
(1) the counties of Alamosa, Conejos, and Costilla; and
(2) the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, the Baca
National Wildlife Refuge, the Great Sand Dunes National Park
and Preserve, and other areas included in the map.
(c) Map.--A map of the Heritage Area shall be--
(1) included in the management plan; and
(2) on file and available for public inspection in the
appropriate offices of the National Park Service.
(d) Management Entity.--
(1) In general.--The management entity for the Heritage
Area shall be the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area Board
of Directors.
(2) Membership requirements.--Members of the Board shall
include representatives from a broad cross-section of the
individuals, agencies, organizations, and governments that were
involved in the planning and development of the Heritage Area
before the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Authorities.--For purposes of carrying out the management plan,
the Secretary, acting through the management entity, may use amounts
made available under this Act to--
(1) make grants to the State or a political subdivision of
the State, nonprofit organizations, and other persons;
(2) enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide
technical assistance to, the State or a political subdivision
of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other interested
parties;
(3) hire and compensate staff, which shall include
individuals with expertise in natural, cultural, and historical
resources protection, and heritage programming;
(4) obtain money or services from any source including any
that are provided under any other Federal law or program;
(5) contract for goods or services; and
(6) undertake to be a catalyst for any other activity that
furthers the Heritage Area and is consistent with the approved
management plan.
(b) Duties.--The management entity shall--
(1) in accordance with section 5, prepare and submit a
management plan for the Heritage Area to the Secretary;
(2) assist units of local government, regional planning
organizations, and nonprofit organizations in carrying out the
approved management plan by--
(A) carrying out programs and projects that
recognize, protect, and enhance important resource
values in the Heritage Area;
(B) establishing and maintaining interpretive
exhibits and programs in the Heritage Area;
(C) developing recreational and educational
opportunities in the Heritage Area;
(D) increasing public awareness of, and
appreciation for, natural, historical, scenic, and
cultural resources of the Heritage Area;
(E) protecting and restoring historic sites and
buildings in the Heritage Area that are consistent with
Heritage Area themes;
(F) ensuring that clear, consistent, and
appropriate signs identifying points of public access,
and sites of interest are posted throughout the
Heritage Area; and
(G) promoting a wide range of partnerships among
governments, organizations, and individuals to further
the Heritage Area;
(3) consider the interests of diverse units of government,
businesses, organizations, and individuals in the Heritage Area
in the preparation and implementation of the management plan;
(4) conduct meetings open to the public at least
semiannually regarding the development and implementation of
the management plan;
(5) for any year that Federal funds have been received
under this Act--
(A) submit an annual report to the Secretary that
describes the activities, expenses, and income of the
management entity (including grants to any other
entities during the year that the report is made);
(B) make available to the Secretary for audit all
records relating to the expenditure of the funds and
any matching funds;
(C) require, with respect to all agreements
authorizing expenditure of Federal funds by other
organizations, that the organizations receiving the
funds make available to the Secretary for audit all
records concerning the expenditure of the funds; and
(6) encourage by appropriate means economic viability that
is consistent with the Heritage Area.
(c) Prohibition on the Acquisition of Real Property.--The
management entity shall not use Federal funds made available under this
Act to acquire real property or any interest in real property.
(d) Cost-Sharing Requirement.--The Federal share of the cost of any
activity carried out using any assistance made available under this Act
shall be 50 percent.
SEC. 5. MANAGEMENT PLAN.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the management entity shall submit to the Secretary for
approval a proposed management plan for the Heritage Area.
(b) Requirements.--The management plan shall--
(1) incorporate an integrated and cooperative approach for
the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural,
cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational resources of the
Heritage Area;
(2) take into consideration State and local plans;
(3) include--
(A) an inventory of--
(i) the resources located in the core area
described in section 3(b); and
(ii) any other property in the core area
that--
(I) is related to the themes of the
Heritage Area; and
(II) should be preserved, restored,
managed, or maintained because of the
significance of the property;
(B) comprehensive policies, strategies and
recommendations for conservation, funding, management,
and development of the Heritage Area;
(C) a description of actions that governments,
private organizations, and individuals have agreed to
take to protect the natural, historical and cultural
resources of the Heritage Area;
(D) a program of implementation for the management
plan by the management entity that includes a
description of--
(i) actions to facilitate ongoing
collaboration among partners to promote plans
for resource protection, restoration, and
construction; and
(ii) specific commitments for
implementation that have been made by the
management entity or any government,
organization, or individual for the first 5
years of operation;
(E) the identification of sources of funding for
carrying out the management plan;
(F) analysis and recommendations for means by which
local, State, and Federal programs, including the role
of the National Park Service in the Heritage Area, may
best be coordinated to carry out this Act; and
(G) an interpretive plan for the Heritage Area; and
(4) recommend policies and strategies for resource
management that consider and detail the application of
appropriate land and water management techniques, including the
development of intergovernmental and interagency cooperative
agreements to protect the natural, historical, cultural,
educational, scenic, and recreational resources of the Heritage
Area.
(c) Deadline.--If a proposed management plan is not submitted to
the Secretary by the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the management entity shall be ineligible to receive
additional funding under this Act until the date that the Secretary
receives and approves the management plan.
(d) Approval or Disapproval of Management Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
receipt of the management plan under subsection (a), the
Secretary, in consultation with the State, shall approve or
disapprove the management plan.
(2) Criteria for approval.--In determining whether to
approve the management plan, the Secretary shall consider
whether--
(A) the management entity is representative of the
diverse interests of the Heritage Area, including
governments, natural and historic resource protection
organizations, educational institutions, businesses,
and recreational organizations;
(B) the management entity has afforded adequate
opportunity, including public hearings, for public and
governmental involvement in the preparation of the
management plan; and
(C) the resource protection and interpretation
strategies contained in the management plan, if
implemented, would adequately protect the natural,
historical, and cultural resources of the Heritage
Area.
(3) Action following disapproval.--If the Secretary
disapproves the management plan under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall--
(A) advise the management entity in writing of the
reasons for the disapproval;
(B) make recommendations for revisions to the
management plan; and
(C) not later than 180 days after the receipt of
any proposed revision of the management plan from the
management entity, approve or disapprove the proposed
revision.
(4) Amendments.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall approve or
disapprove each amendment to the management plan that
the Secretary determines make a substantial change to
the management plan.
(B) Use of funds.--The management entity shall not
use Federal funds authorized by this Act to carry out
any amendments to the management plan until the
Secretary has approved the amendments.
SEC. 6. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this Act affects the authority of a
Federal agency to provide technical or financial assistance under any
other law.
(b) Consultation and Coordination.--The head of any Federal agency
planning to conduct activities that may have an impact on the Heritage
Area is encouraged to consult and coordinate the activities with the
Secretary and the management entity to the maximum extent practicable.
(c) Other Federal Agencies.--Nothing in this Act--
(1) modifies, alters, or amends any law or regulation
authorizing a Federal agency to manage Federal land under the
jurisdiction of the Federal agency;
(2) limits the discretion of a Federal land manager to
implement an approved land use plan within the boundaries of
the Heritage Area; or
(3) modifies, alters, or amends any authorized use of
Federal land under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency.
SEC. 7. PRIVATE PROPERTY AND REGULATORY PROTECTIONS.
Nothing in this Act--
(1) abridges the rights of any property owner (whether
public or private), including the right to refrain from
participating in any plan, project, program, or activity
conducted within the Heritage Area;
(2) requires any property owner to permit public access
(including access by Federal, State, or local agencies) to the
property of the property owner, or to modify public access or
use of property of the property owner under any other Federal,
State, or local law;
(3) alters any duly adopted land use regulation, approved
land use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal,
State or local agency, or conveys any land use or other
regulatory authority to the management entity;
(4) authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation
of water or water rights;
(5) diminishes the authority of the State to manage fish
and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting
within the Heritage Area; or
(6) creates any liability, or affects any liability under
any other law, of any private property owner with respect to
any person injured on the private property.
SEC. 8. EVALUATION; REPORT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years before the date on which
authority for Federal funding terminates for the Heritage Area, the
Secretary shall--
(1) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of the
Heritage Area; and
(2) prepare a report in accordance with subsection (c).
(b) Evaluation.--An evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1)
shall--
(1) assess the progress of the management entity with
respect to--
(A) accomplishing the purposes of this Act for the
Heritage Area; and
(B) achieving the goals and objectives of the
approved management plan for the Heritage Area;
(2) analyze the Federal, State, local, and private
investments in the Heritage Area to determine the leverage and
impact of the investments; and
(3) review the management structure, partnership
relationships, and funding of the Heritage Area for purposes of
identifying the critical components for sustainability of the
Heritage Area.
(c) Report.--
(1) In general.--Based on the evaluation conducted under
subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall prepare a report that
includes recommendations for the future role of the National
Park Service, if any, with respect to the Heritage Area.
(2) Required analysis.--If the report prepared under
paragraph (1) recommends that Federal funding for the Heritage
Area be reauthorized, the report shall include an analysis of--
(A) ways in which Federal funding for the Heritage
Area may be reduced or eliminated; and
(B) the appropriate time period necessary to
achieve the recommended reduction or elimination.
(3) Submission to congress.--On completion of the report,
the Secretary shall submit the report to--
(A) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
of the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House
of Representatives.
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act
$10,000,000, of which not more than $1,000,000 may be made available
for any fiscal year.
SEC. 10. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.
The authority of the Secretary to provide assistance under this Act
terminates on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of
this Act. | Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area in Colorado. Designates the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area Board of Directors as the management entity for the Heritage Area. Requires the Board to prepare and submit a management plan for the Heritage Area. | A bill to establish the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area in the State of Colorado, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Agricultural Assistance Act of
2004''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF SECRETARY.
In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Agriculture.
SEC. 3. CROP DISASTER ASSISTANCE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Additional coverage.--The term ``additional coverage''
has the meaning given the term in section 502(b) of the Federal
Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1502(b)).
(2) Insurable commodity.--
(A) In general.--The term ``insurable commodity''
means an agricultural commodity for which the producers
on a farm are eligible to obtain a policy or plan of
insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7
U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
(B) Exclusion.--The term ``insurable commodity''
does not include livestock.
(3) Noninsurable commodity.--The term ``noninsurable
commodity'' means an eligible crop for which the producers on a
farm are eligible to obtain assistance under section 196 of the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7
U.S.C. 7333).
(b) Assistance Available.--The Secretary shall use such sums as are
necessary of funds of the Commodity Credit Corporation to make
emergency financial assistance available to producers on a farm that
have incurred qualifying losses for the 2004 crop of an agricultural
commodity due to damaging weather or related condition, as determined
by the Secretary.
(c) Administration.--
(1) Use of former administrative authority.--Except as
provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary shall make assistance
available under this section in the same manner as provided
under section 815 of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food
and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law 106-387; 114 Stat.
1549A-55), including using the same loss thresholds for
quantity and quality losses as were used in administering that
section.
(2) Payment rate.--The payment rate for a crop for
assistance provided under this section to the producers on a
farm shall be calculated as follows:
(A) If the producers obtained a policy or plan of
insurance, including a catastrophic risk protection
plan, for the crop under the Federal Crop Insurance Act
(7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.), 50 percent of the applicable
price for the crop.
(B) If a policy or plan of insurance, including a
catastrophic risk protection plan, for the crop was not
available to the producers under the Federal Crop
Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.), 50 percent of
the applicable price for the crop.
(C) Subject to subsections (d) and (e), if the
producers did not obtain a policy or plan of insurance,
including a catastrophic risk protection plan,
available for the crop under the Federal Crop Insurance
Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.), 40 percent of the
applicable price for the crop.
(d) Ineligibility for Assistance.--Except as provided in subsection
(e), the producers on a farm shall not be eligible for assistance under
this section with respect to losses to an insurable commodity or
noninsurable commodity if the producers on the farm--
(1) in the case of an insurable commodity, did not obtain a
policy or plan of insurance for the insurable commodity under
the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) for the
crop incurring the losses; and
(2) in the case of a noninsurable commodity, did not file
the required paperwork, and pay the administrative fee by the
applicable State filing deadline, for the noninsurable
commodity under section 196 of the Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7333) for the crop
incurring the losses.
(e) Contract Waiver.--The Secretary may waive subsection (d) with
respect to the producers on a farm if the producers enter into a
contract with the Secretary under which the producers agree--
(1) in the case of an insurable commodity, to obtain a
policy or plan of insurance under the Federal Crop Insurance
Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) providing additional coverage for
the insurable commodity for each of the next 2 crops; and
(2) in the case of a noninsurable commodity, to file the
required paperwork, and pay the administrative fee by the
applicable State filing deadline, for the noninsurable
commodity for each of the next 2 crops under section 196 of the
Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7
U.S.C. 7333).
(f) Effect of Violation.--In the event of the violation of a
contract under subsection (e) by a producer, the producer shall
reimburse the Secretary for the full amount of the assistance provided
to the producer under this section.
SEC. 4. LIVESTOCK ASSISTANCE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Disaster county.--The term ``disaster county'' means a
county included in the geographic area covered by a qualifying
natural disaster declaration for calendar year 2004.
(2) Qualifying natural disaster declaration.--The term
``qualifying natural disaster declaration'' means--
(A) a natural disaster declared by the Secretary
under section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1961(a)); or
(B) a major disaster or emergency designated by the
President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
(b) Livestock Assistance Program.--
(1) Assistance available.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subsection (c), the
Secretary shall use such sums as are necessary of funds
of the Commodity Credit Corporation to establish a
program under which payments are made to livestock
producers for losses in a disaster county.
(B) Criteria.--To carry out the program, the
Secretary shall use the criteria established to carry
out the 1999 Livestock Assistance Program, except that,
in lieu of the gross revenue criteria used for the 1999
Livestock Assistance Program, the Secretary shall use
the adjusted gross income limitation contained in
section 1001D of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7
U.S.C. 1308-3a).
(c) Relationship of Livestock Assistance Programs.--The amount of
assistance that the producers would otherwise receive for a loss under
the livestock assistance program shall be reduced by the amount of the
assistance that the producers receive under any other livestock
assistance program, as determined by the Secretary.
SEC. 5. FUNDING.
The Secretary shall use the funds, facilities, and authorities of
the Commodity Credit Corporation to carry out this Act, and such funds
shall remain available to carry out this Act until expended.
SEC. 6. REGULATIONS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may promulgate such regulations as
are necessary to implement this Act.
(b) Procedure.--The promulgation of the regulations and
administration of this Act shall be made without regard to--
(1) the notice and comment provisions of section 553 of
title 5, United States Code;
(2) the Statement of Policy of the Secretary of Agriculture
effective July 24, 1971 (36 Fed. Reg. 13804), relating to
notices of proposed rulemaking and public participation in
rulemaking; and
(3) chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly
known as the ``Paperwork Reduction Act'').
(c) Congressional Review of Agency Rulemaking.--In carrying out
this section, the Secretary shall use the authority provided under
section 808 of title 5, United States Code. | Agricultural Assistance Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to provide: (1) emergency financial assistance to agricultural producers who have incurred qualifying 2004 crop losses due to weather or related conditions; and (2) payments to livestock producers who have incurred 2004 losses in an emergency- or disaster-designated county.
Sets forth crop payment rate and eligibility provisions. | To provide crop and livestock disaster assistance. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act
of 1997''.
SEC. 2. COVERAGE OF MINIMUM HOSPITAL STAY FOR CERTAIN BREAST CANCER
TREATMENT.
(a) Group Health Plans.--
(1) Public health service act amendments.--
(A) In general.--Subpart 2 of part A of title XXVII
of the Public Health Service Act, as amended by section
703(a) of Public Law 104-204, is amended by adding at
the end the following new section:
``SEC. 2706. STANDARDS RELATING TO BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN BREAST CANCER
TREATMENT.
``(a) Requirements for Minimum Hospital Stay Following Mastectomy
or Lymph Node Dissection.--
``(1) In general.--A group health plan, and a health
insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage, may
not--
``(A) except as provided in paragraph (2)--
``(i) restrict benefits for any hospital
length of stay in connection with a mastectomy
for the treatment of breast cancer to less than
48 hours, or
``(ii) restrict benefits for any hospital
length of stay in connection with a lymph node
dissection for the treatment of breast cancer
to less than 24 hours, or
``(B) require that a provider obtain authorization
from the plan or the issuer for prescribing any length
of stay required under subparagraph (A) (without regard
to paragraph (2)).
``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply in
connection with any group health plan or health insurance
issuer in any case in which the decision to discharge the woman
involved prior to the expiration of the minimum length of stay
otherwise required under paragraph (1)(A) is made by an
attending provider in consultation with the woman.
``(b) Prohibitions.--A group health plan, and a health insurance
issuer offering group health insurance coverage in connection with a
group health plan, may not--
``(1) deny to a woman eligibility, or continued
eligibility, to enroll or to renew coverage under the terms of
the plan, solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements
of this section;
``(2) provide monetary payments or rebates to women to
encourage such women to accept less than the minimum
protections available under this section;
``(3) penalize or otherwise reduce or limit the
reimbursement of an attending provider because such provider
provided care to an individual participant or beneficiary in
accordance with this section;
``(4) provide incentives (monetary or otherwise) to an
attending provider to induce such provider to provide care to
an individual participant or beneficiary in a manner
inconsistent with this section; or
``(5) subject to subsection (c)(3), restrict benefits for
any portion of a period within a hospital length of stay
required under subsection (a) in a manner which is less
favorable than the benefits provided for any preceding portion
of such stay.
``(c) Rules of Construction.--
``(1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require
a woman who is a participant or beneficiary--
``(A) to undergo a mastectomy or lymph node
dissection in a hospital; or
``(B) to stay in the hospital for a fixed period of
time following a mastectomy or lymph node dissection.
``(2) This section shall not apply with respect to any
group health plan, or any group health insurance coverage
offered by a health insurance issuer, which does not provide
benefits for hospital lengths of stay in connection with a mastectomy
or lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast cancer.
``(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as
preventing a group health plan or issuer from imposing
deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing in relation to
benefits for hospital lengths of stay in connection with a
mastectomy or lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast
cancer under the plan (or under health insurance coverage
offered in connection with a group health plan), except that
such coinsurance or other cost-sharing for any portion of a
period within a hospital length of stay required under
subsection (a) may not be greater than such coinsurance or
cost-sharing for any preceding portion of such stay.
``(d) Notice.--A group health plan under this part shall comply
with the notice requirement under section 713(d) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to the requirements
of this section as if such section applied to such plan.
``(e) Level and Type of Reimbursements.--Nothing in this section
shall be construed to prevent a group health plan or a health insurance
issuer offering group health insurance coverage from negotiating the
level and type of reimbursement with a provider for care provided in
accordance with this section.
``(f) Preemption; Exception for Health Insurance Coverage in
Certain States.--
``(1) In general.--The requirements of this section shall
not apply with respect to health insurance coverage if there is
a State law (as defined in section 2723(d)(1)) for a State that
regulates such coverage that is described in any of the
following subparagraphs:
``(A) Such State law requires such coverage to
provide for at least a 48-hour hospital length of stay
following a mastectomy performed for treatment of
breast cancer and at least a 24-hour hospital length of
stay following a lymph node dissection for treatment of
breast cancer.
``(B) Such State law requires, in connection with
such coverage for surgical treatment of breast cancer,
that the hospital length of stay for such care is left
to the decision of (or required to be made by) the
attending provider in consultation with the woman
involved.
``(2) Construction.--Section 2723(a)(1) shall not be
construed as superseding a State law described in paragraph
(1).''.
(B) Conforming amendment.--Section 2723(c) of such
Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-23(c)), as amended by section
604(b)(2) of Public Law 104-204, is amended by striking
``section 2704'' and inserting ``sections 2704 and
2706''.
(2) ERISA amendments.--
(A) In general.--Subpart B of part 7 of subtitle B
of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security
Act of 1974, as amended by section 702(a) of Public Law
104-204, is amended by adding at the end the following
new section:
``SEC. 713. STANDARDS RELATING TO BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN BREAST CANCER
TREATMENT.
``(a) Requirements for Minimum Hospital Stay Following Mastectomy
or Lymph Node Dissection.--
``(1) In general.--A group health plan, and a health
insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage, may
not--
``(A) except as provided in paragraph (2)--
``(i) restrict benefits for any hospital
length of stay in connection with a mastectomy
for the treatment of breast cancer to less than
48 hours, or
``(ii) restrict benefits for any hospital
length of stay in connection with a lymph node
dissection for the treatment of breast cancer
to less than 24 hours, or
``(B) require that a provider obtain authorization
from the plan or the issuer for prescribing any length
of stay required under subparagraph (A) (without regard
to paragraph (2)).
``(2) Exception.--Paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply in
connection with any group health plan or health insurance
issuer in any case in which the decision to discharge the woman
involved prior to the expiration of the minimum length of stay
otherwise required under paragraph (1)(A) is made by an
attending provider in consultation with the woman.
``(b) Prohibitions.--A group health plan, and a health insurance
issuer offering group health insurance coverage in connection with a
group health plan, may not--
``(1) deny to a woman eligibility, or continued
eligibility, to enroll or to renew coverage under the terms of
the plan, solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this
section;
``(2) provide monetary payments or rebates to women to
encourage such women to accept less than the minimum
protections available under this section;
``(3) penalize or otherwise reduce or limit the
reimbursement of an attending provider because such provider
provided care to an individual participant or beneficiary in
accordance with this section;
``(4) provide incentives (monetary or otherwise) to an
attending provider to induce such provider to provide care to
an individual participant or beneficiary in a manner
inconsistent with this section; or
``(5) subject to subsection (c)(3), restrict benefits for
any portion of a period within a hospital length of stay
required under subsection (a) in a manner which is less
favorable than the benefits provided for any preceding portion
of such stay.
``(c) Rules of Construction.--
``(1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require
a woman who is a participant or beneficiary--
``(A) to undergo a mastectomy or lymph node
dissection in a hospital; or
``(B) to stay in the hospital for a fixed period of
time following a mastectomy or lymph node dissection.
``(2) This section shall not apply with respect to any
group health plan, or any group health insurance coverage
offered by a health insurance issuer, which does not provide
benefits for hospital lengths of stay in connection with a
mastectomy or lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast
cancer.
``(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as
preventing a group health plan or issuer from imposing
deductibles, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing in relation to
benefits for hospital lengths of stay in connection with a
mastectomy or lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast
cancer under the plan (or under health insurance coverage
offered in connection with a group health plan), except that
such coinsurance or other cost-sharing for any portion of a
period within a hospital length of stay required under
subsection (a) may not be greater than such coinsurance or
cost-sharing for any preceding portion of such stay.
``(d) Notice Under Group Health Plan.--The imposition of the
requirements of this section shall be treated as a material
modification in the terms of the plan described in section 102(a)(1),
for purposes of assuring notice of such requirements under the plan;
except that the summary description required to be provided under the
last sentence of section 104(b)(1) with respect to such modification
shall be provided by not later than 60 days after the first day of the
first plan year in which such requirements apply.
``(e) Level and Type of Reimbursements.--Nothing in this section
shall be construed to prevent a group health plan or a health insurance
issuer offering group health insurance coverage from negotiating the
level and type of reimbursement with a provider for care provided in
accordance with this section.
``(f) Preemption; Exception for Health Insurance Coverage in
Certain States.--
``(1) In general.--The requirements of this section shall
not apply with respect to health insurance coverage if there is
a State law (as defined in section 731(d)(1)) for a State that
regulates such coverage that is described in any of the
following subparagraphs:
``(A) Such State law requires such coverage to
provide for at least a 48-hour hospital length of stay
following a mastectomy performed for treatment of
breast cancer and at least a 24-hour hospital length of
stay following a lymph node dissection for treatment of
breast cancer.
``(B) Such State law requires, in connection with
such coverage for surgical treatment of breast cancer,
that the hospital length of stay for such care is left
to the decision of (or required to be made by) the
attending provider in consultation with the woman
involved.
``(2) Construction.--Section 731(a)(1) shall not be
construed as superseding a State law described in paragraph
(1).''.
(B) Conforming amendments.--
(i) Section 731(c) of such Act (29 U.S.C.
1191(c)), as amended by section 603(b)(1) of
Public Law 104-204, is amended by striking
``section 711'' and inserting ``sections 711
and 713''.
(ii) Section 732(a) of such Act (29 U.S.C.
1191a(a)), as amended by section 603(b)(2) of
Public Law 104-204, is amended by striking
``section 711'' and inserting ``sections 711
and 713''.
(iii) The table of contents in section 1 of
such Act is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 712 the following new item:
``Sec. 713. Standards relating to benefits for certain breast cancer
treatment.''.
(b) Individual Health Insurance.--
(1) In general.--Part B of title XXVII of the Public Health
Service Act, as amended by section 605(a) of Public Law 104-
204, is amended by inserting after section 2751 the following
new section:
``SEC. 2752. STANDARDS RELATING TO BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN BREAST CANCER
TREATMENT.
``(a) In General.--The provisions of section 2706 (other than
subsection (d)) shall apply to health insurance coverage offered by a
health insurance issuer in the individual market in the same manner as
it applies to health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance
issuer in connection with a group health plan in the small or large
group market.
``(b) Notice.--A health insurance issuer under this part shall
comply with the notice requirement under section 713(d) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to the requirements
referred to in subsection (a) as if such section applied to such issuer
and such issuer were a group health plan.
``(c) Preemption; Exception for Health Insurance Coverage in
Certain States.--
``(1) In general.--The requirements of this section shall
not apply with respect to health insurance coverage if there is
a State law (as defined in section 2723(d)(1)) for a State that
regulates such coverage that is described in any of the
following subparagraphs:
``(A) Such State law requires such coverage to
provide for at least a 48-hour hospital length of stay
following a mastectomy performed for treatment of
breast cancer and at least a 24-hour hospital length of
stay following a lymph node dissection for treatment of
breast cancer.
``(B) Such State law requires, in connection with
such coverage for surgical treatment of breast cancer,
that the hospital length of stay for such care is left
to the decision of (or required to be made by) the
attending provider in consultation with the woman
involved.
``(2) Construction.--Section 2762(a) shall not be construed
as superseding a State law described in paragraph (1).''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 2762(b)(2) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 300gg-62(b)(2)), as added by section 605(b)(3)(B) of
Public Law 104-204, is amended by striking ``section 2751'' and
inserting ``sections 2751 and 2752''.
(c) Effective Dates.--
(1) Group market.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall apply with respect to group health plans for plan years
beginning on or after January 1, 1998.
(2) Individual market.--The amendment made by subsection
(b) shall apply with respect to health insurance coverage
offered, sold, issued, renewed, in effect, or operated in the
individual market on or after such date. | Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 1997 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group health insurance coverage, with regard to hospital stays in connection with breast cancer treatment, from: (1) covering less than 48 hours after mastectomies or less than 24 hours after lymph node dissections; or (2) requiring plan or issuer authorization for prescribing any length of stay. Prohibits: (1) denying eligibility, enrollment, or renewal to avoid these requirements; (2) providing payments or rebates to women; or (3) penalizing or providing incentives to providers. Applies the same requirements to issuers in the individual market. | Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 1997 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening the Child Welfare
Response to Human Trafficking Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2. BEST PRACTICES GUIDELINES TO COMBAT TRAFFICKING OF CHILDREN.
Within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall develop and publish
guidelines to assist State, Indian tribe, and tribal organization child
welfare agencies and juvenile and family courts in efforts to
appropriately serve youth who are victims of trafficking (as defined in
section 103(15) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22
U.S.C. 7102(15))) and youth who are at-risk of becoming such a victim.
In developing the guidelines, the Secretary shall consult appropriate
agencies throughout the Federal Government, including the Department of
Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of
Homeland Security, the Department of Education, the Department of
Labor, and the Trafficking in Persons Office of the Department of
State. In developing the guidelines, the Secretary should also utilize
multi-disciplinary research, evidence-based and promising models and
programs, and is encouraged to include input from child welfare
agencies that have developed trafficking-specific programs, juvenile
and family courts, law enforcement agencies with anti-human trafficking
protocols in place, runaway and homeless youth organizations, anti-
human trafficking nonprofit organizations, and human trafficking
survivors. The guidelines shall include sections on the following:
(1) Personnel resources.--Sample training materials,
protocols, and screening tools that prepare child welfare
personnel to identify and serve youth who are victims of
trafficking (as so defined) or are at-risk of becoming such a
victim.
(2) Service delivery.--Specific strategies to identify
victims, manage cases, and improve services to meet the unique
needs of foster youth who are also victims of trafficking (as
so defined). The strategies should be comprehensive, multi-
disciplinary, client-centered, strength-based, trauma-informed,
and inclusive of all genders.
(3) Collaboration.--Sample protocols for effective, cross-
system collaboration between local agencies and non-profit
organizations, including child welfare, medical and health
professionals, Federal, State, and local police, juvenile
detention centers and courts, and runaway and homeless youth
programs, schools, and organizations already serving victims of
trafficking (as so defined).
(4) Residential placement.--A list of recommendations to
establish safe residential placements for foster youth who have
been trafficked (as so defined) as well as training guidelines
for caregivers that serve youth being cared for outside the
home.
(5) Documentation and data.--Sample protocols and
recommended strategies in order to identify victims as well as
collect, document, and share data across systems.
Recommendations should be designed to help agencies better
understand the type of trafficking involved, the scope of the
problem, the specific needs of the population to be served, and
the degree of victim interaction with multiple systems.
Recommendations may address incorporating human trafficking
designations in existing statewide automated child welfare
information systems.
(6) Prevention.--Recommended actions for child welfare
agencies and personnel that will help to prevent foster youth
from becoming victims of human trafficking.
SEC. 3. STREAMLINE DATA COLLECTION AND REPORTING.
(a) State Plan Requirements Under the Foster Care and Adoption
Assistance Program.--Section 471(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 671(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (32);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (33) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(34) provides that--
``(A) reasonable efforts shall be made to--
``(i) identify and document appropriately
in agency records each child over whom the
agency has responsibility for placement, care,
or supervision and who is identified as being a
victim of trafficking (as defined in section
103(15) of the Trafficking Victims Protection
Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102(15))), as such a
victim; and
``(ii) specify in the records of the agency
the type of trafficking described in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 103(9) of
such Act to which the child has been subjected;
and
``(B) the agency shall report within 72 hours to
appropriate law enforcement agencies for entry into the
National Crime Information Center database the identity
of each child to whom the agency is providing child
welfare services who--
``(i) is missing or has been abducted; or
``(ii) is identified as a victim of
trafficking (as so defined).''.
(b) CAPTA Amendments.--Section 106 of the Child Abuse Prevention
and Treatment Act (42 U.S.C. 5106a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(2)(B)--
(A) in clause (xxii), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in clause (xxiii), by striking the semicolon at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(xxiv) provisions and procedures for the
assessment and identification of victims of
trafficking (as described in paragraph (9) of
section 103 of the Trafficking Victims
Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102)), as
well as comprehensive training and services to
serve such victims;''; and
(2) in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following:
``(17) The number of children determined to be a victim of
each type of trafficking described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)
of section 103(9) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of
2000 (22 U.S.C. 7102(9)).''.
SEC. 4. REPORT TO THE CONGRESS.
Within 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit to the Congress a
report that--
(1) outlines the prevalence of the acts and practices that
constitute severe forms of trafficking in persons (as defined
in section 103(9) of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of
2000) and describes the specific type of trafficking described
in such section to which children who are under the placement,
care, or supervision of State, Indian tribe, or tribal
organization child welfare agencies nationwide have been
subjected;
(2) includes the general trends and context of trafficking
sustained by the children, including specific information on
victims of sex trafficking (as described in section 103(9)(A)
of such Act) and victims of labor trafficking (as described in
section 103(9)(B) of such Act);
(3) lists data specific to each State, Indian tribe, or
tribal organization child welfare agency;
(4) summarizes the practices and protocols utilized by
State agencies to identify and serve child victims of
trafficking (as defined in section 103(15) of such Act) as well
as the extent to which these procedures exist within State
agencies around the Nation;
(5) proposes an ongoing method of supporting and monitoring
the efforts of State, Indian tribe, and tribal organization
child welfare agencies to serve children over whom the agency
has responsibility for placement, care, or supervision and who
are identified as being a victim of trafficking (as defined in
section 103(15) of such Act);
(6) evaluates the feasibility and appropriateness of
collecting annual or semiannual data from child welfare
agencies regarding the number of and services provided to child
trafficking victims served by child welfare agencies;
(7) evaluates the effects of the method proposed under
paragraph (2) of this subsection on the agencies with
responsibility for implementing the method; and
(8) specifies any changes in law or regulation that will be
necessary to implement the method proposed under such paragraph
(2).
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--Except as otherwise provided in this section, the
amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date that is 1
year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Delay Permitted if State Legislation Required.--In the case of
a State plan approved under part E of title IV of the Social Security
Act which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines
requires State legislation (other than legislation appropriating funds)
in order for the plan to meet the additional requirements imposed by
this Act, the State plan shall not be regarded as failing to comply
with the requirements of such part solely on the basis of the failure
of the plan to meet such additional requirements before the 1st day of
the 1st calendar quarter beginning after the close of the 1st regular
session of the State legislature that ends after the 1-year period
beginning with the date of the enactment of this Act. For purposes of
the preceding sentence, in the case of a State that has a 2-year
legislative session, each year of the session is deemed to be a
separate regular session of the State legislature. | Strengthening the Child Welfare Response to Human Trafficking Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop and publish guidelines to assist state, Indian tribe, and tribal organization child welfare agencies and juvenile and family courts in efforts to serve appropriately youth who are victims of trafficking and youth at-risk of becoming such. Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require a state plan for foster care and adoption assistance to require reasonable efforts be made to: (1) identify as a victim of trafficking and document appropriately in agency records each child who is such a victim over whom the agency has responsibility for placement, care, or supervision; and (2) specify in agency records the type of trafficking to which the child has been subjected. Requires the plan to require the agency to report within 72 hours to appropriate law enforcement agencies for entry into the National Crime Information Center database the identity of each child to whom the agency is providing child welfare services who is missing or has been abducted or is identified as a victim of trafficking. Amends the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to require the state plan for use of a grant for a child abuse or neglect prevention program to contain an assurance that the state law has in place provisions and procedures for the assessment and identification of victims of trafficking, as well as comprehensive training and services to serve such victims. | Strengthening the Child Welfare Response to Human Trafficking Act of 2013 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Foreclosure Prevention and
Homeownership Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The United States is experiencing a wave of
foreclosures and mortgage lending problems that has had
widespread negative repercussions for world credit markets, the
United States economy, and neighborhoods and families in the
United States.
(2) The large number of actors, the complexity of the
transactions involved, and the lack of clear lines of
accountability have revealed numerous opportunities to improve
legislative and regulatory oversight of the industries
involved.
(3) This crisis has caused many Americans to lose their
homes, their jobs, and their financial stability.
(4) The magnitude of this crisis, the likelihood that
foreclosure filings will continue to increase, and the
widespread effects throughout the world economy make it
critically important that a bipartisan commission undertake a
comprehensive examination of the causes of this crisis, the
solutions to the crisis, and the legislative and regulatory
changes that will prevent such a crisis from occurring in the
future.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish a Commission
to perform a detailed and comprehensive examination of the origins and
causes of the current foreclosure crisis and to issue a report of its
findings to the President and to the Congress, which shall also
recommend legislative and regulatory changes that will assist
homeowners who are currently in danger of losing their homes, stem the
rising tide of foreclosures, and prevent the occurrence of similar
crises in the future.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a bipartisan commission to be known as the
Commission to Preserve the American Dream (in this Act referred to as
the ``Commission'').
SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Members.--The Commission shall be composed of the following
individuals or their designees:
(1) 1 member shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House
of Representatives, in consultation with the majority leader of
the Senate, who shall serve as chairperson of the Commission.
(2) The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
(3) The Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System.
(4) The chief executive officer of the Federal National
Mortgage Association.
(5) The chief executive officer of the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation.
(6) 8 additional members or their designees, appointed in
the following manner:
(A) 2 members appointed by the Speaker of the House
of Representatives.
(B) 2 members appointed by the minority leader of
the House of Representatives.
(C) 2 members appointed by the majority leader of
the Senate.
(D) 2 members appointed by the minority leader of
the Senate.
(b) Consultation Required.--The Speaker of the House of
Representatives, the minority leader of the House of Representatives,
the majority leader of the Senate, and the minority leader of the
Senate shall consult among themselves prior to the appointment of the
members of the Commission designated in subsection (a)(6) in order to
achieve, to the maximum extent possible, fair and equitable
representation of various points of view with respect to the matters to
be studied by the Commission.
(c) Background.--The members of the Commission designated in
subsection (a)(6) shall have expertise in a broad range of issues,
including community housing, consumer lending, real estate finance,
economics, mortgage banking, loan servicing, credit risk assessment,
and the operation of housing finance agencies at the State government
level.
(d) Period of Appointment.--
(1) In general.--Each member of the Commission shall be
appointed for the life of the Commission.
(2) Vacancies.--A vacancy on the Commission shall not
affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as
the original appointment was made.
(e) Quorum.--
(1) Majority.--A majority of the members of the Commission
shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number may hold
hearings.
(2) Approval actions.--All recommendations and reports of
the Commission required by this Act shall be approved only by a
majority vote of a quorum of the Commission.
(f) Meetings.--
(1) First meeting.--The Speaker of the House shall call the
first meeting of the Commission not later than--
(A) 60 days after the date of enactment of this
Act; or
(B) 30 days after the date of the enactment of
legislation making appropriations to carry out this
Act.
(2) Subsequent meetings.--Except as provided in paragraph
(1), the Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson.
SEC. 5. DUTIES AND PURPOSE.
(a) Assessments.--The Commission shall study and assess--
(1) the adequacy of the existing legal and regulatory
framework to address the current foreclosure and mortgage
lending crisis and to prevent similar crises from happening in
the future;
(2) the role of the States versus the role of the Federal
Government in ensuring homeowners are protected against
unscrupulous lending practices; and
(3) the effects of this crisis on the domestic and world
economies.
(b) Recommendations.--The Commission shall make recommendations
of--
(1) ways to assist homeowners currently in danger of losing
their homes;
(2) ways to encourage lenders and borrowers to work
together to prevent foreclosure; and
(3) legislative and regulatory changes that will provide
protection for homeowners against unscrupulous lending
practices and strengthen accountability for those involved in
the mortgage lending market.
SEC. 6. POWERS.
(a) Hearings.--The Commission or, at its direction, any
subcommittee or member of the Commission, may, for the purpose of
carrying out this Act--
(1) hold such public hearings in such cities and countries,
sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony,
receive such evidence, and administer such oaths as the
Commission or such subcommittee or member considers advisable;
and
(2) require, by subpoena or otherwise, the attendance and
testimony of such witnesses and the production of such books,
records, correspondence, memoranda, papers, documents, tapes,
and materials as the Commission or such subcommittee or member
considers advisable.
(b) Issuance and Enforcement of Subpoenas.--
(1) Issuance.--Subpoenas issued under subsection (a) shall
bear the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and
shall be served by any person or class of persons designated by
the Chairperson for that purpose.
(2) Enforcement.--In the case of contumacy or failure to
obey a subpoena issued under subsection (a), the United States
district court for the judicial district in which the
subpoenaed person resides, is served, or may be found may issue
an order requiring such person to appear at any designated
place to testify or to produce documentary or other evidence.
Any failure to obey the order of the court may be punished by
the court as a contempt of that court.
(c) Witness Allowances and Fees.--Section 1821 of title 28, United
States Code, shall apply to witnesses requested or subpoenaed to appear
at any hearing of the Commission. The per diem and mileage allowances
for witnesses shall be paid from funds available to pay the expenses of
the Commission.
(d) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the
Commission considers necessary to perform its duties. Upon request of
the Chairperson of the Commission, the head of such department or
agency shall furnish such information to the Commission.
(e) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
SEC. 7. PERSONNEL.
(a) Compensation of Members.--Each member of the Commission who is
not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be
compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate
of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including
travel time) during which such member is engaged in the performance of
the duties of the Commission. All members of the Commission who are
officers or employees of the United States shall serve without
compensation in addition to that received for their services as
officers or employees of the United States.
(b) Travel Expenses.--The members of the Commission shall be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at
rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes
or regular places of business in the performance of services for the
Commission.
(c) Staff.--
(1) In general.--The Chairperson of the Commission may,
without regard to the civil service laws and regulations,
appoint and terminate the employment of such personnel as may
be necessary to enable the Commission to perform its duties.
(2) Compensation.--The Chairperson of the Commission may
fix the compensation of the personnel without regard to chapter
51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States
Code, relating to classification of positions and General
Schedule pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the
personnel may not exceed the rate payable for level V of the
Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
(d) Detail of Government Employees.--Any Federal Government
employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and
such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service
status or privilege.
(e) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--The
Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent
services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates
for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual
rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule
under section 5316 of such title.
(f) Other Administrative Matters.--The Commission may--
(1) enter into agreements with the Administrator of General
Services to procure necessary financial and administrative
services;
(2) enter into contracts to procure supplies, services, and
property; and
(3) enter into contracts with Federal, State, or local
agencies, or private institutions or organizations, for the
conduct of research or surveys, the preparation of reports, and
other activities necessary to enable the Commission to perform
its duties.
SEC. 8. REPORT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the appointment of
the Commission members under section 4, the Commission shall submit to
the President and the Congress a final report containing a detailed
statement of its findings, together with any recommendations for
legislation or administrative action that the Commission considers
appropriate, in accordance with the requirements of section 5.
(b) Considerations.--In developing any recommendations under
subsection (a), the Commission shall consider--
(1) the role of the Federal Government in preventing
similar crises in the future and its role in assisting
homeowners today;
(2) ways in which to strengthen accountability of all
actors involved, including homeowners, mortgage brokers,
lenders, appraisers, State housing agencies, the Federal
Housing Administration, Government-sponsored enterprises,
credit rating agencies, investors in collateralized debt
obligations, the Federal Reserve System, and other Federal
agencies with jurisdiction over entities involved with the
foreclosure crisis;
(3) the extent to which predatory and abusive lending
practices contributed to the crisis and whether new legislation
is required to curb such practices;
(4) the role of subprime lending practices in precipitating
this crisis; and
(5) ways to prevent blight and whether targeted solutions
may be required for neighborhoods that have been particularly
hard hit by the crisis.
SEC. 9. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate upon the expiration of the 90-day
period beginning upon the date on which the Commission submits its
report to the Congress under section 8(a).
SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000
to carry out this Act.
(b) Availability.--Any amounts appropriated pursuant to this
section shall remain available, without fiscal year limitation, until
expended. | Foreclosure Prevention and Homeownership Protection Act - Establishes the Commission to Preserve the American Dream (Commission) to study and report to Congress and the President on: (1) the adequacy of the existing legal and regulatory framework to address the current foreclosure and mortgage lending crisis and to prevent similar crises from happening in the future; (2) the role of the states versus the role of the federal government in ensuring homeowners are protected against unscrupulous lending practices; and (3) the effects of this crisis on the domestic and world economies.
Requires the Commission to make recommendations regarding: (1) ways to assist homeowners currently in danger of losing their homes; (2) ways to encourage lenders and borrowers to work together to prevent foreclosure; and (3) legislative and regulatory changes to protect homeowners against unscrupulous lending practices and strengthen accountability for those involved in the mortgage lending market. | To establish a bipartisan commission to perform a comprehensive examination of the current foreclosure and mortgage lending crisis and to make recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes to address such problems. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Power Marketing
Administrations Privatization Act of 1994''.
SEC. 2. PRIVATIZATION OF FEDERAL POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the power generation and transmission facilities of the
Federal Power Marketing Administrations should be privatized;
and
(2) the transfer of all property of the Federal Power
Marketing Administrations remaining after such privatization
should be made to other Federal, State, and local agencies in
an orderly and expeditious manner.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
(1) to achieve the intention of Congress set forth in
subsection (a) by requiring the President to develop a plan--
(A) for the sale of the power generating and
transmission facilities and equipment of the Federal
Power Marketing Administrations to the private sector
in groupings that will introduce competition into the
generation and sale of electric power;
(B) for the transfer to other governmental entities
of all property of the Federal Power Marketing
Administrations remaining after the sales and transfers
described in subparagraph (A); and
(C) for the orderly termination of the Federal
Power Marketing Administrations after the completion of
such sales and transfers; and
(2) to provide a method for reducing the national debt
through the use of the income derived from such sales and
transfers.
(c) Privatization Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than September 30, 1994, the
President shall develop and transmit to Congress a plan for
transferring, by sale or otherwise, all real property,
facilities, and equipment of the Federal Power Marketing
Administrations to appropriate public and private entities.
(2) Contents.--The plan to be developed under paragraph (1)
shall include, at a minimum, recommendations (including
legislative recommendations) of the President concerning each
of the following:
(A) Transfer of power facilities and equipment.--
Transfer by sale of the power generation and
transmission facilities and equipment of the Federal
Power Marketing Administrations, including real
property used in connection with such facilities and
equipment, for the purpose of maximizing proceeds from
such sales. Such transfers may provide for the sale of
generating equipment and facilities to persons other
than the persons to whom transmission facilities are
sold. Such transfers shall be subject to the following
conditions: Former customers of power from the Federal
Power Marketing Administrations shall continue to be
served and reliability of service shall be ensured by
establishing control areas in cooperation with
surrounding control areas. Such transfers may provide,
to the extent practicable, for the grouping of
facilities utilizing different sources of power
(including coal-fired, nuclear, and hydroelectric
generating facilities) and provide for access to the
transmission grids of the Federal Power Marketing
Administrations by such groupings to ensure
availability of power from different sources and to
enhance competition. All outstanding loans associated
with such facilities and equipment shall be assumed by
the purchasers.
(B) Transfer of jurisdictional authority over real
property.--Transfer to appropriate governmental
departments and agencies, including the National Park
Service, of jurisdictional authority over real property
which is controlled by the Federal Power Marketing
Administrations and which is not transferred under
subparagraph (A).
(C) Transfer of certain functions.--Transfer to
appropriate Federal departments and agencies of
functions of the Federal Power Marketing
Administrations which are not related to power
generation and sale.
(D) Termination of federal power marketing
administrations.--Termination of the Federal Power
Marketing Administrations after the transfers under
subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) have been made.
(3) Additional requirements.--The plan developed under
paragraph (1) shall include--
(A) a step-by-step procedure to carry out the sales
and transfers described in paragraph (2);
(B) a timetable for implementation of each step of
the plan;
(C) an estimate of the amount of anticipated net
proceeds from the sale of assets of the Federal Power
Marketing Administrations; and
(D) an estimate of the cost of implementing the
plan. | Federal Power Marketing Administrations Privatization Act of 1994 - Expresses the sense of the Congress that: (1) the power generation and transmission facilities of the Federal Power Marketing Administrations should be privatized; and (2) all property remaining after such privatization should be transferred to other governmental agencies.
Directs the President to transmit to the Congress a plan for transferring all real property, facilities, and equipment of the Federal Power Marketing Administrations to public and private entities. | Federal Power Marketing Administrations Privatization Act of 1994 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of
1995''.
SEC. 2. COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION TAX CREDIT.
(a) Allowance of Credit.--Section 46 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 (relating to investment credit) is amended by striking ``and''
at the end of paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end of
paragraph (3) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(4) the commercial revitalization credit.''
(b) Commercial Revitalization Credit.--Subpart E of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to rules for computing investment credit) is amended by
inserting after section 48 the following new section:
``SEC. 48A. COMMERCIAL REVITALIZATION CREDIT.
``(a) General Rule.--For purposes of section 46, except as provided
in subsection (e), the commercial revitalization credit for any taxable
year is an amount equal to the applicable percentage of the qualified
revitalization expenditures with respect to any qualified
revitalization building.
``(b) Applicable Percentage.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `applicable percentage' means--
``(A) 20 percent, or
``(B) at the election of the taxpayer, 5 percent
for each taxable year in the credit period.
The election under subparagraph (B), once made, shall be
irrevocable.
``(2) Credit period.--
``(A) In general.--The term `credit period' means,
with respect to any building, the period of 10 taxable
years beginning with the taxable year in which the
building is placed in service.
``(B) Applicable rules.--Rules similar to the rules
under paragraphs (2) and (4) of section 42(f) shall
apply.
``(c) Qualified Revitalization Buildings and Expenditures.--For
purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified revitalization building.--The term
`qualified revitalization building' means any building (and its
structural components) if--
``(A) such building is located in an eligible
commercial revitalization area,
``(B) a commercial revitalization credit amount is
allocated to the building under subsection (e), and
``(C) depreciation (or amortization in lieu of
depreciation) is allowable with respect to the
building.
``(2) Qualified rehabilitation expenditure.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified
rehabilitation expenditure' means any amount properly
chargeable to capital account--
``(i) for properly for which depreciation
is allowable under section 168 and which is--
``(I) nonresidential real property,
or
``(II) an addition or improvement
to property described in subclause (I),
``(ii) in connection with the construction
or substantial rehabilitation or reconstruction
of a qualified revitalization building, and
``(iii) for the acquisition of land in
connection with the qualified revitalization
building.
``(B) Dollar limitation.--The aggregate amount
which may be treated as qualified revitalization
expenditures with respect to any qualified
revitalization building for any taxable year shall not
exceed $10,000,000, reduced by any such expenditures
with respect to the building taken into account by the
taxpayer or any predecessor in determining the amount
of the credit under this section for all preceding
taxable years.
``(C) Certain expenditures not included.--The term
`qualified revitalization expenditure' does not
include--
``(i) Straight line depreciation must be
used.--Any expenditure (other than with respect
to land acquisitions) with respect to which the
taxpayer does not use the straight line method
over a recovery period determined under
subsection (c) or (g) of section 168. The
preceding sentence shall not apply to any
expenditure to the extent the alternative
depreciation system of section 168(g) applies
to such expenditure by reason of subparagraph
(B) or (C) of section 168(g)(1).
``(ii) Acquisition costs.--The costs of
acquiring any building or interest therein and
any land in connection with such building to
the extent that such costs exceed 30 percent of
the qualified revitalization expenditures
determined without regard to this clause.
``(iii) Other credits.--Any expenditure
which the taxpayer may take into account in
computing any other credit allowable under this
part unless the taxpayer elects to take the
expenditure into account only for purposes of
this section.
``(3) Eligible commercial revitalization area.--The term
`eligible commercial revitalization area' means--
``(A) an empowerment zone or enterprise community
designated under subchapter U,
``(B) any area established pursuant to any
consolidated planning process for the use of Federal
housing and community development funds, and
``(C) any other specially designated commercial
revitalization district established by any State or
local government, which is a low- income census tract
or low-income nonmetropolitan area (as defined in
subsection (e)(2)(C) and is not primarily a
nonresidential central business district.
``(4) Substantial rehabilitation or reconstruction.--For
purposes of this subsection, a rehabilitation or reconstruction
shall be treated as a substantial rehabilitation or
reconstruction only if the qualified revitalization
expenditures in connection with the rehabilitation or
reconstruction exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of
the building (and its structural components) immediately before
the rehabilitation or reconstruction.
``(d) When Expenditures Taken Into Account.--
``(1) In general.--Qualified revitalization expenditures
with respect to any qualified revitalization building shall be
taken into account for the taxable year in which the qualified
rehabilitated building is placed in service. For purposes of
the preceding sentence, a substantial rehabilitation or
reconstruction of a building shall be treated as a separate
building.
``(2) Progress expenditure payments.--Rules similar to the
rules of subsections (b)(2) and (d) of section 47 shall apply
for purposes of this section.
``(e) Limitation on Aggregate Credits Allowable With Respect to
Buildings Located in a State.--
``(1) In general.--The amount of the credit determined
under this section for any taxable year with respect to any
building shall not exceed the commercial revitalization credit
amount (in the case of an amount determined under subsection
(b)(1)(B), the present value of such amount as determined under
the rules of section 42(b)(2)(C)) allocated to such building
under this subsection by the commercial revitalization credit
agency. Such allocation shall be made at the same time and in
the same manner as under paragraphs (1) and (7) of section
42(h).
``(2) Commercial revitalization credit amount for
agencies.--
``(A) In general.--The aggregate commercial
revitalization credit amount which a commercial
revitalization credit agency may allocate for any
calendar year is the portion of the State commercial
revitalization credit ceiling allocated under this
paragraph for such calendar year for such agency.
``(B) State commercial revitalization credit
ceiling.--
``(i) In general.--The State commercial
revitalization credit ceiling applicable to any
State for any calendar year is an amount which
bears the same ratio to the national ceiling
for the calendar year as the population of low-
income census tracts and low-income
nonmetropolitan areas within the State bears to
the population of such tracts and areas within
all States.
``(ii) National ceiling.--For purposes of
clause (i), the national ceiling is
$100,000,000 for 1996, $200,000,000 for 1997,
and $400,000,000 for calendar years after 1997.
``(iii) Other special rules.--Rules similar
to the rules of subparagraphs (D), (E), (F),
and (G) of section 42(h)(3) shall apply for
purposes of this subsection.
``(C) Low-income areas.-- For purposes of
subparagraph (B), the terms `low-income census tract'
and low-income nonmetropolitan area' mean a tract or
area in which, according to the most recent census data
available, at least 50 percent of residents earned no
more than 60 percent of the median household income for
the applicable Metropolitan Standard Area, Consolidated
Metropolitan Standard Area, or all nonmetropolitan
areas in the State.
``(D) Commercial revitalization credit agency.--For
purposes of this section, the term `commercial
revitalization credit agency' means any agency
authorized by a State to carry out this section.
``(E) State.--For purposes of this section, the
term `State' includes a possession of the United
States.
``(f) Responsibilities of Commercial Revitalization Credit
Agencies.--
``(1) Plans for allocation.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this section, the commercial revitalization credit
dollar amount with respect to any building shall be zero
unless--
``(A) such amount was allocated pursuant to a
qualified allocation plan of the commercial
revitalization credit agency which is approved by the
governmental unit (in accordance with rules similar to
the rules of section 147(f)(2) (other than subparagraph
(B)(ii) thereof)) of which such agency is a part, and
``(B) such agency notifies the chief executive
officer (or its equivalent) of the local jurisdiction
within which the building is located of such project
and provides such individual a reasonable opportunity
to comment on the project.
``(2) Qualified allocation plan.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `qualified allocation plan' means any
plan--
``(A) which sets forth selection criteria to be
used to determine priorities of the commercial
revitalization credit agency which are appropriate to
local conditions,
``(B) which considers--
``(i) the degree to which a project
contributes to the implementation of a
strategic plan that is devised for an eligible
commercial revitalization area through a
citizen participation process,
``(ii) the amount of any increase in
permanent, full-time employment by reason of
any project, and
``(iii) the active involvement of residents
and nonprofit groups within the eligible
commercial revitalization area, and
``(C) which provides a procedure that the agency
(or its agent) will follow in monitoring for compliance
with this section.
``(g) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any building
placed in service after December 31, 2000.''
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 39(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(7) No carryback of section 48a credit before
enactment.--No portion of the unused business credit for any
taxable year which is attributable to any commercial
revitalization credit determined under section 48A may be
carried back to a taxable year ending before the date of the
enactment of section 48A.''
(2) Subparagraph (B) of section 48(a)(2) of such Code is
amended by inserting ``or commercial revitalization'' after
``rehabilitation'' each place it appears in the text and
heading thereof.
(3) Subparagraph (C) of section 49(a)(1) of such Code is
amended by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (ii), by
striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and inserting
``, and'', and by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(iv) the basis of any qualified
revitalization building attributable to
qualified revitalization expenditures.''
(4) Paragraph (2) of section 50(a) of such Code is amended
by inserting ``or 48A(d)(2)'' after ``section 47(d)'' each
place it appears.
(5) Subparagraph (B) of section 50(a)(2) of such Code is
amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``A
similar rule shall apply for purposes of section 48A.''
(6) Paragraph (2) of section 50(b) of such Code is amended
by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C), by striking
the period at the end of subparagraph (D) and inserting ``,
and'', and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(E) a qualified revitalization building to the
extent of the portion of the basis which is
attributable to qualified revitalization
expenditures.''
(7) Subparagraph (C) of section 50(b)(4) of such Code is
amended by inserting ``or commercial revitalization'' after
``rehabilitated'' each place it appears in the text or heading
thereof.
(8) Subparagraph (C) of section 469(i)(3) is amended--
(A) by inserting ``or section 48A'' after ``section
42'', and
(B) by striking ``credit'' in the heading and
inserting ``and commercial revitalization credits''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service after December 31, 1995. | Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1995 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an investment tax credit equal to a percentage of expenditures for depreciable property in connection with the rehabilitation or reconstruction of a nonresidential building located in: (1) an empowerment zone or enterprise community; (2) an area established pursuant to a consolidated planning process for the use of Federal housing and community development funds; or (3) a low-income commercial revitalization district specially designated by a State or local government which is not primarily a nonresidential central business district. Requires, for qualification of such expenditures, that they exceed 25 percent of the fair market value of the building before rehabilitation.
Imposes a State ceiling on the availability of the credit. | Commercial Revitalization Tax Act of 1995 |
TITLE I--CONGRESSIONAL ADVISORY COMMISSION ON AMATEUR BOXING
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Congressional Advisory Commission
on Amateur Boxing Act of 1993''.
SEC. 102. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a Commission to be known as the Congressional
Advisory Commission on Amateur Boxing (in this title referred to as the
``Commission'').
SEC. 103. PURPOSE.
The purpose of the Commission is to conduct studies and make
legislative recommendations to the Congress based on the studies
regarding the establishment of Federal standards for amateur boxing
matches held in the United States.
SEC. 104. MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION.
(a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of
ten members as follows:
(1) Health officials.--Two members, one appointed by the
Speaker of the House of Representatives and one appointed by
the majority leader of the Senate, from a list of six
individuals nominated for appointment jointly by the American
Medical Association and the Association of Ringside Physicians.
(2) State athletic commissioner.--One member appointed by
the Speaker of the House of Representatives from among
individuals who are or have been employed as State athletic
commissioners.
(3) Amateur boxing federation.--One member appointed by the
majority leader of the Senate from among individuals who are
members of the United States of America Amateur Boxing
Federation, Incorporated.
(4) Media.--One member appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives from among individuals who are
employed in the media and are knowledgeable about boxing.
(5) Amateur boxer.--One member appointed by the majority
leader of the Senate from among individuals with special
interests or experience in amateur boxing.
(6) Professional boxers.--Four members, two appointed by
the Speaker of the House of Representatives and two appointed
by the majority leader of the Senate, from among individuals
with special interests or experience in professional boxing.
(b) Chairman and Vice Chairman.--The Chairman of the Commission
shall be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The
Vice Chairman of the Commission shall be designated by the majority
leader of the Senate.
(c) Basic Pay.--
(1) Members.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), members
of the Commission shall each be paid at a rate not to exceed
the daily equivalent of the minimum annual rate of basic pay in
effect for grade GS-13 of the General Schedule for each day
(including travel time) during which they are engaged in the
actual performance of duties vested in the Commission.
(2) Chairman and vice chairman.--The Chairman and the Vice
Chairman of the Commission shall be paid at a rate not to
exceed the daily equivalent of the minimum annual rate of basic
pay in effect for grades GS-15 and GS-14 of the General
Schedule, respectively, for each day (including travel time)
during which they are engaged in the actual performance of
duties vested in the Commission.
(d) Organizational Meeting.--
(1) Time and purpose.--Not later than thirty days after all
members have been appointed to the Commission, the Commission
shall hold an organizational meeting to establish the rules and
procedures necessary to carry out its responsibilities under
this title subject to paragraph (2).
(2) Rules and procedures.--The rules and procedures shall
provide that--
(A) all Commission meetings shall be open to the
public;
(B) one-half of the total Commission membership
shall constitute a quorum; and
(C) a majority of members voting shall be required
to authorize any recommendation or other official
action of the Commission.
SEC. 105. ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS.
(a) Appointment and Compensation of Staff.--
(1) In general.--Subject to rules prescribed by the
Commission, the Chairman may appoint and fix the pay of staff
as the Chairman considers appropriate.
(2) Applicability of certain civil service laws.--The staff
of the Commission shall be appointed subject to the provisions
of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the
competitive service, and shall be paid in accordance with the
provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of
such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay
rates.
(b) Experts and Consultants.--Subject to rules prescribed by the
Commission, the Chairman may procure temporary and intermittent
services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code.
(c) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Commission, the
head of any Federal agency is authorized to detail, on a reimbursable
basis, any of the personnel of the agency to the Commission to assist
the Commission in carrying out its duties under this title.
(d) Mails.--The Commission may use the United States mails in the
same manner and under the same conditions as other Federal agencies.
(e) Administrative Support Services.--The Administrator of General
Services shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable basis,
administrative support services requested by the Commission.
SEC. 106. INVESTIGATIVE POWERS.
(a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the purpose of
carrying out this title, hold such hearings, sit and act at such times
and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence, as the
Commission considers appropriate.
(b) Obtaining Official Data.--The Commission may secure directly
from any Federal agency information necessary to enable it to carry out
this title. Upon request of the Chairman of the Commission, the head of
the agency shall furnish the information to the Commission.
(c) Subpoena Power.--
(1) Issuance.--The Commission may issue subpoenas requiring
the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of
any evidence that relates to any matter under investigation by
the Commission. The attendance of witnesses and the production
of evidence may be required from any place within a judicial
district at any designated place of hearing within the judicial
district.
(2) Enforcement.--If a person issued a subpoena under
paragraph (1) refuses to obey the subpoena or is guilty of
contumacy, any court of the United States within the judicial
district within which the hearing is conducted or within the
judicial district within which the person is found or resides
or transacts business may (upon application by the Commission)
order the person to appear before the Commission to produce
evidence or to give testimony relating to the matter under
investigation. Any failure to obey the order of the court may
be punished by the court as a contempt of the court.
(3) Manner of service.--A subpoena of the Commission shall
be served in the manner provided for subpoenas issued by a
United States district court under the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure for the United States district courts.
(4) Place of service.--All process of any court to which
application may be made under this section may be served in the
judicial district in which the person required to be served
resides or may be found.
SEC. 107. REPORT.
Not later than nine months after the organizational meeting of the
Commission is held under section 104(d), the Commission shall submit to
the Congress a report that contains a detailed statement of the
findings and conclusions of the Commission, together with its
recommendations for legislation it considers appropriate with respect
to the following:
(1) Licensing requirements.--Licensing requirements,
including proficiency standards and evaluation for boxers,
promoters, referees, judges, ringside physicians, timekeepers,
and all other ring officials.
(2) Health and medical requirements.--Health and medical
requirements, including provision for prefight testing and
examination of referees by physicians and for prefight and
postfight testing and examination of boxers by physicians
specializing in cardiological, neurological, and
ophthalmological treatment.
(3) Safety and performance standards.--Safety requirements
and performance standards for equipment and facilities used in
boxing matches.
(4) Bonding requirements.--Requirements for bonding of
promoters of boxing matches.
(5) Insurance requirements.--Health, life, and accident
insurance requirements for boxers.
(6) Training programs.--Training programs and standards for
referees, judges, and other appropriate ring officials.
(7) Classification and ranking guidelines.--Guidelines and
standards governing the classification and ranking of boxers
and the establishment of a national authority to maintain an
accurate and current account of the classifications and
rankings.
(8) National data base.--Establishment of a national data
base of information on the health and medical condition,
background, and ring record of boxers.
(9) Reporting requirements.--Requirements governing the
reporting of information needed to fulfill the requirements of
paragraphs (7) and (8).
(10) Fines and penalties.--Fines and penalties for
violations of the national standards established under Federal
law.
SEC. 108. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall cease to exist sixty days after submitting its
report pursuant to section 107.
SEC. 109. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 to carry out this
title.
TITLE II--PROHIBITION OF PROFESSIONAL BOXING
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Federal Professional Boxing
Prohibition Act of 1993''.
SEC. 202. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) although many sports may have higher death and injury
rates, the injuries are coincidental to the purpose of the
sport; the object of professional boxing is to inflict pain and
physical damage to the extent of rendering the opponent
senseless, defenseless, and unconscious;
(2) head blows and knockouts, which eventually result in
brain damage, are the most prevalent and direct means for a
professional boxer to attain victory;
(3) existing medical and safety controls are inadequate to
prevent chronic brain damage in professional boxers;
(4) the longer the boxing career of an individual, the
greater the likelihood of brain damage to the individual; and
(5) cumulative brain damage in professional boxers is not
usually identified until its later stages, when it is generally
considered irreversible.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this title is to make unlawful the
participation in or promotion of professional boxing in order to save
lives, protect the health of prospective professional boxers, and
prevent exploitation of prospective participants in professional
boxing.
SEC. 203. PROHIBITION OF PARTICIPATION IN OR PROMOTION OF PROFESSIONAL
BOXING.
(a) In General.--Chapter 89 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 1821 the following new section:
``Sec. 1822. Participation in or promotion of professional boxing
``(a) Offense.--Whoever participates in a professional boxing match
in any capacity (including participation as a coach, fighter, judge,
physician, referee, or timekeeper) or promotes a professional boxing
match--
``(1) shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned
for not more than one year, or both; and
``(2) shall be required to forfeit any financial gain
realized or to be realized as a direct result of the
professional boxing match.
``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(1) Boxing.--The term `boxing' means the sport of
fighting with fists (with or without boxing gloves).
``(2) Professional boxing match.--The term `professional
boxing match' means a boxing match for which any financial gain
(including any salary, gift, prize, or paid expenses) is
received for participation in the boxing match. The term does
not include an amateur boxing match.
``(3) Promotes.--The term `promotes' means initiates,
directs, aids, or participates in organizing or financially
supporting.
``(c) Nonapplicability of Standard Fines.--Section 3571 shall not
apply to an offense under this section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of chapter 89 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 1821 the following:
``1822. Participation in or promotion of professional boxing.''. | TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: Congressional Advisory Commission on Amateur Boxing
Title II: Prohibition of Professional Boxing
Title I: Congressional Advisory Commission on Amateur Boxing
- Congressional Advisory Commission on Amateur Boxing Act of 1993 - Establishes the Congressional Advisory Commission on Amateur Boxing to conduct studies and make legislative recommendations to the Congress for the establishment of Federal standards for amateur boxing matches.
Requires the Commission to report to the Congress its findings and conclusions, together with any legislative recommendations concerning: (1) licensing requirements for boxers, promoters, physicians, and ring officials; (2) health and medical requirements for the examination of boxers; (3) safety and performance standards for equipment and facilities; (4) bonding requirements for promoters; (5) health, life, and accident insurance requirements for boxers; (6) training programs and standards for ring officials; (7) standards for ranking boxers; (8) a national data base of information on the health, background, and records of boxers; and (9) fines and penalties for violations of standards. Terminates the Commission 60 days after it submits the report. Authorizes appropriations.
Title II: Prohibition of Professional Boxing
- Federal Professional Boxing Prohibition Act of 1993 - Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a Federal offense to promote a boxing match or to participate in a professional boxing match in any capacity, including participation as a coach, fighter, judge, physician, referee, or timekeeper. Sets forth penalties for violation of this prohibition. | To establish the Congressional Advisory Commission on Amateur Boxing and to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the participation in and promotion of professional boxing. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Save our Bays Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to reduce non-point source pollution of
any estuary in the National Estuary Program by promoting investment in
any of the following:
(1) Restoring and improving soil functionality, including
by increasing water infiltration and water conservation.
(2) Increasing storm water retention onsite.
(3) Reducing impervious cover via usage of pervious
materials in patios, walkways, and other surfaces.
(4) Establishing a 10 to 25 foot wide buffer of native
plants on private property which abuts any water body or
wetland.
SEC. 3. NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION.
(a) In General.--Subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 30E. NON-POINT SOURCE POLLUTION.
``(a) General Rule.--There shall be allowed as a credit against the
tax imposed by this chapter an amount equal to the sum of--
``(1) the non-point source pollution planning credit, plus
``(2) the non-point source pollution plan implementation
credit.
``(b) Non-Point Source Pollution Planning Credit.--For purposes of
this section, the non-point source pollution planning credit is an
amount equal to $500 for developing a plan to address non-point source
pollution carried by surface water runoff from eligible property that
is owned by the taxpayer and certified by the County Soil Conversation
District (in such manner as the County Soil Conversation District may
determine) in which the real property is located, and
``(c) Non-Point Source Pollution Plan Implementation Credit.--The
non-point source pollution plan implementation credit is an amount
equal to the lesser of--
``(1) the amount paid or incurred for implementing the plan
referred to in subsection (b)(1) to mitigate non-point source
pollution on eligible property that is owned by the taxpayer
and certified by the County Soil Conversation District in which
the real property is located, or
``(2) $2,500.
``(d) Eligible Property.--For purposes of this section, the term
`eligible property' means real property which is located in the United
States within the boundaries of an estuary of national significance, as
designated under section 320 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
(33 U.S.C. 1330), and from which there is non-point source pollution.
``(e) Special Rules.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Application to noncontiguous parcels.--Each parcel of
noncontiguous real property shall be treated as separate.
``(2) Denial of double benefit.--
``(A) Income tax.--No deduction or credit shall be
allowed under any other provision of this chapter for
amounts paid or incurred to develop or implement a non-
point source pollution plan to the extent of amounts
allowed as a credit under this section relating to such
plan.
``(B) Other.--The amount of expenses otherwise
taken into account under subsection (a) with respect to
a taxpayer for a taxable year shall be reduced (before
the application of subsections (b), (c), and (d)) by
the aggregate amounts paid received by the taxpayer in
any calendar year in which the taxable year of the
taxpayer ends under title XII of the Food Security Act
of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.).
``(3) Election.--This section shall not apply to a taxpayer
for any taxable year if such taxpayer elects to have this
section not apply for such taxable year.
``(f) Application With Other Credits.--
``(1) Business credit treated as part of general business
credit.--So much of the credit which would be allowed under
subsection (a) for any taxable year (determined without regard
to this subsection) that is attributable to property of a
character subject to an allowance for depreciation shall be
treated as a credit listed in section 38(b) for such taxable
year (and not allowed under subsection (a)).
``(2) Personal credit.--For purposes of this title, the
credit allowed under subsection (a) for any taxable year
(determined after application of paragraph (1)) shall be
treated as a credit allowable under subpart A for such taxable
year.
``(g) Termination.--This section shall not apply to taxable years
beginning after December 31, 2020.''.
(b) Allowance as General Business Credit.--Section 38(b) of such
Code is amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (35), by
striking the period at the end of paragraph (36) and inserting ``,
plus'', and by adding at the end the following:
``(37) the portion of the non-point source pollution credit
to which section 30E(f)(1) applies.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for subpart B of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding
at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 30E. Non-point source pollution.''.
(d) Report.--
(1) Evaluation.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and every year thereafter for as
long as section 30E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as
added by this section) is in effect, the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency and the Director of the U. S.
Geological Survey, acting through a joint working group which
the Administrator and the Director shall establish, shall
evaluate the effectiveness of the credit allowed under such
section 30E in achieving the purposes specified in section 2
and submit a report on such study and evaluation, together with
recommendations relating thereto, to the committees of Congress
specified in paragraph (2).
(2) Committees.--The committees specified in this paragraph
are the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on
Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Committee on
Finance of the Senate.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015. | Save our Bays Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a new tax credit, through 2020, for developing and implementing a plan to address non-point pollution carried by surface water runoff on real property located in the United States within the boundaries of an estuary of national significance. | Save our Bays Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Green Communities Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; PURPOSES; DEFINITIONS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Landscaping adds to the economic value and sales appeal
of commercial real estate and increases office occupancy rates.
(2) Greening can change people's perceptions of their
neighborhoods, reduce violence and crime, and increase
neighborhood stability.
(3) Planting new trees, improving streetscapes, and
cleaning vacant lots increases property values.
(4) People will stay longer and shop more in shopping
districts that are well landscaped.
(5) Improvements to neighborhood parks increase the value
of single-family homes in the surrounding community.
(6) Homes adjacent to vacant lots that are greened have a
much higher property value than homes adjacent to vacant lots
that have not been greened.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to--
(1) promote investment in greening projects and programs as
effective economic development tools;
(2) connect urban economic development initiatives with
environmental initiatives;
(3) improve quality of life for city residents; and
(4) encourage public-private partnerships.
(c) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Community greening initiatives.--The term ``community
greening initiatives'' means programs increasing economic
development through environmental improvements.
(2) Eligible nonprofit organization.--The term ``eligible
nonprofit organization'' means a nonprofit organization that
receives a grant under section 4.
(3) Eligible program partner.--The term ``eligible program
partner'' means a municipality that receives a grant under
section 3.
(4) Green roof.--The term ``green roof'' means a roof
consisting of vegetation and soil or a growing medium planted
over a waterproofing membrane.
(5) Green stormwater infrastructure.--The term ``green
stormwater infrastructure'' means systems and practices that
use or mimic natural processes to infiltrate, evapotranspirate,
or reuse stormwater on the site where it occurs rather than
transporting the water to a stream or treatment facility.
(6) Nonprofit organization.--The term ``nonprofit
organization'' means an organization that is described in
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code.
(7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce.
(8) Urban forestry.--The term ``urban forestry'' means an
integrated citywide or neighborhood-wide approach to the
planting, care, and management of trees in the city or the
neighborhood in order to ensure environmental and social
benefits for residents.
SEC. 3. INITIATIVES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GREENING.
(a) Grant Authority.--To the extent funds are available, the
Secretary, through the Economic Development Administration, shall make
grants to municipalities for promoting community greening initiatives.
(b) Selection of Eligible Program Partners.--The Secretary, in
consultation with the eligible nonprofit organizations, shall select 80
municipalities to receive grants under this section. The Secretary
shall ensure that the municipalities meet--
(1) the criteria described by section 209(b) of the Public
Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3149(b));
or
(2) the circumstances described by section 209(c) of such
Act (42 U.S.C. 3149(c)).
(c) Community Greening Initiatives.--An eligible program partner,
with technical assistance and training from an eligible nonprofit
organization as provided under section 4(b), shall develop and plan a
community greening initiative. Such initiatives may include--
(1) revitalizing municipal parks and public spaces;
(2) landscaping community gateways and key corridors;
(3) tree plantings and urban forestry projects;
(4) comprehensive planning for open space preservation;
(5) education, training, and volunteer management
concerning community green initiatives;
(6) green roof construction;
(7) green stormwater infrastructure; or
(8) vacant lot management.
(d) Implementing Initiatives.--
(1) Completion of developing and planning.--The Secretary
may make a grant under this section only to an eligible program
partner that has successfully developed and planned a community
greening initiative under subsection (c), as determined by the
Secretary.
(2) Use of funds.--Grants under this section shall be used
by an eligible program partner to implement the community
greening initiative developed under subsection (c). An eligible
program partner may not receive a grant under this section for
a community greening initiative that takes more than 2 years to
complete.
(3) Grant amount.--The Secretary may not award a grant
under this section in an amount that is more than $2,000,000.
(4) Matching funds.--An eligible program partner receiving
a grant under this section shall provide, either directly or
through private contributions, non-Federal matching funds equal
to not less than 50 percent of the amount of the grant. Such
matching funds shall be used for implementing a community
greening initiative.
(5) Report.--Not later than 60 days after an eligible
program partner implements a community greening initiative, the
eligible nonprofit organization that assisted the eligible
program partner under subsection (c) shall submit to the
Secretary a report assessing the implementation of the
initiative.
SEC. 4. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING BY ELIGIBLE NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATIONS.
(a) Selection of Eligible Nonprofit Organizations.--To the extent
funds are available, the Secretary shall make grants to, or enter into
contracts with, 5 nonprofit organizations to provide technical
assistance and training to eligible program partners. The Secretary
shall select nonprofit organizations that have experience with--
(1) planning and implementing projects concerning urban
open space, landscape management, and community greening
initiatives;
(2) land and water conservation;
(3) working on the community level;
(4) forming partnerships or regional consortiums;
(5) urban ecology; and
(6) other activities the Secretary considers appropriate.
(b) Technical Training and Assistance.--In accordance with section
3(c), eligible nonprofit organizations shall provide eligible program
partners with technical assistance and training for the following
activities:
(1) Developing, planning, implementing, and assessing
community greening initiatives.
(2) Developing and implementing training and workshops for
municipal agencies and local partners.
(3) Evaluating the community greening initiative.
(c) Period.--A grant or agreement under this section shall be for a
period of 5 years.
(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 90 days after the end of
each fiscal year for which amounts are made available for grants under
this section, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the
technical assistance and training provided under this section. Each
report shall describe the actions taken by the Secretary to ensure that
technical assistance and training is responsive to the needs of
eligible program partners.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this Act--
(1) $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2010, 2013, and
2014; and
(2) $90,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 and 2012.
(b) Reservation of Funds.--
(1) Eligible nonprofit organizations.--
(A) Not less than 85 percent of the amounts made
available to carry out this Act for each of fiscal
years 2010, 2013, and 2014 shall be made available for
technical assistance and training by eligible nonprofit
organizations under section 4.
(B) Not less than 28 percent of the amounts made
available to carry out this Act for each of fiscal
years 2011 and 2012 shall be made available for
technical assistance and training by eligible nonprofit
organizations under section 4.
(2) Eligible program partners.--Not less than 66 percent of
the amounts made available to carry out this Act for each of
fiscal years 2011 and 2012 shall be made available for the
planning, developing, and implementing of community greening
initiatives by eligible program partners under section 3.
(c) Availability of Appropriations.--Funds made available under
this Act shall remain available until expended. | Green Communities Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce, through the Economic Development Administration, to make grants to municipalities to promote community greening initiatives (defined as programs increasing economic development through environmental improvements).
Directs the Secretary to select 80 municipalities to receive grants. Requires an eligible program partner to develop and plan such an initiative, which may include revitalizing municipal parks and public spaces, tree plantings, green roof construction, and vacant lot management.
Directs the Secretary to make grants to, or enter into contracts with, five nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance and training to eligible program partners in developing, planning, implementing, and assessing initiatives. | To direct the Secretary of Commerce to make grants for programs promoting community greening initiatives, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Western New York Redevelopment Act
of 2005''.
SEC. 2. RENEW REPLACEMENT POWER.
Section 1 of the Act of August 21, 1957 (Public Law 85-859; 71
Stat. 401; 16 U.S.C. 836) is amended in subsection (b)(3) by striking
out ``for a period ending not later than the final maturity date of the
bonds initially issued to finance the project work herein specifically
authorized,''.
SEC. 3. ECONOMIC RECOVERY.
(a) License Conditions.--The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) shall include among the conditions imposed on any license issued
subsequent to the original license for the project authorized by
section 1 of the Act of August 21, 1957 (Public Law 85-859; 71 Stat.
401; 16 U.S.C. 836) in addition to those deemed necessary and required
under the terms of the Federal Power Act, the following:
(1) Annual payment.--(A) In order to render financial
assistance to the host governments in which any feature of the
Niagara Power Project is located, the New York Power Authority
(NYPA) shall make a mandatory annual payment from its gross
proceeds to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation in
the City of Buffalo and the County of Erie in the amount of
$10,000,000 for each 12-month period of the new license. For
every 12-month period after the first such period after the
license is issued and continuing for the life of the new
license and any subsequent licenses, the annual payment shall
include an additional 3 percent of the amount of the payment
made during the preceding 12-month period.
(B) Prior to the establishment of the Erie Canal Harbor
Development Corporation, the payment described in subparagraph
(A) shall be held in escrow by the NYPA for transfer to the
corporation upon its establishment. Such payment shall be used
by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation only for the
development, design, engineering and construction of projects
at the Inner and Outer Harbor in Buffalo, and Erie County, New
York, including transportation infrastructure improvements and
Skyway Bridge alternatives. Other qualified uses may include
brownfield remediation, greenway trail design and construction
and other waterfront environmental restoration projects.
(C) At the expiration of the Erie Canal Harbor Development
Corporation the annual payments shall be made to the Erie
County Industrial Development Agency for the uses and purposes
set forth in subparagraph (B).
(2) Additional annual payment to counties.--(A) In order to
achieve the yet unrealized regional economic benefits that the
New York Power Authority contracted to deliver on when it was
awarded exclusive control of the Niagara Power Project, the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall include as a
condition on any new and subsequent license, the payment of 1
percent of gross proceeds to be split evenly by the Industrial
Development Agencies for each of the counties of Niagara, Erie,
Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus, New York.
(B) Such funds shall be distributed by such agencies to
high-load industries and businesses committed to incremental
capital investment and job retention and creation in each such
county. The proceeds shall be disbursed to such western New
York industries and businesses and used by such industries and
businesses to offset the high cost of energy in New York State
and retain current employment levels.
(C) The payment of funds under this paragraph to Erie,
Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Niagara counties shall be
additional to, and shall not affect the obligation of the New
York Power Authority to pay, any other funds to those counties
under the terms of any judicial decree or settlement of an
action brought by one or more of such counties against the
NYPA.
(D) The term ``gross proceeds'', as used in this paragraph,
means the total gross proceeds derived by the licensee from the
sale of power for the preceding fiscal year, excluding power
used by the Corporation or sold or delivered to any other
department or agency of the State of New York for any purpose
other than resale.
SEC. 4. TRANSPARENCY.
The Secretary of Energy, acting through the Office of Inspector
General, Office of Audit Services, shall conduct an audit of Niagara
Power Project finances and operations since project inception in order
to provide consistent and timely information concerning the true
economic impact of the Niagara Power Project and its revenue and
disbursements and shall conduct subsequent annual audits to verify
payments to host communities and others.
SEC. 5. PHYSICAL SECURITY AND SAFETY.
(a) In General.--In order to improve the physical security of the
Niagara Power Project, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission shall
include among the conditions imposed on any license issued subsequent
to the original license for the project authorized by section 1 of the
Act of August 21, 1957 (Public Law 85-859; 71 Stat. 401; 16 U.S.C. 836)
in addition to those deemed necessary and required under the terms of
the Federal Power Act, a requirement that the licensee shall acquire by
contract or other agreement property or interests therein sufficient to
provide an appropriate effective zone of separation between all project
control, switching or generating facilities and any privately owned
real property not used for the generation, transmission, or control of
electric energy. Any such acquisition by the licensee shall be carried
out pursuant to such terms as may be necessary to ensure replacement of
any residential, educational, recreational, and community services and
facilities acquired or adversely affected by such acquisition, and that
such replacement facilities or services are of equivalent character,
value, and number to those so acquired, while meeting contemporary
standards for construction, operation, and level of service.
(b) Resources for First Responders.--The New York Power Authority
shall provide to First Responders serving the local jurisdictions in
which the Niagara Power Project facilities are located adequate
financial and other resources and assistance to acquire, operate,
maintain, and replace, through the term of any license granted pursuant
to this Act, the equipment and other assets needed to protect human
life and property from harm should any feature or facility of the
Niagara Power Project be subject to damage of any type because of an
act of terror or other criminal behavior.
SEC. 6. HOLD HARMLESS.
Nothing in this Act authorizes any increase in the rates and
charges for electric energy under the Replacement Power program.
SEC. 7. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Act, or amendment made by this Act, or the
application of this Act or such amendments to any person or
circumstance is determined by a court to be invalid, the validity of
the remainder of this Act and the amendments made by this Act and the
application of such provision to other persons and circumstances shall
not be affected by such determination. | Western New York Redevelopment Act of 2005 - Modifies the statutory licensing conditions governing operation of a power project by the New York Power Authority regarding utilization of the federal share of the water of the Niagara River whose use is permitted by international agreement.
Directs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to include among additional conditions imposed on any license issued subsequent to the original license: (1) specified mandatory annual payments from the gross proceeds of the Authority to the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation; (2) the payment of one percent of gross proceeds, to be split evenly by the Industrial Development Agencies for the counties of Niagara, Erie, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus, New York; and (3) a requirement that the licensee acquire property or interests sufficient to provide an effective zone of separation between all project control, switching or generating facilities, and any privately owned real property not used for the generation, transmission, or control of electric energy.
Requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct: (1) an audit of Niagara Power Project finances and operations since project inception; and (2) subsequent annual audits to verify payments to host communities.
Requires the New York Power Authority to provide to First Responders serving the local jurisdictions in which the Niagara Power Project facilities are located adequate resources and assistance to acquire, operate, maintain, and replace the assets needed to protect human life and property from harm should any feature or facility of the Niagara Power Project be subject to damage of any type because of an act of terror or other criminal behavior. | To amend the Niagara Redevelopment Act to encourage economic development and recovery in western New York, to promote fiscal transparency, to enhance the safety and security of the Niagara Power Project, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Promise Zone Job Creation Act of
2014''.
SEC. 2. PROMISE ZONES.
(a) In General.--Subchapter Y of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new part:
``PART IV--PROMISE ZONES
``Sec. 1400V-1. Designation of Promise Zones.
``Sec. 1400V-2. Promise Zone employment credit.
``Sec. 1400V-3. Expensing of Promise Zone property.
``SEC. 1400V-1. DESIGNATION OF PROMISE ZONES.
``(a) In General.--For purposes of this part, the term `Promise
Zone' means any area--
``(1) which is nominated by 1 or more local governments or
Indian Tribes (as defined in section 4(13) of the Native
American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996
(25 U.S.C. 4103(13)) for designation as a Promise Zone
(hereafter in this section referred to as a `nominated area'),
``(2) which has a continuous boundary,
``(3) the population of which does not exceed 200,000, and
``(4) which the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
and the Secretary of Agriculture, acting jointly, designate as
a Promise Zone, after consultation with the Secretary of
Commerce, the Secretary of Education, the Attorney General, the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Labor,
the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Transportation,
and other agencies as appropriate.
``(b) Number of Designations.--
``(1) In general.--Not more than 20 nominated areas may be
designated as Promise Zones.
``(2) Number of designations in rural areas.--Of the areas
designated under paragraph (1), 6 of such areas shall be
areas--
``(A) which are outside of a metropolitan
statistical area (within the meaning of section
143(k)(2)(B)), or
``(B) which are determined by the Secretary of
Agriculture to be rural areas.
``(c) Period of Designations.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development and the Secretary of the Agriculture shall, acting
jointly, designate 20 areas as Promise Zones before January 1,
2017.
``(2) Effective dates of designations.--The designation of
any Promise Zone shall take effect--
``(A) for purposes of priority consideration in
Federal grant programs and initiatives (other than this
part), upon execution of the Promise Zone agreement,
and
``(B) for purposes of this part, on January 1 of
the first calendar year beginning after the date of the
execution of the Promise Zone agreement.
``(3) Termination of designations.--The designation of any
Promise Zone shall end on the earlier of--
``(A) the end of the 10-year period beginning on
the date that such designation takes effect, or
``(B) the date of the revocation of such
designation.
``(4) Application to certain zones already designated.--In
the case of any area designated as a Promise Zone by the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of
Agriculture before the date of the enactment of this Act, such
area shall be taken into account as a Promise Zone designated
under this section and shall reduce the number of Promise Zones
remaining to be designated under paragraph (1).
``(d) Limitations on Designations.--No area may be designated under
this section unless--
``(1) the entities nominating the area have the authority
to nominate the area of designation under this section,
``(2) such entities provide written assurances satisfactory
to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the
Secretary of Agriculture that the competitiveness plan
described in the application under subsection (e) for such area
will be implemented and that such entities will provide the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of
Agriculture with such data regarding the economic conditions of
the area (before, during, and after the area's period of
designation as a Promise Zone) as such Secretary may require,
and
``(3) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and
the Secretary of Agriculture determine that any information
furnished is reasonably accurate.
``(e) Application.--No area may be designated under this section
unless the application for such designation--
``(1) demonstrates that the nominated area satisfies the
eligibility criteria described in subsection (a),
``(2) includes a competitiveness plan which--
``(A) addresses the need of the nominated area to
attract investment and jobs and improve educational
opportunities,
``(B) leverages the nominated area's economic
strengths and outlines targeted investments to develop
competitive advantages,
``(C) demonstrates collaboration across a wide
range of stakeholders,
``(D) outlines a strategy which connects the
nominated area to drivers of regional economic growth,
and
``(E) proposes a strategy for focusing on increased
access to high quality affordable housing and improved
public safety.
``(f) Selection Criteria.--From among the nominated areas eligible
for designation under this section, the Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development and the Secretary of Agriculture shall designate Promise
Zones on the basis of--
``(1) the effectiveness of the competitiveness plan
submitted under subsection (e) and the assurances made under
subsection (d), and
``(2) unemployment rates, poverty rates, vacancy rates,
crime rates, and such other factors as the Secretary of Housing
and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture may
identify, including household income, home-ownership, labor
force participation, and educational attainment, and
``(3) other criteria as determined by the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of Agriculture.
The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Secretary of
Agriculture may set minimal standards for the levels of unemployment
and poverty that must be satisfied for designation as a Promise Zone.
``SEC. 1400V-2. PROMISE ZONE EMPLOYMENT CREDIT.
``(a) Amount of Credit.--For purposes of section 38, the amount of
the Promise Zone employment credit determined under this section with
respect to any employer for any taxable year is the applicable
percentage of the qualified wages paid or incurred during the calendar
year which ends with or within such taxable year.
``(b) Applicable Percentage.--For purposes of this section, the
term `applicable percentage' means--
``(1) in the case of qualified wages described in
subsection (c)(1)(A), 20 percent, and
``(2) in the case of qualified wages described in
subsection (c)(1)(B), 10 percent.
``(c) Qualified Wages.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified wages' means any
wages paid or incurred by an employer for services performed by
an employee while such employee is--
``(A) a qualified zone employee, or
``(B) a qualified resident employee.
``(2) Only first $15,000 of wages per year taken into
account.--With respect to each qualified employee, the amount
of qualified wages taken into account for a calendar year shall
not exceed $15,000.
``(3) Coordination with work opportunity credit.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified wages' shall
not include wages taken into account in determining the
credit under section 51.
``(B) Coordination with dollar limitation.--The
$15,000 amount in paragraph (2) shall be reduced for
any calendar year by the amount of wages paid or
incurred during such year which are taken into account
in determining the credit under section 51.
``(4) Wages.--The term `wages' has the meaning given such
term by section 1397(a).
``(d) Qualified Employee.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified employee.--The term `qualified employee'
means any employee who is a qualified zone employee or a
qualified resident employee.
``(2) Qualified zone employee.--Except as otherwise
provided in this subsection, the term `qualified zone employee'
means, with respect to any period, any employee of an employer
if--
``(A) substantially all of the services performed
during such period by such employee for such employer
are performed within a Promise Zone in a trade or
business of the employer, and
``(B) the principal place of abode of such employee
while performing such services is within a Promise
Zone.
``(3) Qualified resident employee.--Except as otherwise
provided in this subsection, the term `qualified resident
employee' means, with respect to any period, an employee of an
employer if the principal place of abode of such employee
during such period is within a Promise Zone, but substantially
all of the services performed during such period by such
employee for such employer are not performed within a Promise
Zone in a trade or business of the employer.
``(4) Certain individuals not eligible.--The terms
`qualified zone employee' and `qualified resident employee'
shall not include any individual described in paragraph (2) of
section 1396(d)(2) (determined after application of paragraph
(3) thereof).
``(e) Special Rules.--Rules similar to the rules of section 1397
shall apply for purposes of this section.
``(f) Taxpayer Reporting.--No credit shall be determined under this
section with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year unless such
taxpayer provides the Secretary with such information as the Secretary
may require to allow the Secretary to evaluate the effectiveness of the
program established under this part.
``SEC. 1400V-3. EXPENSING OF PROMISE ZONE PROPERTY.
``(a) In General.--A taxpayer may elect to treat the cost of any
Promise Zone property as an expense which is not chargeable to capital
account. Any cost so treated shall be allowed as a deduction for the
taxable year in which the Promise Zone property is placed in service.
``(b) Promise Zone Property.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, the term `Promise Zone property' means property--
``(A) which is--
``(i) tangible property (to which section
168 applies) with an applicable recovery period
(within the meaning of section 168) of 20 years
or less,
``(ii) water utility property described in
section 168(e)(5),
``(iii) computer software described in
section 179(d)(1)(A)(ii), or
``(iv) qualified leasehold improvement
property (as defined in section 168(e)),
``(B) which is acquired by purchase (as defined in
section 179(d)(2)) for use in the active conduct of a
trade or business, and
``(C) which is originally placed in service by the
taxpayer in a Promise Zone.
``(2) Exception for certain property.--Such term shall not
include any property to which section 168(g) applies.
``(c) Election.--An election under this section shall be made under
rules similar to the rules of section 179(c).
``(d) Coordination With Section 179.--For purposes of section 179,
Promise Zone property shall not be treated as section 179 property.
``(e) Application of Other Rules.--Rules similar to the rules of
paragraphs (3), (4), (5), (7), (9) and (10) of section 179(d) shall
apply for purposes of this section.
``(f) Taxpayer Reporting.--This section shall not apply with
respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year unless such taxpayer
provides the Secretary with such information as the Secretary may
require to allow the Secretary to evaluate the effectiveness of the
program established under this part.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 38(b) of such Code is amended by striking
``plus'' at the end of paragraph (35), by striking the period
at the end of paragraph (36) and inserting ``, plus'', and by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(37) the Promise Zone employment credit determined under
section 1400V-2.''.
(2) The table of parts for subchapter Y of chapter 1 of
such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new
item:
``Part IV--Promise Zones''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 2014. | Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 2014 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to designate up to 20 areas as Promise Zones for purposes of priority consideration in federal grant programs and initiatives. Defines a "Promise Zone" as any area with a continuous boundary and a population of not more than 200,000 that is nominated by a local government or Indian tribe and designated on the basis of its unemployment, poverty, vacancy, and crime rates. Requires an application for designation as a Promise Zone to include a competitiveness plan that addresses the need of the area to attract investment and jobs and improve educational opportunities. Allows: (1) a Promise Zone employment tax credit for wages paid to a qualified zone or resident employee, and (2) expensing of Promise Zone property. Defines "Promise Zone property" as property that is: (1) tangible property with a recovery period of 20 years or less for depreciation purposes, water utility property, computer software, or qualified leasehold improvement property; (2) acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a trade or business; and (3) originally placed in service in a Promise Zone. | Promise Zone Job Creation Act of 2014 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; DEFINITIONS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Piedras Blancas
Historic Light Station Outstanding Natural Area Act of 2004''.
(b) Definitions.--For the purposes of this Act, the following
definitions apply:
(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(2) Light station.--The term ``Light Station'' means
Piedras Blancas Light Station.
(3) Public lands.--The term ``public lands'' has the
meaning stated in section 103(e) of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1703(e)).
(4) Outstanding natural area.--The term ``Outstanding
Natural Area'' means the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station
Outstanding Natural Area established pursuant to section 3.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds as follows:
(1) The publicly owned Piedras Blancas Light Station has
nationally recognized historical structures that should be
preserved for present and future generations.
(2) The coastline adjacent to the Light Station is
internationally recognized as having significant wildlife and
marine habitat that provides critical information to research
institutions throughout the world.
(3) The Light Station tells an important story about
California's coastal prehistory and history in the context of
the surrounding region and communities.
(4) The coastal area surrounding the Light Station was
traditionally used by Indian people, including the Chumash and
Salinan Indian tribes.
(5) The Light Station is historically associated with the
nearby world-famous Hearst Castle (Hearst San Simeon State
Historical Monument), now administered by the State of
California.
(6) The Light Station represents a model partnership where
future management can be successfully accomplished among the
Federal Government, the State of California, San Luis Obispo
County, local communities, and private groups.
(7) Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station Outstanding
Natural Area would make a significant addition to the National
Landscape Conservation System administered by the Department of
the Interior's Bureau of Land Management.
(8) Statutory protection is needed for the Light Station
and its surrounding Federal lands to ensure that it remains a
part of our historic, cultural, and natural heritage and to be
a source of inspiration for the people of the United States.
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF THE PIEDRAS BLANCAS HISTORIC LIGHT STATION
OUTSTANDING NATURAL AREA.
(a) In General.--In order to protect, conserve, and enhance for the
benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations the unique and
nationally important historical, natural, cultural, scientific,
educational, scenic, and recreational values of certain lands in and
around the Piedras Blancas Light Station, in San Luis Obispo County,
California, while allowing certain recreational and research activities
to continue, there is established, subject to valid existing rights,
the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station Outstanding Natural Area.
(b) Maps and Legal Descriptions.--The boundaries of the Outstanding
Natural Area as those shown on the map entitled ``Piedras Blancas
Historic Light Station: Outstanding Natural Area'', dated May 5, 2004,
which shall be on file and available for public inspection in the
Office of the Director, Bureau of Land Management, United States
Department of the Interior, and the State office of the Bureau of Land
Management in the State of California.
(c) Basis of Management.--The Secretary shall manage the
Outstanding Natural Area as part of the National Landscape Conservation
System to protect the resources of the area, and shall allow only those
uses that further the purposes for the establishment of the Outstanding
Natural Area, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), and other applicable laws.
(d) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, and in
accordance with the existing withdrawal as set forth in Public Land
Order 7501 (Oct. 12, 2001, Vol. 66, No. 198, Federal Register 52149),
the Federal lands and interests in lands included within the
Outstanding Natural Area are hereby withdrawn from--
(1) all forms of entry, appropriation, or disposal under
the public land laws;
(2) location, entry, and patent under the public land
mining laws; and
(3) operation of the mineral leasing and geothermal leasing
laws and the mineral materials laws.
SEC. 4. MANAGEMENT OF THE PIEDRAS BLANCAS HISTORIC LIGHT STATION
OUTSTANDING NATURAL AREA.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall manage the Outstanding Natural
Area in a manner that conserves, protects, and enhances the unique and
nationally important historical, natural, cultural, scientific,
educational, scenic, and recreational values of that area, including an
emphasis on preserving and restoring the Light Station facilities,
consistent with the requirements section 3(c).
(b) Uses.--Subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary shall
only allow such uses of the Outstanding Natural Area as the Secretary
finds are likely to further the purposes for which the Outstanding
Natural Area is established as set forth in section 3(a).
(c) Management Plan.--Not later than 3 years after of the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete a comprehensive
management plan consistent with the requirements of section 202 of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712) to
provide long-term management guidance for the public lands within the
Outstanding Natural Area and fulfill the purposes for which it is
established, as set forth in section 3(a). The management plan shall be
developed in consultation with appropriate Federal, State, and local
government agencies, with full public participation, and the contents
shall include--
(1) provisions designed to ensure the protection of the
resources and values described in section 3(a);
(2) objectives to restore the historic Light Station and
ancillary buildings;
(3) an implementation plan for a continuing program of
interpretation and public education about the Light Station and
its importance to the surrounding community;
(4) a proposal for minimal administrative and public
facilities to be developed or improved at a level compatible
with achieving the resources objectives for the Outstanding
Natural Area as described in subsection (a) and with other
proposed management activities to accommodate visitors and
researchers to the Outstanding Natural Area; and
(5) cultural resources management strategies for the
Outstanding Natural Area, prepared in consultation with
appropriate departments of the State of California, with
emphasis on the preservation of the resources of the
Outstanding Natural Area and the interpretive, education, and
long-term scientific uses of the resources, giving priority to
the enforcement of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act
of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470aa et seq.) and the National Historic
Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.) within the Outstanding
Natural Area.
(d) Cooperative Agreements.--In order to better implement the
management plan and to continue the successful partnerships with the
local communities and the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument,
administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the
Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with the appropriate
Federal, State, and local agencies pursuant to section 307(b) of the
Federal Land Management Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1737(b)).
(e) Research Activities.--In order to continue the successful
partnership with research organizations and agencies and to assist in
the development and implementation of the management plan, the
Secretary may authorize within the Outstanding Natural Area appropriate
research activities for the purposes identified in section 3(a) and
pursuant to section 307(a) of the Federal Land Policy and Management
Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1737(a)).
(f) Acquisition.--State and privately held lands or interests in
lands adjacent to the Outstanding Natural Area and identified as
appropriate for acquisition in the management plan may be acquired by
the Secretary as part of the Outstanding Natural Area only by--
(1) donation;
(2) exchange with a willing party; or
(3) purchase from a willing seller.
(g) Additions to the Outstanding Natural Area.--Any lands or
interest in lands adjacent to the Outstanding Natural Area acquired by
the United States after the date of the enactment of this Act shall be
added to and administered as part of the Outstanding Natural Area.
(h) Overflights.--Nothing in this Act or the management plan shall
be construed to--
(1) restrict or preclude overflights, including low level
overflights, military, commercial, and general aviation
overflights that can be seen or heard within the Outstanding
Natural Area;
(2) restrict or preclude the designation or creation of new
units of special use airspace or the establishment of military
flight training routes over the Outstanding Natural Area; or
(3) modify regulations governing low-level overflights
above the adjacent Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
(i) Law Enforcement Activities.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed to preclude or otherwise affect coastal border security
operations or other law enforcement activities by the Coast Guard or
other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security, the
Department of Justice, or any other Federal, State, and local law
enforcement agencies within the Outstanding Natural Area.
(j) Native American Uses and Interests.--In recognition of the past
use of the Outstanding Natural Area by Indians and Indian tribes for
traditional cultural and religious purposes, the Secretary shall ensure
access to the Outstanding Natural Area by Indians and Indian tribes for
such traditional cultural and religious purposes. In implementing this
section, the Secretary, upon the request of an Indian tribe or Indian
religious community, shall temporarily close to the general public use
of one or more specific portions of the Outstanding Natural Area in
order to protect the privacy of traditional cultural and religious
activities in such areas by the Indian tribe or Indian religious
community. Any such closure shall be made to affect the smallest
practicable area for the minimum period necessary for such purposes.
Such access shall be consistent with the purpose and intent of Public
Law 95-341 (42 U.S.C. 1996 et seq.; commonly referred to as the
``American Indian Religious Freedom Act'').
(k) No Buffer Zones.--The designation of the Outstanding Natural
Area is not intended to lead to the creation of protective perimeters
or buffer zones around area. The fact that activities outside the
Outstanding Natural Area and not consistent with the purposes of this
Act can be seen or heard within the Outstanding Natural Area shall not,
of itself, preclude such activities or uses up to the boundary of the
Outstanding Natural Area.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this Act. | Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station Outstanding Natural Area Act of 2004 - Establishes the Piedras Blancas Historic Light Station Outstanding Natural Area (Outstanding Natural Area) in San Luis Obispo County, California. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to manage the Outstanding Natural Area as part of the National Landscape Conservation System and to complete a comprehensive management plan to provide long-term management guidance for the public lands within the Outstanding Natural Area.
Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with Federal, State, and local agencies to implement the management plan in the Outstanding Natural Area and to continue partnerships with local communities and the Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument. Provides for the acquisition of State and privately held lands adjacent to the Outstanding Natural Area as additions to the Outstanding Natural Area.
Prohibits restrictions on overflights and law enforcement activities in the Outstanding Natural Area.
Directs the Secretary to ensure access to the Outstanding Natural Area by Indians and Indian tribes for cultural and religious purposes. | To designate the Piedras Blancas Light Station and the surrounding public land as an Outstanding Natural Area to be administered as a part of the National Landscape Conservation System, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Cyberterrorism Prevention Act of
2001''.
SEC. 2. DETERRENCE AND PREVENTION OF CYBERTERRORISM IN CONNECTION WITH
COMPUTERS.
(A) Clarification of Protection of Protected Computers.--Subsection
(a)(5) of section 1030 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(i)'' after ``(A)'';
(2) by redesignated subparagraphs (B) and (C) as clauses
(ii) and (iii), respectively, of subparagraph (A);
(3) by adding ``and'' at the end of clause (iii), as so
redesignated; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) whose conduct described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii)
of subparagraph (A) caused (or, in the case of an attempted
offense, would, if completed, have caused)--
``(i) loss to 1 or more persons during any 1-year
period (including loss resulting from a related course
of conduct affecting 1 or more other protected
computers) aggregating at least $5,000 in value;
``(ii) the modification or impairment, or potential
modification or impairment, of the medical examination,
diagnosis, treatment, or care of 1 or more individuals;
``(iii) physical injury to any person;
``(iv) a threat to public health or safety; or
``(v) damage affecting a computer system used by or
for a government entity in furtherance of the
administration of justice, national defense, or
national security;''.
(b) Protection From Extortion.--Subsection (a)(7) of that section
is amended by striking ``, firm, association, educational institution,
financial institution, governmental entity, or other legal entity,''.
(c) Penalties.--Subsection (c) of that section is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by inserting ``except as provided in
subparagraph (B),'' before ``a fine'';
(ii) by striking ``(a)(5)(C)'' and
inserting ``(a)(5)(A)(iii)''; and
(iii) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``or an
attempt to commit an offense punishable under this
subparagraph,'' after ``subsection (a)(2),'' in the
matter preceding cause (i); and
(C) in paragraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``, (a)(5)(A), (a)(5)(B),'' both
places it appears; and
(B) by striking ``(a)(5)(C)'' and inserting
``(a)(5)(A)(iii)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4)(A) a fine under this title, imprisonment for not more
than 10 years, or both, in the case of an offense under
subsection (a)(5)(A)(i), or an attempt to commit an offense
punishable under this subparagraph;
``(B) a fine under this title, imprisonment for not more
than 5 years, or both, in the case of an offense under
subsection (a)(5)(A)(ii), or an attempt to commit an offense
punishable under this subparagraph; and
``(C) a fine under this title, imprisonment for not more
than 20 years, or both, in the case of an offense under
subsection (a)(5)(A)(i) or (a)(5)(A)(ii), or an attempt to
commit an offense punishable under this subparagraph, that
occurs after a conviction for another defense under this
section.''.
(d) Definitions.--Subsection (e) of that section is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``, including a
computer located outside the United States that is used in a
manner that affects interstate or foreign commerce or communication of
the United States'' before the semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(3) by striking paragraph (8) and inserting the following
new paragraph (8):
``(8) the term `damage' means any impairment to the
integrity or availability of data, a program, a system, or
information;''
(4) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(5) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(10) the term `conviction' shall include a conviction
under the law of any State for a crime punishable by
imprisonment for more than 1 year, an element of which is
unauthorized access, or exceeding authorized access, to a
computer;
``(11) the term `loss' means any reasonable cost to any
victim, including the cost of responding to an offense,
conducting a damage assessment, and restoring the data,
program, system, or information to its condition prior to the
offense, and any revenue lost, cost incurred, or other
consequential damages incurred because of interruption of
service; and
``(12) the term `person' means any individual, firm,
corporation, educational institution, financial institution,
governmental entity, or legal or other entity.''.
(e) Damages in Civil Actions.--Subsection (g) of that section is
amended--
(1) by striking the second sentence and inserting the
following new sentences: ``A suit for a violation of this
section may be brought only if the conduct involves one of the
factors enumerated in clauses (i) through (v) of subsection
(a)(5)(B). Damages for a violation involving only conduct
described in subsection (a)(5)(B)(i) are limited to economic
damages.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new sentence: ``No
action may be brought under this subsection for the negligent
design or manufacture of computer hardware, computer software,
or firmware.''.
SEC. 3. ADDITIONAL DEFENSE TO CIVIL ACTIONS RELATING TO PRESERVING
RECORDS IN RESPONSE TO GOVERNMENT REQUESTS.
Section 2707(e)(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after ``or statutory authorization'' the following:
``(including a request of a governmental entity under section 2703(f)
of this title)''.
SEC. 4. DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT OF CYBER SECURITY FORENSIC ACTIVITIES.
(a) The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall, in
consultation with the heads of other Federal law enforcement agencies,
take appropriate actions to develop at least 10 regional computer
forensic laboratories, and to provide support, education, and
assistance for existing computer forensic laboratories, in order that
such computer forensic laboratories have the capability--
(1) to provide forensic examinations with respect to seized
or intercepted computer evidence relating to criminal activity;
(2) to provide training and education for Federal, State,
and local law enforcement personnel and prosecutors regarding
investigations, forensic analyses, and prosecutions of
computer-related crime;
(3) to assist Federal, State, and local law enforcement in
enforcing Federal, State, and local criminal laws relating to
computer-related crime;
(4) to facilitate and promote the sharing of Federal law
enforcement expertise and information about the investigation,
analysis, and prosecution of computer-related crime with State
and local law enforcement personnel and prosecutors, including
the use of multijurisdictional task forces; and
(5) to carry out such other activities as the Attorney
General considers appropriate.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is hereby authorized to
be appropriated in each fiscal year $50,000,000 for purposes of
carrying out this section. Amounts appropriated pursuant to this
paragraph shall remain available until expended. | Cyberterrorism Prevention Act of 2001 - Modifies Federal criminal code provisions regarding fraud and related activity in connection with computers. Establishes penalties for intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization, or exceeding authorized access, thereby causing: (1) loss to one or more persons during any one-year period aggregating at least $5,000 in value; (2) the modification or impairment of the medical examination, diagnosis, treatment, or care of one or more individuals; (3) physical injury to any person; (4) a threat to public health or safety; or (5) damage affecting a computer system used by or for a government entity in furtherance of the administration of justice, national defense, or national security.Increases penalties and broadens the scope of provisions regarding computer-related fraud. Includes within the definition of "protected computer" a computer located outside the United States that is used in a manner that affects interstate or foreign commerce or communication of the United States.Includes good faith reliance on a request of a governmental entity to preserve evidence among defenses to civil actions relating to a violation of provisions governing access to stored wire or electronic communications.Requires the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to take appropriate actions to develop at least ten regional computer forensic laboratories and to provide support, education, and assistance for existing laboratories so that such laboratories have the capability to provide forensic examinations regarding seized or intercepted computer evidence relating to criminal activity, to provide training and education regarding computer-related crime for and to assist law enforcement personnel, and to promote sharing of Federal law enforcement computer crime expertise with State and local authorities. | A bill to prevent cyberterrorism. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Child Abuser Registration
Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this Act--
(1) the term ``child'' means a person who is a child for
the purposes of the criminal child abuse law of a State;
(2) the term ``child abuse'' means the physical,
psychological, or emotional injuring, sexual abuse or
exploitation, neglectful treatment, or maltreatment of a child
by any person in violation of the criminal child abuse law of a
State;
(3) the term ``child abuser information'' means the
following facts concerning a person who has violated the
criminal child abuse laws of a State:
(A) name, social security number, age, race, sex,
date of birth, height, weight, hair and eye color,
address of legal residence, and a brief description of
the crime or crimes committed by the offender; and
(B) any other information that the Federal Bureau
of Investigation or the National Crime Information
Center determines may be useful in identifying child
abusers;
(4) the term ``criminal child abuse law of a State'' means
the law of a State that establishes criminal penalties for the
commission of child abuse by a parent or other family member of
a child or by any other person;
(5) the term ``National Crime Information Center'' means
the division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation that serves
as a computerized information source on wanted criminals,
persons named in arrest warrants, runaways, missing children,
and stolen property for use by Federal, State, and local law
enforcement authorities; and
(6) the term ``State'' means each of the States, the
District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American
Samoa, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and the Trust Territories of
the Pacific.
SEC. 3. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) disturbing increases have occurred in recent years in
the number of children who are abused by persons who have
previously committed crimes of child abuse;
(2) many children who run away from home, who fall prey to
pornography and prostitution, who suffer from a dependency on
alcohol and drugs, and who become juvenile offenders, have been
victims of child abuse;
(3) research has shown that child abuse tends to repeat
itself, and many parents who abuse their children were once
victims themselves;
(4) in recognition of the increased cases of child abuse,
several States have established agencies to receive and
maintain data relating to cases of child abuse;
(5) currently there exists no centralized national source
through which a law enforcement agency can obtain data relating
to persons who have committed crimes of child abuse;
(6) partly because of the lack of available and accurate
information at the national level, persons who have committed
acts of child abuse in one State have been able to go to
another State to commit the crime again, in many cases in a
position of authority over children; and
(7) the Nation cannot afford to ignore the importance of
preventing child abuse.
SEC. 4. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to establish a national system through which current,
accurate information concerning persons who commit crimes of
child abuse can be obtained from a centralized source;
(2) to assist in the prevention of second incidents of
child abuse by providing information about persons who have
been convicted of a crime of child abuse to organizations whose
primary concern is that of child welfare and care; and
(3) to understand the problem of child abuse in the United
States by providing statistical and informational data to the
Department of Justice, the National Center on Child Abuse and
Neglect, the Congress, and other interested parties.
SEC. 5. REPORTING BY THE STATES.
(a) In General.--A State which reports the convictions of named
individuals to the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall include all
convictions for child abuse as defined under this Act.
(b) Guidelines.--The Attorney General shall establish guidelines
for the reporting of child abuser information, including procedures for
carrying out the purposes of this Act.
(c) Annual Summary.--The Attorney General shall publish an annual
statistical summary of the child abuser information reported under this
Act.
SEC. 6. STATE COMPLIANCE.
(a) In General.--Each State shall have 3 years from the date of the
enactment of this section in which to implement the provisions of
section 5.
(b) Ineligibility for Funds.--The allocations of funds under
section 506 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets
Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3756) received by a State not complying with the
provisions of section 5, 3 years after the date of the enactment of
this Act shall be reduced by 25 percent and the unallocated funds shall
be reallocated to the States in compliance with this section. | National Child Abuser Registration Act of 1993 - Requires a State which reports the convictions of named individuals to the Federal Bureau of Investigation to include all convictions for child abuse.
Directs the Attorney General to establish guidelines for the reporting of child abuser information, including procedures for: (1) establishing a national centralized source of information on child abusers; (2) assisting in the prevention of second incidents of child abuse by providing information about child abusers to child welfare organizations; and (3) providing statistical and informational data on child abuse to the Department of Justice, the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, and the Congress.
Requires the Attorney General to publish an annual statistical summary of the child abuser information reported under this Act.
Provides for: (1) a reduction by 25 percent of formula grants under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 for States not complying within three years with the reporting requirements of this Act; and (2) the reallocation of such funds to States in compliance. | National Child Abuser Registration Act of 1993 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Biennial Appropriations Act''.
SEC. 2. REVISION OF TIMETABLE.
Section 300 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 631)
is amended to read as follows:
``timetable
``Sec. 300. (a) Timetable.--
``(1) In general.--The timetable with respect to the
congressional budget process for any fiscal year is as follows:
``On or before: Action to be completed:
First Monday in February................ President submits his budget.
February 15............................. Congressional Budget Office submits report to Budget Committees.
Not later than 6 weeks after President Committees submit views and estimates to Budget Committees.
submits budget.
April 1................................. Budget Committees report concurrent resolution on the budget.
April 15................................ Congress completes action on concurrent resolution on the budget.
May 15.................................. Biennial appropriation bills and the defense appropriation bill may be
considered in the House as provided in subsection (b).
June 10................................. House Appropriations Committee reports last appropriation bill.
June 15................................. Congress completes action on reconciliation legislation.
June 30................................. House completes action on appropriation bills.
August 1................................ Congress completes action on appropriation bills.
October 1............................... Fiscal year begins.
``(2) Special rule.--In the case of any first session of
Congress that begins in any year immediately following a leap
year and during which the term of a President (except a
President who succeeds himself or herself) begins, the
following dates shall supersede those set forth in subsection
(a):
``First Session
On or before: Action to be completed:
First Monday in April................... President submits his budget.
April 15................................ Congressional Budget Office submits report to Budget Committees.
April 20................................ Committees submit views and estimates to Budget Committees.
May 15.................................. Budget Committees report concurrent resolution on the biennial budget.
June 1.................................. Congress completes action on concurrent resolution on the biennial
budget.
July 1.................................. Biennial appropriation bills may be considered in the House.
July 20................................. Biennial appropriation bills and the defense appropriation bill may be
considered in the House as provided in subsection (b).
August 1................................ Congress completes action on biennial appropriations bills and
reconciliation legislation.
October 1............................... Biennium begins.
``(b) Biennial Appropriation Bills and Defense Appropriation
Bill.--Appropriation bills shall be enacted as follows:
``(1) Odd-numbered years.--In odd-numbered years Congress
shall consider pursuant to the budget process in this title and
enact--
``(A) an annual defense appropriation bill; and
``(B) biennial appropriation bills for--
``(i) Agriculture;
``(ii) Transportation, HUD;
``(iii) Interior, Environment;
``(iv) Labor, HHS, Education; and
``(v) Military Construction, Veterans
Affairs.
``(2) Even-numbered years.--In even-numbered years Congress
shall consider pursuant to the budget process in this title and
enact--
``(A) an annual defense appropriation bill; and
``(B) biennial appropriation bills for--
``(i) Commerce, Justice, Science;
``(ii) Energy and Water;
``(iii) Homeland Security;
``(iv) Financial Services;
``(v) Legislative Branch; and
``(vi) State-Foreign Operations.''
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET AND IMPOUNDMENT CONTROL
ACT OF 1974.
(a) Definitions.--Section 3 of such Act (2 U.S.C. 622) is further
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(11) The term `biennium' means the period of 2
consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1.''.
(b) Committee Allocations.--Section 302 of such Act (2 U.S.C. 633)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by--
(A) inserting after ``for the first fiscal year of
the resolution,'' the following: ``and for
appropriations for each fiscal year in the biennium and
for the first fiscal year of the resolution for
defense,'';
(B) striking ``for that period of fiscal years''
and inserting ``for all fiscal years covered by the
resolution''; and
(C) inserting after ``for the fiscal year of that
resolution'' the following: ``for defense and for each
fiscal year in the biennium'';
(2) in subsection (b), by inserting after ``budget year''
the following: ``for defense and the biennium''; and
(3) in subsection (f)(2)(A), by--
(A) inserting after ``the first fiscal year'' and
inserting ``or each fiscal year of the biennium''; and
(B) striking ``the total of fiscal years'' and
inserting ``the total of all fiscal years covered by
the resolution''.
SEC. 4. AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 31, UNITED STATES CODE.
(a) Definition.--Section 1101 of title 31, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end thereof the following new paragraph:
``(3) `biennium' has the meaning given to such term in
paragraph (11) of section 3 of the Congressional Budget and
Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 622(11)).''.
(b) Budget Contents and Submission to the Congress.--
(1) Expenditures.--Section 1105(a)(5) of title 31, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``the fiscal year for which
the budget is submitted and the 4 fiscal years after that
year'' and inserting ``each fiscal year in the biennium for
which the budget is submitted and in the succeeding 4 fiscal
years''.
(2) Receipts.--Section 1105(a)(6) of title 31, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``the fiscal year for which
the budget is submitted and the 4 fiscal years after that
year'' and inserting ``each fiscal year in the biennium for
which the budget is submitted and in the succeeding 4 years''.
(3) Balance statements.--Section 1105(a)(9)(C) of title 31,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``the fiscal year''
and inserting ``each fiscal year in the biennium''.
(4) Functions and activities.--Section 1105(a)(12) of title
31, United States Code, is amended in subparagraph (A), by
striking ``the fiscal year'' and inserting ``each fiscal year
in the biennium''.
(5) Allowances.--Section 1105(a)(13) of title 31, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``the fiscal year'' and
inserting ``each fiscal year in the biennium''.
(6) Allowances for uncontrolled expenditures.--Section
1105(a)(14) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``that year'' and inserting ``each fiscal year in the
biennium for which the budget is submitted''.
(7) Tax expenditures.--Section 1105(a)(16) of title 31,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``the fiscal year''
and inserting ``each fiscal year in the biennium''.
(8) Future years.--Section 1105(a)(17) of title 31, United
States Code, is amended--
(A) by striking ``the fiscal year following the
fiscal year'' and inserting ``each fiscal year in the
biennium following the biennium'';
(B) by striking ``that following fiscal year'' and
inserting ``each such fiscal year''; and
(C) by striking ``fiscal year before the fiscal
year'' and inserting ``biennium before the biennium''.
(9) Prior year outlays.--Section 1105(a)(18) of title 31,
United States Code, is amended--
(A) by striking ``the prior fiscal year'' and
inserting ``each of the 2 most recently completed
fiscal years,'';
(B) by striking ``for that year'' and inserting
``with respect to those fiscal years''; and
(C) by striking ``in that year'' and inserting ``in
those fiscal years''.
(10) Prior year receipts.--Section 1105(a)(19) of title 31,
United States Code, is amended--
(A) by striking ``the prior fiscal year'' and
inserting ``each of the 2 most recently completed
fiscal years'';
(B) by striking ``for that year'' and inserting
``with respect to those fiscal years''; and
(C) by striking ``in that year'' each place it
appears and inserting ``in those fiscal years''.
(c) Estimated Expenditures of Legislative and Judicial Branches.--
Section 1105(b) of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking
``each year'' and inserting ``each even-numbered year''.
(d) Recommendations To Meet Estimated Deficiencies.--Section
1105(c) of title 31, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``the fiscal year for'' the first place it
appears and inserting ``each fiscal year in the biennium for'';
(2) by striking ``the fiscal year for'' the second place it
appears and inserting ``each fiscal year of the biennium, as
the case may be, for''; and
(3) by striking ``for that year'' and inserting ``for each
fiscal year of the biennium''.
(e) Capital Investment Analysis.--Section 1105(e)(1) of title 31,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``ensuing fiscal year'' and
inserting ``biennium to which such budget relates''.
SEC. 5. TWO-YEAR APPROPRIATIONS; TITLE AND STYLE OF APPROPRIATIONS
ACTS.
Section 105 of title 1, United States Code, is amended to read as
follows:
``Sec. 105. Title and style of appropriations Acts
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Nondefense.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
style and title of all Acts making appropriations for the
support of the Government shall be as follows: `An Act making
appropriations (here insert the object) for each fiscal year in
the biennium of fiscal years (here insert the fiscal years of
the biennium).'.
``(2) Defense.--The style and title of Acts making
appropriations for the support of defense shall be as follows:
`An Act making appropriations for defense for fiscal year (here
insert the fiscal year).'.
``(3) Amounts.--All Acts making regular appropriations for
the support of the Government shall specify the amount of
appropriations provided for each fiscal year in such period.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `biennium' has the same meaning as in
section 3(11) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment
Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 622(11)); and
``(2) Acts described in subsection (a)(1) shall be
considered as provided in section 300(b) of the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 631(b)).''.
SEC. 6. MULTIYEAR AUTHORIZATIONS.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974
is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``authorizations of appropriations
``Sec. 316. (a) Point of Order.--It shall not be in order in the
House of Representatives or the Senate to consider--
``(1) any bill, joint resolution, amendment, motion, or
conference report that authorizes appropriations for a period
of less than 2 fiscal years, unless the program, project, or
activity for which the appropriations are authorized will
require no further appropriations and will be completed or
terminated after the appropriations have been expended; and
``(2) in any odd-numbered year, any authorization or
revenue bill or joint resolution until Congress completes
action on the biennial budget resolution, all regular biennial
appropriations bills, and all reconciliation bills.
``(b) Applicability.--In the Senate, subsection (a) shall not apply
to--
``(1) defense;
``(2) any measure that is privileged for consideration
pursuant to a rule or statute;
``(3) any matter considered in Executive Session; or
``(4) an appropriations measure or reconciliation bill.''.
(b) Amendment to Table of Contents.--The table of contents set
forth in section 1(b) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment
Control Act of 1974 is amended by adding after the item relating to
section 315 the following new item:
``Sec. 316. Authorizations of appropriations.''.
SEC. 7. CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT.
(a) In General.--In each year that the activities of an agency are
not required to be funded pursuant to section 300(b) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the committee of the House and the
Senate with legislative jurisdiction over that agency shall hold a
joint oversight hearing with the corresponding subcommittee of the
Committee on Appropriations of their respective House with jurisdiction
over the agency.
(b) Hearing.--The hearing required by subsection (a) shall review--
(1) the mission of the agency;
(2) the impact of biennial budgeting on agency efficiency;
(3) the cost savings associated with biennial budgeting;
(4) new programs created in the off year of the agency
budget; and
(5) programs that were terminated in the off year of the
agency budget.
SEC. 8. REPORT ON TWO-YEAR FISCAL PERIOD.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Director of OMB shall--
(1) determine the impact and feasibility of changing the
definition of a fiscal year and the budget process based on
that definition to a 2-year fiscal period with a biennial
budget process based on the 2-year period; and
(2) report the findings of the study to the Committees on
the Budget of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE.
Except as provided in section 7, this Act and the amendments made
by this Act shall take effect on January 1, 2013, and shall apply to
budget resolutions and appropriations for the biennium beginning with
fiscal year 2014. | Biennial Appropriations Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to require biennial (instead of annual) appropriations Acts, with the exception of annual defense appropriation bills.
Defines the budget biennium as the two consecutive fiscal years beginning on October 1.
Requires the committees of the House and Senate with legislative jurisdiction over an agency, in each year that the agency's activities are not required to be funded, to hold a joint oversight hearing on the impact of biennial budgeting on the agency with the corresponding subcommittee of the respective Committee on Appropriations with jurisdiction over the agency.
Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) determine the impact and feasibility of changing the definition of a fiscal year and the budget process based on that definition to a two-year fiscal period with a biennial budget process based on such period, and (2) report the findings to the House and Senate Budget Committees.
var spryselect1 = new Spry.Widget.ValidationSelect("spryselect1"); | A bill to provide for a biennial appropriations process with the exception of defense spending and to enhance oversight and the performance of the Federal Government. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Corps of Engineers Project Delivery
Flexibility Act of 2012''.
SEC. 2. PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Army, acting through the
Chief of Engineers, shall establish a pilot program to evaluate the
cost-effectiveness and project delivery efficiency of non-Federal
sponsors as the lead project delivery team for authorized civil works
flood control and navigation construction projects of the Corps of
Engineers.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the pilot program are--
(1) to identify project delivery and cost-saving
alternatives that reduce the backlog of Corps of Engineers
construction projects;
(2) to evaluate the technical, financial, and
organizational efficiencies of a non-Federal sponsor operating
as the lead project manager for the design, execution,
management, and construction of a project; and
(3) to evaluate alternatives for the decentralization of
the project planning, management, and operational
decisionmaking process of the Corps of Engineers.
(c) Administration.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), in carrying out
the pilot program, the Secretary of the Army shall--
(A) identify not less than 12 congressionally
authorized flood control and navigation construction
projects of the Corps of Engineers that--
(i) have received Federal funds and have
experienced delays or missed scheduled
deadlines in the 5 fiscal years prior to the
date of enactment of this Act;
(ii) have an unobligated funding balance in
the Corps of Engineers Construction Account;
and
(iii) include levees, floodwalls, flood
control channels, water control structures, or
navigation locks and channels;
(B) enter into a project partnership agreement with
the non-Federal sponsor for the non-Federal sponsor to
provide full project management control for the design
and construction of the flood control or navigation
project, including preconstruction engineering and
design, project implementation, and construction
activities; and
(C) in consultation with the district engineer and
the non-Federal sponsor, develop a detailed project
management plan for each project under the pilot
program that outlines the scope, budget, design, and
construction resource requirements necessary for
execution of the project by the non-Federal sponsor.
(2) Restrictions.--
(A) In general.--A flood control or navigation
project shall only receive Federal funding under this
Act if the project is federally owned.
(B) Project delivery team.--As a condition of
receiving amounts under this Act, the non-Federal
sponsor, in consultation with the district engineer and
local project stakeholders, shall establish to oversee
the execution of the project management plan a project
delivery team, which shall, at a minimum, consist of--
(i) a project manager; and
(ii) a Corps of Engineers official, who
shall provide technical assistance and guidance
on compliance with Corps of Engineers
engineering manuals and regulations.
(3) Technical assistance.--On the request of the non-
Federal sponsor and in consultation with other appropriate
Federal agencies, the Secretary of the Army shall provide the
non-Federal sponsor with any necessary technical assistance,
including assistance relating to Federal acquisition
regulations, contracting requirements, and environmental
regulations.
(d) Applicability.--Nothing in this Act alters any cost-sharing
requirement established before the date of enactment of this Act for a
project carried out under this Act.
(e) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the appropriate
committees of Congress a report detailing the results of the pilot
program carried out under this Act, including any recommendations of
the Secretary concerning whether the program or any component of the
program should be implemented on a national basis.
SEC. 3. FUNDING.
(a) Rescission of Unobligated Amounts.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, $200,000,000 of discretionary amounts that have been
appropriated for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 and remain unobligated
on the date of enactment of this Act--
(1) is rescinded on the date of enactment of this Act; and
(2) shall be made available to the Secretary of the Army,
without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation, for
use only in accordance with this Act.
(b) Implementation.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Office of Management
and Budget shall determine and identify from which
appropriation accounts the rescission under subsection (a)
shall apply and the amount of the rescission that shall apply
to each such account.
(2) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management
and Budget shall submit to Congress and the Secretary of the
Treasury a report of the accounts and amounts determined and
identified for rescission under paragraph (1).
(c) Exception.--This section shall not apply to the unobligated
funds of the Department of Defense, including the Corps of Engineers,
or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(d) Use of Amounts.--The Secretary of the Army shall use the
amounts made available to the Secretary under subsection (a)(2) to
provide grants to non-Federal sponsors participating in the pilot
program established under section 2. | Corps of Engineers Project Delivery Flexibility Act of 2012 - Directs the Chief of Engineers to establish a pilot program to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and project delivery efficiency of non-federal sponsors as the lead project delivery team for authorized Corps of Engineers civil works flood control and navigation construction projects.
Directs the Chief, in carrying out such program, to: (1) identify at least 12 congressionally authorized Corps flood control and navigation construction projects that have received federal funds and experienced delays or missed scheduled deadlines in the five fiscal years prior to this Act's enactment and that have an unobligated funding balance in the Corps Construction Account; (2) enter into a project partnership agreement with a non-federal sponsor to provide full project management control for the design and construction of such a project; and (3) develop a detailed project management plan for each project under the pilot program that outlines the scope, budget, design, and construction resource requirements necessary for project execution by the non-federal sponsor.
Conditions the receipt of federal funding under this Act on: (1) a project being federally owned, and (2) the non-federal sponsor establishing to oversee the execution of the project management plan a project delivery team consisting of a project manager and a Corps official who shall provide technical assistance and guidance on compliance with Corps engineering manuals and regulations.
Rescinds a specified amount of discretionary appropriations for FY2008-FY2011 that remain unobligated and makes such amount available for use under this Act. | A bill to establish a pilot program to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and project delivery efficiency of non-Federal sponsors as the lead project delivery team for authorized civil works flood control and navigation construction projects of the Corps of Engineers. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Mental Health Security for America's
Families in Education Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Many young adults experience symptoms of mental
illness. A 2006 survey by the American College Health
Association reports that nearly 15 percent of students in
college are diagnosed with depression. One in 4 adults
experience symptoms of mental illness in their lifetime,
according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
(2) The American College Health Association reported in a
2005 survey of college students that 11 percent of women and 9
percent of men have considered suicide. According to a study by
the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, suicide is the second
leading cause of death among college students.
(3) Many youth and young adults with mental illness are
exposed to bullying, harassment, maltreatment, and social
alienation by other students and adults, which can exacerbate
their conditions.
(4) In 2005, a national survey of Counseling Center
Directors reported a 14 percent increase in severe
psychological problems (including self-injury) among students
during the period from 2000 to 2005.
(5) According to a 2003 report by the Bureau of Justice
Statistics, out of the 7,700,000 college students in the United
States, 526,000 students experienced violent crimes (rape,
robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault). A significant
percentage of students involved in violent crime may also have
symptoms of a diagnosable mental illness.
(6) Years of research findings have concluded that mental
health services provided by properly trained professionals can
be effective in the treatment of mental illness. Withholding
referrals and treatment, however, can be detrimental to the
recovery and prognosis of patients.
(7) Confidentiality is the cornerstone of the doctor-
patient relationship, but when there is a significant risk to
the health or safety of a student or others (including suicide,
homicide, or physical assault), it may serve the best interest
of the student to inform persons who can provide the necessary
help to protect the student, fellow students, and others.
(8) Common symptoms of mental illness include impaired
judgment, confusion, emotional disorders, social withdrawal,
and impulsivity, all of which limit a person's ability to make
rational decisions regarding their own care and treatment.
(9) Parents and legal guardians of a student may be in the
best position to supply essential help to a student suffering
from significant mental illness, by providing emotional
support, medical history, coordinating care with various mental
health and medical professionals, and long term follow-up.
(10) The Federal Government, in recognition of the value of
the parental role in the treatment of children, requires that a
parent must be involved in every level of the evaluation and
treatment decisions regarding a special needs child in a school
setting. However, the value of parental involvement should not
end when a student has attained 18 years of age.
(11) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
of 1974 was originally intended to protect the confidentiality
of student grades and records. Exceptions in FERPA to the
confidentiality requirements permit the release of records ``in
connection with an emergency, to appropriate persons if the
knowledge of such information is necessary to protect the
health or safety of the student or others.'' The unintended
consequence of FERPA, however, is that school personnel,
administrators, and teachers who have little or no training in
mental health and mental illness are burdened with defining and
determining if a student is at risk. These educational
personnel are reluctant to release information to parents for
fear of legal action. These issues create barriers and delays
for informing families even when schools are concerned that
students may be a risk to themselves or others.
(12) It is important, compassionate, and essential that
laws should facilitate, not inhibit, parent-child communication
that aids proper treatment for mental illness when deemed
appropriate.
SEC. 3. MENTAL HEALTH DISCLOSURES FOR STUDENT SAFETY.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C.
1232g) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Mental Health Disclosures for Student Safety.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this section or the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1001 et seq.), and subject to paragraph (2), an educational
agency or institution of higher education may disclose, to a
parent or legal guardian of a student who is a dependent (as
defined in section 152 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986),
information related to any conduct of, or expression by, such
student that demonstrates that the student poses a significant
risk of harm to himself or herself, or to others, including a
significant risk of suicide, homicide, or assault.
``(2) Certification by a licensed mental health
professional.--An educational agency or institution shall not
disclose any information under this subsection that is not
otherwise authorized to be disclosed under this section unless
the educational agency or institution--
``(A) with respect to the conduct of, or expression
by, a student described in paragraph (1), consults with
a mental health professional who--
``(i) is approved by the State in which the
educational agency or institution is located
and who is licensed by the appropriate entity
to provide mental health services and
treatment; and
``(ii) is acting in accordance with the
ethical and professional standards governing
such professional; and
``(B) obtains a written certification from such
professional that the professional has reason to
believe--
``(i) that such conduct of, or expression
by, the student demonstrates that the student
poses a significant risk of harm to himself or
herself, or to others, including a significant
risk of suicide, homicide, or assault; and
``(ii) the possession of the knowledge of
such information by the parent or legal
guardian of the student may protect the health
or safety of the student or other persons.
``(3) Dependent students.--Notwithstanding subsection (d),
an educational agency or institution of higher education may
disclose information to a parent or legal guardian of a student
who is a dependent (as defined in section 152 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986) for the purposes of and in accordance
with the requirements of this subsection, regardless of whether
the student has attained eighteen years of age, or is attending
an institution of postsecondary education.
``(4) Protection of educational agency or institution.--An
educational agency or institution that, in good faith,
discloses education records or other information (including
records described in clauses (ii) or (iv) of subsection
(a)(4)(B)) in accordance with the requirements of this
subsection shall not be liable to any person for that
disclosure.
``(5) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection
shall be construed to prohibit an educational agency or
institution from taking such other action as the agency or
institution determines to be necessary to protect the safety of
students.''. | Mental Health Security for America's Families in Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to allow an educational agency or institution of higher education to disclose to a parent or legal guardian of a student who is a dependent (as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) information related to any conduct of, or expression by, the student that demonstrates that the student poses a significant risk of harm to himself or herself or to others, including a significant risk of suicide, homicide, or assault.
Requires, for the disclosure of any such information not otherwise authorized to be disclosed: (1) consultation with an approved mental health professional; and (2) a written certification from such professional that the student poses a significant risk of harm to himself or herself or to others, including a significant risk of suicide, homicide, or assault and that possession of such information by the parent or legal guardian my protect the student's, or others', health or safety.
Permits disclosure under this Act as long as the student is a dependent, regardless of whether the student has attained 18 years of age or is attending an institution of postsecondary education. Provides protections of educational agencies and institutions from liability for disclosure. | To permit educational agencies and institutions to disclose certain information to parents of students who may pose a significant risk to their own safety or well-being, or to the safety or well-being of others. |
SECTION 1. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR VICTIMS OF INTERNATIONAL
TERRORISM.
(a) Designation of Position.--The Secretary of State shall
designate one of the Assistant Secretaries of State authorized by
section 1(c)(1) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956
(22 U.S.C. 2651a(c)(1)) as the Assistant Secretary of State for Victims
of International Terrorism.
(b) Directive Governing the Assistant Secretary of State.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall issue a
directive governing the position of the Assistant Secretary.
(2) Elements of the directive.--The directive issued under
paragraph (1) shall set forth, consistent with this section--
(A) the duties of the Assistant Secretary;
(B) the relationships between the Assistant
Secretary and other officials of the Department of
State;
(C) any delegation of authority from the Secretary
of State to the Assistant Secretary; and
(D) such matters as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
(c) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Assistant Secretary shall have as his
or her principal responsibility the overall supervision
(including oversight of policy and resources) within the
Department of State of all matters relating to American victims
of international terrorism and efforts to bring international
terrorists to justice.
(2) Participation of the assistant secretary.--
(A) Primary role.--Except as provided in
subparagraphs (B) and (C), the Assistant Secretary, or
a designee, shall participate in all interagency groups
or organizations within the executive branch of
Government, particulary the Department of Justice, that
assess, analyze, or review United States planned or
ongoing policies, programs, or actions that have a
direct bearing on efforts to bring international
terrorists to justice for actions affecting Americans
abroad, including interagency committees concerned with
international terrorism and counter-terrorism.
(B) Requirement for designation.--Subparagraph (A)
shall not apply to groups or organizations on which the
Secretary of State or the Undersecretary of State for
Arms Control and International Security sits, unless
such official designates the Assistant Secretary to
attend in his stead.
(C) National security limitation.--
(i) Waiver by president.--The President may
waive the provisions of subparagraph (A) if
inclusion of the Assistant Secretary would not
be in the national security interests of the
United States.
(ii) Waiver by others.--With respect to an
interagency group or organization, or meeting
thereof, working with exceptionally sensitive
information contained in compartments under the
control of the Director of Central Intelligence
or the Secretary of Defense, such Director or
Secretary, as the case may be, may waive the
provision of subparagraph (A) if inclusion of
the Assistant Secretary would not be in the
national security interests of the United
States.
(iii) Transmission of waiver to congress.--
Any waiver of participation under clause (i) or
(ii) shall be transmitted in writing to the
appropriate committees of Congress.
(3) Relationship to the criminal justice community.--The
Assistant Secretary shall be the principal policy community
representative to the criminal justice community on
international terrorism affecting Americans abroad.
(4) Reporting responsibilities.--The Assistant Secretary
shall have responsibility within the Department of State for--
(A) the report required pursuant to section 2; and
(B) other reports being prepared by the Department
of State as of the date of enactment of this Act
relating to international terrorism affecting Americans
abroad.
SEC. 2. ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM AFFECTING AMERICANS
ABROAD.
The Secretary of State shall transmit to the Congress annually a
report on international terrorism affecting Americans abroad and United
States efforts to bring to justice international terrorists for actions
affecting Americans abroad. The report may be submitted in classified
and unclassified form and shall include the following information:
(1) The number of Americans kidnapped, killed, and
otherwise directly affected by the actions of international
terrorists.
(2) The actions of the Departments of State and Justice to
obtain justice for American victims of international terrorism.
(3) A list of known international terrorists.
(4) Recommendations for legislative and other actions to
bring individual terrorists to justice in the United States. | Directs the Secretary of State to designate one of the Assistant Secretaries of State as the Assistant Secretary of State for Victims of International Terrorism. Sets forth the duties of the Assistant Secretary, including to: (1) be responsible for the overall supervision within the Department of State of all matters relating to American victims of international terrorism and efforts to bring international terrorists to justice; and (2) participate in all interagency groups or organizations within the executive branch, particularly the Department of Justice, that assess, analyze, or review U.S. planned policies, programs, or actions that have a direct bearing on efforts to bring international terrorists to justice for actions affecting Americans abroad. | To provide for the designation of an Assistant Secretary of State for Victims of International Terrorism. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Secure Visas Act''.
SEC. 2. VISA REFUSAL AND REVOCATION.
(a) Authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security and the
Secretary of State.--
(1) In general.--Section 428 of the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 236) is amended by striking subsections (b)
and (c) and inserting the following:
``(b) Authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 104(a) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1104(a)) or any other
provision of law, and except for the authority of the Secretary
of State under subparagraphs (A) and (G) of section 101(a)(15)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)),
the Secretary--
``(A) shall have exclusive authority to issue
regulations, establish policy, and administer and
enforce the provisions of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) and all other
immigration or nationality laws relating to the
functions of consular officers of the United States in
connection with the granting and refusal of a visa; and
``(B) may refuse or revoke any visa to any alien or
class of aliens if the Secretary, or designee,
determines that such refusal or revocation is necessary
or advisable in the security interests of the United
States.
``(2) Effect of revocation.--The revocation of any visa
under paragraph (1)(B)--
``(A) shall take effect immediately; and
``(B) shall automatically cancel any other valid
visa that is in the alien's possession.
``(3) Judicial review.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, including section 2241 of title 28, United States Code,
or any other habeas corpus provision, and sections 1361 and
1651 of such title, no court shall have jurisdiction to review
a decision by the Secretary of Homeland Security to refuse or
revoke a visa, and no court shall have jurisdiction to hear any
claim arising from, or any challenge to, such a revocation.
``(c) Authority of the Secretary of State.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of State may direct a
consular officer to refuse a visa requested by, or revoke a
visa issued to, an alien if the Secretary of State determines
such refusal or revocation to be necessary or advisable in the
interests of the United States.
``(2) Limitation.--No decision by the Secretary of State to
approve a visa may override a decision by the Secretary of
Homeland Security under subsection (b).''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment made by paragraph (1)
shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and
shall apply to visa refusals and revocations occurring before,
on, or after such date.
(b) Issuance of Visas at Designated Consular Posts and Embassies.--
(1) In general.--Section 428(i) of the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 236(i)) is amended to read as follows:
``(i) Visa Issuance at Designated Consular Posts and Embassies.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, except section 207 of the
Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 3927) and the process
established by the President for determining appropriate staffing at
diplomatic missions and overseas constituent posts, the Secretary of
Homeland Security--
``(1) shall conduct an on-site review of all visa
applications and supporting documentation before adjudication
at all visa-issuing posts in Algeria; Canada; Colombia; Egypt;
Germany; Hong Kong; India; Indonesia; Iraq; Jerusalem, Israel;
Jordan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Kuwait; Lebanon; Mexico;
Morocco; Nigeria; Pakistan; the Philippines; Saudi Arabia;
South Africa; Syria; Tel Aviv, Israel; Turkey; United Arab
Emirates; the United Kingdom; Venezuela; and Yemen; and
``(2) is authorized to assign employees of the Department
to each diplomatic and consular post at which visas are issued
unless, in the Secretary's sole and unreviewable discretion,
the Secretary determines that such an assignment at a
particular post would not promote national or homeland
security.''.
(2) Expedited clearance and placement of department of
homeland security personnel at overseas embassies and consular
posts.--The Secretary of State shall accommodate and ensure--
(A) not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, that Department of Homeland
Security personnel assigned by the Secretary of
Homeland Security under section 428(i)(1) of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 have been stationed at
post such that the post is fully operational; and
(B) not later than 1 year after the date on which
the Secretary of Homeland Security designates an
additional consular post or embassy for personnel under
section 428(i)(2) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002
that the Department of Homeland Security personnel
assigned to such post or embassy have been stationed at
post such that the post is fully operational.
(c) Visa Revocation.--
(1) Information.--Section 428 of the Homeland Security Act
of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 236) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(j) Visa Revocation Information.--If the Secretary of Homeland
Security or the Secretary of State revokes a visa--
``(1) the relevant consular, law enforcement, and terrorist
screening databases shall be immediately updated on the date of
the revocation; and
``(2) look-out notices shall be posted to all Department of
Homeland Security port inspectors and Department of State
consular officers.''.
(2) Effect of visa revocation; judicial review of visa
revocations.--
(A) In general.--Section 221(i) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1201(i)) is amended by
striking the final sentence and inserting the
following: ``A revocation under this subsection shall
take effect immediately and shall automatically cancel
any other valid visa that is in the alien's possession.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including
section 2241 of title 28, United States Code, or any
other habeas corpus provision, and sections 1361 and
1651 of such title, a revocation under this subsection
may not be reviewed by any court, and no court shall
have jurisdiction to hear any claim arising from, or
any challenge to, such a revocation.''.
(B) Effective date.--The amendment made by
subparagraph (A) shall take effect on the date of the
enactment of this Act and shall apply to revocations
under section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act (8 U.S.C. 1201(i)) occurring before, on, or after
such date. | Secure Visas Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to grant the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) (Secretary), except for the Secretary of State's authority with respect to diplomatic- and international organization-related visas, exclusive authority to issue regulations, establish policy, and administer the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and all other immigration or nationality laws relating to U.S. consular officer visa functions.
Authorizes the Secretary to refuse or revoke any visa to an alien or class of aliens if necessary or advisable for U.S. security interests. Provides that such visa revocation shall become effective immediately and cancel any other visa in an alien's possession.
Prohibits judicial review of the Secretary's refusal or revocation of visa, or of any claim arising from such revocation.
Authorizes the Secretary of State to direct a consular officer to refuse or revoke a visa if necessary or advisable for U.S. interests.
Prohibits a visa approval decision by the Secretary of State from overriding a revocation or refusal determination by the Secretary.
Directs the Secretary to review on-site all visa applications and supporting documentation before adjudication at visa-issuing posts in Algeria, Canada, Colombia, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in Israel, Jordan, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Venezuela, and Yemen and authorizes the Secretary to asign DHS personnel to each diplomatic and consular post at which visas are issued unless, in the Secretary's sole and unreviewable discretion, the Secretary determines that such an assignment at a particular post would not promote national or homeland security. Directs the Secretary of State to ensure that any such DHS personnel have been stationed and are operational within one year of enactment of this Act.
States that if the Secretary or the Secretary of State revokes a visa: (1) the relevant consular, law enforcement, and terrorist screening databases shall be immediately updated; and (2) look-out notices shall be posted to all DHS port inspectors and Department of State consular officers.
Amends INA to: (1) eliminate the exception permitting judicial review of a visa revocation where such revocation is the sole ground for a deportation process based upon an alien's unlawful U.S. presence, and (2) prohibit any court from hearing a claim arising from a visa revocation. | To authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State to refuse or revoke visas to aliens if in the security or foreign policy interests of the United States, to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to review visa applications before adjudication, to provide for the immediate dissemination of visa revocation information, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening American Citizenship
Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Oath of allegiance.--The term ``Oath of Allegiance''
means the binding oath (or affirmation) of allegiance required
to be naturalized as a citizen of the United States, as
prescribed in subsection (e) of section 337 of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1448(e)), as added by section
301(a)(2).
(2) Secretary.--Except as otherwise provided, the term
``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Homeland Security.
TITLE I--LEARNING ENGLISH
SEC. 101. ENGLISH FLUENCY.
(a) Education Grants.--
(1) Establishment.--The Chief of the Office of Citizenship
of the Department of Homeland Security (referred to in this
subsection as the ``Chief'') shall establish a grant program to
provide grants in an amount not to exceed $500 to assist legal
residents of the United States who declare an intent to apply
for citizenship in the United States to meet the requirements
under section 312 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1423).
(2) Use of funds.--Grant funds awarded under this
subsection shall be paid directly to an accredited institution
of higher education or other qualified educational institution
(as determined by the Chief) for tuition, fees, books, and
other educational resources required by a course on the English
language in which the legal resident is enrolled.
(3) Application.--A legal resident desiring a grant under
this subsection shall submit an application to the Chief at
such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information
as the Chief may reasonably require.
(4) Priority.--If insufficient funds are available to award
grants to all qualified applicants, the Chief shall give
priority based on the financial need of the applicants.
(5) Notice.--The Secretary, upon relevant registration of a
legal resident with the Department of Homeland Security, shall
notify such legal resident of the availability of grants under
this subsection for legal residents who declare an intent to
apply for United States citizenship.
(b) Faster Citizenship for English Fluency.--Section 316 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1427) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(g) A legal resident of the United States who demonstrates
English fluency, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the
Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of
State, will satisfy the residency requirement under subsection (a) upon
the completion of 4 years of continuous legal residency in the United
States.''.
SEC. 102. SAVINGS PROVISION.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to--
(1) modify the English language requirements for
naturalization under section 312(a)(1) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1423(a)(1)); or
(2) influence the naturalization test redesign process of
the Office of Citizenship of the United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services (except for the requirement under section
301(b) of this Act).
TITLE II--EDUCATION ABOUT THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE
SEC. 201. AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a competitive grant
program to provide financial assistance for--
(1) efforts by entities (including veterans and patriotic
organizations) certified by the Office of Citizenship of the
Department of Homeland Security to promote the patriotic
integration of prospective citizens into the American way of
life by providing civics, history, and English as a second
language courses, with a specific emphasis on attachment to
principles of the Constitution of the United States, the heroes
of American history (including military heroes), and the
meaning of the Oath of Allegiance; and
(2) other activities approved by the Secretary to promote
the patriotic integration of prospective citizens and the
implementation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1101 et seq.), including grants--
(A) to promote an understanding of the form of
government and history of the United States; and
(B) to promote an attachment to the principles of
the Constitution of the United States and the well
being and happiness of the people of the United States.
(b) Acceptance of Gifts.--The Secretary may accept and use gifts
from the United States Citizenship Foundation, if the foundation is
established under section 202(a), for grants under this section.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. 202. FUNDING FOR THE OFFICE OF CITIZENSHIP.
(a) Authorization.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of
the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, is authorized to
establish the United States Citizenship Foundation (referred to in this
section as the ``Foundation''), an organization duly incorporated in
the District of Columbia, exclusively for charitable and educational
purposes to support the functions of the Office of Citizenship, which
shall include the patriotic integration of prospective citizens into--
(1) American common values and traditions, including an
understanding of the history of the United States and the
principles of the Constitution of the United States; and
(2) civic traditions of the United States, including the
Pledge of Allegiance, respect for the flag of the United
States, and voting in public elections.
(b) Dedicated Funding.--
(1) In general.--Not less than 1.5 percent of the funds
made available to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration
Services (including fees and appropriated funds) shall be
dedicated to the functions of the Office of Citizenship, which
shall include the patriotic integration of prospective citizens
into--
(A) American common values and traditions,
including an understanding of American history and the
principles of the Constitution of the United States;
and
(B) civic traditions of the United States,
including the Pledge of Allegiance, respect for the
flag of the United States, and voting in public
elections.
(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
dedicating increased funds to the Office of Citizenship should
not result in an increase in fees charged by the Bureau of
Citizenship and Immigration Services.
(c) Gifts.--
(1) To foundation.--The Foundation may solicit, accept, and
make gifts of money and other property in accordance with
section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(2) From foundation.--The Office of Citizenship may accept
gifts from the Foundation to support the functions of the
Office.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the mission of
the Office of Citizenship, including the patriotic integration of
prospective citizens into--
(1) American common values and traditions, including an
understanding of American history and the principles of the
Constitution of the United States; and
(2) civic traditions of the United States, including the
Pledge of Allegiance, respect for the flag of the United
States, and voting in public elections.
SEC. 203. RESTRICTION ON USE OF FUNDS.
No funds appropriated to carry out a program under this title may
be used to organize individuals for the purpose of political activism
or advocacy.
SEC. 204. REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
The Chief of the Office of Citizenship shall submit to the
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Committee
on the Judiciary of the Senate, and the Committee on Education and the
Workforce and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of
Representatives, an annual report that contains--
(1) a list of the entities that have received funds from
the Office of Citizenship during the reporting period under
this title and the amount of funding received by each such
entity;
(2) an evaluation of the extent to which grants received
under this title and title I successfully promoted an
understanding of--
(A) the English language; and
(B) American history and government, including the
heroes of American history, the meaning of the Oath of
Allegiance, and an attachment to the principles of the
Constitution of the United States; and
(3) information about the number of legal residents who
were able to achieve the knowledge described under paragraph
(2) as a result of the grants provided under this title and
title I.
TITLE III--CODIFYING THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
SEC. 301. OATH OR AFFIRMATION OF RENUNCIATION AND ALLEGIANCE.
(a) Revision of Oath.--Section 337 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1448) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``under section 310(b)
an oath'' and all that follows through ``personal moral code.''
and inserting ``under section 310(b), the oath (or affirmation)
of allegiance prescribed in subsection (e).''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e)(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), the oath (or
affirmation) of allegiance prescribed in this subsection is as follows:
`I take this oath solemnly, freely, and without any mental reservation.
I absolutely and entirely renounce all allegiance to any foreign state
or power of which I have been a subject or citizen. My fidelity and
allegiance from this day forward are to the United States of America. I
will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution and laws of the
United States, and will support and defend them against all enemies,
foreign and domestic. I will bear arms, or perform noncombatant
military or civilian service, on behalf of the United States when
required by law. This I do solemnly swear, so help me God.'.
``(2) If a person, by reason of religious training and belief (or
individual interpretation thereof) or for other reasons of good
conscience, cannot take the oath prescribed in paragraph (1)--
``(A) with the term `oath' included, the term `affirmation'
shall be substituted for the term `oath'; and
``(B) with the phrase `so help me God' included, the phrase
`so help me God' shall be omitted.
``(3) If a person shows by clear and convincing evidence to the
satisfaction of the Attorney General that such person, by reason of
religious training and belief, cannot take the oath prescribed in
paragraph (1)--
``(A) because such person is opposed to the bearing of arms
in the Armed Forces of the United States, the words `bear arms,
or' shall be omitted; and
``(B) because such person is opposed to any type of service
in the Armed Forces of the United States, the words `bear arms,
or' and `noncombatant military or' shall be omitted.
``(4) As used in this subsection, the term `religious training and
belief'--
``(A) means a belief of an individual in relation to a
Supreme Being involving duties superior to those arising from
any human relation; and
``(B) does not include essentially political, sociological,
or philosophical views or a merely personal moral code.
``(5) Any reference in this title to `oath' or `oath of allegiance'
under this section shall be deemed to refer to the oath (or
affirmation) of allegiance prescribed under this subsection.''.
(b) History and Government Test.--The Secretary shall incorporate a
knowledge and understanding of the meaning of the Oath of Allegiance
into the history and government test given to applicants for
citizenship.
(c) Notice to Foreign Embassies.--Upon the naturalization of a new
citizen, the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of State,
shall notify the embassy of the country of which the new citizen was a
citizen or subject that such citizen has--
(1) renounced allegiance to that foreign country; and
(2) sworn allegiance to the United States.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date that is 6 months after the date of enactment of
this Act.
TITLE IV--CELEBRATING NEW CITIZENS
SEC. 401. ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW CITIZENS AWARD PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a new citizens award
program to recognize citizens who--
(1) have made an outstanding contribution to the United
States; and
(2) were naturalized during the 10-year period ending on
the date of such recognition.
(b) Presentation Authorized.--
(1) In general.--The President is authorized to present a
medal, in recognition of outstanding contributions to the
United States, to citizens described in subsection (a).
(2) Maximum number of awards.--Not more than 10 citizens
may receive a medal under this section in any calendar year.
(c) Design and Striking.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall
strike a medal with suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be
determined by the President.
(d) National Medals.--The medals struck pursuant to this section
are national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United
States Code.
SEC. 402. NATURALIZATION CEREMONIES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, in
consultation with the Director of the National Park Service, the
Archivist of the United States, and other appropriate Federal
officials, shall develop and implement a strategy to enhance the public
awareness of naturalization ceremonies.
(b) Venues.--In developing the strategy under this section, the
Secretary shall consider the use of outstanding and historic locations
as venues for select naturalization ceremonies.
(c) Reporting Requirement.--The Secretary of Homeland Security
shall annually submit a report to Congress that contains--
(1) the content of the strategy developed under this
section; and
(2) the progress made towards the implementation of such
strategy. | Strengthening American Citizenship Act of 2005 - Directs the Chief of the Office of Citizenship of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide grants (not to exceed $500) to assist legal U.S. residents who declare an intent to apply for citizenship in the United States to meet naturalization requirements.
Provides such grants to an accredited institution of higher education or other qualified educational institution for tuition, fees, books, and other educational resources required by the English language course in which the legal resident is enrolled.
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide that a legal U.S. resident who demonstrates English fluency will satisfy the residency requirement upon the completion of four (currently, five years) years of continuous U.S. legal residency.
Directs the Secretary of DHS to: (1) establish an American citizenship grant program for qualified entities to provide civics, history, and English classes to promote the patriotic integration of prospective citizens; (2) establish the United States Citizenship Foundation to support the functions of the Office of Citizenship; and (3) implement a strategy to enhance public awareness of naturalization ceremonies.
Amends INA to set forth a new oath of allegiance. Directs the Secretary to: (1) incorporate a knowledge and understanding of the oath of allegiance into the history and government citizenship test; and (2) notify the embassy of the country of which a new citizen was a citizen or subject that such citizen has renounced allegiance to that foreign country, and sworn allegiance to the United States.
Establishes a new citizens award program to recognize citizens who: (1) have made an outstanding contribution to the United States; and (2) were naturalized during the ten-year period ending on the date of such recognition. | A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to prescribe the binding oath or affirmation of renunciation and allegiance required to be naturalized as a citizen of the United States, to encourage and support the efforts of prospective citizens of the United States to become citizens, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Museum of Industrial
History Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) The economic and societal transition of the United
States from an agricultural to an industrial age and its
ongoing transformation to a post-industrial society reflect and
embody the fundamental spirit and ideals of the United States.
(2) It is crucial that people of the United States have the
opportunity to learn the history of the industrialization of
the United States and the impact of industrialization on our
way of life.
(3) It is important to preserve the history of
industrialization of the United States for future generations.
(4) To ensure the protection, interpretation and awareness
of the history of the industrialization of the United Sates,
key structures and artifacts related to the process of
industrialization must be preserved and exhibited in an
educational museum.
(5) The site of the former Bethlehem Steel Plant, which is
the proposed site of the National Museum of Industrial History,
has a particular relevance to the preservation and awareness of
the history of industrialization.
(6) On this site--
(A) the Bethlehem Steel Plant had its beginnings in
the 1850s;
(B) in 1853, the first commercial zinc production
began;
(C) Frederick W. Taylor conducted his time and
motion studies that became the basis for his principles
of modern scientific management;
(D) the modern American defense industry was born
on June 1, 1887, when the Navy awarded the first armor
plate contract to the Bethlehem Iron Company;
(E) the steel plant produced armor plate for the
battleships U.S.S. Maine and U.S.S. Texas, and for
other battleships including the U.S.S. Wisconsin;
(F) high-speed tool steel was perfected; and
(G) in 1908 the 48 Grey Mill became the first
rolling mill in the United States to produce large
wide-flange steel beams.
(7) The site contains the oldest significant remains of
bessemer steel production in the United States.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to assist in the
establishment of an interpretive center and museum in Bethlehem,
Pennsylvania--
(1) to ensure the protection of historical resources
related to industrialization; and
(2) to interpret the impact of industrialization on the
history of the United States.
SEC. 3. INDUSTRIAL HISTORY INTERPRETIVE CENTER AND MUSEUM.
(a) Assistance.--Not later than 180 days after the date on which
funds are first made available to carry out this section and subject to
appropriations, the Secretary of the Interior shall seek to enter into
an agreement with an appropriate entity to provide Federal financial
assistance for the development and operation of an interpretive center
and museum to be located on the western end and central core of the
former Bethlehem Steel Plant Site in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
(b) Purpose of Interpretive Center and Museum.--The purpose of the
interpretive center and museum under subsection (a) is--
(1) to preserve, display, and interpret historical
resources related to industrialization in the United States;
and
(2) to promote other historical and cultural resources in
the region through activities conducted at the interpretive
center and museum.
(c) Terms of Assistance.--
(1) Limitations on use of financial assistance.--
(A) Covered expenses.--Financial assistance
provided under this section may only be used for the
following activities for the interpretive center and
museum under subsection (a):
(i) Facilities construction.
(ii) Acquisition of contemporary technology
to be used primarily to enhance the
presentation of historical information at the
interpretive center and museum.
(iii) Program development and
implementation, including--
(I) educational program development
and implementation;
(II) curriculum design and
development;
(III) other activities directly
related to providing programs of the
interpretive center and museum; and
(IV) staff salaries for the
activities authorized under this
clause.
(B) Prohibited expenses.--Financial assistance
provided under this section may not be used for--
(i) the acquisition of items for the
museum's collection;
(ii) administrative expenses;
(iii) the acquisition of technology
primarily used for administrative purposes; or
(iv) staff salaries for administrative
activities, expect as provided in subparagraph
(A)(iii)(IV).
(2) Matching requirement.--The Secretary shall require the
other parties to the agreement under subsection (a) to provide
an amount of funds from non-Federal sources for the purpose
described in subsection (b) that is at least equal to the
amount provided by the Secretary under this section.
(3) Amount of assistance; payment schedule.--The total
amount of assistance provided under the subsection shall not
exceed $25,000,000. The Secretary shall make payments of
financial assistance under this subsection on an annual basis.
The first payment shall be made before the end of the 30-day
period beginning on the date the agreement under subsection (a)
is entered into by the Secretary and the appropriate entity. A
total of five payments shall be made under this section.
(d) Report.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall submit annual reports
to the Congress during the 5-year period beginning on the date
funds are first made available to carry out this section.
(2) Contents.--Each report shall describe--
(A) the current status of the development of the
interpretive center and museum;
(B) the projects and activities funded under this
section; and
(C) the balance of unexpended appropriated funds
available to carry out this section.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to
the Secretary $25,000,000 to carry out this section.
(2) Availability.--Amounts made available under paragraph
(1) shall remain available until expended. | National Museum of Industrial History Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to seek to enter into an agreement with an appropriate entity to provide federal assistance for the development and operation of an interpretive center and museum on the former Bethlehem Steel Plant Site in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to preserve, display, and interpret historical resources related to industrialization in the United States and to promote other historical and cultural resources in the region through activities conducted at the interpretive center and museum.
Sets forth covered and prohibited uses of such financial assistance, including prohibiting the use of assistance for the acquisition of items for the museum's collection.
Provides for a non-federal match from the other parties to the agreement.
Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports to Congress which describe: (1) the current status of the development of the interpretive center and museum; (2) the projects and activities funded; and (3) the balance of unexpended appropriated funds available to carry out this Act. | To assist in the establishment of an interpretive center and museum in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to protect and interpret the history of the industrialization of the United States. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Flight Deck Officer
Improvement Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. FEDERAL FLIGHT DECK OFFICER TRAINING AND REQUALIFICATION
TRAINING.
(a) Training, Supervision, and Equipment.--Section 44921(c) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(3) Location of training.--
``(A) Study.--The Secretary shall conduct a study
of the feasibility of conducting Federal flight deck
officer initial training at facilities located
throughout the United States, including an analysis of
any associated programmatic impacts to the Federal
flight deck officer program.
``(B) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary
shall transmit to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate a report on the results of the study.
``(4) Dates of training.--The Secretary shall ensure that a
pilot who is eligible to receive Federal flight deck officer
training is offered a choice of training dates and is provided
at least 30 days advance notice of the dates.
``(5) Travel to training facilities.--The Secretary shall
establish a program to improve travel access to Federal flight
deck officer training facilities through the use of charter
flights or improved scheduled air carrier service.
``(6) Requalification and recurrent training.--
``(A) Standards.--The Secretary shall establish
qualification standards for facilities where Federal
flight deck officers can receive requalification and
recurrent training.
``(B) Locations.--The Secretary shall provide for
requalification and recurrent training at
geographically diverse facilities, including military
facilities, Federal, State, and local law enforcement
facilities, and private training facilities that meet
the qualification standards established under
subparagraph (A).
``(7) Costs of training.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall provide
Federal flight deck officer training, requalification
training, and recurrent training to eligible pilots at
no cost to the pilots or the air carriers that employ
the pilots.
``(B) Transportation and expenses.--The Secretary
may provide travel expenses to a pilot receiving
Federal flight deck officer training, requalification
training, or recurrent training.
``(8) Communications equipment.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary
shall establish a secure means for personnel of the
Transportation Security Administration to communicate with
Federal flight deck officers, and for Federal flight deck
officers to communicate with each other, in support of the
mission of such officers. Such means of communication may
include a secure Internet website.
``(9) Issuance of badges.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall
issue badges to Federal flight deck officers.''.
SEC. 3. FEDERAL FLIGHT DECK OFFICER FIREARM CARRIAGE PILOT PROGRAM.
Section 44921(f) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(4) Pilot Program.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the
date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary
shall implement a pilot program to allow pilots
participating in the Federal flight deck officer
program to transport their firearms on their persons.
The Secretary may prescribe any training, equipment, or
procedures that the Secretary determines necessary to
ensure safety and maximize weapon retention.
``(B) Review.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of initiation of the pilot program, the Secretary shall
conduct a review of the safety record of the pilot
program and transmit a report on the results of the
review to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate.
``(C) Option.--If the Secretary as part of the
review under subparagraph (B) determines that the
safety level obtained under the pilot program is
comparable to the safety level determined under
existing methods of pilots carrying firearms on
aircraft, the Secretary shall allow all pilots
participating in the Federal flight deck officer
program the option of carrying their firearm on their
person subject to such requirements as the Secretary determines
appropriate.''.
SEC. 4. FEDERAL FLIGHT DECK OFFICERS ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS.
(a) Agreements With Foreign Governments.--The President is
encouraged to pursue aggressively agreements with foreign governments
to allow maximum deployment of Federal flight deck officers on
international flights.
(b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the President (or the President's designee) shall submit to
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate a report on the status of the President's
efforts to allow maximum deployment of Federal flight deck officers on
international flights.
SEC. 5. COMPENSATION FOR PROGRAM-RELATED INJURIES.
Section 44921 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (j) the following:
``(k) Compensation for Program-Related Injury or Death.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall work with the
relevant Federal agencies to obtain compensation under
applicable Federal laws for the death or injury of a Federal
flight deck officer sustained while in the performance of the
officer's duties under the program.
``(2) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall transmit to Congress
a report on the Secretary's efforts to obtain compensation for
Federal flight deck officers under paragraph (1), together with
recommendations, if any, for legislative actions required to
provide such compensation.''.
SEC. 6. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that air carriers should permit Federal
flight deck officers to take a leave of absence from their employment
as required to attend initial and requalification Federal flight deck
officer training.
SEC. 7. REFERENCES TO UNDER SECRETARY.
Section 44921 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``Under Secretary of
Transportation for Security'' and inserting ``Secretary of
Homeland Security'';
(2) by striking ``Under Secretary'' each place it appears
and inserting ``Secretary''; and
(3) by striking ``Under Secretary's'' each place it appears
and inserting ``Secretary's''. | Federal Flight Deck Officer Improvement Act of 2004 - Instructs the Secretary of Transportation to: (1) study and report to certain congressional committees on the feasibility of conducting Federal flight deck officer initial training; (2) ensure that eligible pilots are offered a choice of training dates, and given advance notice of them; (3) establish a program to improve travel access to Federal flight deck officer training facilities through the use of charter flights or improved scheduled air carrier service; (4) establish qualification standards for facilities where Federal flight deck officers can receive requalification and recurrent training; and (5) provide Federal flight deck officer training, requalification training, and recurrent training at no cost to the pilots or the air carriers that employ them.
Directs the Secretary to establish a secure means for personnel of the Transportation Security Administration to communicate with Federal flight deck officers, and for Federal flight deck officers to communicate with each other.
Directs the Secretary to implement a pilot program to allow pilots participating in the Federal flight deck officer program to transport their firearms on their persons.
Encourages the President to pursue aggressively agreements with foreign governments to allow maximum deployment of Federal flight deck officers on international flights.
Requires the Secretary to work with relevant Federal agencies to obtain compensation for the death or injury of a Federal flight deck officer sustained while in the performance of his or her duties under the program.
Expresses the sense of Congress that air carriers should permit Federal flight deck officers to take a leave of absence from their employment as required to attend initial and requalification Federal flight deck officer training. | To amend title 49, United States Code, to make modifications to the Federal flight deck officer program. |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress finds as follows:
(1) Congress supports the goals of Indian self-
determination and economic development.
(2) Congress supports the efforts of Indian tribes to
promote their economic development efforts, wherever possible,
in cooperation with State and local governments and others.
(3) The Puyallup tribe, a signatory to the 1854 Treaty of
Medicine Creek, has a reservation in Washington State.
(4) The Puyallup tribe, which operates gaming facilities
pursuant to a compact with the State of Washington, is a
significant source of jobs in the area of Tacoma, Washington.
(5) The Port of Tacoma is an independent, municipal
corporation that operates under State enabling legislation.
(6) The Port of Tacoma is also a significant source of jobs
in the area of Tacoma, Washington.
(7) The Port of Tacoma is in the process of expanding its
operations to provide greater economic opportunities for the
City of Tacoma, Pierce County, and the State of Washington.
(8) The Port of Tacoma's expansion requires the closure of
the primary access road for one of the Puyallup tribe's gaming
operations. Without this access road, the Puyallup tribe's
gaming facility will no longer be economically viable at its
current location. To avoid economic dislocation, including for
the employees of the current facility, the Puyallup tribe has
identified land on the Puyallup Reservation that would provide
a suitable substitute location for its gaming facility.
(9) The Puyallup tribe, as a result of the Port of Tacoma's
road closure, seeks to have certain land taken into trust
within its reservation.
(10) The Puyallup tribe has worked closely and
cooperatively with all affected entities, and the State of
Washington, Pierce County, the City of Tacoma, the City of
Fife, and the Port of Tacoma all support the Puyallup tribe in
connection with this trust land acquisition.
SEC. 2. TRUST LAND ACQUISITION.
The Secretary shall accept the conveyance of and take into trust
for the benefit of the Puyallup Tribe the following land located within
the Puyallup Reservation:
(1) Approximately 10.5 acres in Fife, Washington,
consisting of the following parcels:
Tax parcel number 0420076005 described as follows:
LOT ``A'' OF DBLR 95-08-15-0496 DESC AS BEG AT NE COR
OF L 1 OF S P 89-08-08-0412 TH S ALG W MAR OF 58TH AVE
E 550.08 FT TO N MAR OF FIFE I-5 OFFRAMP TH S 87 DEG 37
MIN 15 SEC W 175.32 FT TH N 86 DEG 40 MIN 15 SEC W
150.7 FT TH N 03 DEG 19 MIN 45 SEC E 15 FT TH ALG C TO
R CENTER BEARS N 03 DEG 19 MIN 45 SEC E 319.3 FT DIST
THRU CENTRL ANGLE OF 26 DEG 01 MIN 10 SEC ARC DIST OF
145 FT TH N 29 DEG 20 MIN 53 SEC E 15 FT TH N 60 DEG 39
MIN 07 SEC W 12 FT TH S 31 DEG 32 MIN 17 SEC W 4.76 FT
TH NWLY ALG C TO R CENTER BEARS N 31 DEG 36 MIN 19 SEC
E 309.3 FT DIST THRU CENTRAL ANGLE OF 06 DEG 11 MIN 11
SEC ARC DIST OF 33.4 FT TH N 52 DEG 12 MIN 30 SEC W
103.2 FT TH N 00 DEG 25 MIN 25 SEC E 77.11 FT TH S 89
DEG 53 MIN 30 SEC E 193.43 FT TH N 00 DEG 25 MIN 25 SEC
E 320 FT TO S MAR OF PAC HWY TH E ALG SD MAR 385 FT TO
POB TOG/W EASE & RESTR OF REC OUT OF 04-20-06-3-102 &
2-116 SEG B0368JU 11/19/90BO DC5/20/96JU
Tax parcel number 0420076006 described as follows:
LOT ``B'' OF DBLR 95-08-15-0496 DESC AS BEG AT NE COR
OF L 2 OF S P 89-08-02-0412 TH S 00 DEG 25 MIN 25 SEC W
320 FT TH N 89 DEG 53 MIN 30 SEC W 193.43 FT TH S 00
DEG 25 MIN 25 SEC W 77.11 FT TH S 52 DEG 12 MIN 30 SEC
E 103.2 FT TH SELY ALG C TO L CENTER BEARS N 37 DEG 47
MIN 30 SEC E 309.3 FT DIST THRU CENTRAL ANGLE OF 06 DEG
11 MIN 11 SEC ARC DIST OF 33.4 FT TH N 31 DEG 32 MIN 17
SEC E 4.76 FT TH S 60 DEG 39 MIN 07 SEC E 12 FT TH S 29
DEG 20 MIN 53 SEC W 15 FT TO NLY MAR OF FIFE I-5
OFFRAMP TH NWLY ALG C TO R CENTER BEARS N 29 DEG 20 MIN
53 SEC E 319.3 FT DIST THRU CENTRAL ANGLE OF 47.05 FT
TH N 52 DEG 12 MIN 30 SEC W 108.15 FT TH N 00 DEG 25
MIN 25 SEC E 402 FT TO S MAR OF PACIFIC HWY TH E ALG SD
MAR 203.43 FT TO POB TOG/W EASE & RESTRICTIONS OF REC
OUT OF 04-20-06-3-102 SEG B0368JU 11/19/90BO DC5/20/
96JU
Tax parcel number 0420076007 described as follows:
L 3 OF S P 89-08-02-0412 TOG/W EASE & RESTRICTIONS OF
REC OUT OF 04-20-06-3-102 & 2-116 SEG B0368JU 11/19/
90BO
Tax parcel number 0420076008 described as follows:
Section 07 Township 20 Range 04 Quarter 23 : L 4 OF S P
89-08-02-0412 EXC THAT POR CYD TO STATE OF WASH PER ETN
842928 TOG/W FOLL DESC PROP COM AT HES AL26 6+38.0 POT
ON AL26 LI SURVEY OF SR 5 TAC TO KING CTY LI TH S 88
DEG 54 MIN 30 SEC E 95 FT TO POB TH S 01 DEG 05 MIN 30
SEC W 87.4 FT TH WLY TO A PT OPP HES AL26 5+50.6 POT ON
SD AL26 LI SURVEY & 75 FT ELY THEREFROM TH NWLY TO A PT
OPP AL26 5+80.6 ON SD LI SURVEY & 55 FT ELY THEREFROM
TH NLY PAR/W SD LI SURVEY TO N LI OF GOVT LOT 1 TH N 88
DEG 54 MIN 30 SEC E TO POB TOG/W EASE & RESTR OF REC
OUT OF 04-20-06-3-102 8JU SEG B-0368JU 11-19-90BO
DC9967JU02-11-94CL
(2) An area of up to approximately 20 acres located within
the Puyallup Indian Reservation in Tacoma, Washington, and
abutting other trust land of the Puyallup tribe consisting of
the following parcels:
Any of the lots acquired by the Puyallup tribe
located in Blocks 7846, 7850, 7945, 7946, 7949, 7950,
8045, or 8049 in the Indian Addition to the City of
Tacoma. | Directs the Secretary of the Interior to take certain tribally-owned reservation land into trust for the Puyallup Tribe. | To direct the Secretary of the Interior to take certain tribally-owned reservation land into trust for the Puyallup Tribe. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis
Management Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Food allergy is an increasing food safety and public
health concern in the United States, especially among children.
(2) Peanut allergy doubled among children from 1997 to
2002.
(3) In a 2003 survey of 400 elementary school nurses, 37
percent reported having at least 10 students with severe food
allergies; 62 percent reported having at least 5.
(4) Forty-four percent of the elementary school nurses
surveyed reported that the number of children in their school
with food allergy had increased over the past 5 years; only 2
percent reported a decrease.
(5) In a 2001 study of 32 fatal food-allergy induced
anaphylactic reactions (the largest study of its kind to date),
more than half (53 percent) of the individuals were aged 18 or
younger.
(6) Eight foods account for 90 percent of all food-allergic
reactions: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts,
wheat, and soy.
(7) Currently, there is no cure for food allergies; strict
avoidance of the offending food is the only way to prevent a
reaction.
(8) Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a systemic
allergic reaction that can kill within minutes.
(9) Food-allergic reactions are the leading cause of
anaphylaxis outside the hospital setting, accounting for an
estimated 30,000 emergency room visits, 2,000 hospitalizations,
and 150 to 200 deaths each year in the United States.
(10) Fatalities from anaphylaxis are associated with a
delay in the administration of epinephrine (adrenaline), or
when epinephrine was not administered at all. In a study of 13
food allergy-induced anaphylactic reactions in school-age
children (6 fatal and 7 near fatal), only 2 of the children who
died received epinephrine within 1 hour of ingesting the
allergen, and all but one of the children who survived received
epinephrine within 30 minutes.
(11) The importance of managing life-threatening food
allergies in the school setting has been recognized by the
American Medical Association, the American Academy of
Pediatrics, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and
Immunology, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and
Immunology.
(12) There are no Federal guidelines concerning the
management of life-threatening food allergies in the school
setting.
(13) Three-quarters of the elementary school nurses
surveyed reported developing their own training guidelines.
(14) Relatively few schools actually employ a full-time
school nurse. Many are forced to cover more than one school,
and are often in charge of hundreds if not thousands of
children.
(15) Parents of children with severe food allergies often
face entirely different food allergy management approaches when
their children change schools or school districts.
(16) In a study of food allergy reactions in schools and
day-care settings, delays in treatment were attributed to a
failure to follow emergency plans, calling parents instead of
administering emergency medications, and an inability to
administer epinephrine.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF FOOD ALLERGY AND ANAPHYLAXIS MANAGEMENT
POLICY.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall--
(1) develop a policy to be used on a voluntary basis to
manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools; and
(2) make such policy available to local educational
agencies and other interested individuals and entities.
(b) Contents.--The policy developed by the Secretary under
subsection (a) shall address each of the following:
(1) Parental obligation to provide the school, prior to the
start of every school year, with documentation from the
student's physician or nurse--
(A) supporting a diagnosis of food allergy and
anaphylaxis;
(B) identifying any food to which the student is
allergic;
(C) describing, if appropriate, any prior history
of anaphylaxis;
(D) listing any medication prescribed for the child
for the treatment of anaphylaxis;
(E) detailing emergency treatment procedures in the
event of a reaction;
(F) listing the signs and symptoms of a reaction;
(G) assessing the student's readiness for self-
administration of prescription medication; and
(H) providing a list of substitute meals that may
be offered by school food service personnel.
(2) The maintenance of a file by the school nurse or
principal for each student at risk for anaphylaxis.
(3) Communication strategies between individual schools and
local providers of emergency medical services, including
appropriate instructions for emergency medical response.
(4) Strategies to reduce the risk of exposure to
anaphylactic causative agents in classrooms and common school
areas such as the cafeteria.
(5) The dissemination of information on life-threatening
food allergies to school staff, parents, and students, if
appropriate by law.
(6) Food allergy management training of school personnel
who regularly come into contact with students with life-
threatening food allergies.
(7) The authorization of school personnel to administer
epinephrine when the school nurse is not immediately available.
(8) The timely accessibility of epinephrine by school
personnel when the nurse is not immediately available.
(9) Extracurricular programs such as non-academic outings
and field trips, before- and after-school programs, and school-
sponsored programs held on weekends.
(10) The creation of an individual health care plan
tailored to the needs of each individual child at risk for
anaphylaxis, including any procedures for the self-
administration of medication by such children in instances
where--
(A) the children are capable of self-administering
medication; and
(B) such administration is not prohibited by State
law.
(11) The collection and publication of data for each
administration of epinephrine to a student at risk for
anaphylaxis.
(c) Relation to State Law.--Nothing in this Act or the policy
developed by the Secretary under subsection (a) shall be construed to
preempt State law, including any State law regarding whether students
at risk for anaphylaxis may self-administer medication.
(d) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) The term ``school'' includes kindergartens, elementary
schools, and secondary schools.
(2) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health
and Human Services. | Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2005 - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and make available to local educational agencies a voluntary policy to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools. Directs that such policy address: (1) a parental obligation to provide the school with information regarding a student's food allergy and anaphylaxis; (2) communication strategies between schools and emergency medical services; (3) strategies to reduce the risk of exposure in classrooms and common areas; (4) food allergy management training of school personnel; (5) authorization of school personnel to administer epinephrine when the school nurse is not immediately available; and (6) creation of an individual health care plan tailored to each child's risk for anaphylaxis. | To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a policy for managing the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of
2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) the publication of the original study and comprehensive
list of recommendations in America Burning, written in 1974,
requested advances in fire prevention through the installation
of automatic sprinkler systems in existing buildings have yet
to be fully implemented;
(2) fire departments responded to approximately 1,600,000
fires in 2005;
(3) there were 3,675 civilian deaths and 17,925 civilian
injuries resulting from fire in the United States in 2005;
(4) 87 firefighters were killed in 2005;
(5) fire caused $10,672,000,000 in direct property damage
in 2005, and sprinklers are responsible for a 70 percent
reduction in property damage from fires in public assembly,
educational, residential, commercial, industrial and
manufacturing buildings;
(6) fire departments respond to a fire every 20 seconds, a
fire breaks out in a structure every 61 seconds and in a
residential structure every 79 seconds in the United States;
(7) the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island,
did not contain an automated sprinkler system and burned down,
killing 100 people on February 20, 2003;
(8) due to an automated sprinkler system, not a single
person was injured from a fire beginning in the Fine Line Music
Cafe in Minneapolis after the use of pyrotechnics on February
17, 2003;
(9) the National Fire Protection Association has no record
of a fire killing more than 2 people in a completely
sprinklered public assembly, educational, institutional or
residential building where the system was properly installed
and fully operational;
(10) sprinkler systems dramatically improve the chances of
survival of those who cannot save themselves, specifically
older adults, young children and people with disabilities;
(11) the financial cost of upgrading fire counter-measures
in buildings built prior to fire safety codes is prohibitive
for most property owners;
(12) many State and local governments lack any requirements
for existing structures to contain automatic sprinkler systems;
(13) under the present straight-line method of
depreciation, there is a disincentive for building safety
improvements due to an extremely low rate of return on
investment; and
(14) the Nation is in need of incentives for the voluntary
installation and retrofitting of buildings with automated
sprinkler systems to save the lives of countless individuals
and responding firefighters as well as drastically reduce the
costs from property damage.
SEC. 3. CLASSIFICATION OF AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.
(a) In General.--Subparagraph (B) of section 168(e)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to 5-year property) is amended
by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (v), by striking the period at
the end of clause (vi) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the
end the following:
``(vii) any automated fire sprinkler system
placed in service after April 11, 2003, in a
building or structure which was placed in
service before such date.''.
(b) Alternative System.--The table contained in section
168(g)(3)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by
inserting after the item relating to subparagraph (B)(iii) the
following:
``(B)(vii).................................................. 7''.
(c) Definition of Automatic Fire Sprinkler System.--Subsection (i)
of section 168 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(17) Automated fire sprinkler system.--The term
`automated fire sprinkler system' means those sprinkler systems
classified under one or more of the following publications of
the National Fire Protection Association--
``(A) NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems,
``(B) NFPA 13 D, Installation of Sprinkler Systems
in One and Two Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,
and
``(C) NFPA 13 R, Installation of Sprinkler Systems
in Residential Occupancies Up to and Including Four
Stories in Height.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service after April 11, 2003.
(e) Waiver of Limitations.--If refund or credit of any overpayment
of tax resulting from the amendments made by this section is prevented
at any time before the close of the 1-year period beginning on the date
of the enactment of this Act by the operation of any law or rule of law
(including res judicata), such refund or credit may nevertheless be
made or allowed if claim therefor is filed before the close of such
period. | Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to classify automatic fire sprinkler systems as five-year depreciable property. Makes this Act applicable to property placed in service after April 11, 2003. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to classify automatic fire sprinkler systems as 5-year property for purposes of depreciation. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Waste Transportation
Protection Amendments Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The transportation of nuclear waste to a Yucca Mountain
repository would require a massive transportation undertaking.
More nuclear waste would be shipped in the first full year of
repository operations than has been transported in the entire
five-decade history of nuclear waste shipments in the United
States.
(2) The transportation of this waste would require over
96,000 truck shipments over four decades. Almost every major
east-west interstate highway and mainline railroad in the
country would experience nuclear waste shipments as waste is
moved from reactors and other sites in 39 States.
(3) The Department of Energy proposes to directly impact 44
States, many of the major metropolitan areas in the Nation, and
at least 109 cities with populations exceeding 100,000. Highway
shipments alone will impact at least 703 counties with a
combined population of 123,000,000 people. Nationally, between
7,000,000 and 11,000,000 people reside within one-half mile of
the anticipated truck or rail routes.
(4) This never-before-attempted nuclear waste
transportation effort would bring with it a constellation of
hazards and risks, including potentially serious economic
damage and property value losses in cities and communities
along shipping routes. Also of concern are the increased
security risks from shipments that represent numerous mobile
targets within some of the country's most populous and
vulnerable metropolitan areas.
(5) Before any nuclear waste shipments occur, the Federal
Government must ensure the safety and security of these
shipments. This Act requires the Secretary of Energy to develop
a comprehensive safety program that establishes new safety and
security measures that greatly exceed the minimal level of
protection offered today.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS.
Section 180 of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C.
10175) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(d) Comprehensive Safety Program.--The Secretary shall develop a
comprehensive safety program that includes, consistent with this title,
driver selection, independent inspections, bad weather protocols, road
condition reporting, safe parking areas, advance notice, real time
tracking and monitoring, emergency response, medical preparedness,
equipment standards, training and exercises, mutual aid agreements,
emergency alternative routing, program evaluation, and public
information.
``(e) Protecting Populated Communities.--The Secretary may not
transport high-level radioactive waste through an incorporated
community with a population in excess of 50,000 unless the waste
originates in that community.
``(f) Oldest Fuel First.--The Secretary shall ensure that the
oldest spent nuclear fuel shall be transported before other spent
nuclear fuel.
``(g) Full-Scale Cask Testing.--No spent nuclear fuel or high-level
radioactive waste may be transported by or for the Secretary under this
Act except in packages the design of which has been certified by the
Commission and tested at full-scale, including physical tests to
destruction, to demonstrate compliance with the Commission performance
standards. The Commission shall ensure a stakeholder role in the
development of a cask testing program for testing under this
subsection, including selection of test facilities, personnel, and peer
review.
``(h) State and Local Route Consultation.--Affected State, local,
and tribal governments shall be consulted in the selection of routes
for the transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive
waste.
``(i) Private Carrier Prohibition.--Spent nuclear fuel and high-
level radioactive waste shall not be transported under this Act by a
private sector carrier.
``(j) Advance Notification.--The Secretary shall provide a minimum
of 14 days advance notification to States, Indian tribes, and local
communities through whose jurisdiction the Secretary plans to transport
spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.
``(k) Security Precautions.--All transportation of spent nuclear
fuel and high-level radioactive waste under this Act shall--
``(1) if by train, be on a train dedicated solely to such
transportation;
``(2) include at least 3 armed escorts for each nuclear
waste convoy, including a lead vehicle and a trailer vehicle;
``(3) be scheduled to avoid regular transportation
patterns;
``(4) be planned in order to minimize storage times; and
``(5) occur at a time when the receiver at the final
delivery point will be present to accept shipment.''. | Nuclear Waste Transportation Protection Amendments Act of 2002 - Amends the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 to direct the Secretary of Energy to develop a comprehensive safety program governing the transportation of nuclear waste to a Yucca Mountain repository that includes: driver selection, independent inspections, bad weather protocols, road condition reporting, safe parking areas, advance notice, real time tracking and monitoring, emergency response, medical preparedness, equipment standards, training and exercises, mutual aid agreements, emergency alternative routing, program evaluation, and public information.Prohibits the Secretary from transporting high-level radioactive waste through certain populated communities unless the waste originates in such community.Instructs the Secretary to ensure that the oldest spent nuclear fuel is transported before other spent nuclear fuel.Mandates transportation of spent nuclear fuel or high-level radioactive waste in packages whose design has been certified by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and tested at full scale to demonstrate compliance with Commission performance standards.Mandates consultation with affected State, local, and tribal governments in the selection of routes for the transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.Prohibits private sector transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.Requires the Secretary to provide advance notification to States, Indian tribes, and local communities through whose jurisdiction the Secretary plans to transport spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.Sets forth security precautions for all transportation of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. | To amend the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 with respect to transportation of nuclear waste. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Egyptian Military Coup Act of
2014''.
SEC. 2. FOREIGN ASSISTANCE RESTRICTIONS IN RESPONSE TO EGYPTIAN
MILITARY COUP D'ETAT.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) On June 30, 2012, Mohamed Morsi was elected President
of Egypt in elections that were certified as free and fair by
the Egyptian Presidential Election Commission and the United
Nations.
(2) On July 3, 2013, the military of Egypt removed the
democratically elected President of Egypt, arrested his
supporters, and suspended the Constitution of Egypt. These
actions fit the definition of a military coup d'etat.
(3) On August 14, 2013, Egyptian security forces killed
over 600 protestors in the dispersal of a demonstration in
Rabaa, Egypt.
(4) Since the July 2013 military coup d'etat, the Egyptian
military and security officials are estimated to have killed
more than 1,000 Egyptian citizen protestors.
(5) On January 17, 2014, President Barack Obama signed into
law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113-
76), which included language in section 7041(a) that
conditioned economic assistance to the Government of Egypt on
concrete and measurable actions to restore democracy to the
citizens of Egypt.
(6) On April 23, 2014, President Obama approved the
transfer of 10 AH-64 Apache Helicopters and $650,000,000 in
financial aid to the military-controlled Government of Egypt.
(7) On April 28, 2014, a court in Egypt sentenced 683
Egyptian citizens to death for protests in the town of Edwa,
Egypt, following a five-minute hearing that was not long enough
to recite the full names of the accused.
(8) On May 5, 2014, Former Army Chief Abdul Fattah al-Sisi,
who led Egyptian military forces in the coup d'etat against a
ruling party that was elected with 51.7 percent of the vote,
said on Egyptian television that, if elected, the previous
ruling political party would ``not exist''.
(9) On May 6, 2014, a court in Egypt banned members of the
National Democratic Party from participating in any
Presidential, parliamentary, or local elections.
(10) Pursuant to section 7008 of the Department of State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Act, 2012 (division I
of Public Law 112-74; 125 Stat. 1195), the United States is
legally prohibited from providing foreign assistance to any
country whose duly elected head of government is deposed by a
military coup d'etat, or removed in such a way that the
military plays a decisive role.
(11) The United States has suspended aid to countries that
have undergone military coups d'etat in the past, including the
Ivory Coast, the Central African Republic, Thailand, Mali,
Fiji, and Honduras.
(b) Foreign Assistance to the Government of Egypt.--
(1) Restrictions on assistance under section 7008.--In
accordance with section 7008 of the Department of State,
Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Act, 2012 (division I
of Public Law 112-74; 125 Stat. 1195), the United States
Government, including the Department of State, shall refrain
from providing to the Government of Egypt the assistance
restricted under such section.
(2) Additional restrictions.--In addition to the
restrictions referred to in paragraph (1), the following
restrictions shall be in effect with respect to United States
assistance to the Government of Egypt:
(A) Deliveries of defense articles currently slated
for transfer to Egyptian Ministry of Defense (MOD) and
Ministry of Interior (MOI) shall be suspended until the
President certifies to Congress that democratic
national elections have taken place in Egypt followed
by a peaceful transfer of power.
(B) Provision of defense services to Egyptian MOD
and MOI shall be halted immediately until the President
certifies to Congress that democratic national
elections have taken place in Egypt followed by a
peaceful transfer of power.
(C) Processing of draft Letters of Offer and
Acceptance (LOAs) for future arms sales to Egyptian MOD
and MOI entities shall be halted until the President
certifies to Congress that democratic national
elections have taken place in Egypt followed by a
peaceful transfer of power.
(D) All costs associated with the delays in
deliveries and provision of services required under
subparagraphs (A) through (C) shall be borne by the
Government of Egypt. | Egyptian Military Coup Act of 2014 - Prohibits U.S. government assistance to Egypt pursuant to the coup d'etat restriction under the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Act, 2012. Suspends the provision of specified defense articles and services, and the processing of letters of offer and acceptance for future arms sales, until the President certifies to Congress that democratic national elections have taken place in Egypt followed by a peaceful transfer of power. | Egyptian Military Coup Act of 2014 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``American Burying Beetle Relief Act
of 2014''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) in 1989, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
(referred to in this section as ``the Service'') listed the
American burying beetle as an endangered species under the
Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
(2) in making the decision to list the American burying
beetle as an endangered species, the Service--
(A) stated that the American burying beetle was
``once widely distributed throughout eastern North
America''; and
(B) considered possible factors in the population
decline of the American burying beetle, but ultimately
concluded that ``the cause of the species' decline is
unknown'';
(3) as of the date of the decision, there were only 2 known
populations of the American burying beetle, 1 located in
Eastern Oklahoma and 1 located on an island off the coast of
Rhode Island;
(4) at that time, the Rhode Island population was estimated
to be around 520 American burying beetles and the Oklahoma
population to be fewer than 12 American burying beetles;
(5) the Service has not completed a range-wide population
survey of the American burying beetle since 1985;
(6) in 1991, the Service published a recovery plan for the
American burying beetle, with the objective of protecting and
maintaining the extant population in Rhode Island and the
populations in Oklahoma;
(7) in order to reconsider the listing status of the
American burying beetle, the Service is required to identify 3
populations of American burying beetle that have been
reestablished (or additional populations discovered) within
each of 4 broad geographical areas of the historical range of
the American burying beetle;
(8) the Service has identified these 4 geographical areas
as--
(A) the Midwest region, including Oklahoma and most
States between Texas, Louisiana, and Montana;
(B) the Great Lakes region;
(C) the Southeast region; and
(D) the Northeast region, including Rhode Island;
(9) in 2008, the Service performed the first 5-year review
of the American burying beetle, which--
(A) determined that--
(i) the criteria for reconsidering the
listing of the American burying beetle had been
met in the Midwest region, ``where additional
occurrences of the American burying beetle have
been discovered''; and
(ii) that, ``as a consequence, the total
number of American burying beetle in this
recovery area is believed to greatly exceed the
numerical target'' established under the
recovery plan;
(B) stated that ``although one of four geographic
recovery areas for the American burying beetle has met
the criteria for reclassification, the species
presumably remains extirpated in most of its historic
range''; and
(C) concluded that the American burying beetle
should remain listed as an endangered species;
(10) as of the date of enactment of this Act--
(A) the population of the American burying beetle
in Nebraska is estimated to contain over 3,000 American
burying beetles, making that one of the largest known
populations, although at the time the American burying
beetle was listed in 1989 none were known to live in
Nebraska;
(B) the population of the American burying beetle
in Oklahoma has grown dramatically from the population
numbers in 1989 when the American burying beetle was
listed as an endangered species and is believed to be
well into the thousands;
(C) the Service believes that the American burying
beetle exists in 45 of the 77 counties in Oklahoma,
although at the time the Service listed the American
burying beetle as endangered in 1989, only 4 counties
in Oklahoma had a known American burying beetle
population;
(D) Oklahoma State officials are concerned about
the lack of mitigation options available to developers
relating to the American burying beetle; and
(E) Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Director Richard Hatcher has not received a response to
the request submitted to the Service on April 15, 2013,
which asked--
(i) for an update to the recovery plan for
the American burying beetle; and
(ii) that the process of delisting the
American burying beetle begin;
(11) Service documents published close to the date of
enactment of this Act list the States of Arkansas, Kansas,
Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode
Island, South Dakota, and Texas as having an American burying
beetle population;
(12) the history of the process of the gray wolf being
delisted as an endangered species, first in some areas of the
United States and then entirely, provides an example that could
be used to delist the American burying beetle in the Midwest
region;
(13) important points in the history of the gray wolf being
delisted include that--
(A) in 2011, the Service decided to remove the gray
wolf from the endangered species list in the States of
Idaho, Montana, Utah, Washington, and parts of Oregon
while leaving the species listed in Wyoming;
(B) this partial delisting was due to the healthy
population levels present in those States at that time;
and
(C) less than 2 years later, in 2013, the delisting
was extended to Wyoming, and the gray wolf was no
longer listed as endangered under the Endangered
Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
(14) there is support for the American burying beetle being
completely delisted, because--
(A) beginning in 2007, the Service promulgated an
official policy stating that when the Service evaluates
the probability of a species being lost to extinction
across the range of that species, the Service does so
within the known existing range of that species, not a
hypothetical historic range of that species;
(B) using the policy described in subparagraph (A),
if the American burying beetle were reconsidered as a
candidate for being listed as an endangered species
under the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.), the American burying beetle likely would not be
eligible because the known populations are not in
danger of being lost and instead are expanding as of
the date of enactment of this Act; and
(C) the historic range of the American burying
beetle, described by the Service as being
``ubiquitous'' at some point, is reliant on data,
observations, and studies that are more than 70 years
old and are not easy to locate;
(15) there is a lack of information about the extent of the
American burying beetle population as of the date of enactment
of this Act, although the population appears to have expanded
since the American burying beetle was originally listed as an
endangered species;
(16) it is not clear whether the increased population count
of the American burying beetle is due to the scientific
community being more apt at locating these insects or whether
the population has actually increased; and
(17) it is clear the American burying beetle has proven
much more resilient than the Service originally believed,
rendering the decision of the Service to list the American
burying beetle as an endangered species under the Endangered
Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) indefensible.
SEC. 3. REMOVAL OF ENDANGERED SPECIES STATUS.
Notwithstanding the final rule of the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service entitled ``Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and
Plants; Determination of Endangered Status for the American Burying
Beetle'' (54 Fed. Reg. 29652 (July 13, 1989)), the American burying
beetle shall not be listed as a threatened or endangered species under
the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). | American Burying Beetle Relief Act of 2014 - Removes the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's listing of the American burying beetle as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Prohibits the beetle from being listed as a threatened or endangered species. | American Burying Beetle Relief Act of 2014 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Student Athletes from
Concussions Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2. MINIMUM STATE REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Minimum Requirements.--Each State that receives funds under the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.)
and does not meet the requirements described in this section, as of the
date of enactment of this Act, shall, not later than the last day of
the fifth full fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act
(referred to in this Act as the ``compliance deadline''), enact
legislation or issue regulations establishing the following minimum
requirements:
(1) Local educational agency concussion safety and
management plan.--Each local educational agency in the State,
in consultation with members of the community in which such
agency is located, shall develop and implement a standard plan
for concussion safety and management that--
(A) educates students, parents, and school
personnel about concussions, through activities such
as--
(i) training school personnel, including
coaches, teachers, athletic trainers, related
services personnel, and school nurses, on
concussion safety and management, including
training on the prevention, recognition, and
academic consequences of concussions and
response to concussions; and
(ii) using, maintaining, and disseminating
to students and parents--
(I) release forms and other
appropriate forms for reporting and
recordkeeping;
(II) treatment plans; and
(III) prevention and post-injury
observation and monitoring fact sheets
about concussion;
(B) encourages supports, where feasible, for a
student recovering from a concussion (regardless of
whether or not the concussion occurred during school-
sponsored activities, during school hours, on school
property, or during an athletic activity), such as--
(i) guiding the student in resuming
participation in athletic activity and academic
activities with the help of a multi-
disciplinary concussion management team, which
may include--
(I) a health care professional, the
parents of such student, a school
nurse, relevant related services
personnel, and other relevant school
personnel; and
(II) an individual who is assigned
by a public school to oversee and
manage the recovery of such student;
and
(ii) providing appropriate academic
accommodations aimed at progressively
reintroducing cognitive demands on the student;
and
(C) encourages the use of best practices designed
to ensure, with respect to concussions, the uniformity
of safety standards, treatment, and management, such
as--
(i) disseminating information on concussion
safety and management to the public; and
(ii) applying uniform best practice
standards for concussion safety and management
to all students enrolled in public schools.
(2) Posting of information on concussions.--Each public
elementary school and each public secondary school shall post
on school grounds, in a manner that is visible to students and
school personnel, and make publicly available on the school
website, information on concussions that--
(A) is based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence
(such as information made available by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention);
(B) shall include information on--
(i) the risks posed by sustaining a
concussion;
(ii) the actions a student should take in
response to sustaining a concussion, including
the notification of school personnel; and
(iii) the signs and symptoms of a
concussion; and
(C) may include information on--
(i) the definition of a concussion;
(ii) the means available to the student to
reduce the incidence or recurrence of a
concussion; and
(iii) the effects of a concussion on
academic learning and performance.
(3) Response to concussion.--If an individual designated
from among school personnel for purposes of this Act suspects
that a student has sustained a concussion (regardless of
whether or not the concussion occurred during school-sponsored
activities, during school hours, on school property, or during
an athletic activity)--
(A) the student shall be--
(i) immediately removed from participation
in a school-sponsored athletic activity; and
(ii) prohibited from returning to
participate in a school-sponsored athletic
activity--
(I) on the day such student is
removed from such participation; and
(II) until such student submits a
written release from a health care
professional stating that the student
is capable of resuming participation in
school-sponsored athletic activities;
and
(B) the designated individual shall report to the
parent or guardian of such student--
(i) any information that the designated
school employee is aware of regarding the date,
time, and type of the injury suffered by such
student (regardless of where, when, or how a
concussion may have occurred); and
(ii) any actions taken to treat such
student.
(4) Return to athletics.--If a student has sustained a
concussion (regardless of whether or not the concussion
occurred during school-sponsored activities, during school
hours, on school property, or during an athletic activity),
before such student resumes participation in school-sponsored
athletic activities, the school shall receive a written release
from a health care professional, that--
(A) states that the student is capable of resuming
participation in such activities; and
(B) may require the student to follow a plan
designed to aid the student in recovering and resuming
participation in such activities in a manner that--
(i) is coordinated, as appropriate, with
periods of cognitive and physical rest while
symptoms of a concussion persist; and
(ii) reintroduces cognitive and physical
demands on such student on a progressive basis
only as such increases in exertion do not cause
the reemergence or worsening of symptoms of a
concussion.
(b) Noncompliance.--
(1) First year.--If a State described in subsection (a)
fails to comply with subsection (a) by the compliance deadline,
the Secretary of Education shall reduce by 5 percent the amount
of funds the State receives under the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) for the first
fiscal year following the compliance deadline.
(2) Succeeding years.--If the State fails to so comply by
the last day of any fiscal year following the compliance
deadline, the Secretary of Education shall reduce by 10 percent
the amount of funds the State receives under that Act for the
following fiscal year.
(3) Notification of noncompliance.--Prior to reducing any
funds that a State receives under the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) in accordance
with this subsection, the Secretary of Education shall provide
a written notification of the intended reduction of funds to
the State and to the appropriate committees of Congress.
SEC. 3. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to affect civil or criminal
liability under Federal or State law.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Concussion.--The term ``concussion'' means a type of
mild traumatic brain injury that--
(A) is caused by a blow, jolt, or motion to the
head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly in
the skull;
(B) disrupts normal brain functioning and alters
the mental state of the individual, causing the
individual to experience--
(i) any period of observed or self-
reported--
(I) transient confusion,
disorientation, or impaired
consciousness;
(II) dysfunction of memory around
the time of injury; or
(III) loss of consciousness lasting
less than 30 minutes; or
(ii) any 1 of 4 types of symptoms,
including--
(I) physical symptoms, such as
headache, fatigue, or dizziness;
(II) cognitive symptoms, such as
memory disturbance or slowed thinking;
(III) emotional symptoms, such as
irritability or sadness; or
(IV) difficulty sleeping; and
(C) can occur--
(i) with or without the loss of
consciousness; and
(ii) during participation in any organized
sport or recreational activity.
(2) Health care professional.--The term ``health care
professional''--
(A) means an individual who has been trained in
diagnosis and management of traumatic brain injury in a
pediatric population; and
(B) includes a physician (M.D. or D.O.) or
certified athletic trainer who is registered, licensed,
certified, or otherwise statutorily recognized by the
State to provide such diagnosis and management.
(3) Local educational agency; state.--The terms ``local
educational agency'' and ``State'' have the meanings given such
terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(4) Related services personnel.--The term ``related
services personnel'' means individuals who provide related
services, as defined under section 602 of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1401).
(5) School-sponsored athletic activity.--The term ``school-
sponsored athletic activity'' means--
(A) any physical education class or program of a
school;
(B) any athletic activity authorized during the
school day on school grounds that is not an
instructional activity;
(C) any extracurricular sports team, club, or
league organized by a school on or off school grounds;
and
(D) any recess activity. | Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2013 - Requires each state that receives funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and that does not meet the requirements for the prevention and treatment of concussions set forth in this Act as of the date of enactment of this Act to enact legislation or issue regulations establishing such requirements by the last day of the fifth full fiscal year after such date. Requires each local educational agency in the state to develop and implement a standard plan for concussion safety and management that: (1) educates students, parents, and school personnel about concussions through specified activities; (2) encourages specified supports for a student recovering from a concussion; and (3) encourages the use of specified best practices designed to ensure the uniformity of safety standards, treatment, and management. Requires each public elementary and secondary school to post on school grounds and make publicly available on the school website specified information on concussions. Requires that if an individual designated from among school personnel for purposes of this Act suspects that a student has sustained a concussion: (1) the student shall be immediately removed from participation in a school-sponsored athletic activity and prohibited from returning to such activity until the student submits a written release from a health care professional; and (2) such designated individual shall report to the student's parent or guardian information regarding the date, time, and type of the injury suffered by the student and any actions taken to treat the student. Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) reduce by specified percentages the amount a state receives under ESEA if it fails to comply with this Act within a specified time frame, and (2) provide prior written notification of such intended reduction to the state and to the appropriate congressional committees. | Protecting Student Athletes from Concussions Act of 2013 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Streamlining DHS Overhead Act''.
SEC. 2. LONG TERM REAL PROPERTY STRATEGIES.
(a) In General.--Title VII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 341 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new
sections:
``SEC. 710. CHIEF FACILITIES AND LOGISTICS OFFICER.
``(a) In General.--There is a Chief Facilities and Logistics
Officer of the Department who shall report directly to the Under
Secretary for Management. The Chief Facilities and Logistics Officer
shall be career reserved for a member of the senior executive service.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Chief Facilities and Logistics Officer
shall--
``(1) develop policies and procedures and provide program
oversight to manage real property, facilities, personal
property, mobile assets, equipment, and other material
resources of the Department;
``(2) manage and execute, in consultation with the
component heads, mission support services within the National
Capital Region for real property, facilities, and other common
headquarters and field activities for the Department; and
``(3) provide tactical and transactional services for the
Department, including transportation, facility operations, and
maintenance.
``SEC. 711. LONG TERM REAL PROPERTY STRATEGIES.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) First strategy.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary for
Management shall develop an initial 5-year regional real
property strategy for the Department that covers the five
fiscal years immediately following such date of enactment. Such
strategy shall be geographically organized, as designated by
the Under Secretary for Management.
``(2) Second strategy.--Not later than the first day of the
fourth fiscal year covered by the first strategy under
paragraph (1), the Under Secretary for Management shall develop
a second 5-year real property strategy for the Department that
covers the five fiscal years immediately following the
conclusion of such first strategy.
``(b) Requirements.--
``(1) Initial strategy.--The initial 5-year strategy
developed in accordance with paragraph (1) of subsection (a)
shall--
``(A) identify opportunities to consolidate real
property, optimize the usage of Federal assets, and
decrease the number of commercial leases and square
footage within the Department's real property
portfolio;
``(B) provide alternate housing and consolidation
plans to increase efficiency through joint use of
Department spaces while decreasing the cost of leased
space;
``(C) concentrate on geographical areas with a
significant Department presence, as identified by the
Under Secretary for Management;
``(D) examine the establishment of central
Department locations in each such geographical region
and the co-location of Department components based on
the mission sets and responsibilities of such
components;
``(E) identify opportunities to reduce overhead
costs through co-location or consolidation of real
property interests or mission support activities, such
as shared mail screening and processing, centralized
transportation and shuttle services, regional transit
benefit programs, common contracting for custodial and
other services, and leveraging strategic sourcing
contracts and sharing of specialized facilities, such
as training facilities and resources;
``(F) manage the current Department Workspace
Standard for Office Space in accordance with the
Department office workspace design process to develop
the most efficient and effective spaces within the
workspace standard usable square foot ranges for all
leased for office space entered into on or after the
date of the enactment of this section, including the
renewal of any leases for office space existing as of
such date;
``(G) define, based on square footage, what
constitutes a major real property acquisition;
``(H) prioritize actions to be taken to improve the
operations and management of the Department's real
property inventory, based on life-cycle cost
estimations, in consultation with component heads; and
``(I) include any additional information determined
appropriate or relevant by the Under Secretary for
Management.
``(2) Second strategy.--The second 5-year strategy
developed in accordance with paragraph (2) of subsection (a)
shall include information required in subparagraphs (A), (B),
(C), (E), (F), (G), (H), and (I) of paragraph (1) and
information on the effectiveness of implementation efforts
pursuant to the Department-wide policy required in accordance
with subsection (c), including--
``(A) the impact of such implementation on
departmental operations and costs; and
``(B) the degree to which the Department
established central Department locations and co-located
Department components pursuant to the results of the
examination required by subparagraph (D) of paragraph
(1).
``(c) Implementation Policies.--Not later than 90 days after the
development of each of the regional real property strategies developed
in accordance with subsection (a), the Under Secretary for Management
shall develop or update, as applicable, a Department-wide policy
implementing such strategies.
``(d) Certifications.--Subject to subsection (g)(3), the
implementation policies developed pursuant to subsection (c) shall
require component heads to certify to the Under Secretary for
Management that such heads have complied with the requirements
specified in subsection (b) before making any major real property
decision or recommendation, as defined by the Under Secretary,
including matters related to new leased space, renewing any existing
leases, or agreeing to extend or newly occupy any Federal space or new
construction, in accordance with the applicable regional real property
strategy developed in accordance with subsection (a).
``(e) Underutilized Space.--
``(1) In general.--The implementing policies developed
pursuant to subsection (c) shall require component heads,
acting through regional property managers under subsection (f),
to annually report to the Under Secretary for Management on
underutilized space and identify space that may be made
available for use, as applicable, by other components or
Federal agencies.
``(2) Exception.--The Under Secretary for Management may
grant an exception to the workspace standard usable square foot
ranges described in subsection (b)(1)(F) for specific office
locations at which a reduction or elimination of otherwise
underutilized space would negatively impact a component's
ability to execute its mission based on readiness performance
measures or would increase the cost of such space.
``(3) Underutilized space defined.--In this subsection, the
term `underutilized space' means any space with respect to
which utilization is greater than the workplace standard usable
square foot ranges pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(F).
``(f) Component Responsibilities.--
``(1) Regional property managers.--Each component head
shall identify a senior career employee of each such component
for each geographic region included in the regional real
property strategies developed in accordance with subsection (a)
to serve as each such component's regional property manager.
Each such regional property manager shall serve as a single
point of contact for Department headquarters and other
Department components for all real property matters relating to
each such component within the region in which each such
component is located, and provide data and any other support
necessary for the DHS Regional Mission Support Coordinator
strategic asset and portfolio planning and execution.
``(2) Data.--Regional property managers under paragraph (1)
shall provide annually to the Under Secretary for Management,
via a standardized and centralized system, data on each
component's real property holdings, as specified by the
Undersecretary for Management, including relating to
underutilized space under subsection (e) (as such term is
defined in such subsection), total square footage leased,
annual cost, and total number of staff, for each geographic
region included in the regional real property strategies
developed in accordance with subsection (a).
``(g) Ongoing Oversight.--
``(1) In general.--The Under Secretary for Management shall
monitor components' adherence to the regional real property
strategies developed in accordance with subsection (a) and the
implementation policies developed pursuant to subsection (c).
``(2) Annual review.--The Under Secretary for Management
shall annually review the data submitted pursuant to subsection
(f)(2) to ensure all underutilized space (as such term is
defined in subsection (e)) is properly identified.
``(3) Certification review.--The Under Secretary for
Management shall review, and if appropriate, approve, component
certifications under subsection (d) before such components may
make any major real property decision, including matters
related to new leased space, renewing any existing leases, or
agreeing to extend or newly occupy any Federal space or new
construction, in accordance with the applicable regional real
property strategy developed in accordance with subsection (a).
``(4) Congressional reporting.--The Under Secretary for
Management shall annually provide information to the Committee
on Homeland Security and Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, the Committee
on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate,
and the Inspector General of the Department on the Department's
real property portfolio, including information relating to the
following:
``(A) A summary of the Department's real property
holdings in each region described in the regional
strategies developed in accordance with subsection (a),
and for each such property, information including the
total square footage leased, the total cost, the total
number of staff at each such property, and the square
foot per person utilization rate for office space (and
whether or not such conforms with the workspace
standard usable square foot ranges established pursuant
to subsection (b)(1)(F)).
``(B) An accounting of all underutilized space (as
such term is defined in subsection (e)).
``(C) An accounting of all instances in which the
Department or its components consolidated their real
property holdings or co-located with another entity
within the Department.
``(D) A list of all certifications provided
pursuant to subsection (d) and all such certifications
approved pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection.
``(5) Inspector general review.--Not later than 120 days
after the last day of the fifth fiscal year covered in each of
the initial and second regional real property strategies
developed in accordance with subsection (a), the Inspector
General of the Department shall review the information
submitted pursuant to paragraph (4) and issue findings
regarding the effectiveness of the implementation of the
Department-wide policy and oversight efforts of the management
of real property facilities, personal property, mobile assets,
equipment and the Department's other material resources as
required under this section.''.
(b) Reporting.--The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to
the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the
Senate copies of the regional strategies developed in accordance with
section 710(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (as added by
subsection (a) of this section) not later than 90 days after the date
of the development of each such strategy.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 709 the following new items:
``Sec. 710. Chief Facilities and Logistics Officer.
``Sec. 711. Long term real property strategies.''.
Passed the House of Representatives June 20, 2017.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | Streamlining DHS Overhead Act (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to establish a Chief Facilities and Logistics Officer within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), who shall: (1) develop policies and procedures and provide program oversight to manage DHS property, equipment, and material resources; (2) manage and execute mission support services within the National Capital Region for DHS real property, facilities, headquarters, and field activities; and (3) provide tactical and transactional services for DHS. DHS shall develop: (1) an initial five-year regional real property strategy, which shall be geographically organized; (2) a subsequent five-year real property strategy; and (3) a department-wide policy implementing such strategies. The initial five-year strategy shall: identify opportunities to consolidate real property, optimize the usage of federal assets, and decrease the number of commercial leases and square footage within DHS's real property portfolio; provide alternate housing and consolidation plans to increase efficiency through joint use of DHS spaces while decreasing the reliance on and cost of leased space; concentrate on geographical areas with a significant DHS presence; examine the establishment of central DHS locations in each such geographical region and the co-location of DHS components based on their mission sets and responsibilities; identify opportunities to reduce overhead costs through co-location or consolidation of real property interests or mission support activities; manage the current Department Workspace Standard for Office Space in accordance with the DHS office workspace design process to develop the most efficient and effective spaces within the workspace standard net usable square foot ranges for all leases for office space entered into after enactment of this bill; define, based on square footage, what constitutes a major real property acquisition; and prioritize actions to be taken to improve the operations and management of DHS's real property inventory, based on life-cycle cost estimations. The second five-year strategy shall contain related information, including: (1) the impact of such implementation on departmental operations and costs; and (2) the degree to which DHS established central DHS locations and co-located DHS components pursuant to the results of the required examination. The implementation policies shall require components: (1) to certify to DHS that such components have complied with specified requirements before making any major real property decision or recommendation; and (2) acting through regional property managers, to report annually to DHS on underutilized space and identify space that may be made available for use by other components or federal agencies. DHS may grant an exception to the workspace standard usable square foot ranges for specific office locations at which a reduction or elimination of otherwise underutilized space would negatively impact a component's ability to execute its mission based on readiness performance measures or would increase the cost of such space. Each component shall identify a senior career employee to serve as the property manager for each geographic region. Each such manager shall: (1) serve as a single point of contact for DHS headquarters and other DHS components for real property matters, (2) provide data and any other support necessary for the DHS Regional Mission Support Coordinator strategic asset and portfolio planning and execution, and (3) provide to DHS annually data on each component's real property holdings. DHS shall: (1) monitor components' adherence to the regional real property strategies and implementation policies; (2) annually review the data submitted to ensure all underutilized space is properly identified; (3) review and, if appropriate, approve component certifications before such components may make any major real property decision; and (4) annually provide information to Congress and to the Inspector General of DHS on its real property portfolio. The Inspector General shall review the information submitted and issue findings regarding the effectiveness of the implementation of the DHS-wide policy and oversight efforts of the management of real property facilities, personal property, mobile assets, requirement and DHS's other material resources. | Streamlining DHS Overhead Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rapid Innovation Fund Enhancement
Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. REESTABLISHMENT AND ENHANCEMENT OF DEFENSE RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT RAPID INNOVATION PROGRAM.
(a) Coordination of Program.--Subsection (a) of section 1073 of the
Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011
(Public Law 111-383; 124 Stat. 4366; 10 U.S.C. 2359 note) is amended by
adding at the end the following: ``The program shall be coordinated
with the senior acquisition executives of the departments, Agencies,
and components of the Department of Defense.''.
(b) Department of Defense Expenditures.--Subsection (d) of such
section is amended to read as follows:
``(d) DoD Expenditures.--(1) For fiscal year 2017 and each fiscal
year thereafter, the Department of Defense shall obligate for
expenditure for eligible technologies under the program not less than 1
percent of the aggregate budget of the Department of Defense for such
fiscal year for research, development, test, and evaluation and
available for projects and activities at the level of Advanced
Component Development Prototypes and above (referred to as `6.4' and
above).
``(2) Nothing in paragraph (1) may be construed to prohibit the
departments, Agencies, and components of the Department from expending
on eligible technologies in a fiscal year an amount for that fiscal
year in excess of the amount otherwise required by that paragraph.''.
(c) Briefing Requirements.--Subsection (f) of such section is
amended to read as follows:
``(f) Annual Briefing.--(1) Not later than January 31 each year,
the Secretary shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress on the
program under this section during the previous fiscal year, including
the following:
``(A) A list of each project funded under this section
during such fiscal year, including a short description of each
such project.
``(B) The amount of funding provided for each such project.
``(C) The defense acquisition program that each such
project supports, including the extent to which such project
meets needs identified in its acquisition plan.
``(D) The anticipated timeline for transition for such
project, or if such project transitioned during such fiscal
year, to what program of record it transitioned.
``(E) Whether the award for the project was made to a small
business participating in the Small Business Innovation
Research Program or Small Business Technology Transfer Program
under section 9 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638), a
small business under section 3 of that Act (15 U.S.C. 632), or
a nontraditional defense contractor under section 2371(a) of
title 10, United States Code.
``(F) The degree to which a competitive, merit-based
process was used to evaluate and select the performers of the
projects selected under this section during such fiscal year.
``(2) In this subsection, the term `appropriate committees of
Congress' means--
``(A) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate; and
``(B) the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on
Small Business of the House of Representatives.''.
(d) Reestablishment of Program and Definition.--Subsection (g) of
such section is amended to read as follows:
``(g) Eligible Technology Defined.--In this section, the term
`eligible technology' means the following:
``(1) A technology that has received a Phase II award under
the Small Business Innovation Research Program or the Small
Business Technology Transfer Program under section 9 of the
Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638).
``(2) A technology developed by a nontraditional defense
contractor (as that term is defined in section 2302(9) of title
10, United States Code).
``(3) A technology developed by the defense laboratories.
``(4) Any other innovative technology (including a dual use
technology), as determined by the Secretary.''.
(e) Additional Program Flexibility.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall
issue additional guidelines for the operation of the Defense Research
and Development Rapid Innovation Program under section 1107 of the Ike
Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (as
amended by this section). The guidance shall include the following:
(1) Guidance to Department of Defense personnel on using,
to the maximum extent practicable, procedures under the Program
for direct award (as described in section 9(r)(4) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(r)(4)) to firms participating in
the Small Business Innovation Research Program or Small
Business Technology Transfer Program under section 9 of that
Act.
(2) Guidance and procedures on the authorities in section
9(r)(4) of the Small Business Act that allow a small business
concern to submit proposals to the senior acquisition
executive, or a designee, at each department, Agency, and
component of the Department and separate from a broad agency
announcement. | Rapid Innovation Fund Enhancement Act of 2016 This bill amends the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to require that the Defense Research and Development Rapid Innovation program be coordinated with the senior acquisition executives of the departments, agencies, and components of the Department of Defense (DOD). For FY2017 and each fiscal year thereafter, DOD shall obligate for eligible program technologies a minimum of 1% of the aggregate DOD research, development, test, and evaluation budget available for projects and activities at the level of Advanced Component Development Prototypes and above. DOD shall: (1) provide Congress with annual project briefings, and (2) issue additional program operations guidelines. "Eligible technology" means: a technology that has received a phase II award under the Small Business Innovation Research program or the Small Business Technology Transfer program, a technology developed by a nontraditional defense contractor, a technology developed by the defense laboratories, or any other innovative technology as determined by DOD. | Rapid Innovation Fund Enhancement Act of 2016 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Unemployment Compensation Extension
Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION.
(a) In General.--Section 4002 of the Supplemental Appropriations
Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(d) Further Additional Emergency Unemployment Compensation.--
``(1) In general.--If, at the time that the amount added to
an individual's account under subsection (c)(1) (hereinafter
`additional emergency unemployment compensation') is exhausted
or at any time thereafter, such individual's State is in an
extended benefit period (as determined under paragraph (2)),
such account shall be further augmented by an amount
(hereinafter `further additional emergency unemployment
compensation') equal to the lesser of--
``(A) 50 percent of the total amount of regular
compensation (including dependents' allowances) payable
to the individual during the individual's benefit year
under the State law; or
``(B) 13 times the individual's average weekly
benefit amount (as determined under subsection (b)(2))
for the benefit year.
``(2) Extended benefit period.--For purposes of paragraph
(1), a State shall be considered to be in an extended benefit
period, as of any given time, if such a period would then be in
effect for such State under the Federal-State Extended
Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 if--
``(A) section 203(d) of such Act--
``(i) were applied by substituting `6' for
`5' each place it appears; and
``(ii) did not include the requirement
under paragraph (1)(A) thereof; or
``(B) section 203(f) of such Act were applied to
such State--
``(i) regardless of whether or not the
State had by law provided for its application;
``(ii) by substituting `8.5' for `6.5' in
paragraph (1)(A)(i) thereof; and
``(iii) as if it did not include the
requirement under paragraph (1)(A)(ii) thereof.
``(3) Coordination rule.--Notwithstanding an election under
section 4001(e) by a State to provide for the payment of
emergency unemployment compensation prior to extended
compensation, such State may pay extended compensation to an
otherwise eligible individual prior to any further additional
emergency unemployment compensation, if such individual claimed
extended compensation for at least 1 week of unemployment after
the exhaustion of additional emergency unemployment
compensation.
``(4) Limitation.--The account of an individual may be
augmented not more than once under this subsection.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment to Non-Augmentation Rule.--Section
4007(b)(2) of the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law
110-252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is amended--
(1) by striking ``then section 4002(c)'' and inserting
``then subsections (c) and (d) of section 4002''; and
(2) by striking ``paragraph (2) of such section)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (2) of such subsection (c) or (d) (as the
case may be))''.
(c) Transfer of Funds.--Section 4004(e)(1) of the Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-252; 26 U.S.C. 3304 note) is
amended by striking ``Act;'' and inserting ``Act and the Unemployment
Compensation Extension Act of 2009;''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply as if included in the enactment of the Supplemental
Appropriations Act, 2008, except that no amount shall be payable by
virtue of such amendments with respect to any week of unemployment
commencing before the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. 0.2 PERCENT FUTA SURTAX.
(a) In General.--Section 3301 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to rate of tax) is amended--
(1) by striking ``through 2009'' in paragraph (1) and
inserting ``through 2010'', and
(2) by striking ``calendar year 2010'' in paragraph (2) and
inserting ``calendar year 2011''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to wages paid after December 31, 2009.
SEC. 4. REPORTING OF FIRST DAY OF EARNINGS TO DIRECTORY OF NEW HIRES.
(a) In General.--Section 453A(b)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 653a(b)(1)(A)) is amended by inserting ``the date services
for remuneration were first performed by the employee,'' after ``of the
employee,''.
(b) Reporting Format and Method.--Section 453A(c) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653a(c)) is amended by inserting ``, to the
extent practicable,'' after ``Each report required by subsection (b)
shall''.
(c) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the amendments
made by this section shall take effect six months after the
date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Compliance transition period.--If the Secretary of
Health and Human Services determines that State legislation
(other than legislation appropriating funds) is required in
order for a State plan under part D of title IV of the Social
Security Act to meet the additional requirements imposed by the
amendment made by subsection (a), the plan shall not be
regarded as failing to meet such requirements before the first
day of the second calendar quarter beginning after the close of
the first regular session of the State legislature that begins
after the effective date of such amendment. If the State has a
2-year legislative session, each year of the session is deemed
to be a separate regular session of the State legislature.
SEC. 5. COLLECTION IN ALL STATES OF UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION DUE TO
FRAUD.
(a) In General.--Subsection (f) of section 6402 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking paragraph (3) and
redesignating paragraphs (4) through (8) as paragraphs (3) through (7),
respectively.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to refunds payable on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. | Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009 - Amends the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 with respect to the state-established individual emergency unemployment compensation account (EUCA). Requires a further additional Tier-3 period for deposits to an individual's EUCA, using the current formula, if, at the time the amount added to such individual's account under the Act is exhausted or at any time thereafter, the individual's state is in an extended benefit period.
Prescribes a formula for determining if a state is in an extended benefit period.
Allows the Tier-3 period augmentation to be applied to the individual's EUCA only once.
Authorizes a state to pay extended compensation to an otherwise eligible individual before any further additional emergency unemployment compensation (EUC), if such individual claimed extended compensation for at least one week of unemployment after the exhaustion of additional EUC.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend from 2009 through 2010 the 6.2% surtax on employers under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA). Delays the scheduled 2010 reduction in the surtax to 6% until 2011.
Amends title IV part D (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) of the Social Security Act to require an employer to report to the state Directory of New Hires, in addition to other information, the date services for remuneration were first performed by a newly hired employee.
Qualifies the requirement that an employer file new hire reports on a W-4 or equivalent form by adding the phrase "to the extent practicable."
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to revise conditions for state collection of unemployment compensation debts resulting from fraud. Repeals the limitation to residents of the state seeking such an offset of the requirement that the Secretary of the Treasury reduce an individual's overpayment of federal income tax to offset any covered unemployment compensation debt the individual owes such state. (Literally, repeals the requirement that the address shown on the federal tax return for the taxable year of the overpayment be an address within the state seeking the offset.) Permits the Secretary to make such an offset regardless of whether the person resides in the state seeking it. | A bill to amend the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2008 to provide for the temporary availability of certain additional emergency unemployment compensation, and for other purposes. |
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