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SECTION 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) the University of Alaska is the successor to and the
beneficiary of all Federal grants and conveyances to or for the
Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines;
(2) under the Acts of March 4, 1915, 38 Stat. 1214, and
January 21, 1929, 45 Stat. 1091, the United States granted to
the Territory of Alaska certain Federal lands for the
University of Alaska;
(3) the Territory did not receive most of the land intended
to be conveyed by the Act of March 4, 1915, before repeal of
that Act by section 6(k) of the Alaska Statehood Act (Public
Law 85-508, 72 Stat. 339);
(4) only one other State land grant college in the United
States has obtained a smaller land grant from the Federal
Government than has the University of Alaska, and all land
grant colleges in the western States of the United States have
obtained substantially larger land grants than has the
University of Alaska;
(5) an academically strong and financially secure state
university system is a cornerstone to the long-term development
of a stable population and to a healthy, diverse economy and is
in the national interest;
(6) the Federal Government now desires to acquire certain
lands for addendum to various conservation units;
(7) the national interest is served by transferring certain
Federal lands to the University of Alaska which will be able to
use and develop the resources of such lands and by returning
certain lands held by the University of Alaska located within
certain Federal conservation system units to Federal ownership;
and
(8) the University of Alaska holds valid legal title to and
is responsible for management of lands transferred by the
United States to the Territory and State of Alaska for the
University and an exchange of lands for lands that are capable
of producing revenues to support the education objectives of
the original grants is consistent with and in furtherance of
the purposes and terms of, and thus not in violation of, the
Federal grant of such lands.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to fulfill the original commitment of Congress to
establish the University of Alaska as a land grant university
with holdings sufficient to facilitate operation and
maintenance of a university system for the inhabitants of the
State of Alaska; and
(2) to acquire from the University of Alaska lands it holds
within Federal parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas to
further the purposes for which those areas were established.
SEC. 2. LAND GRANT.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to valid
existing rights, the University of Alaska (``University'') is entitled
to select up to 250,000 acres of Federal lands or interests in lands in
or adjacent to Alaska as a land grant. The Secretary of the Interior
(``Secretary'') shall promptly convey to the University the Federal
lands selected and approved in accordance with the provisions of this
Act.
(b)(1) Within forty-eight (48) months of the enactment of this Act,
the University of Alaska may submit to the Secretary a description of
lands or interests in lands for conveyance. The initial selection may
be less than or exceed 250,000 acres and the University may add or
delete lands or interests in lands, or until 250,000 patented acres
have been conveyed pursuant to this Act, except that the total of land
selected and conveyed shall not exceed 275,000 areas at any time.
(2) The University may select lands validly selected but not
conveyed to the State of Alaska or to a Native Corporation organized
pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688),
except that these lands or interests in lands may not be approved or
convey to the University unless the State of Alaska or the Native
Corporation relinquishes its selection in writing.
(3) The University may not make selections within a conversation
system unit, as defined in the Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (16 U.S.C. 3101), or in the Tongass National Forest
except within lands classified as LUD III or LUD IV by the United
States Forest Service and limited to areas of second growth timber
where timber harvest occurred after January 1, 1952.
(4) The University may make selections within the National
Petroleum Reserve--Alaska (``NPRA''), except that--
(A) no selection may be made within an area withdrawn for
village selection pursuant to section 11(a) of the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act for the Native villages of
Atkasook, Barrow, Nuiqsit and Wainwright;
(B) no selection may be made in the Teshekpuk Lake Special
Management Area as depicted on a map that is included in the
final environmental impact statement for the Northeast NPRA
dated October 7, 1998; and
(C) No selections may be made within those portions of NPRA
north of latitude 69 degrees North in excess of 92,000 acres
and no selection may be made within such area during the two
year period extending from the date of enactment of this Act.
The Secretary shall attempt to conclude an agreement with the
University of Alaska and the State of Alaska providing for
sharing NPRA leasing revenues within the two year period. If
the Secretary concludes such an agreement, the Secretary shall
transmit it to the Congress, and no selection may be made
within such area during the three year period extending from
the date of enactment of this Act. If legislation has not been
enacted within three years of the date of enactment of this Act
approving the agreement, the University of Alaska may make
selections within such area. An agreement shall provide for the
University of Alaska to receive a portion of annual revenues
from mineral leases within NPRA in lieu of any lands selections
within NPRA north of latitude 69 degrees North, but not to
exceed ten percent of such revenues or $9 million annually,
whichever is less.
(5) Within forty-five (45) days of receipt of a selection, the
Secretary shall publish notice of the selection in the Federal
Register. The notice shall identify the lands or interest in lands
included in the selection and provide for a period for public comment
not to exceed sixty (60) days.
(6) Within six months of the receipt of such a selection, the
Secretary shall accept or reject the selection and shall promptly
notify the University of his decision, including the reasons for any
rejection. A selection that is not rejected within six months of
notification to the Secretary is deemed approved.
(7) The Secretary may reject a selection if the Secretary finds
that the selection would have a significant adverse impact on the
ability of the Secretary to comply with the land entitlement provisions
of the Alaska Statehood Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
(43 U.S.C. 1601) or if the Secretary finds that the selection would
have a direct, significant and irreversible adverse effect on a
conservation system unit as defined in the Alaska National Interest
Conservation Act.
(8) The Secretary shall promptly publish notice of an acceptance or
rejection of a selection in the Federal Register.
(9) An action taken pursuant to this Act is not a major Federal
action within the meaning of section 102(2)(C) of Public Law 91-190 (83
Stat. 852, 853).
(c) The University may not select Federal lands or interests in
lands reserved for military purposes or reserved for the administration
of a Federal agency, unless the Secretary of Defense or the head of the
affected agency agrees to relinquish the lands or interest in lands.
(d) The University may select additional lands or interest in lands
to replace lands rejected by the Secretary.
(e) Lands or interests in lands shall be segregated and unavailable
for selection by and conveyance to the State of Alaska or a Native
Corporation and shall not be otherwise encumbered or disposed of by the
United States pending completion of the selection process.
(f) The University may enter selected lands on a non-exclusive
basis to assess the oil, gas, mineral and other resource potential
therein and to exercise due diligence regarding making a final
selection. The University, and its delegates or agents, shall be
permitted to engage in assessment techniques including, but not limited
to, core drilling to assess the metalliferous or other values, and
surface geological exploration and seismic exploration for oil and gas,
except that exploratory drilling of oil and gas wells shall not be
permitted.
(g) Within one year of the Secretary's approval of a selection, the
University may make a final decision whether to accept these lands or
interests in lands and shall notify the Secretary of its decision. The
Secretary shall publish notice of any such acceptance or rejection in
the Federal Register within six months. If the University has decided
to accept the selection, effective on the date that the notice of such
acceptance is published, all right, title, and interest of the United
States in the described selection shall vest in the University.
(h) Lakes, rivers and streams contained within final selections
shall be meandered and lands submerged thereunder shall be conveyed in
accordance with section 901 of the Alaska National Interest Lands
Conservation Act (94 Stat. 2371, 2430; 43 U.S.C. 1631).
(i) Upon completion of a survey of lands or interest in lands
subject to an interim approval, the Secretary shall promptly issue
patent to such lands or interests in lands.
(j) The Secretary of Agriculture and the heads of other Federal
departments and agencies shall promptly take such actions as may be
necessary to assist the Secretary in implementing this Act.
SEC. 3. RELINQUISHMENT OF CERTAIN UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA HOLDINGS.
(a) As a condition to any grant provided by section 2 of this Act,
the University shall begin to convey to the Secretary those lands
listed in ``The University of Alaska's Inholding Reconveyance
Document'' and dated November 13, 2001.
(b) The University shall begin conveyance of the lands described in
section 3(a) of this Act upon approval of selected lands and shall
convey to the Secretary a percentage of these lands approximately equal
to that percentage of the total grant represented by the approval. The
University shall not be required to convey to the Secretary any lands
other than those referred to in section 3(a) of this Act. The Secretary
shall accept quitclaim deeds from the University for these lands.
SEC. 4. JUDICIAL REVIEW.
The University of Alaska may bring an appropriate action, including
an action in the nature of mandamus, against the Department of the
Interior, naming the Secretary, for violation of this Act or for review
of a final agency decision taken under this Act. An action pursuant to
this section may be filed in the United States District Court for the
District of Alaska within two (2) years of the alleged violation or
final agency decision and such court shall have exclusive jurisdiction
over any such suit.
SEC. 5. STATE MATCHING GRANT.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law and subject to valid
existing rights, within forty-eight (48) months of receiving evidence
of ownership from the State, the University may, in addition to the
grant made available in section 2 of this Act, select up to 250,000
acres of Federal lands or interests in lands in or adjacent to Alaska
to be conveyed on an acre-for-acre basis as a matching grant for any
lands received from the State of Alaska after the date of enactment of
this Act.
(b) Selections of lands or interests in lands pursuant to this
section shall be in parcels of 25,000 acres or greater.
(c) Grants made pursuant to this section shall be separately
subject to the terms and conditions applicable to grants made under
section 2 of this Act.
Passed the Senate November 20 (legislative day November
19), 2002.
Attest:
JERI THOMSON,
Secretary. | Entitles the University of Alaska to take up to 250,000 acres of Federal lands or interests in lands in or adjacent to Alaska as a Federal grant in exchange for specified University holdings.Provides for selection of lands by the University and the approval and conveyance of lands by the Secretary of the Interior.Entitles the University to take up to an additional 250,000 acres in Federal lands or interests in lands in or adjacent to Alaska, to be conveyed on an acre-for-acre basis as a matching grant for any lands granted to the University by the State of Alaska after enactment of this Act. Permits the University to select, and requires the Secretary to convey, land pursuant to this State matching grant provision in parcels of 25,000 acres or greater. | A bill to provide for the continuation of higher education through the conveyance of certain public lands in the State of Alaska to the University of Alaska, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Trade Adjustment Assistance
Extension Act of 2011''.
TITLE I--EXTENSION OF TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE
SEC. 101. EXTENSION OF TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 1893 of the Trade and Globalization
Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5; 123 Stat. 422) is
repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 236(a)(2)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
U.S.C. 2296(a)(2)(A)) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is
amended by striking ``shall not exceed--'' and all that follows
and inserting ``shall not exceed $575,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2011 through 2016, and $143,750,000 for the 3-
month period beginning on October 1, 2016, and ending on
December 31, 2016.''.
(2) Section 245(a) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2317(a)) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is amended by
striking ``February 12, 2011'' and inserting ``December 31,
2016''.
(3) Section 246(b)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2318(b)(1)) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is amended by
striking ``February 12, 2011'' and inserting ``December 31,
2016''.
(4) Section 255(a) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2345(a)) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is amended by
striking ``for fiscal year 2010'' and all that follows and
inserting ``for each of the fiscal years 2011 through 2016, and
$12,500,000 for the 3-month period beginning on October 1,
2016, and ending on December 31, 2016. Amounts appropriated
pursuant to this subsection shall remain available until
expended.''.
(5) Section 275(f) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2371d(f)) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is amended by
striking ``December 15 in each of the calendar years 2009
through'' and inserting ``December 15, 2009,''.
(6) Section 276(c)(2) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2371e(c)(2)) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is amended by
striking ``not more than--'' and all that follows and inserting
``not more than $25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2011
through 2016, and $6,250,000 for the 3-month period beginning
on October 1, 2016, and ending on December 31, 2016.''.
(7) Section 277(c) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2371f(c)) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``this
subchapter--'' and all that follows and inserting
``this subchapter $150,000,000 for each of the fiscal
years 2011 through 2016, and $37,500,000 for the 3-
month period beginning on October 1, 2016, and ending
on December 31, 2016.''; and
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the
following:
``(2) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to this
subchapter shall remain available until expended.''.
(8) Section 278(e) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2372(e)) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is amended by
striking ``December 15 in each of the calendar years 2009
through'' and inserting ``December 15, 2009,''.
(9) Section 279A(h)(2) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2373(h)(2)) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is amended by
striking ``December 15 in each of the calendar years 2009
through'' and inserting ``December 15, 2009,''.
(10) Section 279B(a)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2373a(a)(1)) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is amended by
striking ``section 279A--'' and all that follows and inserting
``section 279A $40,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2011
through 2016, and $10,000,000 for the 3-month period beginning
on October 1, 2016, and ending on December 31, 2016.''.
(11) Section 285 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2271
note) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 285. TERMINATION.
``(a) Assistance for Workers.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2),
trade adjustment assistance, vouchers, allowances, and other
payments or benefits may not be provided under chapter 2 after
December 31, 2016.
``(2) Exception.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a worker
shall continue to receive trade adjustment assistance benefits
and other benefits under chapter 2 for any week for which the
worker meets the eligibility requirements of that chapter if
the worker is--
``(A) certified as eligible for trade adjustment
assistance benefits under chapter 2 pursuant to a
petition filed under section 221 on or before December
31, 2016; and
``(B) otherwise eligible to receive trade
adjustment assistance benefits under chapter 2.
``(b) Other Assistance.--
``(1) Assistance for firms.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), technical assistance and grants may
not be provided under chapter 3 after December 31,
2016.
``(B) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A),
any technical assistance or grant approved under
chapter 3 pursuant to a petition filed under section
251 on or before December 31, 2016, may be provided--
``(i) to the extent funds are available
pursuant to such chapter for such purpose; and
``(ii) to the extent the recipient of the
technical assistance or grant is otherwise
eligible to receive such technical assistance
or grant, as the case may be.
``(2) Farmers.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), technical assistance and financial
assistance may not be provided under chapter 6 after
December 31, 2016.
``(B) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A),
any technical or financial assistance approved under
chapter 6 pursuant to a petition filed under section
292 on or before December 31, 2016, may be provided--
``(i) to the extent funds are available
pursuant to such chapter for such purpose; and
``(ii) to the extent the recipient of the
technical or financial assistance is otherwise
eligible to receive such technical or financial
assistance, as the case may be.
``(3) Assistance for communities.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), technical assistance and grants may
not be provided under chapter 4 after December 31,
2016.
``(B) Exception.--Notwithstanding subparagraph (A),
any technical assistance or grant approved under
chapter 4 pursuant to a petition filed under section
273, or a grant proposal submitted under section 278 or
279A, on or before December 31, 2016, may be provided--
``(i) to the extent funds are available
pursuant to such chapter for such purpose; and
``(ii) to the extent the recipient of the
technical assistance or grant is otherwise
eligible to receive such technical assistance
or grant, as the case may be.''.
(12) Section 298(a) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C.
2401g(a)) (as in effect on February 12, 2011) is amended by
striking ``$10,400,000 for the 6-week period beginning January
1, 2011, and ending February 12, 2011,'' and inserting
``$90,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2011 through 2016,
and $22,500,000 for the 3-month period beginning on October 1,
2016, and ending on December 31, 2016''.
SEC. 102. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by section 101--
(1) shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this
Act; and
(2) shall apply to--
(A) petitions for certification filed under chapter
2, 3, or 6 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 on or
after such date of enactment; and
(B) petitions for assistance and proposals for
grants filed under chapter 4 of title II of the Trade
Act of 1974 on or after such date of enactment.
TITLE II--HEALTH COVERAGE IMPROVEMENT
SEC. 201. IMPROVEMENT OF THE AFFORDABILITY OF THE CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Section 35(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended by striking ``February 13, 2011'' and inserting ``January 1,
2017''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 7527(b) of such Code is amended
by striking ``February 13, 2011'' and inserting ``January 1, 2017''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to coverage months beginning after February 12, 2011.
SEC. 202. PAYMENT FOR THE MONTHLY PREMIUMS PAID PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT
OF THE ADVANCE PAYMENTS OF CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Section 7527(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by striking ``February 13, 2011'' and inserting
``January 1, 2017''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to coverage months beginning after February 12, 2011.
SEC. 203. TAA RECIPIENTS NOT ENROLLED IN TRAINING PROGRAMS ELIGIBLE FOR
CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Section 35(c)(2)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 is amended by striking ``February 13, 2011'' and inserting
``January 1, 2017''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to coverage months beginning after February 12, 2011.
SEC. 204. TAA PRE-CERTIFICATION PERIOD RULE FOR PURPOSES OF DETERMINING
WHETHER THERE IS A 63-DAY LAPSE IN CREDITABLE COVERAGE.
(a) IRC Amendment.--Section 9801(c)(2)(D) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``February 13, 2011'' and inserting
``January 1, 2017''.
(b) ERISA Amendment.--Section 701(c)(2)(C) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1181(c)(2)(C)) is
amended by striking ``February 13, 2011'' and inserting ``January 1,
2017''.
(c) PHSA Amendment.--Section 2701(c)(2)(C) of the Public Health
Service Act (as in effect for plan years beginning before January 1,
2014 (42 U.S.C. 300gg note)) is amended by striking ``February 13,
2011'' and inserting ``January 1, 2017''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to plan years beginning after February 12, 2011.
SEC. 205. CONTINUED QUALIFICATION OF FAMILY MEMBERS AFTER CERTAIN
EVENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 35(g)(9) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as added by section 1899E(a) of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 (relating to continued qualification of
family members after certain events), is amended by striking ``February
13, 2011'' and inserting ``January 1, 2017''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 173(f)(8) of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918(f)(8)) is amended by striking
``February 13, 2011'' and inserting ``January 1, 2017''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to months beginning after February 12, 2011.
SEC. 206. EXTENSION OF COBRA BENEFITS FOR CERTAIN TAA-ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS AND PBGC RECIPIENTS.
(a) ERISA Amendments.--
(1) PBGC recipients.--Section 602(2)(A)(v) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C.
1162(2)(A)(v)) is amended by striking ``February 12, 2011'' and
inserting ``December 31, 2016''.
(2) TAA-eligible individuals.--Section 602(2)(A)(vi) of
such Act (29 U.S.C. 1162(2)(A)(vi)) is amended by striking
``February 12, 2011'' and inserting ``December 31, 2016''.
(b) IRC Amendments.--
(1) PBGC recipients.--Section 4980B(f)(2)(B)(i)(V) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``February
12, 2011'' and inserting ``December 31, 2016''.
(2) TAA-eligible individuals.--Section
4980B(f)(2)(B)(i)(VI) of such Code is amended by striking
``February 12, 2011'' and inserting ``December 31, 2016''.
(c) PHSA Amendments.--Section 2202(2)(A)(iv) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300bb-2(2)(A)(iv)) is amended by striking
``February 12, 2011'' and inserting ``December 31, 2016''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to periods of coverage which would (without regard to the
amendments made by this section) end on or after February 13, 2011.
SEC. 207. ADDITION OF COVERAGE THROUGH VOLUNTARY EMPLOYEES' BENEFICIARY
ASSOCIATIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 35(e)(1)(K) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 is amended by striking ``February 13, 2012'' and inserting
``January 1, 2017''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to coverage months beginning after February 12, 2011.
SEC. 208. NOTICE REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 7527(d)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by striking ``February 13, 2011'' and inserting
``January 1, 2017''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to certificates issued after February 12, 2011.
TITLE III--OFFSETS
SEC. 301. REQUIRED MINIMUM 10-YEAR TERM, ETC., FOR GRANTOR RETAINED
ANNUITY TRUSTS.
(a) In General.--Subsection (b) of section 2702 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) as
subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and by moving
such subparagraphs (as so redesignated) 2 ems to the right;
(2) by striking ``For purposes of'' and inserting the
following:
``(1) In general.--For purposes of'';
(3) by striking ``paragraph (1) or (2)'' in paragraph
(1)(C) (as so redesignated) and inserting ``subparagraph (A) or
(B)''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Additional requirements with respect to grantor
retained annuities.--For purposes of subsection (a), in the
case of an interest described in paragraph (1)(A) (determined
without regard to this paragraph) which is retained by the
transferor, such interest shall be treated as described in such
paragraph only if--
``(A) the right to receive the fixed amounts
referred to in such paragraph is for a term of not less
than 10 years,
``(B) such fixed amounts, when determined on an
annual basis, do not decrease relative to any prior
year during the first 10 years of the term referred to
in subparagraph (A), and
``(C) the remainder interest has a value greater
than zero determined as of the time of the transfer.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to transfers made after December 31, 2010.
TITLE IV--BUDGETARY EFFECTS
SEC. 401. COMPLIANCE WITH PAYGO.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying
with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by
reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO
Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional
Record by the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, provided that
such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage. | Trade Adjustment Assistance Extension Act of 2011 - Amends the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009 to repeal the December 31, 2011, termination date for trade adjustment assistance (TAA) programs.
Amends the Trade Act of 1974 to extend TAA programs through December 31, 2016.
Extends TAA through December 31, 2016, for: (1) workers, (2) firms, (3) farmers, and (4) communities.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend through December 31, 2016, the 80% tax credit for health insurance costs (including advance payments) for TAA (as well as Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation [PBGC] pension) recipients.
Makes TAA recipients who are in a break in training under a training program, or who are receiving unemployment compensation, eligible for such tax credit for the period through December 31, 2016.
Amends the IRC, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Public Health Service Act (PHSA) to extend through December 31, 2016, the TAA pre-certification period rule disregarding any 63-day lapse in creditable health care coverage for TAA workers.
Extends the continued eligibility for the credit for qualifying family members and certain qualified TAA-eligible individuals and PBGC pension recipients for COBRA premium assistance through December 31, 2016.
Extends through December 31, 2016, coverage under an employee benefit plan funded by a voluntary employees' beneficiary association established pursuant to an order of a bankruptcy court, or by agreement with an authorized representative.
Expands rules for valuing assets in grantor retained annuity trusts to require: (1) that the right to receive fixed amounts from an annuity last for a term of not less than 10 years and that such fixed amounts not decrease during the first 10 years of the annuity term, and (2) that the remainder interest have a value greater than zero when transferred. | A bill to extend trade adjustment assistance, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Pullman National Historical Park
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) in 1970, the Secretary of the Interior designated the
Pullman Historic District as a National Historic Landmark
District in 1970 because of--
(A) the significance of the District to the labor
history, social history, architecture, and urban
planning of the United States; and
(B) the pivotal role of events in the District in
creating the first national Labor Day holiday in the
world;
(2) between 1880 and 1884 George M. Pullman, owner of the
Pullman Palace Car Company, built the Pullman community, which
was envisioned by Pullman as an industrial town that would
provide employees with--
(A) a model community; and
(B) suitable living conditions;
(3) the town developed by George M. Pullman, which
consisted of over 1,000 buildings and homes, was awarded ``The
World's Most Perfect Town'' at the International Hygienic and
Pharmaceutical Exposition in 1896;
(4) the Pullman factory site is a true symbol of the
historic struggle in the United States to achieve fair labor
practices for the working class, with the original factory
serving as the catalyst for the first industry-wide strike in
the United States;
(5) in the midst of economic depression in 1894, to protest
unsafe conditions and reductions in pay, Pullman factory
workers initiated a strike that--
(A) when taken up as a cause by the American
Railway Union, crippled the entire rail industry;
(B) continued even in the face of a Federal
injunction and a showdown between laborers and Federal
troops that turned violent and deadly; and
(C) set a national example for the ability of
working people in the United States to change the
existing system in favor of more just practices for
protecting workers rights and safety;
(6) following the deaths of a number of workers at the
hands of the United States military and United States Marshals
during the 1894 strike, Congress unanimously voted to approve
rush legislation that created a national Labor Day holiday,
which was signed into law by President Grover Cleveland 6 days
after the end of the strike;
(7) the Pullman Palace Car Company also played an important
role in African-American and early civil rights history through
the legacy of the Pullman porters, many of whom were ex-slaves
were employed in a heavily discriminatory environment
immediately following the Civil War;
(8) the Pullman porters, who served diligently between the
1870s and the 1960s, have been commended for--
(A) the level of service and attention to detail of
the Pullman porters; and
(B) the contributions of the Pullman porters to the
development of the African-American middle class;
(9) the information, ideas, and commerce the Pullman
porters carried across the country while traveling on trains
helped to bring education and wealth to African-American
communities throughout the United States;
(10) the positive role of the Pullman porters in the
historical image of the first-class service that was made
available on Pullman cars is unmistakable;
(11) the Pullman community was the seminal home to the
Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, which--
(A) was the first African-American labor union with
a collective bargaining agreement;
(B) was founded by civil rights pioneer A. Philip
Randolph in 1925;
(C) fought against discrimination and in support of
just labor practices; and
(D) helped lay the groundwork for what became the
great Civil Rights Movement of the 20th Century;
(12) the Pullman community is--
(A) a paramount illustration of the work of
architect Solon Spencer Beman;
(B) a well-preserved example of 19th Century
community planning, architecture, and landscape design;
and
(C) comprised of a number of historic structures,
including the Administration Clock Tower Building,
Hotel Florence, Greenstone Church, Market Square, and
hundreds of units of rowhouses built for Pullman
workers;
(13) the preservation of the Pullman site has been
threatened by--
(A) plans for demolition in 1960; and
(B) a fire in 1998, which damaged the iconic clock
tower and the rear erecting shops;
(14) the diligent efforts of community organizations,
foundations, nonprofits, residents, the State, and units of
local government in the restoration and preservation of the
District after the 1998 fire were vital to the protection of
the Pullman site;
(15) due to the historic and architectural significance of
the District, the District is designated as--
(A) a registered National Historic Landmark
District;
(B) an Illinois State Landmark; and
(C) a City of Chicago Landmark District; and
(16) the preservation, enhancement, economic, and tourism
potential and management of the important historic and
architectural resources of the Park requires cooperation and
partnerships from among local property owners, the Federal
Government, the State, units of local government, the private
and nonprofit sectors, and the more than 100 civic
organizations who have expressed support for community
preservation through the establishment of the Pullman National
Historical Park.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Park.--The term ``Park'' means the Pullman National
Historical Park established by section 4(a).
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(3) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Illinois.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PULLMAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK.
(a) Establishment and Purpose.--There is established in the State a
unit of the National Park System, to be known as the ``Pullman National
Historical Park''--
(1) to preserve and interpret for the benefit of future
generations--
(A) the significant labor, industrial, civil
rights, and social history of the Park;
(B) the significant architectural structures in the
Park; and
(C) the role of the Pullman community in the
creation of the first national Labor Day holiday in the
world;
(2) to coordinate preservation, protection, and
interpretation efforts of the Park by the Federal Government,
the State, units of local government, and private and nonprofit
organizations; and
(3) to coordinate appropriate management options necessary
to ensure the protection, preservation, and interpretation of
the many significant aspects of the Park.
(b) Park Boundary.--The boundary of the Park shall be established
by the Secretary, but shall not exceed the boundary of the
approximately 300-acre Pullman Historic District in Chicago, which is
between 103rd Street on the north, 115th Street on the south, Cottage
Grove Avenue on the west, and the Norfolk & Western Rail Line on the
east.
(c) Inclusion of Historic Sites.--On conveyance by the State to the
Secretary, the Park shall include--
(1) the Pullman Factory Complex, including the Clock Tower
Building and rear erecting shops; and
(2) the approximately 13 acres of land on which the
structures described in paragraph (1) are located.
SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer land within the
boundary of the Park in accordance with--
(1) this Act; and
(2) the laws generally applicable to units of the National
Park System, including--
(A) the National Park Service Organic Act (16
U.S.C. 1 et seq.); and
(B) the Act of August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461 et
seq.).
(b) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary may enter into
cooperative agreements with the State or other public and nonpublic
entities, under which the Secretary may identify, interpret, and
provide assistance for the preservation of non-Federal land within the
boundaries of the Park and at sites in close proximity to the Park but
located outside the boundaries of the Park, including providing for
placement of directional and interpretive signage, exhibits, and
technology-based interpretive devices.
(c) Acquisition of Land.--The Secretary may acquire for inclusion
in the Park any land (including interests in land), buildings, or
structures owned by the State or any other political, private, or
nonprofit entity by donation, transfer, exchange, or purchase from a
willing seller.
(d) Management Plan.--Not later than 3 fiscal years after the date
on which funds are first made available to carry out this Act, the
Secretary, in consultation with the State, shall complete a general
management plan for the Park in accordance with--
(1) section 12(b) of the National Park System General
Authorities Act (16 U.S.C. 1a-7(b)); and
(2) any other applicable laws.
(e) Effect.--Nothing in this Act modifies any authority of the
Federal Government to carry out Federal laws on Federal land located in
the Park.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this Act. | Pullman National Historical Park Act - Establishes the Pullman National Historical Park in Illinois as a unit of the National Park System to: (1) preserve and interpret for the benefit of future generations the significant labor, industrial, civil rights, and social history of the Park, the significant architectural structures in the Park, and the role of the Pullman community in the creation of the first national Labor Day holiday in the world; (2) coordinate preservation, protection, and interpretation efforts of the Park by the federal government, the state of Illinois, units of local government, and private and nonprofit organizations; and (3) coordinate appropriate management options necessary to ensure the protection, preservation, and interpretation of the many significant aspects of the Park. Requires the Park to include: (1) the Pullman Factory Complex, including the Clock Tower Building and rear erecting shops; and (2) the approximately 13 acres of land upon which such structures are located. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to complete a general management plan for the Park. | Pullman National Historical Park Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Energy Innovation
Capabilities Act''.
SEC. 2. NUCLEAR ENERGY.
Section 951 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 951. NUCLEAR ENERGY.
``(a) Mission.--The Secretary shall conduct programs of civilian
nuclear research, development, demonstration, and commercial
application, including activities in this subtitle. Such programs shall
take into consideration the following objectives:
``(1) Providing research infrastructure to promote
scientific progress and enable users from academia, the
National Laboratories, and the private sector to make
scientific discoveries relevant for nuclear, chemical, and
materials science engineering.
``(2) Maintaining National Laboratory and university
nuclear energy research and development programs, including
their infrastructure.
``(3) Providing the technical means to reduce the
likelihood of nuclear weapons proliferation and increasing
confidence margins for public safety of nuclear energy systems.
``(4) Reducing the environmental impact of nuclear energy
related activities.
``(5) Supporting technology transfer from the National
Laboratories to the private sector.
``(6) Enabling the private sector to partner with the
National Laboratories to demonstrate novel reactor concepts for
the purpose of resolving technical uncertainty associated with
the aforementioned objectives in this subsection.
``(b) Definitions.--In this subtitle:
``(1) Advanced fission reactor.--The term `advanced fission
reactor' means a nuclear fission reactor with significant
improvements over the most recent generation of nuclear
reactors, which may include inherent safety features, lower
waste yields, greater fuel utilization, superior reliability,
resistance to proliferation, and increased thermal efficiency.
``(2) Fast neutron.--The term `fast neutron' means a
neutron with kinetic energy above 100 kiloelectron volts.
``(3) National laboratory.--The term `National Laboratory'
has the meaning given that term in paragraph (3) of section 2,
except that with respect to subparagraphs (G), (H), and (N) of
such paragraph, for purposes of this subtitle the term includes
only the civilian activities thereof.
``(4) Neutron flux.--The term `neutron flux' means the
intensity of neutron radiation measured as a rate of flow of
neutrons applied over an area.
``(5) Neutron source.--The term `neutron source' means a
research machine that provides neutron irradiation services for
research on materials sciences and nuclear physics as well as
testing of advanced materials, nuclear fuels, and other related
components for reactor systems.
``(c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that
nuclear energy, through fission or fusion, represents the highest
energy density of any known attainable source and yields zero air
emissions. This energy source is of national importance to scientific
progress, national security, electricity generation, heat generation
for industrial applications, and space exploration. Considering the
inherent complexity and regulatory burden associated with this area of
science, the Department should focus its civilian nuclear research and
development activities towards programs that enable the private sector,
National Laboratories, and universities to carry out such experiments
as are necessary to promote scientific progress and enhance practical
knowledge of nuclear engineering.''.
SEC. 3. NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
Section 952 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16272) is
amended--
(1) by striking subsection (c); and
(2) by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections
(c) and (d), respectively.
SEC. 4. ADVANCED FUEL CYCLE INITIATIVE.
Section 953(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16273(a)) is amended by striking ``, acting through the Director of the
Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology,''.
SEC. 5. UNIVERSITY NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SUPPORT.
Section 954(d)(4) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16274(d)(4)) is amended by striking ``as part of a taking into
consideration effort that emphasizes'' and inserting ``that
emphasize''.
SEC. 6. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CIVILIAN NUCLEAR INFRASTRUCTURE AND
FACILITIES.
Section 955 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16275) is
amended--
(1) by striking subsections (c) and (d); and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Versatile Neutron Source.--
``(1) Mission need.--Not later than December 31, 2016, the
Secretary shall determine the mission need for a versatile
reactor-based fast neutron source, which shall operate as a
national user facility. During this process, the Secretary
shall consult with the private sector, universities, National
Laboratories, and relevant Federal agencies to ensure that this
user facility will meet the research needs of the largest
possible majority of prospective users.
``(2) Establishment.--Upon the determination of mission
need made under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, as
expeditiously as possible, provide to the Committee on Science,
Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a
detailed plan for the establishment of the user facility.
``(3) Facility requirements.--
``(A) Capabilities.--The Secretary shall ensure
that this user facility will provide, at a minimum, the
following capabilities:
``(i) Fast neutron spectrum irradiation
capability.
``(ii) Capacity for upgrades to accommodate
new or expanded research needs.
``(B) Considerations.--In carrying out the plan
provided under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall
consider the following:
``(i) Capabilities that support
experimental high-temperature testing.
``(ii) Providing a source of fast neutrons
at a neutron flux, higher than that at which
current research facilities operate, sufficient
to enable research for an optimal base of
prospective users.
``(iii) Maximizing irradiation flexibility
and irradiation volume to accommodate as many
concurrent users as possible.
``(iv) Capabilities for irradiation with
neutrons of a lower energy spectrum.
``(v) Multiple loops for fuels and
materials testing in different coolants.
``(vi) Additional pre-irradiation and post-
irradiation examination capabilities.
``(vii) Lifetime operating costs and
lifecycle costs.
``(4) Reporting progress.--The Department shall, in its
annual budget requests, provide an explanation for any delay in
its progress and otherwise make every effort to complete
construction and approve the start of operations for this
facility by December 31, 2025.
``(5) Coordination.--The Secretary shall leverage the best
practices for management, construction, and operation of
national user facilities from the Office of Science.''.
SEC. 7. SECURITY OF NUCLEAR FACILITIES.
Section 956 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16276) is
amended by striking ``, acting through the Director of the Office of
Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology,''.
SEC. 8. HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTATION AND SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH.
Section 957 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16277) is
amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 957. HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTATION AND SUPPORTIVE RESEARCH.
``(a) Modeling and Simulation.--The Secretary shall carry out a
program to enhance the Nation's capabilities to develop new reactor
technologies through high-performance computation modeling and
simulation techniques. This program shall coordinate with relevant
Federal agencies through the National Strategic Computing Initiative
created under Executive Order No. 13702 (July 29, 2015) while taking
into account the following objectives:
``(1) Utilizing expertise from the private sector,
universities, and National Laboratories to develop
computational software and capabilities that prospective users
may access to accelerate research and development of advanced
fission reactor systems, nuclear fusion systems, and reactor
systems for space exploration.
``(2) Developing computational tools to simulate and
predict nuclear phenomena that may be validated through
physical experimentation.
``(3) Increasing the utility of the Department's research
infrastructure by coordinating with the Advanced Scientific
Computing Research program within the Office of Science.
``(4) Leveraging experience from the Energy Innovation Hub
for Modeling and Simulation.
``(5) Ensuring that new experimental and computational
tools are accessible to relevant research communities.
``(b) Supportive Research Activities.--The Secretary shall consider
support for additional research activities to maximize the utility of
its research facilities, including physical processes to simulate
degradation of materials and behavior of fuel forms and for validation
of computational tools.''.
SEC. 9. ENABLING NUCLEAR ENERGY INNOVATION.
Subtitle E of title IX of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C.
16271 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 958. ENABLING NUCLEAR ENERGY INNOVATION.
``(a) National Reactor Innovation Center.--The Secretary shall
carry out a program to enable the testing and demonstration of reactor
concepts to be proposed and funded by the private sector. The Secretary
shall leverage the technical expertise of relevant Federal agencies and
National Laboratories in order to minimize the time required to enable
construction and operation of privately funded experimental reactors at
National Laboratories or other Department-owned sites while ensuring
reasonable safety for persons working within these sites. Such reactors
shall operate to meet the following objectives:
``(1) Enabling physical validation of novel reactor
concepts.
``(2) Resolving technical uncertainty and increasing
practical knowledge relevant to safety, resilience, security,
and functionality of first-of-a-kind reactor concepts.
``(3) General research and development to improve nascent
technologies.
``(b) Reporting Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of enactment of the Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act,
the Secretary, in consultation with the National Laboratories, relevant
Federal agencies, and other stakeholders, shall transmit to the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of
the Senate a report assessing the Department's capabilities to
authorize, host, and oversee privately funded fusion and advanced
fission experimental reactors as described under subsection (a). The
report shall address the following:
``(1) The Department's safety review and oversight
capabilities, including options to leverage expertise from the
Nuclear Regulatory Commission and National Laboratories.
``(2) Potential sites capable of hosting activities
described under subsection (a).
``(3) The efficacy of the Department's available
contractual mechanisms to partner with the private sector and
Federal agencies, including cooperative research and
development agreements, strategic partnership projects, and
agreements for commercializing technology.
``(4) Potential cost structures related to physical
security, decommissioning, liability, and other long-term
project costs.
``(5) Other challenges or considerations identified by the
Secretary.''.
SEC. 10. BUDGET PLAN.
(a) In General.--Subtitle E of title IX of the Energy Policy Act of
2005 (42 U.S.C. 16271 et seq.) is further amended by adding at the end
the following:
``SEC. 959. BUDGET PLAN.
``Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of the
Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act, the Department shall
transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate 2 alternative 10-year budget plans for civilian
nuclear energy research and development by the Department. The first
shall assume constant annual funding for 10 years at the appropriated
level for the Department's civilian nuclear energy research and
development for fiscal year 2016. The second shall be an unconstrained
budget. The two plans shall include--
``(1) a prioritized list of the Department's programs,
projects, and activities to best support the development of
next generation nuclear energy technology;
``(2) realistic budget requirements for the Department to
implement sections 955(c), 957, and 958 of this Act; and
``(3) the Department's justification for continuing or
terminating existing civilian nuclear energy research and
development programs.''.
(b) Report on Fusion Innovation.--Not later than 6 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of
Energy shall transmit to the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources of the Senate a report that will identify
engineering designs for innovative fusion energy systems that have the
potential to demonstrate net energy production not later than 15 years
after the start of construction. In this report, the Secretary will
identify budgetary requirements that would be necessary for the
Department to carry out a fusion innovation initiative to accelerate
research and development of these designs.
SEC. 11. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
The table of contents for the Energy Policy Act of 2005 is amended
by striking the item relating to section 957 and inserting the
following:
``957. High-performance computation and supportive research.
``958. Enabling nuclear energy innovation.
``959. Budget plan.''.
Passed the House of Representatives February 29, 2016.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act (Sec. 2) This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to revise the objectives of the civilian nuclear energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs of the Department of Energy (DOE) to emphasize: providing research infrastructure to promote scientific progress and enable users from academia, the National Laboratories, and the private sector to make scientific discoveries relevant for nuclear, chemical, and materials science engineering; and enabling the private sector to partner with the National Laboratories to demonstrate novel reactor concepts for the purpose of resolving technical uncertainty associated with the aforementioned objectives. The bill expresses the sense of Congress regarding nuclear energy, urging DOE to focus its civilian nuclear research and development activities towards programs that enable the private sector, National Laboratories, and universities to carry out experiments necessary to promote scientific progress and enhance practical knowledge of nuclear engineering. (Sec. 3) The bill repeals the Nuclear Power 2010 Program, and makes technical corrections removing the Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology as the designated entity to conduct the research, development, and demonstration programs on advanced fuel recycling technology and cost-effective technologies for increasing the safety and security of nuclear facilities. (The Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology was replaced in DOE by the Office of Nuclear Energy, the Office of Science, and the Office of Technology Transitions.) (Sec. 6) The bill repeals requirements for development of a comprehensive plan for the operation and maintenance of its facilities at the Idaho National Laboratory to support civilian nuclear energy research, development, demonstration, and commercial application programs, including radiological facilities management, isotope production, and facilities management. By December 31, 2016, DOE shall instead determine the mission need for a versatile reactor-based fast neutron source, which shall operate as a national user facility and, if such a need is determined, give Congress a plan to establish the facility. DOE shall ensure that the user facility will provide at a minimum: fast neutron spectrum irradiation capability, and capacity for upgrades to accommodate new or expanded research needs. The DOE shall leverage from the Office of Science the best practices for management, construction, and operation of national user facilities. (Sec. 8) The bill repeals the requirement that by August 1, 2006, DOE submit to Congress the results of a survey of alternatives to industrial applications of large radioactive sources. DOE shall instead carry out a program to enhance the nation's capabilities to develop new reactor technologies through high-performance computing modeling and simulation techniques. Such program shall coordinate with relevant federal agencies through the National Strategic Computing Initiative while taking into account specified objectives. (Sec. 9) DOE shall also carry out a program to enable the testing and demonstration of reactor concepts to be proposed and funded by the private sector. DOE shall leverage the technical expertise of relevant federal agencies and national laboratories in order to minimize the time required to enable construction and operation of privately funded experimental reactors at national laboratories or other DOE-owned sites while ensuring safety for persons working within those sites. Such reactors shall operate to enable physical validation of novel reactor concepts and generate research and development to improve nascent technologies. DOE shall assess its capabilities to authorize, host, and oversee privately funded fusion and advanced fission experimental reactors. (Sec. 10) Within 12 months of this bill's enactment, DOE must submit to Congress two alternative 10-year budget plans for civilian nuclear energy research and development by the DOE, one assuming constant annual funding for 10 years at the appropriated FY2016 level, and the other an unconstrained budget. DOE must also identify to Congress: engineering designs for innovative fusion energy systems with the potential to demonstrate net energy production within 15 years of the start of construction, and budgetary requirements necessary for DOE to carry out a fusion innovation initiative to accelerate research and development of those designs. | Nuclear Energy Innovation Capabilities Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Post-Abortion Depression Research
and Care Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) About 3,000,000 women per year in the United States
have an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy, and approximately
1,186,000 of these pregnancies end in elective abortion.
(2) Abortion can have severe and long-term effects on the
mental and emotional well-being of women. Women often
experience sadness and guilt following abortions with no one to
console them. They may have difficulty in bonding with new
babies, become overprotective parents or develop problems in
their relationship with their spouses. Problems such as eating
disorders, depression and suicide attempts have also been
traced to past abortions.
(3) The symptoms of post-abortion depression include bouts
of crying, guilt, intense grief or sadness, emotional numbness,
eating disorders, drug and alcohol abuse, suicidal urges,
anxiety and panic attacks, anger/rage, sexual problems or
promiscuity, lowered self esteem, nightmares and sleep
disturbance, flashbacks, and difficulty with relationships.
(4) Women who aborted a first pregnancy are four times more
likely to report substance abuse compared to those who suffered
a natural loss of their first pregnancy, and they are five
times more likely to report subsequent substance abuse than
women who carried to term.
(5) Greater thought suppression is associated with
experiencing more intrusive thoughts of the abortion. Both
suppression and intrusive thoughts, in turn, are positively
related to increases in psychological distress over time.
(6) Women who experience decision-making difficulties and
may lack social support may experience more negative emotional
consequences to induced abortion.
(7) Post-abortion depression often relates to the lack of
understanding in society and the medical community of the
complexity of post-abortion depression, and economic pressures
placed on hospitals and providers are contributing factors.
(8) Social pressure to have an abortion can be directly
related to higher levels of immediate regret and more mental
undoing over subsequent years.
(9) Post-abortion depression is a treatable disorder if
promptly diagnosed by a trained provider and attended to with a
personalized regimen of care including social support, therapy,
medication, and when necessary hospitalization.
(10) While there have been many studies regarding the
emotional aftermath of abortion, very little research has been
sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
TITLE I--RESEARCH ON POST-ABORTION DEPRESSION AND PSYCHOSIS
SEC. 101. EXPANSION AND INTENSIFICATION OF ACTIVITIES OF NATIONAL
INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting
through the Director of NIH and the Director of the National Institute
of Mental Health (in this section referred to as the ``Institute''),
shall expand and intensify research and related activities of the
Institute with respect to post-abortion depression and post-abortion
psychosis (in this section referred to as ``post-abortion
conditions'').
(b) Coordination With Other Institutes.--The Director of the
Institute shall coordinate the activities of the Director under
subsection (a) with similar activities conducted by the other national
research institutes and agencies of the National Institutes of Health
to the extent that such Institutes and agencies have responsibilities
that are related to post-abortion conditions.
(c) Programs for Post-Abortion Conditions.--In carrying out
subsection (a), the Director of the Institute shall conduct or support
research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and to find a
cure for, post-abortion conditions. Activities under such subsection
shall include conducting and supporting the following:
(1) Basic research concerning the etiology and causes of
the conditions.
(2) Epidemiological studies to address the frequency and
natural history of the conditions and the differences among
racial and ethnic groups with respect to the conditions.
(3) The development of improved diagnostic techniques.
(4) Clinical research for the development and evaluation of
new treatments, including new biological agents.
(5) Information and education programs for health care
professionals and the public.
(d) Longitudinal Study.--
(1) In general.--The Director of the Institute shall
conduct a national longitudinal study to determine the
incidence and prevalence of cases of post-abortion conditions,
and the symptoms, severity, and duration of such cases, toward
the goal of more fully identifying the characteristics of such
cases and developing diagnostic techniques.
(2) Report.--Beginning not later than 3 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, and periodically thereafter
for the duration of the study under paragraph (1), the Director
of the Institute shall prepare and submit to the Congress
reports on the findings of the study.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for
each of the fiscal years 2002 through 2006.
TITLE II--DELIVERY OF SERVICES REGARDING POST-ABORTION DEPRESSION AND
PSYCHOSIS
SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM OF GRANTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in
this title referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall in accordance with
this title make grants to provide for projects for the establishment,
operation, and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for
the delivery of essential services to individuals with post-abortion
depression or post-abortion psychosis (referred to in this section as a
``post-abortion condition) and their families.
(b) Recipients of Grants.--A grant under subsection (a) may be made
to an entity only if the entity--
(1) is a public or nonprofit private entity, which may
include a State or local government; a public or nonprofit
private hospital, community-based organization, hospice,
ambulatory care facility, community health center, migrant
health center, or homeless health center; or other appropriate
public or nonprofit private entity; and
(2) had experience in providing the services described in
subsection (a) before the date of the enactment of this Act.
(c) Certain Activities.--To the extent practicable and appropriate,
the Secretary shall ensure that projects under subsection (a) provide
services for the diagnosis and management of post-abortion conditions.
Activities that the Secretary may authorize for such projects may also
include the following:
(1) Delivering or enhancing outpatient and home-based
health and support services, including case management,
screening and comprehensive treatment services for individuals
with or at risk for post-abortion conditions; and delivering or
enhancing support services for their families.
(2) Delivering or enhancing inpatient care management
services that ensure the well being of the mother and family
and the future development of the infant.
(3) Improving the quality, availability, and organization
of health care and support services (including transportation
services, attendant care, homemaker services, day or respite
care, and providing counseling on financial assistance and
insurance) for individuals with post-abortion conditions and
support services for their families.
(d) Integration With Other Programs.--To the extent practicable and
appropriate, the Secretary shall integrate the program under this title
with other grant programs carried out by the Secretary, including the
program under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act.
(e) Limitation on Amount of Grants.--A grant under subsection (a)
may not for any fiscal year be made in an amount exceeding $100,000.
SEC. 202. CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS.
A grant may be made under section 201 only if the applicant
involved makes the following agreements:
(1) Not more than 5 percent of the grant will be used for
administration, accounting, reporting, and program oversight
functions.
(2) The grant will be used to supplement and not supplant
funds from other sources related to the treatment of post-
abortion conditions.
(3) The applicant will abide by any limitations deemed
appropriate by the Secretary on any charges to individuals
receiving services pursuant to the grant. As deemed appropriate
by the Secretary, such limitations on charges may vary based on
the financial circumstances of the individual receiving
services.
(4) The grant will not be expended to make payment for
services authorized under section 201(a) to the extent that
payment has been made, or can reasonably be expected to be
made, with respect to such services--
(A) under any State compensation program, under an
insurance policy, or under any Federal or State health
benefits program; or
(B) by an entity that provides health services on a
prepaid basis.
(5) The applicant will, at each site at which the applicant
provides services under section 201(a), post a conspicuous
notice informing individuals who receive the services of any
Federal policies that apply to the applicant with respect to
the imposition of charges on such individuals.
SEC. 203. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
The Secretary may provide technical assistance to assist entities
in complying with the requirements of this title in order to make such
entities eligible to receive grants under section 201.
SEC. 204. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
For the purpose of carrying out this title, there is authorized to
be appropriated $300,000 for each of the fiscal years 2002 through
2006. | Post-Abortion Depression Research and Care Act - Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health and the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, to expand and intensify research and related activities of the Institute with respect to post-abortion depression and post-abortion psychosis.Requires the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health to: (1) conduct or support research to expand the understanding of the causes of, and to find a cure for, post-abortion conditions; and (2) conduct a national longitudinal study to determine the incidence and prevalence of cases of post-abortion conditions, and the symptoms, severity, and duration of such cases, toward the goal of more fully identifying the characteristics of such cases and developing diagnostic techniques.Requires the Secretary to make grants of up to $100,000 per fiscal year, under specified conditions, to provide for projects for the establishment, operation, and coordination of effective and cost-efficient systems for the delivery of essential services to individuals with post-abortion depression or post-abortion psychosis. | To provide for research on, and services for individuals with, post-abortion depression and psychosis. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Child Support Enforcement Act of
1994''.
SEC. 2. SEIZURE OF LOTTERY WINNINGS, SETTLEMENTS, PAYOUTS, AND SALE OF
FORFEITED PROPERTY TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT ARREARAGES.
Section 466(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 666(a)) is
amended by inserting after paragraph (11) the following:
``(12) Procedures under which a lien is imposed against
property with the following effect:
``(A) The distributor of winnings from a State
lottery or State-sanctioned or tribal-sanctioned
gambling house or casino shall--
``(i) suspend payment of the winnings from
the person otherwise entitled to the payment
until an inquiry is made to and a response is
received from the State child support
enforcement agency as to whether the person
owes a child support arrearage;
``(ii) withhold from the payment the lesser
of the amount of the payment or the amount of
the arrearage; and
``(iii) pay the amount withheld to the
agency for distribution.
``(B) The person required to make a payment under a
policy of insurance or a settlement of a claim made
with respect to the policy shall--
``(i) suspend the payment until an inquiry
is made to and a response received from the
State agency as to whether the person otherwise
entitled to the payment owes a child support
arrearage; and
``(ii) if there is such arrearage--
``(I) withhold from the payment the
lesser of the amount of the payment or
the amount of the arrearage; and
``(II) pay the amount withheld to
the State agency for distribution.
``(C) The payor of any amount pursuant to an award,
judgment, or settlement in any action brought in
Federal or State court shall--
``(i) suspend the payment until an inquiry
is made to and a response received from the
State agency as to whether the person otherwise
entitled to the payment owes a child support
arrearage; and
``(ii) if there is such arrearage--
``(I) withhold from the payment the
lesser of the amount of the payment or
the amount of the arrearage; and
``(II) pay the amount withheld to
the State agency for distribution.
``(D) If the State seizes property forfeited to the
State by an individual by reason of a criminal
conviction, the State shall--
``(i) hold the property until an inquiry is
made to and a response received from the State
agency as to whether the person otherwise
entitled to the payment owes a child support
arrearage; and
``(ii) if there is such arrearage--
``(I) sell the property; and
``(II) after satisfying the claims
of all other private or public
claimants to the property and deducting
from the proceeds of the sale the
attendant costs (such as for towing,
storage, and the sale), pay the lesser
of the remaining proceeds or the amount
of the arrearage directly to the State
agency for distribution.
``(E) Any person required to make payment in
respect to a decedent shall--
``(i) suspend the payment until an inquiry
is made to and a response received from the
State agency as to whether the person otherwise
entitled to the payment owes a child support
arrearage; and
``(ii) if there is such an arrearage--
``(I) withhold from the payment the
lesser of the amount of the payment or
the amount of the arrearage; and
``(II) pay the amount withheld to
the State agency for distribution.''.
SEC. 3. RESTRICTIONS RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL, OCCUPATIONAL, BUSINESS,
AND DRIVER'S LICENSES.
Section 466(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 666(a)), as
amended by section 2 of this Act, is amended by inserting after
paragraph (12) the following:
``(13) Procedures under which the State occupational
licensing and regulating departments and agencies may not issue
or renew any occupational, professional, or business license
of--
``(A) a noncustodial parent who is the subject of
an outstanding failure to appear warrant, capias, or
bench warrant related to a child support proceeding
that appears on the State's crime information system;
and
``(B) an individual who is delinquent in the
payment of child support, until the individual owed
such support or a State prosecutor responsible for
child support enforcement consents to, or a court that
is responsible for the enforcement of the order
requiring the payment of such support orders the
release of the hold on the license, or an expedited
inquiry and review is completed while the individual is
granted a 60-day temporary license.
``(14) Procedures under which the State motor vehicle
department--
``(A) may not issue or renew the driver's license
or any vehicle registration (other than temporary) of
any noncustodial parent who is the subject of an
outstanding failure to appear warrant, capias, or bench
warrant related to a child support proceeding that
appears on the State's crime information system;
``(B) upon receiving notice that an individual to
whom a State driver's license or vehicle registration
has been issued is the subject of a warrant related to
a child support proceeding, shall issue an order to the
individual requiring the individual to demonstrate why
the individual's driver's license or vehicle
registration should not be suspended until the warrant
is removed by the State responsible for issuing the
warrant; and
``(C) in any case in which an order has been issued
as described in subparagraph (B), may grant a temporary
license or vehicle registration to the individual
pending compliance with the order or the removal of the
warrant, whichever occurs first.''.
SEC. 4. ATTACHMENT OF BANK ACCOUNTS.
Section 466(a) (42 U.S.C. 666(a)), as amended by sections 2 and 3
of this Act, is amended by inserting after paragraph (14) the
following:
``(15) Procedures under which--
``(A) amounts on deposit in an account maintained
at a Federal depository institution (as defined in
section 3(c)(4) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act)
or State depository institution (as defined in section
3(c)(5) of such Act) may be seized to satisfy child
support arrearages determined under a court order or an
order of an administrative process established under
State law, solely through an administrative process,
pending notice to and an expedited opportunity to be
heard from the account holder or holders; and
``(B) if the account holder or holders fail to
successfully challenge the seizure (as determined under
State law), the institution may be required to pay from
the account to the entity with the right to collect the
arrearage the lesser of the amount of the arrearage or
the amount on deposit in the account.''.
SEC. 5. REPORTING OF CHILD SUPPORT OBLIGATIONS TO CREDIT BUREAUS.
Section 466(a)(7) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 666(a)(7))
is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(7)'';
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) as
clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Procedures requiring any court or administrative
agency of the State, at the time the court or agency issues or
modifies a child support order, to report to each consumer
reporting agency (as so defined)--
``(i) the name of the individual upon whom the
order imposes an obligation to pay child support; and
``(ii) the amount of the obligation.''.
SEC. 6. LIABILITY OF GRANDPARENTS FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THEIR
GRANDCHILDREN.
Section 466(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 666(a)), as
amended by sections 2, 3, and 4 of this Act, is amended by inserting
after paragraph (15) the following:
``(16) Procedures under which each parent of an individual
is liable for the financial support of any child of the
individual to the extent that the individual is unable to
provide such support. The preceding sentence shall not apply to
the State if the State plan explicitly provides for such
inapplicability.''. | Child Support Enforcement Act of 1994 - Amends title IV (Aid to Families With Dependent Children) (AFDC) of the Social Security Act to require State laws to have in effect procedures for seizure of lottery winnings, settlements, and payouts and for the sale of forfeited property to pay child support arrearages. Requires State procedures prohibiting the issuance or renewal of certain professional, occupational, business, and driver's licenses to noncustodial parents who are: (1) delinquent in the payment of child support; or (2) the subject of an outstanding failure to appear warrant related to a child support proceeding on the State's crime information system.
Provides for: (1) attachment of bank accounts to satisfy child support arrearages; and (2) the reporting of child support obligations to credit bureaus.
Requires State procedures under which each parent of an individual is liable for the financial support of any child of that individual to the extent the individual is unable to provide such support. | Child Support Enforcement Act of 1994 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Lands Against Narcotics
Trafficking Act of 2015'' or the ``PLANT Act''.
SEC. 2. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT PENALTY AMENDMENTS.
(a) Cultivating or Manufacturing Controlled Substances on Federal
Property.--Section 401(b)(5) of the Controlled Substances Act (21
U.S.C. 841(b)(5)) is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A),
by striking ``as provided in this subsection'' and inserting ``for not
more than 10 years, in addition to any other term of imprisonment
imposed under this subsection''.
(b) Environmental Harms and Other Hazards.--Pursuant to its
authority under section 994 of title 28, United States Code, the United
States Sentencing Commission shall amend and review the Federal
Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements to ensure that the
guidelines provide for a penalty enhancement of not less than 1 offense
level for a violation of section 401(a) of the Controlled Substances
Act (21 U.S.C. 841(a)) while on Federal property or while intentionally
trespassing on the property of another if the offense--
(1) creates a hazard to humans, wildlife, or domestic
animals;
(2) degrades or harms the environment or natural resources;
or
(3) pollutes an aquifer, spring, stream, river, or body of
water.
(c) Stream Diversion or Clear Cutting on Federal Property or While
Intentionally Trespassing on the Property of Another.--
(1) Prohibition on stream diversion or clear cutting on
federal property or while intentionally trespassing on the
property of another.--Section 401(b) of the Controlled
Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841(b)), as amended by subsection
(a), is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(8) Destruction of bodies of water or timber.--
``(A) In general.--Any person who violates
subsection (a) in a manner that diverts, redirects,
obstructs, or drains an aquifer, spring, stream, river,
or body of water or clear cuts timber while cultivating
or manufacturing a controlled substance on Federal
property or while cultivating or manufacturing a
controlled substance while intentionally trespassing on
the property of another shall be fined an amount not to
exceed--
``(i) the amount authorized in accordance
with this section;
``(ii) the amount authorized in accordance
with the provisions of title 18, United States
Code;
``(iii) $500,000 if the defendant is an
individual; or
``(iv) $1,000,000 if the defendant is other
than an individual.
``(B) Use of amounts from fines.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary of the
Treasury shall transfer to the Secretary of the
Interior, for use in accordance with clause
(ii), the amounts received as fines for a
violation described in subparagraph (A).
``(ii) Funds.--The Secretary of the
Interior shall use the amounts transferred
under clause (i) to address the environmental
damage caused by any offense described in
subparagraph (A).''.
(2) Federal sentencing guidelines enhancement.--Pursuant to
its authority under section 994 of title 28, United States
Code, the United States Sentencing Commission shall review and
amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy statements
to ensure that the guidelines provide for a penalty enhancement
of not less than 1 offense level for a violation of section
401(a) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841(a)) if
the offense involves the diversion, redirection, obstruction,
or draining of an aquifer, spring, stream, river, or body of
water or the clear cut of timber while cultivating or
manufacturing a controlled substance on Federal property or
while cultivating or manufacturing a controlled substance while
intentionally trespassing on the property of another.
(3) Technical and conforming amendment.--Section
1402(b)(1)(A) of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C.
10601(b)(1)(A)) is amended--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``and'' at the end;
and
(B) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
``(iii) section 401(b)(8) of the Controlled
Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841(b)(8)); and''.
(d) Booby Traps on Federal Property.--Section 401(d)(1) of the
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841(d)(1)) is amended by inserting
``cultivated,'' after ``is being''.
(e) Use or Possession of Firearms in Connection With Drug Offenses
on Federal Property or While Intentionally Trespassing on the Property
of Another.--Pursuant to its authority under section 994 of title 28,
United States Code, the United States Sentencing Commission shall
review and amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and policy
statements to ensure that the guidelines provide for a penalty
enhancement of not less than 1 offense level for a violation of section
401(a) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841(a)) if the
offense involves the possession of a firearm while cultivating or
manufacturing a controlled substance on Federal property or while
cultivating or manufacturing a controlled substance while intentionally
trespassing on the property of another. | Protecting Lands Against Narcotics Trafficking Act of 2015 or the PLANT Act Amends the Controlled Substances Act to: (1) impose an additional term of up to ten years' imprisonment for cultivating or manufacturing controlled substances on federal property; and (2) apply the prohibition against assembling, maintaining, or placing a booby trap on federal property where a controlled substance is being manufactured to federal property where a controlled substance is being cultivated. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend and review the Federal Sentencing Guidelines to provide for a penalty enhancement of not less than one offense level for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance or a counterfeit substance while on federal property or while intentionally trespassing on the property of another if such offense: (1) creates a hazard to humans, wildlife, or domestic animals; (2) degrades or harms the environment or natural resources; (3) pollutes an aquifer, spring, stream, river, or body of water; (4) involves the diversion, redirection, obstruction, or draining of an aquifer, spring, stream, river, or body of water or the clear cut of timber while cultivating or manufacturing a controlled substance; or (5) involves the possession of a firearm while cultivating or manufacturing controlled substances. Prohibits, and sets penalties of up to $500,000 for an individual or $1 million for other than an individual for, diverting, redirecting, obstructing, or draining an aquifer, spring, stream, river, or body of water or clear cutting timber while cultivating or manufacturing a controlled substance on federal property or while cultivating or manufacturing a controlled substance while intentionally trespassing on the property of another. Requires such fines to be transferred to the Department of the Interior for use in addressing the environmental damage caused by the offense. | PLANT Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
National Historic Trail Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (the Royal Road of the
Interior), served as the primary route between the colonial
Spanish capital of Mexico City and the Spanish provincial
capitals at San Juan de Los Caballeros (1598-1600), San Gabriel
(1600-1609) and Santa Fe (1610-1821);
(2) the portion of El Camino Real in what is now the United
States extended between El Paso, Texas, and present San Juan
Pueblo, New Mexico, a distance of 404 miles;
(3) El Camino Real is a symbol of the cultural interaction
between nations and ethnic groups and of the commercial
exchange that made possible the development and growth of the
borderland;
(4) American Indian groups, especially the Pueblo Indians
of the Rio Grande, developed trails for trade long before
Europeans arrived;
(5) in 1598, Juan de Onate led a Spanish military
expedition along those trails to establish the northern portion
of El Camino Real;
(6) during the Mexican National Period and part of the
United States Territorial Period, El Camino Real facilitated
the emigration of people to New Mexico and other areas that
were to become part of the United States;
(7) the exploration, conquest, colonization, settlement,
religious conversion, and military occupation of a large area
of the borderland was made possible by El Camino Real, the
historical period of which extended from 1598 to 1882;
(8) American Indians, European emigrants, miners, ranchers,
soldiers, and missionaries used El Camino Real during the
historic development of the borderland, promoting cultural
interaction among Spaniards, other Europeans, American Indians,
Mexicans, and Americans; and
(9) El Camino Real fostered the spread of Catholicism,
mining, an extensive network of commerce, and ethnic and
cultural traditions including music, folklore, medicine, foods,
architecture, language, place names, irrigation systems, and
Spanish law.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION.
Section 5(a) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1244(a))
is amended--
(1) by designating the paragraphs relating to the
California National Historic Trail, the Pony Express National
Historic Trail, and the Selma to Montgomery National Historic
Trail as paragraphs (18), (19), and (20), respectively; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(21) El camino real de tierra adentro.--
``(A) In general.--El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
(the Royal Road of the Interior) National Historic
Trail, a 404 mile long trail from the Rio Grande near
El Paso, Texas to San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico, as
generally depicted on the maps entitled `United States
Route: El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro', contained in
the report prepared pursuant to subsection (b) entitled
`National Historic Trail Feasibility Study and
Environmental Assessment: El Camino Real de Tierra
Adentro, Texas-New Mexico', dated March 1997.
``(B) Map.--A map generally depicting the trail
shall be on file and available for public inspection in
the Office of the National Park Service, Department of
the Interior.
``(C) Administration.--The trail shall be
administered by the Secretary of the Interior.
``(D) Land acquisition.--No land or interest in
land outside the exterior boundaries of any federally
administered area may be acquired by the United States
for the trail except with the consent of the owner of
the land or interest in land.
``(E) Volunteer groups; consultation.--The
Secretary of the Interior shall--
``(i) encourage volunteer trail groups to
participate in the development and maintenance
of the trail; and
``(ii) consult with affected Federal,
State, and tribal agencies in the
administration of the trail.
``(F) Coordination of activities.--The Secretary of
the Interior may coordinate with United States and
Mexican public and non-governmental organizations,
academic institutions, and, in consultation with the
Secretary of State, the government of Mexico and its
political subdivisions, for the purpose of exchanging
trail information and research, fostering trail
preservation and educational programs, providing
technical assistance, and working to establish an
international historic trail with complementary
preservation and education programs in each nation.''. | El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail Act - Amends the National Trails System Act to designate the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a 404-mile trail from the Rio Grande River near El Paso, Texas, to San Juan Pueblo, New Mexico, as a component of the National Trails System.
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer the trail. Requires owner consent for any Federal land acquisition along the trail.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) encourage volunteer groups to develop and maintain the trail; and (2) consult with affected Federal, State, and tribal agencies in its administration. Authorizes the Secretary to coordinate trail activities and programs with the Government of Mexico and Mexican non-governmental organizations and academic institutions. | El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Municipal Bond Market Support Act of
2008''.
SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF SMALL ISSUER EXCEPTION TO TAX-EXEMPT INTEREST
EXPENSE ALLOCATION RULES FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
(a) Increase in Limitation.--Subparagraphs (C)(i), (D)(i), and
(D)(iii)(II) of section 265(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
are each amended by striking ``$10,000,000'' and inserting
``$30,000,000''.
(b) Repeal of Aggregation Rules Applicable to Small Issuer
Determination.--Paragraph (3) of section 265(b) of such Code is amended
by striking subparagraphs (E) and (F).
(c) Election To Apply Limitation at Borrower Level.--Paragraph (3)
of section 265(b) of such Code, as amended by subsection (b), is
amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(E) Election to apply limitation on amount of
obligations at borrower level.--
``(i) In general.--An issuer, the proceeds
of the obligations of which are to be used to
make or finance eligible loans, may elect to
apply subparagraphs (C) and (D) by treating
each borrower as the issuer of a separate
issue.
``(ii) Eligible loan.--For purposes of this
subparagraph--
``(I) In general.--The term
`eligible loan' means one or more loans
to a qualified borrower the proceeds of
which are used by the borrower and the
outstanding balance of which in the
aggregate does not exceed $30,000,000.
``(II) Qualified borrower.--The
term `qualified borrower' means a
borrower which is an organization
described in section 501(c)(3) and
exempt from taxation under section
501(a) or a State or political
subdivision thereof.
``(iii) Manner of election.--The election
described in clause (i) may be made by an
issuer for any calendar year at any time prior
to its first issuance during such year of
obligations the proceeds of which will be used
to make or finance one or more eligible
loans.''.
(d) Inflation Adjustment.--Paragraph (3) of section 265(b) of such
Code, as amended by subsections (b) and (c), is amended by adding at
the end the following new subparagraph:
``(F) Inflation adjustment.--In the case of any
calendar year after 2009, the $30,000,000 amounts
contained in subparagraphs (C)(i), (D)(i),
(D)(iii)(II), and (E)(ii)(I) shall each be increased by
an amount equal to--
``(i) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment
determined under section 1(f)(3) for such
calendar year, determined by substituting
`calendar year 2008' `for calendar year 1992'
in subparagraph (B) thereof.
Any increase determined under the preceding sentence
shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of
$100,000.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to obligations issued after December 31, 2008.
SEC. 3. DE MINIMIS SAFE HARBOR EXCEPTION FOR TAX-EXEMPT INTEREST
EXPENSE OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND BROKERS.
(a) Financial Institutions.--Subsection (b) of section 265 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(7) De minimis exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply
to any financial institution if the portion of the taxpayer's
holdings of tax-exempt securities is less than 2 percent of the
taxpayer's assets.''.
(b) Brokers.--Subsection (a) of section 265 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(7) De minimis exception.--Paragraph (2) shall not apply
to any broker (as defined in section 6045(c)(1)) if the portion
of the taxpayer's holdings of tax-exempt securities is less
than 2 percent of the taxpayer's assets.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act. | Municipal Bond Market Support Act of 2008 - Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the small issuer exemption from interest expense allocation rules for financial institutions to: (1) increase from $10 to $30 million the annual limit on small issuers of tax-exempt municipal bonds; (2) allow an inflation adjustment to such increased limit amount after 2009; (3) repeal aggregation rules relating to the determination of small issuer eligibility; (4) allow small issuers an election to treat borrowers separately for purposes of issuance limitations; and (5) allow financial institutions and brokers to hold up to 2% of their assets in tax-exempt securities without affecting their interest expense tax deduction. | A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the limitations on the deduction of interest by financial institutions which hold tax-exempt bonds, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention
Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES RELATING TO
COMPUTERS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 47 of title 18, is amended by inserting
after section 1030 the following:
``Sec. 1030A. Illicit indirect use of protected computers
``(a) Whoever intentionally accesses a protected computer without
authorization, or exceeds authorized access to a protected computer, by
causing a computer program or code to be copied onto the protected
computer, and intentionally uses that program or code in furtherance of
another Federal criminal offense shall be fined under this title or
imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.
``(b) Whoever intentionally accesses a protected computer without
authorization, or exceeds authorized access to a protected computer, by
causing a computer program or code to be copied onto the protected
computer, and by means of that program or code--
``(1) intentionally obtains, or transmits to another,
personal information with the intent to defraud or injure a
person or cause damage to a protected computer; or
``(2) intentionally impairs the security protection of the
protected computer with the intent to defraud or injure a
person or damage a protected computer;
shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 2 years, or
both.
``(c) No person may bring a civil action under the law of any State
if such action is premised in whole or in part upon the defendant's
violating this section. For the purposes of this subsection, the term
`State' includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and any other
territory or possession of the United States.
``(d) As used in this section--
``(1) the terms `protected computer' and `exceeds
authorized access' have, respectively, the meanings given those
terms in section 1030; and
``(2) the term `personal information' means--
``(A) a first and last name;
``(B) a home or other physical address, including
street name;
``(C) an electronic mail address;
``(D) a telephone number;
``(E) a Social Security number, tax identification
number, drivers license number, passport number, or any
other government-issued identification number; or
``(F) a credit card or bank account number or any
password or access code associated with a credit card
or bank account.
``(e) This section does not prohibit any lawfully authorized
investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law
enforcement agency of the United States, a State, or a political
subdivision of a State, or of an intelligence agency of the United
States.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of chapter 47 of title 18, is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 1030 the following new item:
``1030A. Illicit indirect use of protected computers.''.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
In addition to any other sums otherwise authorized to be
appropriated for this purpose, there are authorized to be appropriated
for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2009, the sum of $10,000,000 to
the Attorney General for prosecutions needed to discourage the use of
spyware and the practices commonly called phishing and pharming.
SEC. 4. FINDINGS AND SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING THE ENFORCEMENT OF
CERTAIN CYBERCRIMES.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Software and electronic communications are increasingly
being used by criminals to invade individuals' and businesses'
computers without authorization.
(2) Two particularly egregious types of such schemes are
the use of spyware and phishing scams.
(3) These schemes are often used to obtain personal
information, such as bank account and credit card numbers,
which can then be used as a means to commit other types of
theft.
(4) In addition to the devastating damage that these
heinous activities can inflict on individuals and businesses,
they also undermine the confidence that citizens have in using
the Internet.
(5) The continued development of innovative technologies in
response to consumer demand is crucial in the fight against
spyware.
(b) Sense of Congress.--Because of the serious nature of these
offenses, and the Internet's unique importance in the daily lives of
citizens and in interstate commerce, it is the sense of Congress that
the Department of Justice should use the amendments made by this Act,
and all other available tools, vigorously to prosecute those who use
spyware to commit crimes and those that conduct phishing and pharming
scams.
Passed the House of Representatives May 23, 2005.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2005 - (Sec. 2) Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization, or exceeding authorized access, by causing a computer program or code to be copied onto the protected computer and intentionally using that program or code: (1) in furtherance of another federal criminal offense; (2) to obtain or transmit personal information (including a Social Security number or other government-issued identification number, a bank or credit card number, or an associated password or access code) with intent to defraud or injure a person or cause damage to a protected computer; or (3) to impair the security protection of that computer.
Prohibits any person from bringing a civil action under state law premised upon the defendant's violating this Act.
Provides that this Act does not prohibit any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement agency or a U.S. intelligence agency.
(Sec. 3) Authorizes appropriations to the Attorney General for prosecutions needed to discourage the use of spyware and the practices commonly called phishing and pharming.
(Sec. 4) Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Justice should vigorously prosecute those who use spyware to commit crimes and those that conduct phishing or pharming scams. | To amend title 18, United States Code, to discourage spyware, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Bosnia Force Realignment Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
(a) The Congress finds the following:
(1) United States Armed Forces in the Republic of Bosnia
and Herzegovina have accomplished the military mission assigned
to them as a component of the Implementation and Stabilization
Forces.
(2) The continuing and open-ended commitment of U.S. ground
forces in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina is subject to
the oversight authority of the Congress.
(3) Congress may limit the use of appropriated funds to
create the conditions for an orderly and honorable withdrawal
of U.S. troops from the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(4) On November 27, 1995, the President affirmed that
United States participation in the multinational military
Implementation Force in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
would terminate in about one year.
(5) The President declared the expiration date of the
mandate for the Implementation Force to be December 20, 1996.
(6) The Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff expressed confidence that the Implementation
Force would complete its mission in about one year.
(7) The Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff expressed the critical importance of
establishing a firm deadline, in the absence of which there is
a potential for expansion of the mission of U.S. forces.
(8) On October 3, 1996, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff announced the intention of the United States
Administration to delay the removal of United States Armed
Forces personnel from the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
until March 1997.
(9) In November 1996 the President announced his intention
to further extend the deployment of United States Armed Forces
in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina until June 1998.
(10) The President did not request authorization by the
Congress of a policy that would result in the further
deployment of United States Armed Forces in the Republic of
Bosnia and Herzegovina until June 1998.
(11) Notwithstanding the passage of two previously
established deadlines, the reaffirmation of those deadlines by
senior national security officials, and the endorsement by
those same national security officials of the importance of
having a deadline as a hedge against an expanded mission, the
President announced on December 17, 1997 that establishing a
deadline had been a mistake and that U.S. ground combat forces
were committed to the NATO-led mission in Bosnia for the
indefinite future.
(12) NATO military forces have increased their
participation in law enforcement, particularly police
activities.
(13) U.S. Commanders of NATO have stated on several
occasions that, in accordance with the Dayton Peace Accords,
the principal responsibility for such law enforcement and
police activities lies with the Bosnian parties themselves.
SEC. 3. LIMITATIONS ON THE USE OF FUNDS.
(a) Funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the
Department of Defense for any fiscal year may not be obligated for the
ground elements of the United States Armed Forces in the Republic of
Bosnia and Herzegovina except as conditioned below.
(1) The President shall continue the ongoing withdrawal of
American forces from the NATO Stabilization Force in the
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina such that U.S. ground forces
in that force or the planned multi-national successor force
shall not exceed:
(A) 6900, by June 30, 1998;
(B) 5000, by February 2, 1999;
(C) 3500, by June 30, 1999, and;
(D) 2500, by February 2, 2000.
(b) Exceptions.--The limitation in subsection (a) shall not apply--
(1) to the extent necessary for U.S. ground forces to
protect themselves as the drawdowns outlined in sub-paragraph
(a)(1) proceeds;
(2) to the extent necessary to support a limited number of
United States military personnel sufficient only to protect
United States diplomatic facilities in existence on the date of
the enactment of this Act; or
(3) to the extent necessary to support non-combat military
personnel sufficient only to advise the commanders North
Atlantic Treaty Organization peacekeeping operations in the
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and
(4) to U.S. ground forces that may be deployed as part of
NATO containment operations in regions surrounding the Republic
of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(c) Construction of Section.--Nothing in this section shall be
deemed to restrict the authority of the President under the
Constitution to protect the lives of United States citizens.
(d) Limitation on Support for Law Enforcement Activities in
Bosnia.--None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to
the Department of Defense for any fiscal year may be obligated or
expended after the date of the enactment of this Act for the--
(1) conduct of, or direct support for, law enforcement and
police activities in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
except for the training of law enforcement personnel or to
prevent imminent loss of life;
(2) conduct of, or support for, any activity in the
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina that may have the effect of
jeopardizing the primary mission of the NATO-led force in
preventing armed conflict between the Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska (``Bosnian Entities'');
(3) transfer of refugees within the Republic of Bosnia and
Herzegovina that, in the opinion of the commander of NATO
Forces involved in such transfer--
(A) has as one of its purposes the acquisition of
control by a Bosnian Entity of territory allocated to
the other Bosnian Entity under the Dayton Peace
Agreement; or
(B) may expose United States Armed Forces to
substantial risk to their personal safety; and
(4) implementation of any decision to change the legal
status of any territory within the Republic of Bosnia and
Herzegovina unless expressly agreed to by all signatories to
the Dayton Peace Agreement.
SEC. 4. PRESIDENTIAL REPORT.
(a) Not later than December 1, 1998, the President shall submit to
Congress a report on the progress towards meeting the drawdown limit
established in section 2(a).
(b) The report under paragraph (a) shall include an identification
of the specific steps taken by the United States Government to transfer
the United States portion of the peacekeeping mission in the Republic
of Bosnia and Herzegovina to European allied nations or organizations. | Bosnia Force Realignment Act - Prohibits the obligation of Department of Defense (DOD) funds for the ground elements of U.S. armed forces in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, except to the extent necessary: (1) for U.S. ground forces to protect themselves during withdrawals; (2) to support a limited number of U.S. military personnel sufficient to protect U.S. diplomatic facilities; (3) to support non-combat military personnel sufficient to advise the commanders North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) peacekeeping operations in the Republic; and (4) for the deployment of U.S. ground forces as part of NATO containment operations surrounding such countries. Directs the President to continue the planned withdrawal of American forces from the NATO Stabilization Force such that U.S. ground forces in that force or the planned multi-national successor force does not exceed specified levels for years 1998 through 2000.
Prohibits the use of DOD funds for: (1) the conduct of law enforcement and police activities in the Republic, except for the training of law enforcement personnel or to prevent imminent loss of life; (2) the conduct of any activity that may jeopardize the mission of the NATO-led force in preventing armed conflict between the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska (Bosnian Entities); (3) any transfer of refugees within the Republic that has as one of its purposes the acquisition of control by a Bosnian Entity of territory allocated to the other Bosnian Entity under the Dayton Peace Agreement, or that may expose U.S. armed forces to substantial risk to their personal safety; and (4) implementation of any decision to change the legal status of territory within the Republic unless expressly agreed to by all signatories to the Agreement.
Directs the President to report to the Congress on progress made toward meeting the established troop drawdown limits. | Bosnia Force Realignment Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Save America's Jobs Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. PREVENTION OF CORPORATE EXPATRIATION TO AVOID UNITED STATES
INCOME TAX.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (4) of section 7701(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (defining domestic) is amended to read as follows:
``(4) Domestic.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the term `domestic' when applied to a
corporation or partnership means created or organized
in the United States or under the law of the United
States or of any State unless, in the case of a
partnership, the Secretary provides otherwise by
regulations.
``(B) Certain corporations treated as domestic.--
``(i) In general.--The acquiring
corporation in a corporate expatriation
transaction shall be treated as a domestic
corporation.
``(ii) Corporate expatriation
transaction.--For purposes of this
subparagraph, the term `corporate expatriation
transaction' means any transaction if--
``(I) a nominally foreign
corporation (referred to in this
subparagraph as the `acquiring
corporation') acquires, as a result of
such transaction, directly or
indirectly substantially all of the
properties held directly or indirectly
by a domestic corporation, and
``(II) immediately after the
transaction, more than 80 percent of
the stock (by vote or value) of the
acquiring corporation is held by former
shareholders of the domestic
corporation by reason of holding stock
in the domestic corporation.
``(iii) Lower stock ownership requirement
in certain cases.--Subclause (II) of clause
(ii) shall be applied by substituting `50
percent' for `80 percent' with respect to any
nominally foreign corporation if--
``(I) such corporation does not
have substantial business activities
(when compared to the total business
activities of the expanded affiliated
group) in the foreign country in which
or under the law of which the
corporation is created or organized,
and
``(II) the stock of the corporation
is publicly traded and the principal
market for the public trading of such
stock is in the United States.
``(iv) Partnership transactions.--The term
`corporate expatriation transaction' includes
any transaction if--
``(I) a nominally foreign
corporation (referred to in this
subparagraph as the `acquiring
corporation') acquires, as a result of
such transaction, directly or
indirectly properties constituting a
trade or business of a domestic
partnership,
``(II) immediately after the
transaction, more than 80 percent of
the stock (by vote or value) of the
acquiring corporation is held by former
partners of the domestic partnership
(determined without regard to stock of
the acquiring corporation which is sold
in a public offering related to the
transaction), and
``(III) the acquiring corporation
meets the requirements of subclauses
(I) and (II) of clause (iii).
``(v) Special rules.--For purposes of this
subparagraph--
``(I) a series of related
transactions shall be treated as 1
transaction, and
``(II) stock held by members of the
expanded affiliated group which
includes the acquiring corporation
shall not be taken into account in
determining ownership.
``(vi) Other definitions.--For purposes of
this subparagraph--
``(I) Nominally foreign
corporation.--The term `nominally
foreign corporation' means any
corporation which would (but for this
subparagraph) be treated as a foreign
corporation.
``(II) Expanded affiliated group.--
The term `expanded affiliated group'
means an affiliated group (as defined
in section 1504(a) without regard to
section 1504(b)).''
(b) Modification of Rates of Corporate Tax.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall
prescribe rates of tax under section 11 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to tax imposed on corporations) which
result in a net decrease in revenues for a taxable year equal
to the net increase in revenue (if any) for that year as a
result of the amendment made by subsection (a).
(2) Estimates and subsequent adjustments.--The rates of tax
prescribed under paragraph (1) shall be determined on the basis
of estimates made by the Secretary of the Treasury. Adjustments
shall be made in such rates for succeeding taxable years to the
extent prior estimates resulted in revenues which were in
excess of or less than the revenues required under paragraph
(1).
(c) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--The amendment made by this section shall
apply to corporate expatriation transactions completed after
September 11, 2001.
(2) Special rule.--The amendment made by this section shall
also apply to corporate expatriation transactions completed on
or before September 11, 2001, but only with respect to taxable
years of the acquiring corporation beginning after December 31,
2003. | Save America's Jobs Act of 2002 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code by determining that acquiring corporations in "corporate expatriation transactions" shall be considered domestic corporations. Defines a "corporate expatriation transaction" as, with certain exceptions, one in which a "nominally foreign corporation" acquires substantially all of the properties held by a domestic corporation and in which, immediately after the transaction, more than 80 percent of the stock of the acquiring corporation is held by former shareholders of the domestic corporation. Lowers the 80 percent threshold to 50 percent when the acquiring "nominally foreign corporation" lacks substantial business activities in the foreign country in which it was created and organized compared to the total activities of the "expanded affiliated group" and the stock is publicly traded, with the principal market of trading being the United States. Defines the terms "nominally foreign corporation" and "expanded affiliated group."Applies similar rules to partnership transactions.Establishes that a series of related transactions relevant to the Act shall be handled as a single transaction.Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe tax rates that result in a net decrease in revenues for a taxable year equal to any increase in revenue that occurs due to the implementation of this Act. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prevent corporations from avoiding the United States income tax by reincorporating in a foreign country. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Identity Theft Prevention Act of
2003''.
SEC. 2. RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT NUMBER.
(a) Repeal of Provisions Authorizing Certain Usages of the Social
Security Account Number.--Section 205(c)(2) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 405(c)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``(C)(i) It is the
policy'' and all that follows through clause (vi);
(2) by striking subparagraphs (C)(ix), (E), and (H); and
(3) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) and (G) as
subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively.
(b) New Rules Applicable to Social Security Account Numbers.--
Section 205(c)(2) of such Act is amended further--
(1) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C)(i) All social security account numbers issued under this
subsection shall be randomly generated.
``(ii) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph--
``(I) the social security account number issued under this
subsection to any individual shall be the exclusive property of
such individual, and
``(II) the Social Security Administration shall not divulge
the social security account number issued to any individual
under this subsection to any agency or instrumentality of the
Federal Government, to any State, political subdivision of a
State, or agency or instrumentality of a State or political
subdivision thereof, or to any other individual.
``(iii) Clause (ii) shall not apply with respect to the use of the
social security account number as an identifying number to the extent
provided in section 6109(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to use of the social security account number for social
security and related purposes).''; and
(2) by redesignating clauses (vii) and (viii) of
subparagraph (C) as clauses (iv) and (v), respectively.
(c) Use of Social Security Account Numbers Under Internal Revenue
Code.--Subsection (d) of section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended--
(1) in the heading, by inserting ``for Social Security and
Related Purposes'' after ``Number''; and
(2) by striking ``this title'' and inserting ``section 86,
chapter 2, and subtitle C of this title''.
(d) Effective Dates and Related Rules.--
(1) Effective dates.--Not later than 60 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Commissioner of Social
Security shall publish in the Federal Register the date
determined by the Commissioner, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Treasury, to be the earliest date thereafter
by which implementation of the amendments made by this section
is practicable. The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the earlier of such date or the date which
occurs 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. The
amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect to
social security account numbers issued on or after such earlier
date. The amendments made by subsection (c) shall apply with
respect to calendar quarters and taxable years beginning on or
after such earlier date.
(2) Reissuance of numbers.--The Commissioner of Social
Security shall ensure that, not later than 5 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, all individuals who have
been issued social security account numbers under section
205(c) of the Social Security Act as of the date prior to the
earlier date specified in paragraph (1) are issued new social
security account numbers in accordance with such section as
amended by this section. Upon issuance of such new social
security account numbers, any social security account numbers
issued to such individuals prior to such earlier date specified
in paragraph (1) shall be null and void and subject to the
requirements of section 205(c)(2)(C)(ii)(II) of such Act, as
amended by this section. Nothing in this section or the
amendments made thereby shall be construed to preclude the
Social Security Administration and the Secretary of the
Treasury from cross-referencing such social security account
numbers newly issued to individuals pursuant to this paragraph
to the former social security account numbers of such
individuals for purposes of administering title II or title XVI
of such Act or administering the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
in connection with section 86, chapter 2, and subtitle C
thereof.
SEC. 3. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO THE PRIVACY ACT OF 1974.
(a) In General.--Section 7 of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C.
552a note, 88 Stat. 1909) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) The provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not
apply with respect to any disclosure which is required under
regulations of the commissioner of social security pursuant to section
205(c)(2) of the social security act or under regulations of the
secretary of the treasury pursuant to section 6109(d) of the internal
revenue code of 1986.''; and
(2) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following:
``(b) Except with respect to disclosures described in subsection
(a)(2), no agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government, a
State, a political subdivision of a State, or any combination of the
foregoing may request an individual to disclose his social security
account number, on either a mandatory or voluntary basis.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the earlier date specified in section 2(d)(1).
SEC. 4. PROHIBITION OF GOVERNMENT-WIDE UNIFORM IDENTIFYING NUMBERS.
(a) In General.--Except as authorized under section 205(c)(2) of
the Social Security Act, any two agencies or instrumentalities of the
Federal Government may not implement the same identifying number with
respect to any individual.
(b) Identifying Numbers.--For purposes of this section--
(1) the term ``identifying number'' with respect to an
individual means any combination of alpha-numeric symbols which
serves to identify such individual, and
(2) any identifying number and any one or more derivatives
of such number shall be treated as the same identifying number.
(c) Effective Date.--The provisions of this section shall take
effect January 1, 2005.
SEC. 5. PROHIBITION OF GOVERNMENT-ESTABLISHED IDENTIFIERS.
(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), a Federal agency may
not--
(1) establish or mandate a uniform standard for
identification of an individual that is required to be used by
any other Federal agency, a State agency, or a private person
for any purpose other than the purpose of conducting the
authorized activities of the Federal agency establishing or
mandating the standard; or
(2) condition receipt of any Federal grant or contract or
other Federal funding on the adoption, by a State, a State
agency, or a political subdivision of a State, of a uniform
standard for identification of an individual.
(b) Transactions Between Private Persons.--Notwithstanding
subsection (a), a Federal agency may not establish or mandate a uniform
standard for identification of an individual that is required to be
used within the agency, or by any other Federal agency, a State agency,
or a private person, for the purpose of--
(1) investigating, monitoring, overseeing, or otherwise
regulating a transaction to which the Federal Government is not
a party; or
(2) administrative simplification.
(c) Repealer.--Any provision of Federal law enacted before, on, or
after the date of the enactment of this Act that is inconsistent with
subsection (a) or (b) is repealed, including sections 1173(b) and
1177(a)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d-2(b); 42 U.S.C.
1320d-6(a)(1)).
(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Agency.--The term ``agency'' means any of the
following:
(A) An Executive agency (as defined in section 105
of title 5, United States Code).
(B) A military department (as defined in section
102 of such title).
(C) An agency in the executive branch of a State
government.
(D) An agency in the legislative branch of the
Government of the United States or a State government.
(E) An agency in the judicial branch of the
Government of the United States or a State government.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means any of the several
States, the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of
the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or
the Republic of Palau.
(e) Effective Date.--The provisions of this section shall take
effect January 1, 2005. | Identity Theft Prevention Act of 2003 - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit using a social security account number for various purposes, except for specified social security and tax purposes. Prohibits the Social Security Administration from divulging the social security account number issued to any individual to any agency or instrumentality of the Federal Government, to any State, political subdivision of a State, or agency or instrumentality of a State or political subdivision thereof, or to any other individual.Amends the Privacy Act of 1974 to prohibit any Federal, State, or local government agency or instrumentality from requesting an individual to disclose his social security account number on either a mandatory or a voluntary basis.Prohibits: (1) any two Federal agencies or instrumentalities from implementing the same identifying number with respect to any individual (except as authorized by specified Federal law); or (2) any Federal agency from establishing or mandating a uniform standard for identification of an individual that is required to be used by any other Federal agency, a State agency, or a private person for any purpose other than the purpose of conducting the authorized activities of the Federal agency establishing or mandating the standard, or conditioning receipt of any Federal grant or contract or other Federal funding on the adoption, by a State, a State agency, or a political subdivision of a State, of a uniform standard for identification of an individual. | To amend title II of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to protect the integrity and confidentiality of Social Security account numbers issued under such title, to prohibit the establishment in the Federal Government of any uniform national identifying number, and to prohibit Federal agencies from imposing standards for identification of individuals on other agencies or persons. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Arctic Science Endowment Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The United States is an Arctic Nation with--
(A) an approximately 700-mile border with the
Arctic Ocean;
(B) more than 100,000,000 acres of land above the
Arctic Circle; and
(C) an even broader area defined as Arctic by
temperature, which includes the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands.
(2) The Arctic region of the United States is home to an
indigenous population that has subsisted for millennia on the
abundance in marine mammals, fish, and wildlife, many of which
are unique to the region.
(3) Temperatures in the United States Arctic region have
warmed by 3 to 4 degrees Celsius over the past half-century, a
rate of increase that is twice the global average.
(4) The Arctic ice pack is rapidly diminishing and
thinning, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration estimates the Arctic Ocean may be ice free
during summer months in as few as 30 years.
(5) Such changes to the Arctic region are having a
significant impact on the indigenous people of the Arctic,
their communities and ecosystems, as well as the marine
mammals, fish, and wildlife upon which they depend.
(6) Such changes are opening new portions of the United
States Arctic continental shelf to possible development for
offshore oil and gas, commercial fishing, marine shipping, and
tourism.
(7) Existing Federal research and science advisory programs
focused on the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of a
changing Arctic Ocean lack a cohesive, coordinated, and
integrated approach and are not adequately coordinated with
State, local, academic, and private-sector Arctic Ocean
research programs.
(8) The lack of research integration and synthesis of
findings of Arctic Ocean research has impeded the progress of
the United States and international community in understanding
climate change impacts and feedback mechanisms in the Arctic
Ocean.
(9) An improved scientific understanding of the changing
Arctic Ocean is critical to the development of appropriate and
effective regional, national, and global climate change
adaptation strategies.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish a permanent
environmental sentinel program to conduct research, monitoring, and
observation activities in the Arctic Ocean--
(1) to promote and sustain a productive and resilient
marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystem in the Arctic and the
human uses of its natural resources through greater
understanding of how the ecosystem works and monitoring and
observation of its vital signs; and
(2) to track and evaluate the effectiveness of natural
resource management in the Arctic in order to facilitate
improved performance and adaptive management.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the North Pacific
Research Board established under section 401(e) of the
Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 1998 (Public Law 105-1608).
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Arctic
Research Commission established under the Arctic Research and
Policy Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-373; 15 U.S.C. 4102).
(3) Program.--The term ``Program'' means the Arctic Ocean
Research, Monitoring, and Observation Program established by
section 4(a).
SEC. 4. ARCTIC OCEAN RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND OBSERVATION PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--There is established an Arctic Ocean Research,
Monitoring, and Observation Program to be administered by the Board
with input and assistance from the Commission.
(b) Research, Monitoring, and Observation Activities.--The Program
shall be an integrated, long-term scientific research, monitoring, and
observation program consisting of--
(1) marine, coastal, and estuarine research, including--
(A) fisheries research;
(B) research on the structure and function of the
ecosystem and its food webs; and
(C) research on the spatial distributions and
status of fish, wildlife, and other populations in the
Arctic;
(2) marine, coastal, and estuarine ecosystem monitoring and
observation, including expansion of the Alaska Ocean Observing
System in the Arctic; and
(3) marine, coastal, and estuarine research, monitoring,
observation, and modeling that supports planning, environmental
review, decisionmaking, evaluation, impact and natural
resources damage assessment, and adaptive management with
respect to industrial and other human activities, such as
shipping, in the Arctic, environmental change, and their
interactive and cumulative effects in the Arctic.
(c) Initial Projects.--In initiating the Program, the Board shall
make grants under subsection (e)--
(1) to support research and monitoring of Arctic fisheries,
including on the distributions and ecology of Arctic cod and
other forage fishes, for a period of not less than 3 years;
(2) to support research and monitoring of Arctic marine
mammals, including their responses to loss of sea ice habitats
and reactions to disturbance, for a period of not less than 3
years; and
(3) to establish the Alaska Ocean Observing System in the
Arctic Ocean such that it has sufficient capacity to provide
comprehensive data, nowcasts and forecasts, and information
products in real time and near real time on physical, chemical,
and biological conditions and environmental change.
(d) Arctic Ocean Science Plan.--
(1) Requirement.--The Board and the Commission shall
jointly prepare a comprehensive, integrated Arctic Ocean
science plan.
(2) Recognition and coordination with other science.--The
content of the plan required by paragraph (1) shall be
developed with recognition of and in coordination with other
science plans and activities in the Arctic.
(3) Informed by synthesis of existing knowledge.--
Development of the plan required by paragraph (1) shall be
informed by a synthesis of existing knowledge about the Arctic
ecosystem, including information about how the ecosystem
functions, individual and cumulative sources of ecosystem
stress, how the ecosystem is changing, and other relevant
information.
(4) Review.--
(A) Initial review by national research council.--
The Board shall submit the initial plan required by
paragraph (1) to the National Research Council for
review.
(B) Periodic review and updates.--Not less
frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, the
Board and the Commission shall, in consultation with
the National Research Council, review the plan required
by paragraph (1) and update it as the Board and the
Commission consider necessary.
(5) Use.--The Board shall use the plan required by
paragraph (1) as a basis for setting priorities and awarding
grants under subsection (e).
(e) Grants.--
(1) Authority.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
Board shall, under the Program, award grants to carry out
research, monitoring, and observation activities described in
subsections (b) and (c).
(2) Limitation.--The North Pacific Research Board may not
award any grants under paragraph (1) until the Board has
prepared the plan required by subsection (d)(1).
(3) Conditions, considerations, and priorities.--When
making grants to carry out the research, monitoring, and
observation activities described in subsections (b) and (c),
the Board shall--
(A) consider institutions located in the Arctic and
subarctic;
(B) place a priority on cooperative, integrated
long-term projects, designed to address current or
anticipated marine ecosystem or fishery or wildlife
management information needs;
(C) give priority to fully establishing and
operating the Alaska Ocean Observing System in the
Arctic Ocean, which may include future support for
cabled ocean observatories;
(D) recognize the value of local and traditional
ecological knowledge, and, where appropriate, place a
priority on research, monitoring, and observation
projects that incorporate local and traditional
ecological knowledge;
(E) ensure that research, monitoring, and
observation data collected by grantees of the Program
are made available to the public in a timely fashion,
pursuant to national and international protocols; and
(F) give due consideration to the annual
recommendations and review of the Commission carried
out under subsection (f).
(f) Annual Recommendations and Review by Arctic Research
Commission.--Each year, the Commission shall--
(1) recommend ongoing and future research, monitoring, and
observation priorities and strategies to be carried out
pursuant to subsections (b) and (c);
(2) undertake a written review of ongoing and recently
concluded research, monitoring, and observation activities
undertaken pursuant to such subsections; and
(3) submit to the Board the recommendations required by
paragraph (1) and the review required by paragraph (2).
SEC. 5. ARCTIC OCEAN RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND OBSERVATION TRUST FUND.
(a) In General.--Subchapter A of chapter 98 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 9512. ARCTIC OCEAN RESEARCH, MONITORING, AND OBSERVATION TRUST
FUND.
``(a) Creation of Trust Fund.--There is established in the Treasury
of the United States a trust fund to be known as the `Arctic Ocean
Research, Monitoring, and Observation Trust Fund', consisting of such
amounts as may be appropriated or credited to such Trust Fund as
provided in this section or section 9602(b).
``(b) Transfer to Trust Fund.--There are hereby appropriated to the
Arctic Ocean Research, Monitoring, and Observation Trust Fund amounts
equivalent to the taxes received in the Treasury under section 4461
only to the extent attributable to the Arctic Ocean Research,
Monitoring, and Observation Trust Fund financing rate.
``(c) Expenditures.--
``(1) In general.--Amounts in the Arctic Ocean Research,
Monitoring, and Observation Trust Fund shall be available,
without further appropriation, to carry out the Arctic Ocean
Research, Monitoring, and Observation Program established under
section 4 of the Arctic Science Endowment Act in an amount
equal to--
``(A) for each fiscal year beginning after the date
of the enactment of this section and before the
endowment achievement date, $20,000,000, and
``(B) for each fiscal year beginning after the
endowment achievement date, the amount credited to the
Trust Fund under section 9602(b) for such fiscal year.
``(2) Endowment achievement date.--For purposes of this
section, the endowment achievement date is the date the balance
in the Arctic Ocean Research, Monitoring, and Observation Trust
Fund first equals or exceeds $400,000,000 after the date of the
enactment of this section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for subchapter A
of chapter 98 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding
at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 9512. Arctic Ocean Research, Monitoring, and Observation Trust
Fund.''.
(c) Arctic Ocean Research, Monitoring, and Observation Trust Fund
Financing Rate.--
(1) In general.--Subsection (c) of section 4611 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the
end of subparagraph (A), by striking the period at the
end of subparagraph (B) and inserting ``, and'', and by
adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) the Arctic Ocean Research, Monitoring, and
Observation Trust Fund financing rate.'', and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the
end of subparagraph (A), by striking the period at the
end of subparagraph (B)(ii) and inserting ``, and'',
and by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) the Arctic Ocean Research, Monitoring, and
Observation Trust Fund financing rate is, in the case
of crude oil received or petroleum products entered--
``(i) before the endowment achievement date
(as determined under section 9512(c)(2)), 1
cent a barrel, and
``(ii) on or after such endowment date, 0
cents a barrel.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply to crude oil received and petroleum products
entered after the date of the enactment of this Act. | Arctic Science Endowment Act - Establishes the Arctic Ocean Research, Monitoring, and Observation Program to be administered by the North Pacific Research Board with input and assistance from the Arctic Research Commission.
Requires the Program to include marine, coastal, and estuarine: (1) research of fisheries, ecosystem food webs, and spatial distributions of fish and other wildlife; (2) monitoring and observation, including expansion of the Alaska Ocean Observing System in the Arctic; (3) research, monitoring, observation, and modeling to support planning, environmental review, decisionmaking, evaluation, impact and natural resources damage assessment, and adaptive management with respect to industrial and other human activities in the Arctic, environmental change, and the interactive and cumulative effects in the Arctic.
Directs: (1) the Board and Commission to jointly prepare an Arctic Ocean science plan, and (2) the Board to submit the plan to the National Research Council. Requires that the plan be reviewed and updated at least once every five years.
Establishes a grant program to award grants for research, monitoring, and observation under the science plan.
Directs the Commission to annually review and recommend to the Board ongoing and future strategies and priorities.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Arctic Ocean Research, Monitoring, and Observation Trust Fund to carry out the Program. | A bill to provide for research, monitoring, and observation of the Arctic Ocean and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Line Item Veto Act''.
SEC. 2. EXPEDITED CONSIDERATION OF CERTAIN PROPOSED RESCISSIONS AND TAX
EXPENDITURES.
(a) In General.--Part B of title X of the Congressional Budget and
Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 681 et seq.) is amended by
redesignating sections 1013 through 1017 as sections 1014 through 1018,
respectively, and inserting after section 1012 the following new
section:
``Expedited consideration of certain proposed rescissions
``Sec. 1013. (a) Proposed Rescission of Budget Authority.--In
addition to the method of rescinding budget authority specified in
section 1012, the President may propose, at the time and in the manner
provided in subsection (b), the rescission of any budget authority
provided in an appropriations Act or the repeal of any tax expenditure
in any revenue Act. Funds made available for obligation under this
procedure may not be proposed for rescission again under this section
or section 1012.
``(b) Transmittal of Special Message.--
``(1) Not later than seven days after the date of enactment
of an appropriation Act or revenue Act, as the case may be, the
President may transmit to Congress--
``(A) a special message proposing to rescind
amounts of budget authority provided in that
appropriation Act and include with that special message
a draft bill that, if enacted, would only rescind that
budget authority; or
``(B) a special message proposing to repeal any tax
expenditure provided in any revenue Act, and include
with that special message a draft bill that, if
enacted, would only repeal that tax expenditure.
That bill shall clearly identify the amount of budget authority
that is proposed to be rescinded for each program, project, or
activity to which that budget authority relates.
``(2) In the case of an appropriation Act that includes
accounts within the jurisdiction of more than one subcommittee
of the Committee on Appropriations, the President in proposing
to rescind budget authority under this section shall send a
separate special message and accompanying draft bill for
accounts within the jurisdiction of each such subcommittee.
``(3) Each special message shall specify, with respect to
the budget authority proposed to be rescinded, the matters
referred to in paragraphs (1) through (5) of section 1012(a).
``(c) Procedures for Expedited Consideration.--
``(1)(A) Before the close of the second legislative day of
the House of Representatives after the date of receipt of a
special message transmitted to Congress under subsection (b),
the majority leader or minority leader of the House of
Representatives shall introduce (by request) the draft bill
accompanying that special message. If the bill is not
introduced as provided in the preceding sentence, then, on the
third legislative day of the House of Representatives after the
date of receipt of that special message, any Member of that
House may introduce the bill.
``(B) The bill shall be referred to the Committee on
Appropriations or the Committee on Ways and Means of the House
of Representatives, as appropriate. The committee shall report
the bill without substantive revision and with or without
recommendation. The bill shall be reported not later than the
seventh legislative day of that House after the date of receipt
of that special message. If the committee fails to report the
bill within that period, that committee shall be automatically
discharged from consideration of the bill, and the bill shall
be placed on the appropriate calendar.
``(C) A vote on final passage of the bill shall be taken in
the House of Representatives on or before the close of the
tenth legislative day of that House after the date of the
introduction of the bill in that House. If the bill is passed,
the Clerk of the House of Representatives shall cause the bill
to be engrossed, certified, and transmitted to the Senate
within one calendar day of the day on which the bill is passed.
``(2)(A) A motion in the House of Representatives to
proceed to the consideration of a bill under this section shall
be highly privileged and not debatable. An amendment to the
motion shall not be in order, nor shall it be in order to move
to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or
disagreed to.
``(B) Debate in the House of Representatives on a bill
under this section shall not exceed four hours, which shall be
divided equally between those favoring and those opposing the
bill. A motion further to limit debate shall not be debatable.
It shall not be in order to move to recommit a bill under this
section or to move to reconsider the vote by which the bill is
agreed to or disagreed to.
``(C) Appeals from decisions of the Chair relating to the
application of the Rules of the House of Representatives to the
procedure relating to a bill under this section shall be
decided without debate.
``(D) Except to the extent specifically provided in the
preceding provisions of this subsection consideration of a bill
under this section shall be governed by the Rules of the House
of Representatives.
``(3)(A) A bill transmitted to the Senate pursuant to
paragraph (1)(D) shall be referred to its Committee on
Appropriations or Committee on Fiance, as appropriate. The
committee shall report the bill without substantive revision
and with or without recommendation. The bill shall be reported
not later than the seventh legislative day of the Senate after
it receives the bill. A committee failing to report the bill
within such period shall be automatically discharged from
consideration of the bill, and the bill shall be placed upon
the appropriate calendar.
``(B) A vote on final passage of a bill transmitted to the
Senate shall be taken on or before the close of the tenth
legislative day of the Senate after the date on which the bill
is transmitted. If the bill is passed in the Senate without
amendment, the Secretary of the Senate shall cause the
engrossed bill to be returned to the House of Representatives.
``(4)(A) A motion in the Senate to proceed to the
consideration of a bill under this section shall be privileged
and not debatable. An amendment to the motion shall not be in
order, nor shall it be in order to move to reconsider the vote
by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to.
``(B) Debate in the Senate on a bill under this section,
and all debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith,
shall not exceed ten hours. The time shall be equally divided
between, and controlled by, the majority leader and the
minority leader or their designees.
``(C) Debate in the Senate on any debatable motion or
appeal in connection with a bill under this section shall be
limited to not more than one hour, to be equally divided
between, and controlled by, the mover and the manager of the
bill, except that in the event the manager of the bill is in
favor of any such motion or appeal, the time in opposition
thereto, shall be controlled by the minority leader or his
designee. Such leaders, or either of them, may, from time under
their control on the passage of a bill, allot additional time
to any Senator during the consideration of any debatable motion
or appeal.
``(D) A motion in the Senate to further limit debate on a
bill under this section is not debatable. A motion to recommit
a bill under this section is not in order.
``(d) Amendments and Divisions Prohibited.--No amendment to a bill
considered under this section shall be in order in either the House of
Representatives or the Senate. It shall not be in order to demand a
division of the question in the House of Representatives (or in a
Committee of the Whole) or in the Senate. No motion to suspend the
application of this subsection shall be in order in either House, nor
shall it be in order in either House to suspend the application of this
subsection by unanimous consent.
``(e) Requirement to Make Available for Obligation.--Any amount of
budget authority proposed to be rescinded in a special message
transmitted to Congress under subsection (b) shall be made available
for obligation on the day after the date on which either House rejects
the bill transmitted with that special message.
``(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) the term `appropriation Act' means any general or
special appropriation Act, and any Act or joint resolution
making supplemental, deficiency, or continuing appropriations;
and
``(2) the term `legislative day' means, with respect to
either House of Congress, any day during which that House is in
session.''.
(b) Exercise of Rulemaking Powers.--Section 904 of such Act (2
U.S.C. 621 note) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and 1017'' in subsection (a) and
inserting ``1013, and 1018''; and
(2) by striking ``section 1017'' in subsection (d) and
inserting ``sections 1013 and 1018''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 1011 of such Act (2 U.S.C. 682(5)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``1013'' and
inserting ``1014''; and
(B) in paragraph (5)--
(i) by striking ``1016'' and inserting
``1017''; and
(ii) by striking ``1017(b)(1)'' and
inserting ``1018(b)(1)''.
(2) Section 1015 of such Act (2 U.S.C. 685) (as
redesignated by section 2(a)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``1012 or 1013'' each place it
appears and inserting ``1012, 1013, or 1014'';
(B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``1012'' and
inserting ``1012 or 1013'';
(C) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``1013'' and
inserting ``1014''; and
(D) in subsection (e)(2)--
(i) by striking ``and'' at the end of
subparagraph (A);
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C);
(iii) by striking ``1013'' in subparagraph
(C) (as so redesignated) and inserting
``1014''; and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (A)
the following new subparagraph:
``(B) he has transmitted a special message under
section 1013 with respect to a proposed rescission;
and''.
(3) Section 1016 of such Act (2 U.S.C. 686) (as
redesignated by section 2(a)) is amended by striking ``1012 or
1013'' each place it appears and inserting ``1012, 1013, or
1014''.
(d) Clerical Amendments.--The table of sections for subpart B of
title X of such Act is amended--
(1) by redesignating the items relating to sections 1013
through 1017 as items relating to sections 1014 through 1018;
and
(2) by inserting after the item relating to section 1012
the following new item:
``Sec. 1013. Expedited consideration of certain proposed
rescissions.''. | Line Item Veto Act - Amends the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to grant the President an additional method of rescinding budget authority.
Allows the President to transmit to both Houses of the Congress, for expedited consideration, one or more special messages proposing to rescind all or part of any item of budget authority provided in an appropriation bill or the repeal of any tax expenditure in any revenue Act.
Requires that such special message be transmitted not later than seven days after the President approves the appropriation bill or revenue Act and be accompanied by a draft bill or joint resolution that would, if enacted, rescind the budget authority proposed to be rescinded or repeal that tax expenditure. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for the expedited consideration of such proposals. | Line Item Veto Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Creating Options for Veterans
Expedited Recovery Act'' or the ``COVER Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT AND DUTIES.
(a) Establishment.--There is established the Veterans Expedited
Recovery Commission (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission'').
(b) Duties.--The Commission shall perform the following duties:
(1) Examine the efficacy of the evidence-based therapy
model used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for treating
mental health illnesses of veterans and identify areas to
improve wellness-based outcomes.
(2) Conduct a patient-centered survey within each of the
Veterans Integrated Service Networks to examine--
(A) the experience of veterans with the Department
of Veterans Affairs when seeking medical assistance for
mental health issues through the health care system of
the Department;
(B) the experience of veterans with non-Department
medical facilities and health professionals for
treating mental health issues;
(C) the preferences of veterans regarding available
treatments for mental health issues and which methods
the veterans believe to be most effective;
(D) the experience, if any, of veterans with
respect to the complementary alternative treatment
therapies described in subparagraphs (A) through (I) in
paragraph (3);
(E) the prevalence of prescribing prescription
medication among veterans seeking treatment through the
health care system of the Department as remedies for
addressing mental health issues; and
(F) the outreach efforts of the Secretary regarding
the availability of benefits and treatments for
veterans for addressing mental health issues, including
by identifying ways to reduce barriers to and gaps in
such benefits and treatments.
(3) Examine available research on complementary alternative
treatment therapies for mental health issues and identify what
benefits could be made with the inclusion of such treatments
for veterans, including with respect to--
(A) music therapy;
(B) equine therapy;
(C) training and caring for service dogs;
(D) yoga therapy;
(E) acupuncture therapy;
(F) meditation therapy;
(G) outdoor sports therapy;
(H) hyperbaric oxygen therapy;
(I) accelerated resolution therapy; and
(J) other therapies the Commission determines
appropriate.
(4) Study the potential increase in the approval by the
Secretary of claims for compensation relating to mental health
issues for veterans who served Operation Enduring Freedom,
Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
SEC. 3. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 10
members, appointed as follows:
(A) Two members appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, at least one of whom shall be
a veteran.
(B) Two members appointed by the Minority Leader of
the House of Representatives, at least one of whom
shall be a veteran.
(C) Two members appointed by the Majority Leader of
the Senate, at least one of whom shall be a veteran.
(D) Two members appointed by the Minority Leader of
the Senate, at least one of whom shall be a veteran.
(E) Two members appointed by the President, at
least one of whom shall be a veteran.
(2) Qualifications.--Members of the Commission shall be--
(A) individuals who are of recognized standing and
distinction within the medical community with a
background in treating mental health; and
(B) individuals with experience working with the
military and veteran population.
(b) Chairman.--The President shall designate a member of the
Commission to be the chairman.
(c) Period of Appointment.--Members of the Commission shall be
appointed for the life of the Commission.
(d) Vacancy.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the
manner in which the original appointment was made.
(e) Appointment Deadline.--The appointment of members of the
Commission in this section shall be made not later than 90 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Meeting.--
(1) Initial meeting.--The Commission shall hold its first
meeting not later than 30 days after a majority of members are
appointed to the Commission.
(2) Meeting.--The Commission shall regularly meet at the
call of the Chairman. Such meetings may be carried out through
the use of telephonic or other appropriate telecommunication
technology if the Commission determines that such technology
will allow the members to communicate simultaneously.
(b) Hearing.--The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at
such times and places, take such testimony, and receive evidence as the
Commission considers advisable to carry out the responsibilities of the
Commission.
(c) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
directly from any department or agency of the Federal Government such
information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the
duties of the Commission.
(d) Information From Nongovernmental Organizations.--In carrying
out section 2(b), the Commission may seek guidance through consultation
with foundations, veterans service organizations, nonprofit groups,
faith-based organizations, private and public institutions of higher
education, and other organizations as the Commission determines
appropriate.
(e) Commission Records.--The Commission shall keep an accurate and
complete record of the actions and meetings of the Commission. Such
record shall be made available for public inspection and the
Comptroller General of the United States may audit and examine such
record.
(f) Personnel Matters.--Upon request of the chairman of the
Commission, the head of any department or agency of the Federal
Government may detail, on a reimbursable basis, any personnel of that
department or agency to assist the Commission in carrying out the
duties of the Commission.
(g) Compensation of Members; Travel Expenses.--Each member shall
serve without pay, except that each member shall receive travel
expenses to perform the duties of the Commission under section 2(b) of
this Act, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates
authorized under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States
Code.
(h) Staff.--The Chairman, in accordance with rules agreed upon by
the Commission, may appoint and fix the compensation of a staff
director and such other personnel as may be necessary to enable the
Commission to carry out its functions, without regard to the provisions
of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the
competitive service, without regard to the provision 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 a level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of
title 5, United States Code.
(i) Personnel as Federal Employees.--
(1) In general.--The executive director and any personnel
of the Commission are employees under section 2105 of title 5,
United States Code, for purpose of chapters 63, 81, 83, 84, 85,
87, 89, and 90 of such title.
(2) Members of the commission.--Paragraph (1) shall not be
construed to apply to members of the Commission.
(j) Contracting.--The Commission may, to such extent and in such
amounts as are provided in appropriations Acts, enter into contracts to
enable the Commission to discharge the duties of the Commission under
this Act.
(k) Expert and Consultant Service.--The Commission may procure the
services of experts and consultants in accordance with section 3109 of
title 5, United States Code, at rates not to exceed the daily rate paid
to a person occupying a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule
under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
(l) Postal Service.--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.
(m) Physical Facilities and Equipment.--Upon the request of the
Commission, the Administrator of General Services shall provide to the
Commission, on a reimbursable basis, the administrative support
services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities
under this Act. These administrative services may include human
resource management, budget, leasing, accounting, and payroll services.
SEC. 5. REPORT.
(a) Interim Reports.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 60 days after the date on
which the Commission first meets, and each 30-day period
thereafter ending on the date on which the Commission submits
the final report under subsection (b), the Commission shall
submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Senate and the President a report
detailing the level of cooperation the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs (and the heads of other departments or agencies of the
Federal Government) has provided to the Commission.
(2) Other reports.--In carrying out the duties pursuant to
section 2(b), at times that the Commission determines
appropriate, the Commission shall submit to the Committees on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Senate and any other appropriate entities an interim report
with respect to the findings identified by the Commission.
(b) Final Report.--Not later than 18 months after the first meeting
of the Commission, the Commission shall submit to the Committees on
Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the
President, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs a final report on the
findings of the Commission. Such report shall include the following:
(1) Recommendations to implement in a feasible, timely, and
cost-effective manner the solutions and remedies identified
within the findings of the Commission pursuant to section 2(b).
(2) An analysis of the evidence-based therapy model used by
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for treating veterans with
mental health care issues, and an examination of the prevalence
and efficacy of prescription drugs as a means for treatment.
(3) The findings of the patient-centered survey conducted
within each of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks
pursuant to section 2(b)(2).
(4) An examination of complementary alternative treatments
described in section 2(b)(3) and the potential benefits of
incorporating such treatments in the therapy model used by the
Secretary for treating veterans with mental health issues.
(c) Plan.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which the
Commission submits the final report under subsection (b), the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs
of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the
following:
(1) An action plan for implementing the recommendations
established by the Commission on such solutions and remedies
for improving wellness-based outcomes for veterans with mental
health care issues.
(2) A feasible timeframe on when complementary alternative
treatments described in section 2(b)(3) can be implemented
Department-wide.
(3) If the Secretary determines that implementing the
recommendations established by the Commission, including with
respect to such complementary alternative treatments, is not
appropriate or feasible, a justification for such determination
and an alternative solution to improve the efficacy of the
therapy model used by the Secretary for treating veterans with
mental health issues.
SEC. 6. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.
The Commission shall terminate 30 days after the Commission submits
the final report under section 5(b). | Creating Options for Veterans Expedited Recovery Act or the COVER Act - Establishes the Veterans Expedited Recovery Commission to: examine the efficacy of the evidence-based therapy model used by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for treating mental health illnesses of veterans and identify areas to improve wellness-based outcomes; conduct a patient-centered survey within each of the Veterans Integrated Service Networks to examine the experience of veterans with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) when seeking medical assistance for mental health issues through the VA health care system, their experience with non-VA facilities and health professionals for such issues, their preferences regarding available treatments for such issues and which methods they believe to be most effective, their experience with complementary alternative treatment therapies, the prevalence of prescribing prescription medication among veterans seeking treatment through the VA health care system to address mental health issues, and the Secretary's outreach efforts regarding the availability of benefits and treatments for such issues; examine available research on complementary alternative treatment therapies for mental health issues (including music, yoga, and meditation therapy) and identify what benefits could be made with the inclusion of such treatments for veterans; and study the potential increase in the approval by the Secretary of claims for compensation relating to mental health issues for veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn. Directs the Secretary, upon a report by the Commission, to submit: (1) an action plan for implementing recommendations and a time frame for implementing complementary alternative treatments, or (2) a justification for not doing so and an alternative solution to improve the efficacy of the therapy model. | COVER Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Scientific Integrity Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITION OF FEDERAL AGENCY.
In this Act, the term ``Federal agency'' has the meaning given the
term ``agency'' in section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) science and the scientific process should inform and
guide public policy decisions on a wide range of issues,
including improvement of public health, protection of the
environment, and protection of national security;
(2) the public must be able to trust the science and
scientific process informing public policy decisions;
(3) science, the scientific process, and the communication
of science should be free from politics, ideology, and
financial conflicts of interest; and
(4) policies and procedures that ensure the integrity of
the conduct and communication of publicly funded science are
critical to ensuring public trust.
SEC. 4. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS.
Except as provided in section 552(b) of title 5, United States
Code, and consistent with privacy and classification standards, the
head of each Federal agency that funds or conducts scientific research
shall--
(1) promote and maximize the communication and open
exchange of data and findings to other agencies, policymakers,
and the public of research conducted by a scientist or engineer
employed or contracted by a Federal agency that funds or
conducts scientific research; and
(2) prevent the suppression or distortion of the data and
findings described in paragraph (1).
SEC. 5. PRINCIPLES.
Section 1009(a) of the America COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 6620(a)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(a) Principles.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of the Scientific Integrity Act, the Director of the
Office of Science and Technology Policy, in consultation with
the head of each Federal agency that funds or conducts
scientific research, shall develop and issue an overarching set
of principles--
``(A) to ensure the communication and open exchange
of data and findings to other agencies, policymakers,
and the public of research conducted by a scientist or
engineer employed or contracted by a Federal agency
that funds or conducts scientific research, while
protecting privacy, confidentiality, and national
security; and
``(B) to prevent the suppression or distortion of
the data or findings described in subparagraph (A).
``(2) Exchange of data and findings.--In order to promote
the sharing of data and findings, as appropriate, the
principles shall--
``(A) encourage the open exchange of data and
findings of research undertaken by a scientist or
engineer employed or contracted by a Federal agency
that funds or conducts scientific research, while
protecting privacy, confidentiality, and national
security; and
``(B) be consistent with existing Federal laws,
including chapter 18 of title 35, United States Code
(commonly known as the `Bayh-Dole Act').''.
SEC. 6. SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY POLICIES.
(a) In General.--Section 1009 of the America COMPETES Act (42
U.S.C. 6620) is amended by striking subsection (b) and inserting the
following:
``(b) Scientific Integrity Policies.--Not later than 90 days after
the date of enactment of the Scientific Integrity Act, the head of each
Federal agency that funds or conducts scientific research shall--
``(1) develop and enforce a scientific integrity policy,
including procedures, regarding the release of data and
findings to other agencies, policymakers, and the public of
research conducted by a scientist or engineer employed or
contracted by that Federal agency; and
``(2) submit the scientific integrity policy to the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and
Congress.
``(c) Requirements.--A scientific integrity policy under subsection
(b) shall--
``(1) be consistent with the principles established under
subsection (a);
``(2) specifically address what is and what is not
permitted or recommended under that policy, including
procedures;
``(3) be specifically designed for the Federal agency;
``(4) be applied uniformly throughout the Federal agency;
and
``(5) be publicly accessible and widely communicated to all
employees and private contractors of the Federal agency.
``(d) Contents.--At a minimum, each scientific integrity policy
under subsection (b) shall ensure that--
``(1) scientific conclusions are not made based on
political considerations;
``(2) the selection and retention of candidates for science
and technology positions in the Federal agency are based
primarily on the candidate's expertise, scientific credentials,
experience, and integrity;
``(3) personnel actions regarding scientists and engineers
are not made based on political consideration or ideology;
``(4) scientists and engineers adhere to the highest
ethical and professional standards in conducting their research
and disseminating their findings;
``(5) the appropriate rules, procedures, and safeguards are
in place to ensure the integrity of the scientific process
within the Federal agency, including procedures--
``(A) that allow for a scientist to review public
release of materials that cite work from that scientist
or otherwise claim to represent the scientist's
scientific opinion; and
``(B) to identify, evaluate the merits of, and
address instances in which the scientific process or
the integrity of scientific and technological
information may be compromised;
``(6) scientific or technological information considered in
policy decisions is subject to well-established scientific
processes, including peer review where appropriate;
``(7) except as provided in section 552(b) of title 5,
United States Code, and consistent with privacy and
classification standards, each Federal agency makes publicly
available scientific or technological findings that are
considered or relied upon in policy decisions and regulatory
proposals;
``(8) scientific and technical staff are able to ensure the
scientific and technical content of scientific documents,
reports, press releases, and fact sheets accurately represents
the relevant scientific data and conclusions; and
``(9) procedures, including any applicable whistleblower
protections, are in place as are necessary to ensure the
integrity of scientific and technological information and
processes on which the Federal agency relies in its
decisionmaking or otherwise uses.
``(e) Application.--A scientific integrity policy shall apply to
each employee or contractor who conducts, handles, communicates,
supervises, or manages federally funded scientific research for the
Federal agency or for a federally funded research and development
center sponsored by the Federal agency.
``(f) Dissemination of Scientific Integrity Policies and
Procedures.--The head of each Federal agency that funds or conducts
scientific research shall--
``(1) make the scientific integrity policy available to the
public on the Federal agency's website;
``(2) disseminate the scientific integrity policy to each
new employee and contractor; and
``(3) develop and require training on the scientific
integrity policy for each employee or contractor who conducts,
handles, communicates, or supervises scientific research for
the Federal agency.
``(g) Definition of Federal Agency.--In this section, the term
`Federal agency' has the meaning given the term `agency' in section
551(1) of title 5, United States Code.''.
(b) Existing Scientific Integrity Policies.--Notwithstanding
section 1009(b) of the America COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 6620(b)), as
amended by this Act, a scientific integrity policy that was in effect
on the day before the date of enactment of this Act may satisfy the
requirements of section 1009 of that Act if the head of a Federal
agency that funds or conducts scientific research--
(1) makes a written determination that the policy satisfies
the requirements of that section; and
(2) submits the written determination and the policy to the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and
Congress.
(c) Clarification.--Nothing in this Act shall affect the
application of United States copyright law.
SEC. 7. NAPA REVIEW.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall enter
into an agreement with the National Academy of Public Administration--
(1) to study the appropriateness of the scientific
integrity policies under section 1009 of the America COMPETES
Act (42 U.S.C. 6620), as added by section 6 of this Act--
(A) in promoting the communication and open
exchange of data and findings to other agencies,
policymakers, and the public of research conducted by
scientists employed or contracted by a Federal agency;
and
(B) in preventing the suppression or distortion of
the data and findings described in subparagraph (A);
and
(2) to recommend any improvements to the scientific
integrity policies to achieve the purposes described in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1). | Scientific Integrity Act This bill requires, subject to Freedom of Information Act disclosure restrictions and privacy requirements, federal agencies that fund or conduct scientific research to: (1) promote and maximize the communication and open exchange of scientific data and findings to other agencies, policymakers, and the public; and (2) prevent the suppression or distortion of such data and findings. The bill amends the America COMPETES Act to require federal agencies that fund or conduct scientific research to develop and enforce a scientific integrity policy and submit it to Congress and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). A scientific integrity policy must, at a minimum, ensure that scientific conclusions are not made based on political considerations. It must be made available to the public on agency websites and be disseminated to each new agency employee and contractor. Agencies must also develop and require training on the policy for its employees and contractors. The OSTP shall enter into an agrement with the National Academy of Public Administration to study the appropriateness of scientific integrity policies. | Scientific Integrity Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat
Reduction Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The possession by hostile states or terrorist groups of
nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons of mass destruction,
or related materials or means of delivery, represents the
greatest threat to the national security of the United States
in the 21st century.
(2) It is the highest priority of the United States to
protect its territory, people, armed forces, allies, and
friends from attacks by dangerous regimes or terrorist groups
using weapons of mass destruction or related materials or means
of delivery.
(3) It is the policy of the United States to ensure and
strengthen verification and compliance with the Treaty on the
Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, done at Washington,
London, and Moscow July 1, 1968, and entered into force March
5, 1970 (commonly known as the ``Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty''), the Convention on the Prohibition of the
Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical
Weapons and on Their Destruction, with Annexes, done at Paris
January 13, 1993, and entered into force April 29, 1997
(commonly known as the ``Chemical Weapons Convention''), the
Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production
and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin
Weapons and on Their Destruction, done at Washington, London,
and Moscow April 10, 1972, and entered into force March 26,
1975 (commonly known as the ``Biological Weapons Convention''),
the safeguards system of the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA), and the commitments and control lists of the Missile
Technology Control Regime (MTCR), the Australia Group (AG), the
Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), and the Wassenaar Arrangement on
Export Controls for Conventional Arms and Dual-Use Goods and
Technologies (WA).
(4) The national security interests of the United States
have been well-served by the enactment of the Soviet Nuclear
Threat Reduction Act of 1991 (title II of Public Law 102-228;
22 U.S.C. 2551 note), (commonly known as the ``Nunn-Lugar
Act''), its successor law, the Cooperative Threat Reduction Act
of 1993 (title XII of Public Law 103-160; 22 U.S.C. 5951 note),
and the Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996
(title XIV of Public Law 104-201; 50 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.)
(commonly known as the ``Nunn-Lugar-Domenici Act'').
(5) The Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction program
has, as of January 2007--
(A) deactivated 6,934 nuclear warheads;
(B) destroyed 637 intercontinental ballistic
missiles;
(C) eliminated 485 intercontinental ballistic
missile silos;
(D) destroyed 81 mobile intercontinental ballistic
missile launchers;
(E) eliminated 155 bombers;
(F) destroyed 906 nuclear air-to-surface missiles;
(G) eliminated 436 submarine-launched ballistic
missile launchers;
(H) eliminated 601 submarine-launched ballistic
missiles;
(I) destroyed 30 strategic nuclear submarines; and
(J) sealed 194 nuclear test tunnels or holes.
(6) On February 11, 2004, President George W. Bush called
for the expansion of the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat
Reduction program, stating: ``I propose to expand our efforts
to keep weapons from the Cold War and other dangerous materials
out of the wrong hands. In 1991, Congress passed the Nunn-Lugar
legislation. Senator Lugar had a clear vision, along with
Senator Nunn, about what to do with the old Soviet Union. Under
this program, we're helping former Soviet states find
productive employment for former weapons scientists. We're
dismantling, destroying, and securing weapons and materials
left over from the Soviet WMD arsenal. We have more work to do
there.''
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) all United States capabilities must be utilized to
prevent acts of catastrophic terrorism using weapons of mass
destruction or related materials or means of delivery;
(2) in order to prevent acts of catastrophic terrorism
using weapons of mass destruction or related materials or means
of delivery, the United States must pursue a strategy making
full and effective use of multilateral and bilateral
agreements, missile defense, arms control, threat reduction
assistance, interdiction efforts, export controls, and United
States proliferation sanctions;
(3) the United States must not allow the world's most
dangerous weapons to fall into the hands of dangerous regimes
and terrorist groups;
(4) the United States must hold nations accountable for all
violations of international nonproliferation treaties, norms,
and standards of conduct, and to the extent that it is
consistent with United States law and policy, provide
assistance to ensure that such treaties, norms, and standards
of conduct are upheld rather than violated; and
(5) the President must be provided the authority to use
Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction funds in a manner
consistent with the high value Congress and the President have
placed on Cooperative Threat Reduction programs to reduce the
threat posed to the national security of the United States and
international peace and security by the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction or related materials or means of
delivery.
SEC. 4. REPEAL OF RESTRICTIONS.
(a) Soviet Nuclear Threat Reduction Act of 1991.--Section 211(b) of
the Soviet Nuclear Threat Reduction Act of 1991 (title II of Public Law
102-228; 22 U.S.C. 2551 note) is repealed.
(b) Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 1993.--Section 1203(d) of
the Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 1993 (title XII of Public Law
103-160; 22 U.S.C. 5952(d)) is repealed.
(c) Russian Chemical Weapons Destruction Facilities.--Section 1305
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (Public
Law 106-65; 22 U.S.C. 5952 note) is repealed.
SEC. 5. INAPPLICABILITY OF OTHER RESTRICTIONS.
Section 502 of the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian
Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-511;
106 Stat. 3338; 22 U.S.C. 5852) shall not apply to any Cooperative
Threat Reduction program.
SEC. 6. COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION PROGRAMS DEFINED.
In this Act, the term ``Cooperative Threat Reduction programs''
means programs and activities specified in section 1501(b) of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law
104-201; 110 Stat. 2731; 50 U.S.C. 2362 note). | Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 2007 - Amends the Soviet Nuclear Threat Reduction Act of 1991, the Cooperative Threat Reduction Act of 1993, and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 to repeal specified restrictions on the use of Cooperative Threat Reduction (CTR) program funds and activities.
Amends the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act of 1992 to make specified funding requirements respecting independent countries of the former Soviet Union inapplicable to CTR programs. | A bill to improve authorities to address urgent nonproliferation crises and United States nonproliferation operations. |
SECTION 1. ECONOMIC AND EMPLOYMENT IMPACT ACT.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Economic and
Employment Impact Act''.
(b) Findings and Purposes.--
(1) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(A) compliance with Federal regulations is
estimated to cost the private sector and State and
local governments as much as $850,000,000,000 a year;
(B) excessive Federal regulation and mandates
increase the cost of doing business and thus hinder
economic growth and employment opportunities;
(C) State and local governments are forced to
absorb the cost of unfunded Federal mandates; and
(D) in addition to budget and deficit estimates,
Congress and the executive branch decision makers need
to be aware of regulatory cost impacts of proposed
Federal actions on the private sector and State, local,
and tribal governments.
(2) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are--
(A) to ensure that the people of the United States
are fully apprised of the impact of Federal legislative
and regulatory activity on economic growth and
employment;
(B) to require both the Congress and the executive
branch to acknowledge and to take responsibility for
the fiscal and economic effects of legislative and
regulatory actions and activities;
(C) to provide a means to ensure that congressional
and executive branch action are focused on enhancing
economic growth and providing increased job
opportunities for the people of the United States; and
(D) to protect against congressional or executive
branch actions which hinder economic growth or
eliminate jobs for the people of the United States.
(c) Economic and Employment Impact Statements for Legislation.--
(1) Preparation.--The Director of the Congressional Budget
Office (referred to as the ``Director'') shall prepare an
economic and employment impact statement, as described in
paragraph (2), to accompany each bill or joint resolution
reported by any committee (except the Committee on
Appropriations) of the House of Representatives or the Senate
or considered on the floor of either House.
(2) Contents.--The economic and employment impact statement
required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A) An estimate of the numbers of individuals and
businesses who would be regulated by the bill or joint
resolution and a determination of the groups and
classes of such individuals and businesses;
(B) A determination of the economic impact of such
regulation on individuals, consumers, and businesses
affected.
(C)(i) An estimate of the costs which would be
incurred by the private sector in carrying out or
complying with such bill or joint resolution in the
fiscal year in which it is to become effective, and in
each of the 4 fiscal years following such fiscal year,
together with the basis for each such estimate.
(ii) Estimates required by this subparagraph shall
include specific data on costs imposed on groups and
classes of individuals and businesses, including small
business and consumers, and employment impacts on those
individuals and businesses.
(D) An estimate of the costs that would be incurred
by State and local governments, which shall include--
(i) the estimates required by section 403
of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974; and
(ii) an evaluation of the extent of the
costs of the Federal mandates arising from such
bill or joint resolution in comparison with
funding assistance provided by the Federal
Government to address the costs of complying
with such mandates.
(3) Report not available.--If compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (1) is impracticable, the Director
shall submit a statement setting forth the reasons for
noncompliance.
(4) Statement to accompany committee reports.--The economic
and employment impact statement required by this subsection
shall accompany each bill or joint resolution reported or
otherwise considered on the floor of either House. Such
statement shall be printed in the committee report upon timely
submission to the committee. If not timely filed or otherwise
unavailable for publication in the committee report, the
economic and regulatory statement shall be published in the
Congressional Record not less than 2 calendar days prior to any
floor consideration of a bill or joint resolution subject to
the provisions of this subsection by either House.
(5) Committee statements optional.--Nothing in this
subsection shall be construed to modify or otherwise affect the
requirements of paragraph 11(b) of rule XXVI of the Standing
Rules of the Senate, regarding preparation of an evaluation of
regulatory impact.
(d) Economic and Employment Impact Statement for Executive Branch
Regulations.--
(1) Preparation.--Each Federal department or executive
branch agency shall prepare an economic and employment impact
statement, as described in paragraph (2), to accompany
regulatory actions.
(2) Contents.--The economic and employment impact statement
required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A) An estimate of the numbers of individuals and
businesses who would be regulated by the regulatory
action and a determination of the groups and classes of
such individuals and businesses.
(B) A determination of the economic impact of such
regulation on individuals, consumers, and businesses
affected.
(C)(i) An estimate of the costs which would be
incurred by the private sector in carrying out or
complying with such regulatory action in the fiscal
year in which it is to become effective and in each of
the 4 fiscal years following such fiscal year, together
with the basis for each such estimate.
(ii) The estimate required by this subparagraph
shall include specific data on costs on groups and
classes of individuals and businesses, including small
business and consumers, and employment impacts on those
individuals and businesses.
(D) An estimate of the costs that would be incurred
by State and local governments, which shall include--
(i) an estimate of cost which would be
incurred by State and local governments in
carrying out or complying with the regulatory
action in the fiscal year in which it is to
become effective and in each of the 4 fiscal
years following such fiscal year, together with
the basis for such estimate;
(ii) a comparison of the estimates of costs
described in clause (i), with any available
estimates of costs made by any Federal or State
agency;
(iii) if the agency determines that the
regulatory action is likely to result in annual
cost to State and local governments of
$200,000,000 or more, or is likely to have
exceptional fiscal consequences for a
geographic region or a particular level of
government, a statement by the agency detailing
such results or consequences; and
(iv) an evaluation of the extent of the
costs of the Federal mandates arising from the
regulatory action in comparison with funding
assistance provided by the Federal Government
to address the costs of complying with such
mandates.
(4) Report not available.--If compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (1) is impracticable, the agency or
department shall submit a statement setting forth the reasons
for noncompliance.
(5) Statement to accompany federal regulatory actions.--The
economic and employment impact statement with respect to a
regulatory action required by this subsection shall be
published in the Federal Register together with the publication
of such regulatory action. If the regulatory action is not
published in the Federal Register, the economic and employment
impact statement shall be made available to the public in a
timely manner.
(6) Definition of ``regulatory action''.--For purposes of
this subsection, the term ``regulatory action'' means any
substantive action by a Federal agency (required to be or
customarily published in the Federal Register) that promulgates
or is expected to lead to the promulgation of a final rule or
regulation, including notices of inquiry, advance notices of
proposed rulemaking, notices of proposed rulemaking, interim
final rules, and final rules and regulations.
(e) Provision for National Security Emergency Waiver.--
(1) Congressional economic impact statements.--The Congress
may waive the requirements of subsection (c) at any time in
which a declaration of war is in effect, or in response to a
national security emergency at the request of the President.
(2) Executive regulations economic impact statements.--The
President may waive the requirements of subsection (d) at any
time in which a declaration of war is in effect, or in response
to a national security emergency as determined by the President
in consultation with Congress. | Economic and Employment Impact Act - Requires the Director of the Congressional Budget Office to prepare an economic and employment impact statement to accompany each bill or joint resolution reported by any congressional committee (except the Committee on Appropriations) or considered on the floor of either House. Requires such statement to include: (1) an estimate of the numbers of individuals and businesses who would be regulated by the legislation and their groups and classes; (2) the economic impact of such regulation on individuals, consumers, and businesses affected; and (3) an estimate of costs which would be incurred by the private sector in complying with such legislation in each of the five fiscal years after it is to become effective, together with the basis for each such estimate, and of costs which would be incurred by State and local governments.
Requires the statement to be printed in the committee report and, if unavailable for such publication, published in the Congressional Record within two calendar days before any floor consideration of the legislation by either House.
Requires each executive department and agency to prepare such a statement to accompany regulatory actions, publish the statement in the Federal Register together with the regulatory action, and make the statement available to the public if such action is not published in the Federal Register.
Provides that nothing in this Act shall be construed to modify or otherwise affect the requirements of rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the Senate regarding committee preparation of an evaluation of regulatory impact with respect to legislation.
Requires the Director, department, or agency to submit a statement setting forth the reasons if it is impracticable to comply with this Act.
Sets forth provisions authorizing a national security emergency waiver of Act requirements under specified circumstances. | Economic and Employment Impact Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian
Education Program Modernization Act''.
SEC. 2. INDIAN EDUCATION PROGRAM STUDENT COUNT UPDATE.
The Act of April 16, 1934 (25 U.S.C. 5342 et seq.) (commonly
referred to as the Johnson-O'Malley Act) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``SEC. 7. COMPUTATION OF STUDENT COUNT.
``(a) Definitions.--For the purposes of this Act, the following
definitions apply:
``(1) Contracting party.--The term `contracting party' means an
entity that has a contract through a program authorized under this
Act.
``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means an
entity that is eligible to apply for a contract for a supplemental
or operational support program under this Act, as outlined in
section 1.
``(3) Existing contracting party.--The term `existing
contracting party' means a contracting party that has a contract
under this Act that is in effect on the date of enactment of the
JOM Modernization Act.
``(4) JOM modernization act.--The term `JOM Modernization Act'
means the Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program
Modernization Act.
``(5) New contracting party.--The term `new contracting party'
means an entity that enters into a contract under this Act after
the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act.
``(6) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary of
the Interior.
``(b) Determination of the Number of Eligible Indian Students.--
``(1) Initial determinations.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall make an initial
determination of the number of eligible Indian students served
or potentially served by each eligible entity in accordance
with subparagraph (B).
``(B) Process for making the initial determination.--
``(i) Preliminary report.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act,
the Secretary shall publish a preliminary report describing
the number of eligible Indian students served or
potentially served by each eligible entity, using the most
applicable and accurate data (as determined by the
Secretary in consultation with eligible entities) from the
fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the initial
determination is to be made from--
``(I) the Bureau of the Census;
``(II) the National Center for Education
Statistics; or
``(III) the Office of Indian Education of the
Department of Education.
``(ii) Data reconciliation.--To improve the accuracy of
the preliminary report described in clause (i) prior to
publishing, the Secretary shall reconcile the data
described in the preliminary report with--
``(I) each existing contracting party's data
regarding the number of eligible Indian students served
by the existing contracting party for the fiscal year
preceding the fiscal year for which the initial
determination is made; and
``(II) identifiable tribal enrollment information.
``(iii) Comment period.--After publishing the
preliminary report under clause (i) in accordance with
clause (ii), the Secretary shall establish a 60-day comment
period to gain feedback about the preliminary report from
eligible entities, which the Secretary shall take into
consideration in preparing the final report described in
clause (iv).
``(iv) Final report.--Not later than 120 days after
concluding the consultation described in clause (iii), the
Secretary shall publish a final report on the initial
determination of the number of eligible Indian students
served or potentially served by each eligible entity,
including justification for not including any feedback
gained during such consultation, if applicable.
``(2) Subsequent academic years.--For each academic year
following the fiscal year for which an initial determination is
made under paragraph (1) to determine the number of eligible Indian
students served or potentially served by a contracting party, the
Secretary shall determine the number of eligible Indian students
served by the contracting party based on the reported eligible
Indian student count numbers identified through the reporting
process described in subsection (c).
``(c) Contracting Party Student Count Reporting Compliance.--
``(1) In general.--For each academic year following the fiscal
year for which an initial determination is made under subsection
(b) to determine the number of eligible Indian students served or
potentially served by a contracting party, the contracting party
shall submit to the Secretary a report describing the number of
eligible Indian students who were served using amounts allocated to
such party under this Act during the previous fiscal year. The
report shall also include an accounting of the amounts and purposes
for which the contract funds were expended.
``(2) Failure to comply.--A contracting party that fails to
submit a report under paragraph (1) shall receive no amounts under
this Act for the fiscal year following the academic year for which
the report should have been submitted.
``(3) Notice.--The Secretary shall provide contracting parties
with timely information relating to--
``(A) initial and final reporting deadlines; and
``(B) the consequences of failure to comply outlined in
paragraph (2).
``(4) Technical assistance.--The Secretary, acting through the
Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, shall provide technical
assistance and training on compliance with the reporting
requirements of this subsection to contracting parties.
``(d) Annual Report.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall prepare an annual
report, including the most recent determination of the number of
eligible Indian students served by each contracting party,
recommendations on appropriate funding levels for the program based
on such determination, and an assessment of the contracts under
this Act that the Secretary--
``(A) may include in the budget request of the Department
of the Interior for each fiscal year;
``(B) shall submit to--
``(i) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate;
``(ii) the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate;
``(iii) the Committee on Education and the Workforce of
the House of Representatives; and
``(iv) the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives; and
``(C) shall make publicly available.
``(2) Manner of preparation.--The Secretary shall prepare the
report under paragraph (1) in a manner so as to prevent or minimize
new administrative burdens on contracting parties receiving funds
under this Act.
``(e) Hold Harmless.--
``(1) Initial hold harmless.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided under subparagraph
(B) and subject to subparagraphs (C) and (D), for a fiscal
year, an existing contracting party shall not receive an amount
under this Act that is less than the amount that such existing
contracting party received under this Act for the fiscal year
preceding the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act.
``(B) Exceptions.--
``(i) In general.--An existing contracting party shall
receive an amount under this Act for a fiscal year that is
less than the amount that the existing contracting party
received under this Act for the fiscal year preceding the
date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act, if one or
more of the following conditions is met:
``(I) Failure to report.--The existing contracting
party failed to submit a complete report described in
subsection (c) that was most recently due from the date
of the determination.
``(II) Violations of contract or law.--The
Secretary has found that the existing contracting party
has violated the terms of a contract entered into under
this Act or has otherwise violated Federal law.
``(III) Student count decrease.--The number of
eligible Indian students reported by such existing
contracting party under subsection (c) has decreased
below the number of eligible Indian students served by
the existing contracting party in the fiscal year
preceding the date of enactment of the JOM
Modernization Act.
``(ii) Amount of funding reduction for existing
contracting parties reporting decreased student counts.--A
reduction in an amount pursuant to clause (i)(III) shall
not be done in such a manner that the existing contracting
party receives an amount of funding per eligible Indian
student that is less than the amount of funding per
eligible Indian student such party received for the fiscal
year preceding the date of enactment of the JOM
Modernization Act.
``(C) Ratable reductions in appropriations.--If the funds
available under this Act for a fiscal year are insufficient to
pay the full amounts that all existing contracting parties are
eligible to receive under subparagraph (A) for the fiscal year,
the Secretary shall ratably reduce those amounts for the fiscal
year.
``(D) Sunset.--This paragraph shall cease to be effective 4
years after the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act.
``(2) Maximum decrease after 4 years.--Beginning 4 years after
the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization Act, no contracting
party shall receive for a fiscal year more than a 10 percent
decrease in funding per eligible Indian student from the previous
fiscal year.
``(f) Funding Allocation and Reform.--
``(1) Funding reform.--The Secretary may make recommendations
for legislation to increase the amount of funds available per
eligible Indian student through contracts under this Act to equal
to or greater than the amount of funds that were available per
eligible Indian student through contracts under this Act for fiscal
year 1995, and attempt to identify additional sources of funding
that do not reallocate existing funds otherwise utilized by Indian
students served--
``(A) by the Bureau of Indian Education; or
``(B) under title VI of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
``(2) Increases in program funding.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subsection (e) and
subparagraph (B), for any fiscal year for which the amount
appropriated to carry out this Act exceeds the amount
appropriated to carry out this Act for the preceding fiscal
year, the excess amounts shall--
``(i) be allocated only to those contracting parties
that did not receive their full per student funding
allocation for the previous fiscal year; and
``(ii) be allocated first to new contracting parties
that did not receive their full per student funding
allocation for the previous fiscal year.
``(B) Parity in funding.--Subparagraph (A) shall have no
effect after the first fiscal year for which each contracting
party receives their full per student funding allocation.
``(g) Increased Geographical and Tribal Participation in the
Johnson-O'Malley Supplementary Education Program.--To the maximum
extent practicable, the Secretary shall consult with Indian tribes and
contact State educational agencies, local educational agencies, and
Alaska Native organizations that have not previously entered into a
contract under this Act--
``(1) to determine the interest of the Indian tribes, State
educational agencies, local educational agencies, and Alaska Native
organizations, in entering into such contracts; and
``(2) to share information relating to the process for entering
into a contract under this Act.
``(h) Rulemaking.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of the JOM Modernization Act, the Secretary, acting
through the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, shall
undertake and complete a rulemaking process, following the
provisions of subchapter II of chapter 5 of title 5, United States
Code, to--
``(A) determine how the regulatory definition of `eligible
Indian student' may be revised to clarify eligibility
requirements for contracting parties under this Act;
``(B) determine, as necessary, how the funding formula
described in section 273.31 of title 25, Code of Federal
Regulations (as in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of the JOM Modernization Act) may be clarified and
revised to ensure full participation of contracting parties and
provide clarity on the funding process under this Act; and
``(C) otherwise reconcile and modernize the rules to
comport with the activities of the contracting parties under
this Act as of the date of enactment of the JOM Modernization
Act.
``(2) Report.--Not later than 30 days after the date the
rulemaking under paragraph (1) is complete, the Secretary shall
submit a report to Congress describing the results of such
rulemaking and necessary recommendations to ensure the full
implementation of such rulemaking.
``(i) Student Privacy.--The Secretary shall ensure that data is
collected and each report is prepared under this section in a manner
that protects the rights of eligible Indian students in accordance with
section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act (commonly referred
to as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974) (20 U.S.C.
1232g).
``(j) GAO Report.--Not later than 18 months after the final report
described in subsection (b)(1)(B)(iv) is published, the Comptroller
General shall--
``(1) conduct a review of the implementation of this section
during the preceding 2-year period, including any factors
impacting--
``(A) the accuracy of the determinations of the number of
eligible Indian students under this section;
``(B) the communication between the Bureau of Indian
Education and contracting parties; and
``(C) the efforts by the Bureau of Indian Education to
ensure accurate and sufficient distribution of funding for
Indian students;
``(2) submit a report describing the results of the review
under paragraph (1) to--
``(A) the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate;
``(B) the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate;
``(C) the Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native
Affairs of the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives; and
``(D) the Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and
Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the
House of Representatives; and
``(3) make such report publicly available.
``(k) Effect.--Nothing in this section--
``(1) creates a new program or duplicates program activities
under this Act; or
``(2) replaces or diminishes the effect of regulations to carry
out this Act existing on the day before the date of enactment of
the JOM Modernization Act, unless expressly provided in this
section.''.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior to annually update the count of Indian students eligible for the Johnson-O'Malley Program (JOM Program). The JOM Program awards contracts to tribal organizations, schools, states, and others to support the cultural and academic needs of Indian students. The contract amounts are based on the number of students served. Contracting parties must annually report to Interior on the number of students they serve. If they fail to submit the report, then Interior may not give them program funds for the next fiscal year. The bill sets forth a process to revise funding allocations provided under the program. Interior must consult with Indian tribes and state and local education agencies that have not participated in the program to determine their interest in entering into contracts. The Bureau of Indian Education must determine how: (1) the regulatory definition of eligible student may be clarified for contracting parties, and (2) the program funding formula may be updated to ensure the full participation of contracting parties and provide clarity on the funding process. | Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Next Generation Homes Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF NEW ENERGY EFFICIENT HOME CREDIT.
(a) In General.--
(1) Modification of credit amount.--Paragraph (2) of
section 45L(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating
to applicable amount) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Applicable amount.--For purposes of paragraph (1),
the applicable amount is an amount equal to--
``(A) in the case of an Energy Star Home, $700,
``(B) in the case of an Energy Plus Home, $2,000,
``(C) in the case of an Energy Saver Home, $5,000,
and
``(D) in the case of Zero Energy Home, $10,000.''.
(2) Modification of energy saving requirement.--Subsection
(c) of section 45L of such Code is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Energy Savings Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--A dwelling unit meets the energy savings
requirements of this subsection if such unit is described in
paragraph (2).
``(2) Applicable dwelling units.--For purposes of this
section--
``(A) Energy star home.--The term `Energy Star
Home' means a dwelling unit which meets the
requirements established by the Administrator of the
Environmental Agency under the Energy Star Labeled
Homes program.
``(B) Energy plus home.--The term `Energy Plus
Home' means a dwelling unit which is certified under
the most recent Mortgage Industry National Home Energy
Rating Systems Standards as having a relative energy
use index value of more than 50, but not more than 70.
``(C) Energy saver home.--The term `Energy Saver
Home' means a dwelling unit which meets the
requirements of subparagraph (B) applied by
substituting `0' for `50' and `50' for `70'.
``(D) Zero energy home.--The term `Zero Energy
Home' means a dwelling unit which meets the
requirements of subparagraph (B) applied by
substituting `0' for `more than 50, but not more than
70'.''.
(3) Modification of termination.--Subsection (g) of section
45L of such Code (relating to termination) is amended to read
as follows:
``(g) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any qualified
new energy efficient home acquired after--
``(1) in the case of an Energy Star Home, December 31,
2011,
``(2) in the case of a Energy Star Home, December 31, 2013,
``(3) in the case of a Energy Plus Home, December 31, 2015,
and
``(4) in the case of a Zero Energy Home, December 31,
2018.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to new energy efficient homes acquired after December 31, 2008.
SEC. 3. ENERGY EFFICIENT RESIDENCE CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after
section 25D the following new section:
``SEC. 25E. ENERGY EFFICIENT RESIDENCE CREDIT.
``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual who purchases a
qualified energy efficient residence in the United States during a
taxable year, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax
imposed by this chapter for such taxable year an amount equal to the
applicable amount determined under subsection (c).
``(b) Qualified Energy Efficient Residence.--For purposes of this
section, the term `qualified energy efficient residence' means any
principal residence (within the meaning of section 121) of the taxpayer
which is an Energy Star Home, Energy Plus Home, Energy Saver Home, or
Zero Energy Home (as each is defined in section 45L(c)(2)).
``(c) Applicable Amount.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The applicable amount shall be--
``(A) in the case of an Energy Star Home, $700,
``(B) in the case of an Energy Plus Home, $2,000,
``(C) in the case of an Energy Saver Home, $5,000,
and
``(D) in the case of Zero Energy Home, $10,000.
``(2) Married filing separately.--In the case of a married
individual filing a separate return, the applicable amount
shall be 50 percent of the amount in effect under paragraph (1)
applicable to the qualified energy efficient home involved.
``(3) Other individuals.--If two or more individuals who
are not married purchase a principal residence, the amount of
the credit allowed under subsection (a) shall be allocated
among such individuals in such manner as the Secretary may
prescribe, except that the total amount of the credits allowed
to all such individuals shall not exceed the amount in effect
under paragraph (1) applicable to the qualified energy
efficient home involved.
``(d) Definition and Special Rules.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Purchase.--The term `purchase' shall have the meaning
given such term by section 36.
``(2) Rules made applicable.--Rules similar to the rules of
subsections (d) and (f) of section 36 shall apply. For purposes
of the preceding sentence, such subsection (f) shall be applied
without regard to paragraph (4)(D) thereof.
``(e) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any qualified
energy efficient residence purchased after--
``(1) in the case of an Energy Star Home, December 31,
2011,
``(2) in the case of a Energy Star Home, December 31, 2013,
``(3) in the case of a Energy Plus Home, December 31, 2015,
and
``(4) in the case of a Zero Energy Home, December 31,
2018.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 25D the following new
item:
``Sec. 25E. Energy efficient residence credit.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to residences purchased after the date of the enactment of this
Act. | Next Generation Homes Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the dollar limits on the new energy efficient home tax credit and revise the energy savings requirements for such credit; and (2) allow a new tax credit for the purchase of an energy efficient principal residence. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify the new energy efficient home credit and to provide a credit against tax for the purchase of certain energy efficient homes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Second Opinion Coverage Act of
2002''.
SEC. 2. COVERAGE OF SECOND OPINIONS.
(a) Group Health Plans.--
(1) Public health service act amendments.--(A) Subpart 2 of
part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 2707. COVERAGE OF SECOND OPINIONS.
``(a) In General.--A group health plan, and a health insurance
issuer offering group health insurance coverage, shall provide that
when requested by a participant, beneficiary, or enrollee or
participating health care professional who is treating the participant,
beneficiary, or enrollee, the plan or issuer shall provide or authorize
a second opinion by an appropriately qualified health care
professional. Reasons for a second opinion to be provided or authorized
include the following:
``(1) If the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee
questions the reasonableness or necessity of recommended
surgical procedures.
``(2) If the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee
questions a diagnosis or plan of care for a condition that
threatens loss of life, loss of limb, loss of bodily function,
or substantial impairment, including a serious chronic
condition.
``(3) If the clinical indications are not clear or are
complex and confusing, a diagnosis is in doubt due to
conflicting test results, or the treating health care
professional is unable to diagnose the condition, and the
participant, beneficiary, or enrollee requests and additional
diagnosis.
``(4) If the treatment plan in progress is not improving
the medical condition of the participant, beneficiary, or
enrollee within an appropriate period of time given the
diagnosis and plan of care and the participant, beneficiary, or
enrollee requests a second opinion regarding the diagnosis or
continuance of the treatment.
``(5) If the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee has
attempted to follow the plan of care or consulted with the
initial provider concerning serious concerns about the
diagnosis or plan of care.
``(b) Appropriately Qualified Health Care Professional Defined.--
For purposes of this section, an `appropriately qualified health care
professional' is a primary care physician or a specialist who is acting
within the professional's scope of practice and who possesses a
clinical background, including training and expertise, related to the
particular illness, disease, condition or conditions associated with
the request for a second opinion.
``(c) Timely Rendering of Opinions.--If a participant, beneficiary,
or enrollee or participating health care professional who is treating a
participant, beneficiary, or enrollee requests a second opinion
pursuant to this section, an authorization or denial shall be provided
in an expeditious manner. When the condition of the participant,
beneficiary, or enrollee is such that the individual faces an imminent
and serious threat to health, including the potential loss of life,
limb, or other major bodily function, or lack of timeliness that would
be detrimental to the individual's ability to regarding maximum
function, the second opinion shall be rendered in a timely fashion
appropriate for the nature of the condition involved, but not to exceed
72 hours after the time of the plan's receipt of the request, whenever
possible. Each plan or issuer shall file with the Secretary timelines
for responding to requests for second opinions for cases involving
emergency needs, urgent care, and other requests by not later than 90
days after the date of the enactment of this section, and within 30
days of any amendment to the timelines. The timelines shall be made
available to the public upon request.
``(d) Limitation on Liability for Costs.--If a group health plan,
or health insurance issuer offering a group health insurance in
connection with such a plan, approves a request by a participant,
beneficiary, or enrollee for a second opinion, the participant,
beneficiary, or enrollee shall be responsible only for the costs of
applicable copayments that the group health plan or issuer requires for
similar referrals.
``(e) Primary Care Requests.--If the participant, beneficiary, or
enrollee is requesting a second opinion about care from the
individual's primary care physician, the second opinion shall be
provided by an appropriately qualified halth care profession of the
individual's choice within the same physician organization.
``(f) Specialists.--If the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee is
requesting a second opinion about care from a specialist, the second
opinion shall be provided by any provider of that individual's choice
from any independent practice association or medical group within the
network of the same or equivalent specialty. If the specialist is not
within the same physician organization, the plan or issuer shall incur
the cost or negotiate the fee arrangements of that second opinion,
beyond the applicable copayments which shall be paid by the
participant, beneficiary, or enrollee. If not authorized by the plan or
issuer, additional medical opinions not within the original physician
organization shall be the responsibility of the enrollee.
``(g) Use of Outside Plan Consultants.--If there is no
participating provider under the plan or coverage within the network
who meets the standard specified in subsection (b), then the plan or
issuer shall authorize a second opinion by an appropriately qualified
health professional outside of the plan's or issuer's provider network.
In approving a second opinion either inside or outside of the plan's or
issuer's provider network, the plan or issuer shall take into account
the ability of the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee to travel to
the provider, but the plan or issuer is not liable for costs relating
to such travel.
``(h) Consultation Reports.--The plan or issuer shall require the
second opinion health professional to provide the participant,
beneficiary, or enrollee and the initial health professional with a
consultation report, including any recommended procedures or test that
the second opinion health professional believes appropriate. Nothing in
this section shall be construed to prevent the plan or issuer from
authorizing, based on its independent determination, additional medical
opinions concerning the medical condition of a participant,
beneficiary, or enrollee.
``(i) Notice.--If the plan or issuer denies a request by a
participant, beneficiary, or enrollee for a second opinion, it shall
notify the participant, beneficiary, or enrollee in writing of the
reasons for the denial and shall inform the participant, beneficiary,
or enrollee of the rights to file a grievance with the plan.
``(j) Limitation to Participating Providers.--Unless authorized by
the plan or issuer, in order for services to be covered the
participant, beneficiary, or enrollee shall obtain services only from a
provider who is participating in, or under contract with, the plan or
issuer pursuant to the specific contract under which the participant,
beneficiary, or enrollee is entitled to health care services. The plan
or issuer may limit referrals to its network of providers if there is a
participating plan provider who meets the standard specified in
subsection (b).
``(k) Exemption.--This section shall not apply to health care
service plan contracts that provide benefits to enrollees through
preferred provider contracting arrangements if, subject to all other
terms and conditions of the contract that apply generally to all other
benefits, access to and coverage for second opinions are not limited.
``(l) Notice.--A group health plan under this part shall comply
with the notice requirement under section 714(b) 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.''.
(B) Section 2723(c) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-23(c)) is
amended by striking ``section 2704'' and inserting ``sections
2704 and 2707''.
(2) ERISA amendments.--(A) Subpart B of part 7 of subtitle
B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 714. COVERAGE OF SECOND OPINIONS.
``(a) Requirement.--The provisions of section 2707 shall apply
under this subtitle to group health plans, and to group health
insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer, in the same
manner as they apply if such provisions were included in this
subsection.
``(b) Notice Under Group Health Plan.--The imposition of the
requirement 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 requirement apply.''.
(B) Section 731(c) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1191(c)) is
amended by striking ``section 711'' and inserting ``sections
711 and 714''.
(C) Section 732(a) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1191a(a)) is
amended by striking ``section 711'' and inserting ``sections
711 and 714''.
(D) The table of contents in section 1 of such Act is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 713 the
following new item:
``Sec. 714. Coverage of second opinions.''.
(3) Internal revenue code amendments.--
(A) In general.--Subchapter B of chapter 100 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(i) in the table of sections, by inserting
after the item relating to section 9812 the
following new item:
``Sec. 9813. Coverage of second
opinions.''; and
(ii) by inserting after section 9812 the
following:
``SEC. 9813. COVERAGE OF SECOND OPINIONS.
``The requirements of section 2707 of the Public Health Service Act
shall apply under this section as if such section were included
herein.''.
(B) Conforming amendment.--Section 4980D(d)(1) of
such Code is amended by striking ``section 9811'' and
inserting ``sections 9811 and 9813''.
(b) Individual Health Insurance.--(1) Part B of title XXVII of the
Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 2752
the following new section:
``SEC. 2753. COVERAGE OF SECOND OPINIONS.
``(a) In General.--The provisions of section 2707 (other than
subsection (l)) shall apply to health insurance coverage offered by a
health insurance issuer in the individual market in the same manner as
they apply 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 714(b) 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.''.
(2) Section 2762(b)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-62(b)(2)) is
amended by striking ``section 2751'' and inserting ``sections 2751 and
2753''.
(c) Effective Dates.--
(1) Group health plans and group health insurance
coverage.--Subject to paragraph (3), the amendments made by
subsection (a) apply with respect to group health plans for
plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2003.
(2) Individual health insurance coverage.--The amendments
made by subsection (b) apply with respect to health insurance
coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed, in effect, or operated
in the individual market on or after such date.
(3) Collective bargaining exception.--In the case of a
group health plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective
bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or
more employers ratified before the date of enactment of this
Act, the amendments made subsection (a) shall not apply to plan
years beginning before the later of--
(A) the date on which the last collective
bargaining agreements relating to the plan terminates
(determined without regard to any extension thereof
agreed to after the date of enactment of this Act), or
(B) January 1, 2003.
For purposes of subparagraph (A), any plan amendment made
pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement relating to the
plan which amends the plan solely to conform to any requirement
added by subsection (a) shall not be treated as a termination
of such collective bargaining agreement.
(d) Coordination of Administration.--The Secretary of Labor, the
Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Health and Human
Services shall ensure, through the execution of an interagency
memorandum of understanding among such Secretaries, that--
(1) regulations, rulings, and interpretations issued by
such Secretaries relating to the same matter over which two or
more such Secretaries have responsibility under the provisions
of this Act (and the amendments made thereby) are administered
so as to have the same effect at all times; and
(2) coordination of policies relating to enforcing the same
requirements through such Secretaries in order to have a
coordinated enforcement strategy that avoids duplication of
enforcement efforts and assigns priorities in enforcement. | Second Opinion Coverage Act of 2002 - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), and the Internal Revenue Code to require group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans to provide coverage for second opinions.Directs the Secretaries of Health and Human Services, of Labor, and of the Treasury to coordinate administration of this Act. | To amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require that group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans provide coverage for second opinions. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``NAFTA Accountability Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Rising deficits in united states trade accounts.--One
of the purposes of the North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA), as stated in the preamble, is to ``create an expanded
and secure market'' for goods and services. Instead, NAFTA has
resulted in a spiraling United States trade deficit with Mexico
and Canada that exceeded $76,000,000,000 in 2015, and more than
$1,800,000,000,000 since the agreement's inception. Rather than
continuous development and expansion as envisioned and growing
trade surpluses for the United States, NAFTA has resulted in
United States job losses and escalating trade deficits.
(2) Erosion of the united states manufacturing base.--One
of the purposes of NAFTA is to enhance the competitiveness of
firms in the global market. However, rather than increase the
ability of the manufacturing sector in the United States to
compete in the world market, NAFTA has facilitated and
accelerated the outsourcing of United States manufacturing
facilities and jobs to lower-wage Mexico. Conservatively, NAFTA
has led to nearly 1,000,000 American job losses. Conversely,
Mexico has become an export platform displacing United States
production. An unprecedented flood of imports of manufactured
and agricultural goods now enter the United States. Further,
Mexico has experienced an outsourcing of productivity to even
lower-wage China, as Chinese imports to Mexico have grown and
are imported into the United States.
(3) NAFTA should not be expanded.--Congress approved NAFTA
in order to achieve economic, social, and environmental
benefits for the people of the United States. Based on
currently available information, the goals and objectives of
NAFTA are not being achieved. Therefore, NAFTA should not be
expanded to include any other country.
(4) NAFTA to be renegotiated and benefits certified.--Based
on the experience with NAFTA since its implementation, it has
become evident that further negotiation is required to resolve
fundamental inadequacies within NAFTA with respect to trade
balances, currency differentials, health and environmental
conditions, agricultural provisions, systems of justice, and
illegal immigration. If NAFTA is to continue, Congress must
require certification of specific measures of economic, social,
legal, and environmental progress. Otherwise Congress has no
choice but to withdraw its approval of NAFTA.
SEC. 3. CONDITIONS FOR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN NAFTA.
(a) In General.--
(1) Withdrawal of approval.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, unless each of the conditions described in
paragraph (2) is met--
(A) the approval of NAFTA by Congress provided for
in section 101(a) of the North American Free Trade
Agreement Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 3311(a)) shall
cease to be effective beginning on the date that is 365
days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(B) not later than 6 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the President shall provide
written notice of withdrawal to the Governments of
Canada and Mexico in accordance with Article 2205 of
NAFTA.
(2) Conditions for continuing participation in nafta.--The
conditions described in this paragraph are met if, not later
than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act--
(A) the President--
(i) renegotiates the terms of NAFTA in
accordance with paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of
subsection (b); and
(ii) provides the certification to Congress
described in subsection (b)(8);
(B) the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of
Agriculture provide the certification described in
subsection (b)(4);
(C) the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of
Agriculture provide the certification described in
subsection (b)(5);
(D) the Secretary of Agriculture and the
Administrator of the Food and Drug Administration
provide the certification described in subsection
(b)(6)(A);
(E) the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency submits the certification described
in subsection (b)(6)(B); and
(F) the Attorney General of the United States
provides the certification described in subsection
(b)(7).
(b) Areas of Renegotiation and Certification.--The areas of
renegotiation and certification described in this subsection are as
follows:
(1) Renegotiate nafta to correct trade deficits.--The
President is authorized and directed to confer with the
Governments of Canada and Mexico and to renegotiate the terms
of NAFTA to provide for implementation of emergency adjustments
of tariffs, quotas, and other measures to stabilize and balance
the flow of trade among NAFTA Parties when the United States
has an annual deficit in trade of goods and services with
another NAFTA Party that--
(A) exceeds 10 percent of United States exports to
that Party; or
(B) equals or exceeds $500,000,000 for 3 or more
consecutive years.
(2) Renegotiate nafta to correct currency distortions.--The
President is authorized and directed to confer with the
Governments of Canada and Mexico and to renegotiate the terms
of NAFTA to provide for the implementation of emergency
adjustments of tariffs, quotas, and other measures to mitigate
the adverse effects of rapid or substantial changes in exchange
rates between the United States dollar and the currency of
another NAFTA Party.
(3) Renegotiate nafta to correct agricultural provisions.--
The President is authorized and directed to confer with the
Governments of Canada and Mexico and to renegotiate the terms
of NAFTA to establish and strengthen provisions to prevent
imports of agricultural commodities from any NAFTA Party from
unfairly displacing United States production, to provide
improved mechanisms for relief for United States producers that
are adversely impacted by such imports, and to address the
serious and growing problem of Mexico's displaced ejido peasant
farmers and crime associated with lawlessness in the United
States-Mexico border zone.
(4) Certification of gains in united states jobs and living
standards.--If the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of
Agriculture, after consultation with appropriate government
agencies and citizen organizations, determine that--
(A) the number of jobs resulting from increased
exports of United States goods and services to other
NAFTA Parties exceeds the number of jobs lost because
of imports of goods and services from other NAFTA
Parties since January 1, 1994; and
(B) the purchasing power of wage-earners in the
United States has increased since January 1, 1994,
the Secretaries shall so certify to Congress.
(5) Certification of increased domestic manufacturing.--If
the Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of Agriculture,
after consultation with the appropriate government agencies and
citizen organizations, determine that the export of United
States manufactured and agricultural goods to NAFTA Parties
exceeds the imports of manufactured and agricultural goods from
NAFTA Parties, the Secretaries shall so certify to Congress. In
making the determination, the Secretaries shall not include any
goods originating outside the United States that are exported
to another NAFTA Party, nor imports from another NAFTA Party
that are destined for other countries.
(6) Certification relating to health and environmental
standards.--
(A) In general.--If the Secretary of Agriculture
and the Administrator of the Food and Drug
Administration, after consultation with appropriate
government agencies and citizen organizations,
determine, with respect to imports from NAFTA Parties,
that since January 1, 1994, there has been a reduced
incidence of contaminated and adulterated food, food
containing additives or pesticide residues exceeding
United States standards, or food containing additives
or pesticide residues which cannot be legally used in
the United States, the Secretary and Administrator
shall so certify to Congress. In making this
determination, all foods and food products, including
fruits, vegetables, grains, oilseeds, and meats, both
fresh and processed, shall be reviewed.
(B) Border area pollution.--If the Administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency determines that
conditions affecting public health in the United
States-Mexico border zone have not worsened since
January 1, 1994, the Administrator shall so certify to
Congress.
(7) Certification relating to illegal drugs.--If the
Attorney General of the United States determines, after a
review by the Drug Enforcement Administration and consultation
with appropriate government agencies and citizen organizations,
that increased imports from NAFTA Parties are not resulting in
an increase in crime with illegal drugs or other controlled
substances from Mexico or Canada, the Attorney General shall so
certify to Congress.
(8) Certification relating to democracy and human
freedoms.--If the President, after consultation with
appropriate government agencies, international organizations,
and citizen organizations, determines that the Government of
Mexico--
(A) is elected in free and fair elections;
(B) protects the rights of its citizens to organize
into political parties;
(C) protects the rights of its citizens to free
speech and the right of the news media to operate
without fear of government control or reprisal;
(D) protects the rights of its citizens to assemble
and to organize associations to advance human rights
and economic opportunities; and
(E) receives fair and impartial litigation of suits
and trials according to the rule of law in a
transparent justice system,
the President shall so certify to Congress.
SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS THAT NAFTA NOT BE EXPANDED.
Until such time as the conditions described in section 3(b) are
met, it is the sense of Congress that the President should not engage
in negotiations to expand NAFTA to include other countries and that
trade promotion authority should not be renewed with respect to the
approval of any such expansion of NAFTA.
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) NAFTA.--The term ``NAFTA'' means the North American
Free Trade Agreement entered into between the United States,
Canada, and Mexico on December 17, 1992.
(2) NAFTA party.--The term ``NAFTA Party'' means the United
States, Canada, or Mexico.
(3) United states-mexico border zone.--The term ``United
States-Mexico border zone'' means the area that comprises the
12-mile zone on the Mexican side of the United States-Mexico
border and the counties within any State of the United States
that are contiguous with Mexico. | NAFTA Accountability Act This bill provides that unless the specified conditions set forth in this bill are met: Congress withdraws its approval of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) effective one year after enactment of this bill; and the President, not later than six months after this bill's enactment, shall provide written notice of withdrawal to the governments of Canada and Mexico. The bill requires the President to confer with the governments of Canada and Mexico and renegotiate NAFTA to correct: trade deficits, currency distortions, and the impact of agricultural imports on U.S. agricultural production. The bill also prescribes requirements for: gains in U.S. jobs and living standards, increased domestic manufacturing, health and environmental standards, a non-increase in crime with illegal drugs, and democracy and human freedoms in Mexico. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that, until the conditions set forth in this bill are met, the President should not engage in negotiations to expand NAFTA to include other countries, and trade promotion authority should not be renewed with respect to the approval of any such NAFTA expansion. | NAFTA Accountability Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Resilience Development Act
of 2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) According to the Institute of Medicine of the National
Academy of Sciences, the Department of Health and Human
Services and the Department of Homeland Security should analyze
terrorism preparedness to ensure that the public health
infrastructure is prepared to respond to the psychological
consequences of terrorism, and Federal, State, and local
disaster planners should address these psychological
consequences in their planning and preparedness for terrorist
attacks.
(2) Research concerning the psychological impact of ongoing
terrorism in Israel published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association and ongoing research undertaken by the
National Institutes of Health demonstrate that there are
effective ways to enhance resilience and minimize the damaging
psychological impact of terrorism.
(3) According to the New England Journal of Medicine, after
September 11, 2001, Americans across the country, including
children, had substantial symptoms of stress. Even clinicians
who practice in regions that are far from the sites of the
attacks should be prepared to assist people with trauma-related
symptoms of stress.
(4) According to Military Medicine, experiences from the
1995 chemical weapons attack by terrorists in the Tokyo subway
system suggest that psychological casualties from a chemical
attack will outnumber physical casualties by approximately 4 to
1.
(5) According to the Journal of the American Medical
Association, the lessons learned from the 2001 anthrax attacks
should motivate local health departments, health care
organizations, and clinicians to engage in collaborative
programs to enhance their communications and local preparedness
and response capabilities.
(6) According to the National Advisory Committee on
Children and Terrorism, it is important to recognize that the
means through which the effects of terrorism are propagated are
largely psychological and that it will generally be the terror
generated by a major event, not the event itself, that will
have the greatest long-term negative impact on children and
families throughout the Nation. There is a great need for
increased attention to the promotion of family and community
resilience in terror and disaster planning.
(7) According to ``Schools and Terrorism: A Supplement to
the National Advisory Committee on Children and Terrorism
Recommendations to the Secretary'', schools may or may not be the
targets of terrorism, but they are certain to be affected by terrorism,
because on any given weekday more than one-fifth of the United States
population can be found in schools. Although the United States
Department of Education strongly encourages every school to have an
emergency management plan, few plans address how the school fits in
with the larger public health and emergency management response to a
community-wide event, such as a terrorist attack.
(8) According to a national study by leading health care
foundations, in this time of growing threats of terrorism, many
doctors and other primary care providers are increasingly being
confronted with patients who complain of aches and pains, or
more serious symptoms, which mask serious anxiety or
depression.
(9) Substantial effort and funding are still needed to
adequately understand and prepare for the psychological
consequences associated with bioterrorism.
(10) The integration of mental health into public health
efforts, including integration and cooperation across Federal
agencies and State public health and mental health authorities,
is critical in addressing the psychological needs of the Nation
with regard to terrorism.
SEC. 3. GOALS.
The goals of this Act are as follows:
(1) To identify effective strategies to respond to the
behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impacts of terrorism and
their implications for disaster management and to integrate
these strategies into the United States' plans to mitigate,
plan for, respond to, and recover from potential and actual
terrorist attacks.
(2) To coordinate the efforts of different government
agencies in researching, developing, and implementing programs
and protocols designed to increase the psychological resilience
and mitigate distress reactions and maladaptive behaviors of
the American public as they relate to terrorism.
(3) To facilitate the work of the Department of Homeland
Security and other departments and agencies by incorporating
programs and protocols designed to increase the psychological
resilience of the American public and respond to the
behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impacts of terrorism and
their implications for disaster management, into those
Departments' and agencies' efforts in reducing the
vulnerability of the United States to terrorism.
(4) To enable the States and localities to effectively
respond to the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impacts of
terrorism and their implications for disaster management and to
integrate appropriate strategies into their terrorism planning,
preparedness, and response efforts.
(5) To integrate mental health and public health emergency
preparedness and response efforts in the United States.
SEC. 4. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON NATIONAL RESILIENCE.
Title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241 et seq.)
is amended by inserting after section 319K the following:
``SEC. 319L. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON NATIONAL RESILIENCE.
``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall convene and lead an
interagency task force for the purpose of increasing the psychological
resilience of the American public and improving the ability of Federal,
State, and local governments to respond to the behavioral, cognitive,
and emotional impacts of terrorism and their implications for disaster
management.
``(b) Members.--The task force convened under this section shall
include the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, the
Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services
Administration, the Director of the Office of Public Health Emergency
Preparedness, the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service, and
such other members as the Secretary deems appropriate.
``(c) Duties.--The duties of the task force convened under this
section shall include the following:
``(1) Coordinating and facilitating the efforts of the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National
Institute of Mental Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration, the Health Resources and
Services Administration, the Office of Public Health Emergency
Preparedness, and the Office of the Surgeon General of the
Public Health Service in their endeavors to develop and
implement programs and protocols designed to increase the
psychological resilience of the American public and respond to
the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impacts of terrorism
and their implications for disaster management, including by
integrating appropriate strategies into the Department of
Health and Human Service's terrorism preparedness, response,
and recovery efforts.
``(2) Consulting with, and providing guidance to, the
Department of Homeland Security to integrate into its efforts
in reducing the vulnerability of the United States to
terrorism, programs and protocols designed to increase the
psychological resilience of the American public and respond to
the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impacts of terrorism
and their implications for disaster management.
``(3) Consulting with the Department of Defense, the
Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor, the
American Red Cross, national organizations of health care and
health care providers, national organizations representing
public safety officials, and such other organizations and
agencies as the task force deems appropriate to advance
understanding of successful strategies to respond to the
behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impacts of terrorism and
their implications for disaster management and to coordinate
implementation of such strategies.
``(4) Consulting with the Department of Education on the
impact of terrorism on children and schools' role in the
development, implementation, and coordination of strategies to
increase children's psychological resilience and respond to the
behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impacts of terrorism.
``(5) Consulting with and providing guidance to the States
and local governments for the purpose of enabling them to
effectively respond to the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional
impacts of terrorism and their implications for disaster
management.
``(6) Developing strategies for encouraging State and local
public health and mental health agencies to closely collaborate
in the development of integrated, science-based programs and
protocols designed to increase the psychological resilience of
the American public and respond to the behavioral, cognitive,
and emotional impacts of terrorism and their implications for
disaster management.
``(7) Preparing and presenting to the Secretary of Health
and Human Services and the Secretary of Homeland Security
specific recommendations on how their respective departments,
agencies, and offices can strengthen existing and planned
terrorism preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation
initiatives by integrating programs and protocols designed to
increase the psychological resilience of the American public
and respond to the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impacts
of terrorism and their implications for disaster management.
``(d) Meetings.--The task force convened under this section shall
meet not less than 4 times each year.
``(e) Staff.--The Secretary shall staff the task force as necessary
to ensure it is able to perform the duties described in subsection
(c).''.
SEC. 5. ACTIVITIES OF STATES, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, AND TERRITORIES
REGARDING NATIONAL RESILIENCE.
(a) Public Health Service Act.--Subsection (d) of section 319C-1 of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d-3a) is amended by
inserting after paragraph (18) the following:
``(19) To enable State mental health authorities, in close
collaboration with the respective State public health
authorities and the interagency task force convened under
section 319L, to better understand and manage human emotional,
behavioral, and cognitive responses to disasters, including by
increasing the psychological resilience of the public and
mitigating distress reactions and maladaptive behaviors that
could occur in response to a conventional, biological,
chemical, or radiological attack on the United States.''.
(b) USA Patriot Act.--Subsection (b) of section 1014 of the Uniting
and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to
Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001 (42
U.S.C. 3714) is amended--
(1) by striking ``may be used to purchase'' and inserting
``may be used for the following:
``(1) To purchase'';
(2) by striking ``In addition, grants under this section
may be used to construct'' and inserting the following:
``(2) To construct''; and
(3) by inserting at the end the following:
``(3) To enable State mental health authorities, in close
collaboration with the respective State public health
authorities and the interagency task force convened under
section 319L of the Public Health Service Act, to better
understand and manage human emotional, behavioral, and
cognitive responses to disasters, including by increasing the
psychological resilience of the public and mitigating distress
reactions and maladaptive behaviors that could occur in
response to a conventional, biological, chemical, or
radiological attack on the United States.''.
SEC. 6. EFFORTS BY FEMA REGARDING NATIONAL RESILIENCE.
Paragraph (2) of section 507(a) of the Homeland Security Act of
2002 (6 U.S.C. 317(a)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, including the
risk of psychological injury'' before the semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and the
psychological consequences of trauma'' before the semicolon;
and
(3) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``overcome the
psychological consequences of trauma,'' before ``life,''.
SEC. 7. ANNUAL REPORT BY SECRETARIES OF HHS AND HOMELAND SECURITY.
Not less than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act
and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and
the Secretary of Homeland Security, acting jointly, shall submit a
report to the Congress that includes the following:
(1) The recommendations of the interagency task force
convened under section 319L of the Public Health Service Act
(as amended by section 4 of this Act) that are relevant to the
Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of
Homeland Security.
(2) A description of the steps that have or have not been
taken by each Federal department to implement the
recommendations described in paragraph (1).
(3) Thorough explanations for rejection of any
recommendations made by the interagency task force convened
under section 319L.
(4) Other steps undertaken to meet the goals of this Act. | National Resilience Development Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene and lead an interagency task force to increase the psychological resilience of the American public and improve the ability of Federal, State and local governments to respond to the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional impacts of terrorism and their implications for disaster management.
Amends the Act and Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (USA Patriot Act) of 2001 and the Public Health Service Act to permit certain grants to be used to enable mental health authorities to better understand and manage human emotional, behavioral, and cognitive responses to disasters, including by increasing the psychological resilience of the public and mitigate distress reactions and maladaptive behavior that could occur in response to a conventional, biological, chemical or radiological attack on the United States.
Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency to integrate into its functions efforts to mitigate, plan, and recover from psychological injury and consequences of trauma. | To improve homeland security by providing for national resilience in preparation for, and in the event of, a terrorist attack, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Advance Directives
Improvement and Education Act of 2004''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings and purposes.
Sec. 3. Medicare coverage of end-of-life planning consultations.
Sec. 4. Improvement of policies related to the use and portability of
advance directives.
Sec. 5. Increasing awareness of the importance of end-of-life planning.
Sec. 6. GAO studies and reports on end-of-life planning issues.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Every year 2,500,000 people die in the United States.
Eighty percent of those people die in institutions such as
hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities. Chronic
illnesses, such as cancer and heart disease, account for 2 out
of every 3 deaths.
(2) In January 2004, a study published in the Journal of
the American Medical Association concluded that many people
dying in institutions have unmet medical, psychological, and
spiritual needs. Moreover, family members of decedents who
received care at home with hospice services were more likely to
report a favorable dying experience.
(3) In 1997, the Supreme Court of the United States, in its
decisions in Washington v. Glucksberg and Vacco v. Quill,
reaffirmed the constitutional right of competent adults to
refuse unwanted medical treatment. In those cases, the Court
stressed the use of advance directives as a means of
safeguarding that right should those adults become incapable of
deciding for themselves.
(4) A study published in 2002 estimated that the overall
prevalence of advance directives is between 15 and 20 percent
of the general population, despite the passage of the Patient
Self-Determination Act in 1990, which requires that health care
providers tell patients about advance directives.
(5) Competent adults should complete advance care plans
stipulating their health care decisions in the event that they
become unable to speak for themselves. Through the execution of
advance directives, including living wills and durable powers
of attorney for health care according to the laws of the State
in which they reside, individuals can protect their right to
express their wishes and have them respected.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are to improve access to
information about individuals' health care options and legal rights for
care near the end of life, to promote advance care planning and
decisionmaking so that individuals' wishes are known should they become
unable to speak for themselves, to engage health care providers in
disseminating information about and assisting in the preparation of
advance directives, which include living wills and durable powers of
attorney for health care, and for other purposes.
SEC. 3. MEDICARE COVERAGE OF END-OF-LIFE PLANNING CONSULTATIONS.
(a) Coverage.--Section 1861(s)(2) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2)), as amended by section 642(a) of the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public
Law 108-173; 117 Stat. 2322), is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (Y), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (Z), by inserting ``and'' at the end;
and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(AA) end-of-life planning consultations (as defined in
subsection (bbb));''.
(b) Services Described.--Section 1861 of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395x), as amended by section 706(b) of the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public
Law 108-173; 117 Stat. 2339), is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``End-of-Life Planning Consultation
``(bbb) The term `end-of-life planning consultation' means
physicians' services--
``(1) consisting of a consultation between the physician
and an individual regarding--
``(A) the importance of preparing advance
directives in case an injury or illness causes the
individual to be unable to make health care decisions;
``(B) the situations in which an advance directive
is likely to be relied upon;
``(C) the reasons that the development of a
comprehensive end-of-life plan is beneficial and the
reasons that such a plan should be updated periodically
as the health of the individual changes;
``(D) the identification of resources that an
individual may use to determine the requirements of the
State in which such individual resides so that the
treatment wishes of that individual will be carried out
if the individual is unable to communicate those
wishes, including requirements regarding the
designation of a surrogate decision maker (health care
proxy); and
``(E) whether or not the physician is willing to
follow the individual's wishes as expressed in an
advance directive; and
``(2) that are furnished to an individual on an annual
basis or immediately following any major change in an
individual's health condition that would warrant such a
consultation (whichever comes first).''.
(c) Waiver of Deductible and Coinsurance.--
(1) Deductible.--The first sentence of section 1833(b) of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(b)) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and'' before ``(6)''; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, and (7) such deductible shall not apply
with respect to an end-of-life planning consultation
(as defined in section 1861(bbb))''.
(2) Coinsurance.--Section 1833(a)(1) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)) is amended--
(A) in clause (N), by inserting ``(or 100 percent
in the case of an end-of-life planning consultation, as
defined in section 1861(bbb))'' after ``80 percent'';
and
(B) in clause (O), by inserting ``(or 100 percent
in the case of an end-of-life planning consultation, as
defined in section 1861(bbb))'' after ``80 percent''.
(d) Payment for Physicians' Services.--Section 1848(j)(3) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(j)(3)), as amended by section
611(c) of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and
Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173; 117 Stat. 2304), is
amended by inserting ``(2)(AA),'' after ``(2)(W),''.
(e) Frequency Limitation.--Section 1862(a)(1) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395y(a)(1)), as amended by section 613(c) of
the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of
2003 (Public Law 108-173; 117 Stat. 2306), is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (L);
(2) by striking the semicolon at the end of subparagraph
(M) and inserting ``, and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(N) in the case of end-of-life planning consultations (as
defined in section 1861(bbb)), which are performed more
frequently than is covered under paragraph (2) of such
section;''.
(f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2005.
SEC. 4. IMPROVEMENT OF POLICIES RELATED TO THE USE AND PORTABILITY OF
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES.
(a) Medicare.--Section 1866(f) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395cc(f)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``and if
presented by the individual (or on behalf of the
individual), to include the content of such advance
directive in a prominent part of such record'' before
the semicolon at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' after
the semicolon at the end;
(C) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the
following new subparagraph:
``(F) to provide each individual with the opportunity to
discuss issues relating to the information provided to that
individual pursuant to subparagraph (A) with an appropriately trained
professional.'';
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``a written'' and
inserting ``an''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5)(A) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1), a
provider of services, Medicare Advantage organization, or prepaid or
eligible organization (as the case may be) shall give effect to an
advance directive executed outside the State in which such directive is
presented, even one that does not appear to meet the formalities of
execution, form, or language required by the State in which it is
presented to the same extent as such provider or organization would
give effect to an advance directive that meets such requirements,
except that a provider or organization may decline to honor such a
directive if the provider or organization can reasonably demonstrate
that it is not an authentic expression of the individual's wishes
concerning his or her health care. Nothing in this paragraph shall be
construed to authorize the administration of medical treatment
otherwise prohibited by the laws of the State in which the directive is
presented.
``(B) The provisions of this paragraph shall preempt any State law
to the extent such law is inconsistent with such provisions. The
provisions of this paragraph shall not preempt any State law that
provides for greater portability, more deference to a patient's wishes,
or more latitude in determining a patient's wishes.''.
(b) Medicaid.--Section 1902(w) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1396a(w)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``in the individual's
medical record'' and inserting ``in a prominent
part of the individual's current medical
record''; and
(ii) by inserting ``and if presented by the
individual (or on behalf of the individual), to
include the content of such advance directive
in a prominent part of such record'' before the
semicolon at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' after
the semicolon at the end;
(C) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the
following new subparagraph:
``(F) to provide each individual with the opportunity to
discuss issues relating to the information provided to that
individual pursuant to subparagraph (A) with an appropriately
trained professional.'';
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking ``a written'' and
inserting ``an''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following paragraph:
``(6)(A) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1), a
provider or organization (as the case may be) shall give effect to an
advance directive executed outside the State in which such directive is
presented, even one that does not appear to meet the formalities of
execution, form, or language required by the State in which it is
presented to the same extent as such provider or organization would
give effect to an advance directive that meets such requirements,
except that a provider or organization may decline to honor such a
directive if the provider or organization can reasonably demonstrate
that it is not an authentic expression of the individual's wishes
concerning his or her health care. Nothing in this paragraph shall be
construed to authorize the administration of medical treatment
otherwise prohibited by the laws of the State in which the directive is
presented.
``(B) The provisions of this paragraph shall preempt any State law
to the extent such law is inconsistent with such provisions. The
provisions of this paragraph shall not preempt any State law that
provides for greater portability, more deference to a patient's wishes,
or more latitude in determining a patient's wishes.''.
(c) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the amendments
made by subsections (a) and (b) shall apply to provider
agreements and contracts entered into, renewed, or extended
under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et
seq.), and to State plans under title XIX of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1396 et seq.), on or after such date as the Secretary of
Health and Human Services specifies, but in no case may such
date be later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this
Act.
(2) Extension of effective date for state law amendment.--
In the case of a State plan under title XIX of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.) which the Secretary of
Health and Human Services determines requires State legislation
in order for the plan to meet the additional requirements
imposed by the amendments made by subsection (b), the State
plan shall not be regarded as failing to comply with the
requirements of such title solely on the basis of its failure
to meet these additional requirements before the first day of
the first calendar quarter beginning after the close of the
first regular session of the State legislature that begins
after the date of enactment of this Act. For purposes of the
previous sentence, in the case of a State that has a 2-year
legislative session, each year of the session is considered to
be a separate regular session of the State legislature.
SEC. 5. INCREASING AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF END-OF-LIFE PLANNING.
Title III of the Public Health Service Act is amended by adding at
the end the following new part:
``PART R--PROGRAMS TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF ADVANCE DIRECTIVE PLANNING
ISSUES
``SEC. 399Z-1. ADVANCE DIRECTIVE EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS AND INFORMATION
CLEARINGHOUSES.
``(a) Advance Directive Education Campaign.--The Secretary shall,
directly or through grants awarded under subsection (c), conduct a
national public education campaign--
``(1) to raise public awareness of the importance of
planning for care near the end of life;
``(2) to improve the public's understanding of the various
situations in which individuals may find themselves if they
become unable to express their health care wishes;
``(3) to explain the need for readily available legal
documents that express an individual's wishes, through advance
directives (including living wills, comfort care orders, and
durable powers of attorney for health care); and
``(4) to educate the public about the availability of
hospice care and palliative care.
``(b) Information Clearinghouse.--The Secretary, directly or
through grants awarded under subsection (c), shall provide for the
establishment of a national, toll-free, information clearinghouse as
well as clearinghouses that the public may access to find out about
State-specific information regarding advance directive and end-of-life
decisions.
``(c) Grants.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall use at least 60
percent of the funds appropriated under subsection (d) for the
purpose of awarding grants to public or nonprofit private
entities (including States or political subdivisions of a
State), or a consortium of any of such entities, for the
purpose of conducting education campaigns under subsection (a)
and establishing information clearinghouses under subsection
(b).
``(2) Period.--Any grant awarded under paragraph (1) shall
be for a period of 3 years.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $25,000,000.''.
SEC. 6. GAO STUDIES AND REPORTS ON END-OF-LIFE PLANNING ISSUES.
(a) Study and Report on Compliance With Advance Directives and
Other Advance Planning Documents.--
(1) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of advance
directives in making patients' wishes known and honored by
health care providers.
(2) Report.--Not later than the date that is 18 months
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller
General shall submit to Congress a report on this study
conducted under paragraph (1) together with recommendations for
such legislation and administrative action as the Comptroller
General determines to be appropriate.
(b) Study and Report on Establishment of National Advance Directive
Registry.--
(1) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall conduct a study on the implementation of the amendments
made by section 3 (relating to medicare coverage of end-of-life
planning consultations).
(2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
Congress a report on this study conducted under paragraph (1)
together with recommendations for such legislation and
administrative action as the Comptroller General determines to
be appropriate.
(c) Study and Report on Establishment of National Advance Directive
Registry.--
(1) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall conduct a study on the feasibility of a national registry
for advance directives, taking into consideration the
constraints created by the privacy provisions enacted as a
result of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act.
(2) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
Congress a report on this study conducted under paragraph (1)
together with recommendations for such legislation and
administrative action as the Comptroller General determines to
be appropriate. | Advance Directives Improvement and Education Act of 2004 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, as amended by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, to provide for Medicare coverage of end-of-life planning consultations. Requires a service provider, Medicare Advantage organization, or prepaid or eligible organization to give effect to an advance directive executed outside the State in which it is presented, even one that does not appear to meet the formalities of execution, form, or language required by the State in which it is presented, to the same extent as such provider or organization would give effect to an advanced directive that meets such requirements. Permits a provider or organization to decline to honor such a directive if the provider or organization can reasonably demonstrate that it is not an authentic expression of the individual's wishes concerning his or her health care. Makes such advance directive requirements applicable under Medicaid, title XIX of the Social Security Act.
Amends the Public Health Service Act to provide for grant programs to increase awareness of advance directive planning issues. Directs the Secretary to conduct a national public education campaign to: (1) raise public awareness of the importance of planning for care near the end of life; (2) improve the public's understanding of the various situations in which individuals may find themselves if they become unable to express their health care wishes; (3) explain the need for readily available legal documents that express an individual's wishes, through advance directives (including living wills, comfort care orders, and durable powers of attorney for health care); and (4) educate the public about the availability of hospice care and palliative care.
Directs the Secretary to provide for the establishment of a national, toll-free, information clearinghouse as well as clearinghouses that the public may access to find out about State-specific information regarding advance directive and end-of-life decisions.
Requires General Accounting Office studies and reports on end-of-life planning issues. | A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act and title III of the Public Health Service Act to improve access to information about individuals' health care options and legal rights for care near the end of life, to promote advance care planning and decisionmaking so that individuals' wishes are known should they become unable to speak for themselves, to engage health care providers in disseminating information about and assisting in the preparation of advance directives, which include living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Families Learning and Understanding
English Together Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The Census Bureau reports that 17.9 percent of United
States households speak a language other than English at home.
(2) Many parents in many recently-immigrated families speak
little to no English, possess low literacy skills in their
native language due to limited education, and frequently
struggle to assist their children's English language
development.
(3) The United States is a nation of immigrants, and even
today, according to the 2004 update of the Census, over
34,000,000 individuals who live in the United States were born
outside the country.
SEC. 3. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to improve the educational, social, and
economic advancement of families with limited English proficient
individuals in need of literacy skills by expanding and enhancing
family literacy services for such families.
SEC. 4. COMPETITIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Program Authorized.--From funds made available pursuant to
section 8, and after reserving funds under section 5, the Secretary may
award grants to family literacy providers to provide, directly or
through a contract with another provider, family literacy services
designed for families with limited English proficient individuals. Each
grant under this Act shall be for a period of 1 year and may be renewed
for a total of 5 additional years.
(b) Application.--Family literacy providers who desire to receive a
grant under this Act shall submit an application at such time,
containing such information, and in such manner as the Secretary may
require. Such application shall include the following:
(1) An assurance that services provided with funds under
this Act shall be provided to the hardest-to-reach populations,
including populations with the greatest economic and social
need.
(2) A description of the services that will be provided
with funds under this Act, including how the services will be
based on scientifically based reading research.
(3) A description of the outcome measures, consistent with
section 6, that are based on scientifically based research and
will be employed by the family literacy provider to measure the
effectiveness of services provided with funds under this Act.
(4) An assurance that, in providing family literacy
services through the grant, the family literacy provider will
collaborate with one or more of the following:
(A) A local educational agency.
(B) An elementary school.
(C) A secondary school.
(D) A nonprofit entity.
(c) Grant Amount.--The amount of a grant under this Act for a
fiscal year shall not be less than $150,000 or more than $1,000,000.
(d) Matching Funds.--The Secretary may not award a grant under this
Act to an applicant unless the applicant agrees to provide, from funds
derived from non-Federal sources, matching funds in an amount that is
not less than 20 percent of the amount of the grant. Such matching
funds may be provided in the form of in-kind contributions.
(e) Services Requirements.--Family literacy services under this Act
shall be provided in sufficient intensity in terms of hours, and shall
be of sufficient duration, to make sustainable changes in a family and
shall integrate all of the following activities:
(1) Interactive literacy activities between parents and
their children.
(2) Training for parents regarding how to be the primary
teacher for their children and full partners in the education
of their children.
(3) Parent literacy training that leads to economic self-
sufficiency.
(4) An age-appropriate education to prepare children for
success in school and life experiences.
(f) Special Rule.--Family literacy services under this Act may be
provided to a family only if--
(1) each parent in the family has attained 16 years of age;
and
(2) the family has at least one child from birth who has
not yet attained 8 years of age.
SEC. 5. RESERVATIONS.
(a) Technical Assistance and Training.--From funds made available
pursuant to section 8 for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve
$3,000,000 to provide, directly or through a grant, contract, or
cooperative agreement with an entity that has experience in the
development and operation of successful family literacy services
programs, technical assistance and training for the purpose of--
(1) assisting grantees that provide family literacy
services to improve the quality of such services; and
(2) enabling grantees that demonstrate the effective
provision of family literacy services, based on improved
outcomes for children and their parents, to provide technical
assistance and training to other agencies and to service
providers that work in collaboration with such agencies to
provide family literacy services.
(b) Evaluation.--From funds made available pursuant to section 8
for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve not more than 2 percent
of such funds for the purpose of conducting an annual evaluation of the
grant program conducted under this Act. Such evaluation shall be used
by the Secretary--
(1) for program improvement;
(2) to further define the program's goals and objectives;
and
(3) to determine program effectiveness.
SEC. 6. OUTCOME MEASURES.
The Secretary shall require each family literacy provider receiving
a grant under this Act to meet culturally appropriate and competent
outcome measures described in the provider's application under section
4, including outcome measures with respect to--
(1) acquisition of the English language, including improved
educational levels;
(2) improved parenting and life skills;
(3) the improved ability of parents with limited English
proficiency to effectively interact with officials of the
schools their children attend;
(4) reduced dependency on welfare;
(5) increased employment opportunities or hours;
(6) improved developmental skills and independent learning
of the children; and
(7) increased parental participation in their children's
education and home environments that are supportive of
educational endeavors.
SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Application of esea terms.--The terms ``elementary
school'', ``limited English proficient'', ``local educational
agency'', ``scientifically based research'', and ``secondary
school'' have the meanings given such terms in section 9101 of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801). The term ``scientifically based reading research'' has
the meaning given such term in section 1208 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6368).
(2) Family literacy provider.--The term ``family literacy
provider'' means an entity that--
(A) is located in a geographic area containing at
least one public elementary school or secondary school
with a majority enrollment of children with limited
English proficiency; and
(B) is one of the following:
(i) A current grantee under subpart 3 of
part B of title I of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6381
et seq.) (commonly referred to as ``William F.
Goodling Even Start Family Literacy
Programs''), the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831
et seq.), or any other Federal or State early
childhood program.
(ii) An adult education provider.
(iii) A local educational agency.
(iv) A public or private nonprofit agency.
(v) Another entity that has the
demonstrated ability to provide family literacy
services to adults and families.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act
$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006 through 2011. | Families Learning and Understanding English Together Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to make grants to providers of family literacy services to improve the literacy and English skills of limited English proficient individuals who are parents or children in families where each parent is at least 16 years old and where at least one child is under age eight.
Directs the Secretary to reserve certain funds to: (1) provide technical assistance and training to such grantees through an experienced entity; and (2) evaluate and improve such grant program.
Requires grantees to meet specified types of outcome measures. | To improve the literacy and English skills of limited English proficient individuals, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Watermelon Research
and Promotion Improvement Act of 1993''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents.
Sec. 2. Change to majority vote in referendum procedures.
Sec. 3. Expansion of watermelon plans to entire United States.
Sec. 4. Clarification of differences between producers and handlers.
Sec. 5. Clarification of collection of assessments by the Board.
Sec. 6. Changes to assessment rate not subject to formal rulemaking.
Sec. 7. Elimination of watermelon assessment refund.
Sec. 8. Equitable treatment of watermelon plans.
Sec. 9. Definition of producer.
Sec. 10. Amendment procedure.
SEC. 2. CHANGE TO MAJORITY VOTE IN REFERENDUM PROCEDURES.
Section 1653 of the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act (7 U.S.C.
4912) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(a)'' after ``Sec. 1653.'';
(2) by striking the third sentence; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) A plan issued under this subtitle shall not take effect unless
the Secretary determines that the issuance of the plan is approved or
favored by a majority of the producers and handlers (and importers who
are subject to the plan) voting in the referendum.''.
SEC. 3. EXPANSION OF WATERMELON PLANS TO ENTIRE UNITED STATES.
(a) Definitions.--Section 1643 of the Watermelon Research and
Promotion Act (7 U.S.C. 4902) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``the forty-eight contiguous
States of''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(10) The term `United States' means each of the several States
and the District of Columbia.''.
(b) Issuance of Plans.--The last sentence of section 1644 of such
Act (7 U.S.C. 4903) is amended by striking ``the forty-eight contiguous
States of''.
SEC. 4. CLARIFICATION OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PRODUCERS AND HANDLERS.
Section 1647(c) of the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act (7
U.S.C. 4906(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(c)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) A producer shall be eligible to serve on the Board only as a
representative of handlers, and not as a representative of producers,
if--
``(A) the producer purchases watermelons from other producers,
in a combined total volume that is equal to 25 percent or more of
the producer's own production; or
``(B) the combined total volume of watermelons handled by the
producer from the producer's own production and purchases from other
producers' production is more than 50 percent of the producer's own
production.''.
SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION OF COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS BY THE BOARD.
Section 1647 of the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act (7 U.S.C.
4906) is amended--
(1) in subsection (f), by striking ``collection of the
assessments by the Board'' and inserting ``payment of the
assessments to the Board.''; and
(2) in paragraphs (1) and (3) of subsection (g), by striking
``collected'' each place it appears and inserting ``received''.
SEC. 6. CHANGES TO ASSESSMENT RATE NOT SUBJECT TO FORMAL RULEMAKING.
Section 1647(f) of the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act (7
U.S.C. 4906(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
sentences: ``In fixing or changing the rate of assessment pursuant to
the plan, the Secretary shall comply with the notice and comment
procedures established under section 553 of title 5, United States Code.
Sections 556 and 557 of such title shall not apply with respect to
fixing or changing the rate of assessment.''.
SEC. 7. ELIMINATION OF WATERMELON ASSESSMENT REFUND.
Section 1647(h) of the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act (7
U.S.C. 4906(h)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(h) The'' and inserting ``(h)(1) Except as
provided in paragraph (2), the''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(2) If approved in the referendum required by section 1655(b)
relating to the elimination of the assessment refund under paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall amend the plan that is in effect on the day
before the date of the enactment of the Watermelon Research and
Promotion Improvement Act of 1993 to eliminate the refund provision.
``(3)(A) Notwithstanding paragraph (2) and subject to subparagraph
(B), if importers are subject to the plan, the plan shall provide that
an importer of less than 150,000 pounds of watermelons per year shall be
entitled to apply for a refund that is based on the rate of assessment
paid by domestic producers.
``(B) The Secretary may adjust the quantity of the weight exemption
specified in subparagraph (A) on the recommendation of the Board after
an opportunity for public notice and opportunity for comment in
accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, and without
regard to sections 556 and 557 of such title, to reflect significant
changes in the 5-year average yield per acre of watermelons produced in
the United States.''.
SEC. 8. EQUITABLE TREATMENT OF WATERMELON PLANS.
(a) Definitions.--Section 1643 of the Watermelon Research and
Promotion Act (7 U.S.C. 4902), as amended by section 3(a), is further
amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking the semicolon at the end and
inserting the following: ``or imported into the United States.'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (8)
and (9), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new
paragraphs:
``(6) The term `importer' means any person who imports
watermelons into the United States.
``(7) The term `plan' means an order issued by the Secretary
under this subtitle.''.
(b) Issuance of Plans.--Section 1644 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 4903), as
amended by section 3(b), is further amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``and handlers'' and
inserting ``, handlers, and importers'';
(2) by striking the second sentence; and
(3) in the last sentence, by inserting ``or imported into the
United States'' before the period.
(c) Notice and Hearings.--Section 1645(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
4904(a)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``and handlers'' and
inserting ``, handlers, and importers''; and
(2) in the last sentence, by striking ``or handlers'' and
inserting ``, handlers, or importers''.
(d) Membership of Board.--Section 1647(c) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
4906(c)), as amended by section 4, is further amended--
(1) in the second sentence of paragraph (1), by striking
``producer and handler members'' and inserting ``other members'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3)(A) If importers are subject to the plan, the Board shall also
include 1 or more representatives of importers, who shall be appointed
by the Secretary from nominations submitted by importers in such manner
as may be prescribed by the Secretary.
``(B) Importer representation on the Board shall be proportionate to
the percentage of assessments paid by importers to the Board, except
that at least 1 representative of importers shall serve on the Board.
``(C) If importers are subject to the plan and fail to select
nominees for appointment to the Board, the Secretary may appoint any
importers as the representatives of importers.
``(D) Not later than 5 years after the date that importers are
subjected to the plan, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall
evaluate the average annual percentage of assessments paid by importers
during the 3-year period preceding the date of the evaluation and
adjust, to the extent practicable, the number of importer
representatives on the Board.''.
(e) Assessments.--Section 1647(g) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 4906(g)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)--
(A) by striking ``(4) assessments'' and inserting ``(4)
Assessments''; and
(B) by inserting ``in the case of producers and handlers''
after ``such assessments''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) If importers are subject to the plan, an assessment shall
also be made on watermelons imported into the United States by the
importers. The rate of assessment for importers who are subject to
the plan shall be equal to the combined rate for producers and
handlers.''.
(f) Refunds.--Paragraph (1) of section 1647(h) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
4906(h)), as amended by section 7, is further amended--
(1) by inserting after ``or handler'' the first two places it
appears the following: ``(or importer who is subject to the plan)'';
and
(2) by striking ``or handler'' the last place it appears and
inserting ``, handler, or importer''.
(g) Assessment Procedures.--Section 1649 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 4908)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(a)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2)(A) If importers are subject to the plan, each importer
required to pay assessments under the plan shall be responsible for
payment of the assessment to the Board, as the Board may direct.
``(B) The assessment on imported watermelons shall be equal to the
combined rate for domestic producers and handlers and shall be paid by
the importer to the Board at the time of the entry of the watermelons
into the United States.
``(C) Each importer required to pay assessments under the plan shall
maintain a separate record that includes a record of--
``(i) the total quantity of watermelons imported into the United
States that are included under the terms of the plan;
``(ii) the total quantity of watermelons that are exempt from
the plan; and
``(iii) such other information as may be prescribed by the
Board.
``(D) No more than 1 assessment shall be made on any imported
watermelon.'';
(2) in subsection (b), by inserting ``and importers'' after
``Handlers''; and
(3) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``or importers'' after
``handlers''.
(h) Investigations.--Section 1652(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 4911(a))
is amended--
(1) in the first sentence, by striking ``a handler or any other
person'' by inserting ``a person'';
(2) in the fourth sentence, by inserting ``(or an importer who
is subject to the plan)'' after ``a handler''; and
(3) in the last sentence, by striking ``the handler or other
person'' and inserting ``the person''.
(i) Referendum.--Subsection (a) of section 1653 of such Act (7
U.S.C. 4912), as amended by section 2, is further amended--
(1) in the first sentence--
(A) by striking ``and handlers'' both places it appears and
inserting ``, handlers, and importers''; and
(B) by striking ``or handling'' and inserting ``, handling,
or importing'';
(2) by striking the second sentence; and
(3) in the sentence beginning with ``The ballots''--
(A) by striking ``or handler'' and inserting ``, handler, or
importer''; and
(B) by striking ``or handled'' and inserting ``, handled, or
imported''.
(j) Termination of Plans.--Section 1654(b) of such Act (7 U.S.C.
4913(b)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence--
(A) by striking ``10 per centum or more'' and inserting ``at
least 10 percent of the combined total''; and
(B) by striking ``and handlers'' both places it appears and
inserting ``, handlers, and importers'';
(2) in the second sentence--
(A) by striking ``or handle'' and inserting ``, handle, or
import'';
(B) by striking ``50 per centum'' and inserting ``50 percent
of the combined total''; and
(C) by striking ``or handled by the handlers,'' and
inserting ``, handled by the handlers, or imported by the
importers''; and
(3) by striking the last sentence.
(k) Conforming and Technical Amendments.--Such Act is further
amended--
(1) in section 1642(a)(5) (7 U.S.C. 4901(a)(5)), by striking
``and handling'' and inserting ``handling, and importing'';
(2) in the first sentence of section 1642(b) (7 U.S.C.
4901(b))--
(A) by inserting ``, or imported into the United States,''
after ``harvested in the United States''; and
(B) by striking ``produced in the United States'';
(3) in section 1643 (7 U.S.C. 4902), as amended by subsection
(a) and section 3(a)--
(A) by striking ``subtitle--'' and inserting ``subtitle:'';
(B) in paragraphs (1) through (5), by striking ``the term''
each place it appears and inserting ``The term'';
(C) in paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5), by striking the
semicolon at the end of each paragraph and inserting a period;
(D) in paragraph (8), as redesignated by subsection (a)(2)--
(i) by striking ``the term'' and inserting ``The term'';
and
(ii) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period; and
(E) in paragraph (9), as redesignated by subsection (a)(2)--
(i) by striking ``the term'' and inserting ``The term'';
and
(ii) by striking ``1644'' and inserting ``1647''; and
(4) in section 1647(g) (7 U.S.C. 4906(g)), as amended by
subsection (e) and section 5(2)--
(A) by striking ``that--'' and inserting ``the following:'';
(B) in paragraph (1)--
(i) by striking ``(1) funds'' and inserting ``(1)
Funds''; and
(ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting
a period;
(C) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``(2) no'' and inserting ``(2) No''; and
(ii) by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting
a period;
(D) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``(3) no'' and inserting ``(3) No''; and
(ii) by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period.
SEC. 9. DEFINITION OF PRODUCER.
(a) In General.--Section 1643(5) of the Watermelon Research and
Promotion Act (7 U.S.C. 4902(5)) is amended by striking ``five'' and
inserting ``10''.
(b) Certification.--Section 1647 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 4906) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(l) The plan shall provide that the Board shall have the authority
to establish rules for certifying whether a person meets the definition
of a producer under section 1643(5).''.
SEC. 10. AMENDMENT PROCEDURE.
Section 1655 of the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act (7 U.S.C.
4914) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1655. AMENDMENT PROCEDURE.
``(a) In General.--Before a plan issued by the Secretary under this
subtitle may be amended, the Secretary shall publish the proposed
amendments for public comment and conduct a referendum in accordance
with section 1653.
``(b) Separate Consideration of Amendments.--
``(1) In general.--The amendments described in paragraph (2)
that are required to be made by the Secretary to a plan as a result
of the amendments made by the Watermelon Research and Promotion
Improvement Act of 1993 shall be subject to separate line item
voting and approval in a referendum conducted pursuant to section
1653 before the Secretary alters the plan as in effect on the day
before the date of the enactment of such Act.
``(2) Amendments.--The amendments referred to in paragraph (1)
are the amendments to a plan required under--
``(A) section 7 of the Watermelon Research and Promotion
Improvement Act of 1993 relating to the elimination of the
assessment refund; and
``(B) section 8 of such Act relating to subjecting importers
to the terms and conditions of the plan.
``(3) Importers.--When conducting the referendum relating to
subjecting importers to the terms and conditions of a plan, the
Secretary shall include as eligible voters in the referendum
producers, handlers, and importers who would be subject to the plan
if the amendments to a plan were approved.''.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Watermelon Research and Promotion Improvement Act of 1993 - Amends the Watermelon Research and Promotion Act to require plan approval by a majority of the producers, handlers, and eligible importers voting in a referendum.
(Sec. 3) Extends the provisions of such Act to each of the States and the District of Columbia.
(Sec. 4) Sets forth purchase or volume conditions under which a producer shall be considered a handler for purposes of National Watermelon Promotion Board (Board) membership.
(Sec. 5) Amends provisions regarding: (1) assessment collections; and (2) rulemaking requirements and assessment rate changes.
(Sec. 7) Authorizes the revocation of the watermelon assessment refund. Stipulates that persons who import less than 150,000 pounds of watermelons per year may apply for a refund based upon the domestic assessment rate.
(Sec. 8) Includes imported watermelons in the definition of "watermelon." Subjects watermelon importers to the terms of such Act. Provides for importer membership on the Board.
(Sec. 9) Redefines "producer" to mean any person growing ten or more (currently five or more) acres of watermelons.
Authorizes the Board to establish producer certification rules.
(Sec. 10) Revises plan amendment provisions to require: (1) publication of proposed amendments and a referendum; and (2) separate line item voting and approval of specified amendments. | Watermelon Research and Promotion Improvement Act of 1993 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Election Integrity Act of
2012''.
SEC. 2. REQUIRING VOTERS TO PROVIDE PHOTO IDENTIFICATION.
(a) Requirement To Provide Photo Identification as Condition of
Receiving Ballot.--Section 303(b) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002
(42 U.S.C. 15483(b)) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by striking ``for Voters Who Register
by Mail'' and inserting ``for Providing Photo Identification'';
and
(2) by striking paragraphs (1) through (3) and inserting
the following:
``(1) Individuals voting in person.--
``(A) Requirement to provide identification.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except
as provided in subparagraph (B), the appropriate State
or local election official may not provide a ballot for
an election for Federal office to an individual who
desires to vote in person unless the individual
presents to the official a government-issued, current,
and valid photo identification.
``(B) Availability of provisional ballot.--If an
individual does not present the identification required
under subparagraph (A), the individual shall be
permitted to cast a provisional ballot with respect to
the election under section 302(a), except that the
appropriate State or local election official may not
make a determination under section 302(a)(4) that the
individual is eligible under State law to vote in the
election unless the individual presents the
identification required under subparagraph (A) to the
official not later than 48 hours after casting the
provisional ballot.
``(2) Individuals voting other than in person.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law and except as provided in subparagraph
(B), the appropriate State or local election official
may not accept any ballot for an election for Federal
office provided by an individual who votes other than
in person unless the individual submits with the ballot
a copy of a government-issued, current, and valid photo
identification.
``(B) Exception for overseas military voters.--
Subparagraph (A) does not apply with respect to a
ballot provided by an absent uniformed services voter
who, by reason of active duty or service, is absent
from the United States on the date of the election
involved. In this subparagraph, the term `absent
uniformed services voter' has the meaning given such
term in section 107(1) of the Uniformed and Overseas
Citizens Absentee Voting Act (42 U.S.C. 1973ff-6(1)),
other than an individual described in section 107(1)(C)
of such Act.
``(3) Specific requirements for identifications.--For
purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), an identification is
`government-issued' if it is issued by the Federal Government
or by the government of a State.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 303 of such Act (42 U.S.C.
15483) is amended--
(1) in the heading, by striking ``for voters who register
by mail'' and inserting ``for providing photo identification'';
and
(2) in subsection (c), by striking ``subsections
(a)(5)(A)(I)(II) and (b)(3)(B)(I)(II)'' and inserting
``subsection (a)(5)(A)(I)(II)''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of such Act is
amended by amending the item relating to section 303 to read as
follows:
``Sec. 303. Computerized statewide voter registration list requirements
and requirements for providing photo
identification.''.
(d) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--This section and the amendments made by
this section shall apply with respect to the regularly
scheduled general election for Federal office held in November
2014 and each subsequent election for Federal office.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 303(d)(2) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 15483(d)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Requirement to provide photo identification.--
Paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b) shall apply with
respect to the regularly scheduled general election for Federal
office held in November 2014 and each subsequent election for
Federal office.''.
SEC. 3. MAKING PHOTO IDENTIFICATIONS AVAILABLE.
(a) Requiring States To Make Identification Available.--Section
303(b) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15483(b)), as
amended by section 2(a)(2), is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs
(5) and (6); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
paragraph:
``(4) Making photo identifications available.--
``(A) In general.--During fiscal year 2014 and each
succeeding fiscal year, each State shall establish a
program to provide photo identifications which may be
used to meet the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2)
by individuals who desire to vote in elections held in
the State but who do not otherwise possess a
government-issued photo identification.
``(B) Identifications provided at no cost to
indigent individuals.--If a State charges an individual
a fee for providing a photo identification under the
program established under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) the fee charged may not exceed the
reasonable cost to the State of providing the
identification to the individual; and
``(ii) the State may not charge a fee to
any individual who provides an attestation that
the individual is unable to afford the fee.
``(C) Identifications not to be used for other
purposes.--Any photo identification provided under the
program established under subparagraph (A) may not
serve as a government-issued photo identification for
purposes of any program or function of a State or local
government other than the administration of
elections.''.
(b) Payments to States To Cover Costs.--Subtitle D of title II of
such Act (42 U.S.C. 15321 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following new part:
``PART 7--PAYMENTS TO COVER COSTS OF PROVIDING PHOTO IDENTIFICATIONS TO
INDIGENT INDIVIDUALS
``SEC. 297. PAYMENTS TO COVER COSTS TO STATES OF PROVIDING PHOTO
IDENTIFICATIONS FOR VOTING TO INDIGENT INDIVIDUALS.
``(a) Payments to States.--The Commission shall make payments to
States to cover the costs incurred in providing photo identifications
under the program established under section 303(b)(4) to individuals
who are unable to afford the fee that would otherwise be charged under
the program.
``(b) Amount of Payment.--The amount of the payment made to a State
under this part for any year shall be equal to the amount of fees which
would have been collected by the State during the year under the
program established under section 303(b)(4) but for the application of
section 303(b)(4)(B)(ii), as determined on the basis of information
furnished to the Commission by the State at such time and in such form
as the Commission may require.
``SEC. 297A. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated for payments under this
part such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2014 and each
succeeding fiscal year.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of such Act is
amended by adding at the end of the item relating to subtitle D of
title II the following:
``Part 7--Payments To Cover Costs of Providing Photo Identifications to
Indigent Individuals
``Sec. 297. Payments to cover costs to States of providing photo
identifications for voting to indigent
individuals.
``Sec. 297A. Authorization of appropriations.''.
(d) Effective Date.--This section and the amendments made by this
section shall take effect October 1, 2013. | Federal Election Integrity Act of 2012 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit the appropriate state or local election official from providing a federal election ballot to an individual who desires to vote in person unless the individual presents to the official a federal or state government-issued, current, and valid photo identification (ID).
Requires an individual who does not present such an ID to be permitted to cast a provisional ballot in such an election. Requires such individual, however, to present the required ID within 48 hours after casting the provisional ballot, or the appropriate state or local election official may not determine the individual's eligibility to vote.
Requires individuals who vote other than in person in a federal election (for example, by mail) to submit a copy of such a photo ID with a ballot, or the appropriate official may not accept the ballot. Exempts from this requirement the absentee ballot of any eligible overseas military voter absent from the United States by reason of active duty or service.
Requires states to establish a program to provide photo IDs in accordance with this Act to individuals who desire to vote but do not otherwise possess a government-issued photo ID.
Prescribes requirements for any state fee for providing such a photo ID.
Requires the Election Assistance Commission to make payments to states to cover the costs incurred in providing photo IDs to individuals unable to afford the fee. | To amend the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to require each individual who desires to vote in an election for Federal office to provide the appropriate election official with a government-issued photo identification, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Under section 2576a of title 10, United States Code,
the Department of Defense is authorized to provide excess
property to local law enforcement agencies. The Defense
Logistics Agency, administers such section by operating the Law
Enforcement Support Office program.
(2) New and used material, including mine-resistant ambush-
protected vehicles and weapons determined by the Department of
Defense to be ``military grade'' are transferred to local and
Federal law enforcement agencies through the program.
(3) As a result local law enforcement agencies, including
police and sheriff's departments, are acquiring this material
for use in their normal operations.
(4) As a result of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,
military equipment purchased for, and used in, those wars has
become excess property and has been made available for transfer
to local and Federal law enforcement agencies.
(5) According to public reports, approximately 12,000
police organizations across the country were able to procure
nearly $500,000,000 worth of excess military merchandise
including firearms, computers, helicopters, clothing, and other
products, at no charge during fiscal year 2011 alone.
(6) More than $4,000,000,000 worth of weapons and equipment
have been transferred to police organizations in all 50 states
and four territories through the program.
(7) In May 2012, the Defense Logistics Agency instituted a
moratorium on weapons transfers through the program after
reports of missing equipment and inappropriate weapons
transfers.
(8) Though the moratorium was widely publicized, it was
lifted in October 2013 without adequate safeguards.
(9) As a result, Federal, State, and local law enforcement
departments across the country are eligible again to acquire
free ``military-grade'' weapons and equipment that could be
used inappropriately during policing efforts in which citizens
and taxpayers could be harmed.
(10) Pursuant to section III(J) of a Defense Logistics
Agency memorandum of understanding, property obtained through
the program must be placed into use within one year of receipt,
possibly providing an incentive for the unnecessary and
potentially dangerous use of ``military grade'' equipment by
local law enforcement.
(11) The Department of Defense categorizes equipment
eligible for transfer under the 1033 program as ``controlled''
and ``un-controlled'' equipment. ``Controlled equipment''
includes weapons, explosives such as flash-bang grenades, mine
resistant ambush protected vehicles, long range acoustic
devices, aircraft capable of being modified to carry armament
that are combat coded, and silencers, among other military
grade items.
SEC. 3. LIMITATION ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TRANSFER OF PERSONAL
PROPERTY TO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
(a) In General.--Section 2576a of title 10, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``counter-drug
and''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and the
Director of National Drug Control Policy'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (4), by striking the period and
inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraphs:
``(5) the recipient certifies to the Department of Defense
that it has the personnel and technical capacity, including
training, to operate the property;
``(6) the recipient submits to the Department of Defense a
description of how the recipient expects to use the property;
``(7) the recipient certifies to the Department of Defense
that if the recipient determines that the property is surplus
to the needs of the recipient, the recipient will return the
property to the Department of Defense; and
``(8) with respect to a recipient that is not a Federal
agency, the recipient certifies to the Department of Defense
that the recipient notified the local community of the request
for personal property under this section by--
``(A) publishing a notice of such request on a
publicly accessible Internet website;
``(B) posting such notice at several prominent
locations in the jurisdiction of the recipient; and
``(C) ensuring that such notices were available to
the local community for a period of not less than 30
days.'';
(3) by striking subsection (d); and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(d) Annual Certification Accounting for Transferred Property.--
(1) For each fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress
certification in writing that each Federal or State agency to which the
Secretary has transferred property under this section--
``(A) has provided to the Secretary documentation
accounting for all controlled personal property, including arms
and ammunition, that the Secretary has transferred to the
agency, including any item described in subsection (f) so
transferred before the date of the enactment of the Stop
Militarizing Law Enforcement Act; and
``(B) with respect to a non-Federal agency, carried out
each of paragraphs (5) through (8) of subsection (b).
``(2) If the Secretary cannot provide a certification under
paragraph (1) for a Federal or State agency, the Secretary may not
transfer additional property to that agency under this section.
``(e) Annual Report on Excess Property.--Before making any property
available for transfer under this section, the Secretary shall annually
submit to Congress a description of the property to be transferred
together with a certification that the transfer of the property would
not violate this section or any other provision of law.
``(f) Limitations on Transfers.--(1) The Secretary may not transfer
the following personal property of the Department of Defense under this
section:
``(A) Controlled firearms, ammunition, grenades (including
stun and flash-bang) and explosives.
``(B) Controlled vehicles, highly mobile multi-wheeled
vehicles, mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, trucks,
truck dump, truck utility, and truck carryall.
``(C) Drones that are armored, weaponized, or both.
``(D) Controlled aircraft that--
``(i) are combat configured or combat coded; or
``(ii) have no established commercial flight
application.
``(E) Silencers.
``(F) Long range acoustic devices.
``(G) Items in the Federal Supply Class of banned items.
``(2) The Secretary may not require, as a condition of a transfer
under this section, that a Federal or State agency demonstrate the use
of any small arms or ammunition.
``(3) The limitations under this subsection shall also apply with
respect to the transfer of previously transferred property of the
Department of Defense from one Federal or State agency to another such
agency.
``(4)(A) The Secretary may waive the applicability of paragraph (1)
to a vehicle described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph (other
than a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle), if the Secretary
determines that such a waiver is necessary for disaster or rescue
purposes or for another purpose where life and public safety are at
risk, as demonstrated by the proposed recipient of the vehicle.
``(B) If the Secretary issues a waiver under subparagraph (A), the
Secretary shall--
``(i) submit to Congress notice of the waiver, and post
such notice on a public Internet website of the Department, by
not later than 30 days after the date on which the waiver is
issued; and
``(ii) require, as a condition of the waiver, that the
recipient of the vehicle for which the waiver is issued
provides public notice of the waiver and the transfer,
including the type of vehicle and the purpose for which it is
transferred, in the jurisdiction where the recipient is located
by not later than 30 days after the date on which the waiver is
issued.
``(5) The Secretary may provide for an exemption to the limitation
under subparagraph (D) of paragraph (1) in the case of parts for
aircraft described in such subparagraph that are transferred as part of
regular maintenance of aircraft in an existing fleet.
``(g) Conditions for Extension of Program.--(1) Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, amounts authorized to be appropriated or
otherwise made available for any fiscal year may not be obligated or
expended to carry out this section unless the Secretary submits to
Congress certification that for the preceding fiscal year that--
``(A) each Federal or State agency that has received
covered property transferred under this section has--
``(i) demonstrated 100 percent accountability for
all such property, in accordance with subparagraph (B)
or (C), as applicable; or
``(ii) been suspended from the program pursuant to
subparagraph (D);
``(B) with respect to each non-Federal agency that has
received covered property under this section, the State
coordinator responsible for each such agency has verified that
the coordinator or an agent of the coordinator has conducted an
in-person inventory of the property transferred to the agency
and that 100 percent of such property was accounted for during
the inventory or that the agency has been suspended from the
program pursuant to subparagraph (D);
``(C) with respect to each Federal agency that has received
covered property under this section, the Secretary of Defense
or an agent of the Secretary has conducted an in-person
inventory of the property transferred to the agency and that
100 percent of such property was accounted for during the
inventory or that the agency has been suspended from the
program pursuant to subparagraph (D);
``(D) the eligibility of any agency that has received
covered property under this section for which 100 percent of
the property was not accounted for during an inventory
described in subparagraph (A) or (B), as applicable, to receive
any property transferred under this section has been suspended;
and
``(E) each State coordinator has certified, for each non-
Federal agency located in the State for which the State
coordinator is responsible that--
``(i) the agency has complied with all requirements
under this section; or
``(ii) the eligibility of the agency to receive
property transferred under this section has been
suspended; and
``(F) the Secretary of Defense has certified, for each
Federal agency that has received property under this section
that--
``(i) the agency has complied with all requirements
under this section; or
``(ii) the eligibility of the agency to receive
property transferred under this section has been
suspended.
``(2) In this subsection, the term `covered property' means
property classified as controlled equipment.
``(h) Prohibition on Ownership.--A Federal or State agency that
receives property classified as controlled equipment under this section
may never take ownership of the property.
``(i) Website.--The Defense Logistics Agency shall maintain an
Internet website on which the following information shall be made
publicly available:
``(1) A description of each transfer made under this
section, including transfers made before and after the date of
the enactment of the Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act,
broken down by State, county, and recipient.
``(2) During the 30-day period preceding the date on which
any property is transferred under this section, a description
of the property to be transferred and the recipient of the
transferred items.
``(3) Notice of any use of controlled equipment by the
recipient of property transferred under this section as
provided under subsection (l).
``(j) Notice to Congress of Property Downgrades.--Not later than 30
days before downgrading the classification of any item of personal
property from controlled or Federal Supply Class, the Secretary shall
submit to Congress notice of the proposed downgrade.
``(k) Notice to Congress of Property Cannibalization.--Before the
Defense Logistics Agency authorizes the recipient of property
transferred under this section to cannibalize the property, the
Secretary shall submit to Congress notice of such authorization,
including the name of the recipient requesting the authorization, the
purpose of the proposed cannibalization, and the type of property
proposed to be cannibalized.
``(l) Quarterly Reports on Use of Controlled Equipment.--Not later
than 30 days after the last day of a fiscal quarter, the Secretary
shall submit to Congress a report on any uses of controlled equipment
transferred under this section during that fiscal quarter.
``(m) Reports to Congress.--Not later than 30 days after the last
day of a fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report
on the following for the preceding fiscal year:
``(1) The percentage of equipment lost by recipients of
property transferred under this section, including specific
information about the type of property lost, the monetary value
of such property, and the recipient that lost the property.
``(2) The transfer of any new (condition code A) property
transferred under this section, including specific information
about the type of property, the recipient of the property, the
monetary value of each item of the property, and the total
monetary value of all such property transferred during the
fiscal year.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to any transfer of property made after the date of
the enactment of this Act. | Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act Revises the Department of Defense's (DOD's) authority to transfer excess personal property to federal and state law enforcement agencies. Removes DOD's authority to transfer property for counter-drug activities. Requires recipients of DOD property to certify that they: (1) have personnel, technical capacity, and training to operate the property; and (2) will return to DOD any property that is surplus to the recipient's needs. Requires recipients that are not federal agencies to certify that they have notified their local community of requests for DOD property with a notice on a publicly accessible Internet website and postings at prominent locations in the jurisdiction. Requires DOD to submit annually to Congress a description of property to be transferred along with a certification that the transfers are not prohibited by law. Prohibits transfers of: controlled (i.e., military grade) firearms, ammunition, grenades, and explosives; controlled vehicles, certain trucks, and other highly mobile or mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles; armored or weaponized drones; controlled aircraft that are combat configured or combat coded, or that have no established commercial flight application; silencers; long range acoustic devices; and items in the Federal Supply Class of banned items. Prohibits transfers conditioned upon the agency demonstrating the use of any small arms or ammunitions. Prohibits transfers of previously transferred DOD property from one federal or state agency to another such agency. Allows DOD to waive transfer prohibitions for certain trucks and vehicles (other than mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles) if necessary for disasters, rescues, or other purposes where life and public safety are at risk. Requires notice of such a waiver to be provided to Congress and the public. Permits DOD to exempt aircraft parts transferred for regular maintenance of aircraft in an existing fleet. Prohibits obligations or expenditures of appropriations to carry out DOD's property transfer program unless specified conditions have been met, including requirements to verify: (1) that in-person inventories of transferred property have been conducted at each agency, and (2) that 100% of such property was accounted for during the inventories or that agencies unable to account for such property have been suspended from the program. Prohibits federal or state agencies that receive controlled equipment from taking ownership of the property. Requires the Defense Logistics Agency to maintain an Internet website to make available to the public: (1) information on each transfer, broken down by state, county, and recipient; (2) during the 30-day period preceding the date on which any property is transferred, information on the property to be transferred and the recipient; and (3) information on any use of controlled equipment by the transfer recipient. | Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary
Commemorative Coin Act''.
SEC. 2. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) Denominations.--In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the
establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and
the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter
in this Act referred to as the ``Secretary) shall mint and issue the
following coins:
(1) $50 gold coins.--Not more than 50,000 $50 gold coins
which shall--
(A) weigh 33.931 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 32.7 millimeters; and
(C) contain 1 troy ounce of fine gold.
(2) $1 silver coins.--Not more than 400,000 $1 coins of
each of the 9 designs specified in section 3(a)(3)(B), 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.
(b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal
tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.
(c) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31,
United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered
to be numismatic items.
SEC. 3. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) Design Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this
Act shall be emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and
unparalleled achievements of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
(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 ``2008''; and
(C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God
We Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E
Pluribus Unum'', and such other inscriptions as the
Secretary may determine to be appropriate for the
designs of the coins.
(3) Coin images.--
(A) $50 coins.--
(i) Obverse.--The obverse of the $50 coins
issued under this Act shall bear an image of
the sun.
(ii) Reverse.--The reverse of the $50 coins
issued under this Act shall bear a design
emblematic of the sacrifice of the United
States astronauts who lost their lives in the
line of duty over the course of the space
program.
(iii) Edge.--The edge of the $50 coins
issued under this Act shall bear the names and
dates of the spacecraft missions on which
United States astronauts lost their lives over
the course of the space program.
(iv) High relief.--The design and
inscriptions on the obverse and reverse of the
$50 coins issued under this Act shall be in
high relief.
(B) $1 coins.--
(i) Obverse.--The obverse of the $1 coins
issued under this Act shall bear 9 different
designs each of which shall consist of an image
of 1 of the 9 planets of the solar system,
including Earth.
(ii) Reverse.--The reverse of the $1 coins
issued under this Act shall bear different
designs each of which shall be emblematic of
discoveries and missions of the Jet Propulsion
Laboratory to the planet depicted on the
obverse of the coin, subject to the following
requirements:
(I) Earth coin.--The reverse of the
$1 coins issued under this Act which
bear an image of the Earth on the
obverse shall bear images emblematic
of, and honoring, the discoveries and
missions of the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration, the Mercury,
Gemini and Space Shuttle missions and
other manned Earth-orbiting missions,
and the Apollo missions to the Moon.
(II) Jupiter coin.--The reverse of
the $1 coins issued under this Act
which bear an image of the planet
Jupiter on the obverse shall include a
scientifically accurate depiction of
the Galilean moon Europa and depict
both a past and future mission to
Europa.
(III) Saturn coin.--The reverse of
the $1 coins issued under this Act
which bear an image of the planet
Saturn on the obverse shall include a
scientifically accurate depiction of
the moon Titan and depict both a past
and a future mission to Titan.
(IV) Pluto coin.--The reverse of
the $1 coins issued under this Act
which bear an image of the planet Pluto
on the obverse shall include a design
that is emblematic of telescopic
exploration of deep space by the
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration and the ongoing search
for Earth-like planets orbiting other
stars.
(iii) Edge.--It is the sense of the
Congress that, to the extent practicable, the
edge of each $1 coin should bear the names and
dates or range of dates of missions or mission
types to the planet depicted on the obverse.
(4) Realistic and scientifically accurate depictions.--The
images for the designs of coins issued under this Act shall be
selected on the basis of the realism and scientific accuracy of
the images and on the extent to which the images are
reminiscent of the dramatic and beautiful artwork on coins of
the so-called ``Golden Age of Coinage'' in the United States,
at the beginning of the Twentieth Century, with the
participation of such noted sculptors and medallic artists as
James Earle Fraser, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Victor David
Brenner, Adolph A. Weinman, Charles E. Barber, and George T.
Morgan.
(b) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this Act
shall be--
(1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the
Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration, the Director of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory,
and the Commission of Fine Arts; and
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Coin Advisory Committee.
SEC. 4. SYMBOLIC INCLUSION OF METALS THAT HAVE FLOWN IN SPACE.
(a) Collection.--Each Federal agency and instrumentality of the
United States, including the Department of Defense, the Smithsonian
Institution, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, that has in its possession any craft, or any
part of a craft, that flew in space shall--
(1) retrieve such gold, silver, copper, and other metals
that the Director of the United States Mint determines are
appropriate for use in the production of any coins under this
Act, from such craft or part, that can be retrieved without
harming any such craft or part that may be of continuing use
for its original purpose or for research, or whose preservation
is appropriate for historical purposes; and
(2) deposit such metals so retrieved with the Director of
the United States Mint.
(b) Use of Metals in Production of Coins.--Any metals deposited
with the Director of the United States Mint under subsection (a) shall
be used in the production of the coins struck under this Act by
blending such metals with other metal necessary for the production of
such coins so that all of the coins produced under this Act will
contain some proportion of the bullion obtained from craft or parts of
crafts that flew in space in an amount appropriate for the types and
denominations of the coins and the amount of metals so deposited.
(c) Recordkeeping.--It is the sense of the Congress that each
Federal agency and instrumentality of the United States which retrieves
any metals in accordance with subsection (a) should maintain accurate
and complete records of the retrieval and deposit of any such metals
sufficient to allow the Director of the United States Mint--
(1) to provide certificates of authenticity with coins
issued under this Act that some proportion of the contents of
such coins were obtained from craft or parts of crafts that
flew in space; and
(2) to package with each issued coin a list of the missions
in which such craft flew in space.
(d) Private Spacecraft.--
(1) In general.--Each Federal agency and instrumentality of
the United States that has or continues to conduct space-
related missions shall, in addition to the efforts described in
subsection (a), make efforts to secure and retrieve from
privately-held craft that has flown in space such gold, silver,
copper and other metals that the Director of the United States
Mint determines are appropriate for use in the production of
any coins under this Act.
(2) Recordkeeping.--It is the sense of the Congress that
each Federal agency and instrumentality of the United States
which retrieves any metals pursuant to paragraph (1) from
privately-held craft that has flown in space should comply with
the recordkeeping procedures described in subsection (c) with
respect to such metal.
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued
in proof quality only.
(b) Mint Facility.--Only 1 facility of the United States Mint may
be used to strike any particular combination of denomination and
quality of the coins minted under this Act.
(c) Commencement of Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted
under this Act beginning January 1, 2008.
(d) Termination of Minting Authority.--No coins may be minted under
this Act after December 31, 2008.
SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS.
(a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under this 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 section 7(a) 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) 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.
(c) Presentation.--In addition to the issuance of coins under this
Act in such other methods of presentation as the Secretary of the
Treasury determines to be appropriate, the Secretary shall provide, as
a sale option, a presentation case which displays the $50 gold coin in
the center surrounded by the $1 silver coins in an elliptical orbit.
SEC. 7. SURCHARGES.
(a) In General.--All sales of coins minted under this Act shall
include a surcharge as follows:
(1) A surcharge of $50 per coin for the $50 coin.
(2) A surcharge of $10 per coin for the $1 coin.
(b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, United
States Code, all surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of
coins issued under this Act shall be promptly distributed as follows:
(1) The first $1,000,000 available for distribution under
this section, to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for the
purposes of providing need-based financial assistance to the
families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries
suffered in the performance of their official duties.
(2) Of amounts available for distribution after the payment
under paragraph (1), \1/2\ to the Secretary of the Smithsonian
Institution for the preservation, maintenance, and display of
space artifacts at the National Air and Space Museum (including
the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center).
(3) Of amounts available for distribution after the payment
under paragraph (1), \1/2\ to the Secretary of the Smithsonian
Institution for the express purpose of providing funding for
the establishment of a new stand-alone National Museum of
Money.
(c) Audits.--The NASA Family Assistance Fund and the Secretary of
the Smithsonian Institution shall be subject to the audit requirements
of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States Code, with regard to
the amounts received under subsection (b).
(d) Limitation.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), no surcharge may
be included with respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin
during a calendar year if, as of the time of such issuance, the
issuance of such coin would result in the number of commemorative coin
programs issued during such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative
coin program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31,
United States Code (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this
Act). The Secretary of the Treasury may issue guidance to carry out
this subsection.
SEC. 8. BRONZE DUPLICATES.
The Secretary may strike and sell bronze duplicates of the $50 gold
coins authorized under this Act, at a price the Secretary determines to
be appropriate.
Passed the House of Representatives July 12, 2005.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | NASA and JPL 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to mint and issue: (1) 50 dollar gold coins; and (2) one dollar silver coins emblematic of the 50 years of exemplary and unparalleled achievements of NASA and JPL.
Directs each Federal agency and U.S. instrumentality, including the Department of Defense, the Smithsonian Institution, NASA, and JPL, that has in its possession any craft or any part of a craft that flew in space to: (1) retrieve any gold, silver, copper, and other metals that are appropriate for use in the production of any coins under this Act from such craft or part; and (2) deposit such metals with the Director of the United States Mint.
Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal agency and U.S. instrumentality which retrieves any metals as described above should maintain accurate and complete records of the retrieval and deposit of any such metals sufficient to allow the Director to: (1) provide certificates of authenticity with coins issued under this Act that some proportion of the contents of such coins were obtained from craft or parts of crafts that flew in space; and (2) package with each issued coin a list of the missions in which such craft flew in space.
Directs each federal agency and U.S. instrumentality that has or continues to conduct space-related missions, in addition to the efforts at retrieving metals described above, to make efforts to secure and retrieve from privately-held craft flown in space such gold, silver, copper, and other metals that the Director determines are appropriate for use in the production of any coins under this Act. Expresses the sense of the Congress that each Federal agency and U.S. instrumentality which retrieves any such metals should comply with the recordkeeping procedures described above with respect to such metal.
Requires the Secretary, in addition to the issuance of coins under this Act in such other methods of presentation that the Secretary determines to be appropriate, to provide, as a sale option, a presentation case that displays the $50 gold coin in the center surrounded by the one dollar silver coins in an elliptical orbit.
Requires that all sales of coins minted under this Act include a surcharge of $50 per coin for the $50 dollar coin and $10 per coin for the one dollar coin, which shall be promptly distributed as follows: (1) the first $1 million, to the NASA Family Assistance Fund for the purposes of providing financial assistance to the families of NASA personnel who die as a result of injuries suffered in the performance of their official duties; and (2) of amounts available for distribution after such payment, half to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution for the preservation, maintenance, and display of space artifacts at the National Air and Space Museum, including the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, and half to such Secretary for the express purpose of providing funding for the establishment of a new National Museum of Money.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell bonze duplicates of the $50 gold coins authorized under this Act. | To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Haitian-American Enterprise Fund
Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to promote the Haitian private sector, including small
businesses, the agricultural sector, and joint ventures with
United States and Haitian participants; and
(2) to promote policies and practices conducive to the
private sector in Haiti through loans, grants, equity
investments, feasibility studies, technical assistance,
training, insurance, guarantees, and other measures.
SEC. 3. HAITIAN-AMERICAN ENTERPRISE FUND.
(a) Designation.--After consultation with the leadership of each
House of Congress, the President may designate a private, nonprofit
organization, which has been established for the purposes specified in
section 2 and which shall be known as the ``Haitian-American Enterprise
Fund'', to receive financial assistance and support made available
under this Act.
(b) Board of Directors.--
(1) Appointment.--The Haitian-American Enterprise Fund
shall be governed by a Board of Directors, which shall be
comprised of 6 private citizens of the United States or Haiti,
appointed by the President, of which not more than 2 may be
citizens of Haiti.
(2) Qualifications.--Member of the Board of Directors shall
be selected from among people who have had successful business
careers in private equity, banking, or finance that is similar
to the experience of individuals who previously served on the
Board of Directors of a successful Enterprise Fund established
by the United States Government on or after January 1, 1990.
(3) Additional board members.--Upon the recommendation of
the Board of Directors, the President may appoint up to 2
additional members to the Board (in addition to the Directors
appointed pursuant to paragraph (1)), of which not more than 1
may be a citizen of Haiti.
(c) Grants.--
(1) In general.--Amounts appropriated to the President
pursuant to section 7 shall be granted to the Haitian-American
Enterprise Fund by the United States Agency for International
Development to enable the Fund to carry out the purposes
specified in section 2 and for the administrative expenses of
the Fund.
(2) Eligible programs and projects.--Grants awarded under
this section may only be used for programs and projects that
support the purposes set forth in section 2.
(3) Compliance requirement.--
(A) In general.--Grants may not be awarded to the
Haitian-American Enterprise Fund under this section
unless the Fund agrees to comply with the requirements
under this section.
(B) Grant agreement.--The grant agreement between
the United States Agency for International Development
(referred to in this section as ``USAID'') and the
Haitian-American Enterprise Fund shall state that the
Fund shall end its reinvestment cycle not later than
December 31, 2021, unless the USAID Administrator
determines, after consultation with the appropriate
congressional committees, that the Fund should be
extended.
(C) Prevention of money laundering and terrorist
financing.--The grant agreement between USAID and the
Haitian-American Enterprise Fund shall state that the
Fund shall comply with procedures specified by the
Secretary of State to ensure that grant funds are not
provided by the Fund to or through--
(i) any individual, private or government
entity, or educational institution that
advocates, plans, sponsors, engages in, or has
engaged in, money laundering or terrorist
activity; or
(ii) any private entity or educational
institution if a principal officer of its
governing board is--
(I) involved in or advocating money
laundering or terrorist activity; or
(II) a member of a designated
foreign terrorist organization.
(D) Disposition of assets.--All assets of the
Haitian-American Enterprise Fund on the date on which
the Fund is dissolved shall be returned to the Treasury
of the United States for the purpose of deficit
reduction.
(d) Notification.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 15 days before designating
an organization to operate as the Haitian-American Enterprise
Fund pursuant to subsection (a), the President shall provide
the information described in paragraph (2) to the Chairman and
Ranking Member of the appropriate congressional committees.
(2) Information.--The information described in this
paragraph is--
(A) the identity of the organization to be
designated to operate as the Haitian-American
Enterprise Fund pursuant to subsection (a);
(B) the names and qualifications of the individuals
who will comprise the Initial Board;
(C) the procedures referred to in subsection
(c)(3)(C) that will apply to the Haitian-American
Enterprise Fund for purposes of curtailing money
laundering and terrorist financing activities; and
(D) the size of the financial grant that shall be
made available to the Haitian-American Enterprise Fund.
(e) Reports.--
(1) Administrative expenses.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter
until the Fund is dissolved, the Fund shall submit a report to
the appropriate congressional committees that details the
administrative expenses of the Fund.
(2) GAO report.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and every 3 years thereafter until
the Fund is dissolved, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional
committees that assesses the activities of the Fund in--
(A) achieving the stated goals of promoting private
sector investment and employment in Haiti; and
(B) identifying those institutional or regulatory
constraints that inhibit a more effective application
of Fund resources.
(f) Defined Term.--In this section, the term ``appropriate
congressional committees'' means--
(1) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;
(2) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
(3) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives; and
(4) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.
SEC. 4. OPERATION PROVISIONS.
(a) Applicable Provisions.--Subsections (d)(5), (g), (h), (i), (k),
(l), (m), (n), (o), and (p) of section 201 of the Support for East
European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-179; 22 U.S.C.
5421) shall apply with respect to the Haitian-American Enterprise Fund
in the same manner as such provisions apply to Enterprise Funds
designated pursuant to subsection (d) of such section.
(b) Reinvestment.--Returns on investments of the Haitian-American
Enterprise Fund and other payments to the Fund may be reinvested in
projects carried out by the Fund without further appropriation by
Congress.
SEC. 5. BEST PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Board of Directors of the
Haitian-American Enterprise Fund should adopt the best practices and
procedures used by Enterprise Funds, including those for which funding
has been made available pursuant to section 201 of the Support for East
European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 (Public Law 101-179; 22 U.S.C.
5421).
SEC. 6. EXPERIENCE OF OTHER ENTERPRISE FUNDS.
In implementing this Act, the President shall ensure that the
Articles of Incorporation of the Haitian-American Enterprise Fund
(including provisions specifying the responsibilities of the Board of
Directors of the Fund), the terms of United States Government grant
agreements with the Fund, and United States Government oversight of the
Fund are, to the maximum extent practicable, consistent with the
Articles of Incorporation of, the terms of grant agreements with, and
the oversight of the Enterprise Funds established pursuant to section
201 of the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 (22
U.S.C. 5421) and comparable provisions of law.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
President such sums as may be necessary to provide funding for grants
to the Haitian-American Enterprise Fund, which shall be used for the
purposes specified in section 2.
(b) Availability of Funds.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to
subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.
(c) Nonapplicability of Other Laws.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, amounts appropriated pursuant to subsection (a) may
be used to carry out this Act. | Haitian-American Enterprise Fund Act - Authorizes the President, after congressional consultation, to designate a private, nonprofit organization as the Haitian-American Enterprise Fund to receive financial assistance and support under this Act.
States that a grant agreement between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Fund shall: (1) require the Fund to end its reinvestment cycle not later than December 31, 2021, unless extended by USAID; (2) provide for the prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing; and (3) require any remaining Fund assets to be returned to the Treasury for debt reduction purposes.
States that the Fund's Board of Directors should adopt the best practices and procedures used by Enterprise Funds, including those for which funding has been made available pursuant to the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989.
Authorizes appropriations. | A bill to promote the strengthening of the Haitian private sector. |
OFFICERS.
``The State Administrator shall establish a Problem Resolution
Office. Problem Resolution Officers shall have the authority to
investigate taxpayer complaints and enjoin collection activity if, in
the opinion of the Problem Resolution Officer, said collection activity
is reasonably likely to not be in compliance with law. Said
administrative injunction may only be reversed by the highest official
in the relevant State or Federal taxing authority or by its General
Counsel upon a finding that the collection activity is justified by
clear and convincing evidence. The authority to reverse this
administrative injunction may not be delegated. Problem Resolution
Officers shall not be disciplined or adversely affected for the
issuance of administrative injunctions unless a pattern or issuing
injunctions that are manifestly unreasonable is proven in an
administrative hearing. Nothing in this section shall limit the
authority of the State Administrators or the taxpayer to pursue any
legal remedy in any court with jurisdiction over the dispute at issue.
``SEC. 53. JURISDICTION AND INTERSTATE ALLOCATION.
``(a) Allocation Rules.--For purposes of allocating revenue between
or among administering states from taxes imposed by this subtitle, the
revenue shall be allocated to those states that are the destination of
the taxable property or services. The destination of the purchase of
taxable property and services shall be determined in accordance with
this section.
``(b) Federal Office of Revenue Allocation.--The Secretary shall
establish an Office of Revenue Allocation to arbitrate any claims or
disputes among administering states as to the destination of taxable
property and services for purposes of allocating revenue between or
among the states from taxes imposed by this subtitle. The determination
of the Administrator of the Office of Revenue Allocation shall be
subject to judicial review in any federal court with competent
jurisdiction provided, however, that the standard of review shall be
abuse of discretion.
``(c) Tangible Personal Property.--The destination of tangible
personal property shall be the state or territory in which the property
was first delivered to the purchaser. Tangible personal property
shipped by means of the mail or common carrier shall be deemed
delivered to the location of the purchaser for purposes of this
subsection upon shipment by mail or common carrier.
``(d) Real Property.--The destination of real property or rents or
leaseholds on real property shall be state or territory in which the
real property is located.
``(e) Other Property.--The destination of other property shall be
residence of the purchaser.
``(f) Services.--
``(1) General rule.--The destination of services shall be
state or territory in which the use, consumption or enjoyment
of the services occurred. Allocation of service invoices
relating to more than one jurisdiction shall be on the basis of
time.
``(2) Telecommunications services.--The destination of
telecommunications services shall be the residence of the
purchaser. Telecommunications services shall include telephone,
telegraph, cable television, satellite and computer on-line or
network services.
``(3) Domestic transportation services.--For transportation
services where all of the final destinations are within the
United States, the destination of transportation services shall
be the final destination of the trip (in the case of round or
multiple trip fares, the services amount shall be equally
allocated among the final destinations).
``(4) International transportation services.--For
transportation services where the final destination or origin
of the trip is without the United States, the service amount
shall be deemed 50 percent attributable to the United States
destination or origin.
``(g) Financial Intermediation Services.--The destination of
financial intermediation services shall be the residence of the
purchase.
``(h) A State Tax Administrator shall have jurisdiction over any
gross payments made which have a destination (as determined in
accordance with this section) within the state of said State Tax
Administrator. This grant of jurisdiction is not exclusive of other
jurisdiction that said State Tax Administrator may have.
``(i) Rents and Royalties Paid for the Lease of Tangible
Property.--
``(1) General rule.--The destination of rents and royalties
paid for the lease of tangible property shall be where the
property is located.
``(2) Vehicles.--The destination of rent and lease payments
on vehicles shall be--
``(A) in the case of rentals and leases of a term
one month or less, the location where the vehicle was
originally delivered to the lessee; and
``(B) in the case of rentals and leases of a term
greater than one month, the residence of the lessee.
``SEC. 54. TAX TO BE STATED AND CHARGED SEPARATELY.
``(a) In General.--For each purchase of taxable property or
services for which a tax is imposed pursuant to section 1, the sales
tax shall be charged separately from the purchase price by the vendor
or seller. For purchase of taxable property or services for which a tax
is imposed pursuant to section 1, the vendor shall provide to the
purchaser a receipt that sets forth at least the following information:
``(1) The property or services price exclusive of tax.
``(2) The amount of tax paid.
``(3) The property or service price inclusive of tax.
``(4) The tax rate (the amount of tax paid (per
subparagraph 2) divided by the property or service price
inclusive of tax (per subparagraph 3)).
``(5) The date that the good or service was sold.
``(6) The name of the vendor.
``(7) The vendor registration number.
``(b) Vending Machine Exception.--The requirements of subsection
(a) shall be inapplicable in the case of sales by vending machines.
Vending machines for purposes of this subsection shall mean machines--
``(1) that dispense taxable property in exchange for coins,
one, five, ten or twenty dollar bills, and
``(2) that sell no single item exceeding ten dollars per
unit in price.
``SEC. 55. INSTALLMENT AGREEMENTS; COMPROMISES.
``The State Administrator or the Secretary, as the case may be, is
authorized to enter into written agreements with any person under which
the person is allowed to satisfy liability for payment of any tax in
installment payments if he determines that such agreement will
facilitate the collection of such liability. The agreement shall remain
in effect for the term of the agreement unless the information that the
person provided to the Secretary or the State Administrator was
materially inaccurate or incomplete. The Secretary and the State
Administrator may compromise any amounts alleged to be due.
``SEC. 56. ACCOUNTING.
``(a) Cash Method To Be Used Generally.--Vendors and other persons
shall remit taxes and report transactions with respect to the month for
which payment was received or the tax imposed by this chapter otherwise
becomes due.
``(b) Election To Use Accrual Method.--A person may elect with
respect to a calendar year, in a form prescribed by the Secretary, to
remit taxes and report transactions with respect to the month where a
sale was invoiced and accrued.
``(c) Cross Reference.--
``For rules relating to bad debts for
vendors electing the accrual method, see section 11(g).
``SEC. 57. HOBBY ACTIVITIES.
``(a) The exemption afforded by section 2(a)(1) shall not be
available for any taxable property or service used by a trade or
business if that trade or business is not engaged in for profit.
``(b) If the trade or business has received gross payments for the
sale of taxable property or services that exceed the sum of--
``(1) taxable property and services purchased,
``(2) wages paid, and
``(3) taxes paid,
in 2 or more of the most recent 4 calendar years during which it
operated, then the business activity shall be conclusively deemed to be
engaged in for profit.''.
SEC. 5. PHASE-OUT OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
(a) In General.--Appropriations for any expenses of the Internal
Revenue Service including processing income tax returns for years prior
to the repeal of the income tax, revenue accounting, management,
transfer of payroll tax data to the Social Security Administration and
otherwise for years after fiscal year 2007 are not authorized.
(b) Excise and Sales Tax Bureaus.--Section 7801 is amended by
adding the following new subsections:
``(d) Excise Tax Bureau.--There shall be in the Department of
Treasury an Excise Tax Bureau to administer those excise taxes not
repealed by this Act.
``(e) Sales Tax Bureau.--There shall be in the Department of
Treasury a Sales Tax Bureau to administer the national sales tax in
those States where it is required pursuant to section 31(g), and to
discharge other Federal duties and powers relating to the national
sales tax (including those required by sections 32, 33, and 53(b)). The
Office of Revenue Allocation shall be within the Sales Tax Bureau.''.
(c) Assistant General Counsels.--Section 7801(b)(2) is amended to
read as follows:
``(2) Assistant general counsels.--The Secretary of the
Treasury may appoint, without regard to the provisions of the
civil service laws, and fix the duties of not more than 5
Assistant General Counsels.''.
(d) Short Year.--
(1) For purposes of the Federal income tax, the tax imposed
by section 1 and section 11 for taxable years ending June 30,
2006, shall be modified as set forth in this subsection.
(2) For calendar year taxpayers, the dollar figures in
section 1 and section 11 shall be reduced by dividing by 2 all
dollar figures that would be applicable but for this
subsection.
(3) For fiscal year taxpayers, the dollar figures in
section 1 and section 11 shall be equal to the product of--
(A) the dollar amount that would be applicable but
for this subsection, and
(B) the ratio that has as its numerator the number
of months in the taxpayer's taxable year ending June
30, 2006, and as its denominator 12.
(4) The Secretary shall publish tax rate schedules in
accordance with this subsection.
SEC. 6. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION TO COLLECT PAYROLL TAXES.
(a) In General.--Commencing January 1, 2006, the Social Security
Administration shall collect and administer the taxes imposed pursuant
to chapter 2 of subtitle A (relating to self employment income taxes)
and subtitle C (relating to employment taxes) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986.
(b) Cross References.--
For revised rules relating to the self-
employment tax, see section 7 of this Act.
For rules relating to revised
withholding tax schedules and family consumption refund, see section
13.
SEC. 7. SELF-EMPLOYMENT TAX.
(a) In General.--Subsection 1402(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--`Self employment income' shall mean gross
payments received in a calendar year from the sale of taxable property
or services (without regard to exemption) less the sum in a calendar
year of--
``(1) purchases of taxable property or services (without
regard to exemption) in furtherance of a business purpose,
``(2) any wages paid (whether to the self-employed person
or others) in furtherance of a business purpose,
``(3) unused transition amounts, and
``(4) undeducted negative self employment income amounts
from prior periods.
``(b) Transition Amounts.--
``(1) General rule.--The transition amount for the ten
calendar years commencing in 2006 shall be the unrecovered
basis amount as of the end of December 31, 2005, divided by
ten.
``(2) Unrecovered basis amount.--The unrecovered basis
amount shall be remaining income tax basis relating to--
``(A) prior law section 167 property placed in
service prior to January 1, 2006, and
``(B) inventory held as of the end of 2005
(including any amounts capitalized in accordance with
prior law section 263A).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Subsections 1402(b) and 1402(c) are
hereby repealed. Subsections 1402(d) et seq. are hereby renumbered as
subsections 1402(b) et seq.
SEC. 8. SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS INDEXED ON SALES TAX INCLUSIVE BASIS.
Subparagraph (D) of paragraph (1) of subsection (i) of section 215
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 415) (relating to cost-of-living
increases in Social Security benefits) is amended to read as follows:
``(D)(i) the term `CPI increase percentage', with respect
to a base quarter or cost-of-living quarter in any calendar
year, means the percentage (rounded to the nearest one-tenth of
1 percent) by which the Consumer Price Index for that quarter
(as prepared by the Department of Labor) exceeds such index for
the most recent prior calendar quarter which was a base quarter
under subparagraph (A)(ii) or, if later, the most recent cost-
of-living computation quarter under subparagraph (B);
``(ii) if the Consumer Price Index (as prepared by the
Department of Labor) does not include the national sales tax
paid, then the term `CPI increase percentage' with respect to a
base quarter or cost-of-living quarter in any calendar year,
means the percentage (rounded to the nearest one-tenth of 1
percent) by which the product of--
``(I) the Consumer Price Index for that quarter (as
prepared by the Department of Labor); and
``(II) the national sales tax factor,
exceeds such index for the most recent prior calendar quarter
which was a base quarter under subparagraph (A)(ii) or, if
later, the most recent cost-of-living computation quarter under
subparagraph (B); and
``(iii) for purposes of clause (ii), the `national sales
tax factor' is equal to one plus the quotient that is--
``(I) the sales tax rate (as defined in section 1
of title 26), divided by
``(II) the quantity that is one minus the sales tax
rate.''.
SEC. 9. COMPENSATING PAYMENTS TO CERTAIN PERSONS ON FIXED INCOME.
(a) Compensating Payment.--Eligible persons (as defined in
subsection (c)) shall receive a compensating payment (as defined in
subsection (b)) provided that they comply with subsection (g) (relating
to applications).
(b) Compensating Payment Defined.--The term ``compensating
payment'' means the product of the qualified fixed income payment
amount (as defined in subsection (e)) and the excess inflation rate (as
defined in subsection (f)).
(c) Eligible Person Defined.--An eligible person is any person with
respect to any calendar year who is entitled to--
(1) Social Security benefits; and
(2) qualified fixed income payments (as defined in
subsection (d)).
(d) Qualified Fixed Income Payment Defined.--A qualified fixed
income payment is a payment received by--
(1) a beneficiary under a defined benefit plan (within the
meaning of section 414(j) of the Internal Revenue Code as in
effect prior to the enactment of this Act) whether sponsored by
a private or Government employer; or
(2) by an annuitant pursuant to an annuity contract between
the annuitant and a bona fide insurance company.
A payment pursuant to a plan or annuity contract is not a qualified
fixed income payment if the payment varies with investment performance,
interest rates, or inflation. Payments pursuant to an annuity contract
entered into after June 30, 2006, shall not be qualified fixed income
payments. Payments pursuant to a defined benefit plan to a beneficiary
that had been a participant in said defined benefit plan (within the
meaning of section 410 of the Internal Revenue Code as in effect prior
to the enactment of this Act) for less than 5 years shall not be
qualified fixed income payments.
(e) Qualified Fixed Income Payment Amount.--The qualified fixed
income payment amount is \1/12\ of qualified fixed income payments that
an eligible person is entitled to receive during the calendar year
subsequent to the year for which the compensating payment is
calculated, provided, however, that the qualified fixed income payment
amount shall not exceed $5,000.
(f) Excess Inflation Rate Defined.--The term ``excess inflation
rate'' shall mean the excess, if any, of the consumer price index (all
urban) during the 18-month period ending December 31, 2006, over the
increase projected for the consumer price index (all urban) in the
Office of Management and Budget baseline reported in the Budget of the
United States for Fiscal Year 2006 for said 18-month period. The
baseline assumption for the 6 months in 2006 shall be \1/2\ of the
assumed increase for the entire calendar year 2006.
(g) Application Required.--In order to receive compensating
payments, each eligible person must apply in a form prescribed by the
Secretary of Health and Human Services and provide such documentation
as the Secretary may reasonably require.
(h) Means of Payment.--Each person entitled to a compensating
payment shall receive the compensating payment with their Social
Security benefit payment. The compensating payment shall be separately
indicated but may be included in one check. The funds to make
compensating payments shall come from the general fund.
(i) The Secretary of Health and Human Services may require insurers
that are parties to annuity contracts and defined benefit plan sponsors
to issue a statement to annuitants or plan participants including such
information as the Secretary may require to determine the qualified
fixed income payment amount.
SEC. 10. INTEREST.
Section 6621 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by
striking the last sentence in section 6621(a)(1) and by striking ``3''
in section 6621(a)(2)(B) and substituting in its stead ``2''.
SEC. 11. SUPERMAJORITY REQUIRED TO RAISE RATE.
(a) In General.--It shall not be in order in the House of
Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution,
amendment thereto, or conference report thereon that includes any
provision that--
(1) increases any federal sales tax rate, and
(2) provides any exemption, deduction, credit or other
benefit which results in a reduction in federal revenues.
(b) Waiver or Suspension.--This section may be waived or suspended
in the House of Representatives or the Senate only by the affirmative
vote of two-thirds of the Members, duly chosen and sworn. | Individual Tax Freedom Act of 2004 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the income tax, estate and gift taxes, certain excise taxes, and certain tax administration provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (effective in 2006). Imposes a national sales tax (effective in 2006) equal to 15 percent of the gross payments for the use, consumption or enjoyment in the United States of any taxable property or service, whether produced or rendered within or without the United States. Allows certain exemptions from such tax, including exemptions for property or services purchased for a business purpose in an active trade or business or for export for use or consumption outside the United States. Sets forth provisions for the administration and collection of the tax and for credits and refunds. Allows for: (1) installment payments of tax resulting from the purchase of a principal residence; (2) a sales tax rebate for certain low-income families; and (3) compensating payments to certain persons on fixed incomes. Grants States the authority to administer and collect the sales tax and to remit tax proceeds to the Treasury. Prohibits the funding of the Internal Revenue Service after FY 2007. Establishes in the Department of Treasury: (1) an Excise Tax Bureau to administer any excise taxes not repealed by this Act; and (2) a Sales Tax Bureau to administer the national sales tax established by this Act. Directs the Social Security Administration to collect and administer employment and self-employment payroll taxes. Requires a two-thirds vote of the Members of the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any legislation that raises any Federal sales tax rate or results in a reduction in Federal revenues. | To promote freedom, fairness, and economic opportunity for families by repealing the income tax, abolishing the Internal Revenue Service, and enacting a national retail sales tax to be administered primarily by the States. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Mother's Day Centennial
Commemorative Coin Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress hereby finds as follows:
(1) Anna Jarvis, who is considered to be the founder of the
modern Mother's Day, was born in Webster, West Virginia on May
1, 1864.
(2) A resident of Grafton, West Virginia, Anna Jarvis
dedicated much of her adult life to honoring her mother, Anna
Reeves Jarvis, who passed on May 9, 1905.
(3) In 1908, the Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church of
Grafton, West Virginia, officially proclaimed the third
anniversary of Anna Reeves Jarvis' death to be Mother's Day.
(4) In 1910, West Virginia Governor, William Glasscock,
issued the first Mother's Day Proclamation encouraging all West
Virginians to attend church and wear white carnations.
(5) On May 8, 1914, the Sixty-Third Congress approved H.J.
Res. 263 designating the second Sunday in May to be observed as
Mother's Day and encouraging all Americans to display the
American flag at their homes as a public expression of the love
and reverence for the mothers of our Nation.
(6) On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson issued a
Presidential Proclamation directing government officials to
display the American flag on all government buildings and
inviting the American people to display the flag at their homes
on the second Sunday of May as a public expression of the love
and reverence for the mothers of our nation.
SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) Denominations.--The Secretary of the Treasury (hereinafter in
this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue not
more than 400,000 $1 coins each of which shall--
(1) weigh 26.73 grams;
(2) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and
(3) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.
(b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal
tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.
(c) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5136 of title 31,
United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered
to be numismatic items.
SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) Design Requirements.--The design of the coins minted under this
Act shall be emblematic of the 100th anniversary of President Wilson's
proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
(b) Designation and Inscriptions.--On each coin minted under this
Act there shall be--
(1) a designation of the value of the coin;
(2) an inscription of the year ``2014''; and
(3) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God We
Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E Pluribus Unum''.
(c) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this Act
shall be--
(1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the
Commission of Fine Arts; and
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee
established under section 5135 of title 31, United States Code.
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued
in uncirculated and proof qualities.
(b) Commencement of Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted
under this Act beginning January 1, 2014, except that the Secretary may
initiate sales of such coins, without issuance, before such date.
(c) Termination of Minting Authority.--No coins shall be minted
under this Act after December 31, 2014.
SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS.
(a) Sale Price.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price
equal to the sum of the face value of the coins, the surcharge required
under section 7(a) for the coins, and the cost of designing and issuing
such coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery,
overhead expenses, and marketing).
(b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins
issued under this Act at a reasonable discount.
(c) Prepaid Orders at a Discount.--
(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.
SEC. 7. SURCHARGES.
(a) Surcharge Required.--All sales shall include a surcharge of $10
per coin.
(b) Distribution.--Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, United
States Code, all surcharges which are received by the Secretary from
the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the
Secretary as follows:
(1) \1/2\ to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure for the
purpose of furthering research funded by the organization.
(2) \1/2\ to the National Osteoporosis Foundation for the
purpose of furthering research funded by the Foundation.
(c) Audits.--The Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National
Osteoporosis Foundation shall be subject to the audit requirements of
section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States Code, with regard to the
amounts received by the respective organizations under subsection (b).
(d) Limitation.--Notwithstanding subsection (a), no surcharge may
be included with respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin
during a calendar year if, as of the time of such issuance, the
issuance of such coin would result in the number of commemorative coin
programs issued during such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative
coin program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31,
United States Code (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this
Act). The Secretary of the Treasury may issue guidance to carry out
this subsection.
SEC. 8. BUDGET COMPLIANCE.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying
with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by
reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO
Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional
Record by the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the House of
Representatives, provided that such statement has been submitted prior
to the vote on passage.
Passed the House of Representatives May 5, 2010.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk. | Mother's Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue not more than 400,000 $1 coins emblematic of the 100th anniversary of President Wilson's proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.
Authorizes the Secretary to issue such coins beginning January 1, 2014, except that the Secretary may initiate sales of such coins, without issuance, before such date.
Terminates such minting authority after December 31, 2014.
Requires coin sales to include a $10 surcharge per coin, with distribution of such surcharges to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Osteoporosis Foundation for the purpose of furthering research.
States that, for the purposes of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, the budgetary effects of this Act shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled "Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation" for this Act, if it has been submitted for printing in the Congressional Record before the vote on passage. | To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of the establishment of Mother's Day. |
<greek-th> x
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.<greek-th> x
This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Market Acquisition Drug
Price Act of 2003''.<greek-th> x
SEC. 2. REFORM OF PAYMENT FOR DRUGS AND BIOLOGICALS UNDER THE MEDICARE
PROGRAM.<greek-th> x
(a) Payment Reform.--<greek-th> x
(1) In general.--Section 1842(o) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395u(o)) is amended to read as follows:
<greek-th> x
``(o) Payment for Drugs and Biologicals.--<greek-th> x
``(1) General rule.--If a physician's, supplier's, or any
other person's bill or request for payment for services
includes a charge for a drug or biological for which payment
may be made under this part and the drug or biological is not
paid on a cost or prospective payment basis as otherwise
provided in this part, the amount payable for the drug or
biological shall be based on the following:<greek-th> x
``(A) Multi-source (generic) drugs.--In the case of
a drug or biological that meets the requirements for a
multi-source drug under subclauses (I) and (II) of
section 1927(k)(7)(A)(i), 105 percent of the volume-
weighted median average acquisition price for any drug
or biological covered under the same medicare HCPCS
code.<greek-th> x
``(B) Single source (brand) drugs and
biologicals.--In the case of a drug or biological that
meets the requirements for a single source drug under
section 1927(k)(7)(A)(iv), 105 percent of the average
acquisition price for the drug or
biological.<greek-th> x
``(C) Access exception.--The Secretary may modify
the rate otherwise applicable in order to assure access
to necessary drugs and biologicals in the case of sole
community providers in rural and other areas where the
providers are not reasonably able to obtain the drugs
and biologicals at the payment rates otherwise
applicable. Such modification shall not result in a
change of more than 15 percent of the rate otherwise
applicable.<greek-th> x
``(D) Data-related exception.--If the Secretary
determines that there is insufficient data available
with respect to compute an average acquisition price
for a drug or biological for a quarter or that, because
of a significant change in price from quarter-to-
quarter, the available data on the average acquisition
price does not accurately reflect the actual, current
acquisition cost for the drug or biological, the
Secretary may substitute for the quarters involved an
appropriate payment for the drug or biological for such
average acquisition price.<greek-th> x
``(E) Application of ndc codes.--If the Secretary
determines that it is appropriate to provide for
payment under this subsection using national drug code
(NDC) instead of HCPCS codes, in applying subparagraph
(A) the reference to the same HCPCS code shall be
deemed a reference to the appropriate national drug
codes for those drugs or biologicals that are
therapeutically and pharmaceutically equivalent and
bioequivalent (as defined for purposes of section
1927(k)(7)(A)).<greek-th> x
``(2) Definition of average acquisition price.--
<greek-th> x
``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subsection,
the term `average acquisition price' means, with
respect to a drug or biological and with respect to
each dosage form and strength of the drug or biological
product (without regard to any special packaging,
labeling, or identifiers on the dosage form or product
or package), the average of all final sales prices
charged by the manufacturer of the drug or biological
product in the United States, excluding sales exempt
from inclusion in the calculation of best price under
section 1927(c)(1)(C) (other than under clause
(ii)(III) of such section) and excluding sales subject
to a rebate under section 1927, as reported under
paragraph (3).<greek-th> x
``(B) Net price.--Such average acquisition price
shall be calculated net of all of the following (as
estimated by the Secretary):<greek-th> x
``(i) Volume discounts.<greek-th> x
``(ii) Prompt pay discounts and cash
discounts.<greek-th> x
``(iii) Charge-backs.<greek-th> x
``(iv) Short-dated product discounts (for
spoilage and other factors).<greek-th> x
``(v) Free goods and services.<greek-th> x
``(vi) Rebates.<greek-th> x
``(vii) All other price concessions
provided by the drug manufacturer.<greek-th> x
The Secretary may make subsequent adjustments in such
average acquisition price to take into account updated
information and differences between the price
previously estimated and the actual average acquisition
price.<greek-th> x
``(C) Weighting.--The average of all final sales
prices described in subparagraph (A) shall be
determined by dividing--<greek-th> x
``(i) the sum of all final prices charged
by the manufacturer (net of the adjustments
made under subparagraph (B)) for sales in the
period involved that are included in
subparagraph (A) for the drug or biological,
by<greek-th> x
``(ii) the total number of units of such
sales in the period.<greek-th> x
``(D) Distribution of reports.--The Secretary shall
promptly distribute applicable payment rates under this
subsection to carriers and fiscal intermediaries and
other contractors that make payment for drugs and
biologicals under this section in order to apply a
uniform reimbursement rate under this
section.<greek-th> x
``(3) Price reporting requirement.--<greek-th> x
``(A) In general.--As a condition for payment for
any drug or biological of a manufacturer under this
subsection, the manufacturer of the drug or biological
shall--<greek-th> x
``(i) report, on a quarterly basis, to the
Secretary (or the Secretary's designee)
<greek-th> x <greek-th> x <greek-th> x <greek-th>
x <greek-th> x the manufacturer's average acquisition price and the
information required under subparagraph (C) for all drugs and
biologicals of the manufacturer by national drug code
(NDC);<greek-th> x
``(ii) maintain such records (in written or
electronic form) regarding such sales and
prices for all such drugs and biologicals as
may be necessary to audit the information so
reported or required to be reported;
and<greek-th> x
``(iii) provide the Secretary with access
to such records in order to permit the
Secretary to audit information so reported or
required to be reported.<greek-th> x
``(B) Penalties.--The provisions of section
1927(b)(3)(C) shall apply with respect to the reporting
of information under subparagraph (A) in the same
manner as it applies to the reporting of information
under section 1927(b)(3)(A), except that the reference
in clause (i) of such section to $10,000 is deemed a
reference to $100,000 and any reference to a suspension
of an agreement is deemed a reference to a suspension
of payment for the drug or biological involved under
this part. The Secretary shall promptly refer to the
Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human
Services and, if appropriate, to appropriate officials
in the Department of Justice cases in which the
Secretary becomes aware of a false price representation
made in the information submitted under this
paragraph.<greek-th> x
``(C) Form of reporting.--Information required to
be reported under subparagraph (A)(i) shall be reported
in a form and manner specified by the Secretary. The
information required to be reported shall include the
identification of the generic name of the drug or
biological and its brand name (if any), the national
drug code (NDC) and the HCPCS code assigned to the drug
or biological, the dosage form, strength, volume, and
package size involved. The information for a quarter
shall be submitted not later than 30 days after the end
of the quarter. The information shall be accompanied by
a written and signed certification by an officer of the
manufacturer attesting to the accuracy of the
information reported. Such information shall include
updated information on the net price realized (taking
into account rebates and other amounts affecting net
price), regardless of the period for which such a
rebate or other adjustment in net price might have been
earned.<greek-th> x
``(D) Auditing.--The Secretary shall audit on a
periodic basis information reported or required to be
reported under this paragraph. The Secretary may
conduct such independent price gathering activities,
such as surveys and review of published catalog
information or other transactional information, as may
be appropriate to verify the accuracy of the
information reported.<greek-th> x
``(4) Dispensing fee.--If payment for a drug or biological
is made to a licensed pharmacy approved to dispense drugs or
biologicals under this part, the Secretary shall pay a
dispensing fee (less the applicable deductible and coinsurance
amounts) to the pharmacy. Such a dispensing fee shall be
subject to adjustment from year to year based upon changes in
the consumer price index over time and may be adjusted as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate to reflect differences
in the costs of dispensing different drugs and
biologicals.<greek-th> x
``(5) Payment required on an assignment-related basis.--
<greek-th> x
``(A) In general.--Payment for a charge for any
drug or biological for which payment may be made under
this part may be made only on an assignment-related
basis. <greek-th> x
``(B) Application of enforcement provisions.--The
provisions of subsection (b)(18)(B) shall apply to
charges for such drugs or biologicals in the same
manner as they apply to services furnished by a
practitioner described in subsection
(b)(18)(C).''.<greek-th> x
(2) Effective date.--Subject to subsection (c)(2), the
amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to drugs and
biologicals furnished on or after January 1, 2004.<greek-th> x
(b) Revision in Practice Expense Payments.--<greek-th> x
(1) Adjustment in oncologist medical supply expenses.--In
computing the practice expense component of the physician fee
schedule under section 1848 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395w094) with respect to payment for services of
oncologists, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
make adjustments to oncologists' reported medical supply
expenses in order to ensure that such expenses better reflect
the actual supply costs of providing such
services.<greek-th> x
(2) Allocation of indirect expenses.--In establishing such
fee schedule, the Secretary shall change the allocation of
indirect expenses in a manner so that all services, including
services without direct physician involvement, are allocated
the appropriate share of indirect expenses.<greek-th> x
(3) Services without direct physician involvement.--In
establishing such fee schedule, the Secretary shall calculate
payments, for those services without direct physician
involvement under the basic method, using information on the
resources required for each services and, if deemed necessary,
shall validate the underlying resource-based estimates of
direct practice expenses required to provide each
service.<greek-th> x
(4) Budget neutral adjustment.--The changes in payment made
by this subsection shall not be treated as a change in law or
regulation described in section 1848(f)(2)(D) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w094(f)(2)(D)).<greek-th> x
(5) Effective date.--The provisions of this subsection
apply to payments for services furnished on or after January 1,
2004.<greek-th> x
(c) Study of Payments for Blood Clotting Factors and Other
Biologicals.--<greek-th> x
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall provide for a study of the appropriateness of the
medicare payment methodology for blood clotting factors and
other biologicals under part B of title XVIII of the Social
Security Act. Not later than 9 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
report on such study and shall include in such report
recommendations regarding whether to apply the payment
methodology provided under the amendment made by subsection
(a)(1) and alternative recommendations for appropriate
dispensing fees.<greek-th> x
(2) Delay in effective date.--The amendment made by
subsection (a)(1) shall not apply to blood clotting factors
furnished before the first day of the first calendar year that
begins at least 6 months after the date the report under
paragraph (1) has been submitted to the
Congress.<greek-th> x <greek-th><greek-th> x
08 | Medicare Market Acquisition Drug Price Act of 2003 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to revise payment for drugs and biologicals under Medicare.Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in computing the practice expense component of the Medicare physician fee schedule with respect to payment for services of oncologists, to make adjustments to an oncologist's reported medical supply expenses in order to ensure that they better reflect the actual supply costs of providing such services.Requires the Secretary to provide for a study of the appropriateness of the Medicare payment methodology for blood clotting factors and other biologicals. | To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act with respect to reform of payment for drugs and biologicals under the Medicare Program. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Bucket Drowning Prevention Act of
1993''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that:
(1) Since 1985, approximately 400 infants have drowned in
4-gallon to 6-gallon buckets, or nearly 1 child a week.
(2) Children drowning or hospitalized as a result of
falling into a bucket of liquid ranged in age from 1 month to
28 months although nearly 80 percent of all victims were 8 to
13 months old.
(3) Where race was reported in connection with such
drownings, African-American infants accounted for more of the
drowning deaths than any other racial group followed by
Caucasians and then Hispanics. In approximately 14 percent of
the investigated deaths, Spanish was reported to be the spoken
language.
(4) Only about 10 percent of 5-gallon buckets manufactured
annually are voluntarily labeled, and States are beginning to
establish their own labeling standards. There is no mandatory
Federal labeling standard regarding buckets.
(5) To prevent infant drownings in buckets and to assure
uniformity in bucket labels and a minimal impact on interstate
commerce, it is appropriate to establish a Federal labeling
standard.
(6) To address the bucket drowning problem in a more
permanent way, it is appropriate to establish performance
standards.
SEC. 3. LABELING STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Effective 180 days following the date of the enactment of this Act,
there is established a consumer product safety standard under section 9
of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2058), to eliminate or
reduce the risk of injury or death resulting from children falling into
4-gallon to 6-gallon buckets containing liquid. Such standard, when
effective, shall require straight sided or slightly tapered, open head
containers with a capacity of more than 4 gallons and less than 6
gallons (referred to in this Act as a ``bucket''), to bear 2 warning
labels, 1 in English and 1 in Spanish. The labels shall meet the
following requirements:
(1) Each label shall be permanent so that such label cannot
be removed, torn or defaced without the aid of tools or
solvents.
(2) Each label shall be at least 7 inches in height, and 5
inches in width, or any larger size as the labeler may choose.
The information on the label shall be proportionate to the
label's size.
(3) A label shall be centered on each side of the bucket
just below the point where the handle is inserted. The label on
1 side shall be in English and the label on the other side
shall be in Spanish.
(4) Each label shall have a border or other form of
contrast around its edges to delineate it from any other
information on the bucket.
(5) Each label shall bear (A) the signal word ``WARNING''
in bold uppercase lettering, in black ink, on an orange
background, and (B) in upper and lower case lettering in black
ink on a white background, the words ``Children Can Fall Into
Bucket and Drown--Keep Children Away From Buckets With Even a
Small Amount of Liquid''. The signal word panel shall be
preceded by a safety alert symbol consisting of an orange
exclamation mark on a black triangle.
(6) Each label shall include a picture of a child falling
into a bucket containing liquid. A red prohibition symbol shall
be superimposed over, and totally surround the pictorial. The
picture shall be positioned between the signal word panel and
the message panel.
SEC. 4. PROHIBITED ACTS.
(a) Removal of Label.--Once placed on a bucket pursuant to the
standard provided pursuant to section 3, it shall be a prohibited act
under section 19 of the Consumer Product Safety Act for any person in
the chain of distribution of the bucket to intentionally cover,
obstruct, tear, deface or remove the label.
(b) Consumer Product Safety Standard.--The standard established
pursuant to section 3 of this Act shall be considered a consumer
product safety standard established under the Consumer Product Safety
Act.
SEC. 5. EXISTING LABELS.
Any bucket label in use on September 1, 1993, which is
substantially in conformance with the requirements in section 3, may
continue to be used until 12 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, buckets subject to
this Act must bear both an English and Spanish language label after the
effective date of the standard established pursuant to section 3.
SEC. 6. AMENDMENTS.
Section 553 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply with
respect to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's issuance of any
amendments or changes to the bucket labeling standard required by
section 3 of this Act. Sections 7 and 9 of the Consumer Product Safety
Act shall not apply to such amendments or changes.
SEC. 7. RESPONSIBILITY FOR LABELING.
(a) Labeling.--The standard established by section 3 requires the
labeling of buckets covered by such standard to be the responsibility
of the manufacturer or distributor of any such bucket without regard to
whether or not such bucket is intended for sale by a retailer in an
empty state for use as a consumer product, or is intended for sale by a
retailer, together with its contents.
(b) Time for Placing Labels.--The required label must be on the
bucket at the time it is sold or delivered to the end user of the
bucket's contents or, in the case of a bucket intended to be sold to
the public in an empty state, at the time it is shipped to a retailer
for sale to the public.
SEC. 8. PERFORMANCE STANDARD.
Within 30 days following the date of enactment of this Act, the
Commission shall commence a proceeding under the Consumer Product
Safety Act for the issuance of a performance standard for buckets to
address the drowning hazard associated with this product. Section 553
of title 5, United States Code, shall apply with respect to the
issuance of such standard. Sections 7 and 9 of the Consumer Product
Safety Act shall not apply to the issuance of such standard. Such
standard shall take effect at such time as may be prescribed by the
Consumer Product Safety Commission, but in no event later than 180 days
following the date of the enactment of this Act. | Bucket Drowning Prevention Act of 1993 - Establishes a consumer product safety standard that would require warning labels on four- to six-gallon buckets. Requires each label to state "Children Can Fall into Bucket and Drown--Keep Children Away From Buckets With Even a Small Amount of Liquid" and to include a picture of a child falling into a bucket. | Bucket Drowning Prevention Act of 1993 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited to as the ``Renewable Energy Jobs Act''.
SEC. 2. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Labor shall carry out a pilot
program to award competitive grants to States to train individuals for
careers in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.
(b) Grant Awards.--The Secretary shall award grants under the pilot
program to the five States with the highest installed alternative
energy power capacity.
(c) Application.--
(1) In general.--A State that desires a grant under the
pilot program shall submit an application to the Secretary at
such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information
as the Secretary may reasonably require.
(2) Contents.--A grant application under the pilot program
shall include the following:
(A) Evidence of the installed alternative energy
power capacity for wind, solar, and geothermal
facilities in that State.
(B) A description of how the funds will be used to
establish and administer a program designed to provide
skills training or on-the-job training for a
significant number of individuals and ensure lasting
and sustainable employment in the renewable energy and
energy efficiency industries.
(C) A description of the State's option to
coordinate with its State and local workforce
investment boards and Energy Efficiency Industry
Councils in carrying out a program funded by a grant
under this Act, including through partnerships of local
boards with renewable energy and energy efficiency
employers and other appropriate providers of training
services.
(D) A description of the skills training, on-the-
job training, or both that may be offered to
individuals by grant recipients, and how this training
will lead to an industry-recognized certificate or
similar credential.
(E) A description of how the State plans to
prioritize grants among grant recipients.
(F) A description of how the grant may be used to
support existing programs focused on renewable energy
job creation.
(d) Grant Amount.--The Secretary shall ensure that grants are of
sufficient size to enable States to carry out all required activities.
(e) Duration of Grant.--A grant under this section shall be for a
period of 3 years.
(f) Use of Funds.--A State receiving a grant under this section
shall use the grant funds to--
(1) reimburse a renewable energy and energy efficiency
employer for the cost of providing on-the-job training;
(2) reimburse any of the following entities for the cost of
providing skills training (or on-the-job training if in
partnership with an energy efficient employer)--
(A) a labor organization;
(B) a postsecondary educational institution; or
(C) nonprofit organizations; and
(3) conduct outreach to inform renewable energy and energy
efficiency employers, labor organizations, postsecondary
educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and the
general public, including individuals in rural areas and Indian
tribes, of their eligibility or potential eligibility for
participation in the program.
(g) Conditions.--Under the pilot program, a grant to a State shall
be subject to the following conditions:
(1) The State shall repay to the Secretary, on such date as
shall be determined by the Secretary, any amount received under
the pilot program that is not used for the purposes described
in subsection (f).
(2) The State shall submit to the Secretary, at such times
and containing such information as the Secretary shall require,
reports on the use of grant funds.
(h) Requirements of Grant Recipients.--In order to receive a grant
made by a State under the pilot program, an entity described in
subsection (f) shall--
(1) submit an application to the State that includes such
other information and assurances as the State may require; and
(2) agree to submit to the State, for each quarter, a
report containing such information as the Secretary may
specify.
(i) Limitation on Administrative Costs.--
(1) Federal administration.--Of the amounts appropriated
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under
subsection (l), 2 percent shall be made available to the
Secretary for administrative costs associated with implementing
and evaluating the pilot program under this section and for
preparing and submitting the report required under subsection
(j).
(2) State administration.--The Secretary shall determine
the appropriate maximum amount of each grant awarded under this
section that may be used by the recipient for administrative
and reporting costs.
(j) Report to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress an
annual report on the pilot program for each year of the grant period.
The report on the pilot program shall include a detailed description of
activities carried out under this section and an evaluation of the
program, and how many participants were employed by renewable energy
and energy efficiency employers within 6 months of completing the
training.
(k) Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2017, for
the purpose of carrying out the pilot program.
(l) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) The term ``Indian tribe'' has the meaning given that
term in section 102 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe
List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a).
(2) The term ``installed alternative energy power
capacity'' means the amount of wind, solar, and geothermal
power generation, expressed in megawatts, installed in a State.
(3) The term ``labor organization'' has the meaning given
such term in section 2 of the National Labor Relations Act.
(4) The term ``on-the-job training'' means training by
renewable energy and energy efficiency employers, a labor
organization, a postsecondary educational institution, or a
nonprofit organization that is provided to a paid participant
while engaged in productive work that--
(A) provides knowledge or skills essential to the
full and adequate performance of the job;
(B) provides reimbursement to the employer for the
costs of providing the training and additional
supervision related to the training; and
(C) is limited in duration as appropriate to the
occupation for which the participant is being trained,
taking into account the content of the training, the
prior work experience of the participant, and the
service strategy of the participant, as appropriate.
(5) The term ``postsecondary educational institution'' has
the meaning given such term in section 101 of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801).
(6) The term ``renewable energy and energy efficiency
employer'' means an entity that employs individuals in a trade
or business in the renewable energy and energy efficiency
industries.
(7) The term ``renewable energy and energy efficiency
industries'' means any of the following industries:
(A) The energy-efficient building, construction, or
retrofits industry.
(B) The renewable electric power industry,
including the wind, solar, and geothermal energy
industries.
(C) The energy efficiency assessment industry that
serves the residential, commercial, or industrial
sectors.
(8) The term ``skills training'' means training by a labor
organization, a postsecondary educational institution, or a
nonprofit organization that provides the knowledge and skills
essential to specific jobs in the renewable energy and energy
efficiency industries.
(9) The term ``State'' includes each of the several States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of
the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the
territories and possessions of the United States.
(10) The term ``workforce investment board'' refers to a
State or local workforce investment board established pursuant
to the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (20 U.S.C. 2801 et
seq.) that coordinates job training programs for that State or
local area under that Act. | Renewable Energy Jobs Act - Requires the Secretary of Labor to carry out a pilot program to train individuals for careers in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries and award grants under the program to the five states with the highest installed alternative energy power capacity. Defines "renewable energy and energy efficiency industries" as the following industries: the energy-efficient building, construction, or retrofits industry; the renewable electric power industry, including the wind, solar, and geothermal energy industries; and the energy efficiency assessment industry that serves the residential, commercial, or industrial sectors. | Renewable Energy Jobs Act |
SECTION. 1. MINIMUM WAGE.
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) $5.15 an hour beginning September 1, 1997,
``(B) $5.48 an hour during the year beginning April
1, 2000,
``(C) $5.81 an hour during the year beginning April
1, 2001, and
``(D) $6.15 an hour beginning April 1, 2002;''.
SEC. 2. EXEMPTION FOR COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS.
Section 13(a) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C.
213(a)) is amended by amending paragraph (17) to read as follows:
``(17) any employee who is a computer systems, network, or
database analyst, designer, developer, programmer, software
engineer, or other similarly skilled worker--
``(A) whose primary duty is--
``(i) the application of systems or network
or database analysis techniques and procedures,
including consulting with users, to determine
hardware, software, systems, network, or
database specifications (including functional
specifications);
``(ii) the design, configuration,
development, integration, documentation,
analysis, creation, testing, securing, or
modification of, or problem resolution for,
computer systems, networks, databases, or
programs, including prototypes, based on and
related to user, system, network, or database
specifications, including design specifications
and machine operating systems;
``(iii) the management or training of
employees performing duties described in clause
(i) or (ii); or
``(iv) a combination of duties described in
clauses (i), (ii), or (iii) the performance of
which requires the same level of skills; and
``(B) who, in the case of an employee who is
compensated on an hourly basis, is compensated at a
rate of not less than $27.63 an hour.
For purposes of paragraph (17), the term `network' includes the
Internet and intranet networks and the world wide web. An
employee who meets the exemption provided by paragraph (17)
shall be considered an employee in a professional capacity
pursuant to paragraph (1);''.
SEC. 3. EXEMPTION FOR CERTAIN SALES EMPLOYEES.
(a) Amendment.--Section 13(a) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of
1938 (29 U.S.C. 213(a)), as amended by section 2, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(18) any employee employed in a sales position if--
``(A) the employee has specialized or technical
knowledge related to products or services being sold;
``(B) the employee's--
``(i) sales are predominantly to persons or
entities to whom the employee's position has
made previous sales; or
``(ii) position does not involve initiating
sales contacts;
``(C) the employee has a detailed understanding of
the needs of those to whom the employee is selling;
``(D) the employee exercises discretion in offering
a variety of products and services;
``(E) the employee receives--
``(i) base compensation, determined without
regard to the number of hours worked by the
employee, of not less than an amount equal to
one and one-half times the minimum wage in
effect under section 6(a)(1) multiplied by
2,080; and
``(ii) in addition to the employee's base
compensation, compensation based upon each sale
attributable to the employee;
``(F) the employee's aggregate compensation based
upon sales attributable to the employee is not less
than 40 percent of one and one-half times the minimum
wage multiplied by 2,080;
``(G) the employee receives a rate of compensation
based upon each sale attributable to the employee which
is beyond sales required to reach the compensation
required by subparagraph (F) which rate is not less
than the rate on which the compensation required by
subparagraph (F) is determined; and
``(H) the rate of annual compensation or base
compensation for any employee who did not work for an
employer for an entire calendar year is prorated to
reflect annual compensation which would have been
earned if the employee had been compensated at the same
rate for the entire calendar year;''.
(b) Construction.--The amendment made by subsection (a) may not be
construed to apply to individuals who are employed as route sales
drivers.
SEC. 4. EXEMPTION FOR FUNERAL DIRECTORS.
Section 13(a) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C.
213(a)), as amended by section 3, is amended by adding after paragraph
(18) the following:
``(19) any employee employed as a licensed funeral director
or a licensed embalmer.''. | (Sec. 2) Revises an exemption from FLSA minimum wage and overtime compensation requirements for certain computer professionals to include computer network and database analysts, and computer systems, network, and database designers and developers.
(Sec. 3) Exempts from FLSA minimum wage and overtime compensation requirements any employee in a sales position, if: (1) the employee has specialized or technical knowledge related to products or services being sold; (2) the employee's sales are predominantly to persons who are entities to whom the employee has made previous sales or the employee's position does not involve initiating sales contacts; (3) the employee has a detailed understanding of customers' needs and exercises discretion in offering a variety of products and services; (4) the employee receives a base compensation at a specified minimum rate and additional compensation based on sales attributable to the employee; (5) the employee's aggregate compensation based upon sales reaches a specified minimum level; and (6) the rate of annual compensation or base compensation for an employee who did not work for an employer for an entire calendar year is prorated to reflect annual compensation which would have been earned if the employee had been compensated at the same rate for the entire calendar year. Makes such exemption inapplicable to individuals employed as route sales drivers.
(Sec. 4) Exempts licensed funeral directors and licensed embalmers from FLSA minimum wage and overtime compensation requirements. | To amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to increase the minimum wage, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Patients First Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
It is the purpose of this Act to--
(1) intensify research that may result in improved
understanding of or treatments for diseases and other adverse
health conditions;
(2) promote research and human clinical trials using stem
cells that are ethically obtained and show evidence of
providing clinical benefit for human patients; and
(3) promote the derivation of pluripotent stem cell lines
without the creation of human embryos for research purposes and
without the destruction or discarding of, or risk of injury to,
a human embryo.
SEC. 3. HUMAN STEM CELL RESEARCH AND THERAPY.
(a) Authorization.--Part B of title IV of the Public Health Service
Act (42 U.S.C. 284 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 409I
the following:
``SEC. 409J. HUMAN STEM CELL RESEARCH AND THERAPY.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct and support basic
and applied research to develop techniques for the isolation,
derivation, production, testing, and human clinical use of stem cells
that may result in improved understanding of or treatments for diseases
and other adverse health conditions, including pluripotent stem cells
that have the flexibility of embryonic stem cells (whether or not such
pluripotent stem cells have an embryonic source), prioritizing research
with the greatest potential for near-term clinical benefit in human
patients, provided that such isolation, derivation, production,
testing, or use will not involve--
``(1) the creation of a human embryo for research purposes;
``(2) the destruction of or discarding of, or risk of
injury to, a living human embryo; or
``(3) the use of any stem cell, the derivation or provision
of which would be inconsistent with the standards established
in paragraph (1) or (2).
``(b) Guidelines.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Secretary, after consultation with the
Director of NIH, shall issue final guidelines implementing subsection
(a) to ensure that any research (including any clinical trial)
supported under subsection (a)--
``(1) is clearly consistent with the standards established
in subsection (a) if conducted using human cells, as
demonstrated by animal trials or other substantial evidence;
``(2) is prioritized in terms of potential for near-term
clinical benefit in human patients, as indicated by substantial
evidence from basic research or by substantial clinical
evidence which may include but is not limited to--
``(A) evidence of improvement in one or more human
patients suffering from illness or injury, as
documented in reports by professional medical or
scientific associations or in peer-reviewed medical or
scientific literature; or
``(B) approval for use in human trials by the Food
and Drug Administration; and
``(3) consistent with the standards established in
subsection (a), may take into account techniques outlined by
the President's Council on Bioethics and any other appropriate
techniques and research.
``(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as altering the policy in effect on the date of the enactment
of this section regarding the eligibility of stem cell lines for
funding by the National Institutes of Health.
``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Human embryo.--The term `human embryo' includes any
organism, not protected as a human subject under part 46 of
title 45, Code of Federal Regulations, as of the date of the
enactment of this section, that is derived by fertilization,
parthenogenesis, cloning, or any other means from one or more
human gametes or human diploid cells.
``(2) Risk of injury.--The term `risk of injury' means
subjecting a human embryo to risk of injury or death greater
than that allowed for research on fetuses in utero under
section 46.204(b) of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations (or
any successor regulation), or section 498(b) of this Act.''.
(b) Priority Setting; Reports.--Section 492 of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 289a) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(d)(1) With respect to human stem cell research, the Secretary,
acting through the Director of NIH, shall give priority to conducting
or supporting research in accordance with section 409J.
``(2) At the end of fiscal year 2008 and each subsequent fiscal
year, the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report outlining the
number of research proposals under section 409J that were peer
reviewed, a summary and detailed list of all such research proposals
that were not funded, and an explanation of why the proposals did not
merit funding. The reports under this paragraph shall be in addition to
the reporting on stem cell research included in the biennial report
required by section 403.''.
(c) Biennial Reports.--Section 403(a)(5) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 283(a)(5)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (L) as subparagraph (M);
and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (K) the following:
``(L) Stem cells.''.
SEC. 4. STUDY TO EXPAND ACCESS TO THERAPEUTIC STEM CELL PRODUCTS.
Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall study and submit
recommendations to the Congress on any structural changes to the C.W.
Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program established under 379 of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 274k) that would help to expand
access to new and future stem cell therapeutic products, including stem
cells derived from amniotic fluid as well as other sources such as
dental pulp, nasal tissue, and fat that may benefit from inclusion in
the coordinated distribution of bone marrow and cord blood stem cells. | Patients First Act of 2007 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support basic and applied research to develop techniques for the isolation, derivation, production, testing, and human clinical use of stem cells that may result in improved understanding of, or treatments for, diseases and other adverse health conditions, including pluripotent stem cells that have the flexibility of embryonic stem cells (whether or not such pluripotent stem cells have an embryonic source), provided that such techniques will not involve: (1) the creation of a human embryo for research purposes; (2) the destruction or discarding of, or risk of injury to, a living human embryo; or (3) the use of any stem cell the derivation or provision of which would be inconsistent with this Act.
Requires the Secretary to issue guidelines implementing this Act to ensure that any research (including any clinical trial) supported under this Act: (1) is clearly consistent with the standards established in this Act, if conducted using human cells; (2) is prioritized in terms of potential for near-term clinical benefit in human patients; and (3) may take into account techniques outlined by the President's Council on Bioethics and any other appropriate techniques and research.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) report on peer reviewed stem cell research proposals that were not funded; and (2) study and submit recommendations to Congress on any structural changes to the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program that would help to expand access to new and future stem cell therapeutic products. | To intensify stem cell research showing evidence of substantial clinical benefit to patients, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Charitable Giving Partnership Act''.
SEC. 2. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES.
Section 105(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974
(42 U.S.C. 5305(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (23), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (23) the following new
paragraph:
``(24) to the extent only that amounts for a State are
available under section 106(d)(8) for use under this paragraph,
payment to the State to supplant general revenue losses
incurred by the State under a State law that provides, in the
case of an individual, for a credit against State income tax
imposed for contributions made in cash by individuals to any
organization--
``(A) that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
``(B) that is exempt from tax under section 501(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
``(C) that is organized under the laws of the
United States or of any State in which the organization
is qualified to operate;
``(D) that is required, or elects to be treated as
being required, to file returns under section 6033 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
``(E) whose predominant activity is--
``(i) the provision of direct services to
individuals whose annual incomes generally do
not exceed 185 percent of the official poverty
line (as defined by the Office of Management
and Budget); or
``(ii) the provision of--
``(I) temporary donations of food
or meals, or
``(II) temporary shelter to
homeless individuals,
if the location and operation of such services
are such that the service provider may
reasonably conclude that the beneficiaries of
such services are predominantly individuals
described in clause (i);
``(F) for which not more than a total of 25 percent
of the annual aggregate expenditures of the
organization are administrative expenditures in support
of direct services referred to in subparagraph (E) or
expenditures for purposes of fundraising on behalf of
the organization providing direct services referred to
in subparagraph (E); and
``(G) that does not engage in litigation on behalf
of any individual referred to in subparagraph (E),
voter registration, or political organizing; and''.
SEC. 3. USE OF STATE AMOUNTS FOR NONENTITLEMENT AREAS.
Section 106(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974
(42 U.S.C. 5306(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
striking ``Amounts allocated under paragraph
(1)'' and inserting the following: ``Any
amounts allocated under paragraph (1) for a
State that remain after amounts are made
available for use under paragraph (8)''; and
(ii) in clause (i), by striking ``a State
that'' and inserting ``the State, if the
State'';
(B) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following new subparagraph:
``(B) If a State has not elected to distribute the amounts
allocated under paragraph (1) for the State that remain after amounts
are made available for use under paragraph (8), the Secretary shall
distribute such amounts.''; and
(C) in subparagraphs (C) and (D), by striking
``under paragraph (1)'' each place it appears and
inserting the following: ``for the State under
paragraph (1) that remain after amounts are made
available for use under paragraph (8)'';
(2) in paragraph (5) (as added by section 811 of the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-
550; 106 Stat. 3850)), by striking ``distribution in
nonentitlement areas'' and inserting ``use under this
subsection'';
(3) by redesignating the second paragraph designated as
paragraph (5) (as added by section 106(i) of the Housing and
Urban-Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (97 Stat. 1166)) and paragraph
(6) as paragraphs (6) and (7), respectively; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) Of any amounts allocated under paragraph (1) for a State for
any fiscal year, the State may use not more than 20 percent of such
amounts for the activity under section 105(a)(24), and the remainder of
the amounts shall be distributed in accordance with this subsection. In
the case of a State described in paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary shall
make such amounts available to the State upon a determination that the
use of such amounts complies with the requirements under section
105(a)(24) and this title.''.
SEC. 4. STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES.
Section 104(a)(1) is amended by adding at the end the following new
sentence: ``In the case of any State receiving amounts pursuant to
section 106(d)(8), the statement of projected uses of funds shall
include a statement of the proposed eligible activity under section
105(a)(24) for which the amounts will be used and the percentage of the
allocation for the State under section 106(d)(1) to be used for such
activity.''. | Charitable Giving Partnership Act - Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to authorize States to use community development block grants provided for nonentitlement areas to offset the costs of State charity tax credits. | Charitable Giving Partnership Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Offshoring Prevention Act''.
SEC. 2. TAXATION OF INCOME OF CONTROLLED FOREIGN CORPORATIONS
ATTRIBUTABLE TO IMPORTED PROPERTY.
(a) General Rule.--Subsection (a) of section 954 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking the period at the end of
paragraph (5) and inserting ``, and'', by redesignating paragraph (5)
as paragraph (4), and by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) imported property income for the taxable year
(determined under subsection (j) and reduced as provided in
subsection (b)(5)).''.
(b) Definition of Imported Property Income.--Section 954 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(j) Imported Property Income.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a)(5), the
term `imported property income' means income (whether in the
form of profits, commissions, fees, or otherwise) derived in
connection with--
``(A) manufacturing, producing, growing, or
extracting imported property;
``(B) the sale, exchange, or other disposition of
imported property; or
``(C) the lease, rental, or licensing of imported
property.
Such term shall not include any foreign oil and gas extraction
income (within the meaning of section 907(c)) or any foreign
oil related income (within the meaning of section 907(c)).
``(2) Imported property.--For purposes of this subsection--
``(A) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in
this paragraph, the term `imported property' means
property which is imported into the United States by
the controlled foreign corporation or a related person.
``(B) Imported property includes certain property
imported by unrelated persons.--The term `imported
property' includes any property imported into the
United States by an unrelated person if, when such
property was sold to the unrelated person by the
controlled foreign corporation (or a related person),
it was reasonable to expect that--
``(i) such property would be imported into
the United States; or
``(ii) such property would be used as a
component in other property which would be
imported into the United States.
``(C) Exception for property subsequently
exported.--The term `imported property' does not
include any property which is imported into the United
States and which--
``(i) before substantial use in the United
States, is sold, leased, or rented by the
controlled foreign corporation or a related
person for direct use, consumption, or
disposition outside the United States; or
``(ii) is used by the controlled foreign
corporation or a related person as a component
in other property which is so sold, leased, or
rented.
``(D) Exception for certain agricultural
commodities.--The term `imported property' does not
include any agricultural commodity which is not grown
in the United States in commercially marketable
quantities.
``(3) Definitions and special rules.--
``(A) Import.--For purposes of this subsection, the
term `import' means entering, or withdrawal from
warehouse, for consumption or use. Such term includes
any grant of the right to use intangible property (as
defined in section 936(h)(3)(B)) in the United States.
``(B) United states.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `United States' includes the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the
United States, Guam, American Samoa, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
``(C) Unrelated person.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `unrelated person' means any
person who is not a related person with respect to the
controlled foreign corporation.
``(D) Coordination with foreign base company sales
income.--For purposes of this section, the term
`foreign base company sales income' shall not include
any imported property income.''.
(c) Separate Application of Limitations on Foreign Tax Credit for
Imported Property Income.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 904(d) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``and'' at
the end of subparagraph (A), by redesignating subparagraph (B)
as subparagraph (C), and by inserting after subparagraph (A)
the following new subparagraph:
``(B) imported property income, and''.
(2) Imported property income defined.--Paragraph (2) of
section 904(d) of such Code is amended by redesignating
subparagraphs (I) and (K) as subparagraphs (J) and (K)
respectively, and by inserting after subparagraph (H) the
following new subparagraph:
``(I) Imported property income.--The term `imported
property income' means any income received or accrued
by any person which is of a kind which would be
imported property income (as defined in section
954(j)).''.
(3) Conforming amendment.--Clause (ii) of section
904(d)(2)(A) of such Code is amended by inserting ``or imported
property income'' after ``passive category income''.
(d) Technical Amendments.--
(1) Clause (iii) of section 952(c)(1)(B) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(A) by redesignating subclauses (II), (III), (IV),
and (V) as subclauses (III), (IV), (V), and (VI), and
(B) by inserting after subclause (I) the following
new subclause:
``(II) imported property income,''.
(2) The last sentence of paragraph (4) of section 954(b) of
such Code is amended by striking ``subsection (a)(5)'' and
inserting ``subsection (a)(4)''.
(3) Paragraph (5) of section 954(b) of such Code is amended
by striking ``and the foreign base company oil related income''
and inserting ``the foreign base company oil related income,
and the imported property income''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and to taxable years of United States
shareholders within which or with which such taxable years of such
foreign corporations end. | Offshoring Prevention Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to include imported property income in foreign base company income, for purposes of determining the income of controlled foreign corporations. The bill defines "imported property income" as, with certain exceptions, income derived in connection with: manufacturing, producing, growing, or extracting imported property; the sale, exchange, or other disposition of imported property; or the lease, rental, or licensing of imported property. The bill also provides for a separate application of limitations on the foreign tax credit for imported property income. | Offshoring Prevention Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Surveillance State Repeal Act''.
SEC. 2. REPEAL OF USA PATRIOT ACT.
(a) Repeal.--The USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56) is repealed,
and the provisions of law amended or repealed by such Act are restored
or revived as if such Act had not been enacted.
(b) Destruction of Certain Information.--The Director of National
Intelligence and the Attorney General shall destroy any information
collected under the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56) and the
amendments made by such Act, as in effect the day before the date of
the enactment of this Act, concerning a United States person that is
not related to an investigation that is actively ongoing on such date.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF THE FISA AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2008.
(a) Repeal.--The FISA Amendments Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-261;
122 Stat. 2477) is repealed, and the provisions of law amended or
repealed by such Act are restored or revived as if such Act had not
been enacted.
(b) Exception.--Subsection (a) of this Act shall not apply to
sections 103 and 110 of the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 (Public Law
110-261; 122 Stat. 2477).
(c) Destruction of Certain Information.--The Director of National
Intelligence and the Attorney General shall destroy any information
collected under section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1881a), as in effect the day before the date of
the enactment of this Act, concerning a United States person that is
not related to an investigation that is actively ongoing on such date.
SEC. 4. TERMS OF JUDGES ON FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE COURT;
REAPPOINTMENT; SPECIAL MASTERS.
(a) Terms; Reappointment.--Section 103(d) of the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1803(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``maximum of seven'' and inserting
``maximum of ten''; and
(2) by striking ``and shall not be eligible for
redesignation''.
(b) Special Masters.--Section 103(f) of such Act, as amended by
section 3 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(4) Special Masters.--
``(A) The courts established pursuant to subsections (a)
and (b) may appoint one or more Special Masters to advise the
courts on technical issues raised during proceedings before the
courts.
``(B) In this paragraph, the term `Special Master' means an
individual who has technological expertise in the subject
matter of a proceeding before a court established pursuant to
subsection (a) or (b).''.
SEC. 5. ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE OF SPECIFIED PERSONS WITHOUT REGARD TO
SPECIFIC DEVICE.
Section 105(c)(2)(B) of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1805(c)(2)(B)) is amended to read as follows:
``(B) that, upon the request of the applicant, any
person or entity shall furnish the applicant forthwith
all information, facilities, or technical assistance
necessary to accomplish the electronic surveillance in
such a manner as will protect its secrecy and produce a
minimum of interference with the services that such
carrier, landlord, custodian, or other person is
providing that target of electronic surveillance;''.
SEC. 6. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR COLLECTIONS UNDER THE FOREIGN
INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE ACT OF 1978.
(a) In General.--Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance
Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), as amended by section 3 of this
Act, is further amended to read as follows:
``TITLE VII--ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
``SEC. 701. WARRANT REQUIREMENT.
``Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, no information
relating to a United States person may be acquired pursuant to this Act
without a valid warrant based on probable cause.''.
(b) Table of Contents Amendments.--The table of contents in the
first section of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), as amended by section 3 of this Act, is further
amended by striking the items relating to title VII and section 701 and
inserting the following new items:
``TITLE VII--ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
``701. Warrant requirement.''.
SEC. 7. ENCRYPTION AND PRIVACY TECHNOLOGY OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND
SOFTWARE.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Federal Government
shall not mandate that the manufacturer of an electronic device or
software for an electronic device build into such device or software a
mechanism that allows the Federal Government to bypass the encryption
or privacy technology of such device or software.
SEC. 8. GAO COMPLIANCE EVALUATIONS.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
annually evaluate compliance by the Federal Government with the
provisions of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).
(b) Report.--The Comptroller General shall annually submit to
Congress a report containing the results of the evaluation conducted
under subsection (a).
SEC. 9. WHISTLEBLOWER COMPLAINTS.
(a) Authorization To Report Complaints or Information.--An employee
of or contractor to an element of the intelligence community that has
knowledge of the programs and activities authorized by the Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (50 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) may
submit a covered complaint--
(1) to the Comptroller General of the United States;
(2) to the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of
the House of Representatives;
(3) to the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate;
or
(4) in accordance with the process established under
section 103H(k)(5) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50
U.S.C. 3033(k)(5)).
(b) Investigations and Reports to Congress.--The Comptroller
General shall investigate a covered complaint submitted pursuant to
subsection (b)(1) and shall submit to Congress a report containing the
results of the investigation.
(c) Covered Complaint Defined.--In this section, the term ``covered
complaint'' means a complaint or information concerning programs and
activities authorized by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of
1978 (50 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) that an employee or contractor reasonably
believes is evidence of--
(1) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or
(2) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse
of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public
health or safety.
SEC. 10. PROHIBITION ON INTERFERENCE WITH REPORTING OF WASTE, FRAUD,
ABUSE, OR CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no
officer or employee of an element of the intelligence community shall
take any retaliatory action against an employee of or contractor to an
element of the intelligence community who seeks to disclose or
discloses covered information to--
(1) the Comptroller General;
(2) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the
House of Representatives;
(3) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; or
(4) the Office of the Inspector General of the Intelligence
Community.
(b) Administrative Sanctions.--An officer or employee of an element
of the intelligence community who violates subsection (a) shall be
subject to administrative sanctions, up to and including termination.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Covered information.--The term ``covered information''
means any information (including classified or sensitive
information) that an employee or contractor reasonably believes
is evidence of--
(A) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or
(B) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an
abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific
danger to public health or safety.
(2) Intelligence community.--The term ``intelligence
community'' has the meaning given the term in section 3 of the
National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).
SEC. 11. PROHIBITION OF TARGETING UNITED STATES PERSONS UNDER EXECUTIVE
ORDER 12333 WITHOUT A WARRANT.
(a) Prohibition on Targeting of United States Persons Without a
Warrant.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no United States
person may be the target of an acquisition under Executive Order 12333
without a valid warrant based on probable cause.
(b) Audit of Compliance With Prohibition.--
(1) Audit.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall annually conduct an audit of intelligence collection
under Executive Order 12333 to ensure compliance with the
requirement under subsection (a).
(2) Report.--The Comptroller General shall annually submit
to Congress a report containing the results of each audit
conducted under paragraph (1).
(c) Destruction of Certain Information.--The Director of National
Intelligence and the Attorney General shall destroy any information
collected under Executive Order 12333 without a valid warrant based on
probable cause concerning a United States person that is not related to
an investigation that is actively ongoing on the date of the enactment
of this Act. | Surveillance State Repeal Act Repeals the USA PATRIOT Act and the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 (thereby restoring or reviving provisions amended or repealed by such Acts as if such Acts had not been enacted), except with respect to reports to Congress regarding court orders under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) and the acquisition of intelligence information concerning an entity not substantially composed of U.S. persons that is engaged in the international proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Extends from 7 to 10 years the maximum term of FISA judges. Makes such judges eligible for redesignation. Permits FISA courts to appoint special masters to advise on technical issues raised during proceedings. Requires orders approving certain electronic surveillance to direct that, upon request of the applicant, any person or entity must furnish all information, facilities, or technical assistance necessary to accomplish such surveillance in a manner to protect its secrecy and produce a minimum of interference with the services that such carrier, landlord, custodian, or other person is providing the target of such surveillance (thereby retaining the ability to conduct surveillance on such targets regardless of the type of communications methods or devices being used by the subject of the surveillance). Prohibits acquisitions under FISA relating to a U.S. person, or acquisitions under Executive Order 12333 targeting a U.S. person, without a warrant based on probable cause. Requires the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Justice to destroy any information collected under the repealed Acts, or acquired under Executive Order 12333 without a warrant, if the information concerns a U.S. person that is not related to an investigation that is actively ongoing on the date of enactment of this Act. Prohibits the federal government from requiring manufacturers of electronic devices and related software to build in mechanisms allowing the federal government to bypass encryption or privacy technology. Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to report annually on the federal government's compliance with FISA. Permits an employee of or contractor to an element of the intelligence community with knowledge of FISA-authorized programs and activities to submit a covered complaint to the GAO, to the House or Senate intelligence committees, or in accordance with a process under the National Security Act of 1947 with respect to reports made to the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community. Defines a "covered complaint" as a complaint or information concerning FISA-authorized programs and activities that an employee or contractor reasonably believes is evidence of: (1) a violation of any law, rule, or regulation; or (2) gross mismanagement, a gross waste of funds, an abuse of authority, or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. Prohibits an officer or employee of an element of the intelligence community from taking retaliatory action against an employee or contractor who seeks to disclose, or who discloses, such information. | Surveillance State Repeal Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Stopping Improper Payments to
Deceased People Act''.
SEC. 2. DISTRIBUTION OF DEATH INFORMATION FURNISHED TO OR MAINTAINED BY
THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--
(1) In general.--Section 205(r) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 405(r)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``may'' and inserting
``shall''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, and to ensure the
completeness, timeliness, and accuracy of,''
after ``transmitting'';
(B) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) and
inserting the following:
``(3)(A) The Commissioner of Social Security shall, to the extent
feasible, provide for the use of information regarding all deceased
individuals furnished to or maintained by the Commissioner under this
subsection in accordance with subparagraph (B), subject to such
safeguards as the Commissioner of Social Security determines are
necessary or appropriate to protect the information from unauthorized
use or disclosure, by any Federal or State agency providing federally
funded benefits or administering a Federal program for such benefits,
including the agency operating the Do Not Pay working system for
ensuring proper payment of those benefits, through a cooperative
arrangement with the agency (that includes the agency's Inspector
General) or with an agency's Inspector General, if--
``(i) under such arrangement the agency (including, if
applicable, the agency's Inspector General) provides
reimbursement to the Commissioner of Social Security for the
reasonable cost of carrying out such arrangement, including the
reasonable costs associated with the collection and maintenance
of information regarding deceased individuals furnished to the
Commissioner pursuant to paragraph (1), and
``(ii) such arrangement does not conflict with the duties
of the Commissioner of Social Security under paragraph (1).
``(B) The Commissioner of Social Security shall, to the extent
feasible, provide for the use of information regarding all deceased
individuals furnished to or maintained by the Commissioner under this
subsection, through a cooperative arrangement in order for a Federal
agency to carry out any of the following purposes, if the requirements
of clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A) are met:
``(i) Operating the Do Not Pay working system established
by section 5 of the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery
Improvement Act of 2012. Under such arrangement, the agency
operating the working system may compare death information
disclosed by the Commissioner with personally identifiable
information reviewed through the working system, and may
redisclose such comparison of information, as appropriate, to
any Federal or State agency authorized to use the working
system.
``(ii) To ensure proper payments under a Federal program or
the proper payment of federally funded benefits, including for
purposes of payment certification, payment disbursement, and
the prevention, identification, or recoupment of improper
payments.
``(iii) To carry out tax administration or debt collection
duties of the agency.
``(iv) For use by any policing agency of the Federal
Government with the principle function of prevention,
detection, or investigation of crime or the apprehension of
alleged offenders.
``(4) The Commissioner of Social Security may enter into similar
arrangements with States to provide information regarding all deceased
individuals furnished to or maintained by the Commissioner under this
subsection, for any of the purposes specified in paragraph (3)(B), for
use by States in programs wholly funded by the States, or for use in
the administration of a benefit pension plan or retirement system for
employees of a State or a political subdivision thereof, if the
requirements of clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (3)(A) are met. For
purposes of this paragraph, the terms `retirement system' and
`political subdivision' have the meanings given such terms in section
218(b).
``(5) The Commissioner of Social Security may use or provide for
the use of information regarding all deceased individuals furnished to
or maintained by the Commissioner under this subsection, subject to
such safeguards as the Commissioner of Social Security determines are
necessary or appropriate to protect the information from unauthorized
use or disclosure, for statistical purposes and research activities by
Federal and State agencies if the requirements of clauses (i) and (ii)
of paragraph (3)(A) are met. For purposes of this paragraph, the term
`statistical purposes' has the meaning given that term in section 502
of the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency
Act of 2002.''; and
(C) in paragraph (8)(A)(i), by striking
``subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (3)'' and
inserting ``clauses (i) and (ii) of paragraph (3)(A)''.
(2) Repeal.--Effective on the date that is 5 years after
the date of enactment of this Act, the amendments made by this
subsection to paragraphs (3), (4), (5), and (8) of section
205(r) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405(r)) are
repealed, and the provisions of section 205(r) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 605(r)) so amended are restored and
revived as if such amendments had not been enacted.
(b) Amendment to Internal Revenue Code.--Section 6103(d)(4) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(1) in subparagraphs (A) and (B), by striking ``Secretary
of Health and Human Services'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Commissioner of Social Security''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ``such Secretary''
and all that follows through ``deceased individuals.'' and
inserting ``such Commissioner pursuant to such contract, except
that such contract may provide that such information is only to
be used by the Social Security Administration (or any other
Federal agency) for purposes authorized in the Social Security
Act or this title.''.
(c) Report to Congress on Alternative Sources of Death Data.--
(1) Requirements.--The Director of the Office of Management
and Budget shall conduct a review of potential alternative
sources of death data maintained by the non-Federal sources,
including sources maintained by State agencies or associations
of State agencies, for use by Federal agencies and programs.
The review shall include analyses of--
(A) the accuracy and completeness of such data;
(B) interoperability of such data;
(C) the extent to which there is efficient
accessability of such data by Federal agencies;
(D) the cost to Federal agencies of accessing and
maintaining such data;
(E) the security of such data;
(F) the reliability of such data; and
(G) a comparison of the potential alternate sources
of death data to the death data distributed by the
Commissioner of Social Security.
(2) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management
and Budget shall submit a report to Congress on the results of
the review and analyses required under paragraph (1). The
report shall include a recommendation by the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget regarding whether to extend the
agency access to death data distributed by the Commissioner of
Social Security provided under the amendments made by
subsection (a)(1) beyond the date on which such amendments are
to be repealed under subsection (a)(2).
SEC. 3. IMPROVING THE USE OF DATA BY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO CURB
IMPROPER PAYMENTS.
The Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of
2012 (31 U.S.C. 3321 note) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 7. IMPROVING THE USE OF DEATH DATA BY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.
``(a) Guidance by the Office of Management and Budget.--
``(1) Guidance to agencies.--Not later than 6 months after
the date of enactment of this section, and in consultation with
the Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency
and the heads of other relevant Federal, State, and local
agencies, and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall issue
guidance for each agency or component of an agency that
operates or maintains a database of information relating to
beneficiaries, annuity recipients, or any purpose described in
section 205(r)(3)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
405(r)(3)(B)) for which improved data matching with databases
relating to the death of an individual (in this section
referred to as `death databases') would be relevant and
necessary regarding implementation of this section to provide
such agencies or components access to the death databases no
later than 6 months after such date of enactment.
``(2) Plan to assist states and local agencies and indian
tribes and tribal organizations.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this section, the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget shall develop a plan to assist
States and local agencies, and Indian tribes and tribal
organizations, in providing electronically to the Federal
Government records relating to the death of individuals, which
may include recommendations to Congress for any statutory
changes or financial assistance to States and local agencies
and Indian tribes and tribal organizations that are necessary
to ensure States and local agencies and Indian tribes and
tribal organizations can provide such records electronically.
The plan may include recommendations for the authorization of
appropriations or other funding to carry out the plan.
``(b) Reports.--
``(1) Report to congress on improving data matching
regarding payments to deceased individuals.--Not later than 270
days after the date of enactment of this section, the Director
of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with
the heads of other relevant Federal agencies, and in
consultation with States and local agencies, Indian tribes and
tribal organizations, shall submit to Congress a plan to
improve how States and local agencies and Indian tribes and
tribal organizations that provide benefits under a federally
funded program will improve data matching with the Federal
Government with respect to the death of individuals who are
recipients of such benefits.
``(2) Annual report.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this section, and for each of the 4 succeeding
years, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget
shall submit to Congress a report regarding the implementation
of this section. The first report submitted under this
paragraph shall include the recommendations of the Director
required under subsection (a)(2).
``(c) Definitions.--In this section, the terms `Indian tribe' and
`tribal organization' have the meanings given those terms in section 4
of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 450b).''.
SEC. 4. PLAN FOR ENSURING THE ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS OF DEATH DATA
MAINTAINED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY
ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Commissioner of Social Security, in consultation with
the Secretary of Commerce, shall submit to Congress a plan, which shall
include the elements described in subsection (b), to ensure the
accuracy and completeness of the death data (including data regarding
individuals who are not eligible for or receiving benefits under titles
II or XVI of the Social Security Act) maintained and furnished by the
Social Security Administration.
(b) Content of Plan.--The plan required under subsection (a) shall
include the following elements:
(1) A procedure for identifying extremely elderly
individuals who are still alive according to the records of the
Social Security Administration and verifying the accuracy of
this information.
(2) Improved policies and procedures for identifying and
correcting erroneous records, including policies and procedures
for--
(A) identifying individuals listed as dead who are
actually alive;
(B) identifying individuals listed as alive who are
actually dead; and
(C) allowing individuals or survivors of deceased
individuals to notify the Social Security
Administration of potential errors.
(3) Improved policies and procedures to identify and
correct errors in the records of the Numerical Identification
System, and death data.
(4) A process for employing statistical analysis of the
death data maintained and distributed by the Social Security
Administration to determine an estimate of the number of
erroneous records.
(5) Recommendations for legislation.
(c) Implementation of Plan.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Commissioner of Social Security shall
implement the plan required under subsection (a). | Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) of the Social Security Act to direct the Social Security Administration (SSA) to: (1) provide information on all deceased individuals that is furnished to or maintained by SSA, subject to appropriate safeguards against unauthorized use or disclosure, to federal or state agencies providing benefits or administering a federal program; and (2) provide for the use of such information by federal agencies to operate the Do Not Pay working system and to carry out tax administration or debt collection duties. Directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to analyze and report to Congress on potential alternative sources of death data maintained by non-federal sources. Amends the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of 2012 to require the OMB to: (1) issue guidance to agencies that operate or maintain a database of information relating to beneficiaries, annuity recipients, or other purposes for which improved data matching with databases would be relevant and necessary; (2) develop a plan to assist states and local agencies, and Indian Tribes and tribal organizations, to provide information, in an electronic format, to the federal government on the deaths of individuals; and (3) submit to Congress a plan to improve data matching with the federal government on the death of individuals who are benefit recipients and an annual report on the implementation of such requirements. Directs the SSA to submit a plan to ensure the accuracy and completeness of death data of individuals who are not eligible for or receiving social security benefits. | Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Dietary Supplement Regulatory
Implementation Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Over 158,000,000 Americans regularly consume dietary
supplements to maintain and improve their health.
(2) Consumer expenditures on dietary supplements reached a
reported $17,100,000,000 in 2000, double the amount spent in
1994.
(3) According to a recent report issued by the Food and
Drug Administration (``FDA'') the use of dietary supplements is
likely to grow due to factors such as the aging of the baby
boom generation, increased interest in self-sufficiency, and
advances in science that are uncovering new relationships
between diet and disease.
(4) In 1994, the Dietary Supplement Health and Education
Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-417) (``DSHEA'') was enacted. That
Act balanced continued consumer access to vitamins, minerals,
and other dietary supplements, increased scientific research on
the benefits and risks of dietary supplements, public education
on dietary supplements, and needed consumer protections.
(5) DSHEA requires that claims made on dietary supplement
labels, packaging, and accompanying material be truthful, non-
misleading, and substantiated. Manufacturers are prohibited
from making claims that products are intended to diagnose,
treat, mitigate, cure, or prevent a disease.
(6) DSHEA provides for good manufacturing practice
standards setting requirements for potency, purity, sanitary
conditions, and recordkeeping for dietary supplements.
(7) DSHEA provides that dietary supplements are to be
regulated like foods and not drugs or food additives.
(8) DSHEA requires that manufacturers submit adequate
information as to the safety of any new ingredients contained
in dietary supplements before those products can be sold.
(9) DSHEA provides the FDA with a number of powers to
remove unsafe dietary supplements from the marketplace.
(10) DSHEA created the Office of Dietary Supplements within
the National Institutes of Health to expand research and
consumer information about the health effects of dietary
supplements.
(11) The FDA has not adequately used its authority to
enforce DSHEA.
(12) The FDA needs adequate resources to appropriately
implement and enforce DSHEA. Congress has appropriated
additional funds over the last several years beyond those
requested in the President's budget to implement and enforce
DSHEA, reaching $9,700,000 in fiscal year 2003.
(13) However, according to the FDA, full implementation of
DSHEA would require substantial additional resources. The FDA
asserts that between $24,000,000 and $65,000,000 per year will
be needed to fully implement DSHEA.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION AND APPROPRIATION OF RESOURCES.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out the Dietary Supplement Health and Education
Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-417), the amendments made by such Act, and
all applicable regulatory requirements for dietary supplements under
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.)--
(1) $30,000,000 for fiscal year 2006;
(2) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
(3) $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
(4) $65,000,000 for fiscal year 2009.
(b) Appropriation of Funds for Fiscal Year 2005.--There is
appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, to carry out the Dietary Supplement Health and Education
Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-417), the amendments made by such Act, and
all applicable regulatory requirements for dietary supplements under
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.),
$20,000,000 for fiscal year 2005.
(c) Office of Dietary Supplements.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated for expanded research and development of
consumer information, including information on safety and
beneficial effects, of dietary supplements by the Office of
Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health such
sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2006
through 2009.
(2) Appropriation of funds for fiscal year 2005.--There is
appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, for expanded research and development of consumer
information, including information on safety and beneficial
effects, of dietary supplements by the Office of Dietary
Supplements at the National Institutes of Health $30,000,000
for fiscal year 2005.
(d) Use of Funds.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
fully and appropriately use the funds appropriated in subsections (b)
and (c) and pursuant to subsection (a) to regulate dietary supplements.
SEC. 4. ANNUAL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT ON THE REGULATION OF DIETARY
SUPPLEMENTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than January 31, 2006, and annually
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress on the
implementation and enforcement of the Dietary Supplement Health and
Education Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-417).
(b) Contents.--The report under subsection (a) shall include the
following:
(1) The total funding and number of full-time equivalent
personnel in the Food and Drug Administration dedicated to
dietary supplement regulation over the prior fiscal year.
(2) The total funding and number of full-time equivalent
personnel in the Food and Drug Administration dedicated to
administering adverse event reporting systems as they relate to
dietary supplement regulation over the prior fiscal year.
(3) The total funding and number of full-time equivalent
personnel in the Food and Drug Administration dedicated to
enforcement of dietary supplement labeling and claims
requirements over the prior fiscal year and an explanation of
their activities.
(4) The total funding and number of full-time equivalent
personnel in the Food and Drug Administration dedicated to good
manufacturing practices inspections of dietary supplement
manufacturers over the prior fiscal year and an explanation of
their activities.
(5) The number of good manufacturing practices inspections
of dietary supplement manufacturers by the Food and Drug
Administration over the prior fiscal year and a summary of the
results.
(6) The number of new ingredient reviews and safety reviews
related to dietary supplements and the results of those
reviews.
(7) An explanation of all enforcement actions taken by the
Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and
Human Services related to dietary supplements over the prior
fiscal year, including the number and type of actions.
(8) The number of dietary supplement claims for which the
Food and Drug Administration requested substantiation from the
manufacturer over the prior fiscal year, and the agency's
response.
(9) The number of dietary supplement claims determined to
be false, misleading, or unsubstantiated by the Food and Drug
Administration over the prior fiscal year.
(10) The research and consumer education activities
supported by the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National
Institutes of Health.
(11) Any recommendations for administrative or legislative
actions regarding the regulation of dietary supplements.
(12) Any other information regarding the regulation of
dietary supplements determined appropriate by the Secretary.
SEC. 5. DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS CONTAINING EPHEDRINE ALKALOIDS.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids may
present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or
injury; and
(2) through section 402(f) of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (established by the Dietary Supplement Health and
Education Act of 1994), the Congress has granted the Secretary
the authority to remove from the market dietary supplements
that present such a risk.
(b) Sense of Congress Regarding Risk of Illness or Injury.--It is
the sense of the Congress that, in the event the Secretary determines
under section 402(f) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that a
dietary supplement containing ephedrine alkaloids presents a
significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury--
(1) all dietary supplements containing such alkaloids
should be declared to be adulterated in accordance with such
section; and
(2) the Secretary should take all necessary actions to
remove all such supplements from the market.
(c) Sense of Congress Regarding Botanical Sources.--It is the sense
of the Congress that the Secretary should take steps to assure the
continued availability of botanical sources of ephedrine alkaloids
that--
(1) are in forms that have not been manipulated or
chemically altered to increase their ephedrine alkaloid
concentration or content;
(2) are marketed at dosages that are substantiated to be at
levels used in traditional herbal formulas; and
(3) are labeled only for traditional uses and not for
weight loss or energy.
SEC. 6. EDUCATION PROGRAMS REGARDING DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS.
(a) Health Care Professionals.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a program to
educate health professionals on the safety and health benefits
of dietary supplements, including the potential for dietary
supplement/drug interactions.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--For the purpose of
carrying out paragraph (1), there is authorized to be
appropriated $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, in addition to
any other authorization of appropriations that is available
with respect to such purpose.
(b) Consumers.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall carry out a program to
educate consumers of dietary supplements on the safety and
health benefits of the dietary supplements, including the
potential for dietary supplement/drug interactions through
public education forums, advertisements, and the Internet.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--For the purpose of
carrying out paragraph (1), there is authorized to be
appropriated $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2005, in addition to
any other authorization of appropriations that is available
with respect to such purpose.
SEC. 7. ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING SYSTEM.
The Secretary shall establish a system for the requirements for the
reporting of serious adverse experiences associated with the use of a
dietary supplement received by the manufacturer, packer, or distributor
whose name appears on the label of the product.
SEC. 8. DEFINITION.
For purposes of this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the
Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner
of Food and Drugs. | Dietary Supplement Regulatory Implementation Act of 2004 - Makes appropriations for FY 2005, and authorizes appropriations for FY 2006 through 2009: (1) to carry out the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA), the amendments made by DSHEA, and all applicable regulatory requirements for dietary supplements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; and (2) for expanded research and development of consumer information, including information on safety and beneficial effects, of dietary supplements by the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to: (1) fully and appropriately use such funds to regulate dietary supplements; (2) report annually on DSHEA implementation and enforcement; (3) carry out programs to educate health professionals and consumers on the safety and health benefits of the dietary supplements, including the potential for interactions of dietary supplements and drugs (using specified funds authorized by this Act); and (4) establish a system for the requirements for the reporting of serious adverse experiences associated with the use of a dietary supplement received by the manufacturer, packer, or distributor whose name appears on the label of the product.
Expresses the sense of the Congress regarding dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids. | To ensure that the goals of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 are met by authorizing appropriations to fully enforce and implement such Act and the amendments made by such Act, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. FORT PRESQUE ISLE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, PENNSYLVANIA.
(a) Findings and Purposes.--
(1) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(A) Fort Presque Isle was a frontier outpost
located on Garrison Hill in the area of present-day
Erie, Pennsylvania, which was the site of the American
installations built in 1795 and 1796 and in the War of
1812.
(B) General Anthony Wayne was a Revolutionary War
hero who served under General George Washington and, at
one point, was commanding general of the United States
Army. He first arrived in the area of Presque Isle in
1786.
(C) Legend has it that General Wayne was nicknamed
``Mad'' by his troops, not for being rash or foolish,
but for his leadership and bravery on and off the
battlefield.
(D) The original blockhouse of Fort Presque Isle
was built in 1795 by 200 Federal troops from General
Wayne's army, under the direction of Captain John
Grubb. It was the first blockhouse used as part of a
defensive system established to counter Native American
uprisings. It was also used during the War of 1812.
(E) General Wayne was stricken ill at Fort Presque
Isle and died there in 1796. At his request, his body
was buried under the flagpole of the northwest
blockhouse of the fort.
(F) The original blockhouse of Fort Presque Isle
burned in 1852, and the existing structure was built by
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1880 as a memorial
to General Wayne.
(G) The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum
Commission has recognized the reconstructed blockhouse
as eligible for placement on the National Register of
Historic Places.
(2) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are the
following:
(A) To provide for reconstruction of the frontier
fort at Presque Isle for the benefit, inspiration, and
education of the people of the United States.
(B) To preserve the original grave site of General
``Mad'' Anthony Wayne at Fort Presque Isle.
(C) To broaden understanding of the historical
significance of Fort Presque Isle.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Historic site.--The term ``historic site'' means the
Fort Presque Isle National Historic Site established by
subsection (c).
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(c) Establishment of Fort Presque Isle National Historic Site.--
(1) Establishment.--There is established as a unit of the
National Park System the Fort Presque Isle National Historic
Site in Erie, Pennsylvania.
(2) Description.--
(A) In general.--The historic site shall consist of
land and improvements comprising the historic location
of Fort Presque Isle, including the existing blockhouse
replica at that location, as depicted on a map entitled
``________'', numbered ________ and dated ________,
comprising approximately ________ acres.
(B) Map and boundary description.--The map referred
to in subparagraph (A) and accompanying boundary
description shall be on file and available for public
inspection in the office of the Director of the
National Park Service and any other office of the
National Park Service that the Secretary determines to
be an appropriate location for filing the map and
boundary description.
(d) Administration of the Historic Site.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall administer the
historic site in accordance with this section and the
provisions of law generally applicable to units of the National
Park System, including the Act of August 25, 1916 (commonly
known as the National Park Service Organic Act; 16 U.S.C. 1 et
seq.), and the Act of August 21, 1935 (commonly known as the
Historic Sites, Buildings, and Antiquities Act; 16 U.S.C. 461
et seq.).
(2) Cooperative agreements.--To further the purposes of
this section, the Secretary may enter into a cooperative
agreement with any interested individual, public or private
agency, organization, or institution.
(3) Technical and preservation assistance.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary may provide to any
eligible person described in subparagraph (B) technical
assistance for the preservation of historic structures
of, the maintenance of the cultural landscape of, and
local preservation planning for, the historic site.
(B) Eligible persons.--The eligible persons
described in this subparagraph are--
(i) an owner of real property within the
boundary of the historic site, as described in
subsection (c)(2); and
(ii) any interested individual, agency,
organization, or institution that has entered
into an agreement with the Secretary pursuant
to paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(e) Acquisition of Real Property.--The Secretary may acquire by
donation, exchange, or purchase with funds made available by donation
or appropriation, such lands or interests in lands as may be necessary
to allow for the interpretation, preservation, or restoration of the
historic site.
(f) General Management Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than the last day of the third
full fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Secretary shall, in consultation with the officials
described in paragraph (2), prepare a general management plan
for the historic site.
(2) Consultation.--In preparing the general management
plan, the Secretary shall consult with an appropriate official
of each appropriate political subdivision of the State of
Pennsylvania that has jurisdiction over all or a portion of the
historic site.
(3) 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.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out
this section. | Establishes the Fort Presque Isle National Historic Site in Erie, Pennsylvania, as a unit of the National Park System.Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire lands or interests and to prepare a general management plan for the site. | To establish the Fort Presque Isle National Historic Site in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Child Interstate Abortion
Notification Act''.
SEC. 2. TRANSPORTATION OF MINORS IN CIRCUMVENTION OF CERTAIN LAWS
RELATING TO ABORTION.
Title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter
117 the following:
``CHAPTER 117A--TRANSPORTATION OF MINORS IN CIRCUMVENTION OF CERTAIN
LAWS RELATING TO ABORTION
``Sec.
``2431. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws
relating to abortion.
``2432. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws
relating to abortion.
``Sec. 2431. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws
relating to abortion
``(a) Offense.--
``(1) Generally.--Except as provided in subsection (b),
whoever knowingly transports a minor across a State line, with
the intent that such minor obtain an abortion, and thereby in
fact abridges the right of a parent under a law requiring
parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision, in force
in the State where the minor resides, shall be fined under this
title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
``(2) Definition.--For the purposes of this subsection, an
abridgement of the right of a parent occurs if an abortion is
performed or induced on the minor, in a State or a foreign
nation other than the State where the minor resides, without
the parental consent or notification, or the judicial
authorization, that would have been required by that law had
the abortion been performed in the State where the minor
resides.
``(b) Exceptions.--
``(1) The prohibition of subsection (a) does not apply if
the abortion was necessary to save the life of the minor
because her life was endangered by a physical disorder,
physical injury, or physical illness, including a life
endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the
pregnancy itself.
``(2) A minor transported in violation of this section, and
any parent of that minor, may not be prosecuted or sued for a
violation of this section, a conspiracy to violate this
section, or an offense under section 2 or 3 based on a
violation of this section.
``(c) Affirmative Defense.--It is an affirmative defense to a
prosecution for an offense, or to a civil action, based on a violation
of this section that the defendant--
``(1) reasonably believed, based on information the
defendant obtained directly from a parent of the minor, that
before the minor obtained the abortion, the parental consent or
notification took place that would have been required by the
law requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion
decision, had the abortion been performed in the State where
the minor resides; or
``(2) was presented with documentation showing with a
reasonable degree of certainty that a court in the minor's
State of residence waived any parental notification required by
the laws of that State, or otherwise authorized that the minor
be allowed to procure an abortion.
``(d) Civil Action.--Any parent who suffers harm from a violation
of subsection (a) may obtain appropriate relief in a civil action
unless the parent has committed an act of incest with the minor subject
to subsection (a).
``(e) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section--
``(1) the term `abortion' means the use or prescription of
any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or
device intentionally to terminate the pregnancy of a female
known to be pregnant, with an intention other than to increase
the probability of a live birth, to preserve the life or health
of the child after live birth, to terminate an ectopic
pregnancy, or to remove a dead unborn child who died as the
result of a spontaneous abortion, accidental trauma or a
criminal assault on the pregnant female or her unborn child;
``(2) the term a `law requiring parental involvement in a
minor's abortion decision' means a law--
``(A) requiring, before an abortion is performed on
a minor, either--
``(i) the notification to, or consent of, a
parent of that minor; or
``(ii) proceedings in a State court; and
``(B) that does not provide as an alternative to
the requirements described in subparagraph (A)
notification to or consent of any person or entity who
is not described in that subparagraph;
``(3) the term `minor' means an individual who is not older
than the maximum age requiring parental notification or
consent, or proceedings in a State court, under the law
requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision;
``(4) the term `parent' means--
``(A) a parent or guardian;
``(B) a legal custodian; or
``(C) a person standing in loco parentis who has
care and control of the minor, and with whom the minor
regularly resides, who is designated by the law
requiring parental involvement in the minor's abortion
decision as a person to whom notification, or from whom
consent, is required; and
``(5) the term `State' includes the District of Columbia
and any commonwealth, possession, or other territory of the
United States, and any Indian tribe or reservation.
``Sec. 2432. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws
relating to abortion
``Notwithstanding section 2431(b)(2), whoever has committed an act
of incest with a minor and knowingly transports the minor across a
State line with the intent that such minor obtain an abortion, shall be
fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
For the purposes of this section, the terms `State', `minor', and
`abortion' have, respectively, the definitions given those terms in
section 2435.''.
SEC. 3. CHILD INTERSTATE ABORTION NOTIFICATION.
Title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter
117A the following:
``CHAPTER 117B--CHILD INTERSTATE ABORTION NOTIFICATION
``Sec.
``2435. Child interstate abortion notification.
``Sec. 2435. Child interstate abortion notification
``(a) Offense.--
``(1) Generally.--A physician who knowingly performs or
induces an abortion on a minor in violation of the requirements
of this section shall be fined under this title or imprisoned
not more than one year, or both.
``(2) Parental notification.--A physician who performs or
induces an abortion on a minor who is a resident of a State
other than the State in which the abortion is performed must
provide, or cause his or her agent to provide, at least 24
hours actual notice to a parent of the minor before performing
the abortion. If actual notice to such parent is not possible
after a reasonable effort has been made, 24 hours constructive
notice must be given to a parent.
``(b) Exceptions.--The notification requirement of subsection
(a)(2) does not apply if--
``(1) the abortion is performed or induced in a State that
has, in force, a law requiring parental involvement in a
minor's abortion decision and the physician complies with the
requirements of that law;
``(2) the physician is presented with documentation showing
with a reasonable degree of certainty that a court in the
minor's State of residence has waived any parental notification
required by the laws of that State, or has otherwise authorized
that the minor be allowed to procure an abortion;
``(3) the minor declares in a signed written statement that
she is the victim of sexual abuse, neglect, or physical abuse
by a parent, and, before an abortion is performed on the minor,
the physician notifies the authorities specified to receive
reports of child abuse or neglect by the law of the State in
which the minor resides of the known or suspected abuse or
neglect;
``(4) the abortion is necessary to save the life of the
minor because her life was endangered by a physical disorder,
physical injury, or physical illness, including a life
endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the
pregnancy itself, but an exception under this paragraph does
not apply unless the attending physician or an agent of such
physician, within 24 hours after completion of the abortion,
notifies a parent in writing that an abortion was performed on
the minor and of the circumstances that warranted invocation of
this paragraph; or
``(5) the minor is physically accompanied by a person who
presents the physician or his agent with documentation showing
with a reasonable degree of certainty that he or she is in fact
the parent of that minor.
``(c) Civil Action.--Any parent who suffers harm from a violation
of subsection (a) may obtain appropriate relief in a civil action
unless the parent has committed an act of incest with the minor subject
to subsection (a).
``(d) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section--
``(1) the term `abortion' means the use or prescription of
any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or
device intentionally to terminate the pregnancy of a female
known to be pregnant, with an intention other than to increase
the probability of a live birth, to preserve the life or health
of the child after live birth, to terminate an ectopic
pregnancy, or to remove a dead unborn child who died as the
result of a spontaneous abortion, accidental trauma, or a
criminal assault on the pregnant female or her unborn child;
``(2) the term `actual notice' means the giving of written
notice directly, in person, by the physician or any agent of
the physician;
``(3) the term `constructive notice' means notice that is
given by certified mail, return receipt requested, restricted
delivery to the last known address of the person being
notified, with delivery deemed to have occurred 48 hours
following noon on the next day subsequent to mailing on which
regular mail delivery takes place, days on which mail is not
delivered excluded;
``(4) the term a `law requiring parental involvement in a
minor's abortion decision' means a law--
``(A) requiring, before an abortion is performed on
a minor, either--
``(i) the notification to, or consent of, a
parent of that minor; or
``(ii) proceedings in a State court;
``(B) that does not provide as an alternative to
the requirements described in subparagraph (A)
notification to or consent of any person or entity who
is not described in that subparagraph;
``(5) the term `minor' means an individual who is not older
than 18 years and who is not emancipated under State law;
``(6) the term `parent' means--
``(A) a parent or guardian;
``(B) a legal custodian; or
``(C) a person standing in loco parentis who has
care and control of the minor, and with whom the minor
regularly resides;
as determined by State law;
``(7) the term `physician' means a doctor of medicine
legally authorized to practice medicine by the State in which
such doctor practices medicine, or any other person legally
empowered under State law to perform an abortion; and
``(8) the term `State' includes the District of Columbia
and any commonwealth, possession, or other territory of the
United States, and any Indian tribe or reservation.''.
SEC. 4. CLERICAL AMENDMENT.
The table of chapters at the beginning of part I of title 18,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
chapter 117 the following new items:
``117A. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain 2431
laws relating to abortion.
``117B. Child interstate abortion notification.............. 2435''.
SEC. 5. SEVERABILITY AND EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) The provisions of this Act shall be severable. If any provision
of this Act, or any application thereof, is found unconstitutional,
that finding shall not affect any provision or application of the Act
not so adjudicated.
(b) This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect
45 days after the date of enactment of this Act. | Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act - Amends the federal criminal code to prohibit transporting a minor child across a state line to obtain an abortion (deems such transporting to be a de facto abridgment of the right of a parent under any law in the minors state of residence that requires parental involvement in the minors abortion decision). Makes an exception for an abortion necessary to safe the life of the minor.
Makes it an affirmative defense to a prosecution or civil action under this Act that a defendant: (1) reasonably believed that before the minor obtained the abortion, the required parental consent or notification or judicial authorization took place; or (2) was presented with documentation showing that a court waived parental notification requirements or authorized the minor's abortion.
Defines "abortion" as the termination of a pregnancy with an intention other than to increase the probability of a live birth, preserve the life or health of the child after live birth, remove a dead unborn child who died as the result of a spontaneous abortion, accidental trauma, or a criminal assault on the pregnant female or her unborn child.
Imposes a fine and/or prison term of up to one year on a physician who performs or induces an abortion on an out-of-state minor in violation of parental notification requirements. Requires such physician to give 24-hour actual or constructive notice to a parent of the minor seeking an abortion, subject to certain exceptions. | To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit taking minors across State lines in circumvention of laws requiring the involvement of parents in abortion decisions. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``OPIC Termination Act''.
SEC. 2. TERMINATION OF OVERSEAS PRIVATE INVESTMENT CORPORATION.
(a) Termination of Authority To Make New Obligations.--
(1) In general.--Effective 60 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Overseas Private Investment
Corporation shall not issue any insurance, guaranties, or
reinsurance, make any loan, or acquire any securities, under
section 234 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C.
2194), enter into any agreements for any other activity
authorized by such section 234, or enter into risk sharing
arrangements authorized by section 234A of that Act.
(2) Effect on existing contracts and agreements.--Paragraph
(1) does not require the termination of any contract or other
agreement entered into before such paragraph takes effect.
(b) Termination of OPIC.--Effective 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation is
abolished.
(c) Transfer of Operations to OMB.--The Director of the Office of
Management and Budget (referred to in this Act as the ``Director'')
shall, effective 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act,
perform the functions of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation
with respect to contracts and agreements described in subsection (a)(2)
until the expiration of such contracts and agreements, but shall not
renew any such contract or agreement. The Director shall take the
necessary steps to wind up the affairs of the Corporation.
(d) Repeal of Authorities.--Effective 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, title IV of chapter 2 of part I of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2191 et seq.) is repealed, but shall
continue to apply with respect to functions performed by the Director
under subsection (c).
(e) Appropriations.--Funds available to the Overseas Private
Investment Corporation shall, upon the effective date of the repeal
made by subsection (d), be transferred to the Director for use in
performing the functions of the Corporation under subsection (c). Upon
the expiration of the contracts and agreements with respect to which
the Director is exercising such functions, any unexpended balances of
the funds transferred under this subsection shall be deposited in the
Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
SEC. 3. SAVINGS PROVISIONS.
(a) Prior Determinations Not Affected.--The repeal made by section
2(d) of the provisions of law set forth in such section shall not
affect any order, determination, regulation, or contract that has been
issued, made, or allowed to become effective under such provisions
before the effective date of the repeal. All such orders,
determinations, regulations, and contracts shall continue in effect
until modified, superseded, terminated, set aside, or revoked in
accordance with law by the President, the Director, or other authorized
official, a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
(b) Pending Proceedings.--
(1) General effect of repeal.--The repeal made by section
2(d) shall not affect any proceedings, including notices of
proposed rulemaking, pending on the effective date of the
repeal, before the Overseas Private Investment Corporation,
except that no insurance, reinsurance, guarantee, or loan may
be issued pursuant to any application pending on such effective
date. Such proceedings, to the extent that they relate to
functions performed by the Director after such repeal, shall be
continued. Orders shall be issued in such proceedings, appeals
shall be taken therefrom, and payments shall be made pursuant
to such orders, as if this Act had not been enacted; and orders
issued in any such proceedings shall continue in effect until
modified, terminated, superseded, or revoked by the Director,
by a court of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
Nothing in this subsection shall be deemed to prohibit the
discontinuance or modification of any such proceeding under the
same terms and conditions and to the same extent that such
proceeding could have been discontinued or modified if this Act
had not been enacted.
(2) Regulations.--The Director is authorized to issue
regulations providing for the orderly transfer of proceedings
continued under paragraph (1).
(c) Actions.--Except as provided in subsection (e)--
(1) the provisions of this Act shall not affect suits
commenced before the effective date of the repeal made by
section 2(d); and
(2) in all such suits, proceedings shall be had, appeals
taken, and judgments rendered in the same manner and effect as
if this Act had not been enacted.
(d) Liabilities Incurred.--No suit, action, or other proceeding
commenced by or against any officer in the official capacity of such
individual as an officer of the Overseas Private Investment
Corporation, shall abate by reason of the enactment of this Act. No
cause of action by or against the Overseas Private Investment
Corporation, or by or against any officer thereof in the official
capacity of such officer, shall abate by reason of the enactment of
this Act.
(e) Parties.--If, before the effective date of the repeal made by
section 2(d), the Overseas Private Investment Corporation or an officer
thereof in the official capacity of such officer, is a party to a suit,
then such suit shall be continued with the Director substituted or
added as a party.
(f) Review.--Orders and actions of the Director in the exercise of
functions of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation shall be
subject to judicial review to the same extent and in the same manner as
if such orders and actions had been issued or taken by the Overseas
Private Investment Corporation. Any statutory requirements relating to
notice, hearings, action upon the record, or administrative review that
apply to any function of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation
shall apply to the exercise of such function by the Director.
SEC. 4. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Title 5, United States Code.--
(1) Section 5314 of title 5, United States Code, is amended
by striking:
``President, Overseas Private Investment Corporation.''.
(2) Section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, is amended
by striking:
``Executive Vice President, Overseas Private Investment
Corporation.''.
(3) Section 5316 of title 5, United States Code, is amended
by striking:
``Vice Presidents, Overseas Private Investment Corporation
(3).''.
(b) Other Amendments and Repeals.--
(1) Section 222(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
(22 U.S.C. 2182(a)) is amended by inserting after ``section
238(c)'' the following: ``as in effect on the day before the
effective date of the repeal of that section made by section
2(d) of the OPIC Abolition Act''.
(2) Section 2301(b)(9) of the Export Enhancement Act of
1988 (15 U.S.C. 4721(b)(9)) is amended by striking ``the
Overseas Private Investment Corporation,''.
(3) Section 2312 of the Export Enhancement Act of 1988 (15
U.S.C. 4727) is amended--
(A) in subsection (d)(1)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (K); and
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (L) and
(M) as subparagraphs (K) and (L), respectively;
and
(B) in subsection (f), by striking ``the Overseas
Private Investment Corporation,''.
(4) Section 5402(b) of the Omnibus Trade and
Competitiveness Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4902(b)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (12) by adding ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(B) by striking paragraph (13); and
(C) by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph
(13).
(5) Section 624 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1131c) is amended by striking ``the Overseas Private
Investment Corporation,''.
(6) Section 481(e)(4)(A) of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961 (22 U.S.C. 2291(e)(4)(A)) is amended by striking
``(including programs under title IV of chapter 2, relating to
the Overseas Private Investment Corporation)''.
(7)(A) Section 574 of the Foreign Operations, Export
Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1996 (22
U.S.C. 2394 note) is amended--
(i) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Countries.--The countries referred to in subsection (a) are
countries for which in excess of $5,000,000 has been obligated during
the previous fiscal year for assistance under sections 103 through 106,
chapters 10 and 11 of part I, and chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961, and under the Support for East European
Democracy Act of 1989.''; and
(ii) in the first sentence of subsection (c) by
striking ``the Administrator'' and all that follows
through ``Corporation'' and inserting ``and the
Administrator of the Agency for International
Development''.
(B) The amendment made by subparagraph (A) shall first
apply to the annual report required to be submitted under
section 574(a) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and
Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1996 (22 U.S.C. 2394 note)
in the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which no funds
have been obligated by the Overseas Private Investment
Corporation by virtue of this Act.
(8) Section 2(c)(12) of the Support for East European
Democracy (SEED) Act of 1989 (22 U.S.C. 5401(c)(12)) is
repealed.
(9) Section 202(b)(2)(B) of the Cuban Liberty and
Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (22 U.S.C.
6062(b)(2)(B)) is amended--
(A) by striking clause (iv); and
(B) by redesignating clauses (v), (vi), and (vii)
as clauses (iv), (v), and (vi), respectively.
(10) Section 9101(3) of title 31, United States Code, is
amended--
(A) by striking subparagraph (H); and
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (I) through (P)
as subparagraphs (H) through (O), respectively.
(11) The following provisions of law are repealed:
(A) Section 5(b)(2) of the Overseas Private
Investment Corporation Amendments Act of 1981 (22
U.S.C. 2194a).
(B) Section 5 of the Taiwan Relations Act (22
U.S.C. 3304).
(C) Subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 576 of
the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related
Programs Appropriations Act, 1991.
(D) Subsections (b), (c), and (d) of section 597 of
the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related
Programs Appropriations Act, 1990.
(E) Sections 109 and 111 of the Overseas Private
Investment Corporation Amendments Act of 1988, as
enacted by reference in section 555 of Public Law 100-
461.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments and repeals made by this
section shall take effect 180 days after the date of enactment of this
Act. | OPIC Termination Act - Abolishes the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Transfers certain OPIC functions to the Office of Management and Budget with respect to existing contracts and agreements until they expire. | OPIC Termination Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Part-time Student
Assistance Act''.
(b) References.--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
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.).
SEC. 2. SUPPORT FOR WORKING STUDENTS: INCREASES IN INCOME PROTECTION
ALLOWANCES.
(a) Dependent Students.--Subparagraph (D) of section 475(g)(2) (20
U.S.C. 1087oo(g)(2)) is amended to read as follows:
``(D) an income protection allowance of $9,000 (or
a successor amount prescribed by the Secretary under
section 478);''.
(b) Independent Students Without Dependents Other Than a Spouse.--
Clause (iv) of section 476(b)(1)(A) (20 U.S.C. 1087pp(b)(1)(A)) is
amended to read as follows:
``(iv) an income protection allowance of
$12,000 (or a successor amount prescribed by
the Secretary under section 478);''.
(c) Independent Students With Dependents Other Than a Spouse.--
Paragraph (4) of section 477(b) (20 U.S.C. 1087qq(b)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(4) Income protection allowance.--The income protection
allowance is determined by the following table (or a successor
table prescribed by the Secretary under section 478):
``Income Protection Allowance
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Size Number in College
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For each
(including student) 1 2 3 4 5 additional
subtract:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 $17,580 $15,230 .......... ..........
3 20,940 17,610 $16,260 .......... .......... ..........
4 24,950 22,600 20,270 $17,930 ..........
5 28,740 26,390 24,060 21,720 $19,390
6 32,950 30,610 28,280 25,940 23,610 $2,330
For each
additional
add: 3,280 3,280 3,280 3,280 3,280 ''.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) Conforming Amendments.--Paragraph (1) of section 478(b) (20
U.S.C. 1087rr) is amended to read as follows:
``(1) Revised tables.--
``(A) Parent's income protection allowance.--For
each academic year after academic year 1993-1994, the
Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register a
revised table of income protection allowances for the
purpose of section 475(c)(4). Such revised table shall
be developed by increasing each of the dollar amounts
contained in the table in such section by a percentage
equal to the estimated percentage increase in the
Consumer Price Index (as determined by the Secretary)
between December 1992 and the December next preceding
the beginning of such academic year, and rounding the
result to the nearest $10.
``(B) Independent students with dependents other
than a spouse.--For each academic year after academic
year 2007-2008, the Secretary shall publish in the
Federal Register a revised table of income protection
allowances for the purpose of section 477(b)(4). Such
revised table shall be developed by increasing each of
the dollar amounts contained in the table in such
section by a percentage equal to the estimated
percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (as
determined by the Secretary) between December 2006 and
the December next preceding the beginning of such
academic year, and rounding the result to the nearest
$10.''.
SEC. 3. EXEMPTING EARNED INCOME CREDITS FROM THE CALCULATION OF INCOME.
Section 480(a)(2) (20 U.S.C. 1087vv(a)(2)) is amended by inserting
``or section 32'' after ``section 25A''.
SEC. 4. CHILD CARE MEANS PARENTS IN SCHOOL.
(a) Minimum Grant.--Section 419N(b)(2)(B) (20 U.S.C.
1070e(b)(2)(B)) is amended by striking ``$10,000'' and inserting
``$30,000''.
(b) Eligible Institutions.--Section 419N(b)(4) is amended by
striking ``$350,000'' and inserting ``$250,000''.
(c) Income Eligibility.--Section 419N(b)(7) is amended by striking
``who is eligible to receive'' and inserting ``whose income qualifies
for eligibility for''.
(d) Publicity.--Section 419N(b) is further amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(8) Publicity.--The Secretary shall publicize the
availability of grants under this section in appropriate
periodicals in addition to publication in the Federal Register,
and shall inform appropriate educational organizations of such
availability.''.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 419N(g) is amended by
striking ``$45,000,000 for fiscal year 1999'' and inserting
``$75,000,000 for fiscal year 2008''.
SEC. 5. YEAR-ROUND PELL GRANTS.
Section 401 (20 U.S.C. 1070a) is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(k) Year-Round Pell Grants.--
``(1) Pilot program established.--The Secretary shall
establish in accordance with this subsection a year-round Pell
grant pilot program. Any institution of higher education that
desires to participate in the program under this subsection
shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time and
containing or accompanied by such information and assurances as
the Secretary may require. The Secretary may select not more
than 200 institutions of higher education for participation in
the program.
``(2) Program elements.--With respect to students enrolled
in institutions participating in the program under this
subsection, the Secretary is authorized--
``(A) to award such students two Federal Pell
Grants in one calendar year to permit such students to
accelerate progress towards their degree or certificate
objectives by enrolling in academic programs for 12
months rather than 9 months of the year at
participating institutions; and
``(B) to award such two Federal Pell Grants to such
students in a total amount up to 133 percent of the
maximum Federal Pell Grant under subsection (b)(2)(A)
that is applicable for the academic year.
``(3) Conditions.--An institution submitting an application
to participate in the program under this subsection shall--
``(A) in the case of an associate's degree-granting
institution, commit to improving the completion rate
for the institution by at least 10 percent over the
period of the pilot grant; and
``(B) in the case of a bachelor's degree-granting
institution, commit to improving the graduation rate
for the institution by at least 50 percent over such
period.
``(4) Termination; evaluation.--The authority of the
Secretary under this subsection shall cease to be effective on
October 1, 2013. Not later than October 1, 2011, the Secretary
shall conduct an evaluation of the program under this
subsection and submit to the Congress a report on the results
of such evaluation.''.
SEC. 6. ADDITIONAL FIPSE PROGRAM.
(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section--
(1) to allow a demonstration program that is strictly
monitored by the Department of Education to test creative
measures for improving the availability of higher education for
part-time students;
(2) to provide for increased access for part-time students;
and
(3) to help determine the most effective assistance for
part-time students.
(b) New Program Authorized.--Section 741(a) (20 U.S.C. 1138(a)) is
amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (7);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (8) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(9) creating a program to create a holistic approach to
addressing the needs of part-time students at not more than 150
associate's and bachelor's degree-granting institutions that
would include grants, leveraging funds from non-Federal
sources, comprehensive child care, and better-tailored remedial
course programs.''.
(c) Notification and Reports.--Section 743 (20 U.S.C. 1138b) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
``(c) Procedures and Authorization for Part-Time Student Program.--
``(1) Application.--An eligible entity that desires to
receive a grant under subsection (b)(9) shall submit an
application to the Secretary in such manner and form, and
containing such information and assurances, as the Secretary
may reasonably require.
``(2) Selection procedures.--The Secretary shall by
regulation develop a formal procedure for the submission of
applications for grants under subsection (b)(9) and shall
publish in the Federal Register an announcement of that
procedure and the availability of funds under such subsection.
``(3) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall evaluate the program
authorized under subsection (b)(9) on an annual basis. Such
evaluations specifically shall review --
``(A) the extent to which the institution has met
the goals set forth in its application to the
Secretary;
``(B) the number of students participating in the
programs offered, including the progress of such
students toward recognized certificates or degrees; and
``(C) what changes, if any, in law would facilitate
both the participation of part-time students in higher
education and increased graduation rates amongst these
students.
``(4) Separate authorizations of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program
authorized by subsection (b)(9), $100,000,000 for fiscal year
2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the five
succeeding fiscal years.''. | Part-time Student Assistance Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide access and assistance to increase college attendance and completion by part-time students.
Increases the earnings exempt from student aid need determinations for academic year 2007-2008 by exempting earnings of up to: (1) $9,000 for dependent students; and (2) $12,000 for independent students with no dependents (other than spouse). Establishes a revised table that increases the amount of earnings for independent students with dependents (other than spouse) that are exempt. Provides for inflationary adjustments to such earnings exemptions in subsequent academic years. Exempts earned income credits from the calculation of income.
Revises and expands a program (child care access means parents in school) which provides grants to institutions of higher education for child care assistance for low-income students.
Directs the Secretary of Education to establish a year-round Pell grant pilot program.
Authorizes a demonstration program to create a holistic approach to addressing the needs of part-time students. Allows such program to: (1) be at up to 150 associate's and bachelor's degree-granting institutions; and (2) include grants, leveraging funds from nonfederal sources, comprehensive child care, and better tailored remedial course programs. | To provide access and assistance to increase college attendance and completion by part-time students. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Investment for America Act''.
SEC. 2. REINSTATEMENT OF 10-PERCENT DOMESTIC INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Subpart E of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to rules for computing
credit for investment in certain depreciable property), as amended by
subsection (b)(2), is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``SEC. 50. 10-PERCENT DOMESTIC INVESTMENT CREDIT.
``(a) In General.--With respect to any domestic property placed in
service after December 31, 1992--
``(1) section 49 shall not apply, and
``(2) the regular percentage for purposes of this subpart
shall be 10 percent.
``(b) Domestic Property.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `domestic property' means
property if
``(A) the property was completed in the United
States, and
``(B) at least 60 percent of the basis of the
property is attributable to value added within the
United States.
``(2) United states.--The term `United States' includes the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the possessions of the United
States.''
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) The table of sections for such subpart E is amended by
adding at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 50. 10-percent domestic investment
credit.''
(2) Section 11813 of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990
(Pub. L. 101-508) is hereby repealed, and the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 shall be applied and administered as if such
section (and the amendments made by such section) had never
been enacted.
SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR PURCHASES OF DOMESTIC DURABLE GOODS.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 22 the
following new section:
``SEC. 23. PURCHASES OF DOMESTIC DURABLE GOODS.
``(a) General Rule.--In the case of an individual, there shall be
allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the
taxable year an amount equal to 7 percent of the aggregate amount paid
during the taxable year for the purchase of domestic durable goods.
``(b) Domestic Durable Goods.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `domestic durable good' means
any durable good if--
``(A) the property was completed in the United
States, and
``(B) at least 60 percent of the basis of the
property is attributable to value added within the
United States.
``(2) United states.--The term `United States' includes the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the possessions of the United
States.
``(c) Limitation.--The amount of the credit allowed under
subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed $1,000.''
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for such subpart A
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 22 the
following new item:
``Sec. 23. Purchases of domestic durable
goods.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1992.
SEC. 4. CREDIT FOR CERTAIN COSTS INCURRED IN PURCHASING AN AMERICAN-
MADE PASSENGER VEHICLE.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 23 (as added by
section 3 of this Act) the following new section:
``SEC. 24. CERTAIN COSTS INCURRED IN PURCHASING AN AMERICAN-MADE
PASSENGER VEHICLE.
``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, there shall be
allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the
taxable year an amount equal to the qualified payments made by the
taxpayer during such year.
``(b) Qualified Payments.--For purposes of this section, the term
`qualified payments' means any payment of--
``(1) any State or local sales tax imposed on the purchase
by the taxpayer of any qualified automobile, and
``(2) any interest on any loan which is secured by a
qualified automobile and which was incurred by the taxpayer to
purchase such automobile.
``(c) Qualified Automobile.--For purposes of this section, the term
`qualified automobile' means any automobile (as defined in section
4064(b))--
``(1) which is purchased after December 31, 1992,
``(2) which is domestically produced,
``(3) the original use of which begins with the taxpayer,
and
``(4) substantially all of the use of which is for
personal, nonbusiness purposes.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, an automobile is domestically
produced if more than 60 percent of the automobile is produced in the
United States and its final assembly occurs in the United States.
``(d) Denial of Double Benefit.--No deduction or credit shall be
allowed under any other provision of this title for any payment for
which a credit is allowable under this section.''
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for such subpart A
is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 23 the
following new item:
``Sec. 24. Certain costs incurred in
purchasing an American-made
passenger vehicle.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 5. PLACEMENT OF MADE IN AMERICA LABELS ON PRODUCTS.
(a) Requirements for Use of Labels.--No product may bear a label
which states or suggests that the product was made in America unless--
(1) the product has been registered with the Department of
Commerce under subsection (b); and
(2) the Secretary of Commerce has determined that--
(A) 60 percent of the product was manufactured in
the United States; and
(B) final assembly of the product took place in the
United States.
(b) Registry of American-Made Products.--Not later than 12 months
after the Secretary has promulgated regulations regarding the
registration of products with the Department of Commerce under this
section, a person shall register with the Department of Commerce any
product on which there is or will be affixed a label which states or
suggests that the product was made in America.
(c) Penalties for Fraudulent Use of Labels.--
(1) Civil fine.--Any person who, with an intent to defraud
or mislead, places on a product a label which states or
suggests that the product was ``made in America'' in violation
of this section may be assessed a civil penalty by the
Secretary of not more than $100,000. The Secretary may issue an
order assessing such civil penalty only after notice and an
opportunity for an agency hearing on the record. The validity
of such order may not be reviewed in an action to collect such
civil penalty.
(2) Injunctive relief.--The Secretary may bring an action
to enjoin the violation of, or to compel compliance with, this
section, whenever the Secretary believes that such a violation
has occurred or is about to occur.
(d) Regulations.--Not later than 12 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations
establishing procedures under which a person shall register a product
under this section.
(e) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Label.--The term ``label'' means any written, printed,
or graphic matter on, or attached to, a product or any of its
containers or wrappers.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce. | Investment for America Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reinstate a ten percent investment tax credit for domestic property placed in service after December 31, 1992. Defines domestic property as property completed in the United States and at least 60 percent of the basis of the property is attributable to value added within the United States.
Allows a tax credit for seven percent of the aggregate amount purchased of domestic durable goods. Limits such credit to $1,000.
Permits a tax credit equal to qualified payments made for the purchase of an American automobile. Defines "qualified payments" as State or local sales tax imposed on the purchase of the automobile and interest on the automobile loan.
Prohibits a product from bearing a label which suggests that it was made in America unless: (1) the product has been registered with the Department of Commerce; and (2) the Secretary of Commerce has determined that 60 percent of the product was manufactured in, and final assembly took place in, the United States.
Requires the registry of American-made products with the Department of Commerce.
Prescribes penalties for the fraudulent use of labels. | Investment for America Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Border Enforcement Security Task
Force Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND DECLARATION OF PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) overriding
mission is to lead a unified national effort to protect the
United States. United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative agency within
DHS and is charged with enforcing a wide array of laws,
including laws related to securing the border and combating
criminal smuggling.
(2) Mexico's northern border with the United States has
experienced a dramatic surge in border crime and violence in
recent years due to intense competition between Mexican drug
cartels and criminal smuggling organizations that employ
predatory tactics to realize their profits.
(3) Law enforcement agencies at the United States northern
border face similar challenges from transnational smuggling
organizations.
(4) In response, DHS has partnered with Federal, State,
local, tribal, and foreign law enforcement counterparts to
create the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST)
initiative as a comprehensive approach to addressing border
security threats. These multi-agency teams are designed to
increase information-sharing and collaboration among the
participating law enforcement agencies.
(5) BEST teams incorporate personnel from ICE, United
States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATFE), the Federal Bureau of
Investigation (FBI), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and
the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO), along with other key
Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies.
(6) Foreign law enforcement agencies include Mexico's
Secretaria de Seguridad Publica (SSP), the Canada Border
Services Agency (CBSA), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP),
and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
SEC. 3. BORDER ENFORCEMENT SECURITY TASK FORCE.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in United States
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a program known as a Border
Enforcement Security Task Force (referred to as ``BEST'').
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of the BEST program is to establish units
to enhance border security by addressing and reducing border security
threats and violence by--
(1) facilitating collaboration among Federal, State, local,
tribal, and foreign law enforcement agencies to execute
coordinated activities in furtherance of border security, and
homeland security; and
(2) enhancing information-sharing, including the
dissemination of homeland security information among such
agencies.
(c) Composition and Designation.--
(1) Composition.--BEST units may be comprised of personnel
from--
(A) United States Immigration and Customs
Enforcement;
(B) United States Customs and Border Protection;
(C) the United States Coast Guard;
(D) other Federal agencies, as appropriate;
(E) appropriate State law enforcement agencies;
(F) foreign law enforcement agencies, as
appropriate;
(G) local law enforcement agencies from affected
border cities and communities; and
(H) appropriate tribal law enforcement agencies.
(2) Designation.--The Secretary of Homeland Security,
acting through the Assistant Secretary for ICE, is authorized
to establish BEST units in jurisdictions where such units can
contribute to the BEST program's missions, as appropriate.
Prior to establishing a BEST unit, the Assistant Secretary
shall consider the following factors:
(A) Whether the area where the BEST unit would be
established is significantly impacted by cross-border
threats.
(B) The availability of Federal, State, local,
tribal, and foreign law enforcement resources to
participate in the BEST unit.
(C) The extent to which border security threats are
having a significant harmful impact in the jurisdiction
in which the BEST unit is to be established, and other
jurisdictions of the country.
(d) Operation.--After making a designation under subsection (c)(2),
and in order to provide Federal assistance to the area so designated,
the Secretary of Homeland Security may--
(1) obligate such sums as are appropriated for the BEST
program;
(2) direct the assignment of Federal personnel to the BEST
program, subject to the approval of the head of the department
or agency that employs such personnel; and
(3) take other actions to assist State, local, tribal, and
foreign jurisdictions to participate in the BEST program.
(e) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
establishment of the BEST program under subsection (a) and annually
thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to Congress
a report on the effectiveness of the BEST program in enhancing border
security and reducing the drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal
alien trafficking and smuggling, violence, and kidnapping along and
across the international borders of the United States as measured by
crime statistics, including violent deaths, incidents of violence, and
drug related arrests.
(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Homeland Security such funds as may be
necessary for each of fiscal years 2012 through 2016 to--
(1) establish and operate the BEST program, including to
provide for operational, administrative, and technological
costs to Federal, State, local, tribal and foreign law
enforcement agencies participating in the BEST program; and
(2) investigate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals
engaged in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal alien
trafficking and smuggling, violence, and kidnapping along and
across the international borders of the United States. | Border Enforcement Security Task Force Act of 2011 - Establishes in United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) a Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) program to enhance border security by addressing and reducing border security threats and violence by: (1) facilitating collaboration among federal, state, local, tribal, and foreign law enforcement agencies to execute coordinated activities in furtherance of border security and homeland security; and (2) enhancing information-sharing among such agencies.
Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS), acting through the Assistant Secretary for ICE, to establish BEST units after considering: (1) whether the area where the unit would be established is significantly impacted by cross-border threats; (2) the availability of federal, state, local, tribal, and foreign law enforcement resources to participate in the unit; and (3) the extent to which border security threats are having a significant harmful impact in the area and in other jurisdictions. Authorizes the Secretary, in order to provide federal assistance to the area so designated, to: (1) obligate such sums as are appropriated for the BEST program; (2) direct the assignment of federal personnel to that program; and (3) take other actions to assist state, local, tribal, and foreign jurisdictions to participate.
Directs the Secretary to report on the effectiveness of the program in enhancing border security and reducing the drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal alien trafficking and smuggling, violence, and kidnapping along and across U.S. borders. | To establish a Border Enforcement Security Task Force program to enhance border security by fostering coordinated efforts among Federal, State, and local border and law enforcement officials to protect United States border cities and communities from trans-national crime, including violence associated with drug trafficking, arms smuggling, illegal alien trafficking and smuggling, violence, and kidnapping along and across the international borders of the United States, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Senior Financial Empowerment Act of
2008''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) The proportion of the population of the United States
age 60 years or older will drastically increase in the next 30
years as more than 76,000,000 Baby Boomers approach retirement
and old age.
(2) Each year, anywhere between 500,000 and 5,000,000
seniors in the United States are abused, neglected, or
exploited.
(3) Senior abuse, neglect, and exploitation have no
boundaries, and cross all racial, social class, gender, and
geographic lines.
(4) Millions of individuals in the United States are
victims of financial exploitation, including mail,
telemarketing, and Internet fraud, each year. Many of those who
fall prey to these crimes are seniors.
(5) It is difficult to estimate the prevalence of fraud
targeting seniors because cases are severely underreported and
national statistics on senior fraud do not exist.
(6) The Federal Bureau of Investigation notes that senior
Americans are less likely to report fraud because they do not
know to whom to report, they are ashamed to have been a victim
of fraud, or they do not know that they have been a victim of
fraud. In some cases, a senior victim of fraud may not report
the crime because he or she is concerned that relatives may
come to the conclusion that the victim no longer has the mental
capacity to take care of his or her own financial affairs.
(7) Perpetrators of mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud
frequently target seniors because seniors are often vulnerable
and trusting people.
(8) As victims of such fraudulent schemes, many seniors
have been robbed of their hard-earned life savings and
frequently pay an emotional cost, losing not only their money,
but also their self-respect and dignity.
(9) Perpetrators of fraud targeting seniors often operate
outside the United States, reaching their victims through the
mail, telephone lines, and the Internet.
(10) The Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act
increased the power of the United States Postal Service to
protect consumers against persons who use deceptive mailings,
such as those featuring games of chance, sweepstakes, skill
contests, and facsimile checks.
(11) During fiscal year 2007, analysts prepared more than
27,000 letters and informative postcards in response to mail
fraud complaints. During that same year, postal inspectors
investigated 2,909 mail fraud cases in the United States, and
arrested 1,236 mail fraud suspects, of whom 1,118 were
convicted. Postal inspectors also reported 162 telemarketing
fraud investigations, with 83 arrests and 61 convictions
resulting from such investigations.
(12) In 2000, the United States Senate Special Committee on
Aging reported that, each year, consumers lose approximately
$40,000,000,000 to telemarketing fraud, and estimated that
approximately 10 percent of the Nation's 14,000 telemarketing
firms were fraudulent. Some researchers estimate that only one
in 10,000 fraud victims reports the crime to the authorities.
(13) A 2003 report by AARP found that the crime of
telemarketing fraud is grossly underreported among senior
victims, but that those who are properly counseled by trained
peer volunteers are less likely to fall victim to fraudulent
practices.
(14) The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that the
threat of fraud to seniors is growing and changing. Many
younger Baby Boomers have considerable computer skills, and
criminals are modifying their targeting techniques by using not
only traditional telephone calls and mass mailings, but also
online scams like phishing and e-mail spamming.
(15) The IC3 is a partnership between the National White
Collar Crime Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
that serves as a vehicle to receive, develop, and refer
criminal complaints regarding cyber crime. The IC3 processed
more than 219,553 complaints of Internet crime in 2007. From
these submissions, the IC3 referred 90,008 complaints of
Internet crime, representing a total dollar loss of
$239,090,000, to Federal, State, and local law enforcement
agencies in the United States for further consideration.
(16) Consumer awareness is the best protection from fraud.
SEC. 3. ENHANCED SENTENCING PENALTIES BASED ON AGE OF VICTIM.
(a) Directive to the United States Sentencing Commission.--Pursuant
to its authority under section 994(p) of title 28, United States Code,
and in accordance with this section, the United States Sentencing
Commission (referred to in this section as the ``Commission'') shall
review and, if appropriate, amend the Federal sentencing guidelines and
policy statements, including section 3A1.1 of the Federal sentencing
guidelines, to include the age of a crime victim, particularly for
senior crime victims, to ensure such guidelines adequately reflect
Congress' intent that the age of a crime victim is one of the criteria
for determining whether the application of a sentencing enhancement is
appropriate.
(b) Requirements.--In carrying out this section, the Commission
shall--
(1) ensure that the Federal sentencing guidelines and the
policy statements of the Commission reflect the serious
economic and physical harms associated with criminal activity
targeted at seniors due to their particular vulnerability;
(2) consider providing, in appropriate circumstances,
increased penalties for persons convicted of offenses in which
the victim was a senior;
(3) consult with individuals or groups representing
seniors, law enforcement agencies, victims organizations, and
the Federal judiciary as part of the review described in
subsection (a);
(4) ensure reasonable consistency with other Federal
sentencing guidelines and directives;
(5) account for any aggravating or mitigating circumstances
that may justify exceptions, including circumstances for which
the Federal sentencing guidelines provide sentencing
enhancements based on the age of the crime victim;
(6) make any necessary conforming changes to the Federal
sentencing guidelines; and
(7) ensure that the Federal sentencing guidelines
adequately meet the purposes of sentencing set forth in section
3553(a)(2) of title 18, United States Code.
(c) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Commission shall submit to Congress a report on issues
relating to the age of crime victims, which shall include--
(1) an explanation of any changes to sentencing policy made
by the Commission under this section; and
(2) any recommendations of the Commission for retention or
modification of penalty levels, including statutory penalty
levels, for offenses involving seniors.
SEC. 4. GRANTS TO PREVENT MAIL, TELEMARKETING, AND INTERNET FRAUD.
(a) Grant Program Authorized.--Subject to the availability of funds
authorized to be appropriated under this section, the Attorney General,
after consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the
Postmaster General, and the Chief Postal Inspector for the United
States Postal Inspection Service, shall establish and administer a
competitive grant program to award grants to eligible organizations to
carry out mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud prevention education
programs for seniors.
(b) Eligible Organizations.--The Attorney General may award grants
under this section to State Attorneys General, State and local law
enforcement agencies and groups, senior centers, and other local
nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to seniors, as
determined by the Attorney General.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2009 through 2013.
SEC. 5. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS RELATED TO NATIONAL SENIOR FRAUD
AWARENESS WEEK.
It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) there is a need to increase public awareness of the
enormous impact that mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud
has on senior citizens in the United States;
(2) a week in the month of May should be designated as
``National Senior Fraud Awareness Week'';
(3) the people of the United States should observe National
Senior Fraud Awareness Week with appropriate educational
activities; and
(4) the President is encouraged to issue a proclamation
supporting increased public awareness of the impact of, and the
need to prevent, fraud committed against seniors. | Senior Financial Empowerment Act of 2008 - Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to: (1) review and amend its sentencing guidelines to include the age of a crime victim in its criteria for determining whether a sentencing enhancement is appropriate; and (2) report to Congress on issues relating to the age of crime victims.
Directs the Attorney General to establish and administer a competitive grant program for mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud prevention education programs for senior citizens.
Expresses the sense of Congress with respect to public awareness of the impact of mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud on senior citizens. | To prevent mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud targeting seniors in the United States, to promote efforts to increase public awareness of the enormous impact that mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud have on seniors, to educate the public, seniors, their families, and their caregivers about how to identify and combat fraudulent activity, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Flight Attendant Duty Time Act''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENT TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ACT.
(a) In General.--Title VI of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49
U.S.C. App. 1421-1433) is amended by adding at the end thereof the
following new section:
``SEC. 614. DUTY TIME OF FLIGHT ATTENDANTS.
``(a) Rulemaking Proceeding.--Not later than 60 days after the date
of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall initiate a
rulemaking proceeding for the purpose of establishing limitations on
duty time for flight attendants, including minimum rest requirements.
``(b) Final Regulations.--Except in any case in which the
prohibitions referred to in subsection (c) take effect, the Secretary
shall issue, not later than 240 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, final regulations establishing limitations on duty time for
flight attendants, including minimum rest requirements as follows:
``(1) For a domestic flight, a maximum of 14 hours of
actual duty time, plus a maximum of 2 additional hours spent
deadheading to return to the flight attendant's domicile, and a
minimum of at least 10 consecutive hours of rest after each
duty period.
``(2) For an international flight, a maximum of 16 hours of
actual duty time and minimum of at least 12 consecutive hours
of rest after each duty period.
``(3) For a long-range international nonstop flight, a
maximum period of actual duty time no more than 4 hours greater
than the scheduled duty time, with a maximum period of actual
duty time no greater than 20 hours, and a minimum consecutive
rest period equal to at least twice the scheduled flight time.
``(4) For all flight attendants, a minimum of eight 24
consecutive hour periods of rest at their domicile per calendar
month and at least one 24 hour consecutive period of rest
within every 7 days.
``(5) For all flight attendants, at least a continuous 1
hour rest break on any flight scheduled for 8 hours or more of
flight time in a designated rest area.
``(c) Mandated Prohibitions.--If the Secretary does not initiate a
rulemaking proceeding under subsection (a) before the 60th day
following the date of the enactment of this Act or does not issue final
regulations under subsection (b) before the 240th day following such
date of enactment, no air carrier may after such date operate an
aircraft using a flight attendant who has been on duty more hours, or
who has had fewer hours of rest, than those required by paragraphs (1)
through (5) of subsection (b).
``(d) Modification of Mandated Prohibitions.--The Secretary may
issue regulations modifying the prohibitions contained in paragraphs
(1) through (5) of subsection (b) if the Secretary determines that such
modifications are in the interest of safety and transmits a copy of the
modifying regulations to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Public Works and
Transportation of the House of Representatives. The modifying
regulations may not take effect until the expiration of the 90-day
period beginning on the date of the transmittal of the modifying
regulations to such committees.
``(e) Definitions.--In this section, the following definitions
apply:
``(1) Air carrier.--The term `air carrier' means any air
carrier which is subject to the provisions of part 121 or part
135 of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
``(2) Debriefing time.--The term `debriefing time' means a
time period of at least 30 minutes for domestic flight and of
at least 45 minutes for international flight after the block-in
time of the last flight or segment of a flight.
``(3) Designated rest area.--The term `designated rest
area' means a passenger seat, sleeper seat, or bunk of an
aircraft assigned for crew rest purposes.
``(4) Domestic flight.--The term `domestic flight' means
any flight or segment of a flight worked by a flight attendant
totally within the 48 contiguous States and the District of
Columbia.
``(5) Duty time.--The term `duty time' means all time
worked for an air carrier at any place and in any capacity and,
with respect to flying, shall begin at the required report time
and shall end at the conclusion of the debriefing time, or when
released by the carrier, whichever is later. Duty time accrues
until the crewmember is given a required rest period by the
carrier. Time spent deadheading, either on an aircraft or by
surface transportation, to or from an assignment by an air
carrier, time spent ferrying, and time spent attending meetings
and training shall also be considered duty time. Duty time
continues--
``(A) throughout a rest period of a shorter
duration than that contained in subsection (b)(1),
(b)(2), or (b)(3), as the case may be; and
``(B) during in-flight rest periods contained in
subsection (b)(5).
``(6) International flight.--The term `international
flight' means any flight worked by a flight attendant for which
a take off or landing is scheduled outside the 48 contiguous
States and the District of Columbia.
``(7) Long-range international nonstop flight.--The term
`long-range international nonstop flight' means a single
nonstop international flight scheduled for 8 hours or more of
flight time.
``(8) Report time.--The term `report time' means a time
period of at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure
time of the first flight or segment of a flight in a flight
attendant's duty period or the time the flight attendant is
required to report to work, whichever is earlier.
``(9) Rest.--The term `rest' means uninterrupted time free
from all duty.
``(10) Scheduled flight time.--The term `scheduled flight
time' means the elapsed time based on the time shown in
schedules given by an air carrier to a travel agent.
``(11) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
``(f) Treatment of Duty Period With Domestic and International
Flight Segments.--A duty period with domestic and international flight
segments shall be treated as domestic flying for the purpose of
calculating duty and rest requirements under this section if the
majority of the flight time during that duty period is on a domestic
segment or shall be treated as international flying if the majority of
the flight time during that duty period is on an international
segment.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents contained in the
first section of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 is amended by adding
at the end of the matter relating to title VI the following:
``Sec. 614. Duty time of flight attendants.
``(a) Rulemaking proceeding.
``(b) Final regulations.
``(c) Mandated prohibitions.
``(d) Modification of mandated prohibitions.
``(e) Definitions.
``(f) Treatment of duty period with domestic and international
flight segments.''. | Flight Attendant Duty Time Act - Amends the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish limitations on duty time for flight attendants. Requires the Secretary to issue final regulations by a specified deadline.
Prohibits any air carrier from operating an aircraft using a flight attendant who has been on duty in excess of specified hours or who has had less than a specified number of hours of rest if such regulations have not been promulgated by a certain time.
Permits modification of the specified hours of duty if the Secretary determines such modification is in the public interest and submits a copy of the modifying regulations to certain congressional committees.
Treats a duty period with both domestic and international flight segments as international flying for purposes of calculating duty and rest requirements if the majority of the flight time during such period is on an international or domestic segment. | Flight Attendant Duty Time Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Vaccine Injury
Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. BASIS FOR CALCULATING PROJECTED LOST EARNINGS.
Section 2115(a)(3)(B) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
300aa-15(a)(3)(B)) is amended by striking all that follows ``for loss
of earnings'' and inserting the following: ``determined on the basis of
the annual estimate of the average (mean) gross weekly earnings of
full-time wage and salary workers age 18 and over in the private
nonfarm sector (which includes all industries other than agricultural
production of crops and livestock), as calculated annually by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics from the quarter sample data of the Current
Population Survey, or as calculated by such similar method as the
Secretary may prescribe by regulation, less appropriate taxes and the
average cost of a health insurance policy, as determined by the
Secretary.''.
SEC. 3. INCREASE OF AWARD IN THE CASE OF A VACCINE-RELATED DEATH.
Section 2115(a)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
300aa-15(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``$250,000'' and inserting
``$300,000''.
SEC. 4. ALLOWING COMPENSATION FOR FAMILY COUNSELING EXPENSES AND
EXPENSES OF ESTABLISHING GUARDIANSHIP.
(a) Family Counseling Expenses in Post-1988 Cases.--Section 2115(a)
of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-15(a)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(5) Actual nonreimbursable expenses that have been or
will be incurred for family counseling determined to be
reasonably necessary and that result from the vaccine-related
injury for which the petitioner seeks compensation.''.
(b) Expenses of Establishing Guardianships in Post-1988 Cases.--
Section 2115(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-
15(a)) is further amended by adding at the end the following paragraph:
``(6) Actual and nonreimbursable expenses that have been or
will be incurred to establish and maintain a guardianship,
conservatorship, or trust for an individual who has suffered a
vaccine-related injury, including attorneys' fees and other
costs incurred in a proceeding to establish and maintain such a
guardianship, conservatorship, or trust.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment for Cases From 1988 and Earlier.--Section
2115(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-15(b)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end of the
paragraph;
(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (5) and by
inserting a closing parenthesis before the period in that
paragraph; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following
paragraphs:
``(3) family counseling expenses (as provided in paragraph
(5) of subsection (a)),
``(4) expenses of establishing and maintaining
guardianships, conservatorships, or trusts (as provided in
paragraph (6) of subsection (a)), and''.
SEC. 5. ALLOWING PAYMENT OF INTERIM ATTORNEYS' FEES AND COSTS.
Section 2115(e) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-
15(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Upon completion of a conference required by Rule 5 of
Appendix J of the Rules of the United States Court of Federal
Claims, a special master may make an interim award of
attorneys' fees and costs if--
``(A) the case involves a vaccine administered on
or after October 1, 1988,
``(B) in tentative findings and conclusions, the
special master determines that the petitioner's claim
has a reasonable basis,
``(C) the award is limited to reasonable attorneys'
fees and other costs (within the meaning of paragraph
(1)(B)) incurred in the proceeding, and
``(D) the petitioner provides documentation
verifying the expenditure of the amount for which
compensation is sought.
``(5) An interim award of attorneys' fees and costs by a
special master under paragraph (4) shall be promptly paid by
the Secretary pursuant to the special master's order and
without need of a judgment. The special master's order for
interim attorneys' fees and costs is not subject to review
under sections 2112(e) and 2112(f) until after the special
master has made a determination regarding an award of
attorneys' fees and costs under paragraph (1).
``(6) The attorneys' fees and costs awarded as compensation
on a petition under paragraph (1) shall be for the total
attorneys' fees and costs incurred in any proceeding on such
petition, less the amount awarded for interim attorneys' fees
and costs. In determining fees and costs under paragraph (1), a
special master may reconsider and modify the amounts awarded
for fees and costs under paragraph (4).''.
SEC. 6. PROCEDURE FOR PAYING ATTORNEYS' FEES.
Section 2115(e) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-
15(e)), as amended by section 5, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(7) When a special master or court awards attorneys' fees
or costs under paragraph (1) or (4), it may order that such
fees and costs be payable solely to the petitioner's attorney
if--
``(A) the petitioner expressly consents, or
``(B) the special master or court, after affording
to the Secretary and all interested persons the
opportunity to submit relevant information, determines
that--
``(i) the petitioner cannot be located or
refuses to respond to a request by the special
master or court for information, and there is
no practical alternative means to ensure that
the attorney will be reimbursed for such fees
and costs expeditiously, or
``(ii) there are other exceptional
circumstances and good cause for paying such
fees and costs solely to the petitioner's
attorney.''.
SEC. 7. EXTENSION OF STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS.
(a) General Rule.--Section 2116(a) of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 300aa-16(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``36 months'' and
inserting ``6 years''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``24 months'' and inserting ``6
years''; and
(B) by striking ``48 months'' and inserting ``6
years''.
(b) Additional Extension.--
(1) Limitation period.--Notwithstanding section 2116(a) of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-16(a)), in the
case of a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table that is
administered after September 30, 1988, and before the date of
the enactment of this Act, if a vaccine-related injury or death
occurred as a result of the administration of such vaccine, the
end of the limitation period for filing a petition is the later
of--
(A) the applicable date under section 2116(a) of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-16(a));
or
(B) the date that is 2 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(2) Effect of previous dismissal.--Notwithstanding section
2111(b)(2) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-
11(b)(2)), if a petition is filed within the limitation period
applicable under paragraph (1), the petition may not be
dismissed on the basis of a previous dismissal for untimely
filing.
(c) Claims Based on Revisions to Table.--Section 2116(b) of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-16(b)) is amended by
striking all that follows ``file a petition for such compensation'' and
inserting the following: ``if--
``(1) the vaccine-related death or injury with respect to
which the petition is filed occurred no more than 8 years
before the effective date of the revision of the table; and
``(2)(A) the petition satisfies the conditions stated in
subsection (a); or
``(B) the date of occurrence of the first symptom or
manifestation of onset of injury occurred more than 4 years
before the petition is filed, and the petition is filed no more
than 2 years after the effective date of the revision of the
table.''.
(d) Reports.--
(1) Transmission.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services shall transmit to the Congress 2 annual reports that
shall each include the following:
(A) Identification of the number of petitions filed
for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury
Compensation Program that would have been time-barred
absent the limitation period provided by subsection (b)
(B) Describe the effects of subsection (b) on the
ability of the Secretary to administer the National
Vaccine Injury Compensation Program and adjudicate
petitions under such Program in a timely manner.
(2) Dates of submission.--In carrying out this subsection,
the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall transmit--
(A) the first report not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(B) the second report not later than 2 years after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 8. ADVISORY COMMISSION ON CHILDHOOD VACCINES.
(a) Selection of Individuals Injured by Vaccines as Public
Members.--Section 2119(a)(1)(B) of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 300aa-19(a)(1)(B)) is amended by striking all that follows the
comma and inserting the following: ``of whom 1 shall be the legal
representative of a child who has suffered a vaccine-related injury or
death, and at least 1 other shall be either the legal representative of
a child who has suffered a vaccine-related injury or death or an
individual who has personally suffered a vaccine-related injury.''.
(b) Mandatory Meeting Schedule Eliminated.--Section 2119(c) of the
Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-19(c)) is amended by
striking ``not less often than four times per year and''.
SEC. 9. CONFORMING AMENDMENT TO TRUST FUND PROVISION.
Section 9510(c)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended by striking ``(as in effect'' and all that follows through
``for vaccine-related injury or death'' and inserting ``(as in effect
on the effective date of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation
Program Improvement Act of 2003) for vaccine-related injury or death''.
SEC. 10. INCREASE IN LIMIT ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.
(a) Increase in Limit on Administrative Expenses.--Section
9510(c)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by
striking ``(but not in excess of $9,500,000 for any fiscal year)'' and
inserting ``(but not in excess of $10,000,000 for any fiscal year)''.
(b) Administrative Expenses of Bureau of Public Debt.--Section
9510(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by section
9 and subsection (a), is further amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``, and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) the payment of administrative and personnel
expenses that the Bureau of the Public Debt incurs for
financial services for the Trust Fund.''.
SEC. 11. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT CAMPAIGN.
Section 2110(c) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-
10(c)) is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting ``,
including by conducting a public service announcement campaign.''.
SEC. 12. APPLICATION.
The provisions of and amendments made by sections 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, and 9 apply to a petition filed under section 2111 of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300aa-11) if the petition is pending on
or filed after the date of the enactment of this Act. | National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program Improvement Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to: (1) revise the basis for calculating the projected lost earnings of a person who sustained a vaccine-related injury; (2) increase the award for a vaccine-related death; (3) allow compensation for expenses for family counseling and establishing guardianship; (4) allow payment of interim attorneys' fees and costs; (5) establish a procedure for paying attorneys' fees; (6) extend from two to six years the statute of limitations for injuries or death from a vaccine set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table; (7) revise the membership and meeting schedule of the Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines; and (8) direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a public service announcement campaign about the availability of the Program.Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the limit on Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund administrative expenses. | To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``HIV Prevention for Youth Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (in this
Act referred to as ``PEPFAR'') is an unprecedented effort to
combat the global AIDS epidemic, with $9,000,000,000 targeted
for initiatives in 15 focus countries.
(2) The PEPFAR prevention goal is to avert 7,000,000 HIV
infections in the 15 focus countries--most in sub-Saharan
Africa where heterosexual intercourse is by far the predominant
mode of HIV transmission.
(3) The PEPFAR strategy for prevention of sexual
transmission of HIV is shaped by 3 elements: the ABC model,
defined as ``Abstain, Be faithful, use Condoms'', the promotion
of ``abstinence-until-marriage'', and deference to local
prevention needs.
(4) The United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS,
Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 requires that at least
one-third of all prevention funds be reserved for abstinence-
until-marriage programs. In implementing this requirement, the
U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator has required that 50 percent of
prevention funding be dedicated to sexual transmission
prevention activities. This requirement severely limits
countries from employing strategies for the prevention of
sexual transmission other than abstinence, because the other
sexual transmission prevention programs under PEPFAR (such as
the purchase of condoms and management of sexually transmitted
infections) cannot exceed one-sixth of the total prevention
funds.
(5) The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a
report in April, 2006, ``Spending Requirement Presents
Challenges For Allocating Funding under the President's
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief'', that found ``significant
challenges'' associated with meeting the earmark for
abstinence-until-marriage programs.
(6) GAO found that a majority of country teams report that
fulfilling the requirement presents challenges to their ability
to respond to local epidemiology and cultural and social norms.
(7) GAO found that, although some country teams may be
exempted from the abstinence-until-marriage spending
requirement, country teams that are not exempted have to spend
more than the 33 percent of prevention funds on abstinence-
until-marriage activities--sometimes at the expense of other
programs.
(8) Indeed, according to GAO, the proportion of HIV
prevention funds dedicated to ``other prevention'' activities
(i.e. the purchase and promotion of condoms, management of
sexually transmitted infections other than HIV, and messages or
programs to reduce injection drug use) declined from 23 percent
in fiscal year 2005 to 18 percent in fiscal year 2006 for
country teams that did not receive exemptions.
(9) GAO found that, as a result of the abstinence-until-
marriage spending requirement, some countries have had to
reduce planned funding for Prevention of Mother-to-Child
Transmission programs, thereby limiting services for pregnant
women and their children.
(10) GAO found that the abstinence-until-marriage spending
requirement limited or reduced funding for programs directed to
high-risk groups, such as services for married discordant
couples, sexually active youth, and commercial sex workers.
(11) GAO found that the abstinence-until-marriage spending
requirement made it difficult for countries to fund medical and
blood safety activities.
(12) GAO found that, because of the abstinence-until-
marriage spending requirement, some countries would likely have
to reduce funding for condom procurement and condom social
marketing.
(13) In addition, GAO found that two-thirds of focus
country teams reported that the policy for implementing the ABC
model is unclear and open to varying interpretations, causing
confusion about which groups may be targeted and whether youth
may receive the ABC message.
(14) GAO found that the ABC guidance does not clearly
delineate permissible C activities under the ABC model. Program
staff reported that they feel ``constrained'' by restrictions
on promoting or marketing condoms to youth. Other country teams
reported confusion about whether PEPFAR funds may be used for
broad condom social marketing, even to adults in a generalized
epidemic.
(15) Each day, an estimated 13,400 people worldwide are
newly infected with HIV.
(16) Sub-Saharan Africa is home to almost two-thirds of the
estimated 40,000,000 people currently living with HIV.
(17) In many African countries, the epidemic has spread
among the general population. The HIV prevalence rate for the
general population is 8 percent across sub-Saharan Africa.
Among the United States focus countries in sub-Saharan Africa,
the HIV prevalence rate ranges from 4 percent in Uganda to 37
percent in Botswana.
(18) According to the Joint United Nations Programme on
HIV/AIDS, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are ``the
most threatened by AIDS'' and ``are at the centre of HIV
vulnerability''. Globally, this age group accounts for half of
all new HIV cases each year. More than 7,000 young people
contract the virus every day.
(19) Most young people in sub-Saharan Africa have sex
before marriage during their adolescent years. In many
countries, at least half of all women have sex before age 20
and before marriage. Among young men, more than 70 percent have
premarital sex before age 20.
(20) Many adolescents, who are sexually active and not yet
married, have inadequate information on how to protect
themselves against HIV. Fewer than half of young people in sub-
Saharan Africa mention abstinence, monogamy, or condom use as a
way of avoiding HIV.
(21) Young people who have sex are at greater risk of
acquiring HIV than adults, partly because of their lack of
knowledge. They are apt to change partners frequently, have
more than 1 partner in the same time period, or engage in
unprotected sex.
(22) Coercion and sexual violence undercut the ability of
young people--women in particular--to prevent HIV and
contribute to the vulnerability to infection. In addition,
gender inequality makes it much more difficult for young women
to negotiate abstinence from sex or to insist that their
partners remain faithful or use condoms.
(23) Marriage does not protect young women from HIV, even
when they are faithful to their husbands. In some settings, it
appears marriage actually increases a woman's HIV risk. In some
African countries, married women aged 15-19 have higher HIV
infection levels than nonmarried sexually active women of the
same age.
(24) A recent USAID-funded review found that sex and HIV
education programs that encourage abstinence but also discuss
the use of condoms do not increase sexual activity as critics
of sex education have long alleged. Sex education can help
delay the initiation of intercourse, reduce the frequency of
sex and the number of sexual partners, and also increase condom
use.
(25) Young people are our greatest hope for changing the
course of the AIDS epidemic. According to the World Health
Organization, ``Focusing on young people is likely to be the
most effective approach to confronting the epidemic,
particularly in high prevalence countries.''.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that sexually active young people, both
unmarried and married, who live in a country where HIV infection is
spreading through the general population, rather than being confined to
specific populations, such as sex workers and their clients, injecting
drug users, and men who have sex with men, and the rate of HIV
infection among people between the ages of 15 and 49 exceeds 1 percent
should be--
(1) considered at high risk of contracting HIV infection;
and
(2) provided with the knowledge, skill-building programs,
and tools to protect themselves from HIV infection, including--
(A) medically accurate information on public health
benefits and failure rates of multiple strategies for
eliminating or reducing the risks of contracting HIV
and other sexually transmitted infections; and
(B) information about correct and consistent use of
condoms as well as abstinence and the importance of
reducing casual sexual partnering.
SEC. 4. ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.
Section 403 of the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS,
Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 (22 U.S.C. 7673) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the second sentence, by striking
``HIV/AIDS prevention'' and inserting ``prevention of the
sexual transmission of HIV''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Abstinence-Until-Marriage Programs.--The term `abstinence-
until-marriage programs' means programs that place the highest priority
on encouraging individuals who have not yet married to abstain from
sexual activity, which if practiced 100 percent correctly and
consistently is the only certain way to protect against exposure to HIV
and other sexually transmitted infections. The programs include
information on the health benefits of delayed sexual debut in reducing
the transmission of HIV and may be used to support the wide range of
approaches that promote skill-building strategies for practicing
abstinence.''.
SEC. 5. ASSISTANCE TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
Section 104A(d)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C.
2151b-2(d)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``sexually active
young people, both unmarried and married, who live in a country
experiencing a generalized HIV epidemic,'' after ``infected
with HIV/AIDS,''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) In subparagraph (A), the term `generalized epidemic'
means, with respect to a country, that--
``(i) HIV infection is spreading through the
general population of such country, rather than being
confined to specific populations, such as sex workers
and their clients, injecting drug users, and men who
have sex with men; and
``(ii) the rate of HIV infection among people
between the ages of 15 and 49 exceeds 1 percent.''. | HIV Prevention for Youth Act - Expresses the sense of Congress that sexually active young people who live in a country where HIV infection is spreading through the general population, rather than being confined to specific populations should be: (1) considered at high risk of contracting HIV infection; and (2) provided with the knowledge, skill-building programs, and tools to protect themselves from HIV infection.
Amends the United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003 to define "abstinence-until-marriage programs" as programs that place the highest priority on encouraging unmarried individuals to abstain from sexual activity, which if practiced 100% correctly and consistently is the only certain way to protect against exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. (Such programs include information on the health benefits of delayed sexual debut in reducing HIV transmission and may be used to support approaches that promote skill-building strategies for practicing abstinence.) Reserves at least 33% of the Act's appropriations for FY2006-FY2008 for prevention of the sexual transmission of HIV (currently, for HIV/AIDS prevention).
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to include within the activities for which HIV/AIDS assistance is available preventive intervention education for sexually active young people who live in a country experiencing a generalized HIV epidemic.
Defines " generalized epidemic" as a country where: (1) HIV infection is spreading through the general population, rather than being confined to specific populations, such as sex workers and their clients, injecting drug users, and men who have sex with men; and (2) the HIV infection rate among people between the ages of 15 and 49 exceeds 1%. | A bill to provide additional assistance to combat HIV/AIDS among young people, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN PERSIAN GULF EVACUEES.
(a) In General.--The Attorney General shall adjust the status of
each alien referred to in subsection (b) to that of an alien lawfully
admitted for permanent residence if the alien--
(1) applies for such adjustment;
(2) has been physically present in the United States for at
least 1 year and is physically present in the United States on
the date the application for such adjustment is filed;
(3) is admissible to the United States as an immigrant,
except as provided in subsection (c); and
(4) pays a fee (determined by the Attorney General) for the
processing of such application.
(b) Aliens Eligible for Adjustment of Status.--The benefits
provided in subsection (a) shall apply to the following aliens:
(1) Waddah Al-Zireeni, Enas Al-Zireeni, and Anwaar Al-
Zireeni.
(2) Salah Abu-El-Jibat, Ghada Salameh, and Tareq Abu-El-
Jibat.
(3) Jehad Mustafa, Amal Mustafa, and Raed Mustafa.
(4) Shaher M. Abed and Laila Abed.
(5) Zaid Khan and Nadira Khan.
(6) Rawhi Abu Tabanja, Basima Abu Tabanja, and Mohammed Abu
Tabanja.
(7) Reuben D'Silva, Anne D'Silva, Natasha D'Silva, and
Agned D'Silva.
(8) Ali H. Alkhaleel and Fatin A. Alkhaleel.
(9) Abbas I. Bhikhapurwala, Nafisa Bhikhapurwala, and
Tasnim Bhikhapurwala.
(10) Fayez Ezzir, Abeer Ezzir, Sharif Ezzir, and Mohammed
Ezzir.
(11) Issam Musleh, Nadia Khader, and Duaa Musleh.
(12) Ahmad Khalil, Mona Khalil, and Sally Khalil.
(13) Husam Al-Khadrah and Kathleen Al-Khadrah.
(14) Nawal M. Hajjawi.
(15) Isam S. Naser and Samar I. Naser.
(16) Amalia Arsua.
(17) Feras Taha, Bernardina Lopez-Taha, and Yousef Taha.
(18) Mahmoud M. El-Essa and Nadia El-Essa.
(19) Emad Jawwad.
(20) Mohammed Alawamleh, Zainab Abueljebain, and Nizar
Alawamleh.
(21) Yacoub Ibrahim and Wisam Ibrahim.
(22) Tareq Shehadah and Inas Shehadah.
(23) Basim Al-Ali and Nawal Al-Ali.
(24) Hael Basheer Atari and Hana'a Al Mughrabi.
(25) Fahim N. Mahmoud, Firnal A. Rizeq, Alla Mahmoud, and
Ahmed Mahmoud.
(26) Tareq A. Attari.
(27) Ahmad M. Mobaslat, Abeer Shehadeh, and Alaa Mobaslat.
(28) Mohammed A. Shayib, Zahra M. Ajaoui, Najat El-Shayib,
Rime El-Shayib, and Ramzi El-Shayib.
(29) Awwad Al-Habli, Saosan Y. Dardas, Sara Al-Habli,
Yasmin Al-Habli, Hala Al-Habli, and Ibraheem Al-Habli.
(30) Maamoun Ahmad and Sanaa Hakkani.
(31) Azmi A. Mukahal, Wafa Mukahal, Yasmin A. Mukahal, and
Ahmad A. Mukahal.
(32) Nabil El-Hawwash, Amal M. Shawish, and Ishaq El-
Hawwash.
(33) Sameeh Elsharif, Sahar Elsharif, and Sarah Elsharif.
(34) Samir Ghalayini, Ismat F. Abujaber, and Wasef
Ghalayini.
(35) Iman Mallah, Rana Mallah, and Muhanad Mallah.
(36) Mohssen Mahmoud and Alia Al Rafie.
(37) Nijad Abdelrahman, Najwa Abdalla, and Faisal
Abdelrahman.
(38) Nezam Mahdawi, Sohad Mahdawi, and Bassam Mahdawi.
(39) Khalid S. Mahmoud and Fawzieh Mahmoud.
(40) Wael Saymeh, Zatelhimma Al Sahafie, Duaa Saymeh, and
Ahmad Saymeh.
(41) Ahmed M. Naji.
(42) Sesinando P. Suaverdez, Cynthia Suaverdez, Maria
Cristina Suaverdez, and Sesinando Suaverdez II.
(43) Thabet Said, Hanan Said, and Yasmin Said.
(44) Hani Salem, Manal Salem, Tasnim Salem, and Suleiman
Salem.
(45) Ihsan Adwan, Hanan Adwan, Maha Adwan, Nada Adwan, Reem
Adwan, and Lina Adwan.
(46) Ziyad Al Ajjouri and Dima Al Ajjouri.
(47) Essam Taha.
(48) Mohamed Suleiman and Salam Suleiman.
(49) Salwa S. Beshay, Alexan L. Basta, Rehan Lamai, and
Sherif Lamai.
(50) Latifeh Hussin, Sameer Hussin, Anas Hussin, Ahmed
Hussin, Ayman Hussin, and Assma Hussin.
(51) Fadia Shaat, Bader Shaat, Dalia Shaat, Abdul Azim
Shaat, Farah Shaat, and Rawan Shaat.
(52) Bassam Barqawi and Amal Barqawi.
(53) Nabil A. Maswadeh.
(54) Nizam I. Wattar and Mohamad El Wattar.
(55) Wael F. Shbib and Ektimal Shbib.
(56) Reem Salman and Rasha Salman.
(57) Khalil A. Awadalla and Eman K. Awadalla.
(58) Nabil Alyadak, Majeda Sheta, Iman Alyadak, and Wafa
Alyadak.
(59) Mohammed Ariqat, Hitaf Ariqat, Ruba Ariqat, Rania
Ariqat, and Reham Ariqat.
(60) Hazem A. Al-Masri and Maha H. Al-Masri.
(61) Tawfiq M. Al-taher and Rola T. Al-Taher.
(62) Nadeem Mirza.
(c) Waiver of Certain Grounds for Inadmissibility.--The provisions
of subsection (e) and paragraphs (4), (5), and (7)(A) of subsection (a)
of section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act shall not apply
to adjustment of status under this Act and the Attorney General may
waive any other provision of section 212 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (other than paragraph (2)(C) and subparagraphs (A),
(B), (C), or (E) of paragraph (3)) with respect to such an adjustment
for humanitarian purposes, to assure family unity, or when it is
otherwise in the public interest.
(d) Date of Approval.--Upon the approval of an application for
adjustment of status under this section, the Attorney General shall
create a record of the alien's admission as an alien lawfully admitted
for permanent residence as of the date of the alien's parole or other
admission into the United States.
(e) Offset in Number of Visas Available.--Upon each granting to an
alien of the status of having been lawfully admitted for permanent
residence under this section, the Secretary of State shall instruct the
proper officer to reduce by 1, during the current or next following
fiscal year, the total number of immigrant visas that are made
available to natives of the country of the alien's birth under section
203(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act or, if applicable, the
total number of immigrant visas that are made available to natives of
the country of the alien's birth under section 202(e) of such Act.
(f) Temporary Stay of Removal and Work Authorization.--The Attorney
General--
(1) shall refrain from deporting or removing from the
United States an alien who is eligible for adjustment of status
under this section, but who is not yet lawfully admitted for
permanent residence; and
(2) shall authorize such an alien to engage in employment
in the United States. | Directs the Attorney General to adjust the status of specified Persian Gulf evacuees to permanent resident. | For the relief of certain Persian Gulf evacuees. |
.
(a) In General.--
(1) Chapter 13 of title 31, United States Code, is amended
by inserting after section 1310 the following new section:
``Sec. 1311. Continuing appropriations
``(a)(1) If any regular appropriation bill for a fiscal year does
not become law prior to the beginning of such fiscal year, there is
appropriated, out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise
appropriated, and out of applicable corporate or other revenues,
receipts, and funds, such sums as may be necessary to continue any
project or activity for which funds were provided in the preceding
fiscal year--
``(A) in the corresponding regular appropriation Act for
such preceding fiscal year; or
``(B) if the corresponding regular appropriation bill for
such preceding fiscal year did not become law, pursuant to this
section.
``(2) Appropriations and funds made available, and authority
granted, for a project or activity for any fiscal year pursuant to this
section shall be at a rate of operations not in excess of the lower
of--
``(A) the rate of operations provided for in the regular
appropriation Act providing for such project or activity for
the preceding fiscal year, or
``(B) in the absence of such an Act, the rate of operations
provided for such project or activity pursuant to this section
for such preceding fiscal year.
``(3) Appropriations and funds made available, and authority
granted, for any fiscal year pursuant to this section for a project or
activity shall be available for the period beginning with the first day
of such fiscal year and ending with the earlier of--
``(A) the date on which the applicable regular
appropriation bill for such fiscal year becomes law (whether or
not such law provides for such project or activity), and
``(B) the last day of such fiscal year.
``(b) An appropriation or funds made available, or authority
granted, for a project or activity for any fiscal year pursuant to this
section shall be subject to the terms and conditions imposed with
respect to the appropriation made, funds made available, or authority
granted for such project or activity for the preceding fiscal year.
``(c) Appropriations and funds made available, and authority
granted, for any project or activity for any fiscal year pursuant to
this section shall cover all obligations or expenditures incurred for
such project or activity during the portion of such fiscal year for
which this section applies to such project or activity.
``(d) Expenditures made for a project or activity for any fiscal
year pursuant to this section shall be charged to the applicable
appropriation, fund, or authorization whenever a regular appropriation
bill providing for such project or activity for such period becomes
law.
``(e) No appropriation is made by reason of subparagraph (B) of
subsection (a)(1) for a fiscal year for any project or activity for
which there is no authorization of appropriations for such fiscal year.
``(f) This section shall not apply to a project or activity during
a fiscal year if any other provision of law (other than an
authorization of appropriations)--
``(1) makes an appropriation, makes funds available, or
grants authority for such project or activity to continue for
such period, or
``(2) specifically provides that no appropriation shall be
made, no funds shall be made available, or no authority shall
be granted for such project or activity to continue for such
period.
``(g) For purposes of this section `regular appropriation bill'
means any regular appropriation bill (within the meaning given to such
term in section 307 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C.
638)) making appropriations, otherwise making funds available, or
granting authority, for any of the following categories of projects and
activities:
``(1) Agriculture, rural development, and related agencies
programs.
``(2) The Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the
judiciary, and related agencies.
``(3) The Department of Defense.
``(4) The government of the District of Columbia and other
activities chargeable in whole or in part against the revenues
of the District.
``(5) The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services,
and Education, and related agencies.
``(6) The Department of Housing and Urban Development, and
sundry independent agencies, boards, commissions, corporations,
and offices.
``(7) Energy and water development.
``(8) Foreign assistance and related programs.
``(9) The Department of the Interior and related agencies.
``(10) Military construction.
``(11) The Department of Transportation and related
agencies.
``(12) The Treasury Department, the U.S. Postal Service,
the Executive Office of the President, and certain independent
agencies.
``(13) The legislative branch.''.
(2) The analysis of chapter 13 of title 31, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 1310 the following new item:
``1311. Continuing appropriations.''.
(3) The amendments made by this subsection shall apply with
respect to fiscal years beginning after September 30, 1993.
(b) Point of Order Against Continuing Resolutions.--
(1) It shall not be in order in the House of
Representatives or the Senate to consider or to vote on the
question of agreeing to any bill or joint resolution making
continuing appropriations for a fiscal year or any conference
report thereon.
(2) Paragraph (1) may be waived or suspended in the Senate
by a vote of three-fifths of the Members, duly chosen and
sworn.
(3) If the ruling of the presiding officer sustains a point
of order raised pursuant to paragraph (1), a vote of three-
fifths of the Members duly chosen and sworn shall be required
to sustain an appeal of such ruling. Debate on any such appeal
shall be limited to two hours, to be equally divided between,
and controlled by, the majority leader and the minority leader
or their designees. An appeal of any such point of order is not
subject to a motion to table. | Amends Federal law to continue appropriations automatically if a regular appropriations bill covering a project or activity does not become law by the beginning of a fiscal year. Continues appropriations at the funding level of the preceding fiscal year or, if the relevant Act did not become law, in accordance with criteria prescribed in this Act.
Declares it to be out of order in the House of Representatives or in the Senate to consider or to vote on the question of agreeing to any continuing appropriations legislation. Permits a waiver of this restriction in the Senate by a three-fifths vote. | To amend title 31, United States Code, to provide an automatic continuing appropriation for the United States Government. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Waste Terrorist Threat
Assessment and Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City,
Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania were the deadliest and
costliest terrorist attacks against the United States in its
history, resulting in the deaths of over 5,000 people at the
World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Pennsylvania crash site.
(2) The economic and cleanup costs as a result of the
September 11 terrorist attacks are estimated at
$100,000,000,000 in New York City alone.
(3) The attacks have resulted in massive economic
disruption to the United States. The New York Stock Exchange's
Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped over 12 percent and the
NASDAQ market dropped 11.7 percent within the first 2 weeks
after the attacks.
(4) The September 11 attacks represent a dramatic expansion
in the ability of terrorists to inflict massive damage,
including the wide-scale loss of human life and economic
disruption to the United States and the world.
(5) Terrorists are willing to use any and all methods to
bring about their desire to destroy human life and property.
(6) The terrorists who attacked the United States have
demonstrated their willingness and desire to target innocent
civilians.
(7) Terrorists can be expected to continue to improve their
destructive capabilities. Their networks have become more
sophisticated and resourceful in carrying out heinous acts of
destruction.
(8) To counter this threat, the United States should take
every reasonable step, consistent with the principles upon
which this country was founded, to restrict terrorists' ability
to inflict damage against the United States.
(9) Instead of making the United States safer, the proposed
Yucca Mountain Project, as currently designed, would give
terrorists a huge, easy-to-attack target that, at any point,
could cause massive economic and civilian casualties within the
United States.
(10) The Yucca Mountain Project proposes to ship 77,000
tons of deadly high-level radioactive nuclear waste throughout
the United States over the next 30 to 40 years. High-level
radioactive nuclear waste is one of the most toxic substances
known to mankind.
(11) The waste would be transported by rail and by truck
through at least 43 States, through hundreds of cities and
towns, and through more than 360 congressional districts.
(12) Findings of the Nevada State Nuclear Projects Agency
demonstrate that a July 18 train accident in a Baltimore tunnel
created a situation that would have been hot enough to breach a
nuclear waste cask and release a cloud of suspended,
radioactive particles. Such findings conclude that
contamination of this sort would spread over 33 square miles,
cost more than $13,000,000,000 to clean up, and cause up to
31,824 cancer-related deaths;
(13) At almost every stage of the Yucca Mountain Project,
high-level radioactive nuclear waste would be very vulnerable
to terrorist attacks. Terrorists could attack or steal the
waste as it travels on our roads, highways, railways, or
waterways, as it is stored or moved at intermodal storage
facilities, storage depots, or at the proposed repository
itself.
(14) The United States Government, in attempting to
implement the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, has not
sufficiently addressed the threat of terrorist attacks.
(15) The Department of Energy has failed to address the
Yucca Mountain Project's vulnerability to terrorism and
sabotage, intrusions, trespassing, vandalism, arson, and bomb-
related incidents, as expressed by the State of Nevada and
independent researchers throughout the country.
(16) The Department of Energy's methodology for assessing
risks seriously underestimates those associated with sabotage
and terrorism against radioactive shipments, waste stored at
intermodal storage facilities, storage depots, and at Yucca
Mountain itself.
(17) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the agency in
charge of protecting public health and safety and the
environment from the harmful effects of nuclear waste, has not
revised its rules regarding the transportation of nuclear waste
since the early 1970s. The antiquated rules do not address
modern-day threats and weapons, nor the increased risk posed by
today's most violent and maniacal terrorists.
SEC. 3. YUCCA MOUNTAIN PROJECT VULNERABILITY AND DEFENSE PLAN.
The Office of Homeland Security shall coordinate the development
and implementation of an interagency plan, in conjunction with
appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies and with public input,
to prepare for and defend against Federal crimes of terrorism targeting
any aspect of the Yucca Mountain Project. The interagency plan shall--
(1) include a comprehensive analysis of the safety and
vulnerability to Federal crimes of terrorism of the Yucca
Mountain Project;
(2) address attacks against--
(A) rail, truck, and barge shipments of nuclear
waste;
(B) facilities, equipment, infrastructure, and
vehicles used for such shipments of nuclear waste;
(C) personnel working for the Yucca Mountain
Project;
(D) all intermediary, staging, transfer,
intermodal, and temporary storage facilities used for
shipping nuclear waste to the Yucca Mountain
repository;
(E) Yucca Mountain repository facilities, vehicles,
and equipment;
(F) all water and power systems used by the Yucca
Mountain Project; and
(G) nuclear waste containers for transportation,
transfer, or storage;
(3) give special emphasis to addressing--
(A) the use of nuclear waste as a radiological
weapon;
(B) the use of high-energy explosives, anti-tank
missiles, armor piercing technologies, and other
sophisticated technologies; and
(C) sabotage or theft of high-level nuclear waste;
(4) include a comprehensive strategy for defending the
Yucca Mountain Project against all Federal crimes of terrorism,
which shall address--
(A) vulnerabilities analyzed under paragraph (1);
(B) the defense of the Yucca Mountain Project
against air and ground assaults, truck bombs, attacks
using sophisticated armor piercing technologies,
suicide attacks, and other potential military-style
attacks;
(C) credible worst-case assumptions about the
timing and location of potential attacks;
(D) the effects of weather conditions during and
after attacks;
(E) the use of expanded no-fly zones, and the
development of policy regarding infractions of a no-fly
zone over key areas involved in the Yucca Mountain
Project, with emphasis paid to whether the size of the
no-fly zone is sufficient to protect against an
airborne attack, ways of defending against this type of
attack, and whether there is ample time for our
national defense to defend against an infraction of the
no-fly zone;
(F) the use of background and security checks of
all personnel related to the transport of nuclear waste
to Yucca Mountain;
(G) developing a uniform Federal standard for the
use of deadly force to protect all aspects of the Yucca
Mountain Project; and
(H) specific rules of engagement for a potential
airborne attack; and
(5) an analysis of the economic, public health, and
environmental costs and impacts of implementing the plan.
SEC. 4. YUCCA MOUNTAIN PROJECT TERRORISM CONSEQUENCE ASSESSMENT AND
RESPONSE PLAN.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with
appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies, shall coordinate the
development and implementation of a comprehensive interagency plan to
ensure that Federal, State, and local government response plans and
programs can respond adequately to the consequences of Federal crimes
of terrorism directed against any stage of the Yucca Mountain Project.
The plan shall include--
(1) necessary preresponse preparations and evacuation plans
for Federal, State, and local governments;
(2) procedures for notifying State and local emergency
response units when nuclear waste is transported through their
local area;
(3) an analysis and a comprehensive set of procedures to
address the impacts of Federal crimes of terrorism that result
in a release of radioactive materials including--
(A) immediate and long term public health effects;
(B) environmental impacts, broadly defined;
(C) direct socioeconomic impacts, including cleanup
and disposal costs and opportunity costs, to affected
individuals and businesses; and
(D) indirect socioeconomic impacts, including
economic losses resulting from perceptions of risk and
stigma effects; and
(4) a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of the economic,
public health, and environmental effects of implementing the
plan. The analysis shall include the repercussions and costs
from a wide range of types of Federal crimes of terrorism.
SEC. 5. TECHNICAL REVIEW.
The Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and the
Federal Emergency Management Agency shall enter into appropriate
arrangements with the National Research Council for technical review of
the plans developed under sections 3 and 4, respectively. Such reviews
shall--
(1) address the strengths and shortcomings of the analyses
and preparations set forth in the plans; and
(2) pay special attention to--
(A) the need for physical testing, including full-
scale and scale model testing, to evaluate weapons
capabilities;
(B) container vulnerability to high-energy
explosive devices, and the effects on nuclear waste;
and
(C) the appropriateness of existing computer models
for evaluating near-site environmental dispersion of
released radionuclides, resulting health effects, and
cleanup and disposal requirements.
SEC. 6. GOVERNMENT LIABILITY OF YUCCA MOUNTAIN PROJECT CONTRACTING.
The Assistant to the President for Homeland Security shall prepare
and transmit to the Congress a report on the potential liability costs
and damages resulting from a wide range of Federal crimes of terrorism
against the Yucca Mountain Project. Such report must be transmitted
before the Secretary of Energy may make a positive recommendation to
the President under section 114(a) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of
1982 (42 U.S.C. 10134(a)).
SEC. 7. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY RECOMMENDATION.
The Secretary of Energy shall not make a positive recommendation to
the President under section 114(a) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of
1982 (42 U.S.C. 10134(a)), and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission shall
not issue any license for a repository at Yucca Mountain, unless--
(1) the interagency plans required under sections 3 and 4
are completed and included in the final environmental impact
statement for Yucca Mountain, and all rules and recommendations
implemented completely;
(2) public hearings have been held for all affected
populations; and
(3) the Secretary has certified that all facets of the
Yucca Mountain Project are not vulnerable to Federal crimes of
terrorism.
SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act--
(1) the term ``Federal crime of terrorism'' has the meaning
given that term in section 2332b(g)(5) of title 18, United
States Code; and
(2) the term ``Yucca Mountain Project'' means all aspects
of the high-level nuclear waste repository currently being
studied at Yucca Mountain. The term includes all Department of
Energy transportation plans, interim storage facilities,
intermodal transfer facilities, repositories, and any other
site where high-level waste will be handled in relation to the
Yucca Mountain Project. | Nuclear Waste Terrorist Threat Assessment and Protection Act - Directs the Office of Homeland Security to coordinate the development and implementation of an interagency plan to prepare for and defend against terrorist crimes targeting the Yucca Mountain Project (high-level nuclear waste repository being studied at Yucca Mountain, Nevada).Requires that the plan: (1) include a comprehensive analysis of the safety and vulnerability of the Project to terrorism; (2) address specified types of attacks; (3) give special emphasis to addressing the use of nuclear waste as a radiological weapon, the use of specified technologies, and sabotage or theft of high-level nuclear waste; and (4) include a comprehensive strategy for defending against terrorism and an analysis of the economic, public health, and environmental costs and impacts of implementing the plan.Directs: (1) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate the development and implementation of a comprehensive interagency plan; and (2) the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and FEMA to enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Research Council for technical review of the plans and to report to Congress on the potential liability costs and damages resulting from terrorism against the Project.Prohibits the Secretary of Energy from making a positive recommendation regarding, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from issuing a license for, a Yucca Mountain repository unless specified conditions are met, including that public hearings have been held for affected populations and the Secretary has certified that the Project is not vulnerable to terrorism. | To provide for interagency planning for preparing for, defending against, and responding to the consequences of terrorist attacks against the Yucca Mountain Project, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The 23d Headquarters Special Troops, comprised of the
23d Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops, the
603d Engineer Camouflage Battalion, the 406th Combat Engineer
Company, the 3132d Signal Service Company and the Signal
Company, Special, 23d Headquarters, Special Troops) and the
3133d Signal Service Company were top-secret units of the
United States Army that served in Europe during World War II.
(2) The 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, was actively
engaged in battlefield operations from June of 1944 through
March of 1945. The 3133d Signal Service Company was engaged in
operations in Italy in 1945.
(3) The deceptive activities of these units were integral
to several Allied victories across Europe and reduced American
casualties.
(4) In evaluating the performance of these units after the
War, a U.S. Army analysis found that ``Rarely, if ever, has
there been a group of such a few men which had so great an
influence on the outcome of a major military campaign.''.
(5) Many Ghost Army soldiers were citizen-soldiers
recruited from art schools, advertising agencies,
communications companies, and other creative and technical
professions.
(6) The first four members of the 23d Headquarters, Special
Troops, landed on D-Day and two became casualties while
creating false beach landing sites.
(7) The 23d Headquarters Special Troops, secret deception
operations commenced in France on June 14, 1944, when Task
Force Mason, a 17-man detachment of the 23d led by First
Lieutenant Bernard Mason, landed at Omaha Beach. Task Force
Mason conducted Operation ELEPHANT between 1 and 4 July, 1944,
to draw enemy fire and protect the 980th Field Artillery
Battalion (VIII Corps) as part of the Normandy Campaign.
(8) Operation ELEPHANT was a prelude to 21 full-scale
tactical deceptions completed by the 23d Headquarters, Special
Troops.
(9) Often operating on or near the front lines, the 23d
Headquarters, Special Troops, used inflatable tanks, artillery,
airplanes and other vehicles, advanced engineered soundtracks,
and skillfully crafted radio trickery to create the illusion of
sizable American forces where there were none and to draw the
enemy away from Allied troops.
(10) The 3132d and the 3133d Signal Service Companies,
activated in Pine Camp (now Fort Drum), New York, at the Army
Experimental Station in March 1944, were the only two active
duty ``sonic deception'' ground combat units in World War II.
(11) Soldiers of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops,
impersonated other, larger Army units by sewing counterfeit
patches onto their uniforms, painting false markings on their
vehicles, and creating phony headquarters staffed by fake
generals, all in an effort to feed false information to Axis
spies.
(12) During the Battle of the Bulge, the 23d Headquarters,
Special Troops created counterfeit radio traffic to mask the
efforts of General George Patton's Third Army as it mobilized
to break through to the 101st Airborne and elements of 10th
Armored Division in the besieged Belgian town of Bastogne.
(13) In its final mission, Operation VIERSEN, in March
1945, the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, conducted a
tactical deception that drew German units down the Rhine River
and away from the Ninth Army, allowing the Ninth Army to cross
the Rhine into Germany. On this mission, the 1,100 men of the
Ghost Army, with the assistance of other units, impersonated
forty thousand men, or two complete divisions of American
forces, by using fabricated radio networks, soundtracks of
construction work and artillery fire, and more than 600
inflatable vehicles. According to a military intelligence
officer of the 79th Infantry, ``There is no doubt that
Operation VIERSEN materially assisted in deceiving the enemy
with regard to the real dispositions and intentions of this
Army.''.
(14) Three soldiers of the 23d Headquarters, Special
Troops, gave their lives and dozens were injured in carrying
out their mission.
(15) In April 1945, the 3133d Signal Service Company
conducted Operation CRAFTSMAN in support of Operation SECOND
WIND, the successful allied effort to break through the German
defensive position to the north of Florence, Italy, known as
the Gothic Line. Along with an attached platoon of British
engineers, who were inflatable decoy specialists, the 3133d
Signal Service Company used sonic deception to misrepresent
troop locations along this defensive line.
(16) The activities of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops
and the 3133d Signal Service Company remained highly classified
for more than forty years after the war and were never formally
recognized. The extraordinary accomplishments of this unit are
deserving of belated official recognition.
(17) The United States is eternally grateful to the
soldiers of the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops and the 3133d
Signal Service Company for their proficient use of innovative
tactics throughout World War II, which saved lives and made
significant contributions to the defeat of the Axis powers.
SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Award Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives
and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate
arrangements for the award, on behalf of the Congress, of a gold medal
of appropriate design to the 23d Headquarters, Special Troops, known as
the ``Ghost Army'', collectively, in recognition of its unique and
incredible service during World War II.
(b) Design and Striking.--For the purposes of the award referred to
in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (in this Act referred
to as the ``Secretary'') shall strike the gold medal with suitable
emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary.
(c) Smithsonian Institution.--
(1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal in
honor of the Ghost Army, the gold medal shall be given to the
Smithsonian Institution, where it will be available for display
as appropriate and available for research.
(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal
awarded pursuant to this Act available for display elsewhere,
particularly at appropriate locations associated with the Ghost
Army, and that preference should be given to locations
affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.
SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold
medal struck under section 3, at a price sufficient to cover the costs
of the medal, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and
overhead expenses.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL MEDAL.
The gold medal struck pursuant to this Act is a national medal for
purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code. | Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, known as the "Ghost Army," collectively, in recognition of its service during World War II. The bill expresses the sense of Congress that the Smithsonian Institution should make the medal available for display elsewhere, particularly at appropriate locations associated with the Ghost Army, and that preference should be given to locations affiliated with the Smithsonian. | Ghost Army Congressional Gold Medal Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Upper Mississippi
River Basin Protection Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents of this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
Sec. 3. Reliance on sound science.
TITLE I--SEDIMENT AND NUTRIENT MONITORING NETWORK
Sec. 101. Establishment of monitoring network.
Sec. 102. Data collection and storage responsibilities.
Sec. 103. Relationship to existing sediment and nutrient monitoring.
Sec. 104. Collaboration with other public and private monitoring
efforts.
Sec. 105. Reporting requirements.
Sec. 106. National Research Council assessment.
TITLE II--COMPUTER MODELING AND RESEARCH
Sec. 201. Computer modeling and research of sediment and nutrient
sources.
Sec. 202. Use of electronic means to distribute information.
Sec. 203. Reporting requirements.
TITLE III--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS AND RELATED MATTERS
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 302. Cost-sharing requirements.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) The terms ``Upper Mississippi River Basin'' and
``Basin'' mean the watershed portion of the Upper Mississippi
River and Illinois River basins, from Cairo, Illinois, to the
headwaters of the Mississippi River, in the States of
Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. The
designation includes the Kaskaskia watershed along the Illinois
River and the Meramec watershed along the Missouri River.
(2) The terms ``Upper Mississippi River Stewardship
Initiative'' and ``Initiative'' mean the activities authorized
or required by this Act to monitor nutrient and sediment loss
in the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
(3) The term ``sound science'' refers to the use of
accepted and documented scientific methods to identify and
quantify the sources, transport, and fate of nutrients and
sediment and to quantify the effect of various treatment
methods or conservation measures on nutrient and sediment loss.
Sound science requires the use of documented protocols for data
collection and data analysis, and peer review of the data,
results, and findings.
SEC. 3. RELIANCE ON SOUND SCIENCE.
It is the policy of Congress that Federal investments in the Upper
Mississippi River Basin must be guided by sound science.
TITLE I--SEDIMENT AND NUTRIENT MONITORING NETWORK
SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT OF MONITORING NETWORK.
(a) Establishment.--As part of the Upper Mississippi River
Stewardship Initiative, the Secretary of the Interior shall establish a
sediment and nutrient monitoring network for the Upper Mississippi
River Basin for the purposes of--
(1) identifying and evaluating significant sources of
sediment and nutrients in the Upper Mississippi River Basin;
(2) quantifying the processes affecting mobilization,
transport, and fate of those sediments and nutrients on land
and in water;
(3) quantifying the transport of those sediments and
nutrients to and through the Upper Mississippi River Basin;
(4) recording changes to sediment and nutrient loss over
time;
(5) providing coordinated data to be used in computer
modeling of the Basin, pursuant to section 201; and
(6) identifying major sources of sediment and nutrients
within the Basin for the purpose of targeting resources to
reduce sediment and nutrient loss.
(b) Role of United States Geological Survey.--The Secretary of the
Interior shall carry out this title acting through the office of the
Director of the United States Geological Survey.
SEC. 102. DATA COLLECTION AND STORAGE RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) Guidelines for Data Collection and Storage.--The Secretary of
the Interior shall establish guidelines for the effective design of
data collection activities regarding sediment and nutrient monitoring,
for the use of suitable and consistent methods for data collection, and
for consistent reporting, data storage, and archiving practices.
(b) Release of Data.--Data resulting from sediment and nutrient
monitoring in the Upper Mississippi River Basin shall be released to
the public using generic station identifiers and hydrologic unit codes.
In the case of a monitoring station located on private lands,
information regarding the location of the station shall not be
disseminated without the landowner's permission.
(c) Protection of Privacy.--Data resulting from sediment and
nutrient monitoring in the Upper Mississippi River Basin is not subject
to the mandatory disclosure provisions of section 552 of title 5,
United States Code, but may be released only as provided in subsection
(b).
SEC. 103. RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING SEDIMENT AND NUTRIENT MONITORING.
(a) Inventory.--To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary of
the Interior shall inventory the sediment and nutrient monitoring
efforts, in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act, of
Federal, State, local, and nongovernmental entities for the purpose of
creating a baseline understanding of overlap, data gaps and
redundancies.
(b) Integration.--On the basis of the inventory, the Secretary of
the Interior shall integrate the existing sediment and nutrient
monitoring efforts, to the maximum extent practicable, into the
sediment and nutrient monitoring network required by section 101.
(c) Consultation and Use of Existing Data.--In carrying out this
section, the Secretary of the Interior shall make maximum use of data
in existence as of the date of the enactment of this Act and of ongoing
programs and efforts of Federal, State, tribal, local, and
nongovernmental entities in developing the sediment and nutrient
monitoring network required by section 101.
(d) Coordination With Long-Term Estuary Assessment Project.--The
Secretary of the Interior shall carry out this section in coordination
with the long-term estuary assessment project authorized by section 902
of the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-457; 33
U.S.C. 2901 note).
SEC. 104. COLLABORATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MONITORING
EFFORTS.
To establish the sediment and nutrient monitoring network, the
Secretary of the Interior shall collaborate, to the maximum extent
practicable, with other Federal, State, tribal, local and private
sediment and nutrient monitoring programs that meet guidelines
prescribed under section 102(a), as determined by the Secretary.
SEC. 105. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
The Secretary of the Interior shall report to Congress not later
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act on the
development of the sediment and nutrient monitoring network.
SEC. 106. NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL ASSESSMENT.
The National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences
shall conduct a comprehensive water resources assessment of the Upper
Mississippi River Basin.
TITLE II--COMPUTER MODELING AND RESEARCH
SEC. 201. COMPUTER MODELING AND RESEARCH OF SEDIMENT AND NUTRIENT
SOURCES.
(a) Modeling Program Required.--As part of the Upper Mississippi
River Stewardship Initiative, the Director of the United States
Geological Survey shall establish a modeling program to identify
significant sources of sediment and nutrients in the Upper Mississippi
River Basin.
(b) Role.--Computer modeling shall be used to identify
subwatersheds which are significant sources of sediment and nutrient
loss and shall be made available for the purposes of targeting public
and private sediment and nutrient reduction efforts.
(c) Components.--Sediment and nutrient models for the Upper
Mississippi River Basin shall include the following:
(1) Models to relate nutrient loss to landscape, land use,
and land management practices.
(2) Models to relate sediment loss to landscape, land use,
and land management practices.
(3) Models to define river channel nutrient transformation
processes.
(d) Collection of Ancillary Information.--Ancillary information
shall be collected in a GIS format to support modeling and management
use of modeling results, including the following:
(1) Land use data.
(2) Soils data.
(3) Elevation data.
(4) Information on sediment and nutrient reduction
improvement actions.
(5) Remotely sense data.
SEC. 202. USE OF ELECTRONIC MEANS TO DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Director of the United States Geological Survey shall establish a
system that uses the telecommunications medium known as the Internet to
provide information regarding the following:
(1) Public and private programs designed to reduce sediment
and nutrient loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
(2) Information on sediment and nutrient levels in the
Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries.
(3) Successful sediment and nutrient reduction projects.
SEC. 203. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Monitoring Activities.--Commencing one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Director of the United States Geological
Survey shall provide to Congress and make available to the public an
annual report regarding monitoring activities conducted in the Upper
Mississippi River Basin.
(b) Modeling Activities.--Every three years, the Director of the
United States Geological Survey shall provide to Congress and make
available to the public a progress report regarding modeling
activities.
TITLE III--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS AND RELATED MATTERS
SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) United States Geological Survey Activities.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to the United States Geological Survey
$6,250,000 each fiscal year to carry out this Act (other than section
106). Of the amounts appropriated for a fiscal year pursuant to this
authorization of appropriations, one-third shall be made available for
the United States Geological Survey Cooperative Water Program and the
remainder shall be made available for the United States Geological
Survey Hydrologic Networks and Analysis Program.
(b) Water Resource and Water Quality Management Assessment.--There
is authorized to be appropriated $650,000 to allow the National
Research Council to perform the assessment required by section 106.
SEC. 302. COST-SHARING REQUIREMENTS.
Funds made available for the United States Geological Survey
Cooperative Water Program under section 301(a) shall be subject to the
same cost sharing requirements as specified in the last proviso under
the heading ``United States Geological Survey-surveys, investigations,
and research'' of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies
Appropriations Act, 2002 (Public Law 107-63; 115 Stat. 427; 43 U.S.C.
50).
Passed the House of Representatives March 25, 2003.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced in the House on February 27, 2003. However, because action occurred on the measure, the summary has been expanded.)Upper Mississippi River Basin Protection Act - Declares that it is the policy of Congress that Federal investments in the Upper Mississippi River Basin must be guided by sound science.Title I: Sediment and Nutrient Monitoring Network - (Sec. 101) Directs the Secretary of the Interior (acting through the office of the Director of the United States Geological Survey (USGS)), as part of the Upper Mississippi River Stewardship Initiative, to establish a nutrient and sediment monitoring network for the River Basin to: (1) identify and evaluate sources of sediments and nutrients; (2) quantify the processes affecting mobilization, transport, and fate of those sediments and nutrients on land and in water; (3) quantify their transport to and through the Basin; (4) record changes to sediment and nutrient loss; (5) provide coordinated data to be used in computer modeling of the Basin; and (6) identify major sources for targeting resources to reduce sediment and nutrient loss.(Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to establish guidelines for related data collection and storage activities. Requires such data to be released to the public using generic station identifiers and hydrologic codes. Prohibits information regarding the location of a monitoring station on private lands from being disseminated without the landowner's permission.(Sec. 103) Directs the Secretary: (1) to inventory the sediment and nutrient monitoring efforts of governmental and nongovernmental entities for the purpose of creating a baseline understanding of overlap, data gaps, and redundancies; and (2) based on such inventory, to integrate such efforts into the monitoring network. Requires that such activities be carried out in coordination with the long-term estuary assessment project authorized under the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000.(Sec. 104) Directs the Secretary to collaborate with other public and private monitoring programs in establishing the monitoring network.(Sec. 105) Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the development of such network.(Sec. 106) Directs the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a water resources assessment of the Basin.Title II: Computer Modeling and Research - (Sec. 201) Requires the USGS Director, as part of the Initiative, to establish a computer modeling program of nutrient and sediment sources in the Basin. Requires such modeling to: (1) be used to identify subwatersheds that are significant sources of sediment and nutrient loss;(2) be made available for targeting public and private sediment and nutrient reduction efforts; and (3) include models to relate nutrient and sediment loss to landscape, land use, and land management practices and to define river channel nutrient transformation processes. Requires the collection of ancillary information in a GIS format to support modeling and management use of modeling results.(Sec. 202) Requires the Director to establish an Internet-based system to provide information about nutrient and sediment loss reduction programs and successful projects and about nutrient and sediment levels in the Upper Mississippi River and its tributaries.(Sec. 203) Requires the Director to provide to Congress and the public: (1) annual reports regarding monitoring activities conducted in the Basin; and (2) triennial progress reports regarding modeling activities.Title III: Authorization of Appropriations and Related Matters - (Sec. 301) Authorizes appropriations to: (1) the USGS to carry out this Act, of which one-third of appropriated amounts shall be made available for the Cooperative Water Program and the remainder for the Hydrologic Networks and Analysis Program; and (2) allow the National Research Council to perform the water resources assessment.(Sec. 302) Subjects funds for the Cooperative Water Program to the same cost sharing requirements as specified in a certain proviso under the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002 for USGS surveys, investigations, and research. | To promote Department of the Interior efforts to provide a scientific basis for the management of sediment and nutrient loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Public Private Vocational
Partnership Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. DONATIONS TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES FOR
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PURPOSES.
(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 new section:
``SEC. 45R. DONATIONS TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY COLLEGES FOR
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PURPOSES.
``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 38, in the case of a
corporation (as defined in section 170(e)(4)(D)), the vocational
education donation credit determined under this section for the taxable
year is an amount equal to the sum of--
``(1) 90 percent of the fair market value of qualified
property donations made during the taxable year, plus
``(2) the aggregate of the intern credit amounts.
``(b) Limitations.--
``(1) Qualified property donations.--The amount allowed as
a credit under subsection (a)(1) shall not exceed $50,000.
``(2) Intern credit amount.--
``(A) In general.--The amount allowed as a credit
under subsection (a)(2) with respect to a qualified
intern shall be the amount equal to $100 multiplied by
the number of months during the taxable year in which
the intern was an employee of the taxpayer.
``(B) Aggregate per intern credit amounts.--The
aggregate amount allowed to the taxpayer as a credit
under subsection (a)(2) for the taxable year shall not
exceed $6,000.
``(c) Qualified Property Donations.--For purposes of this section,
the term `qualified property donations' means a charitable contribution
(as defined in section 170(c)) of tangible personal property if--
``(1) the contribution is to an educational organization
described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii) which is a secondary
school, community college, or technical school,
``(2) substantially all of the use of the property by the
donee is for use within the United States for educational
purposes that are related to the purpose or function of the
donee,
``(3) the property is not transferred by the donee in
exchange for money, other property, or services, except for
shipping, installation and transfer costs,
``(4) the property will fit productively into the donee's
education plan,
``(5) the donee's use and disposition of the property will
be in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (2), (3),
and (4), and
``(6) the property meets such standards, if any, as the
Secretary may prescribe by regulation to assure that the
property meets minimum functionality and suitability standards
for educational purposes.
``(d) Qualified Intern.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified intern' means an
individual--
``(A) who is enrolled full-time as a student in a
secondary school or community college, and
``(B) who is employed for not more than 20 hours
per week by the taxpayer as part of a vocational
education course approved by such school or college.
``(2) Secondary school.--The term `secondary school' means
a secondary school (as defined by section 9101(38) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7801(38)) which offers a program of education in vocational
education.
``(3) Community college.--The term `community college'
means a public or nonprofit private postsecondary regionally
accredited institution that provides not less than a 2-year
program of instruction that is acceptable for full credit
toward a bachelor's degree at an accredited institution and
whose highest degree offered is predominantly the associate
degree.
``(e) Aggregation Rule.--For purposes of subsection (b), all
persons treated as a single employer under subsection (a) or (b) of
section 52 or subsection (n) or (o) of section 414 shall be treated as
one person.
``(f) Coordination With Section 170(b).--The limitation which would
(but for this subsection) apply under section 170(b) for any taxable
year shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the fair market value of
property taken into account in determining the credit allowed under
subsection (a)(1) for such year.''.
(b) Credit To Be Part of General Business Credit.--Subsection (b)
of section 38 of such Code (relating to general business credit) is
amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (34), by striking
the period at the end of paragraph (35) and inserting ``, plus'', and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(36) in the case of a corporation (as defined in section
170(e)(4)(D)), the vocational education donation credit
determined under section 45R(a).''.
(c) Denial of Double Benefit.--Section 280C of such Code (relating
to certain expenses for which credits are allowable) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Vocational Education Donations.--The deduction otherwise
allowed for amounts taken into account under section 45R shall be
reduced by the amount of the credit determined under section 45R(a)
with respect to such amounts.''.
(d) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart D of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 45Q the following new
item:
``45R. Donations to secondary schools and community colleges for
vocational education purposes.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2009. | Public Private Vocational Partnership Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow corporations (other than S corporations, personal holding companies, and service organizations) a general business tax credit for: (1) charitable contributions to secondary schools, community colleges, or technical schools that provide vocational education; and (2) employing interns as part of a vocational education course approved by a secondary school or community college. | To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a business credit for donations for vocational educational purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Forest System Vegetation
Management Pilot Program Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. UTILITY INFRASTRUCTURE RIGHTS-OF-WAY VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) National forest system land.--
(A) In general.--The term ``National Forest System
land'' means land within the National Forest System, as
defined in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland
Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C.
1609(a)).
(B) Exclusions.--The term ``National Forest System
land'' does not include--
(i) a National Grassland; or
(ii) a land utilization project on land
designated as a National Grassland and
administered pursuant to sections 31, 32, and
33 of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (7
U.S.C. 1010, 1011, 1012).
(2) Passing wildfire.--The term ``passing wildfire'' means
a wildfire that originates outside of a right-of-way.
(3) Pilot program.--The term ``pilot program'' means the
pilot program established by the Secretary under subsection
(b).
(4) Right-of-way.--The term ``right-of-way'' means a
special use authorization issued by the Forest Service allowing
the placement of utility infrastructure.
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(6) Utility infrastructure.--The term ``utility
infrastructure'' means electric transmission lines, natural gas
infrastructure, or related structures.
(b) Establishment.--To encourage owners or operators of rights-of-
way on National Forest System land to partner with the Forest Service
to voluntarily conduct vegetation management projects on a proactive
basis to better protect utility infrastructure from potential passing
wildfires, the Secretary shall establish a limited, voluntary pilot
program, in the manner described in this section, to conduct vegetation
management projects on National Forest System land adjacent to or near
those rights-of-way.
(c) Eligible Participants.--
(1) In general.--A participant in the pilot program shall
be the owner or operator of a right-of-way on National Forest
System land.
(2) Selection priority.--In selecting participants for the
pilot program, the Secretary shall give priority to an owner or
operator of a right-of-way that has worked with Forest Service
fire scientists and used technologies, such as light detection
and ranging surveys, to improve utility infrastructure
protection prescriptions.
(d) Vegetation Management Projects.--
(1) In general.--A vegetation management project conducted
under the pilot program shall involve only limited and
selective vegetation management activities that--
(A) shall create the least disturbance reasonably
necessary to protect utility infrastructure from
passing wildfires based on applicable models, including
Forest Service fuel models;
(B) may include thinning, fuel reduction, creation
and treatment of shaded fuel breaks, and other
appropriate measures;
(C) shall only be conducted on National Forest
System land--
(i) adjacent to the right-of-way of a
participant; or
(ii) within 75 feet of the right-of-way of
a participant; and
(D) shall not be conducted on--
(i) a component of the National Wilderness
Preservation System;
(ii) a designated wilderness study area; or
(iii) an inventoried roadless area.
(2) Approval.--Each vegetation management project described
in paragraph (1) (including each vegetation management activity
described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of that paragraph)
shall be subject to approval by the Forest Service in
accordance with this section.
(e) Project Costs.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), a
participant in the pilot program shall be responsible for all
costs, as determined by the Secretary, incurred in
participating in the pilot program.
(2) Federal funding.--The Secretary may contribute funds
for a vegetation management project conducted under the pilot
program if the Secretary determines that the contribution is in
the public interest.
(f) Liability.--
(1) In general.--Participation in the pilot program shall
not affect any legal obligations or liability standards that--
(A) arise under the right-of-way for activities in
the right-of-way; or
(B) apply to fires resulting from causes other than
activities conducted pursuant to an approved vegetation
management project conducted under the pilot program.
(2) Project work.--A participant in the pilot program shall
not be liable to the United States for damage proximately
caused by an activity conducted pursuant to an approved
vegetation management project conducted under the pilot
program, unless--
(A) the activity was carried out in a manner that
was grossly negligent or that violated criminal law; or
(B) the damage was caused by the failure of the
participant to comply with specific safety requirements
expressly imposed by the Forest Service as a condition
of participation in the pilot program.
(g) Implementation.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
Secretary shall use the authority of the Secretary under other
laws (including regulations) to carry out the pilot program.
(2) Modification of regulations.--In order to implement the
pilot program in an efficient and expeditious manner, the
Secretary may waive or modify specific provisions of the
Federal Acquisition Regulation, including waivers or
modifications to allow for the formation of contracts or
agreements on a noncompetitive basis.
(h) Treatment of Proceeds.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Secretary may--
(1) retain any funds provided to the Forest Service by a
participant in the pilot program; and
(2) use funds retained under paragraph (1), in such amounts
as may be appropriated, to carry out the pilot program.
(i) Report to Congress.--Not later than December 31, 2019, and
every 2 years thereafter through December 31, 2027, the Secretary shall
submit a report describing the status of the pilot program and
vegetation management projects conducted under the pilot program to--
(1) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the
Senate;
(2) the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
of the Senate;
(3) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives; and
(4) the Committee on Agriculture of the House of
Representatives.
(j) Duration.--The authority to carry out the pilot program,
including any vegetation management project conducted under the pilot
program, expires on December 31, 2027. | National Forest System Vegetation Management Pilot Program Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to establish a limited, voluntary pilot program under which owners and operators of rights-of-way on National Forest System (NFS) land may conduct vegetation management projects on NFS land adjacent to or near those rights-of-way to better protect utility infrastructure from potential passing wildfires. USDA shall give priority to an owner or operator of a right-of-way that has worked with Forest Service fire scientists and used technologies to improve utility infrastructure protection prescriptions. Vegetation management projects shall involve only limited and selective vegetation management activities that: create the least amount of disturbance necessary to protect utility infrastructure from passing wildfires; may include thinning, fuel reduction, creation, and treatment of shaded fuel breaks; are conducted only on NFS land adjacent to the participant's right-of-way or within 75 feet of it; and are not conducted on a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System, a designated wilderness area, or an inventoried roadless area. Each vegetation management project, including each of those activities selected, shall be subject to approval by the Forest Service. | National Forest System Vegetation Management Pilot Program Act of 2017 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Openness in Political Expenditures
Now Act'' or the ``OPEN Act''.
SEC. 2. DISCLOSURE BY CORPORATIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS OF DISBURSEMENTS FOR
POLITICAL ACTIVITY.
(a) Disclosure Required.--Title III of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971 (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end the following new section:
``SEC. 325. DISCLOSURES BY CORPORATIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS OF INFORMATION
ON DISBURSEMENTS FOR CERTAIN POLITICAL ACTIVITY.
``(a) Including Information in Regular Periodic Reports.--
``(1) In general.--A corporation which submits regular,
periodic reports to its shareholders shall include in each such
report, in a clear and conspicuous manner, the information
described in paragraph (2) with respect to the disbursements
made by the corporation for covered political activity during
the period covered by the report, but only if the amount of the
disbursement made for such activity during the period covered
by the report equals or exceeds the applicable threshold for
the activity described in paragraph (3).
``(2) Information described.--The information described in
this paragraph is, for each disbursement for covered political
activity--
``(A) the date of the disbursement;
``(B) the amount of the disbursement;
``(C) in the case of a disbursement consisting of
an independent expenditure or an electioneering
communication, or in the case of a covered political
activity described in subsection (c)(3), the name of
the candidate identified in the independent expenditure
or electioneering communication involved, the
Commission ID assigned to the candidate, and the office
sought by the candidate; and
``(D) in the case of a covered political activity
described in subsection (c)(4), the identification of
the association or organization to whom the
disbursement was made, and the Commission ID (if any)
assigned to the association or organization.
``(3) Applicable threshold for disclosure.--For purposes of
paragraph (1), the `applicable threshold' with respect to a
disbursement for covered political activity during a period
covered by a report is as follows:
``(A) In the case of covered political activity
consisting of an independent expenditure, $250.
``(B) In the case of covered political activity
consisting of an electioneering communication or a
communication described in subsection (c)(3), $10,000.
``(C) In the case of covered political activity
consisting of a payment described in subsection (c)(4),
the amount of the limitation on contributions which is
in effect under section 315(a)(1)(C) as of the last day
of the period.
``(b) Submission of Statement to Commission.--
``(1) Submission of statement.--If a corporation includes
information in a report pursuant to this section, at the time
the corporation submits the report to its shareholders, the
corporation shall file a statement with the Commission
consisting of the information included in the report pursuant
to this section.
``(2) Hyperlink to information.--
``(A) Requiring posting of hyperlink.--If a
corporation maintains an Internet site, the corporation
shall post on such Internet site a hyperlink from its
homepage to the location on the Internet site of the
Commission which contains the statement filed by the
corporation under paragraph (1).
``(B) Deadline; duration of posting.--The
corporation shall post the hyperlink described in
subparagraph (A) not later than 24 hours after the
Commission posts the statement filed by the corporation
under paragraph (1) on the Internet site of the
Commission, and shall ensure that the hyperlink remains
on the Internet site of the corporation until the
expiration of the 1-year period which begins on the
date of the election with respect to which the
disbursements included in the statement are made.
``(c) Covered Political Activity Defined.--In this section, the
term `covered political activity' means each of the following:
``(1) An independent expenditure (as defined in section
301(17)).
``(2) An electioneering communication (as defined in
section 304(f)(3)).
``(3) A communication which would be treated as an
electioneering communication under section 304(f)(3) if the
communication had been a broadcast, cable, or satellite
communication.
``(4) The payment of dues or other amounts to a trade
association or to a section 501(c)(4) organization.
``(d) Other Definitions.--In this section, the following
definitions apply:
``(1) The term `corporation' means any corporation which is
subject to section 316(a).
``(2) The term `section 501(c)(4) organization' means any
organization described in paragraph (4) of section 501(c) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under
section 501(a) of such Code.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to reports described in section 325(a)(1) of the
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (as added by subsection (a))
which are filed after the expiration of the 90-day period which begins
on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. LIMITATION ON ENGAGING IN COVERED POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY
SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(C)(i) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an
entity for a taxable year if the total expenditures of
such entity for the taxable year for covered political
activity exceed the lesser of--
``(I) 10 percent of the total expenditures
of such entity for the taxable year, or
``(II) $10,000,000.
``(ii) Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to an
entity for a taxable year unless its governing
instrument includes provisions the effects of which are
to prohibit the expenditures of the entity for a
covered political activity from exceeding the threshold
specified in clause (i).
``(iii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the term
`covered political activity' means--
``(I) any activity described in paragraphs
(1) through (3) of section 325(c) of the
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971; and
``(II) any payment by the entity to any
other entity described in this paragraph or to
an organization described in paragraph (6)
which the payor entity knows, or has reason to
know, will be used directly or indirectly by
the payee entity or organization for any
activity referred to in subclause (I).
``(iv) Clause (i) shall not apply for a taxable
year for which the 10 percent threshold specified in
clause (i)(I) is exceeded by not more than a de minimis
amount if the Secretary determines that the reason for
exceeding the threshold was not willful and is due to
reasonable cause.
``(v) The Secretary shall prescribe such
regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to
prevent the avoidance of clause (i), including
regulations relating to a direct or indirect transfer
of all or part of the assets of an entity to an entity
controlled (directly or indirectly) by the same person
or persons who control the transferor entity.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 4. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Act or amendment made by this Act, or the
application of a provision or amendment to any person or circumstance,
is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act and
amendments made by this Act, and the application of the provisions and
amendment to any person or circumstance, shall not be affected by the
holding. | Openness in Political Expenditures Now Act or OPEN Act This bill amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to require a corporation that submits regular, periodic reports to its shareholders to include in each such report specified information on disbursements it has made for certain political activity (including independent expenditures and electioneering communications) during the period covered by the report. The amount of disbursements reported, however, is limited to the amount that equals or exceeds the applicable threshold for the covered political activity. "Applicable threshold" for a disbursement is defined as: (1) $250 for an independent expenditure, (2) $10,000 for an electioneering communication or another kind of communication meeting specified criteria, and (3) the amount of the applicable limitation on contributions in effect for payment of dues or other amounts to a trade association or to a tax-exempt social welfare organization. A Corporation reporting such expenditures shall: (1) file a statement about them with the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), and (2) post on its website (if any) a hyperlink from its homepage to this statement on the EAC website. This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to deny a tax exemption for a social welfare organization if: (1) its expenditures for the taxable year for covered political activity exceed the lesser of 10% of its total expenditures or $10 million, or (2) its governing instrument does not effectively prohibit its expenditures for a covered political activity from exceeding these thresholds. | OPEN Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Receiving Electronic Statements To
Improve Retiree Earnings Act''.
SEC. 2. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION OF PENSION PLAN INFORMATION.
(a) Amendments to Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974.--
(1) In general.--Part 1 of subtitle B of title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1021
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 112. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION OF PENSION PLAN INFORMATION.
``A document of any type that is required under this title to be
furnished to a plan participant, beneficiary, or other individual with
respect to a pension plan may be furnished in electronic form if--
``(1) the system for furnishing such a document--
``(A) is designed to result in effective access to
the document by the participant, beneficiary, or other
specified individual through electronic means,
including--
``(i) the direct delivery of material to an
electronic address of such participant,
beneficiary, or individual,
``(ii) the posting of material to a website
or other internet or electronic-based
information repository to which access has been
granted to such participant, beneficiary, or
individual, but only if proper notice of the
posting has been provided (which may include
notice furnished by other electronic means if
the content of the notice conveys the need to
take action to access the posted material), and
``(iii) other electronic means reasonably
calculated to ensure actual receipt of the
material by such participant, beneficiary, or
individual,
``(B) permits the participant, beneficiary, or
other individual to select among the specific
electronic means made available through which such a
document shall be furnished, to modify that selection
at any time, or to elect at any time to begin receiving
paper versions of such documents at no additional
direct cost to the individual, and
``(C) protects the confidentiality of personal
information relating to such participant's,
beneficiary's, or individual's accounts and benefits,
``(2) an annual paper notice is provided to each
participant, beneficiary, or other individual that describes--
``(A) the selection of the specific electronic
means for the furnishing of such documents made by the
participant, beneficiary, or other individual under
paragraph (1)(B) in effect at the time of the provision
of the notice, or
``(B) if applicable, the election made by the
participant, beneficiary, or other individual under
paragraph (1)(B) to be furnished paper versions of such
documents, and
``(3) the electronically furnished document--
``(A) is prepared and furnished in a manner that is
consistent with the style, format, and content
requirements applicable to the particular document, and
``(B) includes a notice that apprises the
individual of the significance of the document when it
is not otherwise reasonably evident as transmitted.
For purposes of this section, the term `document' includes
reports, statements, notices, notifications, and other
information.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--The table of contents in section
1 of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1001 note) is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 111 the following:
112. Electronic communication of pension plan information.
(b) Amendment to Internal Revenue Code of 1986.--Section 414 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(aa) Electronic Communication of Pension Plan Information.--A
document of any type that is required under this title to be furnished
to a plan participant, beneficiary, or other individual with respect to
a plan to which this subchapter or section 457 applies may be furnished
in electronic form if--
``(1) the system for furnishing such a document--
``(A) is designed to result in effective access to
the document by the participant, beneficiary, or other
specified individual through electronic means,
including--
``(i) the direct delivery of material to an
electronic address of such participant,
beneficiary, or individual,
``(ii) the posting of material to a website
or other internet or electronic-based
information repository to which access has been
granted to such participant, beneficiary, or
individual, but only if proper notice of the
posting has been provided (which may include
notice furnished by other electronic means if
the content of the notice conveys the need to
take action to access the posted material), and
``(iii) other electronic means reasonably
calculated to ensure actual receipt of the
material by such participant, beneficiary, or
individual,
``(B) permits the participant, beneficiary, or
other individual to select among the specific
electronic means made available through which such a
document shall be furnished, to modify that selection
at any time, or to elect at any time to begin receiving
paper versions of such documents at no additional
direct cost to the individual, and
``(C) protects the confidentiality of personal
information relating to such participant's,
beneficiary's, or individual's accounts and benefits,
``(2) an annual paper notice is provided to each
participant, beneficiary, or other individual that describes--
``(A) the selection of the specific electronic
means for the furnishing of such documents made by the
participant, beneficiary, or other individual under
paragraph (1)(B) in effect at the time of the provision
of the notice, or
``(B) if applicable, the election made by the
participant, beneficiary, or other individual under
paragraph (1)(B) to be furnished paper versions of such
documents, and
``(3) the electronically furnished document--
``(A) is prepared and furnished in a manner that is
consistent with the style, format, and content
requirements applicable to the particular document, and
``(B) includes a notice that apprises the
individual of the significance of the document when it
is not otherwise reasonably evident as transmitted.
For purposes of this subsection, the term `document' includes
reports, statements, notices, notifications, and other
information.''.
(c) Protection of Existing Methods.--Nothing in the amendments made
by this section shall be construed to prohibit--
(1) the furnishing of documents by electronic means under
any law or under any regulations or guidance prescribed by the
Secretary of Labor or the Secretary of the Treasury (referred
to in this subsection as the ``Secretaries'') prior to the date
of the enactment of this Act, or
(2) the Secretaries from prescribing additional methods for
furnishing documents as the Secretaries deem necessary or
appropriate.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to documents furnished with respect to plan years
beginning after December 31, 2016. | Receiving Electronic Statements To Improve Retiree Earnings Act This bill amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) and the Internal Revenue Code to authorize the electronic delivery of pension plan documents required to be furnished to a plan participant, beneficiary, or other individual. The system for furnishing such a document must: (1) be designed to result in effective access to the document, (2) permit the recipient to select the electronic means through which the document is received or request paper documents, and (3) protect the confidentiality of personal information. An annual paper notice must be provided describing the selection of electronic means for furnishing documents and any election that has been made to receive paper documents. An electronically furnished document must be prepared and furnished in a manner that is consistent with the style, format, and content requirements for the document. It must also include a notice that apprises the individual of the significance of the document when it is not otherwise reasonably evident as transmitted. The bill specifies that: (1) documents may continue to be furnished electronically under laws, regulations, or guidance prescribed by the Department of Labor or the Department of the Treasury prior to enactment of this bill; and (2) the departments may prescribe additional methods for furnishing documents. | Receiving Electronic Statements To Improve Retiree Earnings Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Safeguarding Americans From
Exporting Identification Data Act'' or the ``SAFE-ID Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Business enterprise.--The term ``business enterprise''
means--
(A) any organization, association, or venture
established to make a profit;
(B) any health care business;
(C) any private, nonprofit organization; or
(D) any contractor, subcontractor, or potential
subcontractor of an entity described in subparagraph
(A), (B), or (C).
(2) Health care business.--The term ``health care
business'' means any business enterprise or private, nonprofit
organization that collects or retains personally identifiable
information about consumers in relation to medical care,
including--
(A) hospitals;
(B) health maintenance organizations;
(C) medical partnerships;
(D) emergency medical transportation companies;
(E) medical transcription companies;
(F) banks that collect or process medical billing
information; and
(G) subcontractors, or potential subcontractors, of
the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through
(F).
(3) Personally identifiable information.--The term
``personally identifiable information'' includes information
such as--
(A) name;
(B) postal address;
(C) financial information;
(D) medical records;
(E) date of birth;
(F) phone number;
(G) e-mail address;
(H) social security number;
(I) mother's maiden name;
(J) password;
(K) state identification information; and
(L) driver's license number.
SEC. 3. TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION.
(a) Prohibition.--A business enterprise may not disclose personally
identifiable information regarding a resident of the United States to
any foreign branch, affiliate, subcontractor, or unaffiliated third
party located in a foreign country unless--
(1) the business enterprise provides the notice of privacy
protections described in sections 502 and 503 of the Gramm-
Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6802 and 6803) or required by the
regulations promulgated pursuant to section 264(c) of the
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42
U.S.C. 1320d-2 note), as appropriate;
(2) the business enterprise complies with the safeguards
described in section 501(b) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15
U.S.C. 6801(b)), as appropriate;
(3) the consumer is given the opportunity, before the time
that such information is initially disclosed, to object to the
disclosure of such information to such foreign branch,
affiliate, subcontractor, or unaffiliated third party; and
(4) the consumer is given an explanation of how the
consumer can exercise the nondisclosure option described in
paragraph (3).
(b) Health Care Businesses.--A health care business may not
terminate an existing relationship with a consumer of health care
services to avoid the consumer from objecting to the disclosure under
subsection (a)(3).
(c) Effect on Business Relationship.--
(1) Nondiscrimination.--A business enterprise may not
discriminate against or deny an otherwise qualified consumer a
financial product or a health care service because the consumer
has objected to the disclosure under subsection (a)(3).
(2) Products and services.--A business enterprise shall not
be required to offer or provide a product or service through
affiliated entities or jointly with nonaffiliated business
enterprises.
(3) Incentives and discounts.--Nothing in this subsection
is intended to prohibit a business enterprise from offering
incentives or discounts to elicit a specific response to the
notice required under subsection (a).
(d) Liability.--
(1) In general.--A business enterprise that knowingly and
directly transfers personally identifiable information to a
foreign branch, affiliate, subcontractor, or unaffiliated third
party shall be liable to any person suffering damages resulting
from the improper storage, duplication, sharing, or other
misuse of such information by the transferee.
(2) Civil action.--An injured party under paragraph (1) may
sue in law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction
to recover the damages sustained as a result of a violation of
this section.
(e) Rulemaking.--The Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission shall
promulgate regulations through which the Chairman may enforce the
provisions of this section and impose a civil penalty for a violation
of this section.
SEC. 4. PRIVACY FOR CONSUMERS OF HEALTH SERVICES.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall revise the
regulations promulgated pursuant to section 264(c) of the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C. 1320d-2
note) to require a covered entity (as defined under such regulations)
that outsources protected health information (as defined under such
regulations) outside the United States to include in such entity's
notice of privacy protections--
(1) notification that the covered entity outsources
protected health information to business associates (as defined
under such regulations) for processing outside the United
States;
(2) a description of the privacy laws of the country to
which the protected health information will be sent;
(3) any additional risks and consequences to the privacy
and security of protected health information that arise as a
result of the processing of such information in a foreign
country;
(4) additional measures the covered entity is taking to
protect the protected health information outsourced for
processing outside the United States;
(5) notification that the protected health information will
not be outsourced outside the United States if the consumer
objects; and
(6) a certification that--
(A) the covered entity has taken reasonable steps
to identify the locations where protected health
information is outsourced by such business associates;
(B) attests to the privacy and security of the
protected health information outsourced for processing
outside the United States; and
(C) states the reasons for the determination by the
covered entity that the privacy and security of such
information is maintained.
SEC. 5. PRIVACY FOR CONSUMERS OF FINANCIAL SERVICES.
Section 503(b) of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (15 U.S.C. 6803(b)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) if the financial institution outsources nonpublic
personal information outside the United States--
``(A) information informing the consumer in simple
language--
``(i) that the financial institution
outsources nonpublic personal information to
entities for processing outside the United
States;
``(ii) of the privacy laws of the country
to which nonpublic personal information will be
sent;
``(iii) of any additional risks and
consequences to the privacy and security of an
individual's nonpublic personal information
that arise as a result of the processing of
such information in a foreign country; and
``(iv) of the additional measures the
financial institution is taking to protect the
nonpublic personal information outsourced for
processing outside the United States; and
``(B) a certification that--
``(i) the financial institution has taken
reasonable steps to identify the locations
where nonpublic personal information is
outsourced by such entities;
``(ii) attests to the privacy and security
of the nonpublic personal information
outsourced for processing outside the United
States; and
``(iii) states the reasons for the
determination by the institution that the
privacy and security of such information is
maintained.''
SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect on the expiration of the date which is
90 days after the date of enactment of this Act. | Safeguarding Americans From Exporting Identification Data (SAFE-ID) Act - Prohibits business enterprises from disclosing personally identifiable information regarding U.S. residents to any branch, affiliate, subcontractor, or unaffiliated third party located in a foreign country unless: (1) the business enterprise provides notice of privacy protections and complies with safeguards described in specified Federal laws; (2) the consumer is given the opportunity to object prior to such disclosure; and (3) the consumer is given an explanation of how to exercise the nondisclosure option.
Prohibits: (1) health care businesses from terminating existing relationships with consumers to avoid objections to disclosure; and (2) business enterprises from discriminating against otherwise qualified consumers of financial products or health care services due to such objections.
Makes business enterprises that knowingly and directly transfer personally identifiable information to foreign entities liable to persons suffering damages due to the misuse of that information. Authorizes injured parties to file civil actions for violations of the information transmission provisions of this Act.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to revise existing regulations to require covered entities that outsource protected health information to a foreign country to include certain information relating to outsourcing in such entity's privacy protection notices. Amends the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to require the inclusion of similar information in privacy protection notices for consumers of financial services. | A bill to regulate the transmission of personally identifiable information to foreign affiliates and subcontractors. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Women's Obstetrician and
Gynecologist Access Now Act''.
SEC. 2. WOMEN'S ACCESS TO OBSTETRICAL AND GYNECOLOGICAL SERVICES.
(a) Group Health Plans.--
(1) Public health service act amendments.--(A) Subpart 2 of
part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 2707. STANDARD RELATING TO WOMEN'S ACCESS TO OBSTETRICAL AND
GYNECOLOGICAL SERVICES.
``(a) Direct Access Required.--
``(1) In general.--A group health plan, and a health
insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage,
shall allow a participant or beneficiary the option to seek
obstetrical and gynecological physician services directly from
a participating obstetrician and gynecologist or directly from
a participating family practice physician and surgeon
designated by the plan or issuer as providing obstetrical and
gynecological services. A group health plan or health insurance
issuer, in connection with the offering of group health
insurance coverage, shall not require a participant or
beneficiary to obtain prior approval from another physician,
another provider, the plan or issuer, or any other person prior
to obtaining direct access to obstetrical and gynecological
physician services.
``(2) Construction.--Paragraph (1) shall not be construed
as preventing a plan or issuer--
``(A) from establishing reasonable requirements for
the participating obstetrician and gynecologist or
family practice physician and surgeon to communicate
with the participant's or beneficiary's primary care
physician and surgeon regarding the participant's or
beneficiary's condition, treatment, and any need for
followup care; or
``(B) from establishing reasonable provisions
governing utilization protocols and the use of
obstetricians and gynecologists, or family practice
physicians and surgeons, participating in the plan or
issuer network, medical group, or independent practice
association, so long as these provisions--
``(i) are consistent with the intent of
such paragraph;
``(ii) are those customarily applied to
other physicians and surgeons, such as primary
care physicians and surgeons, to whom the
participant or beneficiary has direct access;
and
``(iii) are not to be more restrictive for
the provision of obstetrical and gynecological
physician services.
``(b) Notice.--A group health plan under this part shall comply
with the notice requirement under section 714(b) 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.''.
(2) ERISA amendments.--(A) Subpart B of part 7 of subtitle
B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 714. STANDARD RELATING TO WOMEN'S ACCESS TO OBSTETRICAL AND
GYNECOLOGICAL SERVICES.
``(a) Direct Access Required.--
``(1) In general.--A group health plan, and a health
insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage,
shall allow a participant or beneficiary the option to seek
obstetrical and gynecological physician services directly from
a participating obstetrician and gynecologist or directly from
a participating family practice physician and surgeon
designated by the plan or issuer as providing obstetrical and
gynecological services. A group health plan or health insurance
issuer, in connection with the offering of group health
insurance coverage, shall not require a participant or
beneficiary to obtain prior approval from another physician,
another provider, the plan or issuer, or any other person prior
to obtaining direct access to obstetrical and gynecological
physician services.
``(2) Construction.--Paragraph (1) shall not be construed
as preventing a plan or issuer--
``(A) from establishing reasonable requirements for
the participating obstetrician and gynecologist or
family practice physician and surgeon to communicate
with the participant's or beneficiary's primary care
physician and surgeon regarding the participant's or
beneficiary's condition, treatment, and any need for
followup care; or
``(B) from establishing reasonable provisions
governing utilization protocols and the use of
obstetricians and gynecologists, or family practice
physicians and surgeons, participating in the plan or
issuer network, medical group, or independent practice
association, so long as these provisions--
``(i) are consistent with the intent of
such paragraph;
``(ii) are those customarily applied to
other physicians and surgeons, such as primary
care physicians and surgeons, to whom the
participant or beneficiary has direct access;
and
``(iii) are not to be more restrictive for
the provision of obstetrical and gynecological
physician services.
``(b) Notice Under Group Health Plan.--The imposition of the
requirement 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 requirement apply.''.
(B) Section 732(a) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1191a(a)) is
amended by striking ``section 711'' and inserting ``sections
711 and 714''.
(C) The table of contents in section 1 of such Act is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 713 the
following new item:
``Sec. 714. Standard relating to women's access to obstetrical and
gynecological services''.
(3) Internal revenue code amendments.--
(A) In general.--Subchapter B of chapter 100 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(i) in the table of sections, by inserting
after the item relating to section 9812 the
following new item:
``Sec. 9813. Standard relating to women's access to obstetrical and
gynecological services''; and
(ii) by inserting after section 9812 the
following:
``SEC. 9813. STANDARD RELATING TO WOMEN'S ACCESS TO OBSTETRICAL AND
GYNECOLOGICAL SERVICES.
``(a) Direct Access Required.--A group health plan, and a health
insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage, shall allow
a participant or beneficiary the option to seek obstetrical and
gynecological physician services directly from a participating
obstetrician and gynecologist or directly from a participating family
practice physician and surgeon designated by the plan or issuer as
providing obstetrical and gynecological services. A group health plan
or health insurance issuer, in connection with the offering of group
health insurance coverage, shall not require a participant or
beneficiary to obtain prior approval from another physician, another
provider, the plan or issuer, or any other person prior to obtaining
direct access to obstetrical and gynecological physician services.
``(b) Construction.--Subsection (a) shall not be construed as
preventing a plan or issuer--
``(1) from establishing reasonable requirements for the
participating obstetrician and gynecologist or family practice
physician and surgeon to communicate with the participant's or
beneficiary's primary care physician and surgeon regarding the
participant's or beneficiary's condition, treatment, and any
need for followup care; or
``(2) from establishing reasonable provisions governing
utilization protocols and the use of obstetricians and
gynecologists, or family practice physicians and surgeons,
participating in the plan or issuer network, medical group, or
independent practice association, so long as these provisions--
``(A) are consistent with the intent of such
subsection;
``(B) are those customarily applied to other
physicians and surgeons, such as primary care
physicians and surgeons, to whom the participant or
beneficiary has direct access; and
``(C) are not to be more restrictive for the
provision of obstetrical and gynecological physician
services.''.
(B) Conforming amendment.--Section 4980D(d)(1) of
such Code is amended by striking ``section 9811'' and
inserting ``sections 9811 and 9813''.
(b) Individual Health Insurance.--Part B of title XXVII of the
Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 2752
the following new section:
``SEC. 2753. STANDARD RELATING TO WOMEN'S ACCESS TO OBSTETRICAL AND
GYNECOLOGICAL SERVICES.
``(a) In General.--The provisions of section 2707(a) shall apply to
health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the
individual market in the same manner as they apply 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 714(b) 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) Effective Dates.--
(1) Group health plans and group health insurance
coverage.--Subject to paragraph (3), the amendments made by
subsection (a) apply with respect to group health plans for
plan years beginning more than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(2) Individual health insurance coverage.--The amendment
made by subsection (b) applies with respect to health insurance
coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed, in effect, or operated
in the individual market on or after such date.
(3) Collective bargaining exception.--In the case of a
group health plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective
bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or
more employers ratified before the date of enactment of this
Act, the amendments made subsection (a) shall not apply to plan
years beginning before the later of--
(A) the date on which the last collective
bargaining agreements relating to the plan terminates
(determined without regard to any extension thereof
agreed to after the date of enactment of this Act), or
(B) the date that is 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
For purposes of subparagraph (A), any plan amendment made
pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement relating to the
plan which amends the plan solely to conform to any requirement
added by subsection (a) shall not be treated as a termination
of such collective bargaining agreement.
(d) Coordination of Administration.--The Secretary of Labor, the
Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Health and Human
Services shall ensure, through the execution of an interagency
memorandum of understanding among such Secretaries, that--
(1) regulations, rulings, and interpretations issued by
such Secretaries relating to the same matter over which two or
more such Secretaries have responsibility under the provisions
of this Act (and the amendments made thereby) are administered
so as to have the same effect at all times; and
(2) coordination of policies relating to enforcing the same
requirements through such Secretaries in order to have a
coordinated enforcement strategy that avoids duplication of
enforcement efforts and assigns priorities in enforcement. | Women's Obstetrician and Gynecologist Access Now Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code to require a group plan and an issuer offering group coverage to allow a participant or beneficiary the option to seek obstetrical and gynecological physician services directly from a participating provider without a referral.
States that this Act does not prevent a plan or issuer from establishing: (1) reasonable requirements for a participating provider to communicate with the participant's or beneficiary's primary care physician and surgeon regarding the participant's or beneficiary's condition and treatment; or (2) reasonable provisions governing utilization protocols and the use of obstetricians and gynecologists, or family practice physicians and surgeons, participating in the plan or issuer network. Applies such requirements to coverage offered in the individual market. | To amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require that group and individual health insurance coverage and group health plans permit enrollees direct access to services of obstetrical and gynecological physician services directly and without a referral. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Insurance Capital Standards
Clarification Act of 2014''.
SEC. 2. CLARIFICATION OF APPLICATION OF LEVERAGE AND RISK-BASED CAPITAL
REQUIREMENTS.
Section 171 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act (12 U.S.C. 5371) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Business of insurance.--The term `business of
insurance' has the same meaning as in section 1002(3).
``(5) Person regulated by a state insurance regulator.--The
term `person regulated by a State insurance regulator' has the
same meaning as in section 1002(22).
``(6) Regulated foreign subsidiary and regulated foreign
affiliate.--The terms `regulated foreign subsidiary' and
`regulated foreign affiliate' mean a person engaged in the
business of insurance in a foreign country that is regulated by
a foreign insurance regulatory authority that is a member of
the International Association of Insurance Supervisors or other
comparable foreign insurance regulatory authority as determined
by the Board of Governors following consultation with the State
insurance regulators, including the lead State insurance
commissioner (or similar State official) of the insurance
holding company system as determined by the procedures within
the Financial Analysis Handbook adopted by the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners, where the person, or
its principal United States insurance affiliate, has its
principal place of business or is domiciled, but only to the
extent that--
``(A) such person acts in its capacity as a
regulated insurance entity; and
``(B) the Board of Governors does not determine
that the capital requirements in a specific foreign
jurisdiction are inadequate.
``(7) Capacity as a regulated insurance entity.--The term
`capacity as a regulated insurance entity'--
``(A) includes any action or activity undertaken by
a person regulated by a State insurance regulator or a
regulated foreign subsidiary or regulated foreign
affiliate of such person, as those actions relate to
the provision of insurance, or other activities
necessary to engage in the business of insurance; and
``(B) does not include any action or activity,
including any financial activity, that is not regulated
by a State insurance regulator or a foreign agency or
authority and subject to State insurance capital
requirements or, in the case of a regulated foreign
subsidiary or regulated foreign affiliate, capital
requirements imposed by a foreign insurance regulatory
authority.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) Clarification.--
``(1) In general.--In establishing the minimum leverage
capital requirements and minimum risk-based capital
requirements on a consolidated basis for a depository
institution holding company or a nonbank financial company
supervised by the Board of Governors as required under
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b), the appropriate
Federal banking agencies shall not be required to include, for
any purpose of this section (including in any determination of
consolidation), a person regulated by a State insurance
regulator or a regulated foreign subsidiary or a regulated
foreign affiliate of such person engaged in the business of
insurance, to the extent that such person acts in its capacity
as a regulated insurance entity.
``(2) Rule of construction on board's authority.--This
subsection shall not be construed to prohibit, modify, limit,
or otherwise supersede any other provision of Federal law that
provides the Board of Governors authority to issue regulations
and orders relating to capital requirements for depository
institution holding companies or nonbank financial companies
supervised by the Board of Governors.
``(3) Rule of construction on accounting principles.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a depository
institution holding company or nonbank financial company
supervised by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
that is also a person regulated by a State insurance regulator
or a regulated foreign subsidiary or a regulated foreign
affiliate of such person that files its holding company
financial statements utilizing only Statutory Accounting
Principles in accordance with State law, shall not be required
to prepare such financial statements in accordance with
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.''. | Insurance Capital Standards Clarification Act of 2014 - Amends the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act concerning establishment of minimum leverage and minimum risk-based capital requirements on a consolidated basis for a depository institution holding company or a nonbank financial company supervised by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Board). States that federal banking agencies shall not be required to subject any person to such minimum capital requirements, to the extent that such person either: (1) acts in its capacity as a regulated insurance entity regulated by a state insurance regulator, or (2) is a regulated foreign subsidiary engaged in the business of insurance (including a regulated foreign affiliate of such subsidiary). Exempts from any requirement to prepare holding company financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles any Board-supervised depository institution holding company or nonbank financial company that is also a person regulated by a state insurance regulator or a regulated foreign subsidiary (or a regulated foreign affiliate) that files its holding company financial statements using only Statutory Accounting Principles in accordance with state law. | Insurance Capital Standards Clarification Act of 2014 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Recognizing Achievement in
Classified School Employees Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Classified school employees provide valuable service to
public schools in the United States.
(2) Classified school employees provide essential services,
such as transportation, facilities maintenance and operations,
food service, safety, and health care.
(3) Classified school employees play a vital role in
providing for the welfare and safety of students.
(4) Classified school employees strive for excellence in
all areas of service to the education community.
(5) Exemplary classified school employees should be
recognized for their outstanding contributions to quality
education in the United States.
SEC. 3. DEFINITION OF CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE.
In this Act:
(1) Classified school employee.--The term ``classified
school employee'' means a public employee of a State or of any
political subdivision of a State, who works in any grade from
prekindergarten through higher education in any of the
following 9 occupational specialties:
(A) Paraprofessional services.
(B) Clerical and administrative services.
(C) Transportation services.
(D) Food and nutrition services.
(E) Custodial and maintenance services.
(F) Security services.
(G) Health and student services.
(H) Technical services.
(I) Skilled trades.
(2) Other definitions.--The terms used in this Act have the
meaning given the terms in section 9101 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
SEC. 4. RECOGNITION PROGRAM ESTABLISHED.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Education shall establish a
national recognition program to be known as the ``National Classified
School Employee of the Year Award program''. The purpose of the program
shall be to recognize and promote the commitment and excellence
exhibited by classified school employees in public schools who provide
exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through higher
education.
(b) Award.--Prior to March 31 of each year (beginning with the
second calendar year that begins after the date of the enactment of
this Act), the National Classified School Employee Award program shall
recommend to the Secretary a classified school employee to receive the
National Classified School Employee Award for the year.
(c) Selection Process.--
(1) Nomination process.--
(A) In general.--Not later than November 1 of each
year (beginning with the first calendar year that
begins after the date of the enactment of this Act),
the Secretary shall solicit nominations of classified
school employees in public schools from the
occupational specialties described in section 3(1) from
the chief State school officer of each State.
(B) Nomination submissions.--In order for
individuals in a State to be eligible to receive
recognition under this section, the chief State school
officer shall consider nominations submitted by the
following:
(i) Local educational agencies.
(ii) School administrators.
(iii) Professional associations.
(iv) Labor organizations.
(v) Educational service agencies.
(vi) Any other group determined appropriate
by the National Classified School Employee
Award program.
(2) Demonstration.--Each chief State school officer of a
State who desires individuals in the State to receive
recognition under this section shall submit the nominations
described in paragraph (1) to the Secretary in such manner as
may be required by the National Classified School Employee
Award program. Each such nomination shall contain, at a
minimum, demonstrations of excellence in the following areas:
(A) Work performance.
(B) School and community involvement.
(C) Leadership and commitment.
(D) Local support.
(E) Enhancement of classified school employees'
image in the community and schools.
(F) Any other area of superior performance, such as
health and safety promotion or efficient use of energy
or other resources.
(3) Selection.--The National Classified School Employee
Award program shall develop uniform national guidelines for
evaluating nominations submitted under paragraph (2) in order
to select the most deserving nominees based on the
demonstrations made in the areas described in such paragraph. | Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act Directs the Secretary of Education to award National Classified School Employee of the Year Awards to classified public school employees within certain occupational specialties who provide exemplary service to students in prekindergarten through higher education. Requires the Secretary to choose an awardee each year, out of nominations received from each state, from one of the following occupational specialties: (1) paraprofessional services, (2) clerical and administrative services, (3) transportation services, (4) food and nutrition services, (5) custodial and maintenance services, (6) security services, (7) health and student services, (8) technical services, and (9) skilled trades. | Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``65th Infantry
Regiment Commemorative Coin Act''.
(b) Findings.--The Congress hereby finds that the brave and gallant
soldiers from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico who comprised the 65th
Infantry Regiment of the United States Army deserve a special
commemoration and a commemorative coin for their contributions during
the Korean conflict for the following reasons:
(1) The Puerto Rican soldiers of the 65th Infantry Regiment
unselfishly fought, bled, and died for the rights and
privileges of all citizens of the United States and the
Republic of Korea.
(2) 129 soldiers of the United States Army's 65th Infantry
Regiment were awarded the Silver Star and 8 received the
Distinguished Service Cross for their heroism during the Korean
conflict.
(3) The 65th Infantry Regiment went to the rescue of the
1st Division of the United States Marine Corps in Hagaru-ri
when that division was surrounded by forces of the Peoples
Republic of China, provided a safe corridor through which the
Marines escaped, and formed a protective rear guard during the
retreat to Hungnam.
(4) After bitter fighting, and with the forces of the
Peoples Republic of China on their heels, the 65th Infantry
Regiment was the last regiment to leave the beachhead in the
Christmas eve evacuation of Hungnam on December 24, 1950.
(5) On the night of February 13-14, 1951, while the 65th
Infantry Regiment was encamped near the command post of the 3d
Infantry Division of the United States Army during a rest and
recreation leave away from the front lines, the command post of
the 3d Infantry Division was attacked by over 1,000 North
Korean soldiers who had infiltrated through the front lines
without being detected and the 65th Infantry Regiment rallied,
attacked, and subsequently destroyed the North Korean force,
thereby saving the commanding officer and staff of the 3d
Infantry Division from death or capture.
(6) For their heroism in battle, the soldiers of the 65th
Infantry Regiment were showered with many accolades but for
them perhaps the most significant and meaningful came in the
form of a letter from the commander of the United Nations
forces in Korea, General of the Army Douglas MacArthur which
read in part as follows:
``The Puerto Ricans forming the ranks of the gallant 65th Infantry
Division on the battlefields of Korea by valor, determination and a
resolute will to victory give daily testament to their invincible
loyalty to the United States and the fervor of their devotion to those
immutable standards of human relations to which the Americans and the
Puerto Ricans are in common dedicated. They are writing a brilliant
record of achievement in battle and I am proud indeed to have them in
this command. I wish that we might have many more like them.''.
SEC. 2. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) $1 Silver Coins.--In commemoration of all the Puerto Ricans in
the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army who fought in the
Korean conflict, the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act
referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue not more than
60,000 1 dollar coins, which shall--
(1) weigh 26.73 grams;
(2) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and
(3) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.
(b) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal
tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.
(c) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31,
United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered
to be numismatic items.
SEC. 3. SOURCES OF BULLION.
The Secretary shall obtain silver for minting coins under this Act
only from stockpiles established under the Strategic and Critical
Materials Stock Piling Act.
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 courage and valor of the Puerto
Ricans who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment during the
Korean conflict.
(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 ``1999''; 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
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Puerto Rican Veterans
Association of Massachusetts, the Puerto Rican-American
Research Institute, and the Commission of Fine Arts; and
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory
Committee.
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued
in uncirculated and proof qualities.
(b) Mint Facility.--Only 1 facility of the United States Mint may
be used to strike any particular quality of the coins minted under this
Act.
(c) Commencement of Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted
under this Act beginning January 1, 1999.
(d) Termination of Minting Authority.--No coins may be minted under
this Act after December 31, 1999.
SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS.
(a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under this 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) Surcharges.--All sales shall include a surcharge of $10 per
coin.
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 deposited in the
Korean War Veterans Memorial Fund for use by the American Battle
Monuments Commission in accordance with subsection (b).
(b) Use of Proceeds.--
(1) Costs relating to the korean war veterans memorial.--
Except as provided in paragraph (2), amounts deposited in the
Korean War Veterans Memorial Fund pursuant to subsection (a)
shall be available to the American Battle Monuments Commission
for the uses described in section 8(b) of Public Law 101-495.
(2) Ceremony for the 65th regiment.--The American Battle
Monuments Commission shall use such amount of the surcharges
from the sale of coins issued as the Commission determines to
be necessary and appropriate, after consulting with the Puerto
Rican Veterans Association of Massachusetts and the Puerto
Rican-American Research Institute, to conduct a ceremony at the
Korean War Veterans Memorial commemorating the Puerto Ricans
comprising the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army
for their service and contributions during the Korean conflict.
(c) Audits.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
have the right to examine such books, records, documents, and other
data of the American Battle Monuments Commission as may be related to
the expenditures of amounts paid under subsection (a).
SEC. 9. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES.
(a) No Net Cost to the Government.--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.
(b) Payment for Coins.--A coin shall not be issued under this Act
unless the Secretary has received--
(1) full payment for the coin;
(2) security satisfactory to the Secretary to indemnify the
United States for full payment; or
(3) a guarantee of full payment satisfactory to the
Secretary from a depository institution whose deposits are
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the
National Credit Union Administration Board. | 65th Infantry Regiment Commemorative Coin Act - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 silver coins in commemoration of all Puerto Ricans in the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army during the Korean conflict.
Mandates prompt deposit of coin sales surcharges into the Korean War Veterans Memorial Fund for use by the American Battle Monuments Commission. | 65th Infantry Regiment Commemorative Coin Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Child Soldier Prevention Act of
2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) According to the September 7, 2005, report to the
General Assembly of the United Nations by the Special
Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed
Conflict, ``In the last decade, two million children have been
killed in situations of armed conflict, while six million
children have been permanently disabled or injured. Over
250,000 children continue to be exploited as child soldiers and
tens of thousands of girls are being subjected to rape and
other forms of sexual violence.''.
(2) According to the Center for Emerging Threats and
Opportunities (CETO), Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory,
``The Child Soldier Phenomenon has become a post-Cold War
epidemic that has proliferated to every continent with the
exception of Antarctica and Australia.''.
(3) Many of the children currently serving in armed forces
or paramilitaries were forcibly conscripted through kidnapping
or coercion, a form of human trafficking, while others joined
military units due to economic necessity, to avenge the loss of
a family member, or for their own personal safety.
(4) Some military and militia commanders force child
soldiers to commit gruesome acts of ritual killings or torture,
including acts of violence against other children.
(5) Many female child soldiers face the additional
psychological and physical horrors of rape and sexual abuse,
enslavement for sexual purposes by militia commanders, and
severe social stigma should they return home.
(6) Some military and militia commanders target children
for recruitment because of their psychological immaturity and
vulnerability to manipulation and indoctrination. Children are
often separated from their families in order to foster
dependence on military units and leaders. Consequently, many of
these children suffer from deep trauma and are in need of
psychological counseling and rehabilitation.
(7) Child soldiers are exposed to hazardous conditions and
are at risk of physical injury and disability, psychological
trauma, sexually transmitted diseases, respiratory and skin
infections, and often death.
(8) On May 25, 2000, the United Nations adopted and opened
for signature, ratification, and accession the Optional
Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the
Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (in this Act referred
to as the ``Optional Protocol''), which establishes 18 as the
minimum age for conscription or forced recruitment and requires
states party to ensure that members of their armed forces under
the age of 18 do not take a direct part in hostilities.
(9) On June 18, 2002, the Senate unanimously approved the
resolution advising and consenting to the ratification of the
Optional Protocol.
(10) On December 23, 2002, the United States presented the
ratified optional protocol to the United Nations.
(11) More than 110 governments worldwide have ratified the
optional protocol, establishing a clear international norm
concerning the use of children in combat.
(12) On December 2, 1999, the United States ratified
International Labour Convention 182, the Convention concerning
the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the
Worst Forms of Child Labour, which includes the use of child
soldiers among the worst forms of child labor.
(13) On October 7, 2005, the Senate gave its advice and
consent to the ratification of the Protocol to Prevent,
Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women
and Children, Supplementing the United Nations Convention
Against Transnational Organized Crime.
(14) It is in the national security interest of the United
States to reduce the chances that members of the United States
Armed Forces will be forced to encounter children in combat
situations.
(15) Section 502B(a)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of
1961 (22 U.S.C. 2304(a)(3)) provides that ``the President is
directed to formulate and conduct international security
assistance programs of the United States in a manner which will
promote and advance human rights and avoid identification of
the United States, through such programs, with governments
which deny to their people internationally recognized human
rights and fundamental freedoms, in violation of international
law or in contravention of the policy of the United States as
expressed in this section or otherwise''.
SEC. 3. CHILD SOLDIER DEFINED.
In this Act, consistent with the provisions of the Optional
Protocol, the term ``child soldier''--
(1) means--
(A) any person under age 18 who takes a direct part
in hostilities as a member of governmental armed
forces;
(B) any person under age 18 who has been
compulsorily recruited into governmental armed forces;
(C) any person under age 16 voluntarily recruited
into governmental armed forces; and
(D) any person under age 18 recruited or used in
hostilities by armed forces distinct from the armed
forces of a state; and
(2) includes any person described in subparagraphs (B),
(C), and (D) of paragraph (1) who is serving in any capacity,
including in a support role such as a cook, porter, messenger,
medic, guard, or sex slave.
SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress--
(1) to condemn the conscription, forced recruitment or use
of children by governments, paramilitaries, or other
organizations in hostilities;
(2) that the United States Government should support and,
where practicable, lead efforts to establish and uphold
international standards designed to end this abuse of human
rights;
(3) that the United States Government should expand ongoing
services to rehabilitate recovered child soldiers and to
reintegrate them back into their communities by--
(A) offering ongoing psychological services to help
victims recover from their trauma and relearn how to
deal with others in nonviolent ways such that they are
no longer a danger to their community;
(B) facilitating reconciliation with their
communities through negotiations with traditional
leaders and elders to enable recovered abductees to
resume normal lives in their communities; and
(C) providing educational and vocational
assistance;
(4) that the United States should work with the
international community, including, where appropriate, third
country governments, nongovernmental organizations, faith-based
organizations, United Nations agencies, local governments,
labor unions, and private enterprise--
(A) on efforts to bring to justice rebel
organizations that kidnap children for use as child
soldiers, including the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in
Uganda, Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia
(FARC), and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE),
including, where feasible, by arresting the leaders of
such groups; and
(B) on efforts to recover those children who have
been abducted and to assist them in their
rehabilitation and reintegration into communities;
(5) that the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Labor,
and the Secretary of Defense should coordinate programs to
achieve the goals specified in paragraph (3), and in countries
where the use of child soldiers is an issue, whether or not it
is supported or sanctioned by the governments of such
countries, United States diplomatic missions should include in
their mission program plans a strategy to achieve the goals
specified in such paragraph;
(6) that United States diplomatic missions in countries in
which governments use or tolerate child soldiers should
develop, as part of annual program planning, strategies to
promote efforts to end this abuse of human rights; and
(7) that, in allocating or recommending the allocation of
funds or recommending candidates for programs and grants funded
by the United States Government, United States diplomatic
missions should give particular consideration to those programs
and candidates deemed to promote the end to this abuse of human
rights.
SEC. 5. PROHIBITION.
(a) In General.--Subject to subsections (b), (c), and (d), none of
the funds appropriated or otherwise made available for international
military education and training, foreign military financing, foreign
military sales, direct commercial sales, or excess defense articles by
the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs
Appropriations Act, 2006 (Public Law 109-102) or any other Act making
appropriations for foreign operations, export financing, and related
programs may be obligated or otherwise made available to the government
of a country that is clearly identified by the Department of State in
the Department of State's most recent Country Reports on Human Rights
Practices as having governmental armed forces or government supported
armed groups, including paramilitaries, militias, or civil defense
forces, that recruit or use child soldiers.
(b) Notification to Countries in Violation of the Standards of This
Act.--The Secretary of State shall formally notify any government
identified pursuant to subsection (a).
(c) National Interest Waiver.--
(1) Waiver.--The President may waive the application to a
country of the prohibition in subsection (a) if the President
determines that such waiver is in the interest of the United
States.
(2) Publication and notification.--The President shall
publish each waiver granted under paragraph (1) in the Federal
Register and shall notify 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 of each such
waiver, including the justification for the waiver, in
accordance with the regular notification procedures of such
Committees.
(d) Reinstatement of Assistance.--The President may provide to a
country assistance otherwise prohibited under subsection (a) upon
certifying to Congress that the government of such country--
(1) has implemented effective measures to come into
compliance with the standards of this Act; and
(2) has implemented effective policies and mechanisms to
prohibit and prevent future use of child soldiers and to ensure
that no children are recruited, conscripted, or otherwise
compelled to serve as child soldiers.
(e) Exception for Programs Directly Related to Addressing the
Problem of Child Soldiers or Professionalization of the Military.--
(1) In general.--The President may provide to a country
assistance for international military education and training
otherwise prohibited under subsection (a) upon certifying to
Congress that--
(A) the government of such country is implementing
effective measures to demobilize child soldiers in its
forces or in government supported paramilitaries and to
provide demobilization, rehabilitation, and
reintegration assistance to those former child
soldiers; and
(B) the assistance provided by the United States
Government to the government of such country will go to
programs that will directly support professionalization
of the military.
(2) Limitation.--The exception under paragraph (1) may not
remain in effect for more than 2 years following the date of
notification specified in subsection (b).
SEC. 6. REPORTS.
(a) Preparation of Reports Regarding Child Soldiers.--United States
missions abroad shall thoroughly investigate reports of the use of
child soldiers.
(b) Information for Annual Human Rights Reports.--In preparing
those portions of the Human Rights Reports that relate to child
soldiers, the Secretary of State shall ensure that such reports shall
include a description of the use of child soldiers in each foreign
country, including--
(1) trends toward improvement in such country of the status
of child soldiers or the continued or increased tolerance of
such practices; and
(2) the role of the government of such country in engaging
in or tolerating the use of child soldiers.
(c) Inclusion of Information on Violations.--When the Secretary of
State determines that a government has violated the standards of this
Act, the Secretary shall clearly indicate that fact in the relevant
Annual Human Rights Report.
(d) Letter to Congress.--Not later than June 15 of each year for 10
years following the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit
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--
(1) a list of the countries receiving notification that
they are in violation of the standards of this Act;
(2) a list of any waivers or exceptions exercised under
this Act;
(3) justification for those waivers and exceptions; and
(4) a description of any assistance provided pursuant to
this Act.
SEC. 7. REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF ACT.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the President shall submit 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 setting forth a strategy for achieving the
policy objectives of this Act, including a description of an effective
mechanism for coordination of United States Government efforts to
implement this strategy.
SEC. 8. TRAINING FOR FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICERS.
Section 708 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (22 U.S.C. 4028) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c) The Secretary of State, with the assistance of other relevant
officials, shall establish as part of the standard training provided
after January 1, 2008, for officers of the Service, including chiefs of
mission, instruction on matters related to child soldiers and the
substance of the Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2007.''.
SEC. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICABILITY.
This Act shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act and shall apply to funds obligated after such effective
date. | Child Soldier Prevention Act of 2007 - Defines "child soldier."
Prohibits, with a national interest waiver, funds appropriated or otherwise made available for specified military and related areas from being obligated or otherwise made available to the government of a country identified by the Department of State as having governmental armed forces or government supported armed groups, including paramilitaries, militias, or civil defense forces, that recruit or use child soldiers.
Directs the Secretary of State to notify any government so identified.
Authorizes the President to reinstate assistance upon certifying to Congress that a government is implementing: (1) compliance measures; and (2) mechanisms to prohibit future use of child soldiers and to ensure that no children are recruited, conscripted, or otherwise compelled to serve as child soldiers.
Authorizes the President to provide assistance to a country for international military education and training otherwise prohibited under this Act upon certifying to Congress that such assistance is for programs that implement measures to demobilize child soldiers and for programs to support professionalization of the military. | To end the use of child soldiers in hostilities around the world, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``End Discriminatory State Taxes for
Automobile Renters Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to prohibit prospectively, and provide a
remedy for tax discrimination by a State or Locality against the rental
of motor vehicles.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
(a) Assessment and Assessment Jurisdiction.--The term
``assessment'' means valuation for a property tax levied by a taxing
district. The term ``assessment jurisdiction'' means a geographical
area in a State or Locality used in determining the assessed value of
property for ad valorem taxation.
(b) Commercial and Industrial Property.--The term ``commercial and
industrial property'' means property, other than motor vehicle rental
property and land used primarily for agricultural purposes or timber
growing, devoted to a commercial or industrial use, and subject to a
property tax levy.
(c) Discriminatory Tax.--The term ``discriminatory tax'' includes
the following:
(1) A tax discriminates against the rental of motor
vehicles if a State or Locality imposes the tax on, or with
respect to--
(A) the rental of motor vehicles but not on, or
with respect to, the rental of more than 51 percent of
the rentals of other tangible personal property rented
within the State or Locality, or
(B) the rental of motor vehicles at a tax rate that
exceeds the tax rate generally applicable to at least
51 percent of the rentals of other tangible personal
property within the same State or Locality.
(2) A tax discriminates against the business of renting
motor vehicles if a State or Locality imposes the tax on, or
with respect to--
(A) the business of renting motor vehicles but not
on, or with respect to, the business of more than 51
percent of the other commercial and industrial
taxpayers within the State or Locality, on the same tax
base as the State or Locality employs with respect to
the business of renting motor vehicles, or
(B) the business of renting motor vehicles, at a
tax rate that exceeds the tax rate generally applicable
to the business of more than 51 percent of the other
commercial and industrial taxpayers within the State or
Local jurisdiction.
(3) A tax discriminates against motor vehicle rental
property if a State or Locality--
(A) assesses motor vehicle rental property at a
value that has a higher ratio to the true market value
of the property than the ratio that the assessed value
of other commercial and industrial property of the same
type in the same assessment jurisdiction has to the
true market value of the other commercial and
industrial property,
(B) levies or collects a tax on an assessment that
may not be made under subparagraph (A), or
(C) levies or collects an ad valorem property tax
on motor vehicle rental property at a tax rate that
exceeds the tax rate applicable to commercial and
industrial property in the same assessment
jurisdiction.
(d) Local or Locality.--The terms ``Local'' and ``Locality'' mean a
political subdivision of any State, or any governmental entity or
person acting on behalf of such Locality, and with the authority to
impose, levy or collect taxes.
(e) Motor Vehicle.--The term ``motor vehicle'' has the same meaning
as in section 13102(16) of title 49 of the United States Code.
(f) Other Commercial and Industrial Taxpayers.--The term ``other
commercial and industrial taxpayers'' means persons or entities who are
engaged in trade or business within a State or Locality and who are
subject to some form of taxation by a State or Locality.
(g) Rental of Motor Vehicles.--The term ``rental of motor
vehicles'' means the rental of a motor vehicle that is given by the
owner of the motor vehicle for exclusive use to another for not longer
than 180 days for valuable consideration and only includes the rental
of motor vehicles with a pre-arranged driver or motor vehicles without
a driver, but shall not include taxi cab service as defined by section
13102(20) of title 49 of the United States Code.
(h) State.--The term ``State'' means any of the several States, the
District of Columbia or any territory or possession of the United
States, or any governmental entity or person acting on behalf of such
State, and with the authority to impose, levy or collect taxes.
(i) Tax.--Except as otherwise specifically provided below, the term
``tax'' means any type of charge required by statute, regulation or
agreement to be paid or furnished to a State or Locality, regardless of
whether such charge is denominated as a tax, a fee, or any other type
of exaction. The term ``tax'' does not include any charge imposed by a
State or Locality with respect to a concession agreement at a
federally-assisted airport (provided the agreement does not violate the
revenue diversion provisions of section 40116(d) of title 49 of the
United States Code, or the registration, licensing, or inspection of
motor vehicles, if the charge is imposed generally with respect to
motor vehicles, without regard to whether such vehicles are used in the
business of renting motor vehicles within the State or Locality.
(j) Tax Base.--The term ``tax base'' means the receipts, income,
value, weight, or other measure of a tax to which the rate is applied.
The ``tax base'' of a tax imposed on a per unit basis is the unit.
(k) Tax Rate Generally Applicable to Other Commercial and
Industrial Taxpayers.--The term ``tax rate generally applicable to
other commercial and industrial taxpayers'' means the lower of--
(1) the tax rate imposed on the greatest number of other
commercial and industrial taxpayers or their customers, or
(2) the unweighted average rate at which the tax is
imposed.
SEC. 4. PROHIBITED ACTS.
No State or Locality may levy or collect a discriminatory tax on
the rental of motor vehicles, the business of renting motor vehicles,
or motor vehicle rental property.
SEC. 5. REMEDIES.
(a) Jurisdiction.--Notwithstanding any provision of section 1341 of
title 28, United States Code, or the constitution or laws of any State,
the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction,
without regard to amount in controversy or citizenship of the parties,
to grant such mandatory or prohibitive injunctive relief, interim
equitable relief, and declaratory judgments as may be necessary to
prevent, restrain or terminate any acts in violation of this Act,
except that such jurisdiction shall not be exclusive of the
jurisdiction which any Federal or State court may have in the absence
of this section.
(b) Burden of Proof.--The burden of proof in any proceeding brought
under this Act shall be upon the party seeking relief and shall be by a
preponderance of the evidence on all issues of fact.
(c) Relief.--In granting relief against a tax which is imposed in
violation of Section 4, the court shall strike the tax in its entirety,
unless the court finds the tax--
(1) is the equivalent of a specific tax imposed on at least
51 percent of other commercial and industrial taxpayers, and
(2) is not discriminatory in effect. If such tax is
discriminatory in effect with respect to tax rate or amount
only, the court shall strike only the discriminatory or
excessive portion of the tax as determined by the court.
Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, the burden of
proof on the issue of whether a tax is the equivalent of a tax
imposed on other commercial and industrial taxpayers shall be
on the State or Locality that imposes the tax.
(d) Cause of Action.--
(1) An action to enforce the provisions of this Act may be
brought only by a person who--
(A) rents motor vehicles to another person,
(B) is engaged in the business of renting motor
vehicles,
(C) owns motor vehicle rental property, or
(D) rents a motor vehicle from another person.
(2) A person who rents a motor vehicle from another person
and is seeking relief under this Act may only bring a cause of
action against the State or Locality imposing the
discriminatory tax as defined by this Act.
SEC. 6. LIMITATIONS.
This Act shall not be construed to constitute the consent of
Congress to State or Local taxation that would be prohibited in the
absence of this Act.
SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) Effective Date.--The provisions of this Act shall become
effective on May 23, 2007.
(b) Exclusion.--Discriminatory taxes as defined by this Act are not
prohibited under this Act if--
(1) State or Local legislative authorization for a
discriminatory tax that is in effect as of May 23, 2007, does
not lapse, the tax rate does not increase and the tax base for
such tax does not change; or
(2) a State enacts legislation by May 23, 2007;
(A) that specifically authorizes a Locality to
impose a discriminatory tax;
(B) the Locality imposes the authorized tax within
five years from the date the State enacted the
authorization for the Local tax; and
(C) the tax rate imposed by the Locality is not
increased and the tax base for such tax does not
change. | End Discriminatory State Taxes for Automobile Renters Act of 2007 - Prohibits states or local governments from levying or collecting a discriminatory tax (as defined by this Act) on the rental of motor vehicles, motor vehicle rental businesses, or motor vehicle rental property. | To protect consumers from discriminatory State taxes on motor vehicle rentals. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Social Security Account Number Anti-
Fraud Act''.
SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to reduce the use of fraudulent social
security documents for employment purposes.
SEC. 3. SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT NUMBER ANTI-FRAUD PROGRAM.
Section 205 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 405) is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``Verification of Employee Social Security Account Numbers
``(u)(1)(A) Not later than 10 years after the date of the enactment
of the Social Security Account Number Anti-Fraud Act, the Secretary, in
consultation with the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization
and the Secretary of Labor, shall establish a program under which--
``(i) each American employer, either by telephone through
use of a toll-free telephone number or by other electronic
device--
``(I) shall transmit the social security account
number and name of each new employee of the employer,
and any other information concerning the employee that
the Secretary requires by regulation, to the Secretary
within 30 days after the commencement of employment of
the employee; and
``(II) may transmit the social security account
number and name of any employee of the employer to whom
subclause (I) does not apply, and any other information
concerning the employee that the Secretary requires by
regulation, to the Secretary; and
``(ii) notwithstanding any provision of section 552a of
title 5, United States Code, the Secretary shall, upon
receiving the information transmitted under clause (i),
instantaneously notify the employer that there is or is not a
discrepancy concerning the information, by sending a
communication to the same electronic device through which the
information was transmitted to the Secretary.
``(B)(i) The Secretary shall give each employer a verification
number for each employee social security account number that the
employer transmits under the program established under this paragraph.
``(ii) The Secretary shall maintain, for at least the amount of
time during which prosecution for crimes relating to fraudulent use of
a social security account number would be allowable under applicable
statutes of limitations, records of all contacts that occur under
subparagraph (A) or (D) between the Secretary and an employer.
``(C) The Secretary shall establish guidelines to describe the
characteristics that constitute a discrepancy concerning a social
security account number transmitted to the Secretary under the program
established under this paragraph. Under the guidelines, a discrepancy
concerning a social security account number shall be indicated if any
of the following factors is present regarding the number:
``(i) An invalid social security account number.
``(ii) A social security account number submitted for
verification under the program with a name that does not belong
to the correct holder of the social security account number.
``(iii) Unusually frequent use of a social security account
number.
``(iv) Use of a social security account number in
geographically distant locations within a relatively short
period of time.
``(v) Any other factor that the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
``(D) If a discrepancy concerning the social security account
number of an employee is indicated under the program established under
this paragraph--
``(i) the Secretary shall notify the Commissioner of
Immigration and Naturalization, within 24 hours after the
discrepancy is indicated, of--
``(I) the fact that a discrepancy has been
indicated regarding the employee; and
``(II) the nature of the discrepancy;
``(ii) the Secretary may not, pursuant to this subsection,
notify the employer of the nature of the discrepancy;
``(iii) an employer notified of the discrepancy under
subparagraph (A)(ii) shall notify the employee that a
discrepancy has been indicated within 14 days after the
employer receives the notification;
``(iv) the employee shall contact an office of the Social
Security Administration within 14 days after being notified of
the discrepancy under clause (iii);
``(v) the Secretary shall notify the employee of the nature
of the discrepancy, upon a written request by the employee or a
request made by the employee in person at an office of the
Social Security Administration;
``(vi) the Secretary shall notify the employee, the current
employer of the employee, and the Commissioner of Immigration
and Naturalization, in writing, of the resolution or
confirmation of the discrepancy, within 30 days after the
employee contacts the Social Security Administration under
clause (iv);
``(vii) the current employer of the employee shall reverify
the social security account number through the program
established under this paragraph within 10 days after the
Secretary notifies the employer, under clause (vi), that the
discrepancy has been resolved; and
``(viii) unless the Secretary notifies the employer, under
clause (vi), that the discrepancy has been confirmed, the
employer may not take any action to penalize the employee based
on the discrepancy.
``(E)(i) The Secretary may not charge a fee to any employer or
employee in connection with the utilization of the program established
under this paragraph.
``(ii) No employer may charge a fee to--
``(I) an employee of the employer in connection with the
utilization of the program; or
``(II) a job applicant in connection with, or anticipation
of, utilization of the program.
``(2) The Secretary may by regulation exempt any employer from the
obligation to use the program established under paragraph (1) regarding
any employee whose employment with the employer includes only the
performance of services described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of section
209(a)(6) for remuneration described in such subparagraph.
``(3)(A) Failure by an employer to comply with paragraph (1) of
this subsection shall be considered to be a violation of section
274A(a)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (8 U.S.C.
1324a(a)(1)(A)), for purposes of section 274A(e) of such Act, as
modified by subparagraph (B).
``(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A), section 274A(e) of the
Immigration and Naturalization Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a(e)) shall be applied
by substituting the term `employee' for the term `unauthorized alien'
in clause (i) of section 274A(e)(4)(A) of such Act, and for the term
`alien' in clauses (ii) and (iii) of such section.
``(4)(A) Any person or business who knowingly and willfully
requests or obtains any record, or information, from or under the
program established under paragraph (1) under false pretenses shall be
guilty of an infraction and shall be subject to a fine as provided in
title 18, United States Code.
``(B) The penalties described in section 552a(i) of title 5, United
States Code, shall not apply to an activity that is subject to a
penalty under subparagraph (A).
``(5) For purposes of this subsection:
``(A) The term `American employer' has the meaning given
the term in section 210(e), as such section may from time to
time be amended, except that the terms `State' and `United
States' within such section shall have the meaning given the
term `United States' in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph.
``(B) The term `employee' has the meaning given the term in
section 210(j), as such section may from time to time be
amended, and does not include a job applicant.
``(C) The term `new employee' means an employee who
commences an employment more than 10 years after the date of
the enactment of the Social Security Account Number Anti-Fraud
Act.
``(D) The term `United States' has the meaning given the
term in section 101(38) of the Immigration and Nationality Act,
as such section may from time to time be amended.''.
SEC. 4. IMPLEMENTATION OF SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT NUMBER ANTI-FRAUD
PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment of Program.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall implement the
Social Security Account Number Anti-Fraud Program on a partial and
interim basis, as provided in this section.
(b) Initial Period.--The Secretary shall make the Social Security
Account Number Anti-Fraud Program available for the 18-month period
beginning 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act to each
employer that participates in Phase II of the Telephone Verification
System administered by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. If
fewer than 200 of the employers agree to participate in the program,
the Secretary may make the program available to additional employers in
the States of California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas until
the program is available to 200 employers.
(c) Report on Initial Implementation.--Not later than 15 months
after the beginning of the 18-month period described in subsection (b),
the Secretary shall submit to the Congress a report that contains--
(1) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Social
Security Account Number Anti-Fraud Program as the program is
implemented under subsections (a) and (b) of this section; and
(2) a description of any cooperation between the Social
Security Administration and the Immigration and Naturalization
Service regarding the program.
(d) 5-Year Expansion.--
(1) Requirement regarding new employees.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the
expiration of the 18-month period described in
subsection (b), each employer in the States of
California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas
shall use the Social Security Account Number Anti-Fraud
Program to verify, within 30 days after the
commencement of the employment of the employee, the
social security account number of each new employee of
the employer.
(B) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not be
construed to require an employer to verify the social
security account number of an employee if, under
regulations issued under section 205(u)(2) of the
Social Security Act (as added by this Act), the
employer is not required to verify the social security
account number of the employee.
(2) Availability regarding other employees.--Not later than
5 years after the expiration of the 18-month period described
in subsection (b), the Secretary shall make the Social Security
Account Number Anti-Fraud Program available to each employer in
the States of California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and
Texas.
(e) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) The term ``employee'' has the meaning given the term in
section 210(j) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 410(j)),
as such section may from time to time be amended, and does not
include a job applicant.
(2) The term ``new employee'' means an employee who
commences an employment more than 5 years after the expiration
of the 18-month period described in subsection (b).
(3) The term ``Social Security Account Number Anti-Fraud
Program'' means the program established under subsection (u) of
section 205 of the Social Security Act (as added by this Act),
but does not include paragraph (1)(A)(i)(I) or (3) of such
subsection. | Social Security Account Number Anti-Fraud Act - Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish, according to prescribed guidelines, an electronic program for American employers to verify the social security account and other relevant employment information to reduce the use of fraudulent social security documents for employment purposes; (2) implement the Social Security Account Number Anti-Fraud Program according to a prescribed schedule; and (3) report to the Congress on the Program's initial implementation. | Social Security Account Number Anti-Fraud Act |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Within hours after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,
the Imperial Japanese forces launched an attack on the
Philippines, cutting off vital lines of communication to United
States and Filipino troops assigned to the United States Army
Forces in the Far East under the command of General Douglas
MacArthur.
(2) On December 8th, 1941, the 200th Coast Artillery
Regiment, successors to the New Mexico National Guardsmen who
made up part of the famed ``Rough Riders'' of the Spanish-
American War, were the ``first to fire''.
(3) Despite being cut off from supply lines and
reinforcements, the United States and Philippine Forces quickly
executed a plan to delay the Japanese invasion and defend the
Philippines against the Japanese invasion.
(4) By April 1942, troops from the United States and the
Philippines had bravely and staunchly fought off enemy attacks
in Bataan for more than 4 months under strenuous conditions
that resulted in widespread starvation and disease.
(5) By maintaining their position and engaging the enemy
for as long as they did, the troops at Bataan were able to
redefine the momentum of the war, delaying the Japanese
timetable to take control of the southeast Pacific for needed
war materials. Because of the Bataan defenders' heroic actions,
United States and Allied forces throughout the Pacific had time
to regroup and prepare for the successful liberation of the
Pacific and the Philippines.
(6) On April 9, 1942, Major General Edward King, his troops
suffering from starvation and a lack of supplies, surrendered
the soldiers from the United States and the Philippines into
enemy hands.
(7) Over the next week, troops from the United States and
the Philippines were taken prisoner and forced to march 65
miles without any food, water, or medical care in what came to
be known as the ``Bataan Death March''.
(8) During this forced march, thousands of soldiers died,
either from starvation, lack of medical care, sheer exhaustion,
or abuse by their captors.
(9) Conditions at the prisoner of war camps were appalling,
leading to increased disease and malnutrition among the
prisoners.
(10) The prisoners at Camp O'Donnell would die at a rate of
nearly 400 per day because of its poor conditions.
(11) On June 6, 1942, the prisoners from the United States
were transferred to Camp Cabanatuan, north of Camp O'Donnell.
(12) Nearly 26,000 of the 50,000 Filipino Prisoners of War
died at Camp O'Donnell, and survivors were gradually paroled
from September through December 1942.
(13) Between September of 1942 and December of 1944,
American prisoners of war who survived the horrific death march
were shipped north for forced labor aboard ``hell ships'' and
succumbed in great numbers because of the abysmal conditions.
Many of the ships were mistakenly targeted by allied Naval
forces because the Japanese military convoys were not properly
labeled as carrying prisoners of war. The sinking of the Arisan
Maru alone, claimed nearly 1,800 American lives.
(14) The prisoners who remained in the camps suffered from
continued mistreatment, malnutrition, lack of medical care, and
horrific conditions until they were liberated in 1945.
(15) The veterans of Bataan represented the best of America
and the Philippines. They hailed from diverse locales across
both countries and represented a true diversity of Americans.
(16) Over the subsequent decades, these prisoners formed
support groups, were honored in local and State memorials, and
told their story to all people of the United States.
(17) The United States Navy has continued to honor their
history and stories by naming 2 ships after the battle
including 1 ship still in service, USS Bataan (LHD-5), in
memory of their valor and honorable resistance against Imperial
Japanese forces.
(18) Many of the survivors of Bataan have now passed away,
and those who remain continue to tell their story.
(19) The people of the United States and the Philippines
are forever indebted to these men for--
(A) the courage and tenacity they demonstrated
during the first 4 months of World War II fighting
against enemy soldiers; and
(B) the perseverance they demonstrated during 3
years of capture, imprisonment, and atrocious
conditions, while maintaining dignity, honor,
patriotism, and loyalty.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Award Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives
and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate
arrangements for the award, on behalf of the Congress, of a single gold
medal of appropriate design in honor of the troops from the United
States and the Philippines who defended Bataan and were subsequently
prisoners of war, collectively, in recognition of their personal
sacrifice and service to their country during World War II.
(b) Design and Striking.--For purposes of the award under
subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act
referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall strike the gold medal with
suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the
Secretary.
(c) Smithsonian Institution.--
(1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal in
honor of the defenders and prisoners of war at Bataan under
subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to the
Smithsonian Institution, where it shall be displayed as
appropriate and made available for research.
(2) Sense of the congress.--It is the sense of the Congress
that the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal
received under paragraph (1) available for display at other
locations, particularly such locations as are associated with
the prisoners of war at Bataan.
SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
(a) Striking of Duplicates.--Under such regulations as the
Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may strike duplicates in bronze
of the gold medal struck under section 2.
(b) Selling of Duplicates.--The Secretary may sell such duplicates
under subsection (a) at a price sufficient to cover the costs of such
duplicates, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and
overhead expenses.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS.
Medals struck pursuant to this Act are National medals for purposes
of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; PROCEEDS OF SALE.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
charged against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, an
amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay for the cost of the medal
authorized under section 2.
(b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sale of duplicate
bronze medals under section 3 shall be deposited in the United States
Mint Public Enterprise Fund. | Authorizes the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to collectively honor the troops from the United States and the Philippines who defended Bataan, Philippines, and were subsequently prisoners of war, in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country during World War II. Provides for the Medal's display at the Smithsonian Institution.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Medal should be made available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with the prisoners of war at Bataan. | A bill to grant the Congressional Gold Medal to the troops who defended Bataan during World War II. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Bosnia Force Realignment Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) United States ground combat forces in the Republic of
Bosnia and Herzegovina have accomplished the military mission
assigned to them as a component of the Implementation Force and
the Stabilization Force.
(2) The continuing and open-ended commitment of United
States ground combat forces in the Republic of Bosnia and
Herzegovina is subject to the oversight authority of the
Congress.
(3) The Congress may limit the use of appropriated funds to
create the conditions for an orderly and honorable withdrawal
of United States ground combat forces from the Republic of
Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(4) On November 27, 1995, the President affirmed that
United States participation in the multinational military
Implementation Force in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
would terminate in approximately 1 year from that date.
(5) The President declared the expiration date of the
mandate for the Implementation Force to be December 20, 1996.
(6) The Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff expressed confidence that the Implementation
Force would complete its mission in approximately one year.
(7) The Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff expressed the critical importance of
establishing a firm deadline, in the absence of which there is
a potential for expansion of the mission of United States
ground combat forces.
(8) On October 3, 1996, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff announced the intention of the United States
Administration to delay the removal of United States ground
combat forces from the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina until
March 1997.
(9) In November 1996 the President announced his intention
to further extend the deployment of United States ground combat
forces in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina until June
1998.
(10) The President did not request authorization by the
Congress of a policy that would result in the further
deployment of United States ground combat forces in the
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina until June 1998.
(11) Notwithstanding the passage of two previously
established deadlines, the reaffirmation of those deadlines by
senior national security officials, and the endorsement by
those same national security officials of the importance of
having a deadline as a hedge against an expanded mission, the
President announced on December 17, 1997, that establishing a
deadline had been a mistake and that United States ground
combat forces were committed to the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO)-led mission in the Republic of Bosnia and
Herzegovina for the indefinite future.
(12) NATO military forces have increased their
participation in law enforcement, particularly police
activities, in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(13) United States military commanders of the NATO-led
mission in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina have stated
on several occasions that, in accordance with the Dayton Peace
Agreement, the principal responsibility for such law
enforcement and police activities lies with the Bosnian parties
themselves.
SEC. 3. WITHDRAWAL OF UNITED STATES GROUND COMBAT FORCES FROM THE
REPUBLIC OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA.
(a) Limitation.--No funds appropriated or otherwise made available
for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 1999 or any subsequent
fiscal year may be used for the deployment of any United States ground
combat forces in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina after June 30,
1999.
(b) Exceptions.--The limitation in subsection (a) shall not apply--
(1) to the extent necessary to support a limited number of
United States military personnel sufficient only to protect
United States diplomatic facilities in existence on the date of
the enactment of this Act; or
(2) to the extent necessary to support non-combat military
personnel sufficient only to advise the commanders of the NATO
peacekeeping operations in the Republic of Bosnia and
Herzegovina.
(c) Limitation on Support for Law Enforcement Activities.--No funds
appropriated or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense
for fiscal year 1999 or any subsequent fiscal year may be used for any
of the following activities after June 30, 1999:
(1) Conduct of, or direct support for, law enforcement and
police activities in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
except for the training of law enforcement personnel or to
prevent imminent loss of life.
(2) Conduct of, or support for, any activity in the
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina that may have the effect of
jeopardizing the primary mission of the NATO-led force in
preventing armed conflict between the Federation of Bosnia and
Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska (``Bosnian Entities'').
(3) The transfer of refugees within the Republic of Bosnia
and Herzegovina that, in the opinion of the commander of NATO
Forces involved in such transfer--
(A) has as one of its purposes the acquisition of
control by a Bosnian Entity of territory allocated to
the other Bosnian Entity under the Dayton Peace
Agreement; or
(B) may expose United States Armed Forces to
substantial risk to their personal safety.
(4) The implementation of any decision to change the legal
status of any territory within the Republic of Bosnia and
Herzegovina unless expressly agreed to by all signatories to
the Dayton Peace Agreement.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to restrict the authority of the President under the
Constitution to protect the lives of United States citizens.
SEC. 4. PRESIDENTIAL REPORT.
(a) In General.--Not later than December 1, 1998, the President
shall prepare and transmit to the Congress a report on the progress of
the withdrawal of United States ground combat forces from the Republic
of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(b) Contents of Report.--The report under subsection (a) shall
include an identification of the specific steps taken by the United
States Government to transfer the United States portion of the
peacekeeping mission in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to
European allied nations or organizations.
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Dayton peace agreement.--The term ``Dayton Peace
Agreement'' means the General Framework Agreement for Peace in
Bosnia and Herzegovina, initialed by the parties in Dayton,
Ohio, on November 21, 1995, and signed in Paris on December 14,
1995.
(2) Implementation force.--The term ``Implementation
Force'' means the NATO-led multinational military force in the
Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (commonly referred to as
``IFOR''), authorized under the Dayton Peace Agreement.
(3) NATO.--The term ``NATO'' means the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization.
(4) Stabilization force.--The term ``Stabilization Force''
means the United Nations-led follow-on force to the
Implementation Force in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina
and other countries in the region (commonly referred to as
``SFOR''), authorized under United Nations Security Council
Resolution 1088 (December 12, 1996). | Bosnia Force Realignment Act - Prohibits the use of any funds appropriated or otherwise available to the Department of Defense (DOD) for FY 1999 or any subsequent fiscal year for the deployment of any U.S. ground combat forces in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina after June 30, 1999. Provides exceptions to such prohibition to the extent necessary to support: (1) a limited number of U.S. military personnel sufficient only to protect U.S. diplomatic facilities; or (2) non-combat military personnel sufficient only to advise the commanders of the North American Treaty Organization (NATO) peacekeeping operations there.
Prohibits DOD funds from being used after June 30, 1999, for: (1) the conduct of, or support for, any law enforcement activities in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, except for the training of law enforcement personnel or to prevent imminent loss of life; (2) any activity that may jeopardize the primary mission of the NATO-led force in preventing armed conflict there; (3) the transfer of refugees within the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina that has a purpose of acquiring control by one Bosnian Entity of territory allocated to another or that may expose U.S. armed forces to substantial risk; or (4) implementation of any decision to change the legal status of any territory within the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, unless expressly agreed to by all signatories to the Dayton Peace Agreement.
Requires the President to report to the Congress on the progress of the withdrawal of U.S. ground combat forces from the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. | Bosnia Force Realignment Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Geothermal Production Expansion
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) It is in the best interest of the United States to
develop clean renewable geothermal energy.
(2) Development of such energy should be promoted on
appropriate Federal lands.
(3) Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Bureau of Land
Management is authorized to issue three different types of non-
competitive leases for production of geothermal energy on
Federal lands, including non-competitive geothermal leases to
mining claim holders that have a valid operating plan, direct
use leases, and leases on parcels that do not sell at a
competitive auction.
(4) Federal geothermal energy leasing activity should be
directed towards those seeking to develop the land as opposed
to those seeking to speculate on geothermal resources and
thereby artificially raising the cost of legitimate geothermal
energy development.
(5) Developers of geothermal energy on Federal lands that
have invested substantial capital and made high risk
investments should be allowed to secure a discovery of
geothermal energy resources.
(6) Successful geothermal development on Federal lands will
provide increased revenue to the Federal Government, with the
payment of production royalties over decades.
SEC. 3. NONCOMPETITIVE LEASING OF ADJOINING AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF
GEOTHERMAL RESOURCES.
The Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 is amended--
(1) in section 2 (30 U.S.C. 1001)--
(A) by striking the period at the end of each of
paragraphs (e) and (f) and inserting a semicolon;
(B) by striking ``, and'' at the end of paragraph
(g) and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraphs:
``(h) `industry standards' means the standards by which a
qualified geothermal professional assesses whether downhole or
flowing temperature measurements with indications of
permeability are sufficient to produce geothermal steam or
geothermal resources as determined through flow or injection
testing or measurement of lost circulation while drilling;
``(i) `qualified geothermal professional' means an
individual who is an engineer or geoscientist in good
professional standing with at least five years of experience in
geothermal exploration, development, project assessment, or any
combination of the forgoing;
``(j) the term `qualified lessee' means a person that may
hold a geothermal lease under part 3202.10 of title 43, Code of
Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of
the Geothermal Production Expansion Act; and
``(k) `valid discovery' means a discovery of a geothermal
resource by a new or existing slim hole or production well,
that exhibits downhole or flowing temperature measurements with
indications of permeability sufficient to meet industry
standards.''; and
(2) in section 4(b) (30 U.S.C. 1003(b)), by adding at the
end the following:
``(4) Adjoining lands.--
``(A) In general.--Areas that adjoin Federal lands
for which a qualified lessee holds a legal right to
develop geothermal resources may be available for
noncompetitive lease under this section to the
qualified lessee at the fair market value per acre,
if--
``(i) the adjoining areas--
``(I) consist of an area of not
more than a total of 640 acres;
``(II) each consist of not less
than one acre;
``(III) are not already leased
under this Act or nominated to be
leased under subsection (a);
``(ii) the qualified lessee has not
previously received a noncompetitive lease
under this paragraph in connection with the
valid discovery for which data has been
submitted under subclause (I) of clause (iii);
and
``(iii) sufficient geological and other
technical data prepared by a qualified
geothermal professional has been submitted by
the qualified lessee to the relevant Federal
land management agency that would engender a
belief in individuals who are experienced in
the subject matter that--
``(I) there is a valid discovery of
geothermal steam or geothermal
resources on the lands for which the
qualified lesseeholds the legal right
to develop geothermal resources; and
``(II) such thermal feature extends
into the adjoining areas.
``(B) Fair market value per acre defined.--As used
in this paragraph, the term `fair market value per
acre' means a dollar amount per acre that--
``(i) except as provided in this
subparagraph, shall be equal to the market
value per acre, as determined by the Secretary;
``(ii) shall be determined by the Secretary
with respect to a lease under this paragraph,
by not later than the end of the 90-day period
beginning on the date the Secretary receives an
application for the lease;
``(iii) if the Secretary does not determine
the fair market value per acre for a lease
before the end of the period referred to in
clause (ii), shall be $100 per acre (adjusted
by the Secretary for inflation annually
beginning with fiscal year 2011) until the
Secretary establishes such fair market value;
and
``(iv) for any lease for which an
application is received before the end of the
15-year period beginning on the date of the
enactment of this clause, shall not exceed $200
per acre (adjusted by the Secretary for
inflation annually beginning with fiscal year
2011).''. | Geothermal Production Expansion Act - Amends competitive lease provisions of the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to set forth conditions under which areas that adjoin federal lands for which a qualified lessee holds a legal right to develop geothermal resources may be made available to the lessee for noncompetitive lease at the fair market value per acre.
Includes as such conditions that sufficient data has been submitted by a qualified geothermal professional to the relevant federal land management agency to engender a belief that: (1) there is a valid discovery of geothermal or geothermal steam resources on the lands for which the lessee holds the right to develop the resources; and (2) the thermal feature extends into the adjoining areas. | To amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to authorize noncompetitive leasing of certain areas adjoining other lands for which a qualified company or individual holds a preexisting legal right to develop geothermal resources, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Stop AIDS in Prison Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. COMPREHENSIVE HIV/AIDS POLICY.
(a) In General.--The Bureau of Prisons (hereinafter in this Act
referred to as the ``Bureau'') shall develop a comprehensive policy to
provide HIV testing, treatment, and prevention for inmates within the
correctional setting and upon reentry.
(b) Purpose.--The purposes of this policy shall be as follows:
(1) To stop the spread of HIV/AIDS among inmates.
(2) To protect prison guards and other personnel from HIV/
AIDS infection.
(3) To provide comprehensive medical treatment to inmates
who are living with HIV/AIDS.
(4) To promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention among
inmates.
(5) To encourage inmates to take personal responsibility
for their health.
(6) To reduce the risk that inmates will transmit HIV/AIDS
to other persons in the community following their release from
prison.
(c) Consultation.--The Bureau shall consult with appropriate
officials of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of
National Drug Control Policy, and the Centers for Disease Control
regarding the development of this policy.
(d) Time Limit.--The Bureau shall draft appropriate regulations to
implement this policy not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICY.
The policy created under section 2 shall do the following:
(1) Testing and counseling upon intake.--
(A) Medical personnel shall provide routine HIV
testing to all inmates as a part of a comprehensive
medical examination immediately following admission to
a facility. (Medical personnel need not provide routine
HIV testing to an inmate who is transferred to a
facility from another facility if the inmate's medical
records are transferred with the inmate and indicate
that the inmate has been tested previously.).
(B) To all inmates admitted to a facility prior to
the effective date of this policy, medical personnel
shall provide routine HIV testing within no more than 6
months. HIV testing for these inmates may be performed
in conjunction with other health services provided to
these inmates by medical personnel.
(C) All HIV tests under this paragraph shall comply
with paragraph (9).
(2) Pre-test and post-test counseling.--Medical personnel
shall provide confidential pre-test and post-test counseling to
all inmates who are tested for HIV. Counseling may be included
with other general health counseling provided to inmates by
medical personnel.
(3) HIV/AIDS prevention education.--
(A) Medical personnel shall improve HIV/AIDS
awareness through frequent educational programs for all
inmates. HIV/AIDS educational programs may be provided
by community based organizations, local health
departments, and inmate peer educators. These HIV/AIDS
educational programs shall include information on modes
of transmission, including transmission through
tattooing, sexual contact, and intravenous drug use;
prevention methods; treatment; and disease progression.
HIV/AIDS educational programs shall be culturally
sensitive, conducted in a variety of languages, and
present scientifically accurate information in a clear
and understandable manner.
(B) HIV/AIDS educational materials shall be made
available to all inmates at orientation, at health care
clinics, at regular educational programs, and prior to
release. Both written and audio-visual materials shall
be made available to all inmates. These materials shall
be culturally sensitive, written for low literacy
levels, and available in a variety of languages.
(4) HIV testing upon request.--
(A) Medical personnel shall allow inmates to obtain
HIV tests upon request once per year or whenever an
inmate has a reason to believe the inmate may have been
exposed to HIV. Medical personnel shall, both orally
and in writing, inform inmates, during orientation and
periodically throughout incarceration, of their right
to obtain HIV tests.
(B) Medical personnel shall encourage inmates to
request HIV tests if the inmate is sexually active, has
been raped, uses intravenous drugs, receives a tattoo,
or if the inmate is concerned that the inmate may have
been exposed to HIV/AIDS.
(C) An inmate's request for an HIV test shall not
be considered an indication that the inmate has put
him/herself at risk of infection and/or committed a
violation of prison rules.
(5) HIV testing of pregnant woman.--
(A) Medical personnel shall provide routine HIV
testing to all inmates who become pregnant.
(B) All HIV tests under this paragraph shall comply
with paragraph (9).
(6) Comprehensive treatment.--
(A) Medical personnel shall provide all inmates who
test positive for HIV--
(i) timely, comprehensive medical
treatment;
(ii) confidential counseling on managing
their medical condition and preventing its
transmission to other persons; and
(iii) voluntary partner notification
services.
(B) Medical care provided under this paragraph
shall be consistent with current Department of Health
and Human Services guidelines and standard medical
practice. Medical personnel shall discuss treatment
options, the importance of adherence to antiretroviral
therapy, and the side effects of medications with
inmates receiving treatment.
(C) Medical and pharmacy personnel shall ensure
that the facility formulary contains all Food and Drug
Administration-approved medications necessary to
provide comprehensive treatment for inmates living with
HIV/AIDS, and that the facility maintains adequate
supplies of such medications to meet inmates' medical
needs. Medical and pharmacy personnel shall also
develop and implement automatic renewal systems for
these medications to prevent interruptions in care.
(D) Correctional staff and medical and pharmacy
personnel shall develop and implement distribution
procedures to ensure timely and confidential access to
medications.
(7) Protection of confidentiality.--
(A) Medical personnel shall develop and implement
procedures to ensure the confidentiality of inmate
tests, diagnoses, and treatment. Medical personnel and
correctional staff shall receive regular training on
the implementation of these procedures. Penalties for
violations of inmate confidentiality by medical
personnel or correctional staff shall be specified and
strictly enforced.
(B) HIV testing, counseling, and treatment shall be
provided in a confidential setting where other routine
health services are provided and in a manner that
allows the inmate to request and obtain these services
as routine medical services.
(8) Testing, counseling, and referral prior to reentry.--
(A) Medical personnel shall provide routine HIV
testing to all inmates no more than 3 months prior to
their release and reentry into the community. (Inmates
who are already known to be infected need not be tested
again.). This requirement may be waived if an inmate's
release occurs without sufficient notice to the Bureau
to allow medical personnel to perform a routine HIV
test and notify the inmate of the results.
(B) All HIV tests under this paragraph shall comply
with paragraph (9).
(C) To all inmates who test positive for HIV and
all inmates who already are known to have HIV/AIDS,
medical personnel shall provide--
(i) confidential prerelease counseling on
managing their medical condition in the
community, accessing appropriate treatment and
services in the community, and preventing the
transmission of their condition to family
members and other persons in the community;
(ii) referrals to appropriate health care
providers and social service agencies in the
community that meet the inmate's individual
needs, including voluntary partner notification
services and prevention counseling services for
people living with HIV/AIDS; and
(iii) a 30-day supply of any medically
necessary medications the inmate is currently
receiving.
(9) Opt-out provision.--Inmates shall have the right to
refuse routine HIV testing. Inmates shall be informed both
orally and in writing of this right. Oral and written
disclosure of this right may be included with other general
health information and counseling provided to inmates by
medical personnel. If an inmate refuses a routine test for HIV,
medical personnel shall make a note of the inmate's refusal in
the inmate's confidential medical records. However, the
inmate's refusal shall not be considered a violation of prison
rules or result in disciplinary action.
(10) Exposure incident testing.--The Bureau may perform HIV
testing of an inmate under section 4014 of title 18, United
States Code. HIV testing of an inmate who is involved in an
exposure incident is not ``routine HIV testing'' for the
purposes of paragraph (9) and does not require the inmate's
consent. Medical personnel shall document the reason for
exposure incident testing in the inmate's confidential medical
records.
(11) Timely notification of test results.--Medical
personnel shall provide timely notification to inmates of the
results of HIV tests.
SEC. 4. CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW.
(a) Screening in General.--Section 4014(a) of title 18, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``for a period of 6 months or more'';
(2) by striking ``, as appropriate,''; and
(3) by striking ``if such individual is determined to be at
risk for infection with such virus in accordance with the
guidelines issued by the Bureau of Prisons relating to
infectious disease management'' and inserting ``unless the
individual declines. The Attorney General shall also cause such
individual to be so tested before release unless the individual
declines''.
(b) Inadmissibility of HIV Test Results in Civil and Criminal
Proceedings.--Section 4014(d) of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by inserting ``or under the Stop AIDS in Prison Act of 2007''
after ``under this section''.
(c) Screening as Part of Routine Screening.--Section 4014(e) of
title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``Such rules shall also provide that the initial test under
this section be performed as part of the routine health screening
conducted at intake.''.
SEC. 5. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Report on Hepatitis and Other Diseases.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Bureau shall provide a
report to the Congress on Bureau policies and procedures to provide
testing, treatment, and prevention education programs for Hepatitis and
other diseases transmitted through sexual activity and intravenous drug
use. The Bureau shall consult with appropriate officials of the
Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of National Drug
Control Policy, and the Centers for Disease Control regarding the
development of this report.
(b) Annual Reports.--
(1) Generally.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and then annually thereafter, the
Bureau shall report to Congress on the incidence among inmates
of diseases transmitted through sexual activity and intravenous
drug use.
(2) Matters pertaining to various diseases.--Reports under
paragraph (1) shall discuss--
(A) the incidence among inmates of HIV/AIDS,
Hepatitis, and other diseases transmitted through
sexual activity and intravenous drug use; and
(B) updates on Bureau testing, treatment, and
prevention education programs for these diseases.
(3) Matters pertaining to hiv/aids only.--Reports under
paragraph (1) shall also include--
(A) the number of inmates who tested positive for
HIV upon intake;
(B) the number of inmates who tested positive prior
to reentry;
(C) the number of inmates who were not tested prior
to reentry because they were released without
sufficient notice;
(D) the number of inmates who opted-out of taking
the test;
(E) the number of inmates who were tested following
exposure incidents; and
(F) the number of inmates under treatment for HIV/
AIDS.
(4) Consultation.--The Bureau shall consult with
appropriate officials of the Department of Health and Human
Services, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the
Centers for Disease Control regarding the development of
reports under paragraph (1).
SEC. 6. APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this Act.
Passed the House of Representatives September 25, 2007.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk. | Stop AIDS in Prison Act of 2007 - Directs the Bureau of Prisons to develop, and draft regulations to implement, a comprehensive policy to provide HIV testing, treatment, and prevention for inmates in federal prisons and upon reentry into the community.
Requires such policy to provide for: (1) testing of inmates upon intake and counseling; (2) pre-test and post-test counseling; (3) improvement of HIV/AIDS awareness and inmate education; (4) HIV testing of inmates annually or upon exposure to HIV; (5) HIV testing of pregnant inmates; (6) comprehensive medical treatment of inmates who test positive and confidential counseling on managing their medical condition and preventing HIV transmission to other persons; (7) protection of inmate confidentiality; (8) testing, counseling, and referral of inmates to health care and social service agencies prior to reentry into the community; (9) the right of inmates to refuse routine testing; (10) mandatory testing after a documented exposure to HIV; and (11) timely notification to inmates of test results.
Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) require HIV testing for all inmates upon intake regardless of length of sentence or risk factors; (2) allow inmates to decline testing prior to release from incarceration; (3) make HIV test results inadmissible in civil and criminal proceedings; and (4) make HIV testing part of the routine health screening conducted at inmate intake.
Directs the Bureau of Prisons to report to Congress: (1) within one year on Bureau policies and procedures to provide testing, treatment, and prevention education programs for hepatitis and other diseases transmitted through sexual activity and intravenous drug use; and (2) annually on the incidence among inmates of diseases transmitted through sexual activity and intravenous drug use, including specific information on HIV/AIDS.
Authorizes appropriations. | To provide for an effective HIV/AIDS program in Federal prisons. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Health Care Worker Needlestick
Prevention Act''.
SEC. 2. REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Bloodborne Pathogens Standard.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
Secretary of Labor, acting through the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, shall amend the bloodborne pathogens
standard to require that--
(A) employers utilize needleless systems and sharps
with engineered sharps injury protections in their work
sites to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens;
and
(B) to assist employers in meeting the requirement
of subparagraph (A), non-managerial direct care health
care workers of employers participate in the
identification and evaluation of needleless systems and
sharps with engineered sharps injury protections.
(2) Exception.--The bloodborne pathogens standard
requirements of paragraph (1) shall apply to any employer,
except where the employer demonstrates, to the Secretary's
satisfaction, that--
(A) there are circumstances in the employer's work
facility in which the needleless systems and sharps
with engineered sharps injury protections do not
promote employee safety, interfere with patient safety,
or interfere with the success of a medical procedure;
or
(B) the needleless systems and sharps with
engineered sharps injury protections required are not
commercially available to the employer.
(b) Standard Content.--For carrying out the requirement of
subsection (a)(1) for needleless systems and sharps with engineered
sharps injury protections, the amendment required by subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) Exposure control plan.--The employer shall include in
their exposure control plan an effective procedure for
identifying and selecting existing needleless systems and
sharps with engineered sharps injury protections and other
methods of preventing bloodborne pathogens exposure.
(2) Sharps injury log.--In addition to the recording of all
injuries from contaminated sharps on the OSHA Occupational
Injuries and Illnesses 200 log or its equivalent, the employer
shall maintain a separate contaminated sharps injury log
containing the following information (to the extent such
information is known to the employer) with regard to each
exposure incident:
(A) Date and time of the exposure incident.
(B) Type and brand of sharp involved in the
exposure incident.
(C) Description of the exposure incident which
shall include--
(i) job classification of the exposed
employee;
(ii) department or work area where the
exposure incident occurred;
(iii) the procedure that the exposed
employee was performing at the time of the
incident;
(iv) how the incident occurred;
(v) the body part involved in the exposure
incident;
(vi) if the sharp had engineered sharps
injury protections--
(I) whether the protective
mechanism was activated, and whether
the injury occurred before the
protective mechanism was activated,
during activation of the mechanism, or
after activation of the mechanism, if
applicable; and
(II) whether the employee received
training on how to use the device
before use, and a brief description of
the training;
(vii) if the sharp had no engineered sharps
injury protections, the injured employee's
opinion as to whether and how such a mechanism
could have prevented the injury, as well as the
basis for the opinion; and
(viii) the employee's opinion about whether
any other engineering, administrative, or work
practice control could have prevented the
injury as well as the basis for the opinion.
(3) Training.--A requirement that all direct care health
care workers shall be provided adequate training on the use of
all needleless systems and sharps with engineered sharps injury
protections which they may be required to use.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL CLEARINGHOUSE ON SAFER NEEDLE TECHNOLOGY.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health shall establish and maintain a national
database on existing needleless systems and sharps with engineered
sharps injury protections.
(b) Evaluation Criteria.--The Director shall develop a set of
evaluation criteria for use by employers, employees, and other persons
when they are evaluating and selecting needleless systems and sharps
with engineered sharps injury protections.
(c) Training.--The Director shall develop a model training
curriculum to train employers, employees, and other persons on the
process of evaluating needleless systems and sharps with engineered
sharps injury protections and shall (to the extent feasible) provide
technical assistance to persons who request such assistance.
(d) Monitoring.--The Director shall establish a national system to
collect comprehensive data on needlestick injuries to healthcare
workers, including data on mechanisms to analyze and evaluate
prevention interventions in relation to needlestick injury occurrence.
In carrying out its duties under this subsection, the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shall have access to
information recorded by employers on the sharps injury log as required
by section 2(b)(2).
(e) Authorization.--There is authorized to be appropriated
$15,000,000 to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
to carry out the requirements of this section.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Bloodborne pathogens.--The term ``bloodborne
pathogens'' means pathogenic microorganisms that are present in
human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens
include hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human
immunodeficiency virus.
(2) Contaminated.--The term ``contaminated'' means the
presence or the reasonably anticipated presence of blood or
other potentially infectious materials on an item or surface.
(3) Direct care health care worker.--The term ``direct care
health care worker'' means an employee responsible for direct
patient care with potential occupational exposure to sharps
related injuries.
(4) Employer.--The term ``employer'' means each employer
having an employee with occupational exposure to human blood or
other material potentially containing bloodborne pathogens.
(5) Engineered sharps injury protections.--The term
``engineered sharps injury protections'' means--
(A) a physical attribute built into a needle device
used for withdrawing body fluids, accessing a vein or
artery, or administering medications or other fluids,
that effectively reduces the risk of an exposure
incident by a mechanism such as barrier creation,
blunting, encapsulation, withdrawal, retraction,
destruction, or other effective mechanisms; or
(B) a physical attribute built into any other type
of needle device, or into a nonneedle sharp, which
effectively reduces the risk of an exposure incident.
(6) Needleless system.--The term ``needleless system''
means a device that does not use needles for--
(A) the withdrawal of body fluids after initial
venous or arterial access is established;
(B) the administration of medication or fluids; and
(C) any other procedure involving the potential for
an exposure incident.
(7) Sharp.--The term ``sharp'' means any object used or
encountered in a health care setting that can be reasonably
anticipated to penetrate the skin or any other part of the
body, and to result in an exposure incident, including, but not
limited to, needle devices, scalpels, lancets, broken glass,
broken capillary tubes, exposed ends of dental wires and dental
knives, drills, and burs.
(8) Sharps injury.--The term ``sharps injury'' means any
injury caused by a sharp, including cuts, abrasions, or
needlesticks.
(9) Sharps injury log.--The term ``sharps injury log''
means a written or electronic record satisfying the
requirements of section 2(b)(2).
SEC. 5. APPLICATION TO MEDICARE HOSPITALS.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide by
regulation that, as a condition of participation under the medicare
program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act of a hospital that
is not otherwise subject to the bloodborne pathogens standard amended
under section 2(a) because it is exempt from regulation by the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the hospital shall
comply with the bloodborne pathogen standard amended under section 2(a)
with respect to any employees of the hospital, effective at the same
time as such amended standard would have applied to the hospital if it
had not been so exempt.
SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall become effective upon the date of its enactment,
except that the Secretary of Labor shall take the action required by
section 2 within one year of such date. | Health Care Worker Needlestick Prevention Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to amend the bloodborne pathogens standard to require that: (1) employers utilize needleless systems and sharps with engineered sharps injury protections in their work sites to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens; and (2) non-managerial direct care health care workers of employers participate in the identification and evaluation of such systems and sharps. Provides an exemption where an employer demonstrates that needleless systems and sharps: (1) do not promote employee safety, interfere with patient safety, or interfere with the success of a medical procedure under certain circumstances in the employer's work facility; or (2) are not commercially available to the employer.
(Sec. 2) Includes under such revised standard requirements relating to: (1) exposure control plans; (2) sharps injury logs; and (3) worker training in the use of such systems and sharps.
(Sec. 3) Requires the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to establish and maintain a national database on existing needleless systems and sharps with engineered sharps injury protections. Requires the Director to: (1) develop a set of evaluation criteria for use by employers, employees, and other persons in evaluating and selecting such systems and sharps; (2) develop a model training curriculum to train employers, employees, and other persons in such evaluation process, and provide requested technical assistance to the extent feasible; and (3) establish a national system to collect comprehensive data on needlestick injuries to health care workers, including data on mechanisms to analyze and evaluate prevention. Authorizes NIOSH access to information recorded by employers in sharps injury logs. Authorizes appropriations.
(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require hospitals, as a condition of their Medicare program participation, to comply with the bloodborne pathogen standard as amended under this Act with respect to hospital employees, even if they are not otherwise subject to such standard because they are exempt from OSHA regulation. | Health Care Worker Needlestick Prevention Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Save Oak Flat Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds as follows:
(1) Section 3003 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck''
McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015
(Public Law 113-291) authorizes approximately 2422 acres of
Forest Service land known as ``Oak Flat'' in the Tonto National
Forest in Southeastern Arizona that is sacred to Indian tribes
in the region, including the San Carlos Apache Tribe and the
Yavapai-Apache Nation, to be transferred to a mining company
called Resolution Copper. That company plans to hold the Forest
land privately for a mining project that will result in the
physical destruction of tribal sacred areas and deprive
American Indians from practicing their religions, ceremonies,
and other traditional practices. The mining project will also
create significant negative environmental impacts by destroying
the area and depleting and contaminating precious water
resources.
(2) Once Resolution Copper owns the Oak Flat area, it plans
to use the highly destructive block cave mining method to
remove one cubic mile of ore that is now 7,000 feet beneath the
surface of the earth without replacing any of the earth removed
because that is the cheapest form of mining. Resolution Copper
admits that the surface will subside and ultimately collapse,
destroying forever this place of worship.
(3) The Tonto National Forest in which Oak Flat is located
was established in 1905 from the ancestral homelands of the
Tonto Apache and other American Indians who were forcibly
removed at gunpoint from the Oak Flat area and other areas of
the Tonto National Forest by the United States Army in the
1880s and imprisoned in other areas, including what is now the
San Carlos Apache Reservation, located approximately 15 miles
from Oak Flat, where Apaches were held as prisoners of war
until the early 1900s.
(4) Section 3003 was included in the Carl Levin and Howard
P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2015 without proper legislative process and
circumvented the will of the majority of Members of the House
of Representatives. Section 3003 was originally introduced in
the House of Representatives as H.R. 687 and in the Senate as
S. 339 in the 113th Congress. H.R. 687 was brought to the floor
of the House of Representatives for consideration twice and was
pulled from consideration both times. S. 339 was never
considered by the Senate or even considered for mark up by the
Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Section 3003
was then included in the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck''
McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015
without majority support from either the House or Senate and an
amendment to remove section 3003 was not allowed to be
considered.
(5) American Indian tribes have ceded or have had taken
from them millions of acres of land to help build the United
States and have suffered under Federal assimilationist policies
that sought to destroy tribal cultures. Despite these policies,
American Indians continue to practice their religions as they
have done for thousands of years. American Indian places of
worship, or sacred areas, are often land based, including
mountains, streams, and trees. As a result of previous Federal
land policies that resulted in the significant loss of lands of
American Indian tribes, many sacred areas of tribes are now
located on Federal lands.
(6) The United States has a trust responsibility
acknowledged by Congress to protect tribal sacred areas on
Federal lands. These laws require meaningful consultations with
affected Indian tribes before making decisions that will impact
American Indians. In contradiction to these laws, section 3003
requires the mandatory conveyance of a tribal sacred area
located on Federal lands regardless of the outcome of
consultation with affected Indian tribes.
(7) Section 3003 was strongly opposed by Indian tribes
nationwide because it sets dangerous legislative precedent for
the lack of protection of tribal sacred areas located on
Federal lands by mandating the conveyance of Federal lands with
significant religious, cultural, historic, and anthropological
significance for Indian tribes to a private company that will
destroy the land.
(8) Section 3003 circumvents standard environmental review
procedures that ensure that the public interest is protected,
including the interests of Indian tribes. Section 3003 requires
a mandatory conveyance of the Oak Flat area regardless of the
findings resulting from the environmental review process. The
mining project will require significant amounts of water that
will likely affect the local hydrology, including the
underlying aquifer, and will result in polluted water that will
seep into drinking water supplies.
(9) The inclusion of section 3003 in the Carl Levin and
Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2015 sets negative precedent for legislative
process and for Federal Indian policy.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF THE SOUTHEAST ARIZONA LAND EXCHANGE AND CONSERVATION.
Section 3003 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law
113-291) is repealed. | Save Oak Flat Act This bill repeals the provisions under the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 providing for a land exchange between the Department of Agriculture and Resolution Copper Mining, LLC. Under the provisions of that Act, 2,422 acres of Forest Service land located in Pinal County, Arizona, are to be exchanged for various parcels of land owned by Resolution Copper. | Save Oak Flat Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
Accountability and Transparency for Taxpayers Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. QUARTERLY REPORTS DURING CONSERVATORSHIP.
(a) Reporting Requirement.--For each reporting period, the
Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency shall submit to
the Congress a report for each enterprise that summarizes the
activities of the Inspector General with respect to such enterprise,
and the activities and condition of such enterprise, during such
reporting period.
(b) Contents.--Each report required under this section for an
enterprise for a reporting period shall include the following
information:
(1) A description, including dollar amount, of total
liabilities of the enterprise as of the reporting date, with a
detailed breakdown of the potential level of risk to the
Federal Government inherent in the dollar amount of each
separate type of liability and a quantification as to how the
risk to the Federal Government has changed from the previous
reporting period, distinguishing between changes attributable
to volume and changes attributable to changes in risk levels.
(2) An explanation of, including rationale for, all
compensation and bonuses paid to any executive officer (as such
term is defined in section 1303 of the Housing and Community
Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4502)) of the enterprise,
and any retention decisions made, by the enterprise during such
period regarding its executive officers.
(3) A description of foreclosure mitigation activities of
the enterprise during such period, including any related data,
a list of law firms and attorneys approved or retained by the
enterprise for handling foreclosure and bankruptcy matters
relating to mortgages held or securitized by the enterprise,
and the eligibility criteria used for such approval or
retention and reasons for limiting such list, and the number of
mortgage loans held by the enterprise that were refinanced in
2008, 2009, and 2010 through foreclosure mitigation activities
of the enterprise that have, during such period, entered into
default.
(4) A description of any mortgage fraud prevention
activities undertaken by the enterprise during such period and
data describing the extent of mortgage fraud during such
period, including descriptions of the efforts of the enterprise
to prevent or detect mortgage fraud, of the pervasiveness of
mortgage fraud, and of the most prevalent types of mortgage
fraud detected.
(5) A listing with description of any formal or informal
communication between Governors and staff of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System and executives in the
enterprise and any formal or informal communication between
officials and staff of the Department of the Treasury and the
Governors and staff of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System and executives in the enterprise regarding the
purchase or sale of any enterprise-related securities.
(6) A description of any investments, holdings, and
activities of the enterprise during such period that are not
consistent with the mission of the enterprise as provided under
Federal law.
(7) A description of the reasons for any equity investments
in the enterprise by the Department of the Treasury during such
period and any increase during such period in the authorized
amount of equity investments by such Department.
(8) An analysis of the capital levels and portfolio size of
the enterprise during such period and their impacts on the
safety and soundness of the enterprise.
(9) A description and analysis of the underwriting
standards of the enterprise applicable during such period,
including the criteria for safety and soundness of mortgage
loans for single-family, multi-family, and condominium
residential homes securitized by the enterprise and the ability
of such criteria to ensure such safety and soundness.
(10) An analysis of actions taken by the enterprise that
had a beneficial or harmful effect on holders of enterprise-
related securities, in particular, preferred stock issued prior
to September 6, 2008.
(11) Any other information that the Inspector General
considers relevant or important with respect to the enterprise,
and the activities and condition of the enterprise.
(c) Reporting Periods; Timing of Reports.--
(1) Initial period.--The first reporting period for each
enterprise shall be the period that began upon the commencement
of the conservatorship period for the enterprise and that ends
upon the date of the enactment of this Act. The reports
required under this section for such period shall be submitted
not later than the expiration of the 60-day period beginning on
the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Quarterly periods.--After the first reporting period,
the reporting periods for each enterprise shall be each
calendar quarter that concludes after the date of the enactment
of this Act. Each report for each such reporting period shall
be submitted not later than the expiration of the 60-day period
beginning upon the conclusion of such reporting period.
(3) Receivership.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), if at any
time a receiver is appointed for an enterprise pursuant to
section 1367 of the Housing and Community Development Act of
1992 (12 U.S.C. 4617), the reporting periods for the enterprise
during such receivership shall be each calendar month (or such
shorter period as the Inspector General considers appropriate).
Each report for each such reporting period shall be submitted
not later than the expiration of the 30-day period beginning
upon the conclusion of such reporting period.
(4) Nationalization.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2), if at
any time the Federal Government or any agency or entity of the
Federal Government obtains control of an enterprise under law
or through ownership of voting stock of the enterprise, or the
Inspector General determines that the enterprise has otherwise
been nationalized, the reporting periods for the enterprise
after such nationalization occurs shall be the consecutive 6-
month periods (the first such period beginning upon such
nationalization (or such shorter period as the Inspector
General considers appropriate). Each report for each such
reporting period shall be submitted not later than the
expiration of the 60-day period beginning upon the conclusion
of such reporting period.
(d) Public Availability.--The Inspector General shall--
(1) make information regarding the activities of the
Inspector General, including each report submitted to the
Congress pursuant to this section, available to the public,
including through a World Wide Web site of the Federal Housing
Finance Agency; and
(2) establish an electronic mail address and a toll-free
telephone number, and shall publicize the availability of such
address and number, by which the public may report waste,
fraud, or abuse by an enterprise.
(e) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the following
definitions shall apply:
(1) Conservatorship period.--The term ``conservatorship
period'' means, with respect to an enterprise, the period
that--
(A) began upon appointment of the Federal Housing
Finance Agency as conservator for the enterprise on
September 6, 2008, pursuant to section 1367 of the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 (12
U.S.C. 4617); and
(B) ends upon the termination of such
conservatorship of the enterprise.
(2) Inspector general.--The term ``Inspector General''
means the Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance
Agency, appointed pursuant to section 1317(d) of the Housing
and Community Development Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4517).
(3) Enterprise.--The term ``enterprise'' means the Federal
National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation.
(4) Reporting period.--The term ``reporting period'' means
a period described in paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) of
subsection (c).
SEC. 3. INSPECTOR GENERAL OF THE FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY.
Section 1317 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992
(12 U.S.C. 4517) is amended by striking subsection (d) and inserting
the following new subsection:
``(d) Inspector General.--
``(1) Appointment.--There shall be within the Agency an
Inspector General, who shall be appointed in accordance with
section 3(a) of the Inspector General Act of 1978.
``(2) Direct hire authority.--
``(A) Appointment authority.--Subject to
subparagraph (B), the Inspector General of the Agency
may appoint candidates to any position in Office of the
Inspector General of the Agency--
``(i) in accordance with the statutes,
rules, and regulations governing appointments
in the excepted service; and
``(ii) notwithstanding any statutes, rules,
and regulations governing appointments in the
competitive service.
``(B) Applicability.--Subparagraph (A) shall apply
with respect to any position within the Office of the
Inspector General of the Agency, and the authority
under such subparagraph shall be effective only during
the 12-month period beginning upon the enactment of the
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Accountability and
Transparency for Taxpayers Act of 2011.
``(C) Dual compensation waiver authority.--
``(i) Waiver authority.--Subject to
subparagraph (B) and notwithstanding section
8468 of title 5, United States Code, or any
other statute, rule, or regulation prescribing
the termination of retirement annuities or the
offset of such annuities for annuitants who are
re-employed by the Federal Government, if an
annuitant receiving an annuity from the Civil
Service Retirement and Disability Fund becomes
employed in a position within the Office of the
Inspector General of the Agency, the annuity of
such annuitant shall continue without
termination or offset. An annuitant so
reemployed shall not be considered an employee
for purposes of chapter 83 or 84 of title 5,
United States Code.
``(ii) Applicability.--Subparagraph (A)
shall apply with respect to any position within
the Office of the Inspector General of the
Agency, and the authority under such
subparagraph shall be effective only during the
36-month period beginning upon the enactment of
the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Accountability
and Transparency for Taxpayers Act of 2011.
``(3) Law enforcement authority.--The Office of the
Inspector General of the Agency shall be treated as an office
included under section 6(e)(3) of the Inspector General Act of
1978 (5 U.S.C. App.), relating to the exemption from the
initial determination of eligibility by the Attorney
General.''. | Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Accountability and Transparency for Taxpayers Act of 2011 - Directs the Inspector General (IG) of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to submit quarterly reports to Congress on the IG's activities with respect to the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and their activities and condition while they are in conservatorship status.
Amends the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to give the Federal Housing Finance Agency IG: (1) direct hire authority; and (2) law enforcement authority exempt from the condition that the Attorney General make an initial determination of the IG's eligibility to exercise such authority. | To require the Inspector General of the Federal Housing Finance Agency to submit quarterly reports to the Congress during the conservatorship of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Honoring Female Congressional
Pioneers Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The 75 women currently serving in the House of
Representatives owe a debt of gratitude to all of their
foremothers who broke down barriers, both in their election to,
and in the important legislative work they accomplished as
Members of, the House of Representatives.
(2) 5 women in particular stand out for their status as the
``first'' women in certain categories.
(3) In 1916, Jeannette Rankin broke new ground by becoming
the first woman elected to the House of Representatives,
representing the State of Montana, first from 1917 to 1919 and
later from 1941 to 1943.
(4) Jeannette Rankin's first election was all the more
remarkable, considering that it came 3 years before women's
suffrage was a legally guaranteed right throughout the United
States.
(5) Jeannette Rankin directly contributed to a woman's
right to vote when she introduced a resolution in 1919 to
support a women's suffrage amendment to the Constitution of the
United States.
(6) Jeannette Rankin remained dedicated to a peaceful
world, both by voting against the declarations of World War I
and World War II (and in fact was the only Representative to
vote against the declaration of World War II) and by working
tirelessly to promote peace during her years outside of
Congress.
(7) In 1924, Mary Teresa Norton became the first Democratic
woman elected to the House of Representatives, and one of a
small number of women during that period who were elected in
their own right and not to replace their husbands, representing
New Jersey's 12th Congressional District from 1925 to 1951.
(8) Mary Norton served as the chair of the Committee on the
District of Columbia from 1931 to 1937, effectively governing
the city, which had no municipal government of its own at that
time.
(9) In 1934, Mary Norton became the first woman to chair a
major political party in a State, as head of the New Jersey
State Committee.
(10) Mary Norton was instrumental in the drafting and
passage in 1938 of a major piece of President Franklin D.
Roosevelt's New Deal, the Fair Labor Standards Act, which
established a minimum wage, a maximum workweek, overtime pay,
and a prohibition on child labor.
(11) In 1964, Patsy Takemoto Mink became the first Asian-
American woman elected to the House of Representatives,
representing Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District from 1965 to
1977 and again from 1991 until her death in 2002.
(12) Patsy Mink secured an assignment to the Committee on
Education and Labor, for which her previous expertise and
interests made her well suited, and used her time on that
Committee to introduce the first child care bill, as well as
bills to provide for bilingual education, student loans,
special education, and the Head Start program.
(13) Patsy Mink gained passage in 1965 of legislation to
support the construction of schools in the Trust Territory of
the Pacific Islands.
(14) Patsy Mink established the Democratic Women's Caucus
in 1995 and served as its first chair.
(15) In 1968, Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm made history
by becoming the first African-American woman elected to the
House of Representatives, representing New York's 12th
Congressional District until her retirement in 1983.
(16) Shirley Chisholm was a founding member of the
Congressional Black Caucus, a fierce advocate for women's
rights and democracy, and a staunch opponent of the Vietnam
War.
(17) Shirley Chisholm was an outspoken advocate for equal
rights, early childhood education, fair labor standards, and
the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday effort.
(18) Shirley Chisholm further cemented her place in history
when she became the first African-American person to seek a
major political party's nomination for President in 1972.
(19) In 1920, Edith Nourse Rogers became the first
congresswoman from New England and, when she died in 1960 after
35 years of service to Massachusetts, became the longest-
serving Congresswoman.
(20) In 1929, Edith Rogers became the first woman to gavel
the House of Representatives to order.
(21) Edith Rogers became the first woman in Congress to
have her name attached to a bill, which bill eventually
achieved enactment in 1938 and established the National Cancer
Institute.
(22) There is a genuine need to honor these women, and
others like them, more often in our Nation's artistic and
cultural venues.
SEC. 3. SPECIAL POSTAGE STAMP.
In order to afford the public a convenient means by which to
contribute towards the acquisition (for public display in the United
States Capitol and other appropriate venues) of works of art honoring
Jeannette Rankin, Mary Teresa Norton, Patsy Takemoto Mink, Shirley
Anita St. Hill Chisholm, Edith Nourse Rogers, and other female pioneers
in U.S. Government service and to American life, the United States
Postal Service shall provide for the issuance and sale of a semipostal
in accordance with section 416 of title 39, United States Code, subject
to the following:
(1) Disposition of amounts received.--All amounts becoming
available from the sale of the semipostal shall be transferred
by the Postal Service to the Capitol Preservation Commission
and the House Fine Arts Board (which is hereby authorized to
accept any such amounts) under such arrangements as the Postal
Service and those entities shall by mutual agreement establish
in order to carry out the purposes of this Act.
(2) No effect on authority to issue other stamps.--No
semipostal issued pursuant to this Act shall be taken into
account for purposes of applying any numerical limitation
established under section 416(e)(1)(C) of such title 39.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act--
(1) the term ``semipostal'' has the meaning given such term
by section 416(a)(1) of title 39, United States Code;
(2) any determination of the ``amounts becoming available''
from the sale of the semipostal described in section 3 shall be
made in accordance with section 416(d) of title 39, United
States Code;
(3) the term ``Capitol Preservation Commission'' means the
United States Capitol Preservation Commission, established by
section 801 of Public Law 100-696 (2 U.S.C. 2081); and
(4) the term ``House Fine Arts Board'' means the House of
Representatives Fine Arts Board, established by section 1001 of
Public Law 100-696 (2 U.S.C. 2121). | Honoring Female Congressional Pioneers Act of 2009 - Directs the Postal Service to provide for the issuance and sale of a semipostal in order to afford the public a convenient means to contribute towards the acquisition (for public display) of works of art honoring Jeanette Rankin, Mary Teresa Norton, Patsy Takemoto Mink, Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm, Edith Nourse Rogers, and other female pioneers in U.S. government service and American life. | To provide for the issuance of a semipostal in order to afford a convenient means by which members of the public may contribute towards the acquisition of works of art to honor female pioneers in Government service. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Endangered Salmon Predation
Prevention Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) There are 13 groups of salmon and steelhead that are
listed as threatened species or endangered species under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 that migrate through the lower
Columbia River.
(2) The people of the Northwest United States are united in
their desire to restore healthy salmon and steelhead runs, as
they are integral to the region's culture and economy.
(3) The Columbia River treaty tribes retain important
rights with respect to salmon and steelhead.
(4) Federal, State, and tribal governments have spent
billions of dollars to assist the recovery of Columbia River
salmon and steelhead populations.
(5) One of the factors impacting salmonid populations is
increased predation by marine mammals, including California sea
lions.
(6) The population of California sea lions has increased 6-
fold over the last 3 decades, and is currently greater than
300,000.
(7) In recent years, over 1,000 California sea lions have
been entering the lower 205 miles of the Columbia River up to
Miller Island during the peak spring salmonid run before
returning to the California coast to mate.
(8) The percentage of the spring salmonid run that has been
eaten or killed by California sea lions at Bonneville dam has
increased 7-fold since 2002.
(9) In recent years, California sea lions have with greater
frequency congregated near Bonneville dam and have entered the
fish ladders.
(10) Some of these California sea lions have not been
responsive to extensive hazing methods employed near Bonneville
dam to discourage this behavior.
(11) The process established under the 1994 amendment to
the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to address aggressive
sea lion behavior is protracted and will not work in a timely
enough manner to protect threatened and endangered salmonids in
the near term.
(12) In the interest of protecting Columbia River
threatened and endangered salmonids, a temporary expedited
procedure is urgently needed to allow removal of the minimum
number of California sea lions as is necessary to protect the
passage of threatened and endangered salmonids in the Columbia
River or its tributaries.
SEC. 3. TAKING OF CALIFORNIA SEA LIONS ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER OR ITS
TRIBUTARIES TO PROTECT ENDANGERED AND THREATENED SPECIES
OF SALMON.
(a) Amendment to Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.--Section 120
of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1389) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``(k) Temporary Marine Mammal Removal Authority on the Waters of
the Columbia River or Its Tributaries.--
``(1) Determination of alternative measures.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall determine
whether alternative measures to reduce sea lion
predation of salmonid stocks in the waters of the
Columbia River or its tributaries listed as threatened
species or endangered species under the Endangered
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) adequately
protect the salmonid stocks from California sea lion
predation.
``(B) Deadline.--The Secretary shall make such
determination not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this subsection.
``(C) Public comment.--The Secretary shall, within
such 90-day period, provide up to 30 days for the
submission of public comments on the determination.
``(D) Federal register.--The Secretary shall
publish the determination in the Federal Register.
``(2) Removal authority.--In addition to other authority
under this section, and notwithstanding any other provision of
this title, the Secretary may issue a permit to an eligible
entity authorizing the intentional lethal taking on the waters
of the Columbia River or its tributaries California sea lions
if the Secretary determines under paragraph (1) that
alternative measures to reduce sea lion predation on salmonid
stocks in such waters listed as threatened species or
endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) do not adequately protect the salmonid
stocks from California sea lion predation.
``(3) Permit process.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible entity may apply to
the Secretary of Commerce for a permit under paragraph
(2) authorizing the lethal taking of California sea
lions.
``(B) Deadline for consideration of application.--
The Secretary shall approve or deny an application for
a permit under this subsection by not later than 30
days after receiving the application.
``(C) Authority to issue multiple permits.--The
Secretary may issue more than one permit under this
subsection to an eligible entity. No more than one
permit may be utilized in any 14-day period by the same
eligible entity.
``(D) Duration of permits.--A permit under this
subsection shall be effective for no more than one year
after the date it is issued.
``(E) Consultation.--In issuing a permit to an
eligible entity, the Secretary shall--
``(i) consult with other eligible entities
and other such entities as the Secretary
considers appropriate, including the Corps of
Engineers; and
``(ii) consider the number of other permits
issued to other eligible entities in the same
time period.
``(F) Reports.--Not later than January 31 following
the end of each year in which a lethal taking occurs
under a permit under this subsection, the Secretary
shall publish a brief report describing the
implementation of this subsection and the effect of all
such takings in such year on Columbia River salmonid
stocks and on the California sea lion population in the
area where each taking occurs.
``(4) Limitations.--
``(A) Limitation on permit authority.--A permit
issued under this subsection shall not authorize the
lethal taking of more than 10 California sea lions.
``(B) Limitation on annual takings.--The cumulative
number of California sea lions authorized to be taken
each year under all permits in effect under this
subsection shall not exceed one percent of the annual
potential biological removal level of California sea
lions.
``(C) Limitation on animal authorized to be
taken.--
``(i) Determination required.--A California
sea lion may not be taken under a permit under
this subsection unless the permit holder has
determined that--
``(I) such sea lion has preyed upon
salmonid stocks in the Columbia River;
and
``(II) with respect to such sea
lion, nonlethal alternative measures to
prevent preying on salmonid stocks have
in general not been effective.
``(ii) Consultation.--In making such
determination, the permit holder shall consult
with the National Marine Fisheries Service, and
may consult with any other Federal agency or
eligible entity as appropriate.
``(5) Delegation of permit authority.--The State of
Washington and the State of Oregon may each designate the
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission to administer its
permit authority under this subsection. Any other eligible
entity may designate the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish
Commission to administer its permit authority under this
subsection.
``(6) NEPA.--Section 102(2)(C) of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)) shall
not apply with respect to this subsection and the issuance of
any permit under this subsection during the 3-year period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
``(7) Termination of permitting authority.--The Secretary
may not issue any permit under this subsection after the
earlier of--
``(A) the end of the 5-year period beginning on the
date of the enactment of this subsection; or
``(B) the date the Secretary determines that lethal
removal authority is no longer necessary to protect
salmonid stocks from California sea lion predation.
``(8) Eligible entity defined.--In this subsection, the
term `eligible entity' means each of the State of Washington,
the State of Oregon, the Nez Perce Tribe, the Confederated
Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated
Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, and the
Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.''.
(b) Recommended Legislation.--Not later than two years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall
submit to the Congress a report on the need for additional legislation
to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to address the
general issue of predation by marine mammals on fish species listed as
threatened species or endangered species under the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) nonlethal means of preventing predation of listed
salmonid stocks in the Columbia River by California sea lions
is preferable to lethal means;
(2) permit holders exercising lethal removal authority
pursuant to the amendment made by this Act should be trained in
wildlife management; and
(3) the Federal Government should continue to fund,
research, and support effective nonlethal alternative measures
for preventing such predation. | Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act - Amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to authorize the Secretary of Commerce to issue one-year permits for the lethal taking of California sea lions if the Secretary determines that alternative measures to reduce sea lion predation on threatened or endangered salmonid stocks in the Columbia River do not adequately protect the salmonid stocks from such predation. Limits the cumulative annual taking of California sea lions to one percent of the annual potential biological removal level of such sea lions. Requires the Secretary to determine whether alternative measures to reduce sea lion predation on salmonid stocks will adequately protect such stocks.
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) nonlethal means of preventing sea lion predation of salmonid stocks in the Columbia River is preferable to lethal means; (2) permit holders exercising lethal removal authority should be trained in wildlife management; and (3) the federal government should continue to fund, research, and support effective nonlethal alternative measures for preventing such predation. | To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to reduce predation on endangered Columbia River salmon, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Common Sense Budget Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The Department of Defense's increasingly large budget
provides for total defense spending that is greater than that
of the other 192 countries in the world combined, yet--
(A) the United States now ranks 25th in the world
in infant mortality, behind most of the nations of
Western Europe and the industrialized Far East, while
$60,000,000,000 of the United States defense budget is
expended annually on weapons designed to thwart Soviet
Union aggression during the Cold War and other wasteful
programs;
(B) Federal spending on elementary and secondary
education has fallen to less than 10 percent of the
proposed 2007 outlays for the Department of Defense,
while schools throughout the Nation are eliminating
programs in music, foreign language, and physical
education;
(C) 61,000,000 individuals in the United States
lack health insurance during some period of any given
year, and half that number of individuals (over
10,000,000 of whom are children) lack such insurance
for the entire year;
(D) the Government Accountability Office estimates
that--
(i) \1/3\ of the Nation's public schools,
serving 14,000,000 children, need extensive
repair or need to have their entire physical
plants replaced;
(ii) 85 percent of the Nation's public
schools, 73,000 facilities serving 40,000,000
children, need some repair work; and
(iii) the total cost for the repairs and
replacement described in this subparagraph is
over $120,000,000,000;
(E) research conducted by the National Center for
Education Statistics shows that middle school students
in the United States rank 18th in science test scores
and 19th in math test scores internationally, behind
students in such countries as the Republic of Korea,
the Slovak Republic, Singapore, the Russian Federation,
and Malaysia; and
(F) the Government Accountability Office estimated
in 2003 that the Department of Defense could not
account for over $1,000,000,000,000 in funds
appropriated to the Department of Defense.
(2) The United States spends over $20,000,000,000 annually
to maintain its nuclear arsenal, although many of the weapons
in that arsenal no longer have practical utility. The United
States needs to eliminate spending on obsolete weapons systems
and use the funds saved to meet urgent domestic needs for
health care, education, job training, and increased energy
efficiency and conservation.
(3) The Department of Defense is spending billions of
dollars developing space weapons and preparing plans to deploy
them, although--
(A) those expenditures and plans contravene White
House policy, in place for a decade, that emphasizes
arms control and nonproliferation pacts; and
(B) the development of those weapons is opposed by
many United States allies, who have rightly stated that
a shift in policy towards that development will create
an arms race in space.
(4) The United States needs to reduce its dependence on
foreign oil by promoting long-term energy security through
greater investment in sustainable and renewable energy
alternatives.
(5) The United States is facing unprecedented challenges to
national security and broader national interests. Sustainable
development and humanitarian assistance programs should be a
central part of United States foreign policy. To address the
root causes of instability and terrorism and undercut the
ability of terrorist organizations to recruit effectively, the
United States needs to address the global challenges of
poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, disease, and disaster by
increasing funding for sustainable development and humanitarian
assistance programs.
SEC. 3. REDUCTIONS IN AMOUNTS AVAILABLE FOR CERTAIN DEFENSE AND ENERGY
PROGRAMS.
(a) Reductions in Amounts Available for Programs.--
(1) Department of defense programs.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, of the amounts appropriated or
otherwise available for fiscal year 2007 for each
program or account of the Department of Defense
specified in subparagraph (B)--
(i) the amount available in such fiscal
year for such program or account shall be
reduced by the amount specified with respect to
such program or account in that subparagraph;
and
(ii) an amount equal to the aggregate
amount of all such reductions under clause (i)
shall be available instead for the purposes set
forth in subsection (b).
(B) Specified programs and accounts and amounts.--
The programs and accounts, and amounts with respect to
such programs and accounts, specified in this
subparagraph are as follows:
(i) The F-22 fighter aircraft program,
$2,800,000,000.
(ii) The F-35 Joint Strike fighter aircraft
program, $3,300,000,000.
(iii) The C-130J aircraft program,
$1,600,000,000.
(iv) The V-22 Osprey aircraft program,
$2,100,000,000.
(v) The Virginia class submarine program,
$2,300,000,000.
(vi) The next generation destroyer (DD(X))
program, $3,400,000,000.
(vii) The Ballistic Missile Defense
program, $8,300,000,000.
(viii) Cross-service accounts for research,
development, test, and evaluation,
$5,000,000,000.
(ix) Accounts providing funds for personnel
and other costs associated with drawdowns and
other reductions in the Armed Forces,
$5,000,000,000.
(x) Space weapons programs, $5,000,000,000.
(xi) The Future Combat System,
$2,700,000,000.
(xii) Programs relating to the operations
of the Department of Defense that can be
combined to achieve efficiencies in such
operations, $5,000,000,000.
(2) Department of energy national security programs.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, of the amounts
appropriated or otherwise available for fiscal year 2007 for
the Department of Energy for the National Nuclear Security
Administration for national security programs--
(A) the amount available in such fiscal year for
such programs shall be reduced by $14,000,000,000; and
(B) an amount equal to the amount of the reduction
under subparagraph (A) shall be available instead for
the purposes set forth in subsection (b).
(b) Domestic Programs.--From amounts made available under
subsection (a)--
(1) $10,000,000,000 shall be made available to carry out
the modernization of school facilities under section 8007(b) of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
7707(b));
(2) $10,000,000,000 shall be made available to carry out
State child health plans under title XXI of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.);
(3) $5,000,000,000 shall be made available to carry out
employment and training activities under chapter 5 of subtitle
B of title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C.
2861 et seq.);
(4) $10,000,000,000 shall be made available to the
Secretary of Energy for such programs as that Secretary may
specify to increase energy efficiency and conservation and
increase investment in sustainable and renewable energy
alternatives;
(5) $13,000,000,000 shall be made available to the
Secretary of State for such sustainable development and
humanitarian assistance programs as that Secretary may specify
to alleviate the global challenges of poverty, illiteracy,
unemployment, disease, and disaster;
(6) $5,000,000,000 shall be available to the Secretary of
Homeland Security to improve safeguards pursuant to the
Homeland Security Act of 2002;
(7) $5,000,000,000 shall be made available to reduce the
deficit; and
(8) $2,000,000,000 shall be made available for medical
research.
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act takes effect 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act. | Common Sense Budget Act of 2006 - Requires certain reductions in amounts appropriated for FY2007 for specified Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) programs. Makes amounts from such reductions available for: (1) modernization of school facilities; (2) state child health plans; (3) adult and dislocated worker employment and training activities; (4) programs to increase energy efficiency and conservation and increase investment in sustainable and renewable energy alternatives; (5) sustainable development and humanitarian assistance programs to alleviate global poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, disease, and disaster; (6) homeland security safeguard improvements; (7) reduction of the deficit; and (8) medical research. | To reallocate funds toward sensible priorities such as improved children's education, increased children's access to health care, expanded job training, and increased energy efficiency and conservation through a reduction of wasteful defense spending, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Police Reporting Information, Data,
and Evidence Act of 2015'' or the ``PRIDE Act''.
SEC. 2. COMMUNITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Grants Authorized.--The Attorney General shall make grants to
eligible States and Indian tribes to be used for the activities
described in subsection (c).
(b) Eligibility.--
(1) In general.--In order to be eligible to receive a grant
under this section a State or Indian tribe shall--
(A) report incidents in accordance with paragraph
(2); and
(B) demonstrate that the use-of-force policy for
law enforcement officers in the State or Indian tribe
is publicly available.
(2) Reporting of incidents.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, and each year
thereafter, and subject to subparagraph (C), a State or
Indian tribe shall report to the Attorney General
information on--
(i) any incident involving the shooting of
a civilian by a law enforcement officer;
(ii) any incident involving the shooting of
a law enforcement officer by a civilian;
(iii) any incident in which use of force by
a law enforcement officer against a civilian
results in serious bodily injury (as defined in
section 2246 of title 18, United States Code)
or death; and
(iv) any incident in which use of force by
a civilian against a law enforcement officer
results in serious bodily injury (as defined in
section 2246 of title 18, United States Code)
or death.
(B) Required information.--For each incident
reported under subparagraph (A), the information
reported to the Attorney General shall include, at a
minimum--
(i) the gender, race, ethnicity, and age of
each individual who was shot, injured, or
killed;
(ii) the date, time, and location of the
incident;
(iii) whether the civilian was armed, and,
if so, the type of weapon the civilian had;
(iv) the type of force used against the
officer, the civilian, or both, including the
types of weapons used;
(v) the number of officers involved in the
incident;
(vi) the number of civilians involved in
the incident; and
(vii) a brief description regarding the
circumstances surrounding the incident.
(C) Incidents reported under death in custody
reporting act.--A State is not required to include in a
report under subparagraph (A) an incident reported by
the State in accordance with section 20104(a)(2) of the
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994
(42 U.S.C. 13704(a)(2)) before the date of the report
under subparagraph (A).
(c) Activities Described.--A grant made under this section may be
used by a State or Indian tribe for--
(1) the cost of complying with the reporting requirements
described in subsection (b)(2);
(2) the cost of establishing necessary systems required to
investigate and report incidents as required under subsection
(b)(2);
(3) public awareness campaigns designed to gain information
from the public on use of force against police officers,
including shootings, which may include tip lines, hotlines, and
public service announcements; and
(4) use of force training for law enforcement agencies and
personnel, including de-escalation and bias training.
(d) Independent Audit and Review.--Not later than 1 year after the
date of enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the Attorney
General shall conduct an audit and review of the information provided
under subsection (b)(2) to determine whether each State or Indian tribe
receiving a grant under this section is in compliance with the
requirements of this section.
(e) Public Availability of Data.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the Attorney
General shall publish, and make available to the public, a
report containing the data reported to the Attorney General
under subsection (b)(2).
(2) Privacy protections.--Nothing in this subsection shall
be construed to supersede the requirements or limitations under
section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as
the ``Privacy Act of 1974'').
(f) Guidance.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Attorney General, in coordination with the Director of
the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall issue guidance on best
practices relating to establishing standard data collection systems
that capture the information required to be reported under subsection
(b)(2), which shall include standard and consistent definitions for
terms, including the term ``use of force''.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Attorney General such sums as are necessary to
carry out this Act. | Police Reporting Information, Data, and Evidence Act of 2015 or the PRIDE Act Directs the Attorney General to make grants to states and Indian tribes that: (1) demonstrate that the use-of-force policy for their law enforcement officers is publicly available; and (2) report information on any incident involving the shooting of a civilian by a law enforcement officer or the shooting of an officer by a civilian and on any incident in which the use of force by an officer against a civilian, or the use of force by a civilian against an officer, results in serious bodily injury or death. Requires such information to include: the gender, race, ethnicity, and age of each individual who was shot, injured, or killed; the date, time, and location of the incident; whether the civilian was armed and, if so, the type of weapon; the type of force used against the officer, the civilian, or both; the number of officers and civilians involved; and a brief description regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorizes a grant to be used for: the cost of complying with such reporting requirements; the cost of establishing necessary systems required to investigate and report incidents; public awareness campaigns designed to gain information from the public on use of force against police officers; and use of force training for law enforcement agencies and personnel. Directs the Attorney General: (1) to publish an annual report containing the information reported, and (2) in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to issue guidance on best practices relating to establishing standard data collection systems that capture such information. | PRIDE Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Open Book on Equal Access to Justice
Act''.
SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE PROVISIONS.
(a) Agency Proceedings.--Section 504 of title 5, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``, United States
Code'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (i); and
(3) by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
``(e)(1) The Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the
United States, after consultation with the Chief Counsel for Advocacy
of the Small Business Administration, shall report to the Congress, not
later than March 31 of each year, on the amount of fees and other
expenses awarded during the preceding fiscal year pursuant to this
section. The report shall describe the number, nature, and amount of
the awards, the claims involved in the controversy, and any other
relevant information that may aid the Congress in evaluating the scope
and impact of such awards. The report shall be made available to the
public online.
``(2)(A) The report required by paragraph (1) shall account for all
payments of fees and other expenses awarded under this section that are
made pursuant to a settlement agreement, regardless of whether the
settlement agreement is sealed or otherwise subject to nondisclosure
provisions.
``(B) The disclosure of fees and other expenses required under
subparagraph (A) does not affect any other information that is subject
to nondisclosure provisions in the settlement agreement.
``(f) The Chairman of the Administrative Conference shall create
and maintain online a searchable database containing the following
information with respect to each award of fees and other expenses under
this section:
``(1) The case name and number of the adversary
adjudication, if available, hyperlinked to the case, if
available.
``(2) The name of the agency involved in the adversary
adjudication.
``(3) A description of the claims in the adversary
adjudication.
``(4) The name of each party to whom the award was made.
``(5) The amount of the award.
``(6) The basis for the finding that the position of the
agency concerned was not substantially justified.
``(g) The online searchable database described in subsection (f)
may not reveal any information the disclosure of which is prohibited by
law or court order.
``(h) The head of each agency shall provide to the Chairman of the
Administrative Conference in a timely manner all information requested
by the Chairman to comply with the requirements of subsections (e),
(f), and (g).''.
(b) Court Cases.--Section 2412(d) of title 28, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(5)(A) The Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the
United States shall submit to the Congress, not later than March 31 of
each year, a report on the amount of fees and other expenses awarded
during the preceding fiscal year pursuant to this subsection. The
report shall describe the number, nature, and amount of the awards, the
claims involved in each controversy, and any other relevant information
that may aid the Congress in evaluating the scope and impact of such
awards. The report shall be made available to the public online.
``(B)(i) The report required by subparagraph (A) shall account for
all payments of fees and other expenses awarded under this subsection
that are made pursuant to a settlement agreement, regardless of whether
the settlement agreement is sealed or otherwise subject to
nondisclosure provisions.
``(ii) The disclosure of fees and other expenses required under
clause (i) does not affect any other information that is subject to
nondisclosure provisions in the settlement agreement.
``(C) The Chairman of the Administrative Conference shall include
and clearly identify in the annual report under subparagraph (A), for
each case in which an award of fees and other expenses is included in
the report--
``(i) any amounts paid from section 1304 of title 31 for a
judgment in the case;
``(ii) the amount of the award of fees and other expenses;
and
``(iii) the statute under which the plaintiff filed suit.
``(6) The Chairman of the Administrative Conference shall create
and maintain online a searchable database containing the following
information with respect to each award of fees and other expenses under
this subsection:
``(A) The case name and number, hyperlinked to the case, if
available.
``(B) The name of the agency involved in the case.
``(C) The name of each party to whom the award was made.
``(D) A description of the claims in the case.
``(E) The amount of the award.
``(F) The basis for the finding that the position of the
agency concerned was not substantially justified.
``(7) The online searchable database described in paragraph (6) may
not reveal any information the disclosure of which is prohibited by law
or court order.
``(8) The head of each agency (including the Attorney General of
the United States) shall provide to the Chairman of the Administrative
Conference of the United States in a timely manner all information
requested by the Chairman to comply with the requirements of paragraphs
(5), (6), and (7).''.
(c) Clerical Amendments.--Section 2412 of title 28, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (d)(3), by striking ``United States
Code,''; and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking ``of section 2412 of title 28,
United States Code,'' and inserting ``of this
section''; and
(B) by striking ``of such title'' and inserting
``of this title''.
(d) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and
(b) shall first apply with respect to awards of fees and other
expenses that are made on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(2) Initial reports.--The first reports required by section
504(e) of title 5, United States Code, and section 2412(d)(5)
of title 28, United States Code, shall be submitted not later
than March 31 of the calendar year following the first calendar
year in which a fiscal year begins after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(3) Online databases.--The online databases required by
section 504(f) of title 5, United States Code, and section
2412(d)(6) of title 28, United States Code, shall be
established as soon as practicable after the date of the
enactment of this Act, but in no case later than the date on
which the first reports under section 504(e) of title 5, United
States Code, and section 2412(d)(5) of title 28, United States
Code, are required to be submitted under paragraph (2) of this
subsection. | Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act Amends the Equal Access to Justice Act and the federal judicial code to require the Chairman of the Administrative Conference of the United States to report to Congress annually on the amount of fees and other expenses awarded to prevailing parties other than the United States in certain administrative proceedings and civil action court cases (excluding tort cases) to which the United States is a party, including settlement agreements. Requires that such reports: (1) describe the number, nature, and amount of the awards, the claims involved in the controversy, and any other relevant information that may aid Congress in evaluating the scope and impact of such awards; and (2) be made available to the public online. Directs the Chairman to create and maintain online a searchable database containing specified information with respect to each award, including the name of the agency involved, the name of each party to whom the award was made, the amount of the award, and the basis for finding that the position of the agency concerned was not substantially justified. Directs the head of each agency, including the Attorney General, to provide the Chairman all information requested to comply with such requirements. | Open Book on Equal Access to Justice Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Small System Safe Drinking Water Act
of 2005''.
SEC. 2. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Guidance.--Section 1412(b)(4)(E) of the Safe Drinking Water Act
(42 U.S.C. 300g-1(b)(4)(E)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(vi) Guidance.--As soon as practicable
after the date of enactment of this clause, the
Administrator shall--
``(I) convene a working group
composed of representatives from
States, small publicly-owned water
systems, and treatment manufacturers,
which shall, not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this
clause, conduct a study of, and submit
to the Administrator a report on,
barriers to the use of point-of-use and
point-of-entry treatment units, package
plants, including water bottled by the
public water system, and modular units;
``(II) develop a model guidance
document based on recommendations
received from the working group under
subclause (I) and similar State
guidance documents for distribution to
States to assist States in regulating
and promoting the treatment options
described in subclause (I); and
``(III) distribute to small water
systems--
``(aa) the model guidance
document developed under
subclause (II); and
``(bb) such other
information relating to the
treatment options described in
subclause (I) as the
Administrator considers to be
appropriate.''.
(b) Enforcement of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.--
(1) Health effects.--Section 1412(b)(3)(C) of the Safe
Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g-1(b)(3)(C)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(v) Health effects.--When proposing any
national primary drinking water regulation that
includes a maximum containment level, health
effects shall be clearly translated into--
``(I) the quantity of water that an
individual can consume; and
``(II) the length of time that may
elapse before the effects of a
contaminate can occur.''.
(2) Feasible technologies.--Section 1412(b)(4)(E)(i) of the
Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g-1(b)(4)(E)(i)) is
amended by adding at the end: ``The technologies shall reflect
the different water sources from various regions of the United
States.''.
(3) Variance technologies.--Section 1412(b)(15) of the Safe
Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g-1(b)(15)) is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by redesignating clauses (i) through
(iii) as subclauses (I) through (III),
respectively, and indenting appropriately;
(ii) by striking ``(A) In general.--At
the'' and inserting the following:
``(A) Technologies.--
``(i) In general.--At the''; and
(iii) by adding after the matter following
subparagraph (A)(i)(III) (as redesignated by
clause (i)) the following:
``(B) Affordability.--In establishing affordability
criteria under this subparagraph, the Administrator
shall--
``(i) in determining whether a treatment
technology or treatment technique is
affordable, include consideration of costs
associated with complying with all relevant
regulations promulgated in accordance with this
Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act
(33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) with which a
municipality or small public water system may
be required to comply;
``(ii) give extra weight to households the
total income of which is below the poverty
level, and to communities that meet the
affordability criteria of a State established
in accordance with section 1452(b)(3)(A)(iii),
as determined by the Administrator; and
``(iii) ensure that the affordability
criteria are not more costly, on a per-capita
basis, to a small public water system than the
cost, on a per-capita basis, to a large water
system of acquiring feasible technology
described in paragraph (4).''.
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Enforcement.--No national primary drinking
water regulation promulgated under this Act to regulate
a public water system serving a population of less than
10,000 individuals may be enforced by the Administrator
or a State unless a variance technology has been
identified in accordance with this paragraph.''.
(4) Effect of bilateral compliance agreement.--Section 1412
of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g-1) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(f) Effect of Bilateral Compliance Agreement.--A system that has
entered into a bilateral compliance agreement with the State, and
complied with that agreement, shall be considered to be in compliance
with the Federal drinking water standard that is the subject of the
compliance agreement for the duration of the agreement.''.
(5) State revolving loan funds.--Section 1452 of the Safe
Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300j-12) is amended--
(A) by redesignating subsections (n), (o), (p),
(q), and (r) as subsection (o), (p), (q), (r), and (s)
respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subsection (m) the
following:
``(n) Enforcement.--No national primary drinking water regulation
promulgated under this Act may be enforced by the Administrator or a
State unless sufficient funds are available under this title to assist
each public water system in meeting the regulation.''.
(c) Renewal of Exemption.--Section 1416(b)(2) of the Safe Drinking
Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300g-5(b)(2)) is amended by striking subparagraph
(C) and inserting the following:
``(C) In the case of a system that does not serve
more than a population of 10,000 and that needs
financial assistance for the necessary improvements, an
exemption granted under clause (i) or (ii) of
subparagraph (B) may be renewed for such period as the
State determines to be appropriate, if the system
establishes that it is taking all practicable steps to
meet the requirements of subparagraph (B).''.
(d) Research, Technical Assistance, Information, and Training of
Personnel.--Section 1442 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C.
300i) is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the following:
``(d) Research and Development Pilot Projects.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall establish a
research pilot program (referred to in this subsection as the
`program') to explore new technologies or approaches that
public water systems may use to comply with a public drinking
water standard promulgated under this Act.
``(2) Responsibilities of administrator.--In carrying out
this subsection, the Administrator shall--
``(A) establish an application process that
includes criteria that may be used to assess water
systems applying for participation in the program;
``(B) based on applications received under
subparagraph (A), select 20 communities with various
populations and water sources in different regions of
the United States for participation in the program;
``(C) fund projects that develop or implement new
technologies or approaches for implementation of
Federal drinking water standards; and
``(D) coordinate projects with the Arsenic Water
Technology Partnership program of the Department of
Energy.
``(3) Technology transfer and disinfection strategies.--The
Administrator shall carry out a pilot program to conduct
research into technology transfer issues and disinfection
strategies relating to drinking water, including risks
associated with the migration to chloramines for the purpose of
water disinfection.''; and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``The
Administrator'' and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The Administrator'';
(B) in the second sentence, by striking ``Such
assistance'' and inserting the following:
``(2) Types of assistance.--Assistance provided under
paragraph (1)'';
(C) in the third sentence, by striking ``The
Administrator'' and inserting the following:
``(3) Availability of assistance.--The Administrator'';
(D) in the fourth sentence, by striking ``Each
nonprofit'' and inserting the following:
``(4) Consultation with state.--Each nonprofit''; and
(E) by striking the fifth sentence and all that
follows through the end of the subsection and inserting
the following:
``(5) Assistance in complying with rules.--The
Administrator shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable,
that each water system required to comply with Federal drinking
water rules receives adequate technical assistance and training
to meet the requirements of those final rules, including
through assistance to be provided by qualified nonprofit
associations with expertise in public water systems.
``(6) Priority.--The Administrator shall give priority for
assistance under this section to water systems that, as of the
date of enactment of this paragraph, are not in compliance
with, as determined by the Administrator--
``(A) the final rule entitled `Disinfectants and
Disinfection Byproducts' and published by the
Administrator on December 16, 1998 (63 Fed. Reg.
69390); or
``(B) the final rule entitled `Arsenic and
Clarifications to Compliance and New Source
Contaminants Monitoring' and published by the
Administrator on January 22, 2001 (66 Fed. Reg. 6976).
``(7) Enforcement action.--The Administrator shall not
initiate any enforcement action against a water system under
this Act unless the Administrator first provides to the water
system assistance in accordance with this subsection.
``(8) Funding.--
``(A) Authorization of appropriations.--There is
authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
subsection $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2006
through 2010.
``(B) Lobbying expenses.--No portion of any State
revolving loan fund established under section 1452, and
no portion of any funds made available under this
subsection, may be used for lobbying expenses.
``(C) Tribal assistance.--Of the amount made
available under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year, at
least 3 percent shall be used for technical assistance
to public water systems owned or operated by Indian
Tribes.''.
(e) Contaminant Study and Report.--
(1) Establishment of panel.--The Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this subsection
as the ``Administrator'') shall establish a panel of experts
composed of not more than 6 members appointed by the
Administrator, of whom--
(A) 1 member shall be selected by the
Administrator;
(B) 1 member shall be appointed based on the
recommendation of State water administrators;
(C) 3 members shall be appointed based on the
recommendation of associations representing public
water systems; and
(D) 1 member shall be appointed based on the
recommendation of the National Academy of Sciences.
(2) Duties.--The panel of experts shall--
(A) conduct a review of studies on the health
effects of exposure to arsenic and disinfection
byproducts; and
(B) not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, submit to the Committee on
Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the
Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives a report that includes--
(i) the results of the review; and
(ii) an assessment of the most recent
scientific findings relating to the health
effects of exposure to the substances described
in subparagraph (A), including a comparison of
studies and research conducted after the date
on which maximum contaminant levels and maximum
contaminant level goals for those substances
were established in accordance with section
1412 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C.
300g-1). | Small System Safe Drinking Water Act of 2005 - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): (1) to convene a working group to study barriers to using specified treatments; (2) to develop model guidance to assist states in regulating and promoting such treatment options; and (3) when proposing a national standard for drinking water that includes a maximum containment level, to translate health effects into the quantity of water an individual can consume and the timeframe that may elapse before the effects of a contaminate can occur.
Requires: (1) feasible technologies to reflect water sources from various regions of the United States; and (2) the Administrator to consider specified cost factors when establishing affordability criteria for variance technology.
Prohibits the Administrator or a state from enforcing a national primary drinking water regulation when: (1) variance technology is not identified in guidance or regulations for public water systems serving a population of less than 10,000; and (2) sufficient funds are not available to assist each system in meeting regulations.
Considers a system that conforms to a bilateral compliance agreement with the state to be in compliance with related federal drinking water standards.
Revises provisions allowing an exemption of a system from maximum containment level and treatment technique requirements to: (1) increase the population threshold; and (2) allow state determinations of a renewal period.
Establishes pilot programs to: (1) explore new technologies or approaches to comply with a standard; and (2) research technology transfer issues and disinfection strategies.
Revises technical assistance provisions to require water systems to receive adequate technical assistance and training to meet requirements of final rules. Gives priority to systems not in compliance with specified rules concerning: (1) disinfectants and disinfection byproducts; and (2) arsenic and compliance and new source monitoring. Prohibits enforcement by the Administrator against a system unless adequate technical assistance and training are first provided. Authorizes appropriations through FY2010.
Requires the Administrator to establish a panel to study the health effects of exposure to arsenic and disinfection byproducts. | A bill to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to prevent the enforcement of certain national primary drinking water regulations unless sufficient funding is available or variance technology has been identified. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic
Rivers System Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) Public Law 102-215 (105 Stat. 1664) directed the
Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation and consultation with
appropriate State and local governments and affected
landowners, to conduct a study of the eligibility and
suitability of White Clay Creek, Delaware and Pennsylvania, and
the tributaries of the creek for inclusion in the National Wild
and Scenic Rivers System;
(2) as a part of the study described in paragraph (1), the
White Clay Creek Study Wild and Scenic Study Task Force and the
National Park Service prepared a watershed management plan for
the study area entitled ``White Clay Creek and Its Tributaries
Watershed Management Plan'', dated May 1998, that establishes
goals and actions to ensure the long-term protection of the
outstanding values of, and compatible management of land and
water resources associated with, the watershed; and
(3) after completion of the study described in paragraph
(1), Chester County, Pennsylvania, New Castle County, Delaware,
Newark, Delaware, and 12 Pennsylvania municipalities located
within the watershed boundaries passed resolutions that--
(A) expressed support for the White Clay Creek
Watershed Management Plan;
(B) expressed agreement to take action to implement
the goals of the Plan; and
(C) endorsed the designation of the White Clay
Creek and the tributaries of the creek for inclusion in
the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF WHITE CLAY CREEK.
Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a))
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(161) White Clay Creek, Delaware and Pennsylvania.--
``(A) Segments.--The 191 miles of river segments of White
Clay Creek (including tributaries of the Creek and all second
order tributaries of the designated segments) in the States of
Delaware and Pennsylvania (referred to in this paragraph as the
`Creek'), as depicted on the recommended designation and
classification maps, as follows:
``(i) 30.8 miles of the east branch, including
Trout Run, beginning at the headwaters within West
Marlborough township downstream to a point that is 500
feet north of the Borough of Avondale wastewater
treatment facility, as a recreational river.
``(ii) 15.0 miles of the east branch beginning at
the southern boundary line of the Borough of Avondale
to a point where the East Branch enters New Garden
Township at the Franklin Township boundary line,
including Walnut Run and Broad Run outside the
boundaries of the White Clay Creek Preserve, as a
recreational river.
``(iii) 4.0 miles of the east branch that flow
through the boundaries of the White Clay Creek
Preserve, Pennsylvania, beginning at the northern
boundary line of London Britain township and downstream
to the confluence of the middle and east branches, as a
scenic river.
``(iv) 20.9 miles of the middle branch, beginning
at the headwaters within Londonderry township
downstream to the boundary of the White Clay Creek
Preserve in London Britain township, as a recreational
river.
``(v) 2.1 miles of the west branch that flow within
the boundaries of the White Clay Creek Preserve in
London Britain township, as a scenic river.
``(vi) 17.2 miles of the west branch, beginning at
the headwaters within Penn township downstream to the
confluence with the middle branch, as a recreational
river.
``(vii) 12.7 miles of the main stem, excluding
Lamborn Run, that flow through the boundaries of the
White Clay Creek Preserve, Pennsylvania and Delaware,
and White Clay Creek State Park, Delaware, beginning at
the confluence of the east and middle branches in
London Britain township, Pennsylvania, downstream to
the northern boundary line of the city of Newark,
Delaware, as a scenic river.
``(viii) 27.5 miles of the main stem (including all
second order tributaries outside the boundaries of the
White Clay Creek Preserve and White Clay Creek State
Park), beginning at the confluence of the east and
middle branches in London Britain township,
Pennsylvania, downstream to the confluence of the White
Clay Creek with the Christina River, as a recreational
river.
``(ix) 1.3 miles of Middle Run outside the
boundaries of the Middle Run Natural Area, as a
recreational river.
``(x) 5.2 miles of Middle Run that flow within the
boundaries of the Middle Run Natural Area, as a scenic
river.
``(xi) 15.6 miles of Pike Creek, as a recreational
river.
``(xii) 38.7 miles of Mill Creek, as a recreational
river.
``(B) Boundaries.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in clause
(ii), action required to be taken under subsection (b)
shall be taken not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this paragraph, except that, with respect
to the segments designated by subparagraph (A), in lieu
of the boundaries provided for in subsection (b), the
boundaries of the segments shall be the greater of--
``(I) the 500-year floodplain; or
``(II) 250 feet as measured from the
ordinary high water mark on both sides of the
segment.
``(ii) Exceptions.--The boundary limitations
described in clause (i) are inapplicable to--
``(I) the areas described in subparagraph
(D)(i); and
``(II) the properties, as generally
depicted on the map entitled ``White Clay Creek
Wild and Scenic River Study Area Recommended
Designated Area'', dated June 1999, on which
are located the surface water intakes and water
treatment and wastewater treatment facilities
of--
``(aa) the City of Newark,
Delaware;
``(bb) the corporation known as
United Water Delaware; and
``(cc) the Borough of West Grove,
Pennsylvania.
``(C) Administration.--
``(i) In general.--The segments designated by
subparagraph (A) shall be administered by the Secretary
of the Interior (referred to in this paragraph as the
`Secretary'), in cooperation with the White Clay Creek
Watershed Management Committee as provided for in the
plan prepared by the White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic
Study Task Force and the National Park Service,
entitled ``White Clay and Its Tributaries Watershed
Management Plan'' and dated May 1998 (referred to in
this paragraph as the `Management Plan').
``(ii) Requirement for comprehensive management
plan.--The Management Plan shall be considered to
satisfy the requirements for a comprehensive management
plan under subsection (d).
``(D) Churchman's marsh, lamborn run, and other
properties.--
``(i) In general.--Churchman's Marsh, Lamborn Run,
and the properties on which the intake structures and
pipelines for the proposed Thompson's Station Reservoir
shall be located shall be considered suitable for
designation as components of the National Wild and
Scenic Rivers System only at such time as those areas
are removed from consideration as locations for the
reservoir under the comprehensive plan of the Delaware
River Basin Commission.
``(ii) Subsequent designations.--Nothing in this
paragraph prohibits the designation of an area
described in clause (i) as a component of the National
Wild and Scenic Rivers System if, on a date after the
date of enactment of this paragraph, the additional
segment is determined to be suitable for such
designation.
``(iii) Assistance for subsequent designations.--
The Secretary shall offer assistance as authorized in
subparagraph (E) to the State of Delaware and New
Castle County, Delaware, if an area described in clause
(i) is subsequently determined to be suitable for
designation as a component of the National Wild and
Scenic Rivers System and is so designated.
``(E) Management.--
``(i) In general.--The segments designated by
subparagraph (A) shall be managed in accordance with
the Management Plan.
``(ii) Federal role.--
``(I) In general.--The Director of the
National Park Service (or a designee) shall
represent the Secretary in the implementation
of the Management Plan and this paragraph
(including the review, required under section
7(a), of proposed federally-assisted water
resources projects that could have a direct and
adverse effect on the values for which the
segments were designated and authorized).
``(II) Assistance.--To assist in the
implementation of the Management Plan and to
carry out this paragraph, the Secretary may
provide technical assistance, staff support,
and funding at a cost to the Federal Government
in an amount, in the aggregate, of not to
exceed $150,000 for each fiscal year.
``(iii) Cooperative agreements.--Any cooperative
agreement entered into under section 10(e) relating to
any of the segments designated by subparagraph (A)--
``(I) shall be consistent with the
Management Plan; and
``(II) may include provisions for financial
or other assistance from the United States to
facilitate the long-term protection,
conservation, and enhancement of the segments.
``(iv) State requirements.--State and local zoning
laws and ordinances, as in effect on the date of
enactment of this paragraph, shall be considered to
satisfy the standards and requirements under section
6(c).
``(v) National park system.--Notwithstanding
section 10(c), any portion of a segment designated by
subparagraph (A) that is not in the National Park
System as of the date of enactment of this paragraph
shall not, under this paragraph--
``(I) be considered a part of the National
Park System;
``(II) be managed by the National Park
Service; or
``(III) be subject to laws (including
regulations) that govern the National Park
System.
``(vi) No land acquisition.--The Federal Government
shall not acquire, by any means, any right or title in
or to land, any easement, or any other interest for the
purpose of carrying out this paragraph.''. | Requires the segments to be administered by the Secretary of the Interior, in cooperation with the White Clay Creek Watershed Management Committee pursuant to the plan prepared by the White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic Study Task Force and the National Park Service.
Considers Churchman's Marsh, Lamborn Run, and the properties on which the intake structures and pipelines for the proposed Thompson's Station Reservoir shall be located suitable for designation as components of the NWSRS only at such time as those areas are removed from consideration as locations for the Reservoir under the comprehensive plan of the Delaware River Basin Commission. Provide that nothing in this Act shall prohibit such designation if, after the enactment of this Act, the additional segment is determined to be suitable.
Prohibits any portion of a segment designated by this Act that is not in the National Park System (NPS) as of the enactment of this Act from being: (1) considered a part of the NPS; (2) managed by the National Park Service; or (3) subject to NPS laws or regulations.
Bars the Federal Government from acquiring, by any means, any right or title in or to land, any easement, or any other interest for the purposes of carrying out this Act. | White Clay Creek Wild and Scenic Rivers System Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Make College Affordable Act of
2005''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF DEDUCTION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSES.
(a) Amount of Deduction.--Subsection (b) of section 222 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to deduction for qualified
tuition and related expenses) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Limitations.--
``(1) Dollar limitations.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph
(2), the amount allowed as a deduction under subsection
(a) with respect to the taxpayer for any taxable year
shall not exceed the applicable dollar limit.
``(B) Applicable dollar limit.--The applicable
dollar limit for any taxable year shall be determined
as follows:
Applicable
``Taxable year: dollar amount:
2005.......................................... $8,000
2006 and thereafter........................... $12,000.
``(2) Limitation based on modified adjusted gross income.--
``(A) In general.--The amount which would (but for
this paragraph) be taken into account under subsection
(a) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount
determined under subparagraph (B).
``(B) Amount of reduction.--The amount determined
under this subparagraph equals the amount which bears
the same ratio to the amount which would be so taken
into account as--
``(i) the excess of--
``(I) the taxpayer's modified
adjusted gross income for such taxable
year, over
``(II) $65,000 ($130,000 in the
case of a joint return), bears to
``(ii) $15,000 ($30,000 in the case of a
joint return).
``(C) Modified adjusted gross income.--For purposes
of this paragraph, the term `modified adjusted gross
income' means the adjusted gross income of the taxpayer
for the taxable year determined--
``(i) without regard to this section and
sections 199, 911, 931, and 933, and
``(ii) after the application of sections
86, 135, 137, 219, 221, and 469.
For purposes of the sections referred to in clause
(ii), adjusted gross income shall be determined without
regard to the deduction allowed under this section.
``(D) Inflation adjustments.--
``(i) In general.--In the case of any
taxable year beginning in a calendar year after
2005, both of the dollar amounts in
subparagraph (B)(i)(II) shall be increased by
an amount equal to--
``(I) such dollar amount,
multiplied by
``(II) the cost-of-living
adjustment determined under section
1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which
the taxable year begins, by
substituting `calendar year 2004' for
`calendar year 1992' in subparagraph
(B) thereof.
``(ii) Rounding.--If any amount as adjusted
under clause (i) is not a multiple of $50, such
amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple
of $50.''.
(b) Qualified Tuition and Related Expenses of Eligible Students.--
(1) In general.--Section 222(a) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to allowance of deduction) is amended by
inserting ``of eligible students'' after ``expenses''.
(2) Definition of eligible student.--Section 222(d) of such
Code (relating to definitions and special rules) is amended by
redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as paragraphs (3)
through (7), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (1)
the following new paragraph:
``(2) Eligible student.--The term `eligible student' has
the meaning given such term by section 25A(b)(3).''.
(c) Deduction Made Permanent.--Title IX of the Economic Growth and
Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (relating to sunset of provisions
of such Act) shall not apply to the amendments made by section 431 of
such Act.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to payments made in taxable years beginning after December 31,
2004.
SEC. 3. CREDIT FOR INTEREST ON HIGHER EDUCATION LOANS.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to nonrefundable
personal credits) is amended by inserting after section 25B the
following new section:
``SEC. 25C. INTEREST ON HIGHER EDUCATION LOANS.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an individual, there
shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter
for the taxable year an amount equal to the interest paid by the
taxpayer during the taxable year on any qualified education loan.
``(b) Maximum Credit.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), the
credit allowed by subsection (a) for the taxable year shall not
exceed $1,500.
``(2) Limitation based on modified adjusted gross income.--
``(A) In general.--If the modified adjusted gross
income of the taxpayer for the taxable year exceeds
$50,000 ($100,000 in the case of a joint return), the
amount which would (but for this paragraph) be
allowable as a credit under this section shall be
reduced (but not below zero) by the amount which bears
the same ratio to the amount which would be so
allowable as such excess bears to $20,000 ($40,000 in
the case of a joint return).
``(B) Modified adjusted gross income.--The term
`modified adjusted gross income' means adjusted gross
income determined without regard to sections 199, 222,
911, 931, and 933.
``(C) Inflation adjustment.--In the case of any
taxable year beginning after 2005, the $50,000 and
$100,000 amounts referred to in subparagraph (A) shall
be increased by an amount equal to--
``(i) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(ii) the cost-of-living adjustment
determined under section (1)(f)(3) for the
calendar year in which the taxable year begins,
by substituting `2004' for `1992'.
``(D) Rounding.--If any amount as adjusted under
subparagraph (C) is not a multiple of $50, such amount
shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $50.
``(c) Dependents not Eligible for Credit.--No credit shall be
allowed by this section to an individual for the taxable year if a
deduction under section 151 with respect to such individual is allowed
to another taxpayer for the taxable year beginning in the calendar year
in which such individual's taxable year begins.
``(d) Limit on Period Credit Allowed.--A credit shall be allowed
under this section only with respect to interest paid on any qualified
education loan during the first 60 months (whether or not consecutive)
in which interest payments are required. For purposes of this
paragraph, any loan and all refinancings of such loan shall be treated
as 1 loan.
``(e) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Qualified education loan.--The term `qualified
education loan' has the meaning given such term by section
221(d)(1).
``(2) Dependent.--The term `dependent' has the meaning
given such term by section 152.
``(f) Special Rules.--
``(1) Denial of double benefit.--No credit shall be allowed
under this section for any amount taken into account for any
deduction under any other provision of this chapter.
``(2) Married couples must file joint return.--If the
taxpayer is married at the close of the taxable year, the
credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) only if the
taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse file a joint return for the
taxable year.
``(3) Marital status.--Marital status shall be determined
in accordance with section 7703.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 25B the
following new item:
``Sec. 25C. Interest on higher education loans.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to any qualified education loan (as defined in section 25C(e)(1)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as added by this section)
incurred on, before, or after the date of the enactment of this Act,
but only with respect to any loan interest payment due after December
31, 2004. | Make College Affordable Act of 2005 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the amount of the tax deduction for higher education tuition and related expenses; and (2) allow a tax credit for up to $1,500 of the interest paid annually on certain student loans for higher education expenses. Reduces the allowable amount of both the tax deduction and the tax credit based upon taxpayer adjusted gross income levels. Provides for an inflation adjustment for calendar years after 2005 to such adjusted gross income levels.
Makes the tax deduction for higher education tuition and related expenses permanent. | A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make higher education more affordable, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited to as the ``Renewable Energy Jobs Act''.
SEC. 2. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Labor shall carry out a pilot
program to award competitive grants to States to train individuals for
careers in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.
(b) Grant Awards.--The Secretary shall award grants under the pilot
program to the five States with the highest installed alternative
energy power capacity.
(c) Application.--
(1) In general.--A State that desires a grant under the
pilot program shall submit an application to the Secretary at
such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information
as the Secretary may reasonably require.
(2) Contents.--A grant application under the pilot program
shall include the following:
(A) Evidence of the installed alternative energy
power capacity for wind, solar, and geothermal
facilities in that State.
(B) A description of how the funds will be used to
establish and administer a program designed to provide
skills training or on-the-job training for a
significant number of individuals and ensure lasting
and sustainable employment in the renewable energy and
energy efficiency industries.
(C) A description of the State's option to
coordinate with its State and local workforce
investment boards and Energy Efficiency Industry
Councils in carrying out a program funded by a grant
under this Act, including through partnerships of local
boards with renewable energy and energy efficiency
employers and other appropriate providers of training
services.
(D) A description of the skills training, on-the-
job training, or both that may be offered to
individuals by grant recipients, and how this training
will lead to an industry-recognized certificate or
similar credential.
(E) A description of how the State plans to
prioritize grants among grant recipients.
(F) A description of how the grant may be used to
support existing programs focused on renewable energy
job creation.
(d) Grant Amount.--The Secretary shall ensure that grants are of
sufficient size to enable States to carry out all required activities.
(e) Duration of Grant.--A grant under this section shall be for a
period of 3 years.
(f) Use of Funds.--A State receiving a grant under this section
shall use the grant funds to--
(1) reimburse a renewable energy and energy efficiency
employer for the cost of providing on-the-job training;
(2) reimburse any of the following entities for the cost of
providing skills training (or on-the-job training if in
partnership with an energy efficient employer)--
(A) a labor organization;
(B) a postsecondary educational institution; or
(C) nonprofit organizations; and
(3) conduct outreach to inform renewable energy and energy
efficiency employers, labor organizations, postsecondary
educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and the
general public, including individuals in rural areas and Indian
tribes, of their eligibility or potential eligibility for
participation in the program.
(g) Conditions.--Under the pilot program, a grant to a State shall
be subject to the following conditions:
(1) The State shall repay to the Secretary, on such date as
shall be determined by the Secretary, any amount received under
the pilot program that is not used for the purposes described
in subsection (f).
(2) The State shall submit to the Secretary, at such times
and containing such information as the Secretary shall require,
reports on the use of grant funds.
(3) The State shall ensure that any employer or other
entity receiving a grant under this Act shall pay each
individual receiving on-the-job training provided by such
employer or entity not less than the applicable minimum wage
for the State or locality in which such training is provided.
(h) Requirements of Grant Recipients.--In order to receive a grant
made by a State under the pilot program, an entity described in
subsection (f) shall--
(1) submit an application to the State that includes such
other information and assurances as the State may require; and
(2) agree to submit to the State, for each quarter, a
report containing such information as the Secretary may
specify.
(i) Limitation on Administrative Costs.--
(1) Federal administration.--Of the amounts appropriated
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under
subsection (l), 2 percent shall be made available to the
Secretary for administrative costs associated with implementing
and evaluating the pilot program under this section and for
preparing and submitting the report required under subsection
(j).
(2) State administration.--The Secretary shall determine
the appropriate maximum amount of each grant awarded under this
section that may be used by the recipient for administrative
and reporting costs.
(j) Report to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress an
annual report on the pilot program for each year of the grant period.
The report on the pilot program shall include a detailed description of
activities carried out under this section and an evaluation of the
program, and how many participants were employed by renewable energy
and energy efficiency employers within 6 months of completing the
training.
(k) Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2017, for
the purpose of carrying out the pilot program.
(l) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) The term ``Indian tribe'' has the meaning given that
term in section 102 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe
List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a).
(2) The term ``installed alternative energy power
capacity'' means the amount of wind, solar, and geothermal
power generation, expressed in megawatts, installed in a State.
(3) The term ``labor organization'' has the meaning given
such term in section 2 of the National Labor Relations Act.
(4) The term ``on-the-job training'' means training by
renewable energy and energy efficiency employers, a labor
organization, a postsecondary educational institution, or a
nonprofit organization that is provided to a paid participant
while engaged in productive work that--
(A) provides knowledge or skills essential to the
full and adequate performance of the job;
(B) provides reimbursement to the employer for the
costs of providing the training and additional
supervision related to the training; and
(C) is limited in duration as appropriate to the
occupation for which the participant is being trained,
taking into account the content of the training, the
prior work experience of the participant, and the
service strategy of the participant, as appropriate.
(5) The term ``postsecondary educational institution'' has
the meaning given such term in section 101 of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801).
(6) The term ``renewable energy and energy efficiency
employer'' means an entity that employs individuals in a trade
or business in the renewable energy and energy efficiency
industries.
(7) The term ``renewable energy and energy efficiency
industries'' means any of the following industries:
(A) The energy-efficient building, construction, or
retrofits industry.
(B) The renewable electric power industry,
including the wind, solar, and geothermal energy
industries.
(C) The energy efficiency assessment industry that
serves the residential, commercial, or industrial
sectors.
(8) The term ``skills training'' means training by a labor
organization, a postsecondary educational institution, or a
nonprofit organization that provides the knowledge and skills
essential to specific jobs in the renewable energy and energy
efficiency industries.
(9) The term ``State'' includes each of the several States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of
the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the
territories and possessions of the United States.
(10) The term ``workforce investment board'' refers to a
State or local workforce investment board established pursuant
to the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (20 U.S.C. 2801 et
seq.) or its successor statute, the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act, that coordinates job training programs for
that State or local area under that Act. | Renewable Energy Jobs Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to carry out a pilot program to train individuals for careers in renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, specifically: the energy-efficient building, construction, or retrofits industry; the renewable electric power industry, including the wind, solar, and geothermal energy industries; or the energy efficiency assessment industry that serves the residential, commercial, or industrial sectors. Labor must also award grants under the program to the five states with the highest installed alternative energy power capacity, which is the amount of wind, solar, and geothermal power generation installed in a state. | Renewable Energy Jobs Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Prevention Act''.
SEC. 2. PREVENTION OF FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME; PROGRAM OF NATIONAL
INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM.
Subpart 14 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 285n et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following
section:
``fetal alcohol syndrome
``Sec. 464K. (a) In General.--The Director of the Institute shall
establish a program for the conduct and support of research and
training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs
with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of
fetal alcohol syndrome and the related condition known as fetal alcohol
effects (which syndrome and effects are referred to collectively in
this section as `fetal alcohol conditions').
``(b) Interagency Coordinating Committee.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (6), the Secretary
shall establish a committee to be known as the Interagency
Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (in this
subsection referred to as the `Coordinating Committee').
``(2) Duties.--With respect to fetal alcohol conditions,
the Coordinating Committee shall--
``(A) coordinate the activities of the National
Institutes of Health; and
``(B) coordinate the aspects of all Federal health
programs and activities relating to such conditions in
order to assure the adequacy and technical soundness of
such programs and activities, and in order to provide
for the full communication and exchange of information
necessary to maintain adequate coordination of such
programs and activities.
``(3) Composition.--The Coordinating Committee shall be
composed of--
``(A) the directors of each of the national
research institutes, and the heads of other agencies of
the National Institutes of Health, that are involved in
research on fetal alcohol conditions; and
``(B) representatives of all other Federal
departments and agencies whose programs involve health
functions or responsibilities relevant to such
conditions.
``(4) Chair.--The Secretary shall designate a member of the
Coordinating Committee to serve as the chair of the Committee.
The Committee shall meet at the call of the Chair, but not less
than four times a year.
``(5) Annual report.--
``(A) In carrying out paragraph (2), the
Coordinating Committee shall comply with the following:
``(i) Identify and monitor all activities
regarding fetal alcohol conditions that are
conducted or supported by the Department of
Health and Human Services and other Federal
departments or agencies.
``(ii) Identify the goals expected to be
achieved through the activities.
``(iii) Conduct evaluations of the extent
to which the activities have been effective in
achieving such goals.
``(iv) Determine the extent to which the
activities have been coordinated with each
other.
``(v) Make recommendations on the
activities that should be carried out, on
priorities among the activities, and on the
coordination of the activities.
``(B) Subject to paragraph (6)(B), the Coordinating
Committee shall, for each fiscal year,
prepare and submit to the Congress a report detailing
the activities of the Committee in carrying out the duties of the
Committee for the fiscal year. The Coordinating Committee shall submit
copies of each such report to the Secretary, the Director of NIH, the
officials specified in paragraph (3)(A), and the advisory council for
the Institute. Except as provided in paragraph (6)(B), each such report
shall be submitted not later than February 1 of the fiscal year
following the fiscal year for which the report is prepared.
``(6) Initial intradepartmental status of committee.--
``(A) During fiscal years 1996 and 1997, the
Secretary shall ensure that individuals appointed to
the Coordinating Committee under paragraph (3)(B)
include only officers or employees of the Department of
Health and Human Services, and that the duties of the
Coordinating Committee are carried out only with
respect to such Department.
``(B) The first report under subparagraph (B) of
paragraph (5) shall concern fiscal years 1996 and 1997,
and shall consist of the findings and recommendations
made by the Coordinating Committee in applying
subparagraph (A) of such paragraph to the Department of
Health and Human Services. Such report shall be
submitted not later than February 1, 1998.
``(7) Prevention activities.--With respect to activities
for the prevention of fetal alcohol conditions--
``(A) the Coordinating Committee shall, as soon as
is practicable after the date on which this section
takes effect, develop recommendations under paragraph
(5)(A) regarding the Department of Health and Human
Services; and
``(B) such Committee shall, as soon as is
practicable after October 1, 1997, develop
recommendations under such paragraph regarding other
departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
``(c) Certain Activities.--
``(1) In general.--Activities under subsection (a)
regarding fetal alcohol conditions shall include conducting and
supporting basic and applied research, including
epidemiological research; demonstrations; the training of
health professionals, including the development of professional
practice standards for detecting and preventing such conditions
in pregnant women and for counseling such women; the evaluation
of programs, including training programs; and the dissemination
of diagnostic criteria. Activities under such subsection shall
include the provision of technical assistance to public and
nonprofit private entities that carry out such programs.
``(2) Prevention; public awareness.--
``(A) With respect to the prevention of fetal
alcohol conditions, each of the requirements of
paragraph (1) regarding the conduct and support of
various types of activities shall be carried out,
except to the extent inapplicable to prevention
activities. Activities conducted or supported pursuant
to the preceding sentence shall include carrying out a
comprehensive program to educate health professionals
and the general public, and shall include programs
directed toward at-risk populations. Programs under
this paragraph that are directed toward particular
populations shall be provided in the language and
cultural context most appropriate for the population
involved.
``(B) In the conduct and support of activities
under subparagraph (A), special emphasis shall be
placed upon the utilization of collaborative efforts
with both the public and private sectors for the
purpose of--
``(i) increasing the awareness and
knowledge of health professionals and the
public regarding the prevention of fetal
alcohol conditions; and
``(ii) developing and disseminating to
health professionals, patients and patient
families, and the public information designed
to encourage individuals to adopt healthful
practices concerning the prevention of such
conditions.
``(d) Uniform Criteria for Collection and Reporting of Data.--In
order to provide for the comparability of data on fetal alcohol
conditions, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, develop
uniform criteria for the collection and reporting of such data by or
through the National Institutes of Health and the other agencies of the
Department of Health and Human Services. The Secretary shall encourage
the States to utilize such criteria.
``(e) Collaborative Activities.--The Secretary may require that an
activity under this section be carried out in collaboration with or
through one or more of the other agencies of the Department of Health
and Human Services, and amounts made available under subsection (f) are
available to the Secretary for such purpose.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as
may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1996 through 2000.''. | Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish: (1) a program for the conduct and support of research and training, the dissemination of health information, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects; and (2) the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Mandates development of uniform criteria for the collection and reporting of data on fetal alcohol conditions by or through agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to require that an activity under these provisions be carried out in collaboration with or through one or more of the other agencies of HHS. Authorizes appropriations. | Comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Prevention Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fairness and Accuracy in Employment
Background Checks Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. SAFEGUARDS FOR BACKGROUND CHECKS.
The Attorney General shall establish and enforce procedures to
ensure the prompt release of accurate records and information exchanged
for employment-related purposes through the records system created
under section 534 of title 28, United States Code.
SEC. 3. REQUIRED PROCEDURES.
The procedures established under section 2 shall include the
following:
(1) Inaccurate record or information.--If the Attorney
General determines that a record or information is inaccurate,
the Attorney General shall promptly correct that record or
information or, if appropriate, promptly make any changes or
deletions to the records or information.
(2) Incomplete record or information.--
(A) If the Attorney General determines that a
record or information is incomplete or cannot be
verified, the Attorney General shall attempt to
complete or verify the record or information, and if
the Attorney General is unable to do so, the Attorney
General may promptly make any changes or deletions to
the record or information.
(B) For the purposes of this paragraph, an
incomplete record or information includes a record or
information that indicates there was an arrest and does
not include the disposition of that arrest.
(C) If the record or information is an incomplete
record or information described in subparagraph (B),
the Attorney General shall, not later than 10 days
after the requesting entity requests the exchange and
before the exchange is made, obtain the disposition (if
any) of the arrest.
(3) Notification of reporting jurisdiction.--The Attorney
General shall notify each appropriate reporting jurisdiction of
any action taken under paragraph (1) or (2).
(4) Opportunity to review records or information by
applicant.--In connection with an exchange of such a record or
information, the Attorney General shall--
(A) obtain the consent of the applicant to exchange
the record or information with the requesting entity;
(B) at the time of consent, notify the applicant
that the applicant can obtain a copy of the record or
information;
(C) provide to the applicant an opportunity to
obtain a copy of the record or information upon request
and to challenge the accuracy and completeness of that
record or information;
(D) promptly notify the requesting entity of any
such challenge;
(E) not later than 30 days after the challenge is
made, complete an investigation of the challenge;
(F) provide to the applicant the specific findings
and results of that investigation;
(G) promptly make any changes or deletions to the
records or information required as a result of the
challenge; and
(H) report those changes to the requesting entity.
(5) Certain exchanges prohibited.--An exchange shall not
include any record or information--
(A) about an arrest more than one year old as of
the date of the request for the exchange, that does not
also include a disposition (if any) of that arrest;
(B) relating to an adult or juvenile non-serious
offense of the sort described in section 20.32(b) of
title 28, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on
July 1, 2009; or
(C) to the extent the record or information is not
clearly an arrest or a disposition of an arrest.
SEC. 4. FEES.
The Attorney General may collect reasonable fees for all exchanges
of records or information for employment-related purposes through the
records system created under section 534 of title 28, United States
Code, to defray the costs associated with exchanges for those purposes,
including any costs associated with the investigation of inaccurate or
incomplete records or information.
SEC. 5. REGULATIONS ON REASONABLE PROCEDURES.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Attorney General shall issue regulations to carry out this Act.
SEC. 6. ANNUAL REPORTS ON PROCEDURES.
For each of the first 3 years after the date of enactment of this
Act, the Attorney General shall submit an annual report to Congress
that includes--
(1) the number of exchanges of records or information for
employment-related purposes made with entities in each State
through the records system created under section 534 of title
28, United States Code;
(2) appropriate statistical information to determine
whether the exchange of records or information about arrests
that did not result in convictions is affecting the employment
opportunities of employees to whom those records or information
pertain;
(3) any prolonged failure of a reporting jurisdiction to
comply with a request by the Attorney General for information
about dispositions of arrests;
(4) the percent of missing arrest dispositions located
within the time limit required by this Act; and
(5) the numbers of successful and unsuccessful challenges
to the accuracy and completeness of records or information, by
State where the records and information originated.
SEC. 7. REPORT ON STATUTORY AND REGULATORY RESTRICTIONS AND
DISQUALIFICATIONS BASED ON CRIMINAL RECORDS.
(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall report to Congress on
all Federal statutes, regulations, and policies providing employment
restrictions and disqualifications based on criminal records.
(b) Identification of Information.--In the report, the Attorney
General shall identify each occupation or position to which such
restrictions or disqualifications apply, and for each such occupation
or position, include--
(1) a description of the restriction or disqualification;
(2) the duration of the restriction or disqualification;
(3) an evaluation of the rationale for the restriction or
disqualification and its continuing usefulness;
(4) the procedures, if any, to appeal, waive or exempt the
restriction or disqualification based on a showing of
rehabilitation or other relevant evidence;
(5) any information available about the numbers of
individuals restricted or disqualified on the basis of a
criminal record; and
(6) the identity of the Federal agency with jurisdiction
over the restriction or disqualification.
SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the term ``for employment-related purposes'' includes
for the purpose of screening an individual for employment or
occupational licensing;
(2) the term ``applicant'' means the person to whom the
record or information sought to be exchanged pertains;
(3) the term ``requesting entity'' means the person or
entity seeking the exchange of records or information;
(4) the term ``State'' includes the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, and each other territory and possession of the
United States; and
(5) the term ``reporting jurisdiction'' includes any person
or entity that provides relevant records and information to the
Attorney General under section 534 of title 28, United States
Code. | Fairness and Accuracy in Employment Background Checks Act of 2010 - Requires the Attorney General to: (1) establish and enforce procedures to ensure the prompt release of accurate federal criminal background records and information exchanged for employment-related purposes; and (2) report to Congress on the exchange of records or information for employment-related purposes under this Act and on all federal statutes, regulations, and policies providing employment restrictions and disqualifications based on criminal records. | To provide safeguards with respect to the Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background checks prepared for employment purposes, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veteran Urgent Access to Mental
Healthcare Act''.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF INITIAL AND URGENT MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR CERTAIN
FORMER MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 1720G the following new section:
``Sec. 1720H. Provision of initial and urgent mental health care for
certain former members not otherwise eligible for care
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall operate a program under
which the Secretary provides to former members of the Armed Forces
described in subsection (b)--
``(1) an initial mental health assessment; and
``(2) any health care services authorized under this
chapter that the Secretary determines are required to treat the
urgent mental health care needs of the former member, including
risk of suicide or harming others.
``(b) Former Members of the Armed Forces Described.--A former
member of the Armed Forces described in this subsection is an
individual who meets either of the following criteria:
``(1) The individual is a former member of the Armed
Forces, including the reserve components, who--
``(A) served in the active military, naval, or air
service, and was discharged or released therefrom under
a condition that is not honorable except--
``(i) dishonorable; or
``(ii) bad conduct by reason of the
sentence of a general court martial;
``(B) has applied for a character of service
determination and such determination has not been made;
and
``(C) is not otherwise eligible to enroll in the
health care system established by section 1705 of this
title by reason of such discharge or release not
meeting the requirements of section 101(2) of this
title.
``(2) The individual is a veteran described in section
1705(a)(8) of this title.
``(c) Contract.--In furnishing mental health care services to an
individual under this section, the Secretary may provide such mental
health care services pursuant to a contract with a qualified mental
health professional if--
``(1) in the judgment of a mental health professional
employed by the Department, the receipt of mental health care
services by that individual in facilities of the Department
would be clinically inadvisable; or
``(2) facilities of the Department are not capable of
furnishing such mental health care services to that individual
economically because of geographical inaccessibility.
``(d) Training.--In establishing a program to provide mental health
care services under subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
``(1) provide for appropriate training of mental health
professionals and such other health care personnel as the
Secretary determines necessary to carry out the program
effectively;
``(2) seek to ensure that such mental health care services
is furnished in a setting that is therapeutically appropriate,
taking into account the circumstances that resulted in the need
for such mental health care services; and
``(3) provide referral services to assist former members
who are not eligible for services under this chapter to obtain
those from sources outside the Department.
``(e) Information.--The Secretary shall provide information on the
mental health care services available under this section. Efforts by
the Secretary to provide such information--
``(1) shall include availability of a toll-free telephone
number (commonly referred to as an 800 number);
``(2) shall ensure that information about the mental health
care services available under this section--
``(A) is revised and updated as appropriate;
``(B) is made available and visibly posted at
appropriate facilities of the Department; and
``(C) is made available through appropriate public
information services; and
``(3) shall include coordination with the Secretary of
Defense seeking to ensure that members of the Armed Forces and
individuals who are being separated from active military,
naval, or air service are provided appropriate information
about programs, requirements, and procedures for applying for
mental health care services under this section.
``(f) Annual Reports.--Each year, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress an annual report on the mental health care services provided
pursuant to this section. Each report shall include data for the year
covered by the report with respect to each of the following:
``(1) The number of individuals who received mental health
care services under subsection (a), disaggregated by the number
of men who received such services and the number of women who
received such services.
``(2) Such other information as the Secretary considers
appropriate.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 17 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 1720G the following new item:
``1720H. Provision of initial and urgent mental health care not
otherwise eligible for care.''.
(c) Study on Effect of Combat Service on Suicide Rates.--
(1) Study.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in
consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall seek to enter
into a contract with an independent nongovernmental entity to
carry out a study on the effect combat service has had on
suicide rates and serious mental health issues among veterans.
To the extent practicable, such study shall--
(A) compare the rate and method of suicides among
veterans who have received mental health care services
from the Veterans Health Administration and veterans
who have not received such services from the Veterans
Health Administration; and
(B) compare the rate and method of suicides and the
incidence of serious mental health issues among
veterans who have served in combat and veterans who
have not served in combat.
(2) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
submit to Congress a report containing the study conducted
under paragraph (1). | Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program to provide former members of the Armed Forces with: (1) an initial mental health assessment; and (2) health care services required to treat the former member's urgent mental health care needs, including risk of suicide or harming others. A former member of the Armed Forces is an individual who meets either of the following criteria: the individual is a former member of the Armed Forces, including the reserve components, who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and was discharged or released under a condition less than honorable (except a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge by reason of a general court martial), has applied for a character of service determination that has not yet been made, and is not otherwise eligible to enroll in the VA health care system by reason of such discharge or release; or the individual is a veteran not otherwise eligible for VA health care. The VA may provide such mental health care services pursuant to a contract with a qualified mental health professional if: (1) the receipt of mental health care services by an individual in VA facilities would be clinically inadvisable, or (2) VA facilities are not capable of furnishing such mental health care services to that individual economically because of geographical inaccessibility. The VA shall seek to enter into a contract with an independent nongovernmental entity to study the effect combat service has had on suicide rates and serious mental health issues among veterans. | Veteran Urgent Access to Mental Healthcare Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Teacher Liability Protection Act of
1999''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The ability of teachers, principals and other school
professionals to teach, inspire and shape the intellect of our
Nation's elementary and secondary school students is deterred
and hindered by frivolous lawsuits and litigation.
(2) Each year more and more teachers, principals and other
school professionals face lawsuits for actions undertaken as
part of their duties to provide millions of school children
quality educational opportunities.
(3) Too many teachers, principals and other school
professionals face increasingly severe and random acts of
violence in the classroom and in schools.
(4) Providing teachers, principals and other school
professionals a safe and secure environment is an important
part of the effort to improve and expand educational
opportunities.
(5) Clarifying and limiting the liability of teachers,
principals and other school professionals who undertake
reasonable actions to maintain order, discipline and an
appropriate educational environment is an appropriate subject
of Federal legislation because--
(A) the national scope of the problems created by
the legitimate fears of teachers, principals and other
school professionals about frivolous, arbitrary or
capricious lawsuits against teachers; and
(B) millions of children and their families across
the Nation depend on teachers, principals and other
school professionals for the intellectual development
of the children.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to provide teachers,
principals and other school professionals the tools they need to
undertake reasonable actions to maintain order, discipline and an
appropriate educational environment.
SEC. 3. PREEMPTION AND ELECTION OF STATE NONAPPLICABILITY.
(a) Preemption.--This Act preempts the laws of any State to the
extent that such laws are inconsistent with this Act, except that this
Act shall not preempt any State law that provides additional protection
from liability relating to teachers.
(b) Election of State Regarding Nonapplicability.--This Act shall
not apply to any civil action in a State court against a teacher in
which all parties are citizens of the State if such State enacts a
statute in accordance with State requirements for enacting
legislation--
(1) citing the authority of this subsection;
(2) declaring the election of such State that this Act
shall not apply, as of a date certain, to such civil action in
the State; and
(3) containing no other provisions.
SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY FOR TEACHERS.
(a) Liability Protection for Teachers.--Except as provided in
subsections (b) and (c), no teacher in a school shall be liable for
harm caused by an act or omission of the teacher on behalf of the
school if--
(1) the teacher was acting within the scope of the
teacher's employment or responsibilities related to providing
educational services;
(2) the actions of the teacher were carried out in
conformity with local, State, or Federal laws, rules or
regulations in furtherance of efforts to control, discipline,
expel, or suspend a student or maintain order or control in the
classroom or school;
(3) if appropriate or required, the teacher was properly
licensed, certified, or authorized by the appropriate
authorities for the activities or practice in the State in
which the harm occurred, where the activities were or practice
was undertaken within the scope of the teacher's
responsibilities;
(4) the harm was not caused by willful or criminal
misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or a
conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the
individual harmed by the teacher; and
(5) the harm was not caused by the teacher operating a
motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or other vehicle for which the
State requires the operator or the owner of the vehicle, craft,
or vessel to--
(A) possess an operator's license; or
(B) maintain insurance.
(b) Concerning Responsibility of Teachers to Schools and
Governmental Entities.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to
affect any civil action brought by any school or any governmental
entity against any teacher of such school.
(c) Exceptions to Teacher Liability Protection.--If the laws of a
State limit teacher liability subject to one or more of the following
conditions, such conditions shall not be construed as inconsistent with
this section:
(1) A State law that requires a school or governmental
entity to adhere to risk management procedures, including
mandatory training of teachers.
(2) A State law that makes the school or governmental
entity liable for the acts or omissions of its teachers to the
same extent as an employer is liable for the acts or omissions
of its employees.
(3) A State law that makes a limitation of liability
inapplicable if the civil action was brought by an officer of a
State or local government pursuant to State or local law.
(d) Limitation on Punitive Damages Based on the Actions of
Teachers.--
(1) General rule.--Punitive damages may not be awarded
against a teacher in an action brought for harm based on the
action of a teacher acting within the scope of the teacher's
responsibilities to a school or governmental entity unless the
claimant establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the
harm was proximately caused by an action of such teacher which
constitutes willful or criminal misconduct, or a conscious,
flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual
harmed.
(2) Construction.--Paragraph (1) does not create a cause of
action for punitive damages and does not preempt or supersede
any Federal or State law to the extent that such law would
further limit the award of punitive damages.
(e) Exceptions to Limitations on Liability.--
(1) In general.--The limitations on the liability of a
teacher under this Act shall not apply to any misconduct that--
(A) constitutes a crime of violence (as that term
is defined in section 16 of title 18, United States
Code) or act of international terrorism (as that term
is defined in section 2331 of title 18, United States
Code) for which the defendant has been convicted in any
court;
(B) involves a sexual offense, as defined by
applicable State law, for which the defendant has been
convicted in any court;
(C) involves misconduct for which the defendant has
been found to have violated a Federal or State civil
rights law; or
(D) where the defendant was under the influence (as
determined pursuant to applicable State law) of
intoxicating alcohol or any drug at the time of the
misconduct.
(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall
be construed to affect subsection (a)(3) or (d).
SEC. 5. LIABILITY FOR NONECONOMIC LOSS.
(a) General Rule.--In any civil action against a teacher, based on
an action of a teacher acting within the scope of the teacher's
responsibilities to a school or governmental entity, the liability of
the teacher for noneconomic loss shall be determined in accordance with
subsection (b).
(b) Amount of Liability.--
(1) In general.--Each defendant who is a teacher, shall be
liable only for the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to
that defendant in direct proportion to the percentage of
responsibility of that defendant (determined in accordance with
paragraph (2)) for the harm to the claimant with respect to
which that defendant is liable. The court shall render a
separate judgment against each defendant in an amount
determined pursuant to the preceding sentence.
(2) Percentage of responsibility.--For purposes of
determining the amount of noneconomic loss allocated to a
defendant who is a teacher under this section, the trier of
fact shall determine the percentage of responsibility of that
defendant for the claimant's harm.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Economic loss.--The term ``economic loss'' means any
pecuniary loss resulting from harm (including the loss of
earnings or other benefits related to employment, medical
expense loss, replacement services loss, loss due to death,
burial costs, and loss of business or employment opportunities)
to the extent recovery for such loss is allowed under
applicable State law.
(2) Harm.--The term ``harm'' includes physical,
nonphysical, economic, and noneconomic losses.
(3) Noneconomic losses.--The term ``noneconomic losses''
means losses for physical and emotional pain, suffering,
inconvenience, physical impairment, mental anguish,
disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of society and
companionship, loss of consortium (other than loss of domestic
service), hedonic damages, injury to reputation and all other
nonpecuniary losses of any kind or nature.
(4) School.--The term ``school'' means a public or private
kindergarten, a public or private elementary school or
secondary school (as defined in section 14101 of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801)), or a
home school.
(5) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands,
Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, any other territory or possession of the United
States, or any political subdivision of any such State,
territory, or possession.
(6) Teacher.--The term ``teacher'' means a teacher,
instructor, principal, administrator, or other educational
professional, that works in a school.
SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--This Act shall take effect 90 days after the date
of enactment of this Act.
(b) Application.--This Act applies to any claim for harm caused by
an act or omission of a teacher where that claim is filed on or after
the effective date of this Act, without regard to whether the harm that
is the subject of the claim or the conduct that caused the harm
occurred before such effective date. | Provides that no teacher in a school shall be liable for harm caused by an act or omission on behalf of the school if the teacher was acting within the scope of employment or responsibilities relating to providing educational services, subject to specified requirements and exceptions. Limits punitive damages and liability for non-economic loss. | Teacher Liability Protection Act of 1999 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Eastern New Mexico Rural Water
System Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Authority.--The term ``Authority'' means the Eastern
New Mexico Rural Water Authority, an entity formed under State
law for the purposes of planning, financing, developing, and
operating the System.
(2) Plan.--The term ``plan'' means the operation,
maintenance, and replacement plan required by section 4(b).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of New
Mexico.
(5) System.--
(A) In general.--The term ``System'' means the
Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System, a water delivery
project designed to deliver approximately 16,500 acre-
feet of water per year from the Ute Reservoir to the
cities of Clovis, Elida, Grady, Melrose, Portales, and
Texico and other locations in Curry and Roosevelt
Counties in the State.
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``System'' includes--
(i) the intake structure at Ute Reservoir;
(ii) a water treatment, administration, and
maintenance facility with--
(I) a 30,000,000 gallon per day
average peak capacity; and
(II) a 15,000,000 gallon per day
average capacity;
(iii) approximately 155 miles of
transmission and lateral pipelines and tunnels
that range in size from 4 to 60 inches in
diameter;
(iv) 3 pumping stations, including--
(I) a raw water pump station at Ute
Reservoir;
(II) a booster pump station at the
``Caprock'' escarpment; and
(III) a booster pump station to
Elida; and
(v) any associated appurtenances.
(6) Ute reservoir.--The term ``Ute Reservoir'' means the
impoundment of water created in 1962 by the construction of the
Ute Dam on the Canadian River, located approximately 32 miles
upstream of the border between New Mexico and Texas.
SEC. 3. EASTERN NEW MEXICO RURAL WATER SYSTEM.
(a) Financial Assistance.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may provide financial and
technical assistance to the Authority to assist in planning,
designing, conducting related preconstruction activities for,
and constructing the System.
(2) Use.--
(A) In general.--Any financial assistance provided
under paragraph (1) shall be obligated and expended
only in accordance with a cooperative agreement entered
into under section 5(a)(2).
(B) Limitations.--Financial assistance provided
under paragraph (1) shall not be used--
(i) for any activity that is inconsistent
with constructing the System; or
(ii) to plan or construct facilities used
to supply irrigation water for agricultural
purposes.
(b) Cost-Sharing Requirement.--
(1) In general.--The Federal share of the total cost of any
activity or construction carried out using amounts made
available under this Act shall be not more than 75 percent of
the total cost of the System.
(2) System development costs.--For purposes of paragraph
(1), the total cost of the System shall include any costs
incurred by the Authority on or after October 1, 2003, for the
development of the System.
(c) Limitation.--No amounts made available under this Act may be
used for the construction of the System until--
(1) a plan is developed under section 4(b); and
(2) the Secretary and the Authority have complied with any
requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) applicable to the System.
(d) Title to Project Works.--Title to the infrastructure of the
System shall be held by the Authority or as may otherwise be specified
under State law.
SEC. 4. OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPLACEMENT COSTS.
(a) In General.--The Authority shall be responsible for the annual
operation, maintenance, and replacement costs associated with the
System.
(b) Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement Plan.--The Authority,
in consultation with the Secretary, shall develop an operation,
maintenance, and replacement plan that establishes the rates and fees
for beneficiaries of the System in the amount necessary to ensure that
the System is properly maintained and capable of delivering
approximately 16,500 acre-feet of water per year.
SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
(a) Cooperative Agreements.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may enter into any contract,
grant, cooperative agreement, or other agreement that is
necessary to carry out this Act.
(2) Cooperative agreement for provision of financial
assistance.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall enter into a
cooperative agreement with the Authority to provide
financial assistance or any other assistance requested
by the Authority for planning, design, related
preconstruction activities, and construction of the
System.
(B) Requirements.--The cooperative agreement
entered into under subparagraph (A) shall, at a
minimum, specify the responsibilities of the Secretary
and the Authority with respect to--
(i) ensuring that the cost-share
requirements established by section 3(b) are
met;
(ii) completing the planning and final
design of the System;
(iii) any environmental and cultural
resource compliance activities required for the
System; and
(iv) the construction of the System.
(b) Technical Assistance.--At the request of the Authority, the
Secretary may provide to the Authority any technical assistance that is
necessary to assist the Authority in planning, designing, constructing,
and operating the System.
(c) Biological Assessment.--The Secretary shall consult with the
New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and the Authority in preparing
any biological assessment under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) that may be required for planning and constructing
the System.
(d) Effect.--Nothing in this Act--
(1) affects or preempts--
(A) State water law; or
(B) an interstate compact relating to the
allocation of water; or
(2) confers on any non-Federal entity the ability to
exercise any Federal rights to--
(A) the water of a stream; or
(B) any groundwater resource.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act.
(b) Nonreimbursable Amounts.--Amounts made available to the
Authority in accordance with the cost-sharing requirement under section
3(b) shall be nonreimbursable and nonreturnable to the United States.
(c) Availability of Funds.--At the end of each fiscal year, any
unexpended funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall be retained
for use in future fiscal years consistent with this Act. | Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System Act of 2006 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial and technical assistance to the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Authority to assist in planning, designing, conducting preconstruction activities for, and constructing the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System.
Limits the federal share of the cost of any activity to 75%. Provides that the total cost of the System shall include any costs incurred by the Authority on or after October 1, 2003, for System development.
Makes the Authority responsible for annual operation, maintenance, and replacement costs. Directs the Authority to develop an operation, maintenance, and replacement plan that establishes rates and fees necessary to ensure that the System is properly maintained and capable of delivering approximately 16,500 acre-feet of water per year. Prohibits the use of funds under this Act until such plan is developed and until the Secretary and the Authority have complied with applicable requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary to consult with the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission and the Authority in preparing any required biological assessment under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. | To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance to the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Authority for the planning, design, and construction of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water System, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Employee Free Choice Act''.
SEC. 2. STREAMLINING UNION CERTIFICATION.
(a) In General.--Section 9(c) of the National Labor Relations Act
(29 U.S.C. 159(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, whenever
a petition shall have been filed by an employee or group of employees
or any individual or labor organization acting in their behalf alleging
that a majority of employees in a unit appropriate for the purposes of
collective bargaining wish to be represented by an individual or labor
organization for such purposes, the Board shall investigate the
petition. If the Board finds that a majority of the employees in a unit
appropriate for bargaining has signed authorizations designating the
individual or labor organization specified in the petition as their
bargaining representative and that no other individual or labor
organization is currently certified or recognized as the exclusive
representative of any of the employees in the unit, the Board shall not
direct an election but shall certify the individual or labor
organization as the representative described in subsection (a).
``(7) The Board shall develop guidelines and procedures for the
designation by employees of a bargaining representative in the manner
described in paragraph (6). Such guidelines and procedures shall
include--
``(A) model collective bargaining authorization language
that may be used for purposes of making the designations
described in paragraph (6); and
``(B) procedures to be used by the Board to establish the
authenticity of signed authorizations designating bargaining
representatives.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) National labor relations board.--Section 3(b) of the
National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 153(b)) is amended, in
the second sentence--
(A) by striking ``and to'' and inserting ``to'';
and
(B) by striking ``and certify the results
thereof,'' and inserting ``, and to issue
certifications as provided for in that section,''.
(2) Unfair labor practices.--Section 8(b) of the National
Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 158(b)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (7)(B) by striking ``, or'' and
inserting ``or a petition has been filed under section
9(c)(6), or''; and
(B) in paragraph (7)(C) by striking ``when such a
petition has been filed'' and inserting ``when such a
petition other than a petition under section 9(c)(6)
has been filed''.
SEC. 3. FACILITATING INITIAL COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS.
Section 8 of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 158) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Whenever collective bargaining is for the purpose of
establishing an initial agreement following certification or
recognition, the provisions of subsection (d) shall be modified as
follows:
``(1) Not later than 10 days after receiving a written
request for collective bargaining from an individual or labor
organization that has been newly organized or certified as a
representative as defined in section 9(a), or within such
further period as the parties agree upon, the parties shall
meet and commence to bargain collectively and shall make every
reasonable effort to conclude and sign a collective bargaining
agreement.
``(2) If after the expiration of the 90-day period
beginning on the date on which bargaining is commenced, or such
additional period as the parties may agree upon, the parties
have failed to reach an agreement, either party may notify the
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service of the existence of
a dispute and request mediation. Whenever such a request is
received, it shall be the duty of the Service promptly to put
itself in communication with the parties and to use its best
efforts, by mediation and conciliation, to bring them to
agreement.
``(3) If after the expiration of the 30-day period
beginning on the date on which the request for mediation is
made under paragraph (2), or such additional period as the
parties may agree upon, the Service is not able to bring the
parties to agreement by conciliation, the Service shall refer
the dispute to an arbitration board established in accordance
with such regulations as may be prescribed by the Service. The
arbitration panel shall render a decision settling the dispute
and such decision shall be binding upon the parties for a
period of 2 years, unless amended during such period by written
consent of the parties.''.
SEC. 4. STRENGTHENING ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Injunctions Against Unfair Labor Practices During Organizing
Drives.--
(1) In general.--Section 10(l) of the National Labor
Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 160(l)) is amended--
(A) in the second sentence, by striking ``If, after
such'' and inserting the following:
``(2) If, after such''; and
(B) by striking the first sentence and inserting
the following:
``(1) Whenever it is charged--
``(A) that any employer--
``(i) discharged or otherwise discriminated against
an employee in violation of subsection (a)(3) of
section 8;
``(ii) threatened to discharge or to otherwise
discriminate against an employee in violation of
subsection (a)(1) of section 8; or
``(iii) engaged in any other unfair labor practice
within the meaning of subsection (a)(1) that
significantly interferes with, restrains, or coerces
employees in the exercise of the rights guaranteed in
section 7;
while employees of that employer were seeking representation by
a labor organization or during the period after a labor
organization was recognized as a representative defined in
section 9(a) until the first collective bargaining contract is
entered into between the employer and the representative; or
``(B) that any person has engaged in an unfair labor
practice within the meaning of subparagraph (A), (B) or (C) of
section 8(b)(4), section 8(e), or section 8(b)(7);
the preliminary investigation of such charge shall be made
forthwith and given priority over all other cases except cases
of like character in the office where it is filed or to which
it is referred.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 10(m) of the National
Labor Relations (29 U.S.C. 160(m)) is amended by inserting
``under circumstances not subject to section 10(l)'' after
``section 8''.
(b) Remedies for Violations.--
(1) Backpay.--Section 10(c) of the National Labor Relations
Act (29 U.S.C. 160(c)) is amended by striking ``And provided
further,'' and inserting ``Provided further, That if the Board
finds that an employer has discriminated against an employee in
violation of subsection (a)(3) of section 8 while employees of
the employer were seeking representation by a labor
organization, or during the period after a labor organization
was recognized as a representative defined in subsection (a) of
section 9 until the first collective bargaining contract was
entered into between the employer and the representative, the
Board in such order shall award the employee back pay and, in
addition, 2 times that amount as liquidated damages: Provided
further,''.
(2) Civil penalties.--Section 12 of the National Labor
Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 162) is amended--
(A) by striking ``Any'' and inserting ``(a) Any'';
and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Any employer who willfully or repeatedly commits any unfair
labor practice within the meaning of subsections (a)(1) or (a)(3) of
section 8 while employees of the employer are seeking representation by
a labor organization or during the period after a labor organization
has been recognized as a representative defined in subsection (a) of
section 9 until the first collective bargaining contract is entered
into between the employer and the representative shall, in addition to
any make-whole remedy ordered, be subject to a civil penalty of not to
exceed $20,000 for each violation. In determining the amount of any
penalty under this section, the Board shall consider the gravity of the
unfair labor practice and the impact of the unfair labor practice on
the charging party, on other persons seeking to exercise rights
guaranteed by this Act, or on the public interest.''. | Employee Free Choice Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to require the National Labor Relations Board to certify a bargaining representative without directing an election if a majority of the bargaining unit employees have authorized designation of the representative and there is no other individual or labor organization currently certified or recognized as the exclusive representative of any of the employees in the unit.
Sets forth special procedural requirements for reaching an initial collective bargaining agreement following certification or recognition.
Revises enforcement requirements with respect to unfair labor practices during union organizing drives. Provides, under injunction provisions, for priority to be given to preliminary investigation of charges of violations by employers or other entities. Adds to remedies for such violations: (1) back pay plus liquidated damages; and (2) additional civil penalties. | A bill to amend the National Labor Relations Act to establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, to provide for mandatory injunctions for unfair labor practices during organizing efforts, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. AUTHORITY FOR QUALIFYING STATES TO USE ALL OR ANY PORTION OF
THEIR SCHIP ALLOTMENTS FOR CERTAIN MEDICAID EXPENDITURES.
(a) In General.--Section 2105(g)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1397ee(g)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``not more than 20
percent of any allotment under section 2104 for fiscal year 1998, 1999,
2000, 2001, 2004, or 2005'' and inserting ``all or any portion of any
allotment made to the State under section 2104 for a fiscal year''.
(b) Additional Requirements.--Section 2105(g)(2) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1397ee(g)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``a State, that, on'' and inserting ``a
State that is described in subparagraph (A) and satisfies all
of the requirements of subparagraph (B).
``(A) State described.--A State described in this
subparagraph is a State that, on''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Requirements.--The requirements of this
subparagraph are the following:
``(i) No reduction in medicaid or schip
income eligibility.--Since January 1, 2001, the
State has not reduced the income, assets, or
resource requirements for eligibility for
medical assistance under title XIX or for child
health assistance under this title.
``(ii) No waiting list imposed.--The State
does not impose any numerical limitation,
waiting list, or similar limitation on the
eligibility of children for medical assistance
under title XIX or child health assistance
under this title and does not limit the
acceptance of applications for such assistance.
``(iii) Provides assistance to all children
who apply and qualify.--The State provides
medical assistance under title XIX or child
health assistance under this title to all
children in the State who apply for and meet
the eligibility standards for such assistance.
``(iv) Protection against inability to pay
premiums or copayments.--The State ensures that
no child loses coverage under title XIX or this
title, or is denied needed care, as a result of
the child's parents' inability to pay any
premiums or cost-sharing required under such
title.
``(v) Additional requirements.--The State
has implemented at least 3 of the following
policies and procedures (relating to coverage
of children under title XIX and this title):
``(I) Simplified application
form.--With respect to children who are
eligible for medical assistance under
title XIX, the State uses the same
simplified application form (including,
if applicable, permitting application
other than in person) for purposes of
establishing eligibility for assistance
under title XIX and this title.
``(II) Elimination of asset test.--
The State does not apply any asset test
for eligibility under title XIX or this
title with respect to children.
``(III) Adoption of 12-month
continuous enrollment.--The State
provides that eligibility shall not be
regularly redetermined more often than
once every year under this title or for
children eligible for medical
assistance under title XIX.
``(IV) Same verification and
redetermination policies; automatic
reassessment of eligibility.--With
respect to children who are eligible
for medical assistance under section
1902(a)(10)(A), the State provides for
initial eligibility determinations and
redeterminations of eligibility using
the same verification policies
(including with respect to face-to-face
interviews), forms, and frequency as
the State uses for such purposes under
this title, and, as part of such
redeterminations, provides for the
automatic reassessment of the
eligibility of such children for
assistance under title XIX and this
title.
``(V) Outstationing enrollment
staff.--The State provides for the
receipt and initial processing of
applications for benefits under this
title and for children under title XIX
at facilities defined as
disproportionate share hospitals under
section 1923(a)(1)(A) and Federally-
qualified health centers described in
section 1905(l)(2)(B) consistent with
section 1902(a)(55).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on October 1, 2006, and shall apply to expenditures described in
section 2105(g)(1)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1397ee(g)(1)(B)(ii)) that are made after that date. | Amends title XXI (State Children's Health Insurance) (SCHIP) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to allow qualifying states to use all or any portion (currently, up to 20%) of their allotments under SCHIP for certain Medicaid (SSA title XIX) expenditures.
Requires qualifying states to meet at least three of certain policies and procedures, including: (1) a simplified application process; (2) elimination of any asset test; (3) twelve-month continuous eligibility; and (4) easy access to enrollment staff. | A bill to amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to allow qualifying States to use all or any portion of their allotments under the State Children's Health Insurance Program for certain Medicaid expenditures. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Aviation Safety Protection Act of
1996''.
SEC. 2. PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEES PROVIDING AIR SAFETY INFORMATION.
(a) General Rule.--Chapter 421 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``SUBCHAPTER III--WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION PROGRAM
``Sec. 42121. Protection of employees providing air safety information
``(a) Discrimination Against Airline Employees.--No air carrier or
contractor or subcontractor of an air carrier may discharge an employee
or otherwise discriminate against an employee with respect to
compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because
the employee (or any person acting pursuant to a request of the
employee)--
``(1) provided, caused to be provided, or is about to
provide or cause to be provided to the Federal Government
information relating to air safety under this subtitle or any
other law of the United States;
``(2) has filed, caused to be filed, or is about to file or
cause to be filed a proceeding relating to air carrier safety
under this subtitle or any other law of the United States;
``(3) testified or is about to testify in such a
proceeding; or
``(4) assisted or participated or is about to assist or
participate in such a proceeding.
``(b) Department of Labor Complaint Procedure.--
``(1) Filing and notification.--A person who believes that
he has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by a
person in violation of subsection (a) may, within 180 days
after such violation occurs, file (or have any person file on
his behalf) a complaint with the Secretary of Labor alleging
such discharge or discrimination. Upon receipt of such a
complaint, the Secretary of Labor shall notify the person named
in the complaint and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration of the filing of the complaint, of the
allegations contained in the complaint, of the substance of
evidence supporting the complaint, and of the opportunities
which will be afforded to such person under paragraph (2).
``(2) Investigation; preliminary order.--Within 60 days of
receipt of a complaint filed under paragraph (1) and after
affording the person named in the complaint of an opportunity
to submit to the Secretary of Labor a written response to the
complaint and an opportunity to meet with a representative of
the Secretary to present statements from witnesses, the
Secretary of Labor shall conduct an investigation and determine
whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the complaint
has merit and notify the complainant and the person alleged to
have committed a violation of subsection (a) of the Secretary's
findings. If the Secretary of Labor concludes that there is a
reasonable cause to believe that a violation of subsection (a)
has occurred, the Secretary shall accompany the Secretary's
findings with a preliminary order providing the relief
prescribed by paragraph (3)(B). Within 30 days after
notification of findings under this paragraph, either the
person alleged to have committed the violation or the
complainant may file objections to the findings or preliminary
order, or both, and request a hearing on the record. The filing
of such objections shall not operate to stay any reinstatement
remedy contained in the preliminary order. Such hearings shall
be conducted expeditiously. If a hearing is not requested
within such 30-day period, the preliminary order shall be
deemed a final order which is not subject to judicial review.
``(3) Final order.--
``(A) Deadline for issuance; settlement
agreements.--Within 120 days after conclusion of a
hearing under paragraph (2), the Secretary of Labor
shall issue a final order providing the relief
prescribed by this paragraph or denying the complaint.
At any time before issuance of a final order, a
proceeding under this subsection may be terminated on
the basis of a settlement agreement entered into by the
Secretary of Labor, the complainant, and the person
alleged to have committed the violation.
``(B) Remedy.--If, in response to a complaint filed
under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Labor determines
that a violation of subsection (a) has occurred, the
Secretary of Labor shall order the person who committed
such violation to--
``(i) take affirmative action to abate the
violation;
``(ii) reinstate the complainant to his
former position together with the compensation
(including back pay), terms, conditions, and
privileges associated with his employment; and
``(iii) provide compensatory damages to the
complainant.
If such an order is issued under this paragraph, the
Secretary of Labor, at the request of the complainant,
shall assess against the person against whom the order
is issued a sum equal to the aggregate amount of all
costs and expenses (including attorneys' and expert
witness fees) reasonably incurred, as determined by the
Secretary of Labor, by the complainant for, or in
connection with, the bringing of the complaint upon
which the order was issued.
``(C) Frivolous complaints.--If the Secretary of
Labor finds that a complaint under paragraph (1) is
frivolous or has been brought in bad faith, the
Secretary of Labor may award to the prevailing employer
a reasonable attorney's fee not exceeding $5,000.
``(4) Review.--
``(A) Appeal to court of appeals.--Any person
adversely affected or aggrieved by an order issued
under paragraph (3) may obtain review of the order in
the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in
which the violation, with respect to which the order
was issued, allegedly occurred or the circuit in which
the complainant resided on the date of such violation.
The petition for review must be filed within 60 days
from the issuance of the order of the Secretary of
Labor. Review shall conform to chapter 7 of title 5,
United States Code. The commencement of proceedings
under this subparagraph shall not, unless ordered by
the court, operate as a stay of the order.
``(B) Limitation on collateral attack.--An order of
the Secretary of Labor with respect to which review
could have been obtained under subparagraph (A) shall
not be subject to judicial review in any criminal or
other civil proceeding.
``(5) Enforcement of order by secretary of labor.--Whenever
a person has failed to comply with an order issued under
paragraph (3), the Secretary of Labor may file a civil action
in the United States district court for the district in which
the violation was found to occur to enforce such order. In
actions brought under this paragraph, the district courts shall
have jurisdiction to grant all appropriate relief including,
but not limited to, injunctive relief and compensatory damages.
``(6) Enforcement of order by parties.--
``(A) Commencement of action.--A person on whose
behalf an order was issued under paragraph (3) may
commence a civil action against the person to whom such
order was issued to require compliance with such order.
The appropriate United States district court shall have
jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in
controversy or the citizenship of the parties, to
enforce such order.
``(B) Attorney fees.--The court, in issuing any
final order under this paragraph, may award costs of
litigation (including reasonable attorney and expert
witness fees) to any party whenever the court
determines such award is appropriate.
``(c) Mandamus.--Any nondiscretionary duty imposed by this section
shall be enforceable in a mandamus proceeding brought under section
1361 of title 28, United States Code.
``(d) Nonapplicability to Deliberate Violations.--Subsection (a) of
this section shall not apply with respect to an employee of an air
carrier who, acting without direction from such air carrier (or such
air carrier's agent), deliberately causes a violation of any
requirement relating to air carrier safety under this subtitle or any
other law of the United States.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning
of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SUBCHAPTER III--WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTION PROGRAM
``42121. Protection of employees providing air safety information.''.
SEC. 3. CIVIL PENALTY.
Section 46301(a)(1)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended
by striking ``subchapter II of chapter 421'' and inserting ``subchapter
II or III of chapter 421''. | Aviation Safety Protection Act of 1996 - Amends Federal transportation law to establish a whistleblower protection program for airline employees providing air safety information.
Prohibits air carriers, contractors, and subcontractors from discharging or otherwise discriminating against an employee as to pay, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because the employee: (1) is about to provide or has provided to the Federal Government information relating to air safety; or (2) is about to file or has filed a proceeding, or testified, or otherwise participated in a proceeding relating to air safety.
Sets forth a Department of Labor complaint procedure for persons who believe they have been discharged or discriminated against in violation of this Act. Provides for award of attorney's fees of up to $5,000 to a prevailing employer for any such complaint found frivolous or brought in bad faith.
Specifies civil penalties for violation of this Act. | Aviation Safety Protection Act of 1996 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Mandatory IDEA Full Funding
Compromise Act''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO IDEA.
Section 611(i) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(20 U.S.C. 1411(i)) is amended to read as follows:
``(i) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--For the purpose of carrying out this
part, other than section 619, there are authorized to be
appropriated--
``(A) $14,648,647,143 or 25.7 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for
fiscal year 2006, and there are hereby appropriated
$4,058,947,143 or 7.1 percent of the amount determined
under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for fiscal year
2006, which shall become available for obligation on
July 1, 2006, and shall remain available through
September 30, 2007;
``(B) $16,938,917,714 or 28.9 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for
fiscal year 2007, and there are hereby appropriated
$6,349,217,714 or 10.8 percent of the amount determined
under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for fiscal year
2007, which shall become available for obligation on
July 1, 2007, and shall remain available through
September 30, 2008;
``(C) $19,229,188,286 or 32.3 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for
fiscal year 2008, and there are hereby appropriated
$8,639,488,286 or 14.5 percent of the amount determined
under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for fiscal year
2008, which shall become available for obligation on
July 1, 2008, and shall remain available through
September 30, 2009;
``(D) $21,519,458,857 or 35.3 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for
fiscal year 2009, and there are hereby appropriated
$10,929,758,887 or 17.9 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for
fiscal year 2009, which shall become available for
obligation on July 1, 2009, and shall remain available
through September 30, 2010;
``(E) $23,809,729,429 or 38.1 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for
fiscal year 2010, and there are hereby appropriated
$13,220,029,429 or 21.2 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for
fiscal year 2010, which shall become available for
obligation on July 1, 2010, and shall remain available
through September 30, 2011;
``(F) $26,100,000,000 or 40 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for
fiscal year 2011, and there are hereby appropriated
$15,510,300,000 or 21.3 percent of the amount
determined under paragraph (2), whichever is less, for
fiscal year 2011, which shall become available for
obligation on July 1, 2011, and shall remain available
through September 30, 2012; and
``(G) 40 percent of the amount determined under
paragraph (2) for fiscal year 2012 and each subsequent
fiscal year, and there are hereby appropriated 21.3
percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2)
for fiscal year 2012 and each subsequent fiscal year,
which shall become available for obligation (A) with
respect to fiscal year 2012, on July 1, 2012, and shall
remain available through September 30, 2013, and (B)
with respect to each subsequent fiscal year, on July 1
of that fiscal year and shall remain available through
September 30 of the succeeding fiscal year.
``(2) Amount.--The amount referred to in each of
subparagraphs (A) through (G) of paragraph (1) is the product
of--
``(A) the number of children with disabilities in
all States who are receiving special education and
related services--
``(i) aged 3 through 5 if the State is
eligible for a grant under section 619; and
``(ii) aged 6 through 21; and
``(B) the average per-pupil expenditure in public
elementary and secondary schools in the United
States.''. | Mandatory IDEA Full Funding Compromise Act - Amends the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to reauthorize part B programs of education of all children with disabilities.
Authorizes appropriations in specified amounts for part B for FY2006-FY2012 and thereafter, according to a certain formula. (Provides phased-in increases of such authorized funding designed to reach a promised 40% federal share by FY2011.) Makes appropriations in specified amounts (which are less than the amounts this Act authorizes to be appropriated) for part B for FY2006-FY2012 and thereafter. | To amend part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to provide full Federal funding of such part. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Constitution Center
Operations Act''.
SEC. 2. NAME CLARIFICATION.
Section 3(a) of the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 (16 U.S.C.
407bb(a)) is amended by striking ``(hereafter in this Act referred to
as the `Center')'' and inserting ``(hereafter in this Act referred to
as the `NCC')''.
SEC. 3. OPERATION OF THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER.
Section 4 of the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 (16 U.S.C.
407cc) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Operation of the NCC.--
``(1) In general.--A cooperative agreement entered into
under subsection (b) shall--
``(A) authorize the NCC to--
``(i) operate the NCC;
``(ii) provide to visitors to the NCC any
activities and services relating to and
consistent with any functions of the NCC under
section 3(b);
``(iii) carry out activities that are
appropriate for the operation of the NCC,
including charging fees, conducting events, and
selling and marketing merchandise, tickets for
activities of the NCC, and food to visitors to
the NCC; and
``(iv) negotiate and enter into any
agreements, leases, contracts, or other
arrangements with any person, firm,
association, organization, corporation, or
governmental entity (including the Federal
Government and any State and local governments)
that are appropriate for carrying out
activities at the NCC or that are normally
associated with the operation of a facility
like the NCC, including an agreement, contract,
or other arrangement for janitorial service,
building maintenance, food service, information
technology maintenance, or the operation of a
museum store;
``(B) provide that any revenues from facilities and
services of the NCC shall be made available to the NCC,
without further appropriation, to offset the expenses
of operating the NCC;
``(C) authorize the NCC to occupy the site and any
structures provided under subsection (a)--
``(i) for a term specified in the
cooperative agreement not to exceed 30 years;
and
``(ii) in accordance with any terms and
conditions of the cooperative agreement;
``(D)(i) provide that the NCC shall maintain,
during the term of the cooperative agreement and at the
expense of the NCC, insurance on the NCC covering such
risks, in such amounts, and including such terms and
conditions as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate; and
``(ii) provide that any repairs or reconstruction
carried out using payments made to the NCC under an
insurance policy maintained under clause (i) shall be
subject to the approval of the Secretary;
``(E) provide that the NCC shall maintain the
status as an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 that is
exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Code;
``(F) provide that the NCC shall make available to
the Secretary and the Comptroller General of the United
States all books, documents, papers, and records of the
NCC that are necessary for an audit;
``(G) provide that the NCC shall submit to the
Secretary or Congress an annual report that--
``(i) describes the activities of the NCC
during the preceding fiscal year;
``(ii) compares the goals and objectives of
the NCC to the actual accomplishments of the
NCC during the preceding fiscal year; and
``(iii) includes a plan for the NCC for the
subsequent fiscal year; and
``(H) include any other terms and conditions that
the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(2) Termination of agreement.--The Secretary may
terminate the cooperative agreement entered into under
paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that termination is
in the best interest of the public.
``(3) Effect on existing agreement.--The agreement between
the National Park Service and the NCC numbered CA-4450-99-9018
shall remain in effect until the date on which--
``(A) the agreement is terminated in accordance
with the terms of the agreement; or
``(B) a cooperative agreement is entered into under
paragraph (1).
``(4) Administration of independence national historical
park.--Nothing in this subsection affects the authority of the
Secretary to enter into a contract or other agreement with any
organization or entity that provides for the administration of
Independence National Historical Park so long as the agreement
does not conflict with the cooperative agreement entered into
under paragraph (1).
``(5) Exemption from applicable law.--An agreement, lease,
contract, or other arrangement entered into under paragraph (1)
shall not be subject to section 3(k) of Public Law 91-383 (16
U.S.C. 1a-2(k)), section 321 of the Act of June 30, 1939 (40
U.S.C. 303(b)), or section 403 of the National Parks Omnibus
Management Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. 5952).''.
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Section 3 of the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 (16 U.S.C.
407bb) is amended--
(1) in the second sentence of subsection (a), by striking
``Center'' and inserting ``NCC''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking
``Center'' and inserting ``NCC'';
(B) in the matter before paragraph (1), by striking
``Center'' and inserting ``NCC''; and
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Center's'' and
inserting ``NCC's''.
(b) Section 4 of the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 (16 U.S.C.
407cc) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``center'' and
inserting ``ncc'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``Center'' each place it
appears and inserting ``NCC''; and
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking
``Center'' and inserting ``NCC'';
(B) in the first sentence, by striking ``Center''
the second place it appears and inserting ``NCC''; and
(C) in the second sentence, by striking ``National
Constitution Center'' and inserting ``NCC''.
(c) Section 5 of the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 (16 U.S.C.
407cc) is amended in subsections (c) and (e) by striking ``National
Constitution Center'' each place it appears and inserting ``NCC''. | National Constitution Center Operations Act - Amends the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 to set forth requirements for cooperative agreements between the Secretary of the Interior and the National Constitution Center (NCC) for the operation of the NCC, including a requirement that revenues from the operation of the NCC be made available to the NCC (without further appropriation) to offset its operating expenses, and requirements that the NCC: (1) maintain appropriate risk insurance; (2) maintain its tax-exempt status; and (3) report annually to the Secretary or Congress on its activities, goals and plans. Authorizes the Secretary to terminate a cooperative agreement in the public interest.
Exempts agreements, leases, contracts or other arrangements entered into under this Act from certain requirements for leases of buildings by the federal government and for the award of concession contracts in units of the National Park System. | A bill to amend the Constitution Heritage Act of 1988 to provide for the operation of the National Constitution Center. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Hong Kong Reversion Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to support the autonomous governance of Hong Kong and
the future well-being of the Hong Kong people by ensuring the
continuity of United States laws with respect to Hong Kong
after its reversion to the People's Republic of China on July
1, 1997; and
(2) to outline circumstances under which the President of
the United States could modify the application of United States
laws with respect to Hong Kong if the People's Republic of
China fails to honor its commitment to give the Special
Administrative Region of Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy.
SEC. 3. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The Joint Declaration of the Government of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the
Government of the People's Republic of China on the Question of
Hong Kong, done at Beijing on December 19, 1984, is a binding
international agreement that sets forth the commitments made by
both governments on the reversion of Hong Kong to the People's
Republic of China on July 1, 1997.
(2) The People's Republic of China in the Joint Declaration
pledges, among other things, that ``the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region will enjoy a high degree of autonomy,
except in foreign and defence affairs . . .,'' that basic human
rights and freedoms ``will be ensured by law . . .,'' and that
``[t]he legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region shall be constituted by elections.''.
(3) Senior government officials of the People's Republic of
China have repeatedly assured a smooth transfer of Hong Kong to
Chinese sovereignty, a successful implementation of the ``one
country, two systems'' policy, long-term prosperity for Hong
Kong, and continued respect for the basic rights of the Hong
Kong people.
(4) Despite guaranteeing the autonomous governance of Hong
Kong, several official acts and statements by senior officials
of the Government of the People's Republic of China reflect an
attempt to infringe upon the current and future levels of
autonomy in Hong Kong. These acts or statements include--
(A) initial proposals, which were later withdrawn,
by officials of the Government of the People's Republic
of China to obtain confidential files on civil servants
of the Hong Kong Government or require such civil
servants to take ``loyalty oaths'';
(B) the decision of the Government of the People's
Republic of China to dissolve the democratically
elected Legislative Council on July 1, 1997, and the
appointment of a provisional legislature in December of
1996;
(C) the delineation by officials concerning the
types of speech and association that will be permitted
by the Government of the People's Republic of China
after the reversion;
(D) initial warnings, which were later withdrawn,
to religious institutions not to hold certain
gatherings after the reversion; and
(E) the decision on February 23, 1997, of the
Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of
the People's Republic of China to repeal or amend
certain Hong Kong ordinances, including the Bill of
Rights Ordinance, the Societies Ordinance of 1992
(relating to freedom of association), and the Public
Order Ordinance of 1995 (relating to freedom of
assembly).
(5) Despite commitments in the Joint Declaration
guaranteeing the autonomous governance of Hong Kong, several
official acts of the Government of the United Kingdom have
damaged prospects for the future autonomy of Hong Kong. These
acts include--
(A) the conclusion of an agreement on the Court of
Final Appeal, which violates the Joint Declaration; and
(B) a 1990 agreement with the People's Republic of
China to limit the number of democratically-elected
seats in the Legislative Council to one-third the
number of seats in the Council, which violates the
Joint Declaration.
(6) The reversion of Hong Kong to the People's Republic of
China has important implications for both United States
national interests and the interests of the Hong Kong people.
The United States Government has a responsibility to ensure
that United States interests are protected during and after
this transition, and it has a profound interest in ensuring
that basic and fundamental human rights of the Hong Kong people
are also protected.
(7) The United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (Public
Law 102-383; 22 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.) sets forth United States
policy concerning Hong Kong's reversion to the People's
Republic of China on July 1, 1997, and Hong Kong's special
status as a Special Administrative Region of that country. The
Act ensures the continuity of United States laws regarding Hong
Kong while establishing a mechanism in section 202 of that Act
(22 U.S.C. 5722) whereby the President can modify the
application of United States laws with respect to Hong Kong if
the President ``determines that Hong Kong is not sufficiently
autonomous to justify treatment under a particular law of the
United States, or any provision thereof, different from that
accorded the People's Republic of China''. In making this
determination, the President shall consider ``the terms,
obligations, and expectations expressed in the Joint
Declaration''.
(8) One of the principal purposes of Congress in enacting
the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 was to maintain
Hong Kong's autonomy by ensuring that the United States will
continue to treat Hong Kong as a distinct legal entity,
separate and apart from the People's Republic of China, for all
purposes, in those areas in which the People's Republic of
China has agreed that Hong Kong will continue to enjoy a high
degree of autonomy, unless the President makes a determination
under section 202 of that Act.
(9) The United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 requires
the Secretary of State to evaluate the implementation of the
Joint Declaration.
(10) Ultimately, the future of Hong Kong will be determined
by the willingness of the Government of the People's Republic
of China to respect its commitments in the Joint Declaration to
maintain the freedoms now enjoyed by the people of Hong Kong
and to rely on the people of Hong Kong to govern themselves.
SEC. 4. CONGRESSIONAL DECLARATIONS.
Congress makes the following declarations:
(1) Recognizing that the United States Government and the
Hong Kong Government have long enjoyed a close and beneficial
working relationship, for example, between the United States
Customs Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug
Enforcement Administration, the Immigration and Naturalization
Service, the Secret Service, and their corresponding agencies
of the Hong Kong Government, the United States urges the two
governments to continue their effective cooperation.
(2) Recognizing that the preservation of Hong Kong's
autonomous customs territory has important security and
commercial implications for the United States and the people of
Hong Kong, the United States calls upon the People's Republic
of China to fully respect the autonomy of the Hong Kong customs
territory.
(3) Recognizing that Hong Kong has historically been an
important port of call for United States naval vessels, the
United States urges the Government of the People's Republic of
China to consider in a timely and routine manner United States
requests for port calls at Hong Kong.
(4) Recognizing that Hong Kong enjoys a robust and
professional free press with important guarantees on the
freedom of information, the United States declares that a free
press and access to information are fundamentally important to
the economic and commercial success of Hong Kong and calls upon
the Government of the People's Republic of China to fully
respect these essential rights of the Hong Kong people.
(5) Recognizing that the provisional legislature is not a
representative body and that its proposed election law is
designed to disadvantage the most popular political party and
political figures in Hong Kong, Congress declares that
elections for the Special Administrative Region legislature
should be conducted in accordance with laws drafted and
approved by the Hong Kong people or their democratically-
elected representatives.
(6) Recognizing that the Joint Declaration requires that
the Special Administrative Region legislature ``shall be
constituted by elections'', the United States declares that the
failure to have an elected legislature would be a violation of
the Joint Declaration and calls upon the Government of the
People's Republic of China to honor its treaty obligations.
(7) Recognizing that the Hong Kong people have long enjoyed
essential rights and freedoms as enumerated in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, the United States--
(A) declares that the Bill of Rights Ordinance is
consistent with the Joint Declaration and that
strengthening controls on the freedom to associate or
assemble is a serious threat to the basic freedoms of
the Hong Kong people; and
(B) calls upon the People's Republic of China, the
National People's Congress, and any groups appointed by
the Government of the People's Republic of China to
leave all revisions of Hong Kong law to a
democratically-elected legislature.
(8) Recognizing that under the terms of the Joint
Declaration the provisions of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights will continue to apply in Hong Kong,
the United States--
(A) welcomes the public statement by the Chief
Executive-designate of Hong Kong that the legislation
that will replace repealed or amended sections of the
Societies Ordinance and Public Order Ordinance will be
the subject of public consultation; and
(B) urges that the new legislation should reflect
both the wishes of the people of Hong Kong, as clearly
expressed through their democratically-elected
representatives, and the provisions of the
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
(9) Recognizing that Hong Kong currently maintains an
efficient capitalist economy and trade system by strictly
adhering to the rule of law, by honoring the sanctity of
contract, and by operating without corruption and with minimum
and transparent regulation, the United States calls upon the
Government of the People's Republic of China to fully respect
the autonomy and independence of the chief executive, the civil
service, the judiciary, the police of Hong Kong, and the
Independent Commission Against Corruption.
SEC. 5. PRESIDENTIAL DETERMINATION UNDER SECTION 202 OF THE UNITED
STATES-HONG KONG POLICY ACT OF 1992 AND ADDITIONAL
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--In determining whether Hong Kong is not
sufficiently autonomous to justify treatment under a particular law of
the United States, or any provision thereof, different from that
accorded the People's Republic of China, as required by section 202(a)
of the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (Public Law 102-383;
22 U.S.C. 5722(a)), the President, based upon the assessments made
pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, as well as other
information included in the reports submitted under section 301 of the
United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992 (22 U.S.C. 5731), shall
consider the performance of the Hong Kong Government and the actions of
the Government of the People's Republic of China.
(b) Requirements for Reports to Congress.--The Secretary of State
shall include, in each report required by section 301 of the United
States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992, the following:
(1) Existence of freely elected legislature.--An assessment
by the Secretary whether the Hong Kong people have a
legislature that is fairly and freely elected, which the
Secretary shall determine by taking into account the following:
(A) Whether the Hong Kong people are able to
participate fully in elections as candidates and voters
without any political restrictions or infringements on
their basic rights of speech, assembly, and
association.
(B) Whether the Hong Kong electoral system is
designed to disadvantage any party or individuals.
(2) Successful and timely conclusion of agreements and
treaties.--An assessment by the Secretary whether the Hong Kong
Government or the People's Republic of China, or both, as the
case may be, have cooperated with the United States Government
in securing the following agreements or treaties:
(A) A bilateral investment treaty.
(B) An extradition treaty.
(C) An agreement on consular access in Hong Kong
for United States citizens comparable to that provided
for in the consular convention between the United
States and the People's Republic of China.
(D) An agreement to preserve the United States
consulate, with privileges and immunities for United
States personnel.
(E) A mutual legal assistance agreement.
(F) A prison transfer agreement.
(G) A civil aviation agreement.
(3) Continued cooperation from the agencies of the hong
kong government.--An assessment by the Secretary whether
agencies of the Hong Kong Government continue to cooperate with
United States Government agencies. The Secretary shall cite in
the report any evidence of diminished cooperation in the areas
of customs enforcement, drug interdiction, and prosecution and
prevention of money laundering, counterfeiting, credit card
fraud, and organized crime.
(4) Preservation of good governance and rule of law in hong
kong.--An assessment by the Secretary whether the Hong Kong
Government remains autonomous and relatively free of corruption
and whether the rule of law is respected in Hong Kong. The
Secretary shall cite in the report any--
(A) efforts to annul or curtail the application of
the Bill of Rights of Hong Kong;
(B) efforts to prosecute for violations of, or
broaden the application of, laws against treason,
secession, sedition, and subversion;
(C) acts or threats against nonviolent civil
disobedience;
(D) interference in the autonomy of the chief
executive, the civil service, the judiciary, or the
police;
(E) increased corruption in the Hong Kong
Government; and
(F) efforts to suppress freedom of the press or
restrict the free flow of information.
(5) Preservation of the autonomy of the customs territory
of hong kong.--An assessment by the Secretary whether the
customs territory of Hong Kong is administered in an autonomous
manner. The Secretary shall cite in the report any--
(A) failure to respect United States textile laws
and quotas;
(B) failure to enforce United States export control
laws or export license requirements;
(C) unauthorized diversions from Hong Kong of high
technology exports from the United States to Hong Kong;
(D) unprecedented diversion of Chinese exports
through Hong Kong in order to attain preferential
treatment in United States markets; and
(E) misuse of the customs territory of Hong Kong to
implement the foreign policy or trade goals of the
Government of the People's Republic of China.
SEC. 6. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR PARTICIPATION OF HONG KONG
PROVISIONAL LEGISLATURE IN CERTAIN UNITED STATES
INFORMATION AGENCY PROGRAMS.
(a) Prohibition.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no
funds appropriated or otherwise made available for the United States
Information Agency may be used for purposes of the participation of any
member of the Hong Kong provisional legislature in any academic,
professional, or cultural program of the United States Information
Agency, including any international visitors program, any citizens
exchange program, and any scholarship or fellowship associated with any
such program.
(b) Hong Kong Provisional Legislature Defined.--In subsection (a),
the term ``Hong Kong provisional legislature'' means the body appointed
on December 21, 1996, in Shenzen, China, to replace the Hong Kong
Legislative Council that was elected in 1995.
SEC. 7. DEFINITION.
In this Act, the term ``Joint Declaration'' means Joint Declaration
of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the
Question of Hong Kong, done at Beijing on December 19, 1984. | Hong Kong Reversion Act - Directs the President to consider the performance of the Hong Kong Government and the actions of the Chinese Government when determining whether Hong Kong is not sufficiently autonomous to justify treatment under a particular U.S. law different from that accorded China as required under the United States-Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992.
Directs the Secretary of State to include in each annual report to the Congress on conditions in Hong Kong, among other things, assessments of: (1) whether the Hong Kong people have a legislature that is fairly and freely elected; (2) Hong Kong's or China's cooperation in securing certain agreements with the United States; and (3) the autonomy of Hong Kong and its customs territory.
Prohibits the use of funds made available for the U.S. Information Agency (USIA) for the participation of any member of the Hong Kong provisional legislature in any academic, professional, or cultural program of the USIA, including any international visitors program, any citizens exchange program, and any scholarship or fellowship associated with any such program. | Hong Kong Reversion Act |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fiscal Integrity through
Transparency (FIT) Act of 2008''.
TITLE I--CONSTRAINING THE GROWTH OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
SEC. 101. CONSTRAINING GROWTH.
(a) Constraining Growth.--Title III of the Congressional Budget Act
of 1974 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``constraining the growth of the federal government
``Sec. 316. (a) Point of Order.--It shall not be in order in the
House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any concurrent
resolution on the budget for any fiscal year if the percentage increase
for the projected total outlays for such fiscal year compared to the
projected total outlays for the preceding fiscal year set forth in the
most recently agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget exceeds the
allowable growth percentage.
``(b) Allowable Growth Percentage.--As used in subsection (a), the
term `allowable growth percentage' for the applicable fiscal year
refers to the mean of the annual percentage growth of mean earnings of
full-time, year-round workers; compensation of employees; and gross
domestic product (GDP) for the United States for the most recent
calendar year for which such data may be obtained from the U.S. Census
Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) of the Department of
Commerce compared to the immediately preceding calendar year before the
concurrent resolution on the budget for the applicable fiscal year is
reported by the Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives
or Senate, as the case may be.
``(c) Super Majority Required for Waiver.--Subsection (a) may be
waived or suspended in the House of Representatives or the Senate by a
two-thirds vote of its Members voting, a quorum being present.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents set forth in
section 1(b) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974 is
amended by adding after the item relating to section 315 the following
new item:
``Sec. 316. Constraining the Growth of the Federal Government.''.
TITLE II--EFFICIENCY AND RESPONSIBILITY FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
SEC. 201. ANNUAL REPORTS BY FEDERAL DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES TO
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE.
(a) Report Requirement.--Each Federal department and agency
annually shall submit to the Comptroller General a report on the total
operating costs of the department or agency for the year covered by the
report, with a separate statement containing details on waste, fraud,
and abuse during such year.
(b) Audit by GAO.--Each year the Comptroller General shall randomly
select 10 percent of the reports submitted under subsection (a) and
audit the reports.
(c) Intelligence Report Requirement.--Each intelligence department
and agency of the Federal Government, and each intelligence-related
division within a department or agency, shall submit to the Select
Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives the total
operating costs of the agency, department, or division for the year
covered by the report, with a separate statement containing details on
waste, fraud, and abuse during such year.
(d) First Reports.--The first reports under this section shall be
submitted not later than one year after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 202. ANNUAL REPORT BY COMPTROLLER GENERAL.
(a) Annual GAO Report on Reports of Federal Departments and
Agencies.--The Comptroller General shall submit to Congress an annual
report on the results of the reports submitted under section 201(a).
(b) First Report.--The first report under this section shall be
submitted not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 203. PLAN FOR REDUCTION OF OPERATIONAL COSTS OF FEDERAL
DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES.
(a) Plan Requirement.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, each Federal department or agency shall
design a plan to reduce its operational costs from $.36 of every $1.00
appropriated to the department or agency to $.15 of every $1.00 (or
reduce their operational costs by 41.67 percent) appropriated to the
department or agency through the use of new technologies and standard
management practices.
(b) Implementation of Plan.--Not later than 10 years after the date
of the enactment of this Act, each Federal department or agency shall
implement the plan for the department or agency developed under
subsection (a).
(c) Annual Progress Reports.--Each Federal department or agency
shall submit to Congress a report each year detailing the progress of
the department or agency in implementing the plan for the department or
agency developed under subsection (a).
SEC. 204. INFORMING TAXPAYERS.
(a) Statement To Appear on Tax Returns.--The Secretary of the
Treasury shall include, on each form for making the return of tax
imposed under chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, a
statement of the aggregate dollar amount of waste, fraud, and abuse by
all Federal departments and agencies for the most recent year for which
the Secretary has received information under subsection (b).
(b) Determination of Aggregate Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by
Comptroller General.--The Comptroller General shall annually report to
the Secretary of the Treasury the aggregate dollar amount of waste,
fraud, and abuse by all Federal departments and agencies as determined
by the Comptroller General on the basis of the reports submitted by
Federal departments and agencies under section 201.
TITLE III--PROVIDING EARMARK TRANSPARENCY
SEC. 301. EARMARK TRANSPARENCY.
(a) Earmark Transparency.--
Title III of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 as
amended by section 101 is further amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``earmark transparency
``Sec. 317. (a) In General.--All requests for earmarks received by
the Committee on Appropriations (or any subcommittee thereof) of the
House of Representatives or the Senate shall be posted by the
applicable Committee on Appropriations (or subcommittee thereof) on its
website at least 14 calendar days before the committee or subcommittee,
as applicable, begins marking up the applicable measure. Each such
posting of an earmark shall include the name of the Member requesting
the earmark, the cost of the earmark, and a justification of why the
earmark is needed.
``(b) Definition.--As used in subsection (a), the term `earmark'
means--
``(1) in the case of the House of Representatives,
`congressional earmark' as such term is defined by clause 9(d)
of rule XXI of the Rules of the House of Representatives; and
``(2) in the case of the Senate, `congressionally directed
spending item' as such term is defined by clause 5 of rule XLIV
of the Standing Rules of the Senate.''. | Fiscal Integrity through Transparency (FIT) Act of 2008 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the House of Representatives or in the Senate to consider any budget resolution for any fiscal year if the percentage increase for the projected total outlays compared to the projected total outlays for the preceding fiscal year exceeds the allowable growth percentage, as determined according to a specified formula.
Requires a super majority vote in either chamber to waive or suspend such prohibition.
Requires federal departments and agencies to report annually to the Comptroller General, and federal intelligence departments and agencies and their intelligence-related divisions to report annually to the House Select Committee on Intelligence, on total department or agency operating costs for the year, with a separate statement detailing waste, fraud, and abuse during such year.
Requires each federal department or agency to design and implement a plan to reduce its operational costs from $.36 to $.15 of every $1.00 appropriated to it (or reduce such costs by 41.67%) through the use of new technologies and standard management practices.
Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to include, on each federal tax return, a statement of the aggregate dollar amount of waste, fraud, and abuse by all federal departments and agencies for the most recent year accounted for.
Requires all requests for earmarks received by the congressional appropriations committtees or subcommittees to be posted on their respective websites at least 14 calendar days before mark-up of the applicable measure.
Requires each such posting to include the name of the requesting Member, the cost of the earmark, and a justification of its need. | To amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to require that concurrent resolutions on the budget limit the growth of Federal spending to the mean of annual percentage growth of wages and gross domestic product (GDP) in the United States, and for other purposes. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Family Self-Sufficiency Act of
2007''.
SEC. 2. ADMINISTRATIVE FEES FOR FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM COSTS.
Subsection (h) of section 23 of the United States Housing Act of
1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437u(h)) is amended by striking paragraph (1) and
inserting the following new paragraph:
``(1) Section 8 fees.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a
fee under section 8(q) for the costs incurred in
administering the self-sufficiency program under this
section to assist families receiving voucher assistance
through section 8(o).
``(B) Eligibility for fee.--The fee shall provide
funding for family self-sufficiency coordinators as
follows:
``(i) Base fee.--A public housing agency
serving 25 or more participants in the family
self-sufficiency program under this section
shall receive a fee equal to the costs of
employing one full-time family self-sufficiency
coordinator. An agency serving fewer than 25
such participants shall receive a prorated fee.
``(ii) Additional fee.--An agency that
meets minimum performance standards shall
receive an additional fee sufficient to cover
the costs of employing a second family self-
sufficiency coordinator if the agency has 75 or
more participating families, and a third such
coordinator if it has 125 or more participating
families.
``(iii) Previously funded agencies.--An
agency that received funding from the
Department of Housing and Urban Development for
more than three such coordinators in any of
fiscal years 1998 through 2007 shall receive
funding for the highest number of coordinators
funded in a single fiscal year during that
period, provided they meet applicable size and
performance standards.
``(iv) Initial year.--For the first year in
which a public housing agency exercises its
right to develop an family self-sufficiency
program for its residents, it shall be entitled
to funding to cover the costs of up to one
family self-sufficiency coordinator, based on
the size specified in its action plan for such
program.
``(v) State and regional agencies.--For
purposes of calculating the family self-
sufficiency portion of the administrative fee
under this subparagraph, each administratively
distinct part of a State or regional public
housing agency shall be treated as a separate
agency.
``(vi) Determination of number of
coordinators.--In determining whether a public
housing agency meets a specific threshold for
funding pursuant to this paragraph, the number
of participants being served by the agency in
its family self-sufficiency program shall be
considered to be the average number of families
enrolled in such agency's program during the
course of the most recent fiscal year for which
the Department of Housing and Urban Development
has data.
``(C) Proration.--If insufficient funds are
available in any fiscal year to fund all of the
coordinators authorized under this section, the first
priority shall be given to funding one coordinator at
each agency with an existing family self-sufficiency
program. The remaining funds shall be prorated based on
the number of remaining coordinators to which each
agency is entitled under this subparagraph.
``(D) Recapture.--Any fees allocated under this
subparagraph by the Secretary in a fiscal year that
have not been spent by the end of the subsequent fiscal
year shall be recaptured by the Secretary and shall be
available for providing additional fees pursuant to
subparagraph (B)(ii).
``(E) Performance standards.--Within six months
after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the
Secretary shall publish a proposed rule specifying the
performance standards applicable to funding under
clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (B). Such
standards shall include requirements applicable to the
leveraging of in-kind services and other resources to
support the goals of the family self-sufficiency
program.
``(F) Data collection.--Public housing agencies
receiving funding under this paragraph shall collect
and report to the Secretary, in such manner as the
Secretary shall require, information on the performance
of their family self-sufficiency programs.
``(G) Evaluation.--The Secretary shall conduct a
formal and scientific evaluation of the effectiveness
of well-run family self-sufficiency programs, using
random assignment of participants to the extent
practicable. Not later than the expiration of the 4-
year period beginning upon the enactment of this
paragraph, the Secretary shall submit an interim
evaluation report to the Congress. Not later than the
expiration of the 8-year period beginning upon such
enactment, the Secretary shall submit a final
evaluation report to the Congress. There is authorized
to be appropriated $10,000,000 to carry out the
evaluation under this subparagraph.
``(H) Incentives for innovation and high
performance.--The Secretary may reserve up to 10
percent of the amounts made available for
administrative fees under this paragraph to provide
support to or reward family self-sufficiency programs
that are particularly innovative or highly successful
in achieving the goals of the program.''.
Passed the House of Representatives September 25, 2008.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk. | Family Self-Sufficiency Act of 2007 - Amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to revise requirements for the administrative fee payable to public housing agencies (PHAs) to cover the costs of administering family self-sufficiency programs in connection with the housing choice voucher program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Prescribes: (1) a base fee for a PHA serving 25 or more program participants equal to the costs of employing one full-time family self-sufficiency coordinator (prorated for an agency serving fewer than 25 such participants); and (2) an additional fee for an agency meeting minimum performance standards to cover the costs of employing a second coordinator if the agency has 75 or more participating families, and a third coordinator if it has 125 or more participating families.
Requires the Secretary to publish a proposed rule specifying the performance standards applicable to funding such additional fees and agencies that have received HUD funding for more than three such coordinators between FY1998-FY2007.
Requires PHAs receiving such funds to collect and report to the Secretary information on the performance of their family self-sufficiency programs.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) conduct a formal and scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of well-run family self-sufficiency programs, using random assignment of participants to the extent practicable; and (2) submit interim and final reports to Congress. Authorizes appropriations for the evaluation.
Permits the Secretary to reserve up to 10% of the amounts available for administrative fees to provide support to or reward family self-sufficiency programs that are particularly innovative or highly successful in achieving program goals. | To provide for payment of an administrative fee to public housing agencies to cover the costs of administering family self-sufficiency programs in connection with the housing choice voucher program of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Diabetic Foot Complication and Lower
Extremity Amputation Reduction Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) It is estimated that there are 17,000,000 patients with
diabetes in the United States and that diabetes costs the
United States $132,000,000,000 each year.
(2) There has been a 61 percent increase in the number of
Americans with diabetes since 1990.
(3) Fifteen percent of people with diabetes will experience
a foot ulcer, and between 14 and 24 percent of those with a
foot ulcer will require an amputation.
(4) The increased incidence of diabetes has resulted in
more lower extremity amputations. From 1980 to 1996, the number
of diabetes-related hospital discharges with lower extremity
amputations increased from 36,000 to 86,000 per year.
(5) The Medicare costs for diabetes patients with foot
ulcers is 3 times higher than for diabetes patients in general,
and inpatient care accounts for 74 percent of diabetic ulcer-
related costs. Therefore, cost effective ulcer prevention and
treatment interventions will reduce Medicare costs.
(6) Lower extremity amputations are devastating to the
patient, and with an average cost of $60,000, these procedures
are a costly burden on the health system.
(7) Research shows that a multidisciplinary approach,
including preventive strategies, patient and staff education,
and treatment of foot ulcers, has been reported to reduce
amputation rates by more than 50 percent at a fraction of the
cost.
SEC. 3. GRANTS FOR EDUCATION, SCREENING, AND TREATMENT REGARDING
DIABETIC FOOT COMPLICATIONS.
Title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241 et seq.)
is amended by inserting after section 330K the following:
``SEC. 330L. GRANTS FOR EDUCATION, SCREENING, AND TREATMENT REGARDING
DIABETIC FOOT COMPLICATIONS.
``(a) Grants.--Subject to subsection (b), the Secretary shall award
grants to eligible entities for the following:
``(1) Providing a high-risk, underserved population with
screening, education, and evidence-based medical treatment
regarding diabetic foot complications that may lead to lower
extremity amputations.
``(2) Evaluating the quality, cost effectiveness, parity,
and patient satisfaction of medical interventions in the
prevention of diabetic foot complications and lower extremity
amputations.
``(b) Restriction.--A grant under this section may be used to pay
for a treatment only if the treatment is preventive in nature or is
part of comprehensive outpatient care.
``(c) Eligible Entities.--For purposes of this section, the term
`eligible entity' means a multidisciplinary health care program, which
may be university-based, that demonstrates to the Secretary's
satisfaction the following:
``(1) An ability to provide high-quality, cost-effective,
and accessible treatment to a patient population that has a
high incidence of diabetes relative to the national average and
a general inability to access diabetic foot treatment programs.
``(2) An ability to successfully educate patients and
health care providers about preventive health care measures and
treatment methods for diabetic foot complications.
``(3) An ability to analyze and compile the results of
research on diabetic foot complications and conduct additional
research on diabetic foot complications.
``(d) Criteria.--The Secretary, in consultation with appropriate
professional organizations, shall develop criteria for carrying out the
grant program under this section and for collecting data to evaluate
the effectiveness of the grant program. These criteria shall ensure the
following:
``(1) The establishment of an authoritative, collaborative,
multi-center study on the impact of comprehensive prevention
and treatment of diabetic foot complications in high-risk,
underserved populations, upon which future determinations can
be based.
``(2) The establishment, in coordination with grant
recipients, of evidence-based guidelines and standardized
measurement outcomes that may be used to evaluate the overall
results of projects under this section.
``(3) The provision to grant recipients of the necessary
resources to develop programs that effectively treat patients.
``(e) Application.--To seek a grant under this section, an eligible
entity must submit an application to the Secretary in such form, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require.
``(f) Evaluations.--The Secretary may not award a grant to an
eligible entity under this section unless the entity agrees to submit
to the Secretary a yearly evaluation of the entity's operations and
activities carried out under the grant.
``(g) Study; Report.--Annually, the Secretary--
``(1) shall conduct an authoritative study on the results
of grants under this section, for the purpose of better
informing future determinations regarding education, screening,
and treatment of diabetic foot complications; and
``(2) shall submit a report on the findings and conclusions
of the study to the Congress.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $25,000,000
for fiscal year 2004 and such sums as may be necessary for each of
fiscal years 2005 through 2008.''. | Diabetic Foot Complication and Lower Extremity Amputation Reduction Act of 2003 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to eligible multidisciplinary health care programs for education, screening, and treatment respecting diabetic foot complications and lower extremity amputations. | To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants for education, screening, and treatment with the goal of preventing diabetic foot complications and lower extremity amputations, and for other purposes. |
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