INSTRUCTION
stringlengths 30
479k
| RESPONSE
stringlengths 1
35.4k
| SOURCE
stringclasses 8
values |
|---|---|---|
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Training and Research for Autism
Improvements Nationwide Act of 2010'' or the ``TRAIN Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. UNIVERSITY CENTERS FOR EXCELLENCE INITIATIVES ON AUTISM
SPECTRUM DISORDERS.
(a) In General.--Subtitle D of title I of the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (42 U.S.C. 15061
et seq.) is amended--
(1) by inserting before section 151 the following:
``PART 1--GENERAL GRANT PROGRAMS FOR UNIVERSITY CENTERS FOR
EXCELLENCE'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``PART 2--UNIVERSITY CENTERS FOR EXCELLENCE INITIATIVES ON AUTISM
SPECTRUM DISORDERS
``SEC. 157. AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS INITIATIVE GRANTS AND TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Grants.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award multiyear
grants for the purpose described in paragraph (2) to University
Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education,
Research, and Service that are funded under part 1 and engaged
in the core functions described in section 153(a)(2).
``(2) Purpose.--The purpose described in this paragraph is
to provide individuals with interdisciplinary training,
continuing education, technical assistance, and information for
the purpose of improving services rendered to children and
adults on the autism spectrum, and their families, to address
unmet needs related to autism spectrum disorder. For purposes
of the previous sentence, individuals shall include children
and adults on the autism spectrum, families of such children
and adults, health professionals (including allied health
professionals), and vocational training and educational
professionals.
``(3) Application requirements.--A University Center for
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research,
and Service that desires to receive a grant under this section
shall submit to the Secretary an application--
``(A) demonstrating that the Center has capacity
to--
``(i) provide training and technical
assistance in evidence-based practices to
evaluate, and provide effective interventions,
services, treatments, and supports to, children
and adults on the autism spectrum and their
families;
``(ii) provide individuals on the autism
spectrum, and the families of such individuals,
opportunities to advise and direct activities
under the grant to ensure that an individual-
centered, and family-centered, approach is
used;
``(iii) share and disseminate materials and
practices that are developed for, and evaluated
to be effective in, the provision of training
and technical assistance; and
``(iv) provide training, technical
assistance, interventions, services,
treatments, and supports under this section
statewide;
``(B) providing assurances that the Center will--
``(i) provide trainees under this section
with an appropriate balance of
interdisciplinary didactic and community-based
experiences; and
``(ii) provide to the Secretary, in the
manner prescribed by the Secretary, data
regarding the number of individuals who have
benefitted from, and outcomes of, the provision
of training and technical assistance under this
section;
``(C) providing assurances that training, technical
assistance, dissemination of information, and services
under this section will--
``(i) be consistent with the goals of this
Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act of
1990, the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act, and the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965;
``(ii) supplement, and not supplant,
activities funded under this subtitle (other
than this section);
``(iii) be planned and designed with the
participation of individuals on the autism
spectrum and the families of such individuals;
and
``(iv) be conducted in coordination with
relevant State agencies, institutions of higher
education, and service providers; and
``(D) containing such other information and
assurances as the Secretary may require.
``(4) Amount of grants.--The amount of a grant to a
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities
Education, Research, and Service for a fiscal year under this
section shall be not less than $250,000.
``(b) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary may reserve not more
than 2 percent of the amount appropriated to carry out this section for
a fiscal year to make a grant to a national organization with
demonstrated capacity for providing training and technical assistance
to--
``(1) assist in national dissemination of specific
information, including evidence-based best practices, from
interdisciplinary training programs, and when appropriate,
other entities whose findings would inform the work performed
by University Centers for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities Education, Research, and Service awarded grants
under this section;
``(2) compile and disseminate strategies and materials that
prove to be effective in the provision of training and
technical assistance so that the entire network can benefit
from the models, materials, and practices developed in
individual centers;
``(3) assist in the coordination of activities of grantees
under this section;
``(4) develop a (or enhance an existing) Web portal that
will provide linkages to each of the individual training
initiatives and provide access to training modules, promising
training, and technical assistance practices and other
materials developed by grantees;
``(5) serve as a research-based resource for Federal and
State policymakers on information concerning the provision of
training and technical assistance for the assessment, and
provision of supports and services for, children and adults on
the autism spectrum;
``(6) convene experts from multiple interdisciplinary
training programs, individuals on the autism spectrum, and the
families of such individuals to discuss and make
recommendations with regard to training issues related to
assessment, interventions, services, treatment, and supports
for children and adults on the autism spectrum; and
``(7) undertake any other functions that the Secretary
determines to be appropriate.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there are authorized to be appropriated $17,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2012 through 2016.
``SEC. 158. CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTS.
``(a) Grants.--The Secretary shall award multiyear grants to not
more than 4 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities Education, Research, and Service described in paragraph
(1) of section 157(a) to--
``(1) collaborate with minority institutions to--
``(A) provide services described in such section to
individuals on the autism spectrum who are from racial
and ethnic minority populations and to their families;
and
``(B) conduct research and education focused on
racial and ethnic minority populations; and
``(2) build capacity within such institutions to enable
such institutions to apply to become University Centers for
Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research,
and Service capable of providing such services, research, and
education.
``(b) Applicable Provisions.--The provisions of paragraphs (2) and
(3) of section 157(a) shall apply with respect to grants under this
section to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions
apply with respect to grants under section 157.
``(c) Prioritization.--In awarding grants under this section, the
Secretary shall give priority to applicants that demonstrate
collaboration with minority institutions that--
``(1) have demonstrated capacity to meet the requirements
of this section and provide services to individuals on the
autism spectrum and their families; or
``(2) are located in a State with one or more underserved
populations.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2012 through 2016.
``SEC. 159. DEFINITIONS.
``In this part:
``(1) The term `interventions' means educational methods
and positive behavioral support strategies designed to improve
or ameliorate symptoms associated with autism spectrum
disorder.
``(2) The term `minority institution' has the meaning given
to such term in section 365 of the Higher Education Act of
1965.
``(3) The term `services' means services to assist
individuals on the autism spectrum to live more independently
in their communities.
``(4) The term `treatments' means health services,
including mental health services, designed to improve or
ameliorate symptoms associated with autism spectrum
disorder.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--(1) Such subtitle is further amended--
(A) in section 152(a)(1), by striking ``subtitle'' and
inserting ``part'';
(B) in section 153(a)(2)(D), by striking ``subtitle'' and
inserting ``part'';
(C) in each of subparagraphs (B) and (D) of section
154(a)(3), by striking ``subtitle'' and inserting ``part'';
(D) in each of paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 154(d), by
striking ``subtitle'' and inserting ``part''; and
(E) in each of subsections (a)(1) and (b) of section 156,
by striking ``subtitle'' and inserting ``part''.
(2) The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 is amended--
(A) by inserting before the item relating to section 151
the following:
``Part 1--General Grant Programs for University Centers for
Excellence'';
and
(B) by inserting at the end of the items relating to
subtitle D of title I the following:
``Part 2--University Centers for Excellence Initiatives on Autism
Spectrum Disorders
``Sec. 157. Autism spectrum disorders initiative grants and technical
assistance.
``Sec. 158. Capacity building grants.
``Sec. 159. Definitions.''.
Passed the House of Representatives September 23, 2010.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk. | Training and Research for Autism Improvements Nationwide Act or the TRAIN Act of 2010 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service to provide individuals (including children and adults on the autism spectrum, families of such children and adults, health professionals, and vocational training and educational professionals) with interdisciplinary training, continuing education, technical assistance, and information for the purpose of improving services rendered to such children and adults and their families to address unmet needs related to autism spectrum disorder.
Sets forth application requirements for a Center desiring to receive a grant, which shall include providing assurances that activities under the grant will be planned and designed with the participation of such individuals and their families.
Authorizes the Secretary to reserve not more than 2% of the amount appropriated for this Act for a fiscal year to make a grant to a national organization with a demonstrated capacity for providing training and technical assistance, including to: (1) assist in national dissemination of information from interdisciplinary training programs; (2) compile and disseminate effective strategies and materials for the provision of training and technical assistance; (3) assist in the coordination of activities of grantees; (4) develop or enhance a web portal that will provide links to individual training initiatives and access to training modules, promising training, and technical assistance practices and other materials developed by grantees; and (5) serve as a resource for federal and state policymakers.
Requires the Secretary to award multiyear grants to not more than four Centers to: (1) collaborate with minority institutions to provide services to individuals on the autism spectrum who are from racial and ethnic minority populations and their families and to conduct research and education focused on racial and ethnic minority populations, and (2) build capacity within such institutions to enable such institutions to apply to become Centers capable of providing services, research, and education. Directs the Secretary to give priority to applicants that demonstrate collaboration with minority institutions that: (1) have demonstrated capacity to meet the requirements of this Act and provide services to individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, or (2) are located in a state with one or more underserved populations. | billsum_train |
Give a brief overview of the following text: SECTION 1. WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
(a) Amendments.--
(1) Section 325 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations
Act, 1993 (Public Law 102-392) is repealed.
(2) Section 504(d) of the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural
Worker Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 1854(d)) is amended to read as
follows:
``(d)(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, where a
State workers' compensation law is applicable and coverage is provided
for a migrant or seasonal agricultural worker, the workers'
compensation benefits shall be the exclusive remedy for loss of such
worker under this Act in the case of bodily injury or death in
accordance with such State's workers' compensation law.
``(2) The exclusive remedy prescribed by paragraph (1) precludes
the recovery under subsection (c) of actual damages for loss from an
injury or death but does not preclude recovery under subsection (c) for
statutory damages or equitable relief, except that such relief shall
not include back or front pay or in any manner, directly or indirectly,
expand or otherwise alter or affect (A) a recovery under a State
workers' compensation law or (B) rights conferred under a State
workers' compensation law.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a)(2) shall
apply to all cases in which a final judgment has not been entered.
SEC. 2. EXPANSION OF STATUTORY DAMAGES.
(a) Amendment.--Section 504 of the Migrant and Seasonal
Agricultural Worker Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 1854) is amended by
adding after subsection (D) the following:
``(e) If the court finds in an action which is brought by or for a
worker under subsection (a) in which a claim for actual damages is
precluded because the workers' injury is covered by a State workers'
compensation law as provided by subsection (d) that--
``(1)(A) the defendant in the action violated section
401(b) by knowingly requiring or permitting a driver to drive a
vehicle for the transportation of migrant or seasonal
agricultural workers while under the influence of alcohol or a
controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the
Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802)) and the defendant
had actual knowledge of the driver's condition, and
``(B) such violation resulted in injury to or death of the
migrant or seasonal worker by or for whom the action was
brought and such injury or death arose out of and in the course
of employment as determined under the State workers'
compensation law,
``(2)(A) the defendant violated a safety standard
prescribed by the Secretary under section 401(b) which the
defendant was determined in a previous judicial or
administrative proceeding to have violated, and
``(B) such safety violation resulted in an injury or death
described in paragraph (1)(B),
``(3)(A)(i) the defendant willfully disabled or removed a
safety device prescribed by the Secretary under section 401(b),
or
``(ii) the defendant in conscious disregard of the
requirements of section 401(b) failed to provide a safety
device required under such section, and
``(B) such disablement, removal, or failure to provide a
safety device resulted in an injury or death described in
paragraph (1)(B), or
``(4)(A) the defendant violated a safety standard
prescribed by the Secretary under section 401(b),
``(B) such safety violation resulted in an injury or death
described in paragraph (1)(B), and
``(C) the defendant at the time of the violation of section
401(b) also was--
``(i) an unregistered farm labor contractor in
violation of section 101(a), or
``(ii) a person who utilized the services of a farm
labor contractor of the type specified in clause (i)
without taking reasonable steps to determine that the
farm labor contractor possessed a valid certificate of
registration authorizing the performance of the farm
labor contracting activities which the contractor was
requested by or permitted to perform with the knowledge
of such person,
the court shall award not more than $10,000 per plaintiff per violation
with respect to whom the court made the finding described in paragraph
(1), (2), (3), or (4), except that multiple infractions of a single
provision of this Act shall constitute only one violation for purposes
of determining the amount of statutory damages due to a plaintiff under
this subsection and in the case of a class action, the court shall
award not more than the lesser of up to $10,000 per plaintiff or up to
$500,000 for all plaintiffs in such class action.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to all cases in which a final judgment has not been entered.
SEC. 3. TOLLING OF STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS.
Section 504 of the Migrant and Seasoned Agricultural Worker
Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 1854), as amended by section 2, is amended by
adding after subsection (e) the following:
``(f) If it is determined under a State workers' compensation law
that the workers' compensation law is not applicable to a claim for
bodily injury or death of a migrant or seasonal agricultural worker,
the statute of limitations for bringing an action for actual damages
for such injury or death under subsection (a) shall be tolled for the
period during which the claim for such injury or death under such State
workers' compensation law was pending. The statute of limitations for
an action for other actual damages, statutory damages or equitable
relief arising out of the same transaction or occurrence as the injury
or death of the migrant or seasonal agricultural worker shall be tolled
for the period during which the claim for such injury or death was
pending under the State workers' compensation law.''.
SEC. 4. DISCLOSURE OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION COVERAGE.
(a) Migrant Workers.--Section 201(a) of the Migrant and Seasonal
Agricultural Worker Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 1821(a)) is amended by
striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (6), by striking the period at
the end of paragraph (7) and inserting ``; and'', and by adding after
paragraph (7) the following:
``(8) whether State workers' compensation insurance is
provided, and, if so, the name of the State workers'
compensation insurance carrier, the name of the policyholder of
such insurance, the name and the telephone number of each
person who must be notified of an injury or death, and the time
period within which such notice must be given.
Compliance with the disclosure requirement of paragraph (8) for a
migrant agricultural worker may be met if such worker is given a
photocopy of any notice regarding workers' compensation insurance
required by law of the State in which such worker is employed. Such
worker shall be given such disclosure at the time of recruitment or if
sufficient information is unavailable at that time, at the earliest
practicable time but in no event later than the commencement of
work.''.
(b) Seasonal Workers.--Section 301(a)(1) of the Migrant and
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 1831(a)(1)) is
amended by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (F), by striking
the period at the end of subparagraph (G) and inserting ``; and'', and
by adding after subparagraph (G) the following:
``(H) whether State workers' compensation in insurance is
provided, and, if so, the name of the State workers'
compensation insurance carrier, the name of the policyholder of
such insurance, the name and the telephone number of each
person who must be notified of an injury or death, and the time
period within which such notice must be given.
Compliance with the disclosure requirement of subparagraph (H) may be
met if such worker is given, upon request, a photocopy of any notice
regarding workers' compensation insurance required by law of the State
in which such worker is employed.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall take effect upon the expiration of 90 days after the date final
regulations are issued by the Secretary of Labor to implement such
amendments.
SEC. 5. LIABILITY INSURANCE.
(a) Amendment.--Section 401(b)(3) of the Migrant and Seasonal
Agricultural Worker Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 1841(b)(3)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(3) The level of insurance required under paragraph (1)(C) shall
be determined by the Secretary considering at least the factors set
forth in paragraph (2)(B) and similar farmworker transportation
requirements under State law.''.
(b) Regulations.--Within 180 days of the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall promulgate regulations
establishing insurance levels under section 401(b)(3) of the Migrant
and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (29 U.S.C. 1841(b)(3))
as amended by subsection (a).
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) takes
effect upon the expiration of 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act or upon the issuance of final regulations under subsection
(b), whichever occurs first. | Repeals provisions of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1993 which amended the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act with respect to applicable State workers' compensation laws.
Amends the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSAWPA) to make State workers' compensation laws, which are applicable to and provide coverage for a migrant or seasonal agricultural worker, the exclusive remedy for actual damages for loss from an injury or death of such a worker, for all cases in which a final judgment has not been entered. Provides that this does not preclude recovery under such Act for statutory damages or relief (except that such relief may not include back or front pay or in any manner expand or otherwise alter or affect a recovery or rights conferred under a State workers' compensation law.
Increases statutory damages under MSAWPA under certain limited circumstances.
Provides for tolling of the statute of limitations on actions brought under MSAWPA during the time period in which a claim under State workers' compensation was pending.
Requires disclosure of information regarding workers' compensation coverage to migrant or seasonal agricultural workers.
Directs the Secretary of Labor to determine, considering specified factors, the level of liability insurance required of employers engaged in transportation of migrant or seasonal agricultural workers. | billsum_train |
Change the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Girls Count Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) According to the United States Census Bureau's 2013
international figures, 1 person in 12--or close to 900,000,000
people--is a girl or young woman age 10 through 24.
(2) The Census Bureau's data also asserts that young people
are the fastest growing segment of the population in developing
countries.
(3) Even though most countries do have birth registration
laws, four out of ten babies born in 2012 were not registered
worldwide. Moreover, an estimated 36 percent of children under
the age of five worldwide (about 230 million children) do not
possess a birth certificate.
(4) A nationally recognized proof of birth system is
important to determining a child's citizenship, nationality,
place of birth, parentage, and age. Without such a system, a
passport, driver's license, or other identification card is
difficult to obtain. The lack of such documentation can prevent
girls and women from officially participating in and
benefitting from the formal economic, legal, and political
sectors in their countries.
(5) The lack of birth registration among girls worldwide is
particularly concerning as it can exacerbate the
disproportionate vulnerability of women to trafficking, child
marriage, and lack of access to health and education services.
(6) A lack of birth registration among women and girls can
also aggravate what, in many places, amounts to an already
reduced ability to seek employment, participate in civil
society, or purchase or inherit land and other assets.
(7) Girls undertake much of the domestic labor needed for
poor families to survive: carrying water, harvesting crops,
tending livestock, caring for younger children, and doing
chores.
(8) Accurate assessments of access to education, poverty
levels, and overall census activities are hampered by the lack
of official information on women and girls. Without this
rudimentary information, assessments of foreign assistance and
domestic social welfare programs are difficult to gauge
(9) To help ensure that women and girls are considered in
United States foreign assistance policies and programs, that
their needs are addressed in the design, implementation, and
evaluation of foreign assistance programs, and that women and
girls have the opportunity to succeed, it is important that
girls be counted and have access to birth certificates and
other official documentation.
SEC. 3. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
It is the policy of the United States to--
(1) encourage countries to support the rule of law and
ensure girls and boys of all ages are able to fully participate
in society, including by providing birth certifications and
other official documentation;
(2) enhance training and capacity-building in key
developing countries, local nongovernmental organizations, and
other civil society organizations, including faith-based
organizations and organizations representing children and
families in the design, implementation, and monitoring of
programs under this Act, to effectively address the needs of
birth registries in countries where girls are systematically
undercounted; and
(3) incorporate into the design, implementation, and
evaluation of policies and programs measures to evaluate the
impact that such policies and programs have on girls.
SEC. 4. UNITED STATES ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT COUNTING OF GIRLS IN THE
DEVELOPING WORLD.
(a) Authorization.--The Secretary and the Administrator are
authorized to prioritize and advance ongoing efforts to--
(1) support programs that will contribute to improved and
sustainable Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems
(CRVS) with a focus on birth registration;
(2) support programs that build the capacity of developing
countries' national and local legal and policy frameworks to
prevent discrimination against girls in gaining access to birth
certificates, particularly where this may help prevent
exploitation, violence, and other abuse; and
(3) support programs and key ministries, including programs
and ministries relating to interior, youth, and education, to
help increase property rights, social security, home ownership,
land tenure security, inheritance rights, access to education,
and economic and entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly
for women and girls.
(b) Coordination With Multilateral Organizations.--The Secretary
and the Administrator are authorized to coordinate with the World Bank,
relevant United Nations agencies and programs, and other relevant
organizations to encourage and work with countries to enact, implement,
and enforce laws that specifically collect data on girls and establish
registration programs to ensure girls are appropriately counted and
have the opportunity to be active participants in the social, legal,
and political sectors of society in their countries.
(c) Coordination With Private Sector and Civil Society
Organizations.--The Secretary and the Administrator are authorized to
work with the United States, international, and local private sector
and civil society organizations, including faith-based organizations,
to advocate for the registration and documentation of all girls and
boys in developing countries, in order to help prevent exploitation,
violence, and other abuses and to help provide economic and social
opportunities.
SEC. 5. REPORT.
The Secretary and the Administrator shall include in relevant
evaluations and reports to Congress the following information:
(1) To the extent practicable, a breakdown of United States
foreign assistance beneficiaries by age, gender, marital
status, location, and school enrollment status.
(2) A description, as appropriate, of how United States
foreign assistance benefits girls.
(3) Specific information, as appropriate, on programs that
address the particular needs of girls.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development.
(2) Foreign assistance.--The term ``foreign assistance''
has the meaning given the term in section 634(b) of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2394(b)).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of State.
SEC. 7. SUNSET.
This Act shall expire on the date that is 5 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act. | Girls Count Act of 2015 Authorizes the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development to: (1) support programs that will contribute to improved civil registration and vital statistics systems with a focus on birth registration; and (2) support programs that build the capacity of developing countries' national and local legal and policy frameworks to prevent discrimination against girls in gaining passport access and help increase property rights, social security, land tenure, economic opportunities, and inheritance rights for women. Authorizes the Secretary and the Administrator to cooperate with multilateral organizations and private sector and civil society organizations to promote such programs. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Community Safety Act
of 2011''.
SEC. 2. FIRST RESPONDER AGENCY GRANTS.
(a) In General.--Title XX of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6
U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Subtitle C--Other Assistance
``SEC. 2041. FIRST RESPONDER AGENCY GRANTS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `active duty' has the meaning given that
term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code;
``(2) the term `eligible first responder agency' means a
first responder agency for which the cost of personnel of the
agency has increased by not less than 5 percent as a direct
result of 1 or more employees of the agency who are reservists
being placed on active duty;
``(3) the term `first responder agency'--
``(A) means--
``(i) a law enforcement agency or fire
service (as defined in section 4 of the Federal
Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15
U.S.C. 2203)) of a State or local government;
or
``(ii) a publicly or privately operated
ambulance service that is--
``(I) authorized or licensed by a
State to engage in rescue activity or
to provide emergency medical services;
and
``(II) designated by a State as a
prehospital emergency medical response
agency; and
``(B) shall not include a for-profit organization;
and
``(4) the term `reservist' means a member of a reserve
component of the Armed Forces, as defined in section 10101 of
title 10, United States Code.
``(b) Grants Authorized.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the
Administrator may make a grant to an eligible first responder
agency for the additional costs incurred by the eligible first
responder agency as a direct result of 1 or more employees of
the agency or service who are reservists being placed on active
duty.
``(2) Limitation for federally funded positions.--The
Administrator may not make a grant under this section for costs
relating to an employee being placed on active duty if Federal
funds are used, in whole or in part, for the pay or benefits of
the employee.
``(3) Maximum amount.--The total amount of all grants made
under this section to an eligible first responder agency in any
fiscal year may not exceed $100,000.
``(4) Termination of grant authority.--The authority of the
Administrator to make a grant under this section shall
terminate 3 years after the date of enactment of this section.
``(c) Use of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--A grant under this section may be used
for--
``(A) pay and benefits for an individual hired to
replace an employee placed on active duty that are in
addition to any pay and benefits that would have been
provided to the deployed employee;
``(B) overtime expenses for an employee who
performs tasks that would have been performed by an
employee placed on active duty; and
``(C) the costs associated with filling a vacancy
created by an employee placed on active duty, including
costs for advertising, interviewing, performing
background investigations, employment training, and
hiring bonuses and incentives.
``(2) Time period for reimbursable expenses.--An eligible
first responder agency that receives a grant under this section
may use the grant funds to cover expenses incurred during the
period that begins 90 days before the deployment of an employee
of the agency and ends on the date on which the employee
returns to fully paid employment status.
``(d) Application.--
``(1) In general.--Each eligible first responder agency
desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application
to the Administrator at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such information as the Administrator may
reasonably require.
``(2) Contents.--Each application submitted under paragraph
(1) shall--
``(A) describe the activities for which assistance
under this section is sought; and
``(B) provide documentation that demonstrates that
the first responder agency meets the requirements in
subsection (a)(2).
``(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Administrator $5,000,000 to carry out this section
for fiscal years 2012 through 2014.''.
(b) Reporting.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection, the terms ``active
duty'', ``first responder agency'', and ``reservist'' have the
meanings given those terms in section 2041 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002, as added by subsection (a).
(2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal
Emergency Management Agency shall submit to Congress a report
regarding the placing on active duty of employees of first
responder agencies that are reservists, including an evaluation
of--
(A) the effects, including financial effects, of
placing the employees on active duty on--
(i) the operation of the first responder
agencies; and
(ii) the services the first responder
agencies provide to the communities served by
the first responder agencies; and
(B) first responder agency grants under section
2041 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, as added by
subsection (a), including the effect of the grants on--
(i) the operation of the first responder
agencies; and
(ii) the services the first responder
agencies provide to the communities served by
the first responder agencies.
(c) Offset.--Section 1532(k)(1)(D) of the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (6 U.S.C.
1182(k)(1)(D)) is amended by striking ``$25,000,000'' and inserting
``$20,000,000''.
(d) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in
section 1(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Subtitle C--Other Assistance
``Sec. 2041. First responder agency grants.''. | Strengthening Community Safety Act of 2011 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make a grant to an eligible first responder agency for the additional costs incurred as a direct result of one or more of its employees who are reservists being placed on active duty. Defines "eligible first responder agency" as one for which the cost of personnel has increased by not less than 5% as a direct result of such employees being placed on active duty and which is not a for-profit organization.
Prohibits the Administrator from making a grant for costs relating to an employee being placed on active duty if federal funds are used for that employee's pay or benefits. Limits the total amount of grants made to an eligible first responder agency in any fiscal year to $100,000. Terminates the Administrator's authority to make grants three years after this Act's enactment.
Authorizes the use of grant funds for: (1) pay or benefits for an individual hired to replace such an employee that are in addition to any pay and benefits that would have been provided to the deployed employee, (2) overtime expenses for an individual who performs tasks that would have been performed by such an employee, and (3) the costs associated with filling a vacancy created by an employee being placed on active duty. Allows a recipient to use grant funds to cover expenses incurred beginning 90 days before deployment until the date the employee returns to fully paid employment status.
Amends the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to reduce funding for FY2011 for grants to private operators providing transportation by an over-the-road bus for security improvements. | billsum_train |
Make a brief summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``21st Century Skills Incentive Fund
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Students must be prepared in the core subjects of
English, reading, mathematics, science, foreign languages,
civics, government, economics, art, history, and geography.
(2) In order for our Nation's students to be prepared to
succeed in our communities and workplaces, students need 21st
century content, beyond the traditional core subjects, that
includes global awareness, financial, economic, business and
entrepreneurial literacy, civic literacy, and health and
wellness awareness.
(3) Students need to go beyond just learning today's
academic context to develop critical thinking and problem
solving skills, communication skills, creativity and innovation
skills, collaboration skills, contextual learning skills, and
information and media literacy skills.
(4) Information and communications technology literacy is
the ability to use technology to develop 21st century content
knowledge and skills, in the content of learning core subjects,
and students must be able to use technology to learn content
and skills so that the students know how to learn, think
critically, solve problems, use information, communicate,
innovate, and collaborate.
(5) Educators need to incorporate life skills into
pedagogy, including leadership, ethics, accountability,
adaptability, personal productivity, personal responsibility,
people skills, self-direction, and social responsibility.
(6) There needs to be 21st century assessments of education
that measure the following priorities:
(A) Core subjects, and 21st century themes.
(B) Life and career skills.
(C) Thinking and innovation skills.
(D) Information media and technology skills.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Eligible state.--The term ``eligible State'' means a
State that--
(A) develops a comprehensive plan for implementing
a statewide 21st Century Skills initiative;
(B) demonstrates a commitment to advancing 21st
Century Skills within--
(i) standards and assessments;
(ii) curriculum;
(iii) professional development; and
(iv) the learning environment;
(C) achieves broad support for a statewide 21st
Century Skills initiative from among the State's
education leaders (including classroom practitioners),
business leaders, and civic leaders; and
(D) is approved as a 21st Century Partner State by
the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for 21st Century
Skills.
(2) Fund.--The term ``Fund'' means the 21st Century Skills
Incentive Fund established under section 6(a).
SEC. 4. GRANTS AUTHORIZED.
(a) In General.--The Secretary is authorized to award grants, from
amounts available in the Fund, to eligible States having applications
approved under section 5 to enable the eligible States to pay the
Federal share of the cost of establishing a statewide 21st Century
Skills initiative.
(b) Award Rule.--The Secretary shall award grants under this Act on
a first-come, first-served basis, so that the grants are awarded--
(1) to eligible States in the order the Secretary receives
approvable applications; and
(2) in an amount determined on the basis of the amount of
the non-Federal share identified, and supported by the
information contained, in an approvable application.
(c) Federal Share; Non-Federal Share.--
(1) Federal share.--The Federal share shall be 50 percent.
(2) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share shall be
provided from State sources or from foundation sources.
(d) Duration.--The Secretary shall award each grant under this Act
for not less than 1 and not more than 3 years.
(e) Maintenance of Effort.--The Secretary shall reduce the grant
payable to an eligible State under this Act for a fiscal year by the
amount, if any, by which the eligible State's expenditures for the
activities assisted under the grant for the preceding fiscal year are
less than such expenditures for the second fiscal year preceding the
fiscal year for which the determination is made.
(f) Supplement Not Supplant.--Grant funds provided under this Act
shall be used to supplement and not supplant other State funds expended
for activities assisted under this Act.
SEC. 5. APPLICATION.
Each eligible State that desires a grant under this Act shall
submit an application to the Secretary that--
(1) describes the 21st Century Skills initiative for which
assistance is sought;
(2) includes evidence that the eligible State has met each
of the eligibility criteria described in subparagraphs (A)
through (D) of section 3(1);
(3) includes a description of how the eligible State will
provide the non-Federal share of the grant funds; and
(4) includes a description of how the eligible State will
continue to provide the non-Federal share throughout the
duration of the grant and the successful statewide
implementation of the 21st Century Skills initiative.
SEC. 6. 21ST CENTURY SKILLS INCENTIVE FUND.
(a) Fund Established.--The Secretary shall establish a 21st Century
Skills Incentive Fund.
(b) Deposits.--The Secretary shall deposit into the Fund all
amounts appropriated under section 8.
(c) Expenditures.--The Secretary shall use amounts in the Fund to
award grants to eligible States in accordance with this Act.
SEC. 7. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer all aspects of the
program assisted under this Act, including determining State
eligibility, making grant awards, determining award amounts and
duration, and conducting program evaluations.
(b) Evaluation.--Each eligible State receiving a grant under this
Act--
(1) shall conduct an evaluation of the 21st Century Skills
initiative assisted under this Act;
(2) shall use the non-Federal share described in section
5(3) to pay the costs of the evaluation; and
(3) shall submit a copy of the evaluation to the Secretary.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this Act
(other than section 7(b))--
(1) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2007;
(2) $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2008; and
(3) such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal
years 2009, 2010, and 2011.
SEC. 9. SEPARATE PERCENTAGE LIMITATION FOR CORPORATE CHARITABLE
CONTRIBUTIONS TO 21ST CENTURY SKILLS INITIATIVES OF
ELIGIBLE STATES.
(a) In General.--Section 170(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 (related to percentage limitations) is amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Special rule for corporate contributions to 21st
century skills initiatives of eligible states.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a corporation
which makes a 21st Century Skills initiative
contribution, the limitation under paragraph (2) shall
apply separately with respect to all such contributions
and all other charitable contributions.
``(B) 21st century skills initiative
contribution.--For purposes of this paragraph, the term
`21st Century Skills initiative contribution' means a
charitable contribution in cash to an eligible State
(as defined in section 3(1) of the 21st Century Skills
Incentive Fund Act) which has a grant application
approved under section 5 of such Act.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to contributions made after the date of the enactment of this Act. | 21st Century Skills Incentive Fund Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching grants to states to establish statewide 21st Century Skills initiatives.
Conditions grant eligibility on a state's: (1) developing a comprehensive plan for such initiative; (2) showing a commitment to advancing such skills within standards and assessments, curriculum, professional development, and the learning environment; (3) achieving broad support for the initiative among state education, business, and civic leaders; and (4) being approved as a 21st Century Partner state by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for 21st Century Skills.
Directs the Secretary to establish a 21st Century Skills Incentive Fund from which grants shall be awarded.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to require that the percentage limitation on corporate charitable contributions be applied separately to cash contributions to state 21st Century Skills initiatives and all other corporate charitable contributions. | billsum_train |
Create a condensed overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism
Designation Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. REPORT ON DESIGNATION OF PAKISTAN AS A STATE SPONSOR OF
TERRORISM.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks,
al-Qaeda leaders and the Afghan Taliban fled Afghanistan to
Pakistan and settled in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas
(FATA). Joint Task Force Guantanamo threat assessments
subsequently revealed that Pakistan's Inter-Services
Intelligence (ISI) facilitated al-Qaeda's movement of fighters
to and from Afghanistan as well as the terrorist organization's
purchase of weapons.
(2) The Government of Pakistan, and the ISI in particular,
provide support and a safe haven to groups designated as
foreign terrorist organizations pursuant to section 219 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189) by the United
States Government. Then Chairman of the United States Joint
Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen testified in 2011 that
``the Haqqani Network . . . acts as a veritable arm of
Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency. With ISI
support, Haqqani operatives planned and conducted'' various
attacks against United States personnel and interests in
Afghanistan, including a 2011 attack on the United States
Embassy in Kabul.
(3) The founder and leader of al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden,
was found and killed in the Pakistani military town of
Abbottabad in 2011. The Government of Pakistan subsequently
condemned the raid that killed the terrorist leader and
continues to imprison Dr. Shakil Afridi, the Pakistani doctor
who played an instrumental role in identifying Osama bin
Laden's hiding place.
(4) A 2012 NATO report indicated that the Afghan Taliban is
directly assisted by the Pakistani security services and noted
that ``Pakistan's manipulation of the Taliban senior leadership
continues [unabated]''. The report also suggested that Pakistan
is aware of the locations of senior Taliban leaders, including
one who maintained a residence in the immediate vicinity of the
ISI headquarters in Islamabad.
(5) The leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Akhtar
Mansour, was located in southwestern Pakistan at the time of
his death by a United States drone strike on May 21, 2016.
Pakistan's Baluchistan Province has long been a haven for the
Afghan Taliban, and the group's top leadership is headquartered
in the city of Quetta in Baluchistan Province.
(6) The Department of State's 2016 Country Reports on
Terrorism noted that Pakistan ``did not take substantial action
against the Afghan Taliban or HQN (the Haqqani Network), or
substantially limit their ability to threaten United States
interests in Afghanistan''. The report also stated that
``Pakistan has not taken sufficient action against other
externally-focused groups such as Laskar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and
Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), which continued to cooperate, train,
organize, and fundraise in Pakistan''. Moreover, since passage
of Carl Levin and Howard P. `Buck' McKeon National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291),
the Secretary of Defense has been unable to certify that
Pakistan has taken adequate action against the Haqqani Network
in accordance with section 1222(f) of such Act.
(7) Pakistan has not taken steps to demonstrate its
commitment to prevent the Haqqani Network from using North
Waziristan as a safe haven, nor has it shown progress in
arresting and prosecuting Haqqani Network senior leaders and
mid-level operatives.
(b) Reports.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the President, acting through the
Secretary of State and in consultation with the heads of other
appropriate Federal departments and agencies, shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report that
determines whether--
(A)(i) with respect to each of the acts described
in paragraphs (1) through (7) of subsection (a), the
Government of Pakistan, including any agents or
instrumentalities of such Government, directly or
indirectly, committed, conspired to commit, attempted,
aided, or abetted any such act; or
(ii) the Government of Pakistan, including any
agents or instrumentalities of such Government,
directly or indirectly, committed, conspired to commit,
attempted, aided, or abetted any act not referred to in
clause (i) that constitutes an act of or support for
international terrorism; and
(B) any such act referred to in subparagraph (A)(i)
constitutes an act of or support for international
terrorism.
(2) Follow-up.--If the Secretary of State makes a
determination in the affirmative with respect to subparagraph
(B) of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, not later than 30
days after making such determination, submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a report that contains--
(A) a determination regarding whether the
Government of Pakistan is a state sponsor of terrorism;
or
(B) a detailed justification as to why the conduct
described in the report required under such paragraph
(1) does not meet the legal criteria for a
determination in the affirmative under subparagraph (A)
of this paragraph.
(c) Form.--The reports required by subsection (b) shall be
submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex, if
appropriate.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House
of Representatives; and
(B) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate.
(2) State sponsor of terrorism.--The term ``state sponsor
of terrorism'' means a country the government of which the
Secretary of State has determined, for purposes of section 6(j)
of the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. 4605(j))
(as continued in effect pursuant to the International Emergency
Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)), section 620A of
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371), section 40
of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2780), or any other
provision of law, is a government that has repeatedly provided
support for acts of international terrorism. | Pakistan State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation Act of 2017 This bill directs the Department of State to submit a determination regarding whether the government of Pakistan, including any of its agents or instrumentalities, committed, conspired to commit, attempted, aided, or abetted: (1) any of specified acts constituting an act of or support for international terrorism, or (2) any other act that constitutes an act of or support for international terrorism. Within 30 days after making such a determination in the affirmative, the State Department shall report to Congress: (1) a determination on whether Pakistan is a state sponsor of terrorism, or (2) a detailed justification as to why Pakistan's conduct does not meet the legal criteria for such designation. | billsum_train |
Condense the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``United States Capitol Police
Authorization Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR SALARIES AND EXPENSES OF
UNITED STATES CAPITOL POLICE.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated for the
salaries and expenses of the United States Capitol Police such sums as
may be necessary for fiscal year 2002 and each succeeding fiscal year
(consistent with the number of positions set forth in subsection (b)).
(b) Number of Authorized Positions.--Effective with respect to
fiscal year 2002 and each fiscal year thereafter, the total number of
full-time equivalent positions of the United States Capitol Police
(including positions for members of the Capitol Police and civilian
employees) may not exceed 1,981 positions.
SEC. 3. RATES OF BASIC PAY FOR OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE CAPITOL
POLICE.
(a) Adjustment of Rates to Levels Applicable to Uniformed Secret
Service and Park Police.--
(1) In general.--Effective with respect to the first pay
period beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Capitol Police Board shall adjust the annual rates of basic
compensation for officers and members of the United States
Capitol Police so that such rates are the same as the annual
rates of basic compensation applicable during such pay period
for officers and members of the United States Secret Service
Uniformed Division and the United States Park Police serving in
corresponding or similar classes, except as provided in
paragraph (2).
(2) No decrease in rates permitted.--Paragraph (1) shall
not apply with respect to any rate of basic compensation for an
officer or member of the United States Capitol Police for the
pay period described in paragraph (1) which is greater than the
rate of basic compensation for such pay period applicable to an
officer or member of the United States Secret Service Uniformed
Division or the United States Park Police serving in a
corresponding or similar class.
(b) Providing Same Annual Adjustment in Rates Provided for
Uniformed Secret Service and Park Police.--
(1) In general.--Effective at the beginning of the first
applicable pay period commencing on or after the first day of
the month in which an adjustment takes effect under section
5303 of title 5, United States Code, (or any subsequent similar
provision of law) in the rates of pay under the General
Schedule (or any pay system that may supersede such schedule),
the annual rates of basic compensation of officers and members
of the United States Capitol Police shall be adjusted by the
Capitol Police Board by an amount equal to the percentage of
such annual rate of pay which corresponds to the overall
percentage of the adjustment made in the rates of pay under the
General Schedule, except that in no case may the annual rate of
basic compensation for any such officer or member exceed the
rate of basic pay payable for level IV of the Executive
Schedule contained in subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 5,
United States Code.
(2) Availability of appropriations.--Any adjustment under
this subsection shall be subject to the availability of
appropriations. If appropriations are not available to make an
adjustment as provided under paragraph (1), the Capitol Police
Board shall make that adjustment on the first day of the first
applicable pay period beginning on or after the date on which
appropriations are made available.
(c) Applicable Rate of Pay Upon Appointment.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, the annual rate of basic compensation payable
to an individual upon appointment to a position as an officer or member
of the United States Capitol Police shall be determined by the Capitol
Police Board in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Board
and approved by the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate
and the Committee on House Administration of the House of
Representatives, except that in no case may such a rate be less than
the minimum, or greater than the maximum, annual rate of basic
compensation otherwise applicable to the position.
SEC. 4. DEPOSIT AND EXPENDITURE OF CERTAIN FUNDS RELATING TO THE
CAPITOL POLICE.
(a) In General.--
(1) Disposal of property.--Any funds from the proceeds of
the disposal of property of the Capitol Police shall be
deposited in the United States Treasury for credit to the
appropriation for ``general expenses'' under the heading
``Capitol Police Board'', or ``security enhancements'' under
the heading ``Capitol Police Board''.
(2) Compensation.--Any funds for compensation for damage
to, or loss of, property of the Capitol Police, including any
insurance payment or payment made by an officer or civilian
employee of the Capitol Police for such compensation, shall be
deposited in the United States Treasury for credit to the
appropriation for ``general expenses'' under the heading
``Capitol Police Board''.
(3) Expenditures.--Funds deposited under this subsection
may be expended by the Capitol Police Board for any authorized
purpose and shall remain available until expended.
(4) Effective date.--This subsection shall apply with
respect to fiscal year 2002 and each succeeding fiscal year.
(b) Incentive, Performance, and Specialty Skills Expenditures.--
(1) In general.--The Capitol Police Board may expend funds
from the appropriation ``salaries'' under the heading ``Capitol
Police Board'' for--
(A) an incentive and performance monetary award
program established by the Capitol Police Board for
officers or civilian employees of the Capitol Police;
and
(B) specialty skills pay for field training
officers not to exceed $2,000 a year per officer.
(2) Monetary award program.--Any payment of a monetary
award under the program established under paragraph (1)(A)--
(A) shall be made at the same time and in the same
manner as annual compensation is disbursed for the
officer or civilian employee;
(B) in any pay period for any officer or civilian
employee may not result in the sum of compensation for
that period and the award payment exceeding--
(i) in the case of an officer or civilian
employee to whom subsection (f) of section 105
of the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act,
1968 (2 U.S.C. 61-1(f)) applies, the amount
equal to \1/24\th of the annual maximum gross
compensation limitation under that subsection;
or
(ii) in the case of an officer or civilian
employee to whom subsection (d) of section 311
of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act,
1988 (2 U.S.C. 60a-2a) applies, the amount
equal to \1/26\th of the annual maximum
limitation in pay adjusted under that
subsection;
(C) shall not be basic pay of an employee for
purposes of chapters 83 and 84 of title 5, United
States Code (relating to retirement) and chapter 87 of
such title (relating to life insurance coverage);
(D) shall not be premium or overtime pay;
(E) shall not be included in Federal wages for
purposes of chapter 85 of such title (relating to
unemployment compensation); and
(F) shall be paid from the appropriation or fund
used to pay the officer or civilian employee.
SEC. 5. PERMITTING CAPITOL POLICE BOARD TO LEASE FACILITIES AND
PROPERTY FOR USE OF CAPITOL POLICE.
(a) In General.--The Capitol Police Board may at any time after the
date of the enactment of this Act enter into agreements to lease
facilities and property for the use of the United States Capitol
Police, subject to the approval of the Committee on House
Administration of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Rules and Administration of the Senate.
(b) Acquisition of Interim Training Facility.--
(1) In general.--Pursuant to the authority provided under
subsection (a), the Capitol Police Board may take such steps as
it considers appropriate to secure the use of an interim
facility for training for the Capitol Police pending the
completion of the permanent law enforcement training facility
in Cheltenham, Maryland.
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out
this subsection.
(c) Assistance of Architect of the Capitol.--At the request of the
Capitol Police Board, the Architect of the Capitol shall provide such
assistance to the Capitol Police Board in entering into lease
agreements pursuant to this section (a) as the Board may require,
including assistance in negotiating the terms of such agreements.
SEC. 6. USE OF CERTAIN PROPERTY FOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE FOR CAPITOL
POLICE.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
property referred to in subsection (d) shall be under the control of
the Chief of the United States Capitol Police and shall be used by the
Chief for the care and maintenance of vehicles of the United States
Capitol Police, in accordance with a plan prepared by the Chief.
(b) Additional Uses Permitted.--In addition to the use described in
subsection (a), the Chief of the United States Capitol Police may
permit the property referred to in subsection (d) to be used for other
purposes by the United States Capitol Police, the House of
Representatives, the Senate, and the Architect of the Capitol, subject
to--
(1) the approval of the Committee on House Administration
of the House of Representatives, in the case of use by the
House of Representatives;
(2) the approval of the Committee on Rules and
Administration of the Senate, in the case of use by the Senate;
or
(3) the approval of both the Committee on House
Administration of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, in the
case of use by the United States Capitol Police or the
Architect of the Capitol.
(c) Occupational Safety and Health.--The Chief of the United States
Capitol Police shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure
that, in using the property referred to in subsection (d), the United
States Capitol Police are in compliance with the provisions of section
5 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 U.S.C. 654), as
applied to the United States Capitol Police pursuant to section 215 of
the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1341).
(d) Property Described.--The property referred to in this
subsection is the property secured by the Architect of the Capitol
pursuant to section 128 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act,
2002 (Public Law 107-68).
SEC. 7. DISPOSAL OF FIREARMS.
The disposal of firearms by officers and members of the United
States Capitol Police shall be carried out in accordance with
regulations promulgated by the Capitol Police Board and approved by the
Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate and the Committee
on House Administration of the House of Representatives.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION TO CARRY OUT PROJECTS IN RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY.
(a) In General.--
(1) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to the Capitol Police Board from the Emergency Response Fund
established by Public Law 107-38 such sums as may be necessary
to enable the United States Capitol Police to carry out the
following:
(A) Immediate actions to safeguard people.
(B) Actions to reduce threats.
(C) Actions to ensure the continuation of
government and its operations.
(D) Recovery and preparedness.
(2) Requiring approval for obligation.--The Capitol Police
Board may not obligate any amounts authorized to be
appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) without--
(A) the approval of the Committee on House
Administration of the House of Representatives, in the
case of amounts to be obligated to carry out activities
on behalf of the House of Representatives;
(B) the approval of the Committee on Rules and
Administration of the Senate, in the case of amounts to
be obligated to carry out activities on behalf of the
Senate; or
(C) the approval of both the Committee on House
Administration of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate, in
the case of amounts to be obligated to carry out any
other activities.
(b) Permitting Acceptance of Donated Support Items and Services
During Emergencies.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, at any
time after the date of the enactment of this Act the Capitol Police
Board may accept contributions of recreational, comfort, and other
incidental items and services to support officers and employees of the
United States Capitol Police while such officers and employees are on
duty in response to emergencies involving the safety of human life or
the protection of property.
SEC. 9. CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORITY OF CAPITOL POLICE TO POLICE BOTANIC
GARDEN.
(a) In General.--Section 9 of the Act of July 31, 1946 (40 U.S.C.
212a) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(c)(1) For purposes of this section, `the United States Capitol
Buildings and Grounds' shall include all buildings and grounds of the
United States Botanic Garden, including the National Garden and
Bartholdi Park.
``(2) For purposes of this section, the Joint Committee on the
Library may suspend the application of section 4 of this Act to the
buildings and grounds described in paragraph (1) in order to promote
the interests of the United States Botanic Garden.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to fiscal year 2002 and each succeeding fiscal year.
SEC. 10. USE OF VEHICLES TO TRANSPORT POLICE DOGS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an officer of the
United States Capitol Police who works with a police dog and who is
responsible for the care of the dog during non-working hours may use an
official Capitol Police vehicle to travel between the officer's
residence and duty station when the officer is accompanied by the dog. | United States Capitol Police Authorization Act of 2001 - Authorizes appropriations for the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) for salaries and expenses. Establishes the maximum number of full-time equivalent positions and adjusts rates of pay to be comparable to those of the U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division and the U.S. Park Police, as specified, but bars any rate decrease.Makes proceeds from property disposal or insurance compensation a credit to the appropriation.Sets forth procedures governing the administration of a monetary award program for incentive, performance, and specialty skills pay.Authorizes the Capitol Police Board to lease facilities and property.Places certain leased property under the control of the Chief of the USCP, permitting additional uses as specified.Requires USCP firearms to be disposed of in accordance with Capitol Police Board regulations.Authorizes appropriations from the Emergency Response Fund to the USCP for emergency response.Includes the buildings and grounds of the U.S. Botanic Garden within the purview of the USCP. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Honest Expenditure Limitation
Program Act of 2010'' or the ``HELP Act''.
SEC. 2. EXPIRATION.
This Act shall expire at the end of fiscal year 2020.
TITLE I--CONGRESSIONAL NON-SECURITY DISCRETIONARY SPENDING LIMITS
SEC. 101. NON-SECURITY DISCRETIONARY SPENDING LIMITS.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974
is amended by inserting at the end the following:
``non-security discretionary spending limits
``Sec. 316. (a) Non-security Discretionary Spending Limits.--It
shall not be in order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to
consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report
that includes any provision that would cause the non-security
discretionary spending limits as set forth in subsection (b) to be
exceeded.
``(b) Limits.--The non-security discretionary spending limits are
as follows:
``(1) For fiscal years 2011 through 2015, the spending
level for such spending in fiscal year 2010 reduced each year
thereafter on a pro rata basis so that the level for fiscal
year 2015 does not exceed the level for fiscal year 2008.
``(2) For fiscal years 2016 through 2020, the spending
level for fiscal year 2015.
``(c) Non-security Spending.--In this section, the term `non-
security discretionary spending' means discretionary spending other
than spending for the Department of Defense, homeland security
activities, intelligence related activities within the Department of
State, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and national security
related activities in the Department of Energy.
``(d) Limitations on Changes to This Section.--It shall not be in
order in the Senate or the House of Representatives to consider any
bill, resolution, amendment, or conference report that would--
``(1) repeal or otherwise change this section; or
``(2) exempt any new budget authority, outlays, and
receipts from being counted for purposes of this section.
``(e) Point of Order in the Senate.--
``(1) Waiver.--The provisions of this section shall be
waived or suspended in the Senate only--
``(A) by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
Members, duly chosen and sworn; or
``(B) in the case of the defense budget authority,
if Congress declares war or authorizes the use of
force.
``(2) Appeal.--Appeals in the Senate from the decisions of
the Chair relating to any provision of this section shall be
limited to 1 hour, to be equally divided between, and
controlled by, the appellant and the manager of the measure. An
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Members of the Senate,
duly chosen and sworn, shall be required to sustain an appeal
of the ruling of the Chair on a point of order raised under
this section.''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents set forth in section
1(b) of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 315 the
following new item:
``Sec. 316. Non-security discretionary spending limits.''.
TITLE II--STATUTORY NON-SECURITY DISCRETIONARY SPENDING LIMITS
Subtitle A--Definitions, Administration, and Sequestration
SEC. 211. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Account.--The term ``account'' means--
(A) for discretionary budget authority, an item for
which appropriations are made in any appropriation Act;
and
(B) for items not provided for in appropriation
Acts, direct spending and outlays therefrom identified
in the program and finance schedules contained in the
appendix to the Budget of the United States for the
current year.
(2) Breach.--The term ``breach'' means, for any fiscal
year, the amount by which discretionary budget authority
enacted for that year exceeds the spending limit for budget
authority for that year.
(3) Budget authority; new budget authority; and outlays.--
The terms ``budget authority'', ``new budget authority'', and
``outlays'' have the meanings given to such terms in section 3
of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974
(2 U.S.C. 622).
(4) Budget year.--The term ``budget year'' means, with
respect to a session of Congress, the fiscal year of the
Government that starts on October 1 of the calendar year in
which that session begins.
(5) CBO.--The term ``CBO'' means the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office.
(6) Current.--The term ``current'' means--
(A) with respect to the Office of Management and
Budget estimates included with a budget submission
under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code,
the estimates consistent with the economic and
technical assumptions underlying that budget;
(B) with respect to estimates made after that
budget submission that are not included with it, the
estimates consistent with the economic and technical
assumptions underlying the most recently submitted
President's budget; and
(C) with respect to the Congressional Budget
Office, estimates consistent with the economic and
technical assumptions as required by section 202(e)(1)
of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
(7) Current year.--The term ``current year'' means, with
respect to a budget year, the fiscal year that immediately
precedes that budget year.
(8) Discretionary appropriations and discretionary budget
authority.--The terms ``discretionary appropriations'' and
``discretionary budget authority'' shall have the meaning given
such terms in section 3(4) of the Congressional Budget Act of
1974.
(9) Non-security discretionary spending limit.--The term
``non-security discretionary spending limit'' shall mean the
amounts specified in section 222.
(10) OMB.--The term ``OMB'' means the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget.
(11) Sequestration.--The term ``sequestration'' means the
cancellation or reduction of budget authority (except budget
authority to fund mandatory programs) provided in appropriation
Acts.
SEC. 212. ADMINISTRATION AND EFFECT OF SEQUESTRATION.
(a) Timetable.--The timetable with respect to this title is as
follows:
On or before: Action to be completed:
5 days before the President's budget CBO Discretionary Sequestration Preview Report.
submission required under section 1105
of title 31, United States Code.
The President's budget submission....... OMB Discretionary Sequestration Preview Report.
10 days after end of session............ CBO Final Discretionary Sequestration Report.
15 days after end of session............ OMB Final Discretionary Sequestration/Presidential Sequestration
Order.
(b) Presidential Order.--
(1) In general.--On the date specified in subsection (a),
if in its Final Sequestration Report, OMB estimates that any
sequestration is required, the President shall issue an order
fully implementing without change all sequestrations required
by the OMB calculations set forth in that report. This order
shall be effective on issuance.
(2) Special rule.--If the date specified for the submission
of a Presidential order under subsection (a) falls on a Sunday
or legal holiday, such order shall be issued on the following
day.
(c) Effects of Sequestration.--The effects of sequestration shall
be as follows:
(1) Budgetary resources sequestered from any account shall
be permanently cancelled, except as provided in paragraph (5).
(2) Except as otherwise provided, the same percentage
sequestration shall apply to all programs, projects, and
activities within a budget account (with programs, projects,
and activities as delineated in the appropriation Act or
accompanying report for the relevant fiscal year covering that
account).
(3) Administrative regulations or similar actions
implementing a sequestration shall be made within 120 days of
the sequestration order. To the extent that formula allocations
differ at different levels of budgetary resources within an
account, program, project, or activity, the sequestration shall
be interpreted as producing a lower total appropriation, with
the remaining amount of the appropriation being obligated in a
manner consistent with program allocation formulas in
substantive law.
(4) Except as otherwise provided in this part, obligations
or budgetary resources in sequestered accounts shall be reduced
only in the fiscal year in which a sequester occurs.
(5) Budgetary resources sequestered in special fund
accounts and offsetting collections sequestered in
appropriation accounts shall not be available for obligation
during the fiscal year in which the sequestration occurs, but
shall be available in subsequent years to the extent otherwise
provided in law.
(d) Submission and Availability of Reports.--Each report required
by this section shall be submitted, in the case of CBO, to the House of
Representatives, the Senate, and OMB and, in the case of OMB, to the
House of Representatives, the Senate, and the President on the day it
is issued. On the following day a notice of the report shall be printed
in the Federal Register.
Subtitle B--Non-security Discretionary Spending Limits
SEC. 221. DISCRETIONARY SEQUESTRATION REPORTS.
(a) Discretionary Sequestration Preview Reports.--
(1) Reporting requirement.--On the dates specified in
section 212(a), OMB shall report to the President and Congress
and CBO shall report to Congress a Discretionary Sequestration
Preview Report regarding discretionary sequestration based on
laws enacted through those dates.
(2) Discretionary.--The Discretionary Sequestration Preview
Report shall set forth estimates for the current year and each
subsequent year through 2014 of the applicable discretionary
spending limits and a projection of budget authority exceeding
discretionary limits subject to sequester.
(3) Explanation of differences.--The OMB reports shall
explain the differences between OMB and CBO estimates for each
item set forth in this subsection.
(b) Discretionary Sequestration Reports.--On the dates specified in
section 212(a), OMB and CBO shall issue Discretionary Sequestration
Reports, reflecting laws enacted through those dates, containing all of
the information required in the Discretionary Sequestration Preview
Reports.
(c) Final Discretionary Sequestration Reports.--
(1) Reporting requirements.--On the dates specified in
section 212(a), OMB and CBO shall each issue a Final
Discretionary Sequestration Report, updated to reflect laws
enacted through those dates.
(2) Discretionary spending.--The Final Discretionary
Sequestration Reports shall set forth estimates for each of the
following:
(A) For the current year and each subsequent year
through 2014; the applicable discretionary spending
limits.
(B) For the current year, if applicable, and the
budget year; the new budget authority and the breach,
if any.
(C) The sequestration percentages necessary to
eliminate the breach.
(D) For the budget year, for each account to be
sequestered, the level of enacted, sequesterable budget
authority and resulting estimated outlays flowing
therefrom.
(3) Explanation of differences.--The OMB report shall
explain--
(A) any differences between OMB and CBO estimates
for the amount of any breach and for any required
discretionary sequestration percentages; and
(B) differences in the amount of sequesterable
resources for any budget account to be reduced if such
difference is greater than $5,000,000.
(d) Economic and Technical Assumptions.--In all reports required by
this section, OMB shall use the same economic and technical assumptions
as used in the most recent budget submitted by the President under
section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code.
SEC. 222. LIMITS.
(a) Discretionary Spending Limits.--As used in this title, the term
``non-security discretionary spending limit'' shall have the same
meaning as in section 316 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974.
(b) Enforcement.--
(1) Sequestration.--On the date specified in section
212(a), there shall be a sequestration to eliminate a budget-
year breach.
(2) Eliminating a breach.--Each non-security discretionary
account shall be reduced by a dollar amount calculated by
multiplying the enacted level of budget authority for that year
in that account at that time by the uniform percentage
necessary to eliminate a breach of the discretionary spending
limit.
(3) Part-year appropriations.--If, on the date the report
is issued under paragraph (1), there is in effect an Act making
continuing appropriations for part of a fiscal year for any
budget account, then the dollar sequestration calculated for
that account under paragraph (2) shall be subtracted from--
(A) the annualized amount otherwise available by
law in that account under that or a subsequent part-
year appropriation; and
(B) when a full-year appropriation for that account
is enacted, from the amount otherwise provided by the
full-year appropriation.
(4) Look-back.--If, after June 30, an appropriation for the
fiscal year in progress is enacted that causes a breach for
that year (after taking into account any previous
sequestration), the discretionary spending limit for the next
fiscal year shall be reduced by the amount of that breach.
(5) Within-session sequestration reports and order.--If an
appropriation for a fiscal year in progress is enacted (after
Congress adjourns to end the session for that budget year and
before July 1 of that fiscal year) that causes a breach, 10
days later CBO shall issue a report containing the information
required in section 221(c). Fifteen days after enactment, OMB
shall issue a report containing the information required in
section 221(c). On the same day as the OMB report, the
President shall issue an order fully implementing without
change all sequestrations required by the OMB calculations set
forth in that report. This order shall be effective on
issuance.
(c) Estimates.--
(1) CBO estimates.--As soon as practicable after Congress
completes action on any legislation providing discretionary
appropriations, CBO shall provide an estimate to OMB of that
legislation.
(2) OMB estimates.--Not later than 7 calendar days
(excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) after the
date of enactment of any discretionary appropriations, OMB
shall transmit a report to the Senate and to the House of
Representatives containing--
(A) the CBO estimate of that legislation;
(B) an OMB estimate of that legislation using
current economic and technical assumptions; and
(C) an explanation of any difference between the 2
estimates.
(3) Differences.--If during the preparation of the report
under paragraph (2), OMB determines that there is a difference
between the OMB and CBO estimates, OMB shall consult with the
Committees on the Budget of the House of Representatives and
the Senate regarding that difference and that consultation, to
the extent practicable, shall include written communication to
such committees that affords such committees the opportunity to
comment before the issuance of that report.
(4) Assumptions and guidelines.--OMB and CBO shall prepare
estimates under this paragraph in conformance with scorekeeping
guidelines determined after consultation among the House and
Senate Committees on the Budget, CBO, and OMB. | Honest Expenditure Limitation Program Act of 2010 or HELP Act - Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to make it out of order in the House of Representatives or the Senate to consider any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or conference report that includes any provision that would exceed specified non-security discretionary spending limits for FY2011-FY2020.
Limits non-security discretionary spending limits for FY2011-FY2015 to the level provided in FY2010, but reduced each year on a pro rata basis so that the level for FY2015 does not exceed the level for FY2008. Limits the spending levels for FY2016-FY2020 to the FY2015 spending level.
Defines "non-security discretionary spending" as discretionary spending other than spending for the Department of Defense (DOD), homeland security activities, intelligence-related activities within the Department of State, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and national security related activities in the Department of Energy (DOE).
Requires the President to issue a sequestration order, effective on issuance, if the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in its Final Discretionary Sequestration Report estimates that any sequestration is required.
Subjects to permanent cancellation any budgetary resources sequestered from any account, except those in special fund accounts or offsetting collections sequestered in appropriation accounts. Applies the same percentage sequestration to all programs, projects, and activities within a budget account.
Requires Discretionary Sequestration Preview Reports by: (1) OMB to the President and Congress; and (2) the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to Congress. Requires the OMB report to explain the difference between OMB and CBO estimates for each item.
Requires the Final Discretionary Sequestration Reports to set forth estimates for: (1) the current year and each subsequent year through 2014; (2) the current year, if applicable, and, the budget year, the new budget authority and the breach, if any; (3) the sequestration percentages necessary to eliminate the breach; and (4) the level of enacted sequesterable budget authority, and resulting estimated outlays to be sequestered for each account.
Sets forth sequestration enforcement mechanisms. | billsum_train |
Provide a condensed version of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``WAIVE Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) As of July 15, 2011, the Department of Health and Human
Services has approved 1,471 one-year waivers giving some
Americans temporary relief from onerous annual benefit limit
mandates included in the health care laws President Obama
signed on March 23, 2010, and March 30, 2010 (Public Laws 111-
148 and 111-152).
(2) As of July 15, 2011, these 1,471 one-year annual
benefit limit waivers cover 3,200,000 Americans.
(3) Of the 3,200,000 Americans granted a one-year annual
benefit limit waiver by the Department of Health and Human
Services, approximately half (1,619,960) are union members.
(4) On June 14, 2011, the Government Accountability Office
released a report titled ``Private Health Insurance: Waivers of
Restrictions on Annual Limits on Health Benefits''.
(5) The Government Accountability Office report proves
millions of Americans had to seek waivers from the health care
law's annual benefit limit mandate in order to avoid double-
digit health insurance premium increases.
(6) The Government Accountability Office report indicates
the Department of Health and Human Services granted annual
benefit limit waivers to unions, employers, and insurers whose
applications projected significant premium increases of at
least 10 percent or more.
(7) The Government Accountability Office report, and
additional academic literature, shows that the Department of
Health and Human Services was forced to grant special annual
benefit limit waivers because certain employers, unions,
insurers, and others cannot comply with the health care law's
new coverage mandates and continue offering health insurance to
their employees.
(8) The Government Accountability Office data concludes
premiums are going up as a direct result of the health care
law, threatening private insurance coverage options and violate
the promise that ``you can keep what you have today, if you
like it''.
(9) Independent analysis by the non-partisan Congressional
Budget Office confirms that premiums will increase by $2,100
per year for families buying insurance on their own, while
Administration officials repeatedly promised the American
people their costs would go down by $2,500 per year.
(10) On June 17, 2011, the Department of Health and Human
Services announced plans to terminate its arbitrary annual
benefit limit waiver policy. Administration officials will stop
taking waiver applications on September 22, 2011.
(11) While the Executive Branch did send millions of
postcards advertising the health care law's small business tax
credit, it remains unclear if similar efforts are currently
underway to inform small business owners about the new annual
benefit limit waiver process and program termination.
(12) Any new business starting up after September 22, 2011,
will not have an opportunity to request and secure an annual
benefit limit waiver from the Department of Health and Human
Services. Without a waiver, these employers may not be able to
afford to offer any health insurance coverage to their
employees at all.
SEC. 3. INDIVIDUAL PPACA WAIVERS.
(a) In General.--An individual may apply for a waiver from one or
more of the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act (or an amendment made by that Act or a regulation promulgated under
that Act or amendment) by submitting an application to the Secretary of
Health and Human Services (referred to in this Act as the
``Secretary'').
(b) Requirements.--An application submitted under subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) The provision or provisions of the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act (or an amendment made by that Act or a
regulation promulgated under that Act or amendment) for which
the waiver is being sought.
(2) A brief description of why compliance with the
provision or provisions involved would result in--
(A) a decrease in access to benefits that are
currently covered by a plan or policy in which the
individual is enrolled; or
(B) an increase in premiums to be paid by the
individual for such coverage.
(c) Completion of Process.--The Secretary shall issue waivers
within 30 days of the receipt of such application.
(d) Guidance.--The Secretary shall issue guidance to individuals in
how they can apply for and be granted a waiver under this section. | WAIVE Act - Allows an individual to apply for a waiver from one or more of the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) by submitting an application to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Requires the application to include: (1) the provision or provisions of PPACA for which the waiver is being sought; and (2) a brief description of why compliance would result in a decrease in access to benefits that are currently covered by a plan or policy in which the individual is enrolled or an increase in premiums to be paid by the individual for such coverage.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) issue waivers within 30 days of the receipt of such application, and (2) issue guidance to individuals in how they can apply for and be granted a waiver under this Act. | billsum_train |
Summarize the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Centennial Monetary Commission Act
of 2015''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The Constitution endows Congress with the power ``to
coin money, regulate the value thereof''.
(2) Following the financial crisis known as the Panic of
1907, Congress established the National Monetary Commission to
provide recommendations for the reform of the financial and
monetary systems of the United States.
(3) Incorporating several of the recommendations of the
National Monetary Commission, Congress created the Federal
Reserve System in 1913. As currently organized, the Federal
Reserve System consists of the Board of Governors in
Washington, District of Columbia, and the Federal Reserve Banks
organized into 12 districts around the United States. The
stockholders of the 12 Federal Reserve Banks include national
and certain State-chartered commercial banks, which operate on
a fractional reserve basis.
(4) Originally, Congress gave the Federal Reserve System a
monetary mandate to provide an elastic currency, within the
context of a gold standard, in response to seasonal
fluctuations in the demand for currency.
(5) Congress also gave the Federal Reserve System a
financial stability mandate to serve as the lender of last
resort to solvent but illiquid banks during a financial crisis.
(6) In 1977, Congress changed the monetary mandate of the
Federal Reserve System to a dual mandate for maximum employment
and stable prices.
(7) Empirical studies and historical evidence, both within
the United States and in other countries, demonstrate that
price stability is desirable because both inflation and
deflation damage the economy.
(8) The economic challenge of recent years--most notably
the bursting of the housing bubble, the financial crisis of
2008, and the ensuing anemic recovery--have occurred at great
cost in terms of lost jobs and output.
(9) Policymakers are reexamining the structure and
functioning of financial institutions and markets to determine
what, if any, changes need to be made to place the financial
system on a stronger, more sustainable path going forward.
(10) The Federal Reserve System has taken extraordinary
actions in response to the recent economic challenges.
(11) The Federal Open Market Committee has engaged in
multiple rounds of quantitative easing, providing unprecedented
liquidity to financial markets, while committing to holding
short-term interest rates low for a seemingly indefinite
period, and pursuing a policy of credit allocation by
purchasing Federal agency debt and mortgage-backed securities.
(12) In the wake of the recent extraordinary actions of the
Federal Reserve System, Congress--consistent with its
constitutional responsibilities and as it has done periodically
throughout the history of the United States--has once again
renewed its examination of monetary policy.
(13) Central in such examination has been a renewed look at
what is the most proper mandate for the Federal Reserve System
to conduct monetary policy in the 21st century.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a commission to be known as the ``Centennial
Monetary Commission'' (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission'').
SEC. 4. DUTIES.
(a) Study of Monetary Policy.--The Commission shall--
(1) examine how United States monetary policy since the
creation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System in 1913 has affected the performance of the United
States economy in terms of output, employment, prices, and
financial stability over time;
(2) evaluate various operational regimes under which the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the
Federal Open Market Committee may conduct monetary policy in
terms achieving the maximum sustainable level of output and
employment and price stability over the long term, including--
(A) discretion in determining monetary policy
without an operational regime;
(B) price level targeting;
(C) inflation rate targeting;
(D) nominal gross domestic product targeting (both
level and growth rate);
(E) the use of monetary policy rules; and
(F) the gold standard;
(3) evaluate the use of macro-prudential supervision and
regulation as a tool of monetary policy in terms of achieving
the maximum sustainable level of output and employment and
price stability over the long term;
(4) evaluate the use of the lender-of-last-resort function
of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as a
tool of monetary policy in terms of achieving the maximum
sustainable level of output and employment and price stability
over the long term; and
(5) recommend a course for United States monetary policy
going forward, including--
(A) the legislative mandate;
(B) the operational regime;
(C) the securities used in open market operations;
and
(D) transparency issues.
(b) Report on Monetary Policy.--Not later than December 1, 2016,
the Commission shall submit to Congress and make publicly available a
report containing a statement of the findings and conclusions of the
Commission in carrying out the study under subsection (a), together
with the recommendations the Commission considers appropriate.
SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment.--
(1) Appointed voting members.--The Commission shall contain
12 voting members as follows:
(A) Six members appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, with four members from the
majority party and two members from the minority party.
(B) Six members appointed by the President Pro
Tempore of the Senate, with four members from the
majority party and two members from the minority party.
(2) Chairman.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives
and the majority leader of the Senate shall jointly designate
one of the members of the Commission as Chairman.
(3) Non-voting members.--The Commission shall contain 2
non-voting members as follows:
(A) One member appointed by the Secretary of the
Treasury.
(B) One member who is the president of a district
Federal reserve bank appointed by the Chair of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
(b) Period of Appointment.--Each member shall be appointed for the
life of the Commission.
(c) Timing of Appointment.--All members of the Commission shall be
appointed not before January 5, 2015, and not later than 30 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its
powers, and shall be filled in the manner in which the original
appointment was made.
(e) Meetings.--
(1) Initial meeting.--The Commission shall hold its initial
meeting and begin the operations of the Commission as soon as
is practicable.
(2) Further meetings.--The Commission shall meet upon the
call of the Chair or a majority of its members.
(f) Quorum.--Seven voting members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum but a lesser number may hold hearings.
(g) Member of Congress Defined.--In this section, the term ``Member
of Congress'' means a Senator or a Representative in, or Delegate or
Resident Commissioner to, the Congress.
SEC. 6. POWERS.
(a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission or, on the authority of
the Commission, any subcommittee or member thereof, may, for the
purpose of carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times
and places, take testimony, receive evidence, or administer oaths as
the Commission or such subcommittee or member thereof considers
appropriate.
(b) Contract Authority.--To the extent or in the amounts provided
in advance in appropriation Acts, the Commission may contract with and
compensate government and private agencies or persons to enable the
Commission to discharge its duties under this Act, without regard to
section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5).
(c) Obtaining Official Data.--
(1) In general.--The Commission is authorized to secure
directly from any executive department, bureau, agency, board,
commission, office, independent establishment, or
instrumentality of the Government, any information, including
suggestions, estimates, or statistics, for the purposes of this
Act.
(2) Requesting official data.--The head of such department,
bureau, agency, board, commission, office, independent
establishment, or instrumentality of the government shall, to
the extent authorized by law, furnish such information upon
request made by--
(A) the Chair;
(B) the Chair of any subcommittee created by a
majority of the Commission; or
(C) any member of the Commission designated by a
majority of the commission to request such information.
(d) Assistance From Federal Agencies.--
(1) General services administration.--The Administrator of
General Services shall provide to the Commission on a
reimbursable basis administrative support and other services
for the performance of the functions of the Commission.
(2) Other departments and agencies.--In addition to the
assistance prescribed in paragraph (1), at the request of the
Commission, departments and agencies of the United States shall
provide such services, funds, facilities, staff, and other
support services as may be authorized by law.
(e) Postal Service.--The Commission may use the United States mails
in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments
and agencies of the United States.
SEC. 7. COMMISSION PERSONNEL.
(a) Appointment and Compensation of Staff.--
(1) In general.--Subject to rules prescribed by the
Commission, the Chair may appoint and fix the pay of the
executive director and other personnel as the Chair considers
appropriate.
(2) Applicability of civil service laws.--The staff of the
Commission may be appointed without regard to the provisions of
title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the
competitive service, and may be paid without regard to the
provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of
that title relating to classification and General Schedule pay
rates, except that an individual so appointed may not receive
pay in excess of level V of the Executive Schedule.
(b) Consultants.--The Commission may procure temporary and
intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States
Code, but at rates for individuals not to exceed the daily equivalent
of the rate of pay for a person occupying a position at level IV of the
Executive Schedule.
(c) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Commission, the
head of any Federal department or agency may detail, on a reimbursable
basis, any of the personnel of such department or agency to the
Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under this Act.
SEC. 8. TERMINATION.
(a) In General.--The Commission shall terminate on June 1, 2017.
(b) Administrative Activities Before Termination.--The Commission
may use the period between the submission of its report and its
termination for the purpose of concluding its activities, including
providing testimony to the committee of Congress concerning its report.
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this Act and such sums shall remain available
until the date on which the Commission terminates. | . Centennial Monetary Commission Act of 2015 (Sec. 3) This bill establishes the Centennial Monetary Commission to: (1) examine how U.S. monetary policy since the creation of the Federal Reserve Board in 1913 has affected the performance of the U.S. economy in terms of output, employment, prices, and financial stability over time; (2) evaluate various operational regimes under which the Board and the Federal Open Market Committee may conduct monetary policy in terms achieving the maximum sustainable level of output and employment and price stability over the long term; (3) evaluate the use of macro-prudential supervision and regulation and of the lender-of-last-resort function of the Board as tools of monetary policy in terms of achieving the maximum sustainable level of output and employment and price stability over the long term; and (4) recommend a course for U.S. monetary policy going forward. The Commission shall submit to Congress and make publicly available, by December 1, 2016, a report containing a statement of its findings and conclusions. (Sec. 8) The Commission shall terminate on June 1, 2017. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Maritime Washington National
Heritage Area Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Local coordinating entity.--The term ``local
coordinating entity'' means the local coordinating entity for
the National Heritage Area designated by section 3(d).
(2) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means
the management plan for the National Heritage Area required
under section 4.
(3) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled
``Maritime Washington National Heritage Area Proposed
Boundary'', numbered 584/125,484, and dated August 2014.
(4) National heritage area.--The term ``National Heritage
Area'' means the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area
established by section 3(a).
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(6) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
Washington.
SEC. 3. MARITIME WASHINGTON NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the State the Maritime
Washington National Heritage Area.
(b) Boundaries.--
(1) In general.--The National Heritage Area shall consist
of land located in the counties of Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish,
San Juan, Island, King, Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Kitsap,
Jefferson, Clallam, and Grays Harbor in the State that is at
least partially located within the area that is \1/4\-mile
landward of the shoreline, as generally depicted on the map.
(2) Revision.--The boundaries of the National Heritage Area
established under paragraph (1) may be revised if the revision
is--
(A) proposed in the management plan;
(B) approved by the Secretary in accordance with
section 4; and
(C) placed on file in accordance with subsection
(c).
(c) Availability of Map.--The map shall be on file and available
for public inspection in the appropriate offices of--
(1) the National Park Service; and
(2) the local coordinating entity.
(d) Local Coordinating Entity.--The Washington Trust for Historic
Preservation shall be the local coordinating entity for the National
Heritage Area.
SEC. 4. MANAGEMENT PLAN.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the local coordinating entity shall submit to the
Secretary for approval a proposed management plan for the National
Heritage Area.
(b) Requirements.--The management plan shall--
(1) incorporate an integrated and cooperative approach for
the protection, enhancement, and interpretation of the natural,
cultural, historical, scenic, and recreational resources of the
National Heritage Area;
(2) take into consideration State and local plans;
(3) include--
(A) an inventory of--
(i) the resources located in the National
Heritage Area; and
(ii) any other property in the National
Heritage Area that--
(I) is related to the themes of the
National Heritage Area; and
(II) should be preserved, restored,
managed, or maintained because of the
significance of the property;
(B) comprehensive policies, strategies and
recommendations for the conservation, funding,
management, and development of the National Heritage
Area;
(C) a description of actions that governments,
private organizations, and individuals have agreed to
take to protect the natural, cultural, and historical
resources of the National Heritage Area;
(D) a program of implementation for the management
plan by the local coordinating entity that includes a
description of--
(i) actions to facilitate ongoing
collaboration among partners to promote plans
for resource protection, restoration, and
construction; and
(ii) specific commitments for
implementation that have been made by the local
coordinating entity or any government,
organization, or individual for the first 5
years of operation of the National Heritage
Area;
(E) the identification of sources of funding for
carrying out the management plan;
(F) analysis and recommendations for means by which
Federal, State, and local programs may best be
coordinated to carry out this section, including a
description of the role of the National Park Service in
the National Heritage Area; and
(G) an interpretive plan for the National Heritage
Area; and
(4) recommend policies and strategies for resource
management that consider and detail the application of
appropriate land and water management techniques, including the
development of intergovernmental and interagency cooperative
agreements to protect the natural, cultural, historical,
scenic, recreational, and educational resources of the National
Heritage Area.
(c) Deadline.--If a proposed management plan is not submitted to
the Secretary by the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the local coordinating entity shall be ineligible to
receive additional funding under this Act until the date on which the
Secretary receives and approves the management plan.
(d) Approval or Disapproval of Management Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
receipt of the management plan under subsection (a), the
Secretary, in consultation with the State, shall approve or
disapprove the management plan.
(2) Criteria for approval.--In determining whether to
approve the management plan, the Secretary shall consider
whether--
(A) the local coordinating entity is representative
of the diverse interests of the National Heritage Area,
including governments, natural and historical resource
protection organizations, educational institutions,
businesses, and recreational organizations;
(B) the local coordinating entity has afforded
adequate opportunity, including public hearings, for
public and governmental involvement in the preparation
of the management plan; and
(C) the resource protection and interpretation
strategies contained in the management plan, if
implemented, would adequately protect the natural,
cultural, and historical resources of the National
Heritage Area.
(3) Action following disapproval.--If the Secretary
disapproves the management plan under paragraph (1), the
Secretary shall--
(A) advise the local coordinating entity in writing
of the reasons for the disapproval;
(B) make recommendations for revisions to the
management plan; and
(C) not later than 180 days after the receipt of
any proposed revision of the management plan from the
local coordinating entity, approve or disapprove the
proposed revision.
(4) Amendments.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall approve or
disapprove each amendment to the management plan that
makes a substantial change to the management plan, as
determined by the Secretary.
(B) Use of funds.--The local coordinating entity
shall not use Federal funds authorized by this section
to carry out any amendments to the management plan
until the date on which the Secretary has approved the
amendments.
SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Authorities.--For purposes of implementing the management plan,
the Secretary, acting through the local coordinating entity, may use
amounts made available under section 9--
(1) to make grants to the State or a political subdivision
of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other persons;
(2) to enter into cooperative agreements with, or provide
technical assistance to, the State or a political subdivision
of the State, nonprofit organizations, and other interested
parties;
(3) to hire and compensate staff, which shall include
individuals with expertise in natural, cultural, and historical
resources protection and heritage programming;
(4) to obtain money or services from any source, including
any money or services that are provided under any other Federal
law or program;
(5) to contract for goods or services; and
(6) to undertake to be a catalyst for any other activity
that--
(A) furthers the purposes of the National Heritage
Area; and
(B) is consistent with the approved management
plan.
(b) Duties.--The local coordinating entity shall--
(1) in accordance with section 4, prepare and submit a
management plan to the Secretary;
(2) assist units of local government, regional planning
organizations, and nonprofit organizations in carrying out the
approved management plan by--
(A) carrying out programs and projects that
recognize, protect, and enhance important resource
values in the National Heritage Area;
(B) establishing and maintaining interpretive
exhibits and programs in the National Heritage Area;
(C) developing recreational and educational
opportunities in the National Heritage Area;
(D) increasing public awareness of, and
appreciation for, natural, cultural, historical, and
scenic resources of the National Heritage Area;
(E) identifying and restoring historic sites and
buildings in the National Heritage Area that are
consistent with National Heritage Area themes;
(F) ensuring that clear, consistent, and
appropriate signs identifying points of public access
and sites of interest are posted throughout the
National Heritage Area; and
(G) promoting a wide range of partnerships among
governments, organizations, and individuals to further
the National Heritage Area;
(3) consider the interests of diverse units of government,
businesses, organizations, and individuals in the National
Heritage Area in the preparation and implementation of the
management plan;
(4) conduct meetings open to the public at least
semiannually regarding the development and implementation of
the management plan;
(5) for any year for which Federal funds have been received
under this section--
(A) submit to the Secretary an annual report that
describes the activities, expenses, and income of the
local coordinating entity (including grants from the
local coordinating entity to any other entities during
the year that the report is made);
(B) make available to the Secretary for audit all
records relating to the expenditure of the funds and
any matching funds; and
(C) require, with respect to all agreements
authorizing the expenditure of Federal funds by other
organizations, that the organizations receiving the
funds make available to the Secretary for audit all
records concerning the expenditure of the funds; and
(6) encourage, by appropriate means, economic viability
that is consistent with the National Heritage Area.
(c) Prohibition on the Acquisition of Real Property.--The local
coordinating entity shall not use Federal funds made available under
section 9 to acquire real property or any interest in real property.
SEC. 6. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this Act affects the authority of a
Federal agency to provide technical or financial assistance under any
other law.
(b) Consultation and Coordination.--The head of any Federal agency
planning to conduct activities that may have an impact on the National
Heritage Area is encouraged to consult and coordinate the activities
with the Secretary and the local coordinating entity, to the maximum
extent practicable.
(c) Other Federal Agencies.--Nothing in this Act--
(1) modifies, alters, or amends any law or regulation
authorizing a Federal agency to manage Federal land under the
jurisdiction of the Federal agency;
(2) limits the discretion of a Federal land manager to
implement an approved land use plan within the boundaries of
the National Heritage Area; or
(3) modifies, alters, or amends any authorized use of
Federal land under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency.
SEC. 7. PRIVATE PROPERTY AND REGULATORY PROTECTIONS.
Nothing in this Act--
(1) abridges the rights of any owner of public or private
property, including the right to refrain from participating in
any plan, project, program, or activity conducted within the
National Heritage Area;
(2) requires any property owner--
(A) to permit public access (including access by
Federal, State, or local agencies) to the property of
the property owner; or
(B) to modify public access or use of property of
the property owner under any other Federal, State, or
local law;
(3) alters any duly adopted land use regulation, approved
land use plan, or other regulatory authority of any Federal,
State, tribal, or local agency;
(4) conveys any land use or other regulatory authority to
the local coordinating entity;
(5) authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation
of water or water rights;
(6) alters, modifies, diminishes, or extinguishes the
treaty rights of any Indian tribe within the National Heritage
Area;
(6)(7) diminishes the authority of the State to manage fish
and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting
within the National Heritage Area; or
(7)(8) creates any liability, or affects any liability
under any other law, of any private property owner with respect
to any person injured on the private property.
SEC. 8. EVALUATION AND REPORT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years before the date on which
authority for Federal funding terminates for the National Heritage
Area, the Secretary shall--
(1) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of the
National Heritage Area; and
(2) prepare a report in accordance with subsection (c).
(b) Evaluation.--An evaluation conducted under subsection (a)(1)
shall--
(1) assess the progress of the local coordinating entity
with respect to--
(A) accomplishing the purposes of the National
Heritage Area; and
(B) achieving the goals and objectives of the
management plan;
(2) analyze the investments of Federal, State, tribal, and
local government and private entities in the National Heritage
Area to determine the impact of the investments; and
(3) review the management structure, partnership
relationships, and funding of the National Heritage Area for
purposes of identifying the critical components for
sustainability of the National Heritage Area.
(c) Report.--Based on the evaluation conducted under subsection
(a)(1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and
Natural Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources
of the House of Representatives a report that includes recommendations
for the future role of the National Park Service with respect to the
National Heritage Area.
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this Act $10,000,000, of which not more than $1,000,000 may be made
available in any fiscal year.
(b) Availability.--Amounts made available under subsection (a)
shall remain available until expended.
(c) Cost-Sharing Requirement.--
(1) In general.--The Federal share of the total cost of any
activity carried out under this Act shall be not more than 50
percent.
(2) Form.--The non-Federal share of the total cost of any
activity carried out under this Act may be in the form of in-
kind contributions of goods or services fairly valued.
(d) Termination of Authority.--The authority of the Secretary to
provide assistance under this Act terminates on the date that is 15
years after the date of enactment of this Act. | Maritime Washington National Heritage Area Act (Sec. 3) This bill establishes the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area in the state of Washington. The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation shall be the local coordinating entity for the Heritage Area, and shall prepare and submit a management plan for it. (Sec. 5) The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation shall not use federal funds made available under this bill for the acquisition of real property or any interests in real property. (Sec. 7) The bill makes specific disclaimers relating to private property and federal, state, local, and tribal regulatory protections. Nothing in this bill alters, modifies, diminishes, or extinguishes any Indian tribe's treaty rights within the Heritage Area. (Sec. 9) The bill authorizes appropriations. The federal cost share of any activity carried out under this bill shall be 50% of its total cost. The authority of the Department of the Interior to furnish assistance under this bill terminates 15 years after enactment. | billsum_train |
Create a condensed overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Electronic Funds Transfer Account
Improvement and Recipient Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. PROTECTIONS FOR RECIPIENTS OF FEDERAL PAYMENTS MADE BY
ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER.
(a) In General.--Section 3332 of title 31, United States Code, is
amended by redesignating subsections (h), (i), and (j) as subsections
(i), (j), and (k), respectively, and by inserting after subsection (g)
the following:
``(h)(1) The head of each Federal agency that makes Federal
payments in the form of retirement payments or benefit payments shall
include, in any explanatory notices to payees regarding those payments
and with each such payment that is mailed, written notice informing the
person regarding the requirements and protections of this section,
including--
``(A) information regarding how to obtain electronic funds
transfer, including information regarding the account to be
established by the Secretary under subsection (j)(2);
``(B) a toll-free telephone number and postal address for
obtaining additional information; and
``(C) instructions regarding how to obtain or change an
account at a financial institution pursuant to this section.
``(2) At a minimum, each person entitled to receive particular
Federal payments may elect whether or not to receive those payments by
electronic funds transfer to an account established by the Secretary
under subsection (j)(2)--
``(A) at any time in the 180-day period beginning on the
date on which those payments are first available by electronic
funds transfer through such an account; and
``(B) at any time in a 60-day period each year that shall
be specified by the head of the agency that administers the
payments.
``(3) The application of Federal laws providing consumer and other
protections with respect to amounts of Federal payments made by
electronic funds transfer pursuant to this section shall not be
affected by--
``(A) the commingling of those amounts with amounts of
State payments made by electronic funds transfer under State
law; or
``(B) the receipt of the Federal payments through
electronic funds transfers made by a State.
``(4)(A) A financial institution, contractor with a financial
institution, or other authorized agent designated under subsection (g)
by a recipient to receive Federal payments by electronic funds transfer
through an account established by the Secretary under subsection
(j)(2)--
``(i) shall not impose a fee for any transaction by the
recipient with respect to those payments that exceeds the
national average (as determined and published by the Secretary)
of fees charged to all consumers for similar transactions; and
``(ii) shall allow the recipient to engage in 5 such
transactions each month without charge.
``(B) Any violation of subparagraph (A) shall, for purposes of
sections 915 and 916 of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (15 U.S.C.
1693m and 1693n), be treated as a violation of that Act.
``(C) This paragraph shall apply only to transactions occurring
after the effective date of regulations issued by the Secretary of the
Treasury implementing this paragraph.''.
(b) Regulations.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall issue
regulations implementing the amendment made by subsection (a).
SEC. 3. REPORT ON IMPLICATIONS OF YEAR 2000 COMPUTER PROBLEMS FOR
ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than December 31, 1998, the Secretary of
the Treasury, acting through the Financial Management Service, shall
report to the Congress on the implications of the year 2000 computer
problem for implementation of requirements under Federal law that
Federal payments shall be made by electronic funds transfer.
(b) Contents.--The report shall include information regarding--
(1) corrections being made to Federal agency computer
programs;
(2) Federal agency plans for solving potential problems for
recipients of Federal payments; and
(3) whether delaying implementation of electronic funds
transfer requirements would help or hinder resolution of year
2000 computer problems with respect to electronic funds
transfers.
(c) Year 2000 Computer Problem.--In this section, the term ``year
2000 computer problem'' means any problem which prevents information
technology from accurately processing, calculating, comparing, or
sequencing date or time data--
(1) from, into, or between--
(A) the 20th and 21st centuries; or
(B) the years 1999 and 2000; or
(2) with regard to leap year calculations.
SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of the Congress that the Commissioner of Social
Security and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs should ensure that
personnel of their agencies who are responsible for receiving telephone
inquiries regarding receipt of Federal payments administered by that
agency are fully trained to provide information regarding all
alternatives for receiving those payments by electronic funds transfer
or other means. | Electronic Funds Transfer Account Improvement and Recipient Protection Act - Amends Federal law to mandate that the head of each Federal agency that disburses retirement or benefit payments give the recipient written notice of available consumer protections with respect to electronic funds transfer, including the right to elect whether or not to receive those payments by electronic funds transfer to an account established for the recipient by the Secretary.
Prohibits the agent designated to receive a recipient's transfers from imposing a transaction fee exceeding the national average charged to all consumers for similar transactions. Requires such agent to permit five such transactions each month without charge. Treats violations of such requirements as violations of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act.
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury, acting through the Financial Management Service, to report to the Congress on the implications of the year 2000 (Y2K) computer problem for implementation of Federal requirements that Federal payments be made by electronic funds transfer.
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Commissioner of Social Security and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs should ensure that personnel of their agencies are fully trained to respond to telephone inquiries regarding all alternatives for receiving Federal payments by electronic funds transfer or other means. | billsum_train |
Provide a condensed version of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Hunting Heritage Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) recreational hunting is an important and traditional
recreational activity in which 13,000,000 people in the United
States 16 years of age and older participate;
(2) hunters have been and continue to be among the foremost
supporters of sound wildlife management and conservation
practices in the United States;
(3) persons who hunt and organizations relating to hunting
provide direct assistance to wildlife managers and enforcement
officers of the Federal Government and State and local
governments;
(4) purchases of hunting licenses, permits, and stamps and
excise taxes on goods used by hunters have generated billions
of dollars for wildlife conservation, research, and management;
(5) recreational hunting is an essential component of
effective wildlife management by--
(A) reducing conflicts between people and wildlife;
and
(B) providing incentives for the conservation of--
(i) wildlife; and
(ii) habitats and ecosystems on which
wildlife depend;
(6) each State has established at least 1 agency staffed by
professionally trained wildlife management personnel that has
legal authority to manage the wildlife in the State; and
(7) recreational hunting is an environmentally acceptable
activity that occurs and can be provided for on Federal public
land without adverse effects on other uses of the land.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Agency head.--The term ``agency head'' means the head
of any Federal agency that has authority to manage a natural
resource or Federal public land on which a natural resource
depends.
(2) Federal public land.--
(A) In general.--The term ``Federal public land''
means any land or water that is--
(i) publicly accessible;
(ii) owned by the United States; and
(iii) managed by an executive agency for
purposes that include the conservation of
natural resources.
(B) Exclusion.--The term ``Federal public land''
does not include any land held in trust for the benefit
of an Indian tribe or member of an Indian tribe.
(3) Hunting.--The term ``hunting'' means the lawful--
(A) pursuit, trapping, shooting, capture,
collection, or killing of wildlife; or
(B) attempt to pursue, trap, shoot, capture,
collect, or kill wildlife.
SEC. 4. RECREATIONAL HUNTING.
(a) In General.--Subject to valid existing rights, Federal public
land shall be open to access and use for recreational hunting except as
limited by--
(1) the agency head with jurisdiction over the Federal
public land--
(A) for reasons of national security;
(B) for reasons of public safety; or
(C) for any other reasons for closure authorized by
applicable Federal law; and
(2) any law (including regulations) of the State in which
the Federal public land is located that is applicable to
recreational hunting.
(b) Management.--Consistent with subsection (a), each agency head
shall manage Federal public land under the jurisdiction of the agency
head--
(1) in a manner that supports, promotes, and enhances
recreational hunting opportunities;
(2) to the extent authorized under State law (including
regulations); and
(3) in accordance with applicable Federal law (including
regulations).
(c) No Net Loss.--
(1) In general.--Federal public land management decisions
and actions should, to the maximum extent practicable, result
in no net loss of land area available for hunting opportunities
on Federal public land.
(2) Annual report.--Not later than October 1 of each year,
each agency head with authority to manage Federal public land
on which recreational hunting occurs shall submit to the
Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a
report that describes--
(A)(i) any Federal public land administered by the
agency head that was closed to recreational hunting at
any time during the preceding year; and
(ii) the reason for the closure; and
(B) areas administered by the agency head that were
opened to recreational hunting to compensate for the
closure of the areas described in subparagraph (A)(i).
(3) Closures of 5,000 or more acres.--The withdrawal,
change of classification, or change of management status that
effectively closes 5,000 or more acres of Federal public land
to access or use for recreational hunting shall take effect
only if, before the date of withdrawal or change, the agency
head that has jurisdiction over the Federal public land submits
to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate
written notice of the withdrawal or change.
(d) Areas Not Affected.--Nothing in this Act compels the opening to
recreational hunting of national parks or national monuments under the
jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Interior.
(e) No Priority.--Nothing in this Act requires a Federal agency to
give preference to hunting over other uses of Federal public land or
over land or water management priorities established by Federal law.
(f) Authority of the States.--
(1) Savings.--Nothing in this Act affects the authority,
jurisdiction, or responsibility of a State to manage, control,
or regulate fish and wildlife under State law (including
regulations) on land or water in the State, including Federal
public land.
(2) Federal licenses.--Nothing in this Act authorizes an
agency head to require a license or permit to hunt, fish, or
trap on land or water in a State, including on Federal public
land in the State.
(3) State right of action.--
(A) In general.--Any State aggrieved by the failure
of an agency head or employee to comply with this Act
may bring a civil action in the United States District
Court for the district in which the failure occurs for
a permanent injunction.
(B) Preliminary injunction.--If the district court
determines, based on the facts, that a preliminary
injunction is appropriate, the district court may grant
a preliminary injunction.
(C) Court costs.--If the district court issues an
injunction under this paragraph or otherwise finds in
favor of the State, the district court shall award to
the State any reasonable costs of bringing the civil
action (including an attorney's fee). | Hunting Heritage Protection Act - Requires that Federal public lands be open to access and use for recreational hunting except: (1) as limited by the Federal agency with responsibility for such lands for national security or public safety reasons, or for reasons authorized in applicable Federal statutes as reasons for closure; and (2) as such hunting is limited by the State in which such lands are located.Directs the head of each Federal agency with authority to manage a natural resource or public lands on which such a resource depends to exercise that authority in a manner so as to support, promote, and enhance recreational hunting opportunities.Declares that Federal land management decisions and actions should result in no net loss of land area available for hunting opportunities on Federal public lands.Requires the heads of Federal agencies with authority to manage Federal public lands on which recreational hunting occurs to report annually to specified congressional committees on areas administered that have been closed during the previous year to recreational hunting and reasons for such closures and on areas that were open to such hunting to compensate for closed areas.Prohibits a withdrawal, change of classification, or change of management status, that effectively closes 5,000 or more acres of Federal public land for use for recreational hunting, from occurring unless the head of the Federal agency with authority to manage the land has submitted written notice of the action to both Houses of Congress.Grants States the right to file civil actions in district courts in cases where Federal agencies fail to comply with State authority to manage or regulate fish and wildlife. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Military
Environmental Responsibility Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Purposes.
Sec. 3. Compliance of Federal defense agencies with public safety and
environmental laws.
Sec. 4. Applicability of NEPA to weapon system development and
procurement.
Sec. 5. Repeal of prohibitions on use of defense funds for
environmental compliance and payment of
penalties.
Sec. 6. Savings provision.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are as follows:
(1) To require the Department of Defense and all other
defense-related agencies of the United States, as defined in
the amendment made by section 3(a), to comply with all Federal
and State laws that are designed to protect the environment or
the health and safety of the public to the same extent as all
other entities subject to those laws.
(2) To entirely waive any and all sovereign immunity and to
entirely revoke any and all exemptions of the Department of
Defense and all other defense-related agencies of the United
States within the United States and abroad that might in any
way limit or exempt those agencies from complying with all
Federal and State environmental laws designed to protect the
health and safety of the public or the environment.
(3) To leave no ambiguity for the executive or judicial
branches that the Department of Defense and all other defense-
related agencies are fully subject to all the requirements and
possible enforcement of all Federal and State environmental
laws designed to protect the health and safety of the public or
the environment.
SEC. 3. COMPLIANCE OF FEDERAL DEFENSE AGENCIES WITH PUBLIC SAFETY AND
ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS.
(a) Compliance Required.--Chapter 160 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 2710. Applicability of environmental laws to the Department of
Defense and defense-related agencies
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Federal defense agency.--The term `Federal defense
agency' means--
``(A) the Department of Defense;
``(B) the Department of Energy;
``(C) the Nuclear Regulatory Commission;
``(D) the Office of Naval Nuclear Reactors provided
for by Executive Order 12344 (47 Fed. Reg. 4979; 42
U.S.C. 7158 note; February 3, 1982), relating to the
Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program;
``(E) any other defense-related agency of the
United States designated by the President for purposes
of this section; and
``(F) installations, facilities, and operations of
the Department of Defense and other defense-related
agencies covered by this paragraph, whether located or
conducted inside or outside of the United States.
``(2) Defense agency head.--The term `defense agency head'
means--
``(A) the Secretary of Defense, with respect to the
Department of Defense and installations, facilities,
and operations of the Department of Defense, whether
located or conducted inside or outside of the United
States; and
``(B) the head of a Federal defense agency covered
by any of subparagraphs (B) through (E) of paragraph
(1), with respect to that agency and installations,
facilities, and operations of that agency, whether
located or conducted inside or outside of the United States.
``(3) Administering federal agency.--The term
`administering Federal agency' means the Federal agency
responsible for the administration or enforcement, or both, of
a Federal law covered by subsection (c). In most cases that
agency is the Environmental Protection Agency.
``(4) States and state law.--The term `State' includes any
unit of local government within a State, and the term `State
law' includes any local law and any interstate compact or
agreement.
``(b) Applicability of Environmental Laws.--The substantive and
procedural requirements of each of the laws covered by subsection (c)
shall apply to each Federal defense agency in the same manner and to
the same extent as any person is subject to those requirements. To the
extent not provided before the date of the enactment of the Military
Environmental Responsibility Act in any other provision of law, the
United States hereby expressly waives any immunity, and revokes any
exemption, otherwise applicable to a Federal defense agency with
respect to any such substantive or procedural requirement.
``(c) Covered Laws.--The laws covered by this subsection are all
Federal laws, including treaties and regulations, and all State laws,
that are designed to protect the environment or designed to protect the
health and safety of the public. At a minimum, those laws include the
following Federal laws and their analogous State counterparts:
``(1) The Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2011 et
seq.).
``(2) The Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.).
``(3) The Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et
seq.).
``(4) The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C.
1451 et seq.).
``(5) The Department of Energy Organization Act (42 U.S.C.
7101 et seq.).
``(6) The Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know
Act of 1986 (42 U.S.C. 11001 et seq.).
``(7) The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.).
``(8) The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C.
1251 et seq.).
``(9) The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C.
1361 et seq.).
``(10) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
``(11) The Noise Control Act of 1972 (42 U.S.C. 4901 et
seq.).
``(12) The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (42 U.S.C.
10101 et seq.).
``(13) The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29
U.S.C. 651 et seq.).
``(14) The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 2701 et
seq.).
``(15) The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
Notwithstanding the first sentence of this subsection, the Safe
Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f et seq.) and the Solid Waste
Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.) are not covered by this
subsection, such laws containing sovereign immunity waiver provisions
that otherwise appropriately provide for protection of the environment
and the health and safety of the public.
``(d) Covered Substantive and Procedural Requirements.--(1) The
substantive and procedural requirements referred to in subsection (b)
include the following:
``(A) All regulatory standards, guidelines, and
prohibitions including all emission standards, toxicity
standards, exposure standards, and use prohibitions.
``(B) All administrative orders.
``(C) All civil and administrative penalties and fines,
regardless of whether such penalties or fines are punitive or
coercive in nature or are imposed for isolated, intermittent,
or continuing violations.
``(D) All conditions for permits or reporting.
``(E) All provisions for injunctive relief and such
sanctions as may be imposed by a court to enforce such relief.
``(F) The payment of service charges.
``(2) The service charges referred to in paragraph (1)(F) include
fees or charges assessed in connection with the processing and issuance
of permits, renewal of permits, amendments to permits, review of plans,
studies, and other documents, and inspection and monitoring of
facilities, as well as any other nondiscriminatory charges that are
assessed in connection with a Federal or State regulatory program under
a law covered by subsection (c).
``(3) Neither the United States, nor any agent, employee, or
officer thereof, shall be immune or exempt from any process or sanction
of any State or Federal Court with respect to the enforcement of any
such injunctive relief. No agent, employee, or officer of the United
States shall be personally liable for any civil penalty under any
Federal or State law covered by subsection (c) with respect to any act
or omission within the scope of the official duties of the agent,
employee, or officer. An agent, employee, or officer of the United
States shall be subject to any criminal sanction (including any fine or
imprisonment) under any Federal or State law covered by subsection (c),
but no department, agency, or instrumentality of the executive,
legislative, or judicial branch of the United States shall be subject
to any such sanction.
``(e) Use of Exemption Authority.--If a Federal law covered by
subsection (c) authorizes the President or the head of the
administering Federal agency to grant exemptions from any substantive
or procedural requirement of that law, any use of that authority on
behalf of a Federal defense agency after the date of the enactment of
the Military Environmental Responsibility Act shall be effective only
for a specified period, not to exceed 180 days, unless such period is
specifically extended by Act of Congress.
``(f) Administrative Enforcement Actions.--The head of an
administering Federal agency shall commence an administrative
enforcement action against a defense agency head pursuant to the
enforcement authorities contained in the relevant Federal law covered
by subsection (c) in the same manner and under the same circumstances
as an action would be initiated against another person. Any voluntary
resolution or settlement of such an action shall be set forth in a
consent order.
``(g) Citizen Suits.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (3) or
(4), any person may commence a civil action on the person's own behalf
against--
``(A) a defense agency head who is alleged to be in
violation of any permit, standard, regulation, condition,
requirement, prohibition, or order that has become effective
pursuant to a Federal law covered by subsection (c); or
``(B) the head of an administering Federal agency where
there is alleged a failure of the head of the administering
Federal agency to perform any act or duty under a Federal law
covered by subsection (c) that is not discretionary.
``(2) Any action under paragraph (1)(A) shall be brought in the
district court for the district in which the alleged violation
occurred. Any action brought under paragraph (1)(B) may be brought in
the district court for the district in which the alleged violation
occurred or in the District Court of the District of Columbia. The
district court shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in
controversy or the citizenship of the parties--
``(A) to enforce the permit, standard, regulation,
condition, requirement, prohibition, or order, referred to in
paragraph (1)(A);
``(B) to restrain a defendant from continuing a violation
of a Federal law covered by subsection (c);
``(C) to order the head of an administering Federal agency
to perform the act or duty referred to in paragraph (1)(B);
``(D) to order a defendant to take such other action as may
be necessary; and
``(E) to apply any appropriate civil penalties available
under the Federal law at issue.
``(3) No action may be commenced under paragraph (1)(A)--
``(A) prior to 60 days after the plaintiff has given notice
of the violation to--
``(i) the head of the relevant administering
Federal agency;
``(ii) the State in which the alleged violation
occurs; and
``(iii) the defense agency head in violation of the
permit, standard, regulation, condition, requirement,
prohibition, or order at issue; or
``(B) if the head of the administering Federal agency or
State has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil or
criminal action in a court of the United States or a State to
require compliance with such permit, standard, regulation,
condition, requirement, prohibition, or order.
``(4) No action may be commenced under paragraph (1)(B) prior to 60
days after the plaintiff has given notice to the head of the relevant
administering Federal agency that the plaintiff will commence such
action. Notice under this subsection shall be given in such manner as
the head of the administering Federal agency shall prescribe by
regulation.
``(5) In any action under this subsection, the head of the relevant
administering Federal agency, if not a party, may intervene as a matter
of right.
``(6) The court, in issuing any final order in any action brought
pursuant to this subsection, may award costs of litigation (including
reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to the prevailing or
substantially prevailing party, whenever the court determines such an
award is appropriate. The court may, if a temporary restraining order
or preliminary injunction is sought, require the filing of a bond or
equivalent security in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure.
``(7) Nothing in this subsection shall restrict any right that a
person (or class of persons) may have under a Federal law covered by
subsection (c) or common law to seek enforcement of that Federal law or
to seek any other relief (including relief against the head of an
administering Federal agency or a State agency).
``(h) Judicial Interpretation.--The courts of the United States and
of the States shall construe the provisions of this section and any
other provision of law waiving the sovereign immunity of the United
States under a law covered by subsection (c) liberally to effect the
intent of Congress that the United States, acting through a covered
defense agency, comply with, and be subject to enforcement under, those
laws to the same extent as private parties.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``2710. Applicability of environmental laws to the Department of
Defense and defense-related agencies.''.
SEC. 4. APPLICABILITY OF NEPA TO WEAPON SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND
PROCUREMENT.
Section 2431 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) In the case of each weapon system for which the Secretary of
Defense is required to submit documents under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall ensure that all development and procurement decisions
regarding the weapon system are made in compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).''.
SEC. 5. REPEAL OF PROHIBITIONS ON USE OF DEFENSE FUNDS FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND PAYMENT OF PENALTIES.
(a) Restored Availability of Restoration Account.--Section 2703 of
title 10, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking subsection (e); and
(2) by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (e).
(b) Formerly Used Site Remedial Action Program.--Section 3131 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (10 U.S.C.
2701 note) is repealed.
(c) Conforming Repeal.--Section 8149 of the Department of Defense
Appropriations Act, 2000 (Public Law 106-79; 113 Stat. 1271), is
repealed.
SEC. 6. SAVINGS PROVISION.
Nothing in section 2710 of title 10, United States Code, as added
by section 3 of this Act, or any other provision of this Act, may be
construed as creating an inference that any provision of Federal law
enacted before the date of the enactment of this Act that waived the
sovereign immunity of the United States under a law of the United
States or of any State was not fully effective and in force under its
own terms before the date of the enactment of this Act. | Military Environmental Responsibility Act - Requires the Department of Defense (DOD) and defense-related agencies (the Department of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Office of Naval Nuclear Reactors, and any others as designated by the President) to fully comply with designated Federal and State environmental laws, including those related to public health and safety, to the same extent as any other entities subject to such laws. Waives any immunity of the United States with respect to such laws as applied to DOD and any defense-related agency. Provides for administrative enforcement actions.Requires the Secretary of Defense , for each weapon system for which congressional budget justification is required, to ensure that all development and procurement decisions comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.Repeals: (1) a Federal provision prohibiting the use of certain military appropriation accounts for the payment of fines and penalties for environmental noncompliance; and (2) a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 which prohibits the use of defense funds to conduct treatment, storage, or disposal activities at sites designated under the Formerly Utilized Site Remedial Action Program. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Security and Privacy in Your Car Act
of 2015'' or the ``SPY Car Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. CYBERSECURITY STANDARDS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 301 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in section 30102(a)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (11) as
paragraphs (10) through (17), respectively;
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as
paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively;
(C) by inserting before paragraph (3), as
redesignated, the following:
``(1) `Administrator' means the Administrator of the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;
``(2) `Commission' means the Federal Trade Commission;
``(3) `critical software systems' means software systems
that can affect the driver's control of the vehicle
movement;''; and
(D) by inserting after paragraph (6), as
redesignated, the following:
``(7) `driving data' include, but are not limited to, any
electronic information collected about--
``(A) a vehicle's status, including, but not
limited to, its location or speed; and
``(B) any owner, lessee, driver, or passenger of a
vehicle;
``(8) `entry points' include, but are not limited to, means
by which--
``(A) driving data may be accessed, directly or
indirectly; or
``(B) control signals may be sent or received
either wirelessly or through wired connections;
``(9) `hacking' means the unauthorized access to electronic
controls or driving data, either wirelessly or through wired
connections;''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 30129. Cybersecurity standards
``(a) Cybersecurity Standards.--
``(1) Requirement.--All motor vehicles manufactured for
sale in the United States on or after the date that is 2 years
after the date on which final regulations are prescribed
pursuant to section 2(b)(2) of the SPY Car Act of 2015 shall
comply with the cybersecurity standards set forth in paragraphs
(2) through (4).
``(2) Protection against hacking.--
``(A) In general.--All entry points to the
electronic systems of each motor vehicle manufactured
for sale in the United States shall be equipped with
reasonable measures to protect against hacking attacks.
``(B) Isolation measures.--The measures referred to
in subparagraph (A) shall incorporate isolation
measures to separate critical software systems from
noncritical software systems.
``(C) Evaluation.--The measures referred to in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be evaluated for
security vulnerabilities following best security
practices, including appropriate applications of
techniques such as penetration testing.
``(D) Adjustment.--The measures referred to in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be adjusted and updated
based on the results of the evaluation described in
subparagraph (C).
``(3) Security of collected information.--All driving data
collected by the electronic systems that are built into motor
vehicles shall be reasonably secured to prevent unauthorized
access--
``(A) while such data are stored onboard the
vehicle;
``(B) while such data are in transit from the
vehicle to another location; and
``(C) in any subsequent offboard storage or use.
``(4) Detection, reporting, and responding to hacking.--Any
motor vehicle that presents an entry point shall be equipped
with capabilities to immediately detect, report, and stop
attempts to intercept driving data or control the vehicle.
``(b) Penalties.--A person that violates this section is liable to
the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than
$5,000 for each violation in accordance with section 30165.''.
(b) Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, after
consultation with the Commission, shall issue a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking to carry out section 30129 of title 49,
United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
(2) Final regulations.--Not later than 3 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, after
consultation with the Commission, shall issue final regulations
to carry out section 30129 of title 49, United States Code, as
added by subsection (a).
(3) Updates.--Not later than 3 years after final
regulations are issued pursuant to paragraph (2) and not less
frequently than once every 3 years thereafter, the
Administrator, after consultation with the Commission, shall--
(A) review the regulations issued pursuant to
paragraph (2); and
(B) update such regulations, as necessary.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 301 of
title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating
to section 30128 and inserting the following:
``30128. Vehicle rollover prevention and crash mitigation.
``30129. Cybersecurity standards.''.
(d) Conforming Amendment.--Section 30165(a)(1) of title 49, United
States Code, is amended by inserting ``30129,'' after ``30127,''.
SEC. 3. CYBER DASHBOARD.
(a) In General.--Section 32302 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Cyber Dashboard.--
``(1) In general.--All motor vehicles manufactured for sale
in the United States on or after the date that is 2 years after
the date on which final regulations are prescribed pursuant to
section 3(b)(2) of the SPY Car Act of 2015 shall display a
`cyber dashboard', as a component of the label required to be
affixed to each motor vehicle under section 32908(b).
``(2) Features.--The cyber dashboard required under
paragraph (1) shall inform consumers, through an easy-to-
understand, standardized graphic, about the extent to which the
motor vehicle protects the cybersecurity and privacy of motor
vehicle owners, lessees, drivers, and passengers beyond the
minimum requirements set forth in section 30129 of this title
and in section 27 of the Federal Trade Commission Act.''.
(b) Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, after
consultation with the Commission, shall prescribe regulations
for the cybersecurity and privacy information required to be
displayed under section 32302(c) of title 49, United States
Code, as added by subsection (a).
(2) Final regulations.--Not later than 3 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator, after
consultation with the Commission, shall issue final regulations
to carry out section 32302 of title 49, United States Code, as
added by subsection (a).
(3) Updates.--Not less frequently than once every 3 years,
the Administrator, after consultation with the Commission,
shall--
(A) review the regulations issued pursuant to
paragraph (2); and
(B) update such regulations, as necessary.
SEC. 4. PRIVACY STANDARDS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.
(a) In General.--The Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 41 et
seq.) is amended by inserting after section 26 (15 U.S.C. 57c-2) the
following:
``SEC. 27. PRIVACY STANDARDS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.
``(a) In General.--All motor vehicles manufactured for sale in the
United States on or after the date that is 2 years after the date on
which final regulations are prescribed pursuant to subsection (e) shall
comply with the features required under subsections (b) through (d).
``(b) Transparency.--Each motor vehicle shall provide clear and
conspicuous notice, in clear and plain language, to the owners or
lessees of such vehicle of the collection, transmission, retention, and
use of driving data collected from such motor vehicle.
``(c) Consumer Control.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3),
owners or lessees of motor vehicles shall be given the option
of terminating the collection and retention of driving data.
``(2) Access to navigation tools.--If a motor vehicle owner
or lessee decides to terminate the collection and retention of
driving data under paragraph (1), the owner or lessee shall not
lose access to navigation tools or other features or
capabilities, to the extent technically possible.
``(3) Exception.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to driving
data stored as part of the electronic data recorder system or
other safety systems on-board the motor vehicle that are
required for post-incident investigations, emissions history
checks, crash avoidance or mitigation, or other regulatory
compliance programs.
``(d) Limitation on Use of Personal Driving Information.--
``(1) In general.--A manufacturer (including an original
equipment manufacturer) may not use any information collected
by a motor vehicle for advertising or marketing purposes
without affirmative express consent by the owner or lessee.
``(2) Requests.--Consent requests under paragraph (1)--
``(A) shall be clear and conspicuous;
``(B) shall be made in clear and plain language;
and
``(C) may not be a condition for the use of any
nonmarketing feature, capability, or functionality of
the motor vehicle.
``(e) Enforcement.--A violation of this section shall be treated as
an unfair and deceptive act or practice in violation of a rule
prescribed under section 18(a)(1)(B).''.
(b) Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Commission, after consultation
with the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (referred to in this subsection as the
``Administrator''), shall prescribe regulations, in accordance
with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, to carry out
section 27 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, as added by
subsection (a).
(2) Final regulations.--Not later than 3 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Commission, after
consultation with the Administrator, shall issue final
regulations, in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United
States Code, to carry out section 27 of the Federal Trade
Commission Act, as added by subsection (a).
(3) Updates.--Not less frequently than once every 3 years,
the Commission, after consultation with the Administrator,
shall--
(A) review the regulations prescribed pursuant to
paragraph (2); and
(B) update such regulations, as necessary. | Security and Privacy in Your Car Act of 2015 or the SPY Car Act of 2015 This bill directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a rulemaking to issue motor vehicle cybersecurity regulations that require motor vehicles manufactured for sale in the United States to protect against unauthorized access to: (1) electronic controls or driving data, including information about the vehicle's location, speed, owner, driver, or passengers; or (2) driving data collected by electronic systems built into a vehicle while that data is stored onboard the vehicle, in transit from the vehicle to another location, or subsequently stored or used off-board the vehicle. The regulations must require vehicles with accessible data or control signals to be capable of detecting, reporting, and stopping attempts to intercept such driving data or control the vehicle. A violator is liable to the U.S. government for a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation. NHTSA must also conduct a rulemaking to require the fuel economy labeling that manufacturers attach to motor vehicles to display a "cyber dashboard" with a standardized graphic to inform consumers about the extent to which the vehicle protects individuals' cybersecurity and privacy beyond the minimum requirements. The Federal Trade Commission is required to conduct a rulemaking to: (1) require motor vehicles to notify owners or lessees about the collection, transmission, retention, and use of driving data; (2) provide owners or lessees with the option to terminate such data collection and retention (except onboard safety systems required for post-incident investigations, emissions, crash avoidance, and other regulatory compliance programs) without losing navigation tools or other features; and (3) prohibit manufacturers from using collected information for advertising or marketing purposes without the owner's or lessee's consent. Violations are to be treated as unfair and deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Neighborhood Infrastructure
Improvement and Inner City Job Creation Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF GRANT PROGRAM.
The Secretary of Labor (in this Act referred to as the
``Secretary'') shall provide grants to eligible administrative entities
described in section 3(a) for the purpose of establishing and carrying
out programs that provide employment opportunities to unemployed
individuals through payments for labor and related costs associated
with the repair and renovation of essential community facilities.
SEC. 3. ELIGIBLE ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITIES.
(a) In General.--An administrative entity shall be eligible to
receive a grant under section 2 if the entity is--
(1) a private industry council (described under section 102
of the Job Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1512)),
(2) a unit of general local government,
(3) a nonprofit private organization, or
(4) in the case of a grant involving a Native American
Indian tribe or Alaska Native Village, a grantee designated
under subsection (c) or (d) of section 401 of the Job Training
Partnership Act, or a consortium of such grantees and the
State,
that serves 1 or more eligible jurisdictions described under subsection
(b).
(b) Eligible Jurisdiction.--An eligible jurisdiction described
under this subsection is an area which has a poverty rate in excess of
30 percent and which is--
(1) a unit of general local government which has a
population of 50,000 or more individuals; or
(2) a Native American Indian tribe, band, or group located
on a Federal or State reservation, the Oklahoma Indians, and
any Alaska Native village or group as defined in the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act, having a governing body.
(c) Priority.--In selecting administrative entities described in
subsection (a) to receive a grant under section 2, priority shall be
given to administrative entities that give assurances to the Secretary
in the application submitted under section 4 that such entities will
give priority to individuals who are low-skilled workers in selecting
individuals to participate in programs established and carried out by
such entities under section 5(a).
SEC. 4. APPLICATION.
The Secretary may not make a grant under section 2 to an eligible
administrative entity unless the entity submits to the Secretary an
application in such form and containing such information as the
Secretary may require.
SEC. 5. USE OF AMOUNTS.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
Secretary may not make a grant under section 2 to an eligible
administrative entity unless the entity agrees that it will use all
amounts received from such grant to establish and carry out a program
to provide wages and related employment benefits to eligible
individuals described in subsections (a) and (b) of section 6 for the
purpose of employing such individuals to repair and renovate essential
community facilities that are located within the eligible jurisdiction
that the entity serves, including--
(1) painting bridges;
(2) repairing and renovating public buildings and other
community facilities, including public libraries;
(3) repairing and renovating public housing units;
(4) repairing water systems and water development projects;
(5) erecting or replacing traffic control signs and
removing road sign obstructions;
(6) replacing school crossing, intersection, and other road
surface markings;
(7) repairing roads and streets;
(8) repairing and renovating parks and playgrounds;
(9) installing and repairing drainage pipes and catch
basins in areas subject to flooding;
(10) installing graded ramps for individuals with
disabilities; and
(11) weatherizing community facilities and carrying out
other energy conservation activities.
(b) Administrative Costs.--Not more than 25 percent of amounts
received from a grant under section 2 for any fiscal year may be used
for the cost of administration and the acquisition of supplies, tools,
and other equipment.
SEC. 6. ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
(a) In General.--An individual shall be eligible to participate in
a program described in section 5(a) only if the individual--
(1) is an unemployed individual at the time of enrollment
in such program;
(2) has been unemployed, at a minimum, for the duration of
the 15-week period immediately preceding the date of such
enrollment; and
(3) has made a good-faith attempt to obtain employment
during such 15-week period.
(b) Additional Requirement for Secondary School-Age Individuals.--
(1) In general.--In addition to meeting the requirements
described in subsection (a), a secondary school-age individual
shall be eligible to participate in a program described in
section 5(a) only if the individual has not attended a
secondary school for any part of the 6-month period immediately
preceding the date of enrollment in such program.
(2) Secondary school-age individual defined.--For purposes
of paragraph (1), the term ``secondary school-age individual''
means an individual who has attained the age of 16 but has not
attained the age of 20.
(c) Priority.--In selecting individuals described in subsections
(a) and (b) to participate in a program described in section 5(a),
priority shall be given to the individuals who, at the time of
selection to the program, have exhausted or are otherwise not eligible
for unemployment insurance benefits, particularly those individuals who
have been unemployed for the longest periods of time preceding the date
of their selection to the program.
SEC. 7. NONDISCRIMINATION.
No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the
benefits of, subjected to discrimination under, or denied employment in
the administration of or in connection with any program described in
section 5(a) because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
age, disability, or political affiliation or belief.
SEC. 8. LABOR STANDARDS.
The labor standards described under section 143 of the Job Training
Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1553) shall apply for purposes of a program
established under section 5(a).
SEC. 9. MAINTENANCE OF EXPENDITURES.
The Secretary may not make a grant under section 2 to an eligible
administrative entity unless the entity agrees that it will maintain
its aggregate expenditures from all other sources for employing
individuals to repair and renovate essential community facilities at or
above the average level of such expenditures in the 2 fiscal years
preceding the date on which the entity submits an application under
section 4 to the Secretary.
SEC. 10. REPORT.
The Secretary may not make a grant under section 2 to an eligible
administrative entity unless the entity agrees that it will submit, for
any fiscal year in which the entity receives a grant under such
section, a report to the Secretary describing the use of such grant and
any other information the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to carry
out section 2 $5,000,000,000 for fiscal year 1994 and such sums as may
be necessary for each succeeding fiscal year.
(b) Availability.--Funds authorized to be appropriated under
subsection (a) shall remain available until expended. | Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvement and Inner City Job Creation Act - Directs the Secretary of Labor to make grants to eligible administrative entities for programs to provide employment opportunities to unemployed individuals through payments for labor and related costs associated with repair and renovation of essential community facilities.
Gives grant priority to administratve entities that assure giving priority to low-skilled workers as program participants. Requires that eligible participants have been unemployed for at least 15 weeks and have sought employment during that period. Makes secondary school-age individuals (16 to 20 years old) eligible only if they have not attended a secondary school at any time during the previous six months. Gives priority to individuals who have exhausted or are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits, particularly those who have been unemployed for the longest periods.
Authorizes appropriations. | billsum_train |
Create a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Survivors of Torture Support Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The American people abhor torture by any government or
person. The existence of torture creates a climate of fear and
international insecurity that affects all people.
(2) Torture is the deliberate mental and physical damage
caused by governments to individuals to destroy individual
personality and terrorize society. The effects of torture are
long term. Those effects can last a lifetime for the survivors
and affect future generations.
(3) By eliminating leadership of their opposition and
frightening the general public, repressive governments often
use torture as a weapon against democracy.
(4) Torture survivors remain under physical and
psychological threats, especially in communities where the
perpetrators are not brought to justice. In many nations, even
those who treat torture survivors are threatened with
reprisals, including torture, for carrying out their ethical
duties to provide care. Both the survivors of torture and their
treatment providers should be accorded protection from further
repression.
(5) A significant number of refugees and asylees entering
the United States have been victims of torture. Those claiming
asylum deserve prompt consideration of their applications for
political asylum to minimize their insecurity and sense of
danger. Many torture survivors now live in the United States.
They should be provided with the rehabilitation services which
would enable them to become productive members of our
communities.
(6) The development of a treatment movement for torture
survivors has created new opportunities for action by the
United States and other nations to oppose state-sponsored and
other acts of torture.
(7) There is a need for a comprehensive strategy to protect
and support torture victims and their treatment providers,
together with overall efforts to eliminate torture.
(8) By acting to heal the survivors of torture and protect
their families, the United States can help to heal the effects
of torture and prevent its use around the world.
(9) The United States became a party to the Convention
Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment on November 20, 1994.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act:
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided, the terms
used in this Act have the meanings given those terms in section
101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1101(a)).
(2) Torture.--The term ``torture'' has the meaning given
the term in section 2340(1) of title 18, United States Code,
and includes the use of rape and other forms of sexual violence
by a person acting under the color of law upon another person
under his custody or physical control.
SEC. 4. UNITED STATES POLICY WITH RESPECT TO THE INVOLUNTARY RETURN OF
PERSONS IN DANGER OF SUBJECTION TO TORTURE.
(a) Policy.--It shall be the policy of the United States not to
expel, extradite, or otherwise effect the involuntary return of any
person to a country in which there are substantial grounds for
believing the person would be in danger of being subjected to torture,
regardless of whether the person is physically present in the United
States.
(b) Regulations.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the heads of the appropriate agencies shall
prescribe regulations to implement the obligations of the United States
under Article 3 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and
Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment,
subject to any reservations, understandings, declarations, and provisos
contained in the United States Senate resolution of ratification of the
Convention.
(c) Exclusion of Certain Aliens.--To the maximum extent consistent
with the obligations of the United States under the Convention, subject
to any reservations, understandings, declarations, and provisos
contained in the United States Senate resolution of ratification of the
Convention, the regulations described in subsection (b) shall exclude
from the protection of such regulations aliens described in section
241(b)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1231(b)(3)(B)).
(d) Review and Construction.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, and except as provided in the regulations described in
subsection (b), no court shall have jurisdiction to review the
regulations adopted to implement this section, and nothing in this
section shall be construed as providing any court jurisdiction to
consider or review claims raised under the Convention or this section,
or any other determination made with respect to the application of the
policy set forth in subsection (a), except as part of the review of a
final order of removal pursuant to section 242 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1252).
(e) Authority To Detain.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as limiting the authority of the Attorney General to detain
any person under any provision of law, including, but not limited to,
any provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
(f) Definitions.--
(1) Convention defined.--In this section, the term
``Convention'' means the United Nations Convention Against
Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment, done at New York on December 10, 1984.
(2) Same terms as in the convention.--Except as otherwise
provided, the terms used in this section have the meanings
given those terms in the Convention, subject to any
reservations, understandings, declarations, and provisos
contained in the United States Senate resolution of
ratification of the Convention.
SEC. 5. IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES FOR TORTURE VICTIMS.
(a) Covered Aliens.--An alien described in this section is any
alien who presents a claim of having been subjected to torture, or whom
there is reason to believe has been subjected to torture.
(b) Consideration of the Effects of Torture.--In considering an
application by an alien described in subsection (a) for refugee status
under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, asylum under
section 208 of that Act, or withholding of removal under section
241(b)(3) of that Act, the appropriate officials shall take into
account--
(1) the manner in which the effects of torture might affect
the applicant's responses in the application and in the
interview process or other immigration proceedings, as the case
may be;
(2) the difficulties torture victims often have in
recounting their suffering under torture; and
(3) the fear victims have of returning to their country of
nationality where, even if torture is no longer practiced or
the incidence of torture is reduced, their torturers may have
gone unpunished and may remain in positions of authority.
(c) Expedited Processing of Refugee Admissions.--For purposes of
section 207(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1157(c)), refugees who have been subjected to torture shall be
considered to be refugees of special humanitarian concern to the United
States and shall be accorded priority for resettlement at least as high
as that accorded any other group of refugees.
(d) Processing for Asylum and Withholding of Removal.--Section
235(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1225(b)(1)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
clause:
``(iv) Special procedures for aliens who
are the victims of torture.--
``(I) Expedited procedures.--With
the consent of the alien, an asylum
officer or immigration judge shall
expedite the scheduling of an asylum
interview or a removal proceeding for
any alien who presents a claim of
having been subjected to torture,
unless the evidence indicates that a
delay in making a determination
regarding the granting of asylum under
section 208 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act or the withholding of
removal under section 241(b)(3) of that
Act with respect to the alien would not
aggravate the physical or psychological
effects of torture upon the alien.
``(II) Delay of proceedings.--With
the consent of the alien, an asylum
officer or immigration judge shall
postpone an asylum interview or a
removal proceeding for any alien who
presents a claim of having been
subjected to torture, if the evidence
indicates that, as a result of the
alien's mental or physical symptoms
resulting from torture, including the
alien's inability to recall or relate
the events of the torture, the alien
will require more time to recover or be
treated before being required to
testify.''.
(e) Parole in Lieu of Detention.--The finding that an alien is a
person described in subsection (a) shall be a strong presumptive basis
for a grant of parole, under section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(5)), in lieu of detention.
(f) Exemption From Expedited Removal.--Section 235(b)(1)(F) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1225(b)(1)(F)) is amended by
inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, or to an
alien described in section 5(a) of the Survivors of Torture Support
Act''.
(g) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Attorney General should allocate resources sufficient to maintain in
the Resource Information Center of the Immigration and Naturalization
Service current information relating to the use of torture in foreign
countries.
SEC. 6. SPECIALIZED TRAINING FOR CONSULAR, IMMIGRATION, AND ASYLUM
PERSONNEL.
(a) In General.--The Attorney General shall provide training for
immigration inspectors and examiners, immigration officers, asylum
officers, immigration judges, and all other relevant officials of the
Department of Justice, and the Secretary of State shall provide
training for consular officers, with respect to--
(1) the identification of torture;
(2) the identification of the surrounding circumstances in
which torture is most often practiced;
(3) the long-term effects of torture upon a victim;
(4) the identification of the physical, cognitive, and
emotional effects of torture, and the manner in which these
effects can affect the interview or hearing process; and
(5) the manner of interviewing victims of torture so as not
to retraumatize them, eliciting the necessary information to
document the torture experience, and understanding the
difficulties victims often have in recounting their torture
experience.
(b) Gender-Related Considerations.--In conducting training under
subsection (a) (4) or (5), gender-specific training shall be provided
on the subject of interacting with women and men who are victims of
torture by rape or any other form of sexual violence.
SEC. 7. DOMESTIC TREATMENT CENTERS.
(a) Amendment of the Immigration and Nationality Act.--Section 412
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1522) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(b) Assistance for Treatment of Torture Victims.--The Secretary
may provide grants to programs in the United States to cover the cost
of the following services:
``(1) Services for the rehabilitation of victims of
torture, including treatment of the physical and psychological
effects of torture.
``(2) Social and legal services for victims of torture.
``(3) Research and training for health care providers
outside of treatment centers, or programs for the purpose of
enabling such providers to provide the services described in
paragraph (1).''.
(b) Funding.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--Of the amounts
authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Health and
Human Services for fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001, there are
authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 412(g) of
that Act (relating to assistance for domestic centers and
programs for the treatment of victims of torture), as added by
subsection (a), the following amounts for the following fiscal
years:
(A) For fiscal year 1999, $5,000,000.
(B) For fiscal year 2000, $7,500,000.
(C) For fiscal year 2001, $8,000,000.
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts appropriated pursuant
to this subsection shall remain available until expended.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on October 1, 1998.
SEC. 8. FOREIGN TREATMENT CENTERS.
(a) Amendments of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.--Part I of
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) is amended
by adding at the end of chapter 1 the following new section:
``SEC. 129. ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF TORTURE.
``(a) In General.--The President is authorized to provide
assistance for the rehabilitation of victims of torture.
``(b) Eligibility for Grants.--Such assistance shall be provided in
the form of grants to treatment centers and programs in foreign
countries that are carrying out projects or activities specifically
designed to treat victims of torture for the physical and psychological
effects of the torture.
``(c) Use of Funds.--Such assistance shall be available--
``(1) for direct services to victims of torture; and
``(2) to provide research and training to health care
providers outside of treatment centers or programs described in
subsection (b), for the purpose of enabling such providers to
provide the services described in paragraph (1).''.
(b) Funding.--
(1) Authorization of appropriations.--Of the amounts
authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 1999, 2000, and
2001 pursuant to chapter 1 of part I of the Foreign Assistance
Act of 1961, there are authorized to be appropriated to the
President $5,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, $7,500,000 for
fiscal year 2000, and $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 to carry
out section 129 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as added
by subsection (a).
(2) Availability of funds.--Amounts appropriated pursuant
to this subsection shall remain available until expended.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on October 1, 1998.
SEC. 9. MULTILATERAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Funding.--Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for
fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001 pursuant to chapter 1 of part I of
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, there are authorized to be
appropriated to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of
Torture (in this section referred to as the ``Fund'') the following
amounts for the following fiscal years:
(1) Fiscal year 1999.--For fiscal year 1999, $3,000,000.
(2) Fiscal year 2000.--For fiscal year 2000, $3,000,000.
(3) Fiscal year 2001.--For fiscal year 2001, $3,000,000.
(b) Availability of Funds.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to
subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.
(c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
President, acting through the United States Permanent Representative to
the United Nations, should--
(1) request the Fund--
(A) to find new ways to support and protect
treatment centers and programs that are carrying out
rehabilitative services for victims of torture; and
(B) to encourage the development of new such
centers and programs;
(2) use the voice and vote of the United States to support
the work of the Special Rapporteur on Torture and the Committee
Against Torture established under the Convention Against
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment; and
(3) use the voice and vote of the United States to
establish a country rapporteur or similar procedural mechanism
to investigate human rights violations in a country if either
the Special Rapporteur or the Committee Against Torture
indicates that a systematic practice of torture is prevalent in
that country. | Survivors of Torture Support Act - Declares that it shall be U.S. policy not to expel, extradite, or otherwise effect the involuntary return of any person to a country in which there are substantial grounds for believing the person would be in danger of being subjected to torture, regardless of whether the person is physically present in the United States. Requires the heads of the appropriate agencies to prescribe regulations which shall exclude specified aliens who travel from territory contiguous to the United States. Denies any court jurisdiction to review such regulations. Specifies that nothing herein shall be construed as limiting the Attorney General's authority to detain any person under any provision of law.
(Sec. 5) Covers within this Act any alien presenting a claim of having been tortured, or whom there is reason to believe has been tortured.
Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) consideration by appropriate officials of the effects of torture; (2) expedited processing of refugee admissions and for asylum and withholding of removal; (3) granting parole in lieu of detention for such an individual under the Immigration and Nationality Act; and (4) exemption of such an individual from expedited removal pursuant to such Act.
Expresses the sense of the Congress that the Attorney General should allocate sufficient resources to maintain in the Immigration and Naturalization Service's Resource Information Center current information relating to the use of torture in foreign countries.
(Sec. 6) Directs the Attorney General to provide training for immigration inspectors and examiners, immigration officers, asylum officers, immigration judges, and other relevant Department of Justice officials, and directs the Secretary of State to provide training for consular officers, regarding the identification of torture, the surrounding circumstances most often practiced, the long-term effects upon a victim, the identification of the physical, cognitive, and emotional effects of torture, and the appropriate manner of interviewing torture victims.
(Sec. 7) Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide grants to programs in the United States to cover the cost of specified services for torture victims. Authorizes the appropriation of funds for assistance for domestic centers and programs for the treatment of torture victims.
(Sec. 8) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide grants to treatment centers and programs in foreign countries which are specifically carrying out projects or activities to treat victims of torture. Authorizes appropriations.
(Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations to the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture for FY 1999 through 2001. | billsum_train |
Condense the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``End Pensions in Congress Act'' or
the ``EPIC Act''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE CIVIL SERVICE RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8335 the following:
``Sec. 8335a. Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of
Congress
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this
subchapter and subject to subsection (f), effective as of the date of
enactment of this section--
``(1) a Member shall not be subject to this subchapter for
any further period of time; and
``(2) no further Government contributions or deductions
from basic pay may be made with respect to such Member for
deposit in the Treasury of the United States to the credit of
the Fund.
``(b) Prior Rights Not Affected.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall
be considered to nullify, modify, or otherwise affect any right,
entitlement, or benefit under this subchapter with respect to any
Member covering any period prior to the date of enactment of this
section.
``(c) Right To Participate in Thrift Savings Plan Not Affected.--
Nothing in subsection (a) shall affect the eligibility of a Member to
participate in the Thrift Savings Plan in accordance with otherwise
applicable provisions of law.
``(d) Regulations.--Any regulations necessary to carry out this
section may--
``(1) except with respect to matters under paragraph (2),
be prescribed by the Director of the Office of Personnel
Management; and
``(2) with respect to matters relating to the Thrift
Savings Plan, be prescribed by the Executive Director (as
defined by section 8401(13)).
``(e) Exclusion.--For purposes of this section, the term `Member'
does not include the Vice President.
``(f) Opt-In.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this section, a Member covered by this subchapter as of such date of
enactment may elect, by giving notice in writing to the official by
whom such Member is paid, to remain subject to this subchapter.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 8335 the following:
``8335a. Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of
Congress.''.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE FEDERAL EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 84 of title 5, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8425 the following:
``Sec. 8425a. Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of
Congress
``(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this
chapter, effective as of the date of enactment of this section--
``(1) subject to subsection (f), in the case of an
individual who first becomes a Member before such date of
enactment--
``(A) such Member shall not be subject to this
chapter for any further period of time after such date
of enactment; and
``(B) no further Government contributions or
deductions from basic pay may be made with respect to
such Member for deposit in the Treasury of the United
States to the credit of the Fund; and
``(2) in the case of an individual who first becomes a
Member on or after such date of enactment--
``(A) such Member shall not be subject to this
chapter; and
``(B) no Government contributions or deductions
from basic pay may be made with respect to such Member
for deposit in the Treasury of the United States to the
credit of the Fund.
``(b) Prior Rights Not Affected.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall
be considered to nullify, modify, or otherwise affect any right,
entitlement, or benefit under this chapter with respect to any Member
covering any period prior to the date of enactment of this section.
``(c) Right To Participate in Thrift Savings Plan Not Affected.--
Nothing in subsection (a) or (b) shall affect the eligibility of a
Member to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan in accordance with
otherwise applicable provisions of law.
``(d) Regulations.--
``(1) In general.--Any regulations necessary to carry out
this section may--
``(A) except with respect to matters under
subparagraph (B), be prescribed by the Director of the
Office of Personnel Management; and
``(B) with respect to matters relating to the
Thrift Savings Plan, be prescribed by the Executive
Director (as defined by section 8401(13)).
``(2) Refunds.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), the
regulations under paragraph (1)(A) shall, in the case of a
Member who has not completed at least 5 years of civilian
service as of the date of enactment of this section, provide
that the lump-sum credit shall be payable to such Member to the
same extent and in the same manner as if such Member satisfied
paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 8424(a) as of such date
of enactment.
``(e) Exclusions.--For purposes of this section, the term `Member'
does not include the Vice President.
``(f) Opt-In for Members.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this section, a Member covered by this chapter as of such
date may elect, by giving notice in writing to the official by whom
such Member is paid, to remain subject to this chapter.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 8425 the following:
``8425a. Termination of further retirement coverage of Members of
Congress.''. | End Pensions in Congress Act or the EPIC Act Amends the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) to exclude Members of Congress, except the Vice President, from further CSRS and FERS retirement coverage. Prohibits further government contributions or deductions from such Member's basic pay for deposit in the Treasury to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. States that nothing in this Act shall: (1) be considered to nullify, modify, or otherwise affect any right, entitlement, or benefit under CSRS or FERS for any Member covering any period before enactment of this Act; or (2) affect the eligibility of a Member to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan in accordance with otherwise applicable law. Allows Members covered by such exclusion, within 90 days after enactment of this Act, to elect to remain subject to CSRS or FERS, as the case may be. | billsum_train |
Make a brief summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Coast Guard Hurricane Relief Act of
2005''.
SEC. 2. COMMENDATION, RECOGNITION, AND THANKS FOR COAST GUARD
PERSONNEL.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf of
Mexico coastal region of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama,
causing the worst natural disaster in United States history.
(2) The Coast Guard strategically positioned its aircraft,
vessels, and personnel the day before Hurricane Katrina made
landfall and launched search and rescue teams within hours after
Hurricane Katrina struck.
(3) The Coast Guard moved its operations in areas threatened by
Hurricane Katrina to higher ground and mobilized cutters, small
boats, and aircraft from all around the United States to help in
the response to Hurricane Katrina.
(4) The response to Hurricane Katrina by members and employees
of the Coast Guard has been immediate, invaluable, and courageous.
(5) The Coast Guard rescued more than 33,000 people affected by
Hurricane Katrina through the air and by water, including
evacuations of hospitals, and has been at the center of efforts to
restore commerce to areas affected by Hurricane Katrina by clearing
shipping channels, replacing aids to navigation, and securing
uprooted oil rigs.
(6) The Coast Guard was at the forefront of the Federal
response to the numerous oil and chemical spills in the area
affected by Hurricane Katrina.
(7) Members and employees of the Coast Guard--
(A) have shown great leadership in helping to coordinate
relief efforts with respect to Hurricane Katrina;
(B) have used their expertise and specialized skills to
provide immediate assistance to victims and survivors of the
hurricane; and
(C) have set up remote assistance operations in the
affected areas in order to best provide service to the Gulf of
Mexico coastal region.
(8) Members and employees of the Coast Guard have worked
together to bring clean water, food, and resources to victims and
survivors in need.
(b) Commendation, Recognition, and Thanks.--The Congress--
(1) commends the outstanding efforts in response to Hurricane
Katrina by members and employees of the Coast Guard;
(2) recognizes that the actions of these individuals went above
and beyond the call of duty; and
(3) thanks them for their continued dedication and service.
(c) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the Coast
Guard should play a major role in response to any future national
emergency or disaster caused by a natural event in the United States in
a coastal or offshore area.
SEC. 3. TEMPORARY AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND THE DURATION OF LICENSES,
CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRY, AND MERCHANT MARINERS'
DOCUMENTS.
(a) Licenses and Certificates of Registry.--Notwithstanding
sections 7106 and 7107 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary
of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating may temporarily
extend the duration of a license or certificate of registry issued for
an individual under chapter 71 of that title until not later than
February 28, 2006, if--
(1) the individual is a resident of Alabama, Mississippi, or
Louisiana; or
(2) the individual is a resident of any other State, and the
records of the individual--
(A) are located at the Coast Guard facility in New Orleans
that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina; or
(B) were damaged or lost as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
(b) Merchant Mariners' Documents.--Notwithstanding section 7302(g)
of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating may temporarily extend the duration
of a merchant mariners' document issued for an individual under chapter
73 of that title until not later than February 28, 2006, if--
(1) the individual is a resident of Alabama, Mississippi, or
Louisiana; or
(2) the individual is a resident of any other State, and the
records of the individual--
(A) are located at the Coast Guard facility in New Orleans
that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina; or
(B) were damaged or lost as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
(c) Manner of Extension.--Any extensions granted under this section
may be granted to individual seamen or a specifically identified group
of seamen.
SEC. 4. TEMPORARY AUTHORIZATION TO EXTEND THE DURATION OF VESSEL
CERTIFICATES OF INSPECTION.
(a) Authority to Extend.--Notwithstanding section 3307 and 3711(b)
of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the department in
which the Coast Guard is operating may temporarily extend the duration
or the validity of a certificate of inspection or a certificate of
compliance issued under chapter 33 or 37, respectively, of title 46,
United States Code, for up to 3 months for a vessel inspected by a
Coast Guard Marine Safety Office located in Alabama, Mississippi, or
Louisiana.
(b) Expiration of Authority.--The authority provided under this
section expires February 28, 2006.
SEC. 5. PRESERVATION OF LEAVE LOST DUE TO HURRICANE KATRINA OPERATIONS.
(a) Preservation of Leave.--Notwithstanding section 701(b) of title
10, United States Code, any member of the Coast Guard who serves on
active duty for a continuous period of 30 days, who is assigned to duty
or otherwise detailed in support of units or operations in the Eighth
Coast Guard District area of responsibility for activities to mitigate
the consequences of, or assist in the recovery from, Hurricane Katrina,
during the period beginning on August 28, 2005, and ending on January
1, 2006, and who would otherwise lose any accumulated leave in excess
of 60 days as a consequence of such assignment, is authorized to retain
an accumulated total of up to 90 days of leave.
(b) Excess Leave.--Leave in excess of 60 days accumulated under
subsection (a) shall be lost unless used by the member before the
commencement of the second fiscal year following the fiscal year in
which the assignment commences, or in the case of a Reserve members,
the year in which the period of active service is completed.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Coast Guard Hurricane Relief Act of 2005 - Commends and thanks the Coast Guard (CG) for its outstanding efforts in response to Hurricane Katrina. Expresses the sense of Congress that the CG should play a major role in any future national emergency or disaster caused by a natural event in a U.S. coastal or offshore area.
Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (Secretary) to temporarily extend the duration of merchant mariners' licenses or documents or vessel certificates of registry issued to an individual until not later than February 28, 2006, if such individual is a resident of: (1) Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana; or (2) any other state, and the individual's records are located in a CG facility in New Orleans that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina, or were damaged or lost as a result of it. Authorizes the Secretary to extend the duration or the validity of a certificate of inspection or a certificate of compliance issued for up to three months for a vessel inspected by a CG Marine Safety Office located in Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana.
Authorizes CG members assigned to duty in support of units in the Eighth CG District area to mitigate the consequences of, or assist in the recovery from, Hurricane Katrina during the period from August 28, 2005, to January 1, 2006, and who would lose accumulated leave in excess of 60 days as a result of such assignment, to retain an accumulated total of up to 90 days of leave. | billsum_train |
Provide a condensed version of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Congressional
Pension Integrity Act of 1996''.
(b) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) Members of Congress pledge to uphold the Constitution
and the laws of the United States;
(2) Members of Congress are elected to serve in the public
trust and pledge to uphold this public trust;
(3) a breach of the public trust by a Member of Congress is
a serious offense that should have serious consequences;
(4) a Member of Congress who is convicted of a felony
should be punished not only for the crime committed, but for
violating the public trust; and
(5) taxpayers should not pay for the retirement benefits of
Members of Congress who have breached the public trust.
SEC. 2. CONVICTION OF CERTAIN OFFENSES AND FORFEITURE OF RETIREMENT
BENEFITS.
(a) In General.--Section 8312(a) of title 5, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (1), by
striking the period at the end of paragraph (2) and inserting
``; or'', and by adding after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) was convicted, on or after the date of the enactment
of the Congressional Pension Integrity Act of 1996, of an
offense described in subsection (e), to the extent provided by
that subsection.''; and
(2) 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 after subparagraph (B) the
following:
``(C) with respect to an offense described in subsection
(e), to the period after the date of conviction or after the
date of the enactment of the Congressional Pension Integrity
Act of 1996, whichever is later.''.
(b) Description of Offenses.--Section 8312 of title 5, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) An offense described in this subsection is any offense--
``(1)(A) which is a felony under Federal or State law; or
``(B) which is (i) not an offense described in subparagraph
(A), (ii) a crime under Federal or State law, and (iii) a
result of conduct directly related to the performance of the
individual's official duties as a Member of Congress;
``(2) for which the individual is convicted on or after the
date on which such individual first becomes a Member of
Congress (including a Delegate to Congress), whether or not
such individual is still such a Member on the date of
conviction; and
``(3) which was committed on or after the date of the
enactment of the Congressional Pension Integrity Act of
1996.''.
SEC. 3. ABSENCE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO AVOID PROSECUTION.
Section 8313(a)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at
the end of subparagraph (B) and inserting ``or'', and by adding at the
end the following:
``(C) after the date of the enactment of the
Congressional Pension Integrity Act of 1996, for an
offense described in section 8312(e); and''.
SEC. 4. FORFEITURE OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND DEPOSITS.
(a) General Rule.--
(1) Refund provisions not applicable to offenses described
in section 8312(e).--Section 8316(b) of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) A refund under this section may not be made when payment of
annuity or retired pay is denied under this subchapter because an
individual was convicted of an offense described in section 8312(e), to
the extent provided therein.''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 8316(a) of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``When'' and
inserting ``Except as provided in subsection (c), when''.
(b) Treatment of Contributions to the Thrift Savings Plan.--
(1) In general.--Section 8316 of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), when payment of
annuity or retired pay is denied under this subchapter because an
individual was convicted of an offense named by section 8312, to the
extent provided by that section, or violated section 8314 or 8315, the
amount standing to such individual's credit in the Thrift Savings Plan
at the time of the conviction or violation (as the case may be) shall,
on appropriate application therefor, be refunded or otherwise made
available to such individual, at such time, in such manner, to such
extent, and otherwise in accordance with such regulations as the
Executive Director shall prescribe consistent, to the extent
practicable, with subsections (a) and (b).
``(2) No amount shall be refunded or otherwise made available under
this subsection when payment of annuity or retired pay is denied under
this subchapter because an individual was convicted of an offense named
by section 8312(e), to the extent provided therein.
``(3) For the purpose of this subsection--
``(A) the term `Thrift Savings Plan' means the Thrift
Savings Plan under subchapter III of chapter 84; and
``(B) the term `Executive Director' means the Executive
Director appointed under section 8474(a).''.
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 8318(d) of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``The Executive Director shall prescribe regulations
under which this subsection shall be applied in any case in
which the pardoned individual is an individual with respect to
whom the regulations under section 8316(c) were applied.''. | Congressional Pension Integrity Act of 1996 - Amends Federal law to deny annuity or retirement pay to an individual convicted on or after the enactment of this Act of a felony or a crime under State or Federal law that results from conduct directly related to the performance of the individual's official duties as a Member of Congress: (1) for which the individual is convicted on or after the date such individual first becomes a Member of Congress (including a Delegate to Congress), whether or not such individual is still such a Member on the date of conviction; and (2) which was committed after enactment of this Act.
Denies annuity benefits to such an individual who willfully remains outside the United States or its territories and possessions for more than one year with knowledge of his or her indictment or charges.
Provides for forfeiture of retirement contributions and deposits made by such individuals, including contributions into the Thrift Savings Plan. | billsum_train |
Condense the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business International Trade
Enhancements Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR FOR
INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
(a) Establishment.--Section 22 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
649) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Sec. 22. (a) There'' and inserting the
following:
``SEC. 22. OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
``(a) Establishment.--
``(1) Office.--There''; and
(2) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Associate administrator.--The head of the Office
shall be the Associate Administrator for International Trade,
who shall be responsible to the Administrator.''.
(b) Authority for Additional Associate Administrator.--Section
4(b)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 633(b)(1)) is amended--
(1) in the fifth sentence, by striking ``five Associate
Administrators'' and inserting ``Associate Administrators'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``One such
Associate Administrator shall be the Associate Administrator
for International Trade, who shall be the head of the Office of
International Trade established under section 22.''.
(c) Discharge of International Trade Responsibilities of
Administration.--Section 22 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 649)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Discharge of International Trade Responsibilities of
Administration.--The Administrator shall ensure that--
``(1) the responsibilities of the Administration regarding
international trade are carried out by the Associate
Administrator;
``(2) the Associate Administrator has sufficient resources
to carry out such responsibilities; and
``(3) the Associate Administrator has direct supervision
and control over--
``(A) the staff of the Office; and
``(B) any employee of the Administration whose
principal duty station is an Export Assistance Center,
or any successor entity.''.
(d) Role of Associate Administrator in Carrying Out International
Trade Policy.--Section 2(b)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
631(b)(1)) is amended in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(1) by inserting ``the Administrator of'' before ``the
Small Business Administration''; and
(2) by inserting ``through the Associate Administrator for
International Trade, and'' before ``in cooperation with''.
(e) Implementation Date.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Small Business
Administration shall appoint an Associate Administrator for
International Trade under section 22(a) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 649(a)), as added by this section.
SEC. 3. OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
(a) Amendments to Section 22.--Section 22 of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 649) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``(b) The Office'' and inserting
the following:
``(b) Trade Distribution Network.--The Associate Administrator'';
(B) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
inserting ``Export Assistance Centers,'' after ``export
promotion efforts,''; and
(C) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) assist in maintaining a distribution network, using
regional and local offices of the Administration, the small
business development center network, networks of women's
business centers, and Export Assistance Centers for programs
relating to--
``(A) trade promotion;
``(B) trade finance;
``(C) trade adjustment assistance;
``(D) trade remedy assistance; and
``(E) trade data collection;'';
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``(c) The Office'' and inserting
the following:
``(c) Promotion of Sales Opportunities.--The Associate
Administrator'';
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (8) as
paragraphs (2) through (9), respectively;
(C) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so
redesignated, the following:
``(1) establish annual goals for the Office relating to--
``(A) enhancing the exporting capability of small
business concerns and small manufacturers;
``(B) facilitating technology transfers;
``(C) enhancing programs and services to assist
small business concerns and small manufacturers to
compete effectively and efficiently against foreign
entities;
``(D) increasing the ability of small business
concerns to access capital;
``(E) disseminating information concerning Federal,
State, and private programs and initiatives; and
``(F) ensuring that the interests of small business
concerns are adequately represented in trade
negotiations;'';
(D) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by
striking ``mechanism for'' and all that follows through
``(D) assisting'' and inserting the following:
``mechanism for--
``(A) identifying subsectors of the small business
community with strong export potential;
``(B) identifying areas of demand in foreign
markets;
``(C) prescreening foreign buyers for commercial
and credit purposes; and
``(D) assisting'';
(E) in paragraph (5)(A), as so redesignated, by
striking ``Gross State Produce'' and inserting ``Gross
State Product'';
(F) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by
striking the period at the end and inserting a
semicolon; and
(G) in paragraph (9), as so redesignated--
(i) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A)--
(I) by striking ``full-time export
development specialists to each
Administration regional office and
assigning''; and
(II) by striking ``office. Such
specialists'' and inserting ``office
and providing each Administration
regional office with a full-time export
development specialist, who'';
(ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(iii) in subparagraph (E), by striking the
period at the end and inserting a semicolon;
and
(iv) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) participate, jointly with employees of the
Office, in an annual training program that focuses on
current small business needs for exporting; and
``(G) develop and conduct training programs for
exporters and lenders, in cooperation with the Export
Assistance Centers, the Department of Commerce, small
business development centers, and other relevant
Federal agencies.'';
(3) in subsection (d)--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as
clauses (i) through (v), respectively, and adjusting
the margins accordingly;
(B) by striking ``(d) The Office'' and inserting
the following:
``(d) Export Financing Programs.--
``(1) In general.--The Associate Administrator''; and
(C) by striking ``To accomplish this goal, the
Office shall work'' and inserting the following:
``(2) Trade finance specialist.--To accomplish the goal
established under paragraph (1), the Associate Administrator
shall--
``(A) designate at least 1 individual within the
Administration as a trade finance specialist to oversee
international loan programs and assist Administration
employees with trade finance issues; and
``(B) work'';
(4) in subsection (e), by striking ``(e) The Office'' and
inserting the following:
``(e) Trade Remedies.--The Associate Administrator'';
(5) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
``(f) Reporting Requirement.--The Associate Administrator shall
submit an annual report to the Committee on Small Business and
Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small Business of
the House of Representatives that contains--
``(1) a description of the progress of the Office in
implementing the requirements of this section;
``(2) for any travel by the staff of the Office, the
destination of such travel and the benefits to the
Administration and to small business concerns resulting from
such travel; and
``(3) a description of the participation by the Office in
trade negotiations.'';
(6) in subsection (g), by striking (g) The Office and
inserting the following:
``(g) Studies.--The Associate Administrator''; and
(7) by adding after subsection (h), as addded by section 2
of this Act, the following:
``(i) Export Assistance Centers.--
``(1) In general.--During the period beginning on October
1, 2009, and ending on September 30, 2012, the Administrator
shall ensure that the number of full-time equivalent employees
of the Office assigned to the Export Assistance Centers is not
less than the number of such employees so assigned on January
1, 2003.
``(2) Priority of placement.--The Administrator shall give
priority, to the maximum extent practicable, to placing
employees of the Administration at any Export Assistance Center
that--
``(A) had an Administration employee assigned to
the Export Assistance Center before January 2003; and
``(B) has not had an Administration employee
assigned to the Export Assistance Center during the
period beginning January 2003, and ending on the date
of enactment of this subsection, either through
retirement or reassignment.
``(3) Needs of exporters.--The Administrator shall, to the
maximum extent practicable, strategically assign Administration
employees to Export Assistance Centers, based on the needs of
exporters.
``(4) Goals.--The Associate Administrator shall work with
the Department of Commerce and the Export-Import Bank to
establish shared annual goals for the Export Assistance
Centers.
``(5) Oversight.--The Associate Administrator shall
designate an individual within the Administration to oversee
all activities conducted by Administration employees assigned
to Export Assistance Centers.
``(j) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `Associate Administrator' means the
Associate Administrator for International Trade described in
subsection (a)(2);
``(2) the term `Export Assistance Center' means a one-stop
shop for United States exporters established by the United
States and Foreign Commercial Service of the Department of
Commerce pursuant to section 2301(b)(8) of the Omnibus Trade
and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4721(b)(8)); and
``(3) the term `Office' means the Office of International
Trade established under subsection (a)(1).''.
(b) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit a report to the Committee on
Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on
Small Business of the House of Representatives on any travel by the
staff of the Office of International Trade of the Administration,
including the destination of such travel and the benefits to the
Administration and to small business concerns resulting from such
travel.
SEC. 4. INTERNATIONAL TRADE LOANS.
(a) In General.--Section 7(a)(3)(B) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(a)(3)(B)) is amended by striking ``$1,750,000, of which not
more than $1,250,000'' and inserting ``$2,750,000 (or if the gross loan
amount would exceed $3,670,000), of which not more than $2,000,000''.
(b) Working Capital.--Section 7(a)(16)(A) of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 636(a)(16)(A)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking ``in--
'' and inserting ``--'';
(2) in clause (i)--
(A) by inserting ``in'' after ``(i)''; and
(B) by striking ``or'' at the end;
(3) in clause (ii)--
(A) by inserting ``in'' after ``(ii)''; and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``, including any debt that qualifies for refinancing
under any other provision of this subsection; or''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) by providing working capital.''.
(c) Collateral.--Section 7(a)(16)(B) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(a)(16)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Each loan'' and inserting the following:
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), each loan''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Exception.--A loan under this
paragraph may be secured by a second lien
position on the property or equipment financed
by the loan or on other assets of the small
business concern, if the Administrator
determines the lien provides adequate assurance
of the payment of the loan.''.
SEC. 5. SENSE OF CONGRESS RELATING TO ASSISTANT UNITED STATES TRADE
REPRESENTATIVE FOR SMALL BUSINESS.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) According to the Office of Advocacy of the Small
Business Administration, small business concerns (as that term
is defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
632)) represent 97 percent of all exporters in the United
States and account for 29 percent of the total exporting
volume. Despite the overwhelming majority of exporters that are
small business concerns, fewer than 1 percent of all small
business concerns in the United States are engaged in trade-
related business activities.
(2) According to the Office of Advocacy of the Small
Business Administration, more than 72 percent of all exporters
in the United States employ fewer than 20 employees. Small
business concerns often do not have the sales volume or
resources to overcome the costs of trade barriers and overhead
expenses in international transactions, nor can small business
concerns afford to maintain employees with international trade
expertise to resolve trade problems.
(3) Small business advocacy groups often lack political
influence in foreign countries, which hinders efforts to solve
problems outside the legal process. Small business advocates
are not as visible or vocal on issues relating to international
trade as are the advocates for other issues, due to a lack of
resources for advocacy.
(4) In 1988, Congress passed section 8012 of the Omnibus
Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 631 note),
which expressed the sense of Congress that the United States
Trade Representative should appoint a special trade assistant
for small business. As of June 2009, the position has not been
established by the United States Trade Representative.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the United
States Trade Representative should establish the position of Assistant
United States Trade Representative for Small Business, to--
(1) promote the trade interests of small business concerns;
(2) identify and address foreign trade barriers that impede
the exportation of goods by small business concerns;
(3) ensure that small business concerns are adequately
represented during trade negotiations by the United States
Trade Representative; and
(4) coordinate with other Federal agencies that are
responsible for providing information or assistance to small
business concerns. | Small Business International Trade Enhancements Act of 2009 - Amends the Small Business Act to establish an Associate Administrator for International Trade as the head of the Office of International Trade of the Small Business Administration (SBA), who shall be responsible for international trade policy. Grants the SBA Administrator the authority to appoint additional Associate Administrators.
Requires Export Assistance Centers (one-stop shops for U.S. exporters) to aid the Associate Administrator in maintaining a trade distribution network for trade promotion and trade assistance for small businesses. Requires the Associate Administrator to establish annual goals to enhance the export capabilities of small businesses and small manufacturers to compete against foreign entities.
Directs the Associate Administrator, in order to provide small businesses access to certain export financing programs, to appoint at least one trade financial specialist within the SBA to oversee international loan programs and assist SBA employees with trade finance issues.
Directs the SBA Administrator to ensure that the number of full -time equivalent Office employees assigned to the Export Assistance Centers for U.S. exporters is at least the number that were assigned on January 1, 2003.
Increases: (1) the total outstanding amount of an international trade loan guaranteed by the SBA under the Export Working Capital Program; (2) the maximum amount of an international trade loan; and (3) the maximum amount available for export working capital, supplies, or financing. Allows such loan to be secured by a second lien position on the property or equipment financed by the loan or on other assets of the small business concern. (Currently, a first lien position or first mortgage on the property, equipment, or other business assets is required.)
Expresses the sense of Congress that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) should establish the position of Assistant USTR for Small Business to promote the trade interests of small businesses. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Make College Affordable Act of
2001''.
SEC. 2. DEDUCTION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSES.
(a) Deduction Allowed.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized
deductions for individuals) is amended by redesignating section 222 as
section 223 and by inserting after section 221 the following:
``SEC. 222. HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSES.
``(a) Allowance of Deduction.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of an individual, there
shall be allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the
applicable dollar amount of the qualified higher education
expenses paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
``(2) Applicable dollar amount.--The applicable dollar
amount for any taxable year shall be determined as follows:
Applicable
``Taxable year: dollar amount:
2002.......................................... $4,000
2003.......................................... $8,000
2004 and thereafter........................... $12,000.
``(b) Limitation Based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income.--
``(1) In general.--The amount which would (but for this
subsection) be taken into account under subsection (a) shall be
reduced (but not below zero) by the amount determined under
paragraph (2).
``(2) Amount of reduction.--
``(A) Ratio.--The amount determined under this
paragraph 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) the applicable amount, bears
to
``(ii) $15,000.
``(B) Applicable amount.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), the applicable amount with respect to
the taxpayer is an amount equal to the
<plus-minus>maximum taxable income amount in the 28-
percent rate bracket in the table contained in section
1 applicable to the taxpayer.
``(3) Modified adjusted gross income.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `modified adjusted gross income' means the
adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year
determined--
``(A) without regard to this section and sections
911, 931, and 933, and
``(B) after the application of sections 86, 135,
219, 220, and 469.
For purposes of the sections referred to in subparagraph (B),
adjusted gross income shall be determined without regard to the
deduction allowed under this section.
``(c) Qualified Higher Education Expenses.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) Qualified higher education expenses.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified higher
education expenses' means tuition and fees charged by
an educational institution and required for the
enrollment or attendance of--
``(i) the taxpayer,
``(ii) the taxpayer's spouse,
``(iii) any dependent of the taxpayer with
respect to whom the taxpayer is allowed a
deduction under section 151, or
``(iv) any grandchild of the taxpayer,
as an eligible student at an institution of higher
education.
``(B) Eligible courses.--Amounts paid for qualified
higher education expenses of any individual shall be
taken into account under subsection (a) only to the
extent such expenses--
``(i) are attributable to courses of
instruction for which credit is allowed toward
a baccalaureate degree by an institution of
higher education or toward a certificate of
required course work at a vocational school,
and
``(ii) are not attributable to any graduate
program of such individual.
``(C) Exception for nonacademic fees.--Such term
does not include any student activity fees, athletic
fees, insurance expenses, or other expenses unrelated
to a student's academic course of instruction.
``(D) Eligible student.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), the term `eligible student' means a
student who--
``(i) meets the requirements of section
484(a)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1091(a)(1)), as in effect on the
date of the enactment of this section, and
``(ii) is carrying at least one-half the
normal full-time work load for the course of
study the student is pursuing, as determined by
the institution of higher education.
``(E) Identification requirement.--No deduction
shall be allowed under subsection (a) to a taxpayer
with respect to an eligible student unless the taxpayer
includes the name, age, and taxpayer identification
number of such eligible student on the return of tax
for the taxable year.
``(2) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the same meaning given
the term `eligible educational institution' in section 529(e).
``(d) Special Rules.--
``(1) No double benefit.--
``(A) In general.--No deduction shall be allowed
under subsection (a) for any expense for which a
deduction is allowable to the taxpayer under any other
provision of this chapter unless the taxpayer
irrevocably waives his right to the deduction of such
expense under such other provision.
``(B) Denial of deduction if credit elected.--No
deduction shall be allowed under subsection (a) for a
taxable year with respect to the qualified higher
education expenses of an individual if the taxpayer
elects to have section 25A apply with respect to such
individual for such year.
``(C) Dependents.--No deduction shall be allowed
under subsection (a) to any individual with respect to
whom a deduction under section 151 is allowable to
another taxpayer for a taxable year beginning in the
calendar year in which such individual's taxable year
begins.
``(D) Coordination with exclusions.--A deduction
shall be allowed under subsection (a) for qualified
higher education expenses only to the extent the amount
of such expenses exceeds the amount excludable under
section 135 or 530(d)(2) for the taxable year.
``(2) Limitation on taxable year of deduction.--
``(A) In general.--A deduction shall be allowed
under subsection (a) for qualified higher education
expenses for any taxable year only to the extent such
expenses are in connection with enrollment at an
institution of higher education during the taxable
year.
``(B) Certain prepayments allowed.--Subparagraph
(A) shall not apply to qualified higher education
expenses paid during a taxable year if such expenses
are in connection with an academic term beginning
during such taxable year or during the first 3 months
of the next taxable year.
``(3) Adjustment for certain scholarships and veterans
benefits.--The amount of qualified higher education expenses
otherwise taken into account under subsection (a) with respect
to the education of an individual shall be reduced (before the
application of subsection (b)) by the sum of the amounts
received with respect to such individual for the taxable year
as--
``(A) a qualified scholarship which under section
117 is not includable in gross income,
``(B) an educational assistance allowance under
chapter 30, 31, 32, 34, or 35 of title 38, United
States Code, or
``(C) a payment (other than a gift, bequest,
devise, or inheritance within the meaning of section
102(a)) for educational expenses, or attributable to
enrollment at an eligible educational institution,
which is exempt from income taxation by any law of the
United States.
``(4) No deduction for married individuals filing separate
returns.--If the taxpayer is a married individual (within the
meaning of section 7703), this section shall apply only if the
taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse file a joint return for the
taxable year.
``(5) Nonresident aliens.--If the taxpayer is a nonresident
alien individual for any portion of the taxable year, this
section shall apply only if such individual is treated as a
resident alien of the United States for purposes of this
chapter by reason of an election under subsection (g) or (h) of
section 6013.
``(6) Regulations.--The Secretary may prescribe such
regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out
this section, including regulations requiring recordkeeping and
information reporting.''.
(b) Deduction Allowed in Computing Adjusted Gross Income.--Section
62(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting
after paragraph (17) the following:
``(18) Higher education expenses.--The deduction allowed by
section 222.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for part VII of
subchapter B of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended by striking the item relating to section 222 and inserting the
following:
``Sec. 222. Higher education expenses.
``Sec. 223. Cross reference.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to payments made in taxable years beginning after December 31,
2001.
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 25A the
following new section:
``SEC. 25B. 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.
``(B) Modified adjusted gross income.--The term
`modified adjusted gross income' means adjusted gross
income determined without regard to sections 911, 931,
and 933.
``(C) Inflation adjustment.--In the case of any
taxable year beginning after 2003, 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 `2002' 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(e)(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 25A the
following new item:
``Sec. 25B. 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 25B(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, 2001. | Make College Affordable Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an annual income-adjusted deduction for qualified higher education expenses (tuition and academic fees) paid on behalf of a taxpayer, spouse, dependent, or grandchild. (Prohibits the use in the same year of such deduction and the Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits.)Establishes an annual income-adjusted credit (up to $1,500) for the interest paid during the first 60 months of a qualified higher education loan by a non-dependent taxpayer. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Let Seniors Work Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF PAYROLL TAX FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE ATTAINED
RETIREMENT AGE.
(a) In General.--Section 230 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
430) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``subsection (b) or
(c)'' and inserting ``subsection (b), (c), or (e)'',
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ``subsection (c)'' and
inserting ``subsections (c) and (e)'', and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the contribution
and benefit base determined under this section for any calendar year
after 2017 for any individual who has attained retirement age (as
defined in section 216(l)(1)) shall be reduced to zero.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to remuneration paid in any calendar year after 2017.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF PROVISIONS RELATING TO DEDUCTIONS ON ACCOUNT OF WORK.
(a) In General.--Subsections (b), (c)(1), (d), (f), (h), (j), and
(k) of section 203 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 403) are
repealed.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 203 of such Act (as amended by
subsection (a)) is further amended--
(1) in subsection (c), by redesignating such subsection as
subsection (b), and--
(A) by striking ``Noncovered Work Outside the
United States or'' in the heading;
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4)
as paragraphs (1), (2), and (3), respectively;
(C) by striking ``For purposes of paragraphs (2),
(3), and (4)'' and inserting ``For purposes of
paragraphs (1), (2), and (3)''; and
(D) by striking the last sentence;
(2) in subsection (e), by redesignating such subsection as
subsection (c), and by striking ``subsections (c) and (d)'' and
inserting ``subsection (b)'';
(3) in subsection (g), by redesignating such subsection as
subsection (d), and by striking ``subsection (c)'' each place
it appears and inserting ``subsection (b)''; and
(4) in subsection (l), by redesignating such subsection as
subsection (e), and by striking ``subsection (g) or (h)(1)(A)''
and inserting ``subsection (d)''.
SEC. 4. ADDITIONAL CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Provisions Relating to Benefits Terminated Upon Deportation.--
Section 202(n)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(n)(1)) is
amended by striking ``Section 203 (b), (c), and (d)'' and inserting
``Section 203(b)''.
(b) Provisions Relating to Exemptions From Reductions Based on
Early Retirement.--
(1) Section 202(q)(5)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
402(q)(5)(B)) is amended by striking ``section 203(c)(2)'' and
inserting ``section 203(b)(1)''.
(2) Section 202(q)(7)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
402(q)(7)(A)) is amended by striking ``deductions under section
203(b), 203(c)(1), 203(d)(1), or 222(b)'' and inserting
``deductions on account of work under section 203 or deductions
under section 222(b)''.
(c) Provisions Relating to Exemptions From Reductions Based on
Disregard of Certain Entitlements to Child's Insurance Benefits.--
(1) Section 202(s)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(s)(1)) is
amended by striking ``paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of section
203(c)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of
section 203(b)''.
(2) Section 202(s)(3) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(s)(3)) is
amended by striking ``The last sentence of subsection (c) of
section 203, subsection (f)(1)(C) of section 203, and
subsections'' and inserting ``Subsections''.
(d) Provisions Relating to Suspension of Aliens' Benefits.--Section
202(t)(7) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 402(t)(7)) is amended by striking
``Subsections (b), (c), and (d)'' and inserting ``Subsection (b)''.
(e) Provisions Relating to Reductions in Benefits Based on Maximum
Benefits.--Section 203(a)(3)(B)(iii) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
403(a)(3)(B)(iii)) is amended by striking ``and subsections (b), (c),
and (d)'' and inserting ``and subsection (b)''.
(f) Provisions Relating to Penalties for Misrepresentations
Concerning Earnings for Periods Subject to Deductions on Account of
Work.--Section 208(a)(1)(C) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 408(a)(1)(C)) is
amended by striking ``under section 203(f) of this title for purposes
of deductions from benefits'' and inserting ``under section 203 for
purposes of deductions from benefits on account of work''.
(g) Provisions Taking Into Account Earnings in Determining Benefit
Computation Years.--Clause (I) in the next to last sentence of section
215(b)(2)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(b)(2)(A)) is amended by
striking ``no earnings as described in section 203(f)(5) in such year''
and inserting ``no wages, and no net earnings from self-employment (in
excess of net loss from self-employment), in such year''.
(h) Provisions Relating to Rounding of Benefits.--Section 215(g) of
such Act (42 U.S.C. 415(g)) is amended by striking ``and any deduction
under section 203(b)''.
(i) Provisions Relating to Earnings Taken Into Account in
Determining Substantial Gainful Activity of Blind Individuals.--The
second sentence of section 223(d)(4)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
423(d)(4)(A)) is amended by striking ``if section 102 of the Senior
Citizens Right to Work Act of 1996 had not been enacted'' and inserting
the following: ``if the amendments to section 203 made by section 102
of the Senior Citizens Right to Work Act of 1996 and by the Let Seniors
Work Act of 2017 had not been enacted''.
(j) Provisions Defining Income for Purposes of SSI.--Section
1612(a) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1382a(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``as determined under section
203(f)(5)(C)'' in paragraph (1)(A) and inserting ``as defined
in the last two sentences of this subsection''; and
(2) by adding at the end (after and below paragraph (2)(H))
the following:
``For purposes of paragraph (1)(A), the term `wages' means wages as
defined in section 209, but computed without regard to the limitations
as to amounts of remuneration specified in paragraphs (1), (6)(B),
(6)(C), (7)(B), and (8) of section 209(a). In making the computation
under the preceding sentence, (A) services which do not constitute
employment as defined in section 210, performed within the United
States by an individual as an employee or performed outside the United
States in the active military or naval services of the United States,
shall be deemed to be employment as so defined if the remuneration for
such services is not includible in computing the individual's net
earnings or net loss from self-employment for purposes of title II, and
(B) the term `wages' shall be deemed not to include (i) the amount of
any payment made to, or on behalf of, an employee or any of his or her
dependents (including any amount paid by an employer for insurance or
annuities, or into a fund, to provide for any such payment) on account
of retirement, or (ii) any payment or series of payments by an employer
to an employee or any of his or her dependents upon or after the
termination of the employee's employment relationship because of
retirement after attaining an age specified in a plan referred to in
section 209(a)(11)(B) or in a pension plan of the employer.''.
(k) Repeal of Deductions on Account of Work Under the Railroad
Retirement Program.--
(1) In general.--Section 2 of the Railroad Retirement Act
of 1974 (45 U.S.C. 231a) is amended--
(A) by striking subsection (f); and
(B) by striking subsection (g)(2) and by
redesignating subsection (g)(1) as subsection (g).
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Section 3(f)(1) of such Act (45 U.S.C.
231b(f)(1)) is amended in the first sentence by
striking ``before any reductions under the provisions
of section 2(f) of this Act,''.
(B) Section 4(g)(2) of such Act (45 U.S.C.
231c(g)(2)) is amended--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``shall,
before any deductions under section 2(g) of
this Act,'' and inserting ``shall''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``any
deductions under section 2(g) of this Act and
before''.
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments and repeals made by sections 3 and 4 of this Act
shall apply with respect to taxable years ending on or after the date
of the enactment of this Act. | Let Seniors Work Act of 2017 This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) (OASDI) of the Social Security Act to: (1) eliminate the federal payroll tax with respect to the earnings of an individual who has attained retirement age, and (2) remove limitations on the amount of outside income that an OASDI beneficiary may earn without incurring a reduction in benefits. | billsum_train |
Provide a condensed version of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as ``Tim Fagan's Law'' or the ``Counterfeit
Drug Enforcement Act of 2005''.
SEC. 2. SALE OR TRADE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS KNOWINGLY CAUSED TO BE
ADULTERATED OR MISBRANDED; MISREPRESENTATION AS APPROVED
DRUGS.
(a) Criminal Penalty.--Section 303(a) of the Federal Food, Drug,
and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 333(a)) is amended by adding at the end the
following paragraphs:
``(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) or (2), in the case of
a person who violates section 301(a), 301(b), or 301(c) with
respect to a drug that is subject to section 503(b)(1)(B), if
the person knowingly caused the drug to be adulterated or
misbranded and sells or trades the drug, or the person
purchases or trades for the drug knowing or having reason to
know that the drug was knowingly caused to be adulterated or
misbranded, the person shall be fined in accordance with title
18, United States Code, or imprisoned for any term of years or
for life, or both.
``(4) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) or (2), in the case of
a person who violates section 301(d) with respect to a drug, if
the person caused the drug to be misrepresented as a drug that
is subject to section 503(b)(1)(B) and for which an approved
application is in effect under section 505 and the person sells
or trades the drug, or the person purchases or trades for the
drug knowing or having reason to know that the drug was
knowingly caused to be so misrepresented, the person shall be
fined in accordance with title 18, United States Code, or
imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both.''.
(b) Notification of Food and Drug Administration by
Manufacturers.--Section 505(k) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (21 U.S.C. 355(k)) is amended by adding at the end the following
paragraph:
``(3) A manufacturer of a drug that receives or otherwise
becomes aware of information that reasonably suggests that a
violation described in paragraph (3) or (4) of section 303(a)
may have occurred with respect to the drug shall report such
information to the Secretary not later than 48 hours after
first receiving or otherwise becoming aware of the
information.''.
SEC. 3. USE OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR PREVENTING COUNTERFEITING OF DRUGS.
Section 502 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
352) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(x) If it is a drug and it is not manufactured in accordance with
any regulations of the Secretary requiring the use of technologies that
the Secretary has determined are technically feasible and will assist
in preventing violations of this Act to which paragraphs (3) and (4) of
section 303(a) apply (relating to the knowing adulteration or
misbranding of drugs and the knowing misrepresentation of drugs).''.
SEC. 4. WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTION OF DRUGS; STATEMENTS REGARDING PRIOR
SALE, PURCHASE, OR TRADE.
(a) Striking of Exemptions for Manufacturers and Authorized
Distributors of Record.--Section 503(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 353(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``and who is not the manufacturer
or an authorized distributor of record of such drug'';
(B) by striking ``to an authorized distributor of
record or''; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) The Secretary shall by regulation establish
requirements that supersede subparagraph (A) (referred
to in this subparagraph as `alternative requirements')
to identify the chain of custody of a drug subject to
subsection (b) from the manufacturer of the drug
throughout the wholesale distribution of the drug to a
pharmacist who intends to sell the drug at retail if
the Secretary determines that--
``(i) the alternative requirements, which
may include standardized anti-counterfeiting or
track-and-trace technologies, will identify
such chain of custody or the identity of the
discrete package of the drug from which the
drug is dispensed with equal or greater
certainty to the requirements of subparagraph
(A); and
``(ii) the alternative requirements are
economically and technically feasible.''; and
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and subsection (d)--''
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) and all that follows
through ``the term `wholesale distribution' means'' in
subparagraph (B) and inserting the following: ``and subsection
(d), the term `wholesale distribution' means''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 503(d) of the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 353(d)) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(4) Each manufacturer of a drug subject to subsection (b)
shall maintain at its corporate offices a current list of the
authorized distributors of record of such drug.
``(5) For purposes of this subsection, the term `authorized
distributors of record' means any distributor that a
manufacturer designates as an authorized distributor of record
and whose name the manufacturer makes publicly available.''.
(c) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and
(b) shall take effect on January 1, 2010.
(2) High-risk drugs.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the
Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in
this section as the ``Secretary'') may apply the
amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) before
January 1, 2010, with respect to a prescription drug if
the Secretary--
(i) determines that the drug is at high
risk for being counterfeited; and
(ii) publishes the determination and the
basis for the determination in the Federal
Register.
(B) Pedigree not required.--Notwithstanding a
determination under subparagraph (A) with respect to a
prescription drug, the amendments described in such
subparagraph shall not apply with respect to a
wholesale distribution of such drug if the drug is
distributed by the manufacturer of the drug to a person
that distributes the drug to a retail pharmacy for
distribution to the consumer or patient, with no other
intervening transactions.
(C) Limitation.--The Secretary may make the
determination under subparagraph (A) with respect to
not more than 50 drugs before January 1, 2010.
(3) Alternative requirements.--The Secretary shall issue
regulations to establish the alternative requirements, referred
to in the amendment made by subsection (a)(1), that take effect
not later than--
(A) January 1, 2008, with respect to a prescription
drug determined under paragraph (2)(A) to be at high
risk for being counterfeited; and
(B) January 1, 2010, with respect to all other
prescription drugs.
(4) Intermediate requirements.--With respect to the
prescription drugs described under paragraph (3)(B), the
Secretary shall by regulation require the use of standardized
anti-counterfeiting or track-and-trace technologies on such
prescription drugs at the case and pallet level effective not
later than January 1, 2008.
SEC. 5. COUNTERFEIT DRUGS; INCREASED FUNDING FOR INSPECTIONS,
EXAMINATIONS, AND INVESTIGATIONS.
For the purpose of increasing the capacity of the Food and Drug
Administration to conduct inspections, examinations, and investigations
under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to
violations described in paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 303(a) of
such Act (as added by this Act), there is authorized to be appropriated
$60,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2010, in addition
to other authorizations of appropriations that are available for such
purpose.
SEC. 6. PUBLIC EDUCATION REGARDING COUNTERFEIT DRUGS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
carry out a program to educate the public and health care professionals
on counterfeit drugs, including techniques to identify drugs as
counterfeit.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out subsection (a), there is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000
for each of the fiscal years 2006 through 2010, in addition to other
authorizations of appropriations that are available for such purpose.
SEC. 7. RECALL AUTHORITY REGARDING DRUGS.
Subchapter A of chapter V of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (21 U.S.C. 351 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 506C
the following:
``SEC. 506D. RECALL AUTHORITY.
``(a) Order To Cease Distribution of Drug; Notification of Health
Professionals.--
``(1) In general.--If the Secretary finds that there is a
reasonable probability that a drug intended for human use would
cause serious, adverse health consequences or death, the
Secretary shall issue an order requiring the appropriate person
(including the manufacturers, importers, distributors, or
retailers of the drug)--
``(A) to immediately cease distribution of the
drug; and
``(B) to immediately notify health professionals of
the order and to instruct such professionals to cease
administering or prescribing the drug.
``(2) Informal hearing.--An order under paragraph (1) shall
provide the person subject to the order with an opportunity for
an informal hearing, to be held not later than 10 days after
the date of the issuance of the order, on the actions required
by the order and on whether the order should be amended to
require a recall of the drug involved. If, after providing an
opportunity for such a hearing, the Secretary determines that
inadequate grounds exist to support the actions required by the
order, the Secretary shall vacate the order.
``(b) Order To Recall Drug.--
``(1) In general.--If, after providing an opportunity for
an informal hearing under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary
determines that the order should be amended to include a recall
of the drug with respect to which the order was issued, the
Secretary shall, except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3),
amend the order to require a recall. The Secretary shall
specify a timetable in which the drug recall will occur and
shall require periodic reports to the Secretary describing the
progress of the recall.
``(2) Certain actions.--An amended order under paragraph
(1)--
``(A) shall not include recall of a drug from
individuals; and
``(B) shall provide for notice to individuals
subject to the risks associated with the use of the
drug.
``(3) Assistance of health professionals.--In providing the
notice required by paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary may use the
assistance of health professionals who administered the drug
involved to individuals or prescribed the drug for individuals.
If a significant number of such individuals cannot be
identified, the Secretary shall notify such individuals
pursuant to section 705(b).''.
SEC. 8. AUTHORITY TO ISSUE SUBPOENAS WITH RESPECT TO PREVENTING THREATS
TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH.
Section 303 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
333) is amended by adding at the end the following subsection:
``(g) The Secretary and the Attorney General shall develop and
implement a procedure through which the Chief Counsel in the Food and
Drug Administration is authorized to issue subpoenas regarding
investigations under this Act of acts or omissions that may constitute
a threat to the public health, including investigations of alleged
violations to which paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (a) apply and
alleged violations with respect to which the Secretary is considering
the use of authorities under section 304.''. | Tim Fagan's Law or the Counterfeit Drug Enforcement Act of 2005 - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish a criminal fine and/or imprisonment for a person who: (1) knowingly causes a prescription drug to be adulterated, misbranded, or misrepresented as an approved prescription drug and sells or trades the drug; or (2) purchases or trades for such drug knowing or having reason to know that the drug was knowingly adulterated, misbranded, or misrepresented. Requires a manufacturer of a drug to notify the Secretary of Health and Human Services within 48 hours after first receiving or becoming aware of information that reasonably suggests that such a violation may have occurred.
Deems a drug to be misbranded if it is not manufactured in accordance with the use of technologies that the Secretary determines are technically feasible and will assist in preventing such violations.
Requires the Secretary to establish alternative requirements to the extent that such requirements provide greater certainty on the chain of custody and are economically and technically feasible.
Increases funding for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspections, examinations, and investigations.
Requires the Secretary to educate the public and health care professionals on counterfeit drugs.
Directs the Secretary: (1) upon a finding of reasonable probability that a drug intended for human use would cause serious health consequences or death, to issue an order requiring the appropriate person (including the manufacturers, importers, distributors, or retailers of the drug) to cease distribution of the drug and to notify and instruct health professionals to cease administering or prescribing the drug; and (2) amend the order to include a recall if necessary. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Enhance Partner Cyber Capabilities
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
(1) The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (commonly known
as ``NATO'') remains a critical alliance for the United States
and a cost-effective, flexible means of providing security to
the most important allies of the United States.
(2) The regime of Russian President Vladimir Putin is
actively working to erode democratic systems of NATO member
states, including the United States.
(3) According to the report of the Office of the Director
of National Intelligence dated January 6, 2017, on the Russian
Federation's hack of the United States presidential election:
``Russian efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election
represent the most recent expression of Moscow's longstanding
desire to undermine the US-led liberal democratic order.''.
(4) As recently as May 4, 2017, the press reported a
massive cyber hack of French President Emmanuel Macron's
campaign, likely attributable to Russian actors.
(5) It is in the core interests of the United States to
enhance the offensive and defensive cyber capabilities of NATO
member states to deter and defend against Russian cyber and
influence operations.
(6) Enhanced offensive cyber capabilities would enable the
United States to demonstrate strength and deter the Russian
Federation from threatening NATO, while reassuring allies,
without a provocative buildup of conventional military forces.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON CYBER STRATEGY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
DEFENSE.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Secretary of Defense should update the cyber
strategy of the Department of Defense (as that strategy is
described in the Department of Defense document titled ``The
Department of Defense Cyber Strategy'' dated April 15, 2015);
(2) in updating the cyber strategy of the Department, the
Secretary should--
(A) specifically develop an offensive cyber
strategy that includes plans for the offensive use of
cyber capabilities, including computer network
exploitation and computer network attacks, to thwart
air, land, or sea attacks by the regime of Russian
President Vladimir Putin and other adversaries;
(B) provide guidance on integrating offensive tools
into the cyber arsenal of the Department; and
(C) assist NATO partners, through the NATO
Cooperative Cyber Center of Excellence and other
entities, in developing offensive cyber capabilities.
SEC. 4. STRATEGY FOR OFFENSIVE USE OF CYBER CAPABILITIES.
(a) Strategy Required.--The President shall develop a written
strategy for the offensive use of cyber capabilites by departments and
agencies of the Federal Government.
(b) Elements.--The strategy developed under subsection (a) shall
include, at minimum--
(1) a description of enhancements that are needed to
improve the offensive cyber capabilities of the United States
and partner nations, including NATO member states; and
(2) a statement of principles concerning the appropriate
deployment of offensive cyber capabilities.
(c) Submission to Congress.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the
congressional defense committees (as that term is defined in
section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code) the
strategy developed under subsection (a).
(2) Form of submission.--The strategy submitted under
paragraph (1) may be submitted in classified form.
SEC. 5. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION.
(a) Authority to Provide Technical Assistance.--The President,
acting through the Secretary of Defense and with the concurrence of the
Secretary of State, is authorized to provide technical assistance to
NATO member states to assist such states in developing and enhancing
offensive cyber capabilities.
(b) Technical Experts.--In providing technical assistance under
subsection (a), the President, acting through the NATO Cooperative
Cyber Center of Excellence, may detail technical experts in the field
of cyber operations to NATO member states.
(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to preclude or limit the authorities of the President or the
Secretary of Defense to provide cyber-related assistance to foreign
countries, including the authority of the Secretary to provide such
assistance under section 333 of title 10, United States Code. | Enhance Partner Cyber Capabilities Act This bill directs the President to develop a strategy for the offensive use of cyber capabilities by federal agencies. The strategy shall include: (1) a description of enhancements needed to improve such capabilities of the United States and partner nations, including North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members; and (2) a statement of principles for deployment of such capabilities. The bill authorizes the Department of Defense to furnish technical assistance to NATO members in developing and enhancing their capabilities. | billsum_train |
Make a brief summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Reducing Energy Use Through
Retrofitting Older Vehicles Act'' or the ``RETRO Act''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR HYBRID CONVERSION.
(a) In General.--Section 30B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended by redesignating subsections (j) and (k) as subsections (k)
and (l), respectively, and by inserting after subsection (i) the
following new subsection:
``(j) Hybrid Conversion Credit.--
``(1) Credit allowed.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a),
the hybrid conversion credit determined under this
subsection with respect to any motor vehicle which is
converted to a qualified hybrid motor vehicle is an
amount equal to so much of the cost of the conversion
of such vehicle as does not exceed the applicable
amount determined under the following table:
``If gross vehicle weight (prior to The applicable amount is:
conversion) is:
Not more than 8,500 pounds......................... $3,000
More than 8,500 pounds but not more than 14,000 $4,000
pounds.
More than 14,000 pounds but not more than 26,000 $6,000
pounds.
More than 26,000 pounds............................ $8,000.
``(2) Qualified hybrid motor vehicle.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `qualified hybrid motor vehicle' means any
new qualified hybrid motor vehicle (as defined in subsection
(d)(3), determined without regard to whether such vehicle is
made by a manufacturer or whether the original use of such
vehicle commences with the taxpayer) which--
``(A) is used or leased by the taxpayer and is not
for resale, and
``(B) achieves the minimum required reduction in
fuel consumption determined under the following table,
relative to the fuel consumption of an uncoverted
vehicle of the same make and model under the Urban
Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS) test procedure
issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (40 CFR
86.115 and appendix I to 40 CFR part 86):
``If vehicle (prior to conversion) The minimum required reduction is:
is:
A passenger vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 19 percent
not more than 8,500 pounds.
A light truck with a gross vehicle weight of not 15 percent
more than 8,500 pounds.
A diesel vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 17 percent
more than 8,500 pounds but not more than 14,000
pounds.
A gasoline vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of 12 percent
more than 8,500 pounds but not more than 14,000
pounds.
A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10 percent.
14,000 pounds.
``(3) Credit allowed in addition to other credits.--The
credit allowed under this subsection shall be allowed with
respect to a motor vehicle notwithstanding whether a credit has
been allowed with respect to such motor vehicle under this
section (other than this subsection and subsection (i)) in any
preceding taxable year. No credit shall be allowed under this
subsection with respect to a motor vehicle if the credit under
subsection (i) is allowed with respect to such motor vehicle in
any taxable year.
``(4) Limitation on number of hybrid conversions eligible
for credit.--This subsection shall not apply to the conversion
of any motor vehicle after the last day of the calendar quarter
which includes the first date on which the total number of
conversions with respect to which a credit under this
subsection has been allowed for all taxable years is at least
equal to the applicable number determined under the following
table:
``If gross vehicle weight (prior to The applicable number is:
conversion) is:
Not more than 8,500 pounds......................... 100,000
More than 8,500 pounds but not more than 14,000 70,000
pounds.
More than 14,000 pounds but not more than 26,000 20,000
pounds.
More than 26,000 pounds............................ 10,000.
``(5) Termination.--This subsection shall not apply to
conversions made after the date which is 5 years after the date
of the enactment of the RETRO Act.''.
(b) Credit Treated as Part of Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit.--
Subsection (a) of section 30B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (4),
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (5) and
inserting ``, and'', and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) the hybrid conversion credit determined under
subsection (j).''.
(c) No Recapture for Vehicles Converted to Qualified Hybrid Motor
Vehicles.--Paragraph (8) of section 30B(h) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 is amended by striking ``a vehicle)'' and all that follows and
inserting ``a vehicle), except that no benefit shall be recaptured if
such property ceases to be eligible for such credit by reason of
conversion to a qualified plug-in electric drive motor vehicle or a
qualified hybrid motor vehicle.''.
(d) Denial of Double Benefit.--Paragraph (3) of section 30B(i) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``No credit shall be allowed under this subsection with
respect to a motor vehicle if the credit under subsection (j) is
allowed with respect to such motor vehicle in any taxable year.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to property placed in service after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
(f) Rescission of Unobligated Federal Funds to Offset Loss in
Revenues.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, of all available unobligated funds, appropriated
discretionary funds are hereby rescinded in such amounts as
determined by the Director of the Office of Management and
Budget such that the aggregate amount of such rescission equals
the reduction in revenues to the Treasury by reason of the
amendments made by this section.
(2) Implementation.--The Director of the Office of
Management and Budget shall determine and identify from which
appropriation accounts the rescission under paragraph (1) shall
apply and the amount of such rescission that shall apply to
each such account. Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management
and Budget shall submit a report to the Secretary of the
Treasury and Congress of the accounts and amounts determined
and identified for rescission under the preceding sentence.
(3) Exception.--This subsection shall not apply to the
unobligated funds of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the
Department of Defense, or any funds appropriated for disaster
relief. | Reducing Energy Use Through Retrofitting Older Vehicles Act or the RETRO Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for the cost of converting a motor vehicle into a hybrid motor vehicle, based on gross vehicle weight. Limits the number of converted motor vehicles eligible for such credit. Terminates such credit five years after the enactment of this Act. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Arctic Climate Preservation Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Black carbon is a particulate pollutant that
contributes significantly to warming of the Earth's climate
system by converting solar radiation to heat, which is released
into the atmosphere. Black carbon has a particularly
detrimental impact on the Arctic by reducing surface
reflectivity and accelerating melting when it settles on snow
or ice surfaces. The atmospheric residence of black carbon is
less than 2 weeks, making this pollutant an important candidate
for immediate policy action to mitigate adverse climate
effects.
(2) Through various clean air programs, the United States
has reduced much of its black carbon pollution, though more
could be done by governments to help spur technological
innovation and energy technology deployment in countries where
major black carbon pollution still occurs through industrial
activities, agriculture and forestry practices, and residential
cooking with high pollution fuels.
(3) Black carbon is a serious threat to public health and
reductions in black carbon will produce immediate public health
benefits.
(4) Black carbon is a component of particulate matter
regulated under the Clean Air Act, however it is not explicitly
regulated as a global warming agent under United States law or
by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or
other international instruments.
(5) United States foreign policies and assistance programs,
as well as directions to multilateral lending organizations
such as the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and
other regional development banks, possess the potential to
significantly reduce black carbon pollution globally.
(6) Taking immediate cost-effective and technologically
feasible action to protect the Arctic, especially by
significantly reducing black carbon pollution, will protect an
ecosystem under imminent threat due to global warming.
SEC. 3. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to immediately identify cost-effective ways to reduce
black carbon pollution, both in the United States and
internationally, to stem and reverse the melting of Arctic Sea
ice, as well as contribute to reducing the rate of global
warming; and
(2) to establish the United States as a leader in
protecting the Arctic environment.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act:
(1) The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency.
(2) The term ``black carbon'' means the strongly light
absorbing component of carbonaceous aerosols.
(3) The term ``organic carbon'' means the components of
carbonaceous aerosols that are not strongly light-absorbing.
(4) The term ``person'' means any individual, corporation,
partnership, trust, association, or any other private entity,
or any officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality
of the Federal Government or of any State, municipality, or
political subdivision of a State, or of any foreign government,
any State, municipality, or political subdivision of a State,
or any other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the United
States.
SEC. 5. BLACK CARBON ABATEMENT STUDY.
(a) Study.--The Administrator shall conduct a study of black carbon
and organic carbon emissions in consultation with the Administrator of
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Administrator
of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Administrator
of the United States Agency for International Development, the Chief of
the United States Forest Service, the Secretary of the Interior, and
other agencies, as appropriate. The study shall include each of the
following:
(1) A summary of the research that has been conducted that
identifies--
(A) an inventory of the major sources of black
carbon and organic carbon emissions in the United
States and throughout the world, including an estimate
of the quantity of current and projected future
emissions, and the net climate effects of the emissions
from those sources;
(B) effective and cost-effective control
technologies, operations, or strategies for additional
domestic and international black carbon reductions,
including the lifecycle climate impacts of installation
or implementation of emission control technologies,
operations, or strategies, such as diesel particulate
filters on existing on-road and off-road engines, and
including consideration of emissions from residential
cookstoves, forest burning, and other agriculture-based
burning;
(C) potential metrics quantifying the net radiative
forcing, warming, or other climatic effects of black
carbon and organic carbon emissions, which might be
used to compare the climate benefits of different
mitigation strategies; and
(D) the health benefits associated with additional
controls for black carbon emissions.
(2) Recommendations of the Administrator regarding--
(A) areas of focus for additional research for
technologies, operations, and strategies with the
highest potential to reduce emissions of black carbon;
and
(B) actions the Federal Government could carry out
to encourage or require black carbon emission
reductions that may be additional to those identified
under section 6.
(b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report
describing the results of the study.
SEC. 6. BLACK CARBON REDUCTIONS IN THE UNITED STATES.
(a) Regulations.--By 270 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Administrator shall propose regulations under the
existing authorities of the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions of black
carbon. The Administrator shall promulgate final regulations under
those authorities within 635 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act. In developing such regulations, the Administrator shall take
into account the full range of health and environmental harms of black
carbon emissions, including the effects on global warming and the
Arctic.
(b) Clean Air Act Provisions.--The obligations of the Administrator
under subsection (a) shall be considered a nondiscretionary duty for
purposes of sections 304 of the Clean Air Act.
SEC. 7. UNITED STATES FOREIGN AID AND ASSISTANCE.
(a) Report.--Within 9 months after enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of State, in coordination with other appropriate Federal
agencies such as the Agency for International Development, the
Secretary of the Treasury, and the Administrator, shall issue a report
to Congress on the amount, type, and direction of all present and
potential United States financial and related assistance to foreign
nations that will reduce, mitigate, and otherwise abate black carbon
pollution.
(b) Other Opportunities.--The report required under subsection (a)
shall also identify opportunities for foreign assistance and direction
in order to--
(1) promote sustainable solutions to bring clean,
efficient, and affordable stoves to residents of developing
countries that are reliant on upon solid fuels such as wood,
dung, charcoal, coal, or crop residues for home cooking and
heating, so as to help reduce public health and environmentally
harmful impacts of black carbon pollution;
(2) make technological improvements to diesel engines and
provide greater access to fuels that emit less or no black
carbon;
(3) reduce unnecessary agricultural or other biomass
burning where feasible alternatives exist;
(4) reduce unnecessary fossil fuel burning that produces
black carbon where feasible alternatives exist; or
(5) reduce other sources of black carbon pollution.
SEC. 8. INTERNATIONAL NEGOTIATIONS.
(a) Policy.--It is the policy of the United States--
(1) to engage in the processes of the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on
Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution to explore the potential
to accelerate reductions in black carbon emissions, and to
improve our understanding of the climatic effects of black
carbon, as well as the mitigation potential in different
sectors and regions around the world;
(2) to work with affected and interested nations and the
Arctic Council on an agreement to protect the Arctic
environment, consistent with the principles of the Convention
on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources;
(3) to further the goals of the Agreement on the
Conservation of Polar Bears ratified by the Governments of
Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia, and the United States, to
explicitly take into account the threat to polar bears posed by
global warming;
(4) to abide by the American Declaration of the Rights and
Duties of Man with regard to human rights;
(5) to work with parties to the North American Free Trade
Agreement and other related agreements in the Americas share
information and coordinate on approaches to reduce black carbon
pollution; and
(6) to further reduce shipping pollution through domestic
means and through MARPOL.
(b) Report.--By January 1, 2010, the Secretary of State shall issue
a report to the Congress on the advancement of the policies and goals
enunciated in this section with regard to black carbon.
SEC. 9. EFFECT ON OTHER LAW.
Nothing in this Act precludes or abrogates the right of any State
to adopt or enforce any standard, cap, limitation, prohibition,
requirement, or effort to reduce the emissions of any greenhouse gas.
States may elect to enact standards that are more stringent than those
required under this Act.
SEC. 10. APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this Act.
SEC. 11. SEPARABILITY.
If any provision of this Act or the application of any provision of
this Act to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the application
of such provision to other persons or circumstances, and the remainder
of the Act, shall not be affected thereby. | Arctic Climate Preservation Act - Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) conduct a study of black carbon and organic carbon emissions; and (2) propose regulations under the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions of black carbon. Defines "black carbon" as the strongly light absorbing component of carbonaceous aerosols.
Directs the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the amount, type, and direction of all U.S. foreign aid for reducing black carbon pollution.
States the policy of the United States with respect to international agreements and treaties relating to the reduction of black carbon emissions, protection of the Arctic environment, the the threat to polar bears from global warming, human rights under the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man, and the reduction of shipping pollution through domestic means and through the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships (MARPOL). | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Agriculture Environmental
Stewardship Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Incentives and encouragement for the conservation and
appropriate handling of nutrients contained in organic matter
are necessary.
(2) Biogas systems will save Federal, State, and local
taxpayers money by converting waste into useful products, such
as fuel, fertilizer, thermal heat, feedstock for hydrogen fuel
cells, and renewable chemicals.
(3) Manure resource recovery systems will save Federal,
State, and local taxpayers money by recovering the nutrients
contained in organic matter from their source, rather than
recovering the nutrients after they have entered landfills or
waterways.
SEC. 3. ENERGY CREDIT FOR QUALIFIED BIOGAS PROPERTY AND QUALIFIED
MANURE RESOURCE RECOVERY PROPERTY.
(a) In General.--Section 48(a)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (vi) and by
adding at the end the following new clauses:
``(viii) qualified biogas property, or
``(ix) qualified manure resource recovery
property,''.
(b) 30-Percent Credit.--Section 48(a)(2)(A)(i) of such Code is
amended by striking ``and'' at the end of subclause (III), by striking
``and'' at the end of subclause (IV), and by adding at the end the
following new subclauses:
``(V) qualified biogas property,
and
``(VI) qualified manure resource
recovery property, and''.
(c) Definitions.--Section 48(c) of such Code is amended by adding
at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(5) Qualified biogas property.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified biogas
property' means property comprising a system which--
``(i) uses anaerobic digesters, or other
biological, chemical, thermal, or mechanical
processes (alone or in combination), to convert
biomass (as defined in section 45K(c)(3)) into
a gas which consists of not less than 52
percent methane, and
``(ii) captures such gas for use as a fuel.
``(B) Inclusion of certain cleaning and
conditioning equipment.--Such term shall include any
property which cleans and conditions the gas referred
to in subparagraph (A) for use as a fuel.
``(C) Termination.--No credit shall be determined
under this section with respect to any qualified biogas
property for any period after December 31, 2020.
``(6) Qualified manure resource recovery property.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified manure
resource recovery property' means property comprising a
system which uses physical, biological, chemical,
thermal, or mechanical processes to recover the
nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus from a non-treated
digestate or animal manure by reducing or separating at
least 50 percent of the concentration of such
nutrients, excluding any reductions during the
incineration, storage, composting, or field application
of the non-treated digestate or animal manure.
``(B) Inclusion of certain processing equipment.--
Such term shall include--
``(i) any property which is used to recover
the nutrients referred to in subparagraph (A),
such as--
``(I) biological reactors,
``(II) crystallizers,
``(III) reverse osmosis membranes
and other water purifiers,
``(IV) evaporators,
``(V) distillers,
``(VI) decanter centrifuges, and
``(VII) equipment that facilitates
the process of dissolved air flotation,
ammonia stripping, gasification, or
ozonation, and
``(ii) any thermal drier which treats the
nutrients recovered by the processes referred
to in subparagraph (A).
``(C) Termination.--No credit shall be determined
under this section with respect to any qualified manure
resource recovery property for any period after
December 31, 2020.''.
(d) Denial of Double Benefit for Qualified Biogas Property.--
Section 45(e) of such Code is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(12) Coordination with energy credit for qualified biogas
property.--The term `qualified facility' shall not include any
facility which produces electricity from gas produced by
qualified biogas property (as defined in section 48(c)(5)) if a
credit is determined under section 48 with respect to such
property for the taxable year or any prior taxable year.''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to periods after December 31, 2015, in taxable years ending after
such date, under rules similar to the rules of section 48(m) of such
Code (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of the
Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990).
SEC. 4. NEW CLEAN RENEWABLE ENERGY BONDS FOR QUALIFIED BIOGAS PROPERTY
AND QUALIFIED MANURE RESOURCE RECOVERY PROPERTY.
(a) In General.--Section 54C(d)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by inserting ``, a qualified biogas property (as
defined in section 48(c)(5)), or a qualified manure resource recovery
property (as defined in section 48(c)(6))'' before ``owned by''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall apply
to obligations issued after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. STUDY OF BIOGAS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall enter into an
agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to undertake a
study of biogas that addresses the following:
(1) The quality of biogas, including a comparison of biogas
to natural gas and the identification of any components of
biogas which make biogas unsuitable for injection into existing
natural gas pipelines.
(2) Methods for obtaining the highest energy content in
biogas, including the use of co-digestion and identifying the
optimal feed mixture.
(3) Recommendations for the expansion of biogas production,
including an analysis of the extent to which increasing the
methane content of biogas would result in the greater use of
biogas and an analysis of how the expanded use of biogas could
help meet the growing energy needs of the United States.
(b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the
study conducted under subsection (a). | Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Act of 2016 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow energy tax credits through 2020 for investments in: (1) qualified biogas property, or (2) qualified manure resource recovery property. The bill also permits new clean renewable energy bonds to be used for such properties. "Qualified biogas property" comprises a system that: (1) uses anaerobic digesters or other specified processes to convert biomass into a gas which is at least 52% methane, and (2) captures the gas for use as a fuel. The term includes property that cleans and conditions the gas for use as a fuel. "Qualified manure resource recovery property" comprises a system that uses specified processes to recover the nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus from a non-treated digestate or animal manure by reducing or separating at least 50% of the nutrients, excluding any reductions during the incineration, storage, composting, or field application of the non-treated digestate or animal manure. The term also includes certain processing equipment. The Department of the Treasury must enter into an agreement with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for a study of biogas and report to Congress on the study. | billsum_train |
Create a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Procurement Efficiency Act of
1993''.
SEC. 2. ON-LINE DATA BASE OF FEDERAL PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
(a) Establishment of Data Base.--Section 18 of the Office of
Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 416) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(e)(1) The Secretary of Commerce shall establish a computerized
data base of information regarding--
``(A) procurements to be conducted by executive agencies;
and
``(B) subcontracts to be awarded pursuant to those
procurements.
``(2) The data base established under this subsection shall--
``(A) include information that is substantially the same as
the information relating to procurements by executive agencies
that is published in the Commerce Business Daily;
``(B) include the notices furnished to the Secretary of
Commerce under subsection (a)(1)(A); and
``(C) make that information and those notices publicly
available to on-line users of the data base.''.
(b) Implementation.--The Secretary of Commerce shall establish and
make publicly available the data base required by the amendment made by
subsection (a) by not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 18(a)(2) of the Office of
Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 416(a)(2)) is amended by
inserting after ``Daily'' the following: ``, and include promptly in
the data base established under subsection (e),''.
SEC. 3. IDENTIFICATION OF CONTRACTORS IN EXECUTIVE AGENCY PROCUREMENT
RECORDS; SHARING OF PROCUREMENT RECORDS BY EXECUTIVE
AGENCIES.
Section 19 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41
U.S.C. 417) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(1)(B) by inserting before the
semicolon the following: ``, including the taxpayer
identification number of the source''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) Each executive agency shall make all records established and
maintained under this section readily available to all other executive
agencies.''.
SEC. 4. INCREASE IN SMALL PURCHASE THRESHOLD.
(a) Increase in Small Purchase Threshold.--Section 4(11) of the
Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403(11)) is amended
by striking ``$25,000'' each place it appears and inserting
``$100,000''.
(b) Requirement of Procurement Notices for All Competitive
Procurements.--Section 18(a)(2) of the Office of Federal Procurement
Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 416(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``for a price
expected to exceed the small purchase threshold''.
SEC. 5. CLARIFICATION OF AUTHORITY FOR PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS.
Section 16 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41
U.S.C. 414) 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) include in each regulation governing procurement that
is issued by the agency a citation of the specific statutory
authority for the regulation.''.
SEC. 6. REPRESENTATION OF SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ON COST
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD.
Section 20(a)(1) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act
(41 U.S.C. 422(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``5'' and inserting ``6''; and
(B) by striking ``4'' and inserting ``5''; and
(2) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i) by striking
``two'' and inserting ``3'';
(B) in clause (i) by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon; and
(C) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:
``(iii) one of whom shall be a representative of
the Small Business Administration appointed by the
Administrator of the Small Business Administration;
and''.
SEC. 7. RULES OPPOSED BY SBA CHIEF COUNSEL FOR ADVOCACY.
(a) In General.--Section 612 of title 5, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Statement of Opposition.--
``(1) Transmittal of proposed rules and initial regulatory
flexibility analysis to sba chief counsel for advocacy.--On or
before the 30th day preceding the date of publication by an
agency of general notice of proposed rulemaking for a rule,
including a rule relating to procurement, the agency shall
transmit to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small
Business Administration--
``(A) a copy of the proposed rule; and
``(B)(i) a copy of the initial regulatory
flexibility analysis for the rule if required under
section 603; or
``(ii) a determination by the agency that an
initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required
for the proposed rule under section 603 and an
explanation for the determination.
``(2) Statement of opposition.--On or before the 15th day
following receipt of a proposed rule and initial regulatory
flexibility analysis from an agency under paragraph (1), the
Chief Counsel for Advocacy may transmit to the agency a written
statement of opposition of the proposed rule.
``(3) Response.--If the Chief Counsel for Advocacy
transmits to an agency a statement of opposition to a proposed
rule in accordance with paragraph (2), the agency shall publish
the statement, together with the response of the agency to the
statement, in the Federal Register at the time of publication
of general notice of proposed rulemaking for the rule.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 603(a) of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by inserting ``in accordance with section 612(d)''
before the period at the end of the last sentence.
SEC. 8. REVIEW OF DEVIATIONS FROM PROCUREMENT NOTICE REQUIREMENT.
(a) Review Requirement.--Section 18 of the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 416) is amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(e)(1) In the case of any procurement for which a notice is not
required under subsection (a)(1) by reason of subsection (c), the head
of the executive agency intending to conduct the procurement shall,
before issuing the solicitation for the procurement, submit to the
Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy the justification for not
furnishing the notice. The Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy
shall, before the issuance of the solicitation for the procurement,
review the justification to ensure that it is appropriate and
reasonable.
``(2) At least once every 5 years, the Administrator of Federal
Procurement Policy shall review the justifications submitted under
paragraph (1). In conducting the review, the Administrator shall
concentrate on those justifications that have been submitted by the
same executive agency, for the same type of procurements, in each of
the 5 years covered by the review, to ensure that such justifications
continue to be appropriate and reasonable.''.
(b) Effective Date.--Subsection (e) of section 18 of the Office of
Federal Procurement Policy Act shall apply with respect to
solicitations for procurements issued after the 30-day period beginning
on the date of the enactment of this Act. | Procurement Efficiency Act of 1993 - Amends the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a computerized data base regarding procurements to be conducted by executive agencies and subcontracts to be awarded pursuant to those procurements.
Requires each executive agency to make procurement records readily available to other agencies.
Increases the small purchase threshold.
Requires executive agencies to include citations of specific statutory authority in regulations governing procurement.
Provides for a representative of the Small Business Administration (SBA) on the Cost Accounting Standards Board.
Sets forth requirements for the transmittal of proposed rules, including rules related to procurement, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA. Authorizes the Chief Counsel to issue a statement of opposition to such rules.
Requires heads of executive agencies, in the case of procurements for which a notice is not required, to submit to the Administrator of Federal Procurement Policy, before issuing a procurement solicitation, the justification for not furnishing the notice. Directs the Administrator to review such justifications at least once every five years to determine their continued appropriateness. | billsum_train |
Change the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Farm-To-Cafeteria
Projects Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. GRANTS TO SUPPORT FARM-TO-CAFETERIA PROJECTS.
Section 12 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42
U.S.C.1760) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(q) Grants to Support Farm-To-Cafeteria Projects.--
``(1) In general.--To improve access to local foods in
schools and institutions receiving funds under this Act and the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.) (other
than section 17 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1786)), the Secretary
shall provide competitive grants to nonprofit entities and
educational institutions to establish and carry out farm-to-
cafeteria projects under paragraph 2.
``(2) Project requirements.--Farm-to-cafeteria projects
eligible to receive assistance under this subsection shall be
projects designed to--
``(A) procure local foods from small and medium-
sized farms for the provision of foods for school
meals;
``(B) support nutrition education activities or
curriculum planning that incorporates the participation
of school children in farm and agriculture education
projects; and
``(C) develop a sustained commitment to farm-to-
cafeteria projects in the community by linking schools,
agricultural producers, parents, and other community
stakeholders.
``(3) Technical assistance and related information.--
``(A) Technical assistance.--In carrying out this
subsection, the Secretary may provide technical
assistance regarding farm-to-cafeteria projects,
processes, and development to an entity seeking the
assistance.
``(B) Sharing of information.--The Secretary may
provide for the sharing of information concerning farm-
to-cafeteria projects and issues among and between
government, private for-profit and nonprofit groups,
and the public through publications, conferences, and
other appropriate means.
``(4) Grants.--
``(A) In general.--From amounts made available to
carry out this subsection, the Secretary shall make
grants to assist private non-profit entities and
educational institutions to establish and carry out
farm-to-cafeteria projects.
``(B) Maximum amount.--The maximum amount of a
grant provided to an entity under this subsection shall
be $100,000.
``(C) Matching funds requirements.--
``(i) In general.--The Federal share of the
cost of establishing or carrying out a farm-to-
cafeteria project that receives assistance
under this subsection may not exceed 75 percent
of the cost of the project during the term of
the grant, as determined by the Secretary.
``(ii) Form.--In providing the non-Federal
share of the cost of carrying out a farm-to-
cafeteria project, the grantee shall provide
the share through a payment in cash or in kind,
fairly evaluated, including facilities,
equipment, or services.
``(iii) Source.--An entity may provide the
non-Federal share through State or local
government, or through private sources.
``(D) Administration.--
``(i) Single grant.--A farm-to-cafeteria
project may be supported by only a single grant
under this subsection.
``(ii) Term.--The term of a grant made
under this subsection may not exceed 3 years.
``(5) Evaluation.--Not later than January 30, 2008, the
Secretary shall--
``(A) provide for the evaluation of the projects
funded under this subsection; and
``(B) submit to the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate a report on the results of the evaluation.
``(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There are
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $10,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2004 through 2009 to carry out this
subsection, to remain available until expended.''. | Farm-To-Cafeteria Projects Act of 2003 - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (NSLA) to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants to private nonprofit entities and educational institutions to establish and carry out Farm-to-Cafeteria projects to improve access to local foods in schools and institutions receiving funds under NSLA and the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (CNA) (except the special supplemental program for women, infants, and children (WIC) which already has a WIC Farmers Market Nutrition program).
Requires such projects to be designed to: (1) procure local foods from small and medium-sized farms to provide foods for school meals; (2) support nutrition education activities or curriculum planning incorporating school children's participation in farm and agriculture education projects; and (3) develop a sustained commitment to farm-to-cafeteria projects in the community by linking schools, agricultural producers, parents, and other community stakeholders. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Traditional Use Protection Act of
2008''.
SEC. 2. SUPPORT FOR THE TRADITIONAL USE OF LANDS.
(a) Grants.--The Chief of the Forest Service shall establish a
program to award grants, on a competitive basis, to States for the
purpose of allowing such States--
(1) to acquire the rights to land to make such land
available to the public for traditional use; and
(2) to make subgrants to an entity to allow such entity to
acquire the rights to land to make such land available to the
public for traditional use.
(b) Requirements for Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--A State shall use the funds received under
this section only--
(A) to purchase land, acquire an easement, or take
other actions to acquire rights to land, as long as
such purchase, acquisition, or other action results in
the State holding rights to the land in perpetuity; and
(B) to make a subgrant to an entity to allow such
entity to purchase land, acquire an easement, or take
other actions to acquire rights to land, as long as
such purchase, acquisition, or other action results in
the entity holding rights to the land in perpetuity.
(2) Willing sellers.--A State or entity may only use funds
received through a grant or subgrant under subsection (a) to
acquire rights to land from a willing seller.
(3) Eminent domain prohibited.--A State may not use funds
received through a grant under subsection (a) to acquire land
through eminent domain.
(c) Access.--A State or entity shall make any land purchased,
acquired, or otherwise obtained using funds received through a grant or
subgrant under subsection (a) available to the public for appropriate
traditional use, as determined by the State.
(d) Application.--
(1) In general.--To be considered for a grant under this
section, a State shall submit to the Chief an application at
such time and in such manner as the Chief may require.
(2) Contents.--The application shall include the following:
(A) Information demonstrating the commitment of the
State to stewardship and maintenance of land currently
held by the State for traditional and recreational use
(including park land).
(B) Certification by the State that the State
maintains a landowner relations program.
(C) A copy of the comprehensive State plan.
(D) Such information as the Chief may require.
(e) Cost Sharing.--The amount of any grant under this section may
not exceed 75 percent of the total cost of the land rights acquired
with the grant.
(f) Publication of Criteria.--Not later than 60 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Chief shall publish criteria for making
grants under subsection (a) in the Federal Register.
(g) Report.--Not later than one year after the date of enactment of
this Act, and annually thereafter, the Chief shall submit to Congress a
report on the grant program established under subsection (a).
(h) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Chief.--The term ``Chief'' means the Chief of the
Forest Service.
(2) Comprehensive state plan.--The term ``comprehensive
State plan'' means a comprehensive plan developed by the State,
regarding recreational access to and conservation of land in
the State, that--
(A) is developed through a process that involves
interested persons from both the public and private
sectors, including landowners; and
(B) includes strategies for developing partnerships
between the public and private sectors to develop,
improve, and preserve traditional recreational
opportunities.
(3) Landowner relations program.--The term ``landowner
relations program'' means a program established by the State
that--
(A) engages private landowners to facilitate public
access to their property for traditional use;
(B) addresses the concerns of landowners relating
to public access to private land; and
(C) serves as a clearinghouse for information about
rules, regulations, certifications, and procedures for
land use.
(4) Program.--The term ``program'' means the grant program
established under subsection (a).
(5) Traditional use.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), the term ``traditional use'' has the meaning given
that term by the State receiving a grant under
subsection (a). Such term may include hunting, fishing,
access to water, motorized recreation, hiking, bird
watching, and non-motorized recreational activities.
(B) Exclusion.--The term ``traditional use'' does
not include residential or commercial development.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Chief to carry out
this Act, $50,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2009 through 2013. | Traditional Use Protection Act of 2008 - Directs the Forest Service to establish a grant program to allow states to acquire land rights in perpetuity in order to preserve and maintain such land for traditional use (hunting, fishing, access to water, motorized recreation, hiking, bird watching, and non-motorized recreational activities) by the public, or to make subgrants to an entity for such purposes.
Requires that land rights be acquired only from a willing seller. Prohibits acquisition through eminent domain. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Boutique Fuels Elimination Act of
2005''.
SEC. 2. REDUCING THE PROLIFERATION OF BOUTIQUE FUELS.
(a) Temporary Waivers During Supply Emergencies.--Section
211(c)(4)(C) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(c)(4)(C)) is amended
by inserting ``(i)'' after ``(C)'' and by adding the following new
clauses at the end thereof:
``(ii) The Administrator may temporarily waive a control or
prohibition respecting the use of a fuel or fuel additive required or
regulated by the Administrator pursuant to subsection (c), (h), (i),
(k), or (m) of this section or prescribed in an applicable
implementation plan under section 110 approved by the Administrator
under clause (i) of this subparagraph if, after consultation with, and
concurrence by, the Secretary of Energy, the Administrator determines
that--
``(I) extreme and unusual fuel or fuel additive supply
circumstances exist in a State or region of the Nation which
prevent the distribution of an adequate supply of the fuel or
fuel additive to consumers;
``(II) such extreme and unusual fuel and fuel additive
supply circumstances are the result of a natural disaster, an
Act of God, a pipeline or refinery equipment failure, or
another event that could not reasonably have been foreseen or
prevented and not the lack of prudent planning on the part of
the suppliers of the fuel or fuel additive to such State or
region; and
``(III) it is in the public interest to grant the waiver
(for example, when a waiver is necessary to meet projected
temporary shortfalls in the supply of the fuel or fuel additive
in a State or region of the Nation which cannot otherwise be
compensated for).
``(iii) If the Administrator makes the determinations required
under clause (ii), such a temporary extreme and unusual fuel and fuel
additive supply circumstances waiver shall be permitted only if--
``(I) the waiver applies to the smallest geographic area
necessary to address the extreme and unusual fuel and fuel
additive supply circumstances;
``(II) the waiver is effective for a period of 20 calendar
days or, if the Administrator determines that a shorter waiver
period is adequate, for the shortest practicable time period
necessary to permit the correction of the extreme and unusual
fuel and fuel additive supply circumstances and to mitigate
impact on air quality;
``(III) the waiver permits a transitional period, the exact
duration of which shall be determined by the Administrator,
after the termination of the temporary waiver to permit
wholesalers and retailers to blend down their wholesale and
retail inventory;
``(IV) the waiver applies to all persons in the motor fuel
distribution system; and
``(V) the Administrator has given public notice to all
parties in the motor fuel distribution system, local and State
regulators, public interest groups, and consumers in the State
or region to be covered by the waiver.
The term `motor fuel distribution system' as used in this clause shall
be defined by the Administrator through rulemaking.
``(iv) Within 180 days of the date of enactment of this clause, the
Administrator shall promulgate regulations to implement clauses (ii)
and (iii).
``(v) Nothing in this subparagraph shall--
``(I) limit or otherwise affect the application of any
other waiver authority of the Administrator pursuant to this
section or pursuant to a regulation promulgated pursuant to
this section; and
``(II) subject any State or person to an enforcement
action, penalties, or liability solely arising from actions
taken pursuant to the issuance of a waiver under this
subparagraph.''.
(b) Limit on Number of Boutique Fuels.--Section 211(c)(4)(C) of the
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(c)(4)), as amended by subsection (a), is
further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(v)(I) The Administrator shall have no
authority, when considering a State
implementation plan or a State implementation
plan revision, to approve under this paragraph
any fuel included in such plan or revision if
the effect of such approval would be to
increase the total number of fuels approved
under this paragraph as of September 1, 2004 in
all State implementation plans;
``(II) The Administrator, in consultation
with the Secretary of Energy, shall determine
the total number of fuels approved under this
paragraph as of September 1, 2004, in all State
implementation plans and shall publish a list
of such fuels, including the states and
Petroleum Administration for Defense District
in which they are used, in the Federal Register
for public review and comment no later than 90
days after enactment.
``(III) The Administrator shall remove a
fuel from the list published under subclause
(II) if a fuel ceases to be included in a State
implementation plan or if a fuel in a State
implementation plan is identical to a Federal
fuel formulation implemented by the
Administrator, but the Administrator shall not
reduce the total number of fuels authorized
under the list published under subclause (II).
``(IV) Subclause (I) shall not limit the
Administrator's authority to approve a control
or prohibition respecting any new fuel under
this paragraph in a State implementation plan
or revision to a State implementation plan if
such new fuel:
``(aa) completely replaces a fuel
on the list published under subclause
(II); or
``(bb) does not increase the total
number of fuels on the list published
under paragraph (II) as of September 1,
2004.
In the event that the total number of fuels on
the list published under subclause (II) at the
time of the Administrator's consideration of a
control or prohibition respecting a new fuel is
lower than the total number of fuels on such
list as of September 1, 2004, the Administrator
may approve a control or prohibition respecting
a new fuel under this subclause if the
Administrator, after consultation with the
Secretary of Energy, publishes in the Federal
Register, after notice and comment, a finding
that, in the Administrator's judgment, such
control or prohibition respecting a new fuel
will not cause fuel supply or distribution
interruptions or have a significant adverse
impact on fuel producibility in the affected
area or contiguous areas.
``(V) Except for a fuel with a summertime
Reid Vapor Pressure of 7.0 pounds per square
inch, the Administrator shall have no authority
under this paragraph, when considering any
particular State's implementation plan or a
revision to that State's implementation plan,
to approve any fuel unless that fuel was, as of
the date of such consideration, approved in at
least one State implementation plan in the
applicable Petroleum Administration for Defense
District.
``(VI) Nothing in this clause shall be
construed to prohibit a State from requiring
the use of an alcohol or bio-diesel fuel
additive registered in accordance with
subsection (b), including any alcohol or bio-
diesel fuel additive registered after the
enactment of this subclause; however, this
clause shall be construed to prohibit a State
from requiring the use of any other fuel
additive registered in accordance with
subsection (b), including any other fuel
additive registered after the enactment of this
subclause.''.
(c) Sense of the Congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that
States should seek to maximize the environmental benefits available
from the fuels authorized under subsection (b).
(d) Study and Report to Congress on Boutique Fuels.--
(1) Joint study.--The Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Secretary of Energy shall undertake a
study of the effects on air quality, on the number of fuel
blends, on fuel availability, on fuel fungibility, and on fuel
costs of the State plan provisions adopted pursuant to section
211(c)(4)(C) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(c)(4)(C)).
(2) Focus of study.--The primary focus of the study
required under paragraph (1) shall be to determine how to
develop a Federal fuels system that maximizes motor fuel
fungibility and supply, preserves air quality standards, and
reduces motor fuel price volatility that results from the
proliferation of boutique fuels, and to recommend to Congress
such legislative changes as are necessary to implement such a
system. The study should include the impacts on overall energy
supply, distribution, and use as a result of the legislative
changes recommended. In addition, the study shall examine the
need for additional, cleaner motor fuel reformulations to
assist states in complying with the ozone National Ambient Air
Quality Standard.
(3) Responsibility of administrator.--In carrying out the
study required by this section, the Administrator shall
coordinate obtaining comments from affected parties interested
in the air quality impact assessment portion of the study. The
Administrator shall use sound and objective science practices,
shall consider the best available science, and shall consider
and include a description of the weight of the scientific
evidence.
(4) Responsibility of secretary.--In carrying out the study
required by this section, the Secretary shall coordinate
obtaining comments from affected parties interested in the fuel
availability, number of fuel blends, fuel fungibility and fuel
costs portion of the study.
(5) Public participation.--The Administrator and the
Secretary shall appoint a task force of interested parties,
including but not limited to representatives of Federal, State
and local governments, fuel manufacturers, suppliers, and
marketers and public interest groups, to provide information to
the Administrator and the Secretary and to assist in the
development of the recommendations to be included in the report
to Congress under paragraph (5).
(6) Report to congress.--The Administrator and the
Secretary jointly shall submit the results of the study
required by this section in a report to the Congress not later
than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act,
together with any recommended regulatory and legislative
changes. Such report shall be submitted to the Committee on
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate.
(7) Authorization of appropriations.--There is authorized
to be appropriated jointly to the Administrator and the
Secretary $500,000 for the completion of the study required
under this subsection.
(e) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency.
(2) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy.
(3) The term ``fuel'' means gasoline, diesel fuel, and any
other liquid petroleum product commercially known as gasoline
and diesel fuel for use in highway and non-road motor vehicles.
(4) The term ``a control or prohibition respecting a new
fuel'' means a control or prohibition on the formulation,
composition, or emissions characteristics of a fuel that would
require the increase or decrease of a constituent in gasoline
or diesel fuel. | Boutique Fuels Elimination Act of 2005 - Amends the Clean Air Act (CAA) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to temporarily waive controls or prohibitions on the use of a fuel or fuel additive regulated under specified provisions of that Act or prescribed in an applicable State Implementation Plan (SIP) if the Administrator determines that: (1) extreme and unusual circumstances exist in a State or region that prevent distribution of an adequate supply of the fuel or fuel additive to consumers; (2) such circumstances are the result of a natural disaster, an Act of God, a pipeline or refinery equipment failure, or another unforeseeable event; and (3) it is in the public interest to grant the waiver. Permits such a waiver only if specified requirements are met.
States that the Administrator shall have no authority, when considering a SIP or SIP revision regarding State controls or prohibitions on motor vehicle fuel or fuel additives, to approve any fuel: (1) if doing so would increase the total number of approved fuels as of September 1, 2004, in all SIPs; and (2) unless that fuel was approved and fully implemented in at least one SIP in the applicable Petroleum Administration for Defense District (with the exception of fuels with a specified summertime Reid Vapor Pressure).
Requires the Administrator to: (1) determine the total number of fuels approved as of September 1, 2004, in all SIPs; (2) publish a list of such fuels for public review and comment; and (3) remove fuels from such list in specified circumstances (but the total number of authorized fuels shall not be reduced).
Expresses the sense of Congress that States should seek to maximize the environmental benefits available from approved fuels.
Requires the Administrator and the Secretary of Energy jointly to study and report to Congress on the effects of SIPs adopted pursuant to CAA provisions regarding State controls or prohibitions on motor vehicle fuel or fuel additives. | billsum_train |
Create a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``21st Century Energy Workforce
Development Jobs Initiative Act of 2014''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) There are, currently and for well into the future,
significant opportunities for African-Americans and Hispanic-
Americans throughout the energy industry at each level of
education and training, but raising the educational achievement
for large segments of the upcoming generation is resource
intensive and will take decades to achieve, although the payoff
of an increased skilled labor pool would be enormous to society
in general and United States industry in particular.
(2) African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans represent an
important talent pool to help meet the demands of the projected
growth in the energy industry, and workforce training and
education in business, finance, science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics will prove vital in achieving this
growth, as noted by the American Petroleum Institute.
(3) Improving minority preparation in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics related disciplines at the primary
and secondary school levels is crucial to increasing the share
of minority science-based degree attainment in 4-year and 2-
year programs of higher education, as well as for increasing
attainment of vocational certificates.
(4) The rates at which African-Americans and Hispanic-
Americans attain employment in the energy industry is in part
related to the choice of the field of study for college degrees
(4-year or 2-year) and vocational certificates.
(5) Data from the National Center for Education Statistics
suggest that, over the 2001 through 2010 period, African-
American and Hispanic-American students chose and completed 4-
year college degrees applicable to employment in the oil and
natural gas industry at rates one-fifth and one-half,
respectively, the rates of the total student population.
(6) With respect to 2-year associate degrees and
certificates, data from the National Center for Education
Statistics suggest that over the same time period, African-
American and Hispanic-American students chose and completed
programs of study/training applicable to employment in the oil
and natural gas industry at rates roughly one-tenth above and
one-third below, respectively, the rates of the total student
population.
(7) The American Petroleum Institute projects 525,000 new
job opportunities in the oil and natural gas industry by 2020,
with 166,000, or 31 percent of such jobs, expected to be held
by African-American and Hispanic-American workers, and, with
forward looking policies, that number could increase to a
projected 811,000 new job opportunities, with more than
285,000, or 35 percent, of such jobs being filled by
minorities, by 2030.
(8) The American Petroleum Institute projects that more
than 50 percent of all jobs created in the oil and natural gas
industry by 2020 would be high-paying skilled and semiskilled
blue collar jobs, with a significant range of opportunities at
the scientific/managerial level requiring a college degree.
(9) The American Petroleum Institute projects that over
half of the future potential job growth in the oil and natural
gas industry, approximately 417,000 jobs, is expected in the
Gulf region, with the East region expected to contribute nearly
140,000 job opportunities, the Rockies region nearly 116,000
job opportunities, and the West, Alaska, and Central regions
expected to contribute approximately 138,000 job opportunities
combined.
(10) The National Mining Association reports that the coal
mining industry supported a total of 805,680 jobs in 2011. That
includes 204,580 direct jobs, including mine workers (143,520),
support activities (7,280), and transportation (53,780).
(11) Broad occupational categories of potential job
creation in the upstream oil and gas industry include--
(A) management, business, and financial jobs;
(B) professional and related jobs;
(C) service jobs;
(D) sales and related jobs;
(E) office and administrative support jobs;
(F) skilled blue collar jobs;
(G) semiskilled blue collar jobs; and
(H) unskilled blue collar jobs.
(12) Potential job creation in the upstream oil and gas
industry by selected detailed occupational category include--
(A) derrick, rotary drill, and service unit
operators;
(B) oil and gas roustabouts;
(C) operating engineers and other construction
workers;
(D) equipment operators;
(E) construction laborers;
(F) first-line supervisors/managers of construction
and extraction workers;
(G) heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers;
(H) pump operators and wellhead pumpers;
(I) helpers and other extraction workers;
(J) petroleum engineers; and
(K) secretaries.
(13) The National Petroleum Council estimates that over the
next decade 30,000 miles of new long-distance natural gas
pipelines will be needed to manage the new sources of shale
natural gas supply, while a 2007 Census Bureau's Survey of
Business Owners estimated that a very small percentage of
pipelines were owned by minority-owned and woman-owned firms
compared to the total owned by nonminority males.
(14) In 2013, the Energy Information Administration
estimated that relatively low natural gas prices, maintained by
growing shale natural gas production, will spur increased use
of natural gas in the industrial and electric power sectors by
16 percent, from 6.8 trillion cubic feet per year in 2011 to
7.8 trillion cubic feet per year in 2025, while total
consumption of natural gas in the United States will continue
to grow in the electric power sector from 16 percent of
generation in 2000 to 30 percent in 2040, which will lead to a
significant number of new jobs in the natural gas sector.
(15) The Energy Information Administration estimates
natural gas production in the United States will increase
annually, outpacing domestic consumption and making the United
States a net exporter of natural gas by 2019, while continued
low levels of liquefied natural gas imports, combined with
increased United States exports of domestically sourced
liquefied natural gas, position the United States as a net
exporter of liquefied natural gas by 2016, creating an
abundance of new jobs and investment opportunities.
(16) The Energy Information Administration estimates that
coal-fired electricity generation will remain a dominant
resource in the Nation's total generation portfolio,
representing 34 percent of United States baseload electricity
in 2035.
(17) In 2013, a report by the Bloomberg New Energy Finance
research team estimated that clean energy investment is most
likely to grow by 230 percent to a projected $630 billion
annually in 2030, driven by further improvements in the cost-
competitiveness of wind and solar technologies and an increase
in the roll-out of non-intermittent clean energy sources
including hydropower, geothermal, and biomass, requiring
additional investment in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics education.
(18) A 2013 report by the Bloomberg New Energy Finance
research team estimated that renewable energy projects
including wind, solar, hydropower, and biomass will account for
70 percent of new power generation capacity between 2012 and
2030, and, by 2030, renewable energy will account for half of
the generation capacity worldwide, up from 28 percent in 2012,
requiring additional investment in supporting infrastructure,
including long distance transmission systems, smart grids,
storage, and demand response.
(19) The Energy Information Administration states that
since 2005 renewable energy has garnered more than $1.3
trillion worth of investment and the Energy Information
Administration estimates that global energy consumption will
increase by 47 percent between 2010 and 2035, with clean energy
providing more than half of that new capacity and attracting up
to $5.9 trillion worth of investment, leading to new employment
and investment opportunities.
SEC. 3. COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAM FOR ENERGY-RELATED JOBS FOR THE 21ST
CENTURY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Energy (in this Act referred to
as the ``Secretary'') shall establish and carry out a comprehensive
program to improve education and training for energy-related jobs in
order to increase the number of skilled minorities and women trained to
work in energy-related jobs, including by--
(1) encouraging minority and women students to enter into
the energy science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(in this Act referred to as ``STEM'') fields;
(2) ensuring that the Nation's education system is
equipping students with the skills, training, and technical
expertise necessary to fill the employment opportunities vital
to managing and operating the Nation's energy industry; and
(3) providing students and other candidates with the
necessary skills and certifications for skilled, semiskilled,
and highly skilled energy-related jobs.
(b) Priority.--The Secretary shall make educating and training
minorities and other workers for energy-related jobs a national
priority under the program established under subsection (a).
(c) Direct Assistance.--In carrying out the program established
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide direct assistance
(including grants, technical expertise, mentorships, and partnerships)
to community colleges, workforce development organizations, and
minority-serving institutions.
(d) Clearinghouse.--In carrying out the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a clearinghouse to--
(1) maintain and update information and resources on
training and workforce development programs for energy-related
jobs; and
(2) act as a resource, and provide guidance, for schools,
community colleges, universities, workforce development
programs, and industry organizations that would like to develop
and implement energy-related training programs.
(e) Collaboration.--In carrying out the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary--
(1) shall collaborate with schools, community colleges,
universities, workforce training organizations, national
laboratories, unions, State energy offices, and the energy
industry;
(2) shall encourage and foster collaboration, mentorships,
and partnerships among organizations (including unions,
industry, schools, community colleges, workforce development
organizations, and universities) that currently provide
effective job training programs in the energy field and
institutions (including schools, community colleges, workforce
development programs, and universities) that seek to establish
these types of programs in order to share best practices and
approaches that best suit local, State, and national needs; and
(3) shall collaborate with the Energy Information
Administration and the Bureau of the Census to develop a
comprehensive and detailed understanding of the energy
workforce needs and opportunities by State and by region.
(f) Guidelines for Educational Institutions.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out the program established
under subsection (a), the Secretary, in collaboration with the
Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor, shall
develop guidelines for educational institutions of all levels,
including for elementary and secondary schools and community
colleges and for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate
university programs, to help provide graduates with the skills
necessary to work in energy-related jobs.
(2) Input.--The Secretary shall solicit input from the oil,
gas, coal, renewable, nuclear, utility, and pipeline industries
in developing guidelines under paragraph (1).
(3) Energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.--The
guidelines developed under paragraph (1) shall include grade-
specific guidelines for teaching energy efficiency and
conservation initiatives to educate students and families.
(4) STEM education.--The guidelines developed under
paragraph (1) shall promote STEM education as it relates to job
opportunities in energy-related fields of study in schools,
community colleges, and universities nationally.
(g) Outreach to MSIs.--In carrying out the program established
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
(1) give special consideration to increasing outreach to
minority serving institutions (including historically black
colleges and universities, predominantly black institutions,
Hispanic serving institutions, and tribal institutions);
(2) make resources available to minority serving
institutions with the objective of increasing the number of
skilled minorities and women trained to go into the energy
sector; and
(3) encourage industry to improve the opportunities for
students of minority serving institutions to participate in
industry internships and cooperative work/study programs.
(h) Guidelines To Develop Skills for an Energy Industry
Workforce.--In carrying out the program established under subsection
(a), the Secretary shall collaborate with representatives from the
energy industry (including the oil, gas, coal, nuclear, utility,
pipeline, renewable, and nuclear sectors) to identify the areas of
highest need in each sector and to develop guidelines for the skills
necessary to develop a workforce trained to go into the following
sectors of the energy industry:
(1) Energy efficiency industry, including work in energy
efficiency, conservation, weatherization, or retrofitting, or
as inspectors or auditors.
(2) Pipeline industry, including work in pipeline
construction and maintenance or work as engineers or technical
advisors.
(3) Utility industry, including as utility workers,
linemen, electricians, pole workers, or repairmen.
(4) Alternative fuels, including work in biofuel
development and production.
(5) Nuclear industry, including work as scientists,
engineers, technicians, mathematicians, or security personnel.
(6) Oil and gas industry, including work as scientists,
engineers, technicians, mathematicians, petrochemical
engineers, or geologists.
(7) Renewable industry, including work in the development
and production of renewable energy sources (such as solar,
hydropower, wind, or geothermal energy).
(8) Coal industry, including work as coal miners,
engineers, developers and manufacturers of state-of-the-art
coal facilities, technology vendors, coal transportation
workers and operators, and mining equipment vendors.
(i) Enrollment in Training and Apprenticeship Programs.--In
carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the
Secretary shall work with organized labor and community-based workforce
organizations to help identify students and other candidates, including
from historically underserved communities such as minorities, women,
and veterans, to enroll into training and apprenticeship programs for
energy-related jobs. | 21st Century Energy Workforce Development Jobs Initiative Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to establish a comprehensive program to improve the education and training of workers for energy-related jobs, with emphasis on increasing the number of skilled minorities and women trained to work in such jobs. | billsum_train |
Give a brief overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Capitol Visitor Center Authorization
Act of 1997''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER.
(a) In General.--The Architect of the Capitol, under the direction
of the United States Capitol Preservation Commission, is authorized--
(1) to plan, construct, furnish, and equip the Capitol
Visitor Center under the East Plaza of the United States
Capitol with associated improvements to the Capitol to provide
access thereto; and
(2) to reconstruct the East Plaza of the United States
Capitol and its environs to enhance its attractiveness, safety,
and security;
in a manner that preserves and maintains Olmstead's ``General Plan for
the Improvement of the United States Capitol Grounds'', 1874.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the Capitol Visitor Center shall
include--
(1) providing reception facilities, educational materials
and exhibits, information, amenities, a gift shop, and other
programs and facilities for members of the public visiting the
United States Capitol; and
(2) enhancing the security of the Capitol.
(c) Design.--Plans for construction of the Capitol Visitor Center
shall be substantially in accordance with the Final Design Report dated
November 10, 1995, submitted by the Architect of the Capitol to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives, the Committee on Rules and Administration of the
Senate, and the United States Capitol Preservation Commission, subject
to modifications approved by the Commission.
(d) Exhibits.--The informational and educational experience
afforded visitors to the Capitol Visitor Center, including all
exhibits, shall be the responsibility of the United States Capitol
Visitor Board under the direction of the United States Capitol
Preservation Commission, as approved by the House of Representatives
and the Senate. The Architect of the Capitol, the Clerk of the House of
Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms of
the House of Representatives, and the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper
of the Senate shall provide staff, support, and resources for the
installation, assembly, and maintenance of all exhibits and other
informational and educational fixtures and equipment. Exhibits and all
informational and educational materials shall be subject to section
7(b).
(e) Security Systems.--The design, installation, and maintenance of
security systems for the Capitol Visitor Center shall be the
responsibility of the Capitol Police Board in accordance with section
308 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1996 (40 U.S.C. 212a-
4) and section 308 of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 1997
(40 U.S.C. 212a-4a).
(f) Management.--After the opening of the Capitol Visitor Center to
the public, the Architect of the Capitol shall administer, maintain,
and improve the Capitol Visitor Center as part of the Capitol Building
and Grounds, subject to this Act and the oversight of the appropriate
officers and committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
(g) Definition of Project.--In this Act, the term ``project'' means
the activities and purposes set forth in subsections (a) through (f).
SEC. 3. UNITED STATES CAPITOL PRESERVATION COMMISSION; FINANCING PLAN;
SECURITY STUDY.
(a) Development of Project Implementation Capacity.--Not later than
30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the United States
Capitol Preservation Commission shall meet at the call of either co-
chairman for the purpose of establishing a special committee of the
Commission to carry out the functions of the Commission in implementing
and overseeing the project.
(b) Financing Plan.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act, the United States Capitol Preservation
Commission shall develop a detailed plan for financing the project at
the lowest net cost to the Government. The financing plan shall provide
for--
(1) the acceptance of donations from public and private
sources to be used to minimize the use of or to repay any
appropriated or borrowed funds;
(2) the use of any revenues generated by the Capitol
Visitor Center to minimize the use of or to repay any
appropriated or borrowed funds and, to the extent available, to
pay the operating costs of the Capitol Visitor Center;
(3) the use of any other funds available for the
preservation and restoration of the Capitol; and
(4) only to the extent necessary, the use of appropriated
or borrowed funds.
The plan shall be submitted to Committees on Appropriations and House
Oversight of the House of Representatives and the Committees on
Appropriations and Rules and Administration of the Senate.
(c) Revolving Fund.--All funds described in subsection (b) shall be
deposited in the United States Capitol Visitor Center Revolving Fund,
which is hereby established in the Treasury. The Fund shall be managed
as provided in section 9602 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
shall be available, without fiscal year limitation, to carry out the
project, including--
(1) the reimbursement of appropriations accounts of the
Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Architect of the
Capitol for all costs associated with the operation of the
Capitol Visitor Center Gift Shop;
(2) the payment of costs of the continued conservation and
preservation of the Capitol Building; and
(3) the payment of costs of further acquisitions of fine
arts as approved by the Senate Commission on Art or the House
Fine Arts Board.
(d) Security Study.--The Capitol Police Board shall conduct a study
to assess security cost savings and other benefits resulting from the
construction and operation of the Capitol Visitor Center and shall
report the results of its study to the United States Capitol
Preservation Commission and to the Committees on Appropriations and
House Oversight of the House of Representatives and the Committees on
Appropriations and Rules and Administration of the Senate.
SEC. 4. CONSTRUCTION.
(a) Building Codes.--The project shall meet design standards
applicable under nationally recognized building codes, as determined by
the Architect of the Capitol. During construction, the Architect shall
conduct periodic inspections for the purpose of ensuring that such
standards are being met.
(b) Applicability of Certain Laws.--The project shall not be
subject to any Federal or State law (including law of the District of
Columbia) relating to taxes, building codes, studies, reports, permits,
or inspections.
SEC. 5. GIFTS.
(a) In General.--For the purposes of carrying out the project,
gifts or donations of services or property may be received, accepted,
held, and disposed of, subject to the provisions of the plan
promulgated under section 3.
(b) Treatment Under Tax Laws.--Any gift accepted in accordance with
the plan promulgated under section 3 shall be considered a gift to the
United States for the purposes of income, estate, and gift tax laws of
the United States.
SEC. 6. AUTHORITY TO CONTRACT.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Architect of the
Capitol may establish competitive procedures for work on the project by
the use of prequalification standards and may award contracts on the
basis of contractor qualifications as well as price. Such procedures
and contract awards shall be final and conclusive upon all officers of
the Government.
SEC. 7. CAPITOL VISITOR BOARD.
(a) In General.--
(1) Authority of capitol visitor board.--The Capitol
Visitor Board, under the direction of the United States Capitol
Preservation Commission and subject to prior approval of the
House of Representatives and the Senate, shall establish the
Capitol Visitor Center operations, tour, exhibit and education
policies, including--
(A) establishing hours of operation, tour content,
and tour schedules;
(B) producing or selecting films, videos, exhibits,
publications, and other items of an educational nature;
and
(C) approving items for sale by the Capitol Visitor
Center gift shop.
(2) Consultation.--In carrying out this section, the
Capitol Visitor Board shall consult with the Historians of the
Senate and House of Representatives, the Senate Commission on
Art, the House Fine Arts Board, and any advisory board of the
United States Capitol Preservation Commission designated for
this purpose by the Commission.
(3) Other authorities not affected.--
(A) Security.--Nothing in this section affects the
authority of the Capitol Police Board with respect to
security of the Capitol, the Capitol Visitor Center, or their environs.
(B) Senate commission on art.--Nothing in this
section affects the authority of the Senate Commission
on Art with respect to the Old Senate Chamber and the
Old Supreme Court Chamber.
(b) Exhibits and Informational and Educational Material.--
(1) Exhibits.--Exhibits, including any audio, video, or
demonstrative presentations, shall illustrate the history and
the Constitutional role of the United States Congress and the
history, including art and architectural history, of the
Capitol.
(2) Informational and educational materials.--To assist
visitors, the Capitol Visitor Board shall publish or provide
for informational and educational materials for free
distribution to the public, in accordance with title 44, United
States Code. Materials provided for sale may be purchased
through approved procedures for the Capitol Visitor Center gift
shop and any revenues produced shall be deposited to the United
States Capitol Visitor Center Revolving Fund account as
approved by the United States Capitol Preservation Commission.
(c) Capitol Visitor Center Gift Shop.--
(1) Purpose.--The Capitol Visitor Center Board shall
establish and operate the Capitol Visitor Center Gift Shop in
accordance with policies approved by the United States Capitol
Preservation Commission and the appropriate oversight
committees of each House.
(2) Proceeds of sales or services.--All monies received
from sales or services of the Capitol Visitor Center Gift Shop
shall be deposited in the United States Capitol Visitor Center
Revolving Fund established by section 3(c) of this Act.
SEC. 8. AMENDMENTS RELATING TO THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL PRESERVATION
COMMISSION.
(a) Purposes.--Section 801(a) of the Arizona-Idaho Conservation Act
of 1988 (40 U.S.C. 188a(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (2); and
(2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
``(3) carrying out functions assigned by the Capitol
Visitor Center Authorization Act of 1997; and
``(4) conducting other activities that directly facilitate,
encourage, or support the purposes specified in the preceding
paragraphs.''.
(b) Staff Support.--Section 801(e) Arizona-Idaho Conservation Act
of 1988 (40 U.S.C. 188a(e)) is amended by inserting ``Clerk of the
House of Representatives, the Secretary of the Senate, the Sergeant at
Arms of the House of Representatives, the Sergeant at Arms and
Doorkeeper of the Senate, the'' after ``The''.
(c) Delegation.--Section 801 of the Arizona-Idaho Conservation Act
of 1988 (40 U.S.C. 188a) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Delegation.--In addition to the special committee provided
for by section 3(a), the United States Capitol Preservation Commission
may delegate any functions to 1 or more special committees if the
membership of each such committee is drawn equally from the House of
Representatives and the Senate.''.
(d) Fund Transfers.--Section 803 of the Arizona-Idaho Conservation
Act of 1988 (40 U.S.C. 188a-2) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(f) Transfers.--Not later than 30 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the balance in the account in excess of $250,000
shall be transferred to the fund established by section 3(c) of the
Capitol Visitor Center Authorization Act of 1997.''.
(e) Capitol Visitor Board.--
(1) Renaming.--Section 441 of the Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1970 (40 U.S.C. 851) is amended by
striking ``Capitol Guide Board'' each place it appears and
inserting ``Capitol Visitor Board''.
(2) Information.--Section 441(a) of the Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1970 (40 U.S.C. 851(a)) is amended by
inserting after ``Architect of the Capitol,'' the following:
``the Secretary of the Senate, the Clerk of the House of
Representatives,''.
SEC. 9. REPEAL.
(a) In General.--The provisions of title III of the National
Visitor Center Facilities Act of 1968 (40 U.S.C. 831) shall be repealed
to the extent that such provisions are inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 301 of the National Visitor
Center Facilities Act of 1968 (40 U.S.C. 831) is amended by striking
``the United States Capitol Historical Society,''. | Capitol Visitor Center Authorization Act of 1997 - Authorizes the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), under the direction of the U.S. Capitol Preservation Commission (Commission), to: (1) plan, construct, furnish and equip the Capitol Visitor Center (Center) under the East Plaza of the Capitol; and (2) reconstruct the East Plaza and its environs to enhance its attractiveness, safety, and security.
Requires the design of the Center to be substantially in accordance with the Final Design Report dated November 10, 1995, submitted by the AOC to specified congressional committees. Specifies entities responsible for Center exhibits, security systems, and management. Directs the Commission to: (1) establish a special committee to implement and oversee the Center project; and (2) develop and submit to specified congressional committees a detailed plan for financing the project at the lowest net cost to the Government. Establishes in the Treasury the United States Capitol Visitor Center Revolving Fund for the collection of deposits received under the financing plan. Directs the Capitol Police Board to study and report to specified congressional committees on the security cost savings and other cost benefits associated with the construction and operation of the Center.
Authorizes the AOC to establish competitive procedures for work to carry out the project by the use of prequalification standards, and to award contracts on the basis of contractor qualifications as well as price. States that such procedures and contract awards shall be final and conclusive upon all officers of the Government.
Directs the Capitol Visitor Center Board to: (1) establish Center operations, tour, exhibit, and education policies; and (2) establish and operate the Capitol Visitor Center Gift Shop.
Amends the Arizona-Idaho Conservation Act of 1988 to: (1) direct the Commission to carry out functions assigned under this Act; (2) provide increased Commission staff support from specified congressional offices; (3) authorize the Commission to delegate any of its functions to one or more special committees as long as membership of such committees is drawn equally from both Houses of Congress; and (4) provide fund transfer authority. Renames the Capitol Guide Board the Capitol Visitor Board.
Repeals provisions of title III of the National Visitor Center Facilities Act of 1968 to the extent that such provisions are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. IMPACT AID.
(a) Hold-Harmless Amounts for Payments Relating to Federal
Acquisition of Real Property.--Section 8002 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7702) is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsections:
``(g) Former Districts.--
``(1) In general.--Where the school district of any local
educational agency described in paragraph (2) is formed at any
time after 1938 by the consolidation of two or more former
school districts, such agency may elect (at any time such
agency files an application under section 8005) for any fiscal
year to have (A) the eligibility of such local educational
agency, and (B) the amount which such agency shall be eligible
to receive, determined under this section only with respect to
such of the former school districts comprising such
consolidated school districts as such agency shall designate in
such election.
``(2) Eligible local educational agencies.--A local
educational agency referred to in paragraph (1) is any local
educational agency that, for fiscal year 1994 or any preceding
fiscal year, applied for and was determined eligible under
section 2(c) of the Act of September 30, 1950 (Public Law 874,
81st Congress) as such section was in effect on September 30,
1994.
``(h) Hold-Harmless Amounts.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2)(A),
the total amount that the Secretary shall pay a local
educational agency under subsection (b)--
``(A) for fiscal year 1995 shall not be less than
85 percent of the amount such agency received for
fiscal year 1994 under section 2 of the Act of
September 30, 1950 (Public Law 874, 81st Congress) as
such section was in effect on September 30, 1994; or
``(B) for fiscal year 1996 shall not be less than
85 percent of the amount such agency received for
fiscal year 1995 under subsection (b).
``(2) Ratable reductions.--(A)(i) If necessary in order to
make payments to local educational agencies in accordance with
paragraph (1) for any fiscal year, the Secretary first shall
ratably reduce payments under subsection (b) for such year to
local educational agencies that do not receive a payment under
this subsection for such year.
``(ii) If additional funds become available for making
payments under subsection (b) for such year, then payments that
were reduced under clause (i) shall be increased on the same
basis as such payments were reduced.
``(B)(i) If the sums made available under this title for
any fiscal year are insufficient to pay the full amounts that
all local educational agencies in all States are eligible to
receive under paragraph (1) after the application of
subparagraph (A) for such year, then the Secretary shall
ratably reduce payments under paragraph (1) to all such
agencies for such year.
``(ii) If additional funds become available for making
payments under paragraph (1) for such fiscal year, then
payments that were reduced under clause (i) shall be increased
on the same basis as such payments were reduced.''.
(b) Computation of Payment.--Paragraph (3) of section 8003(a) of
such Act (20 U.S.C. 7703(a)) is amended by striking ``and such'' and
inserting ``, or such''.
(c) Payments for Eligible Federally Connected Children.--Subsection
(f) of section 8003 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 7703) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the matter preceding clause (i) of
subparagraph (A), by striking ``only if such agency''
and inserting ``if such agency is eligible for a
supplementary payment in accordance with subparagraph
(B) or such agency''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) A local educational agency shall only be
eligible to receive additional assistance under
this subsection if the Secretary determines that--
``(i) such agency is exercising due
diligence in availing itself of State and other
financial assistance; and
``(ii) the eligibility of such agency under
State law for State aid with respect to the
free public education of children described in
subsection (a)(1) and the amount of such aid
are determined on a basis no less favorable to
such agency than the basis used in determining
the eligibility of local educational agencies
for State aid, and the amount of such aid, with
respect to the free public education of other
children in the State.''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by
inserting ``(other than any amount received
under paragraph (2)(B))'' after ``subsection'';
(ii) in subclause (I) of clause (i), by
striking ``or the average per-pupil expenditure
of all the States'';
(iii) by amending clause (ii) to read as
follows:
``(ii) The Secretary shall next multiply
the amount determined under clause (i) by the
total number of students in average daily
attendance at the schools of the local
educational agency.''; and
(iv) by amending clause (iii) to read as
follows:
``(iii) The Secretary shall next subtract
from the amount determined under clause (ii)
all funds available to the local educational
agency for current expenditures, but shall not
so subtract funds provided--
``(I) under this Act; or
``(II) by any department or agency
of the Federal Government (other than
the Department) that are used for
capital expenses.''; and
(B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as
follows:
``(B) Special rule.--With respect to payments under
this subsection for a fiscal year for a local
educational agency described in clause (ii) or (iii) of
paragraph (2)(A), the maximum amount of payments under
this subsection shall be equal to--
``(i) the product of--
``(I) the average per-pupil
expenditure in all States multiplied by
0.7, except that such amount may not
exceed 125 percent of the average per-
pupil expenditure in all local
educational agencies in the State;
multiplied by
``(II) the number of students
described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of
subsection (a)(1) for such agency;
minus
``(ii) the amount of payments such agency
receives under subsections (b) and (d) for such
year.''.
(d) Current Year Data.--Paragraph (4) of section 8003(f) of such
Act (20 U.S.C. 7703(f)) is amended to read as follows:
``(4) Current year data.--For purposes of providing
assistance under this subsection the Secretary--
``(A) shall use student and revenue data from the
fiscal year for which the local educational agency is
applying for assistance under this subsection; and
``(B) shall derive the per-pupil expenditure amount
for such year for the local educational agency's
comparable school districts by increasing or decreasing
the per pupil expenditure data for the second fiscal
year preceding the fiscal year for which the
determination is made by the same percentage increase
or decrease reflected between the per pupil expenditure
data for the fourth fiscal year preceding the fiscal
year for which the determination is made and the per
pupil expenditure data for such second year.''.
(e) Special Rule for 1994 Payments.--The Secretary shall not
consider any payment to a local educational agency by the Department of
Defense, that is available to such agency for current expenditures and
used for capital expenses, as funds available to such agency for
purposes of making a determination for fiscal year 1994 under section
3(d)(2)(B)(i) of the Act of September 30, 1950 (Public Law 874, 81st
Congress) (as such Act was in effect on September 30, 1994).
(f) Applications for Increased Payments.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, the Bonesteel-Fairfax School District Number 26-5, South
Dakota, and the Wagner Community School District Number 11-4,
South Dakota, shall be eligible to apply for payment for fiscal
year 1994 under section 3(d)(2)(B) of the Act of September 30,
1950 (Public Law 874, 81st Congress) (as such section was in
effect on September 30, 1994).
(2) Application.--In order to be eligible to receive a
payment described in subsection (a), a school district
described in such subsection shall apply for such payment
within 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to require a local educational agency that received a
payment under section 3(d)(2)(B) of the Act of September 30,
1950 (Public Law 874, 81st Congress) (as such section was in
effect on September 30, 1994) for fiscal year 1994 to return
such payment or a portion of such payment to the Federal
Government. | Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 regarding impact aid payments.
Provides hold-harmless payment amounts for impact-aid payments relating to Federal acquisition of real property. Provides that no eligible local educational agency shall receive less than 85 percent of the preceding year's amount in such a payment for any fiscal year. Provides for ratable reductions and increases in certain types of impact-aid payments in specified circumstances.
Revises provisions which authorize funding for heavily-impacted school districts, with respect to computation of payment, payments for eligible federally-connected children, and current year data. Directs the Secretary of Education, as a special rule for 1994 supplemental payments, not to consider any payment to a local educational agency by the Department of Defense that is available to such agency for current expenditures and used for capital expenses in determinations under specified Federal impact aid law.
Allows two specified school districts in South Dakota to claim eligibility as heavily-impacted districts for the current year, by allowing them to amend their applications for increased payments. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``World Bank International Development
Association Replenishment Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Greenhouse gas.--The term ``greenhouse gas'' means
carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, a
perfluorocarbon, or a hydrofluorocarbon.
(2) Multilateral development bank.--The term ``multilateral
development bank'' has the meaning given that term in section
1307 of the International Financial Institutions Act (22 U.S.C.
262m-7).
SEC. 3. EXPANSION OF CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION ACTIVITIES OF, AND USE
OF GREENHOUSE GAS ACCOUNTING BY, MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT
BANKS.
Title XIII of the International Financial Institutions Act (22
U.S.C. 262m et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 1308. EXPANSION OF CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION ACTIVITIES OF, AND
USE OF GREENHOUSE GAS ACCOUNTING BY, MULTILATERAL
DEVELOPMENT BANKS.
``(a) Use of Greenhouse Gas Accounting.--The Secretary of the
Treasury shall seek to ensure that multilateral development banks (as
defined in section 1701(c)(4)) adopt and implement greenhouse gas
accounting in analyzing the benefits and costs of individual projects
(excluding those with de minimus greenhouse gas emissions) for which
funding is sought from the bank.
``(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that adopting
and implementing greenhouse gas accounting includes--
``(1) calculating net greenhouse gas flows;
``(2) establishing uniform calculation techniques, with
provision for modification as professional standards evolve;
``(3) making public the calculation techniques and
calculations;
``(4) measuring greenhouse gas emissions of individual
projects;
``(5) considering global social costs of the emissions when
evaluating the economic cost benefit of such projects; and
``(6) performing greenhouse gas accounting for each such
project.
``(c) Expansion of Climate Change Mitigation Activities.--The
Secretary of the Treasury shall work to ensure that the multilateral
development banks (as defined in section 1701(c)(4)) expand their
activities supporting climate change mitigation by--
``(1) expending support for low-cost, high-gain investments
in energy efficiency and renewable energy;
``(2) reviewing all proposed infrastructure investments to
ensure that all opportunities for integrating viable energy
efficiency measures have been considered;
``(3) increasing the dialogue with the governments of
developing countries regarding--
``(A) analysis and policy measures needed for low
carbon emission economic development; and
``(B) reforms needed to promote private sector
engagement in low-cost, high-gain renewable and energy
efficiency investments; and
``(4) integrate low carbon emission economic development
objectives into multilateral development bank country
strategies.
``(d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary
of the Treasury shall submit a report on the status of efforts to
implement this section to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of
Representatives.''.
SEC. 4. ANTI-CORRUPTION CAPACITY BUILDING.
The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States
Executive Director at the World Bank to--
(1) urge the World Bank to help countries build capacity to
investigate, adjudicate, and punish corruption and all crimes
in a manner consistent with well-established law enforcement
and judicial norms; and
(2) actively promote efforts to enhance and extend programs
that improve recipient countries' ability to prevent,
investigate, and prosecute fraud and corruption, including in
projects funded by the World Bank, through initiatives aimed
at--
(A) building institutional capacity across
recipient country government agencies;
(B) improving transparency and accountability
mechanisms throughout government;
(C) promoting public education of the costs of
corruption;
(D) encouraging recipient countries to adopt
enforceable sanctions;
(E) supporting the judicial sector in low-income
countries to include investigative and prosecutorial
functions of the criminal justice system, as permitted
by determinations of noninterference in political
matters required by the World Bank Articles of
Agreement; and
(F) developing additional tools for the detection
of fraud and corruption in World Bank projects as
additional preventative measures and to equip recipient
countries with more real-time data to support in-
country investigations at earlier stages of the project
cycle.
SEC. 5. REPORTS ON PROCESS TO ADDRESS INSPECTION FUNCTIONS WITHIN THE
MULTILATERAL DEVELOPMENT BANKS.
The Secretary of the Treasury shall instruct the United States
Executive Director at each multilateral development bank to use the
voice and vote of the United States to--
(1) encourage the World Bank Inspection Panel, the
Compliance Advisor Ombudsman of the International Finance
Corporation and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, the
African Development Bank Independent Review Mechanism, the
InterAmerican Development Bank Independent Investigation
Mechanism, the Asian Development Bank Accountability Mechanism,
and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Independent Recourse Mechanism to include, if not done already,
in their respective publications, an assessment of--
(A) the number of cases, key findings, and outcomes
of completed inspection processes;
(B) the level and extent of participation of
requesters and other affected people in the compliance
investigation process, including the extent to which
their concerns were raised before the Board and senior
management of the bank;
(C) the level and extent of participation of
requesters and other affected people in the problem-
solving process, where applicable; and
(D) inclusion of stakeholders in the creation of
action plans or remedial agreements to--
(i) remedy identified violations of the
policies and procedures of the bank; and
(ii) address outstanding issues identified
in a problem-solving process, if applicable;
and
(2) strengthen the inspection mechanism in such development
banks where the Department of the Treasury has identified
weaknesses.
SEC. 6. EVALUATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall seek to ensure
that multilateral development banks--
(1) rigorously evaluate the development impact of selected
bank projects, programs, and financing operations; and
(2) use random assignment in conducting the evaluations
described in paragraph (1), to the extent feasible.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) multilateral development banks should rigorously
evaluate the development impact of selected bank projects,
programs, and financing operations;
(2) the evaluations described in paragraph (1) should--
(A) focus strategically on building a body of
research-proven approaches that have sizeable,
sustained impacts on important development outcomes;
and
(B) use random assignment to the extent feasible;
and
(3) multilateral development banks should issue an annual
report or similar publication with details about--
(A) the questions being addressed;
(B) the rationale for selecting the projects,
programs, and financing operations that are being
evaluated;
(C) the methodologies used in the evaluations; and
(D) the findings from the completed evaluations.
SEC. 7. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION.
The International Development Association Act (22 U.S.C. 284 et
seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 24. FIFTEENTH REPLENISHMENT.
``(a) The United States Governor of the International Development
Association is authorized to contribute, on behalf of the United
States, $3,705,000,000 to the fifteenth replenishment of the resources
of the Association, subject to obtaining the necessary appropriations.
``(b) In order to pay for the United States contribution provided
for in subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated
$3,705,000,000 for payment by the Secretary of the Treasury.
``SEC. 25. MULTILATERAL DEBT RELIEF.
``(a) The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to contribute, on
behalf of the United States, not more than $356,000,000 to the
International Development Association for the purpose of funding debt
relief under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative in the period
governed by the fifteenth replenishment of resources of the
International Development Association, subject to obtaining the
necessary appropriations and without prejudice to any funding
arrangements in existence on the date of the enactment of this section.
``(b) In order to pay for the United States contribution provided
for in subsection (a), there are authorized to be appropriated, without
fiscal year limitation, not more than $356,000,000 for payment by the
Secretary of the Treasury.
``(c) In this section, the term `Multilateral Debt Relief
Initiative' means the proposal set out in the G8 Finance Ministers'
Communique entitled `Conclusions on Development,' done at London, June
11, 2005, and reaffirmed by G8 Heads of State at the Gleneagles Summit
on July 8, 2005.''.
SEC. 8. COORDINATION OF DEVELOPMENT POLICY.
(a) Study.--The Secretary of the Treasury, in coordination with the
Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for
International Development, and other Federal agencies, as appropriate,
shall conduct a study on the respective roles each agency plays in the
formulation of United States policy concerning the development policy,
programs, and activities of the World Bank Group.
(b) Report.--
(1) Submission.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall
submit a report that includes the results of the study
conducted under subsection (a) to--
(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Financial Services of the
House of Representatives.
(2) Contents.--The report submitted under paragraph (1)
shall specifically address and evaluate the degree and extent
of interagency coordination in the formulation and
implementation of United States policy relating to the
development activities of the World Bank Group. | World Bank International Development Association Replenishment Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Defines "greenhouse gas" as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, a perfluorocarbon, or a hydrofluorocarbon.
(Sec. 3) Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) seek to ensure that multilateral development banks implement greenhouse gas accounting in analyzing the benefits and costs of individual projects, and expand their climate change mitigation activities; and (2) submit a related annual report to the appropriate congressional committees.
Expresses the sense of Congress that implementing greenhouse gas accounting includes: (1) calculating net greenhouse gas flows; (2) establishing uniform publicly available calculation techniques; (3) measuring individual project emissions; (4) considering global social costs when evaluating economic cost benefits; and (5) performing greenhouse gas accounting for each project.
(Sec. 4) Directs the Secretary to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at the World Bank to: (1) urge the Bank to help countries build capacity to investigate and punish corruption and crime in a manner consistent with well-established law enforcement and judicial norms; and (2) enhance programs that improve recipient countries' ability to prevent and prosecute fraud and corruption.
(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at each multilateral development bank to use U.S. influence to encourage assessments of inspection functions and to strengthen the inspection mechanism where appropriate.
(Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to seek to ensure that multilateral development banks: (1) evaluate the development impact of selected bank projects and financing operations; and (2) use random assignment when feasible in conducting such evaluations.
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) multilateral development banks should evaluate the development impact of selected bank projects and financing operations; (2) such evaluations should focus on building a body of research-proven approaches that have sustained impacts on important development outcomes and use random assignment when feasible; and (3) multilateral development banks should issue an annual report or similar publication.
(Sec. 7) Amends the International Development Association Act to authorize the U.S. Governor of the International Development Association to contribute to the 15th replenishment of the Association. Authorizes appropriations.
Authorizes the Secretary to contribute to the Association for debt relief funding under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative in the period governed by the 15th replenishment of the Association. Authorizes appropriations.
Defines "Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative" as the proposal set out in the G8 Finance Ministers' Communique entitled "Conclusions on Development," done at London, June 11, 2005, and reaffirmed by G8 Heads of State at the Gleneagles Summit on July 8, 2005.
(Sec. 8) Directs the Secretary: (1) in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and other federal agencies to study each agency's role in the formulation of U.S. policy regarding the World Bank Group; and (2) submit a related report to the appropriate congressional committees. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Janey Ensminger Act''.
SEC. 2. PRESUMPTIONS OF SERVICE CONNECTION FOR ILLNESSES ASSOCIATED
WITH CONTAMINANTS IN THE WATER SUPPLY AT MARINE CORPS
BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 11 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 1119. Presumptions of service connection for illnesses
associated with contaminants in the water supply at Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina
``(a) Presumption.--(1) For purposes of section 1110 of this title,
and subject to section 1113 of this title, each illness, if any,
described in paragraph (2) shall be considered to have been incurred in
or aggravated by service referred to in that paragraph, notwithstanding
that there is no record of evidence of such illness during the period
of such service.
``(2) An illness referred to in paragraph (1) is any diagnosed or
undiagnosed illness that--
``(A) the Secretary determines, in consultation with the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, in
regulations prescribed under this section to warrant a
presumption of service connection by reason of having a
positive association with exposure to volatile organic
compounds, including known human carcinogens and probable human
carcinogens, known or presumed to be associated with service in
the Armed Forces at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North
Carolina, during a period determined by the Secretary in
consultation with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry; and
``(B) becomes manifest within the period, if any,
prescribed in such regulations in a veteran who served on
active duty at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and by reason of
such service was exposed to such compounds.
``(3) For purposes of this subsection, a veteran who served on
active duty at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, during the period referred
to in paragraph (2)(A) and who has an illness described in paragraph
(2) shall be presumed to have been exposed by reason of such service to
the compound associated with the illness in the regulations prescribed
under this section unless there is conclusive evidence to establish
that the veteran was not exposed to the compound by reason of such
service.
``(b) Determinations Relating to Diseases.--(1) Whenever the
Secretary determines, in consultation with the Agency for Toxic
Substances and Disease Registry, on the basis of sound medical and
scientific evidence, that a positive association exists between the
exposure of humans to a volatile organic compound known or presumed to
be present in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and the
occurrence of a disease in humans, the Secretary shall prescribe
regulations providing that a presumption of service connection is
warranted for that disease for the purposes of this section.
``(2) In making determinations for the purpose of this subsection,
the Secretary shall take into account all other sound medical and
scientific information and analyses available to the Secretary. In
evaluating any study for the purpose of making such determinations, the
Secretary shall take into consideration whether the results are
statistically significant, are capable of replication, and withstand
peer review.
``(3) An association between the occurrence of a disease in humans
and exposure to a volatile organic compound shall be considered to be
positive for the purposes of this section if the credible evidence for
the association is equal to or outweighs the credible evidence against
the association.
``(c) Removal of Diseases.--Whenever a disease is removed from
regulations prescribed under this section--
``(1) a veteran who was awarded compensation for such
disease on the basis of the presumption provided in subsection
(a) before the effective date of the removal shall continue to
be entitled to receive compensation on that basis; and
``(2) a survivor of a veteran who was awarded dependency
and indemnity compensation for the death of a veteran resulting
from such disease on the basis of such presumption shall
continue to be entitled to receive dependency and indemnity
compensation on such basis.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
1118 the following new item:
``1119. Presumptions of service connection for illnesses associated
with contaminants in the water supply at
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.''.
SEC. 3. HOSPITAL CARE, MEDICAL SERVICES, AND NURSING HOME CARE FOR
VETERANS STATIONED AT CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, WHILE
THE WATER WAS CONTAMINATED AT CAMP LEJEUNE.
(a) Family Members.--
(1) In general.--Subchapter VIII of chapter 17 of title 38,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``Sec. 1786. Health care of family members of veterans stationed at
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, while the water was
contaminated at Camp Lejeune
``(a) In General.--A family member of a veteran described in
section 1119(a)(3) of this title who resided at Camp Lejeune, North
Carolina, during the period described in such section, or who was in
utero during such period while the mother of such family member resided
at such location, shall be eligible for hospital care, medical
services, and nursing home care furnished by the Secretary for any
covered condition, or any covered disability that is associated with a
condition, that is associated with exposure to the contaminants in the
water at Camp Lejeune during such period.
``(b) Covered Conditions and Disabilities.--In this section,
covered conditions and disabilities are those conditions and
disabilities described in section 1119(a)(2) of this title.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 1785 the following new item:
``1786. Health care of family members of veterans stationed at Camp
Lejeune, North Carolina, while the water
was contaminated at Camp Lejeune.''. | Janey Ensminger Act - Presumes a service connection, for veterans' benefits purposes, for any illness associated with contaminants in the water supply at Camp Lejeune, during a period in which the water there was contaminated by volatile organic compounds, including known and probable human carcinogens, notwithstanding evidence of such illness during such period.
Makes family members who resided at such location during such period, or were in utero during such period while the mother resided at such location, eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for any condition or disability associated with exposure to such contaminants. | billsum_train |
Make a brief summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Support for Vulnerable and Displaced
Iraqis Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Since the beginning of the 2003 war in Iraq, according
to countries hosting Iraqi refugees, up to 2,000,000 Iraqis
have fled their homes for neighboring countries to avoid
sectarian and other violence.
(2) According to the Office of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), there are over 2,700,000
internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq, and many other
vulnerable Iraqis have been unable to flee, many lacking
adequate food, shelter, and other basic services.
(3) The massive flow of Iraqi refugees into neighboring
host countries has overwhelmed existing social, economic, and
security capacities of such countries. Few Iraqis currently
consider return to Iraq an option.
(4) Increasing poverty and despair among displaced
populations may provide fertile ground for possible recruitment
by extremist groups.
(5) The humanitarian crisis in Iraq and its neighbors
threatens to undermine stability in the broader region.
(6) The United States has yet to disclose a long-term
comprehensive strategy to address the humanitarian situation of
vulnerable Iraqis, especially mass displacement of Iraqis
inside Iraq and as refugees into neighboring countries.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) refugees from Iraq and vulnerable Iraqis in Iraq,
especially internally displaced persons, will have an impact on
the stability of Iraq and the region, and the short- and long-
term effects and needs of their situation must be considered
within the overall Iraq policy of the United States and be
addressed at the highest levels of government;
(2) United States leadership is essential to sustain and
expand the response of the international community, including
the Government of Iraq, to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq and
faced by Iraqi refugees;
(3) it is critical for the United States to provide strong
leadership on funding assistance requests from the UNHCR and
other international organizations and nongovernmental
organizations providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable
populations in Iraq, including internally displaced persons,
and to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries;
(4) the United States should develop a long-term,
comprehensive humanitarian strategy in coordination with the
Government of Iraq, host countries, and other countries in the
region, donor governments, inter-governmental organizations,
international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations
to meet the humanitarian needs of vulnerable Iraqis, especially
Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons, through
assistance and resettlement;
(5) internally displaced Iraqis and Iraqi refugees should
only return when they are able to do so safely, voluntarily,
and sustainably; and
(6) the United States should rely on assessments of the
UNHCR, which has the mandate from the international community
for displaced people, nongovernmental organizations, and
displaced Iraqis themselves, in developing a long-term,
comprehensive humanitarian strategy to address the crisis
facing refugees from Iraq and internally displaced persons in
Iraq.
SEC. 4. DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL STRATEGY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of State, in consultation with the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development, the Secretary of Defense, and the heads of other Federal
agencies as appropriate, shall develop a comprehensive regional
strategy to address the mass displacement of Iraqis inside Iraq and as
refugees into neighboring countries.
(b) Content.--The strategy required under subsection (a) shall--
(1) address the serious challenges facing refugees from
Iraq, including--
(A) the lack of legal status recognized by host
governments and the inability of refugees to work
legally;
(B) inadequate UNHCR resources to register more
refugees from Iraq, assist them in Iraq and host
countries, and refer them for resettlement;
(C) inadequate UNHCR resources for nongovernmental
organizations to assist refugees from Iraq;
(D) limited access to education and healthcare;
(E) critical food shortages; and
(F) inadequate shelter, drinking water, sanitation,
and protection;
(2) address the responsibility of the Government of Iraq to
help meet the urgent humanitarian needs of its citizens in Iraq
and the region and steps the United States can take to provide
support in this area;
(3) include an assessment of the needs of vulnerable Iraqis
in Iraq, especially internally displaced persons and Iraqi
refugees in the region, and an estimate of assistance required
in order for the United States to help meet these needs,
including bilateral assistance and contributions to the Office
of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR),
other international organizations, and nongovernmental
organizations providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable
populations in Iraq, including internally displaced persons,
and to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries;
(4) include the number of refugees from Iraq that the
United States plans to admit to and resettle in the United
States in order to maintain the traditional United States share
of world-wide refugee admissions and resettlement, participate
in burden sharing with host countries, and provide a robust
response to the protection needs of refugees from Iraq, and
provide an explanation and justification for the number;
(5) include an assessment of what conditions are necessary
for the voluntary, safe, sustainable return of displaced
Iraqis, relying on the evaluations of the United States High
Commissioner for Refugees, nongovernmental organizations, and
displaced Iraqis themselves;
(6) include a description of the steps that the United
States Government has taken and will take to engage the
international community, including the Government of Iraq, to
implement the strategy and the response of the international
community to these efforts; and
(7) include plans to assess the impact of the strategy.
SEC. 5. REPORTS.
(a) Recommendations.--Not later than April 15, 2009, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the
appropriate congressional committees detailed recommendations on steps
the United States can take to address the humanitarian situation for
vulnerable Iraqis, especially the mass displacement of Iraqis inside
Iraq and as refugees into neighboring countries.
(b) Comprehensive Regional Strategy.--Not later than June 1, 2009,
the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional
committees a detailed description of the comprehensive regional
strategy required under section 4, as well as proposed timelines and
budgets for implementing the strategy.
(c) Annual Report.--Not later than December 31, 2009, and annually
thereafter until December 31, 2013, the Secretary of State shall submit
a report to Congress on the needs of vulnerable Iraqis, the
implementation of the comprehensive regional strategy, and the impact
of the regional strategy.
SEC. 6. APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES DEFINED.
In this Act, the term ``appropriate congressional committees''
means--
(1) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on
Appropriations of the Senate; and
(2) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives. | Support for Vulnerable and Displaced Iraqis Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive regional strategy to address the mass displacement of Iraqis inside Iraq and as refugees into neighboring countries.
Requires that such strategy: (1) address the challenges facing Iraqi refugees; (2) address the government of Iraq's responsibility to help meet the humanitarian needs of its citizens in Iraq and the region and related U.S. support; (3) assess the needs of vulnerable Iraqis in Iraq, especially internally displaced persons and Iraqi refugees in the region; (4) include the number of refugees from Iraq that the United States plans to resettle in the United States; (5) describe U.S. government steps to engage the international community and the government of Iraq in implementing such strategy; and (6) include plans to assess the strategy's impact. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. ENHANCEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
(a) Enhancement of Administration.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 901 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after section 9314a the following
new section:
``Sec. 9314b. United States Air Force Institute of Technology:
administration
``(a) Commandant.--
``(1) Selection.--The Commandant of the United States Air
Force Institute of Technology shall be selected by the
Secretary of the Air Force.
``(2) Eligibility.--The Commandant shall be one of the
following:
``(A) Active-duty officers.--An active-duty officer
of the Air Force in a grade not below the grade of
colonel, who is assigned or detailed to such position.
``(B) Civilians.--A civilian individual, including
an individual who was retired from the Air Force in a
grade not below brigadier general, who has the
qualifications appropriate to the position of
Commandant and is selected by the Secretary as the best
qualified from among candidates for the position in
accordance with--
``(i) the criteria specified in paragraph
(5);
``(ii) a process determined by the
Secretary; and
``(iii) other factors the Secretary
considers relevant.
``(3) Consultation of relevant individuals.--Before making
an assignment, detail, or selection of an individual for the
position of Commandant, the Secretary shall--
``(A) consult with the Air Force Institute of
Technology Subcommittee of the Air University Board of
Visitors;
``(B) consider any recommendation of the leadership
and faculty of the United States Air Force Institute of
Technology regarding the assignment or selection to
that position; and
``(C) consider the recommendations of the Chief of
Staff of the Air Force.
``(4) Five year term for civilian commandant.--An
individual selected for the position of Commandant under
paragraph (1)(B) shall serve in that position for a term of not
more than five years and may be continued in that position for
an additional term of up to five years.
``(5) Relevant qualifications.--The qualifications
appropriate for selection of an individual for detail or
assignment to the position of Commandant include the following:
``(A) An academic degree that is either--
``(i) a doctorate degree in a field of
study relevant to the mission and function of
the United States Air Force Institute of
Technology; or
``(ii) a master's degree in a field of
study relevant to the mission and function of
the United States Air Force Institute of
Technology, but only if--
``(I) the individual is an active-
duty or retired officer of the Air
Force in a grade not below the grade of
brigadier general; and
``(II) at the time of the selection
of that individual as Commandant, the
individual permanently appointed to the
position of Provost and Academic Dean
has a doctorate degree in a field of
study relevant to the mission and
function of the United States Air Force
Institute of Technology.
``(B) A comprehensive understanding of the
Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense,
and joint and combined operations.
``(C) Leadership experience at the senior level in
a large and diverse organization.
``(D) Demonstrated ability to foster and encourage
a program of research in order to sustain academic
excellence.
``(E) Other qualifications, as determined by the
Secretary.
``(6) Support.--The Secretary shall detail officers of the
Air Force of appropriate grades and qualifications to assist
the Commandant in--
``(A) the advanced instruction and professional and
technical education of students and the provision of
research opportunities for students; and
``(B) the administration of the United States Air
Force Institute of Technology.
``(b) Provost and Academic Dean.--
``(1) In general.--There is established at the United
States Air Force Institute of Technology the civilian position
of Provost and Academic Dean.
``(2) Appointment.--
``(A) Appointment by secretary.--The Provost and
Academic Dean shall be appointed by the Secretary for a
term of five years.
``(B) Consultation.--Before making an appointment
to the position of Provost and Academic Dean, the
Secretary shall consult with the Air Force Institute of
Technology Subcommittee of the Air University Board of
Visitors and shall consider any recommendation of the
leadership and faculty of the United States Air Force
Institute of Technology regarding an appointment to
that position.
``(3) Compensation.--The Provost and Academic Dean is
entitled to such compensation as the Secretary prescribes, but
not more than the rate of compensation authorized for level IV
of the Executive Schedule.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 901 of such title is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 9314a the following new
item:
``9314b. United States Air Force Institute of Technology:
administration.''.
(b) Treatment of Current Commandant.--The officer who is serving as
Commandant of the United States Air Force Institute of Technology at
the time of the enactment of this Act may serve as acting Commandant
until the appointment of a Commandant in accordance with section
9314b(a) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). | Requires the Commandant of the United States Air Force Institute of Technology (Institute) to be selected by the Secretary of the Air Force. Outlines eligibility requirements and qualifications for such position. Allows a term of five years, with the authority to continue in such position for an additional five years. Establishes at the Institute the civilian positions of Provost and Academic Dean, to be appointed by such Secretary for five-year periods. Allows the person currently serving as the Institute's Commandant to serve as Acting Commandant until the appointment is made under this Act. | billsum_train |
Create a condensed overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Health Care Tax Deduction Act of
2001''.
SEC. 2. DEDUCTION FOR HEALTH INSURANCE AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS OF
INDIVIDUALS.
(a) In General.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by redesignating section 222
as section 223 and by inserting after section 221 the following new
section:
``SEC. 222. HEALTH INSURANCE AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS.
``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, there shall be
allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the sum of the amount paid
during the taxable year for--
``(1) insurance which constitutes medical care for the
taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse and dependents, plus
``(2) unreimbursed prescription drug expenses paid by the
taxpayer for the taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse and
dependents.
``(b) Limitations and Special Rules.--
``(1) Employer contributions to cafeteria plans, flexible
spending arrangements, and medical savings accounts.--Employer
contributions to a cafeteria plan, a flexible spending or
similar arrangement, or a medical savings account which are
excluded from gross income under section 106 shall be treated
for purposes of subsection (a) as paid by the employer.
``(2) Deduction not available for payment of ancillary
coverage premiums.--Any amount paid as a premium for insurance
which provides for--
``(A) coverage for accidents, disability, dental
care, vision care, or a specified illness, or
``(B) making payments of a fixed amount per day (or
other period) by reason of being hospitalized,
shall not be taken into account under subsection (a).
``(3) Coordination with deduction for health insurance and
prescription drug costs of self-employed individuals.--The
amount taken into account by the taxpayer in computing the
deduction under section 162(l) shall not be taken into account
under this section.
``(4) Coordination with medical expense deduction.--The
amount taken into account by the taxpayer in computing the
deduction under this section shall not be taken into account
under section 213.
``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Medical care.--
``(A) In general.--The term `medical care' has the
meaning given such term by section 213(d) without
regard to--
``(i) paragraph (1)(C) thereof, and
``(ii) so much of paragraph (1)(D) thereof
as relates to qualified long-term care
insurance contracts.
``(B) Exclusion of certain other contracts.--The
term `medical care' shall not include insurance if a
substantial portion of its benefits are excepted
benefits (as defined in section 9832(c)).
``(2) Unreimbursed prescription drug expenses.--The term
`unreimbursed prescription drug expenses' means amounts paid or
incurred for a prescribed drug (as defined by section
213(d)(3)) the cost of which to the taxpayer is not reimbursed
by insurance or otherwise.
``(d) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations
as may be appropriate to carry out this section.''.
(b) Deduction Allowed Whether or Not Taxpayer Itemizes Other
Deductions.--Subsection (a) of section 62 of such Code is amended by
inserting after paragraph (17) the following new item:
``(18) Health insurance and prescription drug costs.--The
deduction allowed by section 222.''.
(c) Clerical Amendments.--The table of sections for part VII of
subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the last
item and inserting the following new items:
``Sec. 222. Health insurance and
prescription drug costs.
``Sec. 223. Cross reference.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2001.
SEC. 3. DEDUCTION FOR 100 PERCENT OF HEALTH INSURANCE AND PRESCRIPTION
DRUG COSTS OF SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (1) of section 162(l) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to general rule for allowance of
deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals) is
amended to read as follows:
``(1) Allowance of deduction.--In the case of an individual
who is an employee within the meaning of section 401(c)(1),
there shall be allowed as a deduction under this section an
amount equal to the sum of--
``(A) 100 percent of the amount paid during the
taxable year for insurance which constitutes medical
care for the taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse and
dependents, plus
``(B) unreimbursed prescription drug expenses
(within the meaning of section 222(c)(2)) paid during
the taxable year by the taxpayer for the taxpayer and
the taxpayer's spouse and dependents.''.
(b) Clarification of Limitations on Other Coverage.--The first
sentence of section 162(l)(2)(B) of such Code is amended to read as
follows: ``Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any taxpayer for any
calendar month for which the taxpayer participates in any subsidized
health plan maintained by any employer (other than an employer
described in section 401(c)(4)) of the taxpayer or the spouse of the
taxpayer.''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The heading for section 162(l) of such
Code is amended by inserting ``and Prescription Drug'' after
``Insurance''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2001. | Health Care Tax Deduction Act of 2001 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow all individuals a deduction (not subject to the 7.5 percent medical deduction limitation) for amounts paid for qualifying health insurance and unreimbursed prescription drugs on behalf of the taxpayer, spouse, and dependents.Provides self-employed individuals not otherwise covered with 100 percent coverage for health insurance and unreimbursed prescription drug costs on behalf of the taxpayer, spouse, and dependents.Coordinates such deductions with existing individual and self-employed medical deduction provisions. | billsum_train |
Summarize the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research
Enhancement Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are serious
inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
(2) Crohn's disease may occur in any section of the
gastrointestinal tract but is predominately found in the lower
part of the small intestine and the large intestine. Ulcerative
colitis is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the
innermost lining of the colon. Complete removal of the colon in
patients with ulcerative colitis can potentially alleviate and
cure symptoms.
(3) Because Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis behave
similarly, they are collectively known as inflammatory bowel
disease. Both diseases present a variety of symptoms, including
severe diarrhea, abdominal pain with cramps, fever, and rectal
bleeding. There is no known cause of inflammatory bowel
disease, or medical cure.
(4) It is estimated that up to 1,400,000 people in the
United States suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, 30
percent of whom are diagnosed during their childhood years.
(5) Children with inflammatory bowel disease miss school
activities because of bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain, and
many adults who had onset of inflammatory bowel disease as
children had delayed puberty and impaired growth and have never
reached their full genetic growth potential.
(6) Inflammatory bowel disease patients are at high risk
for developing colorectal cancer.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DIABETES AND DIGESTIVE AND KIDNEY
DISEASES; INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE RESEARCH EXPANSION.
Subpart 3 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 285c et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 434B. INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE.
``(a) In General.--The Director of the Institute shall expand,
intensify, and coordinate the activities of the Institute with respect
to research on inflammatory bowel disease. Such research may be focused
on, but not limited to, the following areas:
``(1) Genetic research on susceptibility for inflammatory
bowel disease, including the interaction of genetic and
environmental factors in the development of the disease.
``(2) Research targeted to increase knowledge about the
causes and complications of inflammatory bowel disease in
children.
``(3) Animal model research on inflammatory bowel disease,
including genetics in animals.
``(4) Clinical inflammatory bowel disease research,
including clinical studies and treatment trials.
``(5) Expansion of the Institute's Inflammatory Bowel
Disease Centers program with a focus on pediatric research.
``(6) The training of qualified health professionals in
biomedical research focused on inflammatory bowel disease,
including pediatric investigators.
``(7) Other research priorities identified by the
scientific agendas `Challenges in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Research' (Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America) and
`Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease' (North American Society
for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition).
``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out subsection
(a), there are authorized to be appropriated $80,000,000 for fiscal
year 2008, $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, and $100,000,000 for
fiscal year 2010.''.
SEC. 4. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION; EXPANSION OF
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY PROGRAM.
Part A of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 241
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 310A. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION; EXPANSION OF
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention shall expand the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Epidemiology
Program within the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion to include additional studies focused on--
``(1) the incidence and prevalence of pediatric
inflammatory bowel disease in the United States;
``(2) genetic and environmental factors associated with
pediatric inflammatory bowel disease;
``(3) age, race or ethnicity, gender, and family history of
individuals diagnosed with pediatric inflammatory bowel
disease; and
``(4) treatment approaches and outcomes in pediatric
inflammatory bowel disease.
``(b) Consultation.--The Director shall carry out subsection (a) in
consultation with a national voluntary patient organization with
experience serving the population of individuals with pediatric
inflammatory bowel disease and organizations representing physicians
and other health professionals specializing in the treatment of such
populations.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for fiscal year
2008, and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2009
and 2010.''. | Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Enhancement Act - Requires the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to expand, intensify, and coordinate the Institute's research activities on inflammatory bowel disease, with a focus on: (1) genetic research on susceptibility for inflammatory bowel disease; (2) research targeted to increase knowledge about the causes and complications of inflammatory bowel disease in children; (3) animal model research; (4) clinical research; (5) expansion of the Institute's Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centers program with a focus on pediatric research; (6) training of qualified health professionals in biomedical research focused on inflammatory bowel disease; and (7) other research priorities identified in specified scientific agendas.
Requires the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to expand the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Epidemiology Program to include additional studies focused on: (1) the incidence and prevalence of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in the United States; (2) genetic and environmental factors associated with the disease; (3) age, race or ethnicity, gender, and family history of individuals diagnosed with the disease; and (4) treatment approaches and outcomes. | billsum_train |
Make a brief summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Chesapeake Bay Watershed Nutrient
Removal Assistance Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) nutrient pollution from point sources and nonpoint
sources continues to be the most significant water quality
problem in the Chesapeake Bay watershed;
(2) a key commitment of the Chesapeake 2000 agreement, an
interstate agreement among the Administrator, the Chesapeake
Bay Commission, the District of Columbia, and the States of
Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania, is to achieve the goal of
correcting the nutrient-related problems in the Chesapeake Bay
by 2010;
(3) by correcting those problems, the Chesapeake Bay and
its tidal tributaries may be removed from the list of impaired
bodies of water designated by the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency under section 303(d) of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1313(d));
(4) more than 300 major sewage treatment plants located in
the Chesapeake Bay watershed annually discharge approximately
60,000,000 pounds of nitrogen, or the equivalent of 20 percent
of the total nitrogen load, into the Chesapeake Bay; and
(5) nutrient removal technology is 1 of the most reliable,
cost-effective, and direct methods for reducing the flow of
nitrogen from point sources into the Chesapeake Bay.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency to provide financial assistance to States and
municipalities for use in upgrading publicly-owned wastewater
treatment plants in the Chesapeake Bay watershed with nutrient
removal technologies; and
(2) to further the goal of restoring the water quality of
the Chesapeake Bay to conditions that are protective of human
health and aquatic living resources.
SEC. 3. SEWAGE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY GRANT PROGRAM.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``TITLE VII--MISCELLANEOUS
``SEC. 701. SEWAGE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) Definition of Eligible Facility.--In this section, the term
`eligible facility' means a municipal wastewater treatment plant that--
``(1) as of the date of enactment of this title, has a
permitted design capacity to treat an annual average of at
least 500,000 gallons of wastewater per day; and
``(2) is located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed in any
of the States of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, or West Virginia or in the District of Columbia.
``(b) Grant Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this title, the Administrator shall establish a
program within the Environmental Protection Agency to provide
grants to States and municipalities to upgrade eligible
facilities with nutrient removal technologies.
``(2) Priority.--In providing a grant under paragraph (1),
the Administrator shall--
``(A) consult with the Chesapeake Bay Program
Office;
``(B) give priority to eligible facilities at which
nutrient removal upgrades would--
``(i) produce the greatest nutrient load
reductions at points of discharge; or
``(ii) result in the greatest environmental
benefits to local bodies of water surrounding,
and the main stem of, the Chesapeake Bay; and
``(iii) take into consideration the
geographic distribution of the grants.
``(3) Application.--
``(A) In general.--On receipt of an application
from a State or municipality for a grant under this
section, if the Administrator approves the request, the
Administrator shall transfer to the State or
municipality the amount of assistance requested.
``(B) Form.--An application submitted by a State or
municipality under subparagraph (A) shall be in such
form and shall include such information as the
Administrator may prescribe.
``(4) Use of funds.--A State or municipality that receives
a grant under this section shall use the grant to upgrade
eligible facilities with nutrient removal technologies that are
designed to reduce total nitrogen in discharged wastewater to
an average annual concentration of 3 milligrams per liter.
``(5) Cost sharing.--
``(A) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost
of upgrading any eligible facility as described in
paragraph (1) using funds provided under this section
shall not exceed 55 percent.
``(B) Non-federal share.--The non-Federal share of
the costs of upgrading any eligible facility as
described in paragraph (1) using funds provided under
this section may be provided in the form of funds made
available to a State or municipality under--
``(i) any provision of this Act other than
this section (including funds made available
from a State revolving fund established under
title VI); or
``(ii) any other Federal or State law.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this section $132,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2006 through 2010, to remain available until expended.
``(2) Administrative costs.--The Administrator may use not
to exceed 4 percent of any amount made available under
paragraph (1) to pay administrative costs incurred in carrying
out this section.''. | Chesapeake Bay Watershed Nutrient Removal Assistance Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants to states and municipalities to upgrade municipal wastewater treatment plants of a specified capacity and located within the Chesapeake Bay watershed with nutrient removal technologies. | billsum_train |
Change the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Flood Mitigation Expense Relief Act
of 2013''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR CERTAIN QUALIFIED FLOOD MITIGATION EXPENSES.
(a) In General.--Subpart B of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 30E. QUALIFIED FLOOD MITIGATION EXPENSES.
``(a) In General.--In the case of a qualified taxpayer, there shall
be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the
taxable year an amount equal to the qualified flood mitigation expenses
paid or incurred by the taxpayer for the taxable year.
``(b) Limitations.--The amount allowed as a credit under subsection
(a) for a taxable year shall not exceed $5,000.
``(c) Qualified Taxpayer.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term
`qualified taxpayer' means taxpayer who--
``(A) is the holder of a policy for flood insurance
coverage under the national flood insurance program
under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42
U.S.C. 4011 et seq.), and
``(B) owns property--
``(i) which is covered by such policy for
flood insurance coverage under which the
chargeable premium rate as of the date of the
enactment of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance
Reform Act of 2012 (title II of division F of
Public Law 112-141) is less than the applicable
estimated risk premium rate under section
1307(a)(1) of the National Flood Insurance Act
of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1)) for the area (or
subdivision thereof) in which the property is
located,
``(ii) for which such chargeable premium
rate was increased or will increase, as a
result of any provision of the Biggert-Waters
Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, to the
applicable estimated risk premium rate under
such section 1307(a)(1) for such area (or
subdivision), and
``(iii) which--
``(I) has an elevation lower than
the base flood elevation, as determined
by the applicable flood insurance rate
map, or
``(II) is located in an area that,
after the date of the enactment of the
Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform
Act of 2012, has been designated as
having a higher flood risk than the
flood risk designated for the area as
of such date of enactment.
``(2) Business employers must be small.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a taxpayer which
is a trade or business, for purposes of this section
the term `qualified taxpayer' shall not include any
taxpayer which employed an average of more than 50
employees on business days during such taxable year.
``(B) Controlled groups.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), all persons treated as a single
employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 or
subsection (m) or (o) of section 414 shall be treated
as a single employer.
``(d) Qualified Flood Mitigation Expenses.--The term `qualified
flood mitigation expenses' shall have the meaning given such term by
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
``(e) Partnership, S Corporations, and Other Pass-Thru Entities.--
In the case of a partnership, trust, S corporation, or other pass-thru
entity, the credit and limitations contained in this section shall be
determined at the entity level.
``(f) Application With Other Credits.--
``(1) Business credit treated as part of general business
credit.--So much of the credit which would be allowed under
subsection (a) for any taxable year (determined without regard
to this subsection) that is determined with respect to property
of a character subject to an allowance for depreciation shall
be treated as a credit listed in section 38(b) for such taxable
year (and not allowed under subsection (a)).
``(2) Personal credit.--For purposes of this title, the
credit allowed under subsection (a) for any taxable year
(determined after application of paragraph (1)) shall be
treated as a credit allowable under subpart C for such taxable
year.
``(g) Termination.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to any amount
paid or incurred after December 31, 2022.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 38(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph (35), by
striking the period at the end of section (36) and inserting
``, plus'', and by inserting after paragraph (36) the following
new paragraph:
``(37) the portion of the credit for qualified flood
mitigation expenses to which section 30E(f)(1) applies.''.
(2) Section 1324(b)(2) of title 31, United States Code, is
amended by inserting ``30E(f)(2),'' after ``25A,''.
(3) The table of sections for subpart B of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 30E. Qualified flood mitigation expenses.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to amounts paid or incurred after December 31, 2012.
SEC. 3. INCREASED FUNDING FOR MITIGATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency--
(1) $100,000,000 for carrying out the predisaster hazard
mitigation program authorized by section 203 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5133); and
(2) $100,000,000 for carrying out the flood mitigation
assistance program authorized by section 1366 of the National
Flood Insurance Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4104c), which shall
remain available until expended.
(b) Use of Funds.--In carrying out the programs specified in
subsection (a) using the amounts made available to the Administrator
under this section, the Administrator shall ensure that such amounts
are used as follows:
(1) Activities.--Such amounts may be used only for--
(A) mitigation activities under such programs for
properties eligible pursuant to paragraph (2); and
(B) acquisition by States and communities of
properties eligible pursuant to paragraph (2).
(2) Properties.--Such amounts may be used only with respect
to properties that--
(A) are located in an area for which revised flood
insurance rate maps under the national flood insurance
program take effect after the date of the enactment of
the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012
(subtitle A of title II of division F of Public Law
112-141; 126 Stat. 916); and
(B)(i) have an elevation that is lower than the
base flood elevation for the area in which the property
is located, as determined by the applicable such flood
insurance rate map; or
(ii) are located in an area that, after the date of
the enactment of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance
Reform Act of 2012, has been designated as having a
higher flood risk than the flood risk designated for
the area as of such date of enactment.
SEC. 4. REPEAL OF ENERGY STAR PROGRAM.
The Energy Star program of the United States Department of Energy
and the United States Environmental Protection Agency is hereby
terminated and any appropriation or amount otherwise made available for
such program which is not obligated or expended as of the date of the
enactment of this Act is hereby rescinded. | Flood Mitigation Expense Relief Act of 2013 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow qualified taxpayers a tax credit, up to $5,000 in a taxable year, for flood mitigation expenses. Defines "qualified taxpayer" as: (1) a taxpayer who is the holder of a flood insurance policy under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and who owns insured property for which the chargeable premium rate under such policy was increased or will increase and which has an elevation lower than the base flood elevation or is located in an area designated as having a higher flood risk, and (2) a small business with 50 or fewer employees. Terminates such credit after 2022. Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to carry out: (1) the predisaster hazard mitigation program authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and (2) the flood mitigation assistance program authorized by the National Flood Insurance Act of 1969. Specifies that such funds may be used only for mitigation activities and acquisition by states and communities of properties located in higher flood risk areas. Terminates the Energy Star program of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and rescinds any amounts not obligated or expended for such program. | billsum_train |
Make a brief summary of the following text: PROVISIONS RELATED TO
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM.
(a) In General.--Section 40122(a)(2) of title 49, United States
Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Dispute resolution.--
``(A) Mediation.--If the Administrator does not
reach an agreement under paragraph (1) or subsection
(g)(2)(C) with the exclusive bargaining
representatives, the services of the Federal Mediation
and Conciliation Service shall be used to attempt to
reach such agreement in accordance with part 1425 of
title 29, Code of Federal Regulations. The
Administrator and bargaining representatives may by
mutual agreement adopt procedures for the resolution of
disputes or impasses arising in the negotiation of a
collective-bargaining agreement.
``(B) Binding arbitration.--
``(i) In general.--If the services of the
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
under subparagraph (A) do not lead to an
agreement, the Administrator and the bargaining
representatives shall submit their issues in
controversy to the Federal Service Impasses
Panel in accordance with section 7119 of title
5.
``(ii) Assistance by federal service
impasses panel.--The Federal Service Impasses
Panel shall assist the parties in resolving the
impasse by asserting jurisdiction and ordering
binding arbitration by a private arbitration
board consisting of 3 members in accordance
with section 2471.6(a)(2)(ii) of title 5, Code
of Federal Regulations.
``(iii) Selection of arbitrators.--The
executive director of the Federal Service
Impasses Panel shall request a list of not less
than 15 names of arbitrators with Federal
sector experience from the director of the
Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to
be provided to the Administrator and the
bargaining representatives. Not later than 10
days after the executive director receives the
list, each party shall each select an
arbitrator. The 2 selected arbitrators shall
then select a third arbitrator from the list
within 7 days. If the 2 arbitrators are unable
to agree on selection of the third arbitrator,
the parties shall select the third arbitrator
by alternately striking names from the list
until only 1 name remains.
``(iv) Framing the issues.--If the parties
do not agree on how to frame the issues to be
submitted for arbitration, the arbitration
board shall frame the issues.
``(v) Full and fair hearing.--The
arbitration board shall give the parties a full
and fair hearing, including an opportunity to
present evidence in support of their claims,
and an opportunity to present their case in
person, by counsel, or by other representative
as they may elect.
``(vi) Conclusive and binding decisions.--A
decision of the arbitration board shall be
conclusive and binding upon the parties of the
arbitration.
``(vii) Timing of decision.--Not later than
90 days after the date of the appointment of
the arbitration board, the arbitration board
shall render a decision.
``(viii) Cost sharing.--The Administrator
and the bargaining representative shall share
the costs of the arbitration equally.
``(ix) Considerations.--The arbitration
board shall consider the effect of its
arbitration decisions on--
``(I) the ability of the
Administrator to attract and retain a
qualified workforce; and
``(II) the budget of the Federal
Aviation Administration.
``(C) Effect.--Upon reaching a voluntary agreement
or at the conclusion of the binding arbitration under
subparagraph (B), the final agreement, except for those
matters decided by the arbitration board, shall be
subject to ratification by the exclusive
representative, if so requested by the exclusive
representative, and approval by the head of the agency
in accordance with subsection (g)(2)(C).
``(D) Enforcement.--Enforcement of the provisions
of this paragraph, and any agreement hereunder, shall
be in the United States District Court for the District
of Columbia.''.
(b) Effective Date.--Paragraph (2) of section 40122(a) of title 49,
United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), shall apply to
disputes described in section 40122 of such title arising on or after
July 10, 2005. | Provides that, with respect to disputes arising after July 10, 2005, between the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its employees in attempting to reach an agreement concerning the implementation of proposed changes to the FAA personnel management system: (1) the services of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) shall be used; (2) the Administrator and employees may by mutual agreement adopt procedures for the resolution of disputes or impasses arising in the negotiation of a collective-bargaining agreement; and (3) if the services of the FMCS have led to an impasse between the FAA and its employees in reaching an agreement with respect to implementing the proposed changes, the FAA Administrator and employees shall submit their controversy to the Federal Service Impasses Panel for binding arbitration. (Under current law, the services of the FMCS shall be used and, if the services of the FMCS do not lead to an agreement, the Administrator's proposed change to the personnel management system shall not take effect until 60 days have elapsed after the Administrator has transmitted the proposed changes, along with the objections of the employees to the changes, and the reasons for such objections, to Congress.) | billsum_train |
Summarize the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Summer Travel Delay Prevention
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Flight delays and cancellations hit all time highs at
major airports nationwide during the summer of 2007, when--
(A) 20 percent more passengers were affected by
flight delays than were affected during the previous
summer;
(B) nearly 621,000 flights were delayed, an
increase of 15 percent compared with approximately
539,000 delayed flights in the summer of 2006;
(C) such delays lasted an average of 60 minutes, a
7 percent increase from the average length of flight
delays in the previous summer;
(D) flight cancellations increased to 48,000, from
37,000 in the summer of 2006, affecting nearly
3,200,000 passengers; and
(E) on board tarmac delays lasting at least 1 hour
increased by 25 percent compared with the summer of
2006, affecting over 2,000,000 passengers.
(2) The Inspector General of the Department of
Transportation--
(A) identified the New York area as 1 of 3
saturation points across the country that impacted
delays nationwide;
(B) reported that the biggest airspace bottlenecks
during the summer of 2007 were at the 3 major New York
area airports and the surrounding airspace, accounting
for more than \1/3\ of the flight delays nationwide;
and
(C) after analyzing the likelihood of having more
or less delays at 5 of the busiest airports based on
current traffic and existing systems, determined that
the significant increase in the peak travel schedule at
LaGuardia Airport in the summer 2008 has the potential
to worsen delay conditions.
(3) The 3 airports in the New York area, Kennedy Airport
(JFK), LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty Airport--
(A) are the 3 worst airports across the country in
terms of on-time arrivals, with only 59 percent of
flights arriving on time at JFK and LaGuardia;
(B) are anticipated to experience massive delays in
the summer of 2008; and
(C) have a ripple effect on the national airspace
system.
(4) Between October 2006 and July 2007 at JFK, average
daily operations increased by 23 percent and arrival delays of
more than 1 hour increased by 114 percent, to more than 2,300.
(5) The Federal Aviation Administration estimates that the
number of passengers on commercial aircraft will increase by 36
percent between 2007 and 2015, to a total of 1,000,000,000
passenger trips.
(6) Next generation air traffic control technology has the
ability to significantly improve congestion problems, but the
Federal Aviation Administration has repeatedly delayed its
implementation, currently estimated to take place in 2025, 11
years later than originally predicted.
(7) In addition to technology improvements, proven tools
are available to reduce airspace congestion and address the
massive delays.
(8) During the Thanksgiving holidays in 2007, military
airspace off the East Coast was opened for commercial use,
significantly reducing holiday delays and congestion by
creating an additional lane for traffic.
(9) Empowering a director to oversee and coordinate
operations in congested airspace has effectively reduced delays
in South Florida, where some air carriers improved arrival
performance by 44 percent and reduced delays lasting more than
90 minutes by 69 percent.
SEC. 3. PLAN FOR SHARING MILITARY AND SPECIAL USE AIRSPACE.
The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, in
consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of
Defense, shall develop--
(1) a plan to open up special use airspace for additional
lanes of air traffic at specific choke points during the summer
of 2008; and
(2) a permanent plan to share the military airspace off the
eastern coast of the United States, which--
(A) creates a corridor for commercial flights
seeking to avoid inclement weather or excessive air
traffic; and
(B) provides for immediate reclamation of such
airspace by the Department of Defense in the event of a
national emergency.
SEC. 4. NEW YORK INTEGRATION OFFICE.
(a) Budget Authority.--The Director of the New York Integration
Office of the Federal Aviation Administration is authorized to transfer
any amounts appropriated for the operations of such office to any
function that the Director determines to be necessary to carry out any
flight delay reduction project involving the airspace in the New York-
New Jersey region.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Federal Aviation Administration such sums as may be
necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the New York Integration
Office, including hiring necessary support staff.
SEC. 5. AVIATION TRAVELER TASK FORCE.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) While aircraft safety should be a top priority for the
Federal Aviation Administration and air carriers, compliance
with Federal safety regulations should not come at the expense
of passenger convenience.
(2) One of the chief complaints of customers left stranded
during April 2008 by massive cancellations was the lack of
notification about the status of their flights.
(3) Commercial air flight cancellations were announced with
little advance notice, causing many travelers to discover that
their flight was cancelled after they arrived at the airport.
(4) Air carriers have also reduced the number of flights on
their schedules, which has frustrated consumers' attempts to
find replacement flights on other air carriers.
(b) Establishment.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration shall establish an Aviation Traveler Task Force,
comprised of Federal Aviation Administration employees and
representatives of the commercial aviation industry.
(c) Functions.--The Aviation Traveler Task Force shall--
(1) clarify interpretations of safety directives issued by
the Federal Aviation Administration with which air carriers
will soon need to comply;
(2) develop contingency plans in the event that additional
aircraft--
(A) are found to be out of compliance with such
safety directives; and
(B) need to be grounded;
(3) generate ideas for the best way to notify passengers on
a massive scale that their flights have been cancelled; and
(4) design a notification system to alert passengers of
potential service disruptions.
(d) Inspection Plans.--The Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration shall ensure that any standardized plan to perform
inspections of commercial aircraft includes a plan to reduce groundings
and other consequences resulting from such inspections. | Summer Travel Delay Prevention Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop: (1) a plan for opening up to commercial flights special use airspace for additional lanes of air traffic at specific choke points; and (2) a permanent plan for sharing military airspace off the eastern U.S. coast by such flights.
Authorizes the Director of the New York Integration Office of the FAA to transfer appropriated amounts for Office operations to flight delay reduction projects in airspace over the New York-New Jersey region.
Requires the FAA Administrator to establish an Aviation Traveler Task Force to: (1) clarify interpretations of FAA safety directives with which air carriers will soon need to comply; (2) develop contingency plans in the event that additional aircraft do not comply with such safety directives and need to be grounded; and (3) design a notification system to alert passengers of potential service disruptions. | billsum_train |
Create a condensed overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Belated Thank You to the Merchant
Mariners of World War II Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. BENEFITS FOR WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINERS AND SURVIVORS.
(a) Monthly Benefit.--Chapter 112 of title 46, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) by inserting after the table of sections the following
new subchapter heading:
``SUBCHAPTER I--VETERANS' BURIAL AND CEMETERY BENEFITS'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subchapter:
``SUBCHAPTER II--MONTHLY BENEFIT
``Sec. 11205. Monthly benefit
``(a) Payment to Eligible Persons.--The Secretary of Veterans
Affairs shall pay to each person eligible for benefits under section
11206 of this title a monthly benefit of $1,000.
``(b) Surviving Spouses of Eligible Persons.--
``(1) Payment to surviving spouses.--The Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall pay to the surviving spouse of each
person eligible for benefits under section 11206 of this title
a monthly benefit of $1,000.
``(2) Exclusion.--No benefit under this subsection shall be
paid to a surviving spouse of a person eligible for benefits
under section 11206 of this title unless such surviving spouse
was married to such eligible person for no less than 1 year.
``(c) Children of Eligible Persons.--If there is no surviving
spouse entitled to benefits under this section, the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall pay to the children of each person eligible for
benefits under section 11206 of this title a monthly benefit of $1,000,
equally divided.
``(d) Exemption From Taxation.--Payments of benefits under this
section are exempt from taxation as provided in section 5301(a) of
title 38.
``Sec. 11206. Eligibility for benefit
``(a) Eligible Persons.--A person referred to in subsection (b) who
has performed qualified service as specified under subsection (c) shall
be eligible for benefits under section 11205(a) of this title.
``(b) Covered Persons.--Subsection (a) applies to a person who
receives an honorable service certificate under section 11207 of this
title.
``(c) Qualified Service.--A person shall be considered to have
engaged in qualified service if, between December 7, 1941, and December
31, 1946--
``(1) the person--
``(A) was a member of the United States merchant
marine (including the Army Transport Service and the
Naval Transport Service) serving as a crewmember of a
vessel that was--
``(i) operated by the War Shipping
Administration or the Office of Defense
Transportation (or an agent of the
Administration or Office);
``(ii) operated in waters other than inland
waters, the Great Lakes, and other lakes, bays,
and harbors of the United States;
``(iii) under contract or charter to, or
property of, the Government of the United
States; and
``(iv) serving the Armed Forces; and
``(B) while so serving, was licensed or otherwise
documented for service as a crewmember of such a vessel
by an officer or employee of the United States
authorized to license or document the person for such
service; or
``(2) while performing service under paragraph (1), the
person was forcibly detained or interned by an enemy government
or hostile force as a result of action against a vessel under
paragraph (1)(A).
``Sec. 11207. Documentation of qualified service
``(a) Application for Service Certificate.--A person seeking
benefits under section 11205 of this title shall submit an application
for a service certificate to the Secretary of Transportation, or in the
case of personnel of the Army Transport Service or the Naval Transport
Service, the Secretary of Defense.
``(b) Issuance of Service Certificate.--The Secretary who receives
an application under subsection (a) shall issue a certificate of
honorable service to the applicant if, as determined by that Secretary,
the person engaged in qualified service under section 11206(c) of this
title.
``(c) Timing of Documentation.--A Secretary receiving an
application under subsection (a) shall act on the application not later
than 1 year after the date of that receipt.
``(d) Standards Relating to Service.--In making a determination
under subsection (b), the Secretary acting on the application shall
apply the same standards relating to the nature and duration of service
that apply to the issuance of honorable discharges under section
401(a)(1)(B) of the GI Bill Improvement Act of 1977 (38 U.S.C. 106
note).
``Sec. 11208. Definitions
``In this subchapter, the terms `surviving spouse' and `child' have
the meanings given those terms in paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively,
of section 101 of title 38, except that in applying those meanings in
this subchapter, the term `veteran' shall include a person who
performed qualified service as specified in section 11206(c) of this
title.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Subsection (c) of section 11201 of
title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``chapter'' and inserting
``subchapter''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``chapter'' the second
place it appears and inserting ``subchapter''.
(c) Clerical Amendments.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 112 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting at the beginning the following new item:
``subchapter i--veterans' burial and cemetery benefits'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following new items:
``subchapter ii--monthly benefit
``11205. Monthly benefit.
``11206. Eligibility for benefit.
``11207. Documentation of qualified service.
``11208. Definitions.''.
(d) Effective Date.--Section 11205 of title 46, United States Code,
as added by subsection (a) of this section, shall take effect with
respect to payments for periods beginning on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act, regardless of the date of application for
benefits.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATION.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Department of
Veterans Affairs such sums as are necessary to carry out this Act. | Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2004 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946 (or to their survivors). Includes service in the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service. Exempts benefits paid under this Act from taxation. | billsum_train |
Summarize the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Flexibility to Innovate for College
Affordability Act''.
SEC. 2. HIGHER EDUCATION REGULATORY REFORM TASK FORCE.
(a) Task Force Established.--Not later than 2 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall establish
the Higher Education Regulatory Reform Task Force.
(b) Membership.--The Higher Education Regulatory Reform Task Force
shall include--
(1) the Secretary of Education or the Secretary's designee;
(2) the head of each other Federal agency (or such head's
designee) that the Secretary of Education determines to be
relevant to the activities of the Higher Education Regulatory
Reform Task Force;
(3) a representative of the Advisory Committee on Student
Financial Assistance established under section 491 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1098);
(4) representatives from the higher education community,
including--
(A) institutions of higher education, with equal
representation of public and private nonprofit
institutions, and two-year and four-year institutions,
and with not less than 25 percent of such
representative institutions carrying out distance
education programs; and
(B) nonprofit organizations representing
institutions of higher education; and
(5) any other entity or individual the Secretary of
Education determines appropriate.
(c) Activities.--
(1) Report required.--Not later than 6 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall
submit to Congress and make available on a publicly available
website a report (in this Act referred to as the ``Higher
Education Regulatory Reform Report'') prepared by the Higher
Education Regulatory Reform Task Force on Federal regulatory
requirements for institutions of higher education. In
prioritizing the review and consideration of such regulatory
requirements for the purposes of the Higher Education
Regulatory Reform Report, the Higher Education Regulatory
Reform Task Force shall give highest priority to regulations
that are in effect at the time of such review and consideration
and related to--
(A) State authorization of distance education;
(B) the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data
System (IPEDS);
(C) the Office of Management and Budget's A-21
Circular;
(D) reporting under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of
Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act;
(E) calculation of default rates under section
435(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965;
(F) gainful employment;
(G) revenue requirements for institutions of higher
education under section 487(a)(24) and (d) of the
Higher Education Act of 1965; and
(H) the Single Audit Act of 1984 and the Office of
Management and Budget's A-133 Circular.
(2) Contents of report.--The Higher Education Regulatory
Reform Report shall contain the following with respect to
regulatory requirements for institutions of higher education:
(A) A list of rules that are determined to be
outmoded, duplicative, ineffective, or excessively
burdensome.
(B) For each rule listed in accordance with
subparagraph (A) and that is in effect at the time of
the review under subparagraph (A), an analysis of
whether the costs outweigh the benefits for such rule.
(C) Recommendations to consolidate, modify,
simplify, or repeal such rules to make such rules more
effective or less burdensome.
(D) A description of the justification for and
impact of the recommendations described in subparagraph
(C), as appropriate and available, including supporting
data for such justifications and the financial impact
of such recommendations on institutions of higher
education of varying sizes and types.
(E) Recommendations on the establishment of a
permanent entity to review new regulatory requirements
affecting institutions of higher education.
(3) Notice and comment.--At least 30 days before submission
of the Higher Education Regulatory Reform Report required under
paragraph (1), the Secretary of Education shall publish the
report in the Federal Register for public notice and comment.
The Higher Education Regulatory Reform Task Force may modify
the report in response to any comments received before
submission of the report to Congress.
(d) Definition of Institution of Higher Education.--For the
purposes of this section, the term ``institution of higher education''
has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002), except that such term does not include
institutions described in subsection (a)(1)(C) of such section 102.
SEC. 3. EXPEDITED CONSIDERATION BY CONGRESS.
(a) Presentation of Higher Education Regulatory Reform Report to
Congress and Expedited Consideration.--
(1) In general.--The President shall propose, at the time
and in the manner provided in paragraph (2), the carrying out
of all or part of the recommendations contained in the Higher
Education Regulatory Reform Report prepared by the Higher
Education Regulatory Reform Task Force in accordance with
section 2.
(2) Transmittal of special message.--Not later than 120
days after the submission of the Higher Education Regulatory
Reform Report to Congress under section 2(c), the President
shall transmit to Congress a special message to carry out all
or part of the recommendations contained in such Report. The
President shall include with that special message a bill that
would carry out the recommendations. The President may not
transmit more than one such special message each year.
(3) Expedited consideration of president's higher education
regulatory reform bill.--
(A) Higher education regulatory reform bill.--
Within 14 days after the President submits to Congress
a bill under paragraph (2), the majority leader of the
House of Representatives and the majority leader of the
Senate shall each introduce such bill, by request.
(B) Consideration in the house of
representatives.--
(i) Referral and reporting.--Any committee
of the House of Representatives to which such
bill is referred shall report it to the House
without amendment not later than the 14th
legislative day after the date of its
introduction. If a committee fails to report
the bill within that period or the House has
adopted a concurrent resolution providing for
adjournment sine die at the end of a Congress,
such committee shall be automatically
discharged from further consideration of the
bill and it shall be placed on the appropriate
calendar.
(ii) Proceeding to consideration.--Not
later than 21 legislative days after such bill
is reported or a committee has been discharged
from further consideration thereof, it shall be
in order to move to proceed to consider such
bill in the House. Such a motion shall be
highly privileged and not debatable, and shall
be in order only at a time designated by the
Speaker in the legislative schedule within two
legislative days after the day on which the
proponent announces an intention to the House
to offer the motion provided that such notice
may not be given until such bill is reported or
a committee has been discharged from further
consideration thereof. Such a motion shall not
be in order after the House has disposed of a
motion to proceed with respect to that special
message. The previous question shall be
considered as ordered on the motion to its
adoption without intervening motion. A motion
to reconsider the vote by which the motion is
disposed of shall not be in order.
(iii) Consideration.--If the motion to
proceed is agreed to, the House shall
immediately proceed to consider such bill in
the House without intervening motion. Such bill
shall be considered as read. All points of
order against the bill and against its
consideration are waived. The previous question
shall be considered as ordered on the bill to
its passage without intervening motion except 4
hours of debate equally divided and controlled
by the proponent and an opponent and one motion
to limit debate on the bill. A motion to
reconsider the vote on passage of the bill
shall not be in order.
(C) Consideration in the senate.--
(i) Committee action.--The appropriate
committee of the Senate shall report without
amendment the bill referred to in subparagraph
(A) not later than the seventh session day
after introduction. If a committee fails to
report the bill within that period or the
Senate has adopted a concurrent resolution
providing for adjournment sine die at the end
of a Congress, the Committee shall be
automatically discharged from further
consideration of the bill and it shall be
placed on the appropriate calendar.
(ii) Motion to proceed.--Not later than 3
session days after the bill is reported in the
Senate or the committee has been discharged
thereof, it shall be in order for any Senator
to move to proceed to consider the bill in the
Senate. The motion shall be decided without
debate and the motion to reconsider shall be
deemed to have been laid on the table. Such a
motion shall not be in order after the Senate
has disposed of a prior motion to proceed with
respect to the draft bill.
(iii) Consideration.--If a motion to
proceed to the consideration of the draft bill
is agreed to, the Senate shall immediately
proceed to consideration of the draft bill
without intervening motion, order, or other
business, and the draft bill shall remain the
unfinished business of the Senate until
disposed of. Consideration on the bill in the
Senate under this subsection, and all debatable
motions and appeals in connection therewith,
shall not exceed 10 hours equally divided in
the usual form. All points of order against the
draft bill or its consideration are waived.
Consideration in the Senate on any debatable
motion or appeal in connection with the draft
bill shall be limited to not more than 10
hours. A motion to postpone, or a motion to
proceed to the consideration of other business,
or a motion to recommit the draft bill is not
in order. A motion to reconsider the vote by
which the draft bill is agreed to or disagreed
to is not in order.
(D) Amendments prohibited.--No amendment to, or
motion to strike a provision from, the draft bill
considered under this section shall be in order in
either the House of Representatives or the Senate.
(E) Coordination with action by other house.--If,
before passing the bill, one House receives from the
other a bill--
(i) the bill of the other House shall not
be referred to a committee; and
(ii) the procedure in the receiving House
shall be the same as if no bill had been
received from the other House until the vote on
passage, when the bill received from the other
House shall supplant the bill of the receiving
House.
(F) Limitation.--This paragraph shall apply only to
the bill referred to in subparagraph (A), introduced
pursuant to such subparagraph.
(b) Definition.--For purposes of this section, continuity of a
session of either House of Congress shall be considered as broken only
by an adjournment of that House sine die, and the days on which that
House is not in session because of an adjournment of more than 3 days
to a date certain shall be excluded in the computation of any period.
SEC. 4. EXPANDING THE EXPERIMENTAL SITES INITIATIVE.
Section 487A(b)(3) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1094a(b)(3)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by inserting ``(other than for purposes of an
experiment described in subparagraph (C))'' after
``award amounts''; and
(B) by inserting ``, such as an experiment
described in subparagraph (D)'' after ``results of the
experiment''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
``(C) Waivers of grant and loan maximum award
amounts.--The Secretary is authorized to waive any
requirements in this title or regulations prescribed
under this title relating to grant and loan maximum
award amounts (or any other requirements or regulations
that may bias the results of the experiment described
in this subparagraph) for any institution participating
as an experimental site under subparagraph (A) to carry
out an experiment to, with respect to each student
whose workload exceeds the minimum workload that the
institution considers a full-time academic workload for
the program of study that the student is pursuing,
increase the maximum Federal Pell Grant and loan award
amounts for the student in proportion to the amount
that the student's workload exceeds such minimum full-
time academic workload, so long as the institution
demonstrates to the Secretary that the experiment
described in this subparagraph will assist in
decreasing the total the cost of attendance (defined in
section 472) for the student.
``(D) Waivers for competency-based learning.--The
Secretary is authorized to waive any requirements in
this title or any regulations prescribed under this
title (including any accreditation requirements or any
other requirements or regulations that may bias the
results of the experiment described in this
subparagraph) for any institution participating as an
experimental site under subparagraph (A) to carry out
an experiment to provide Federal grant and loan awards
to--
``(i) students enrolled in remedial courses
or competency-based learning programs, which
are not accredited, but are approved by the
institution and provide competencies for
success in certain programs of study at the
institution;
``(ii) students (or potential students) to
pay for the test fees of tests, based on the
results of which the institution may award the
students academic credit for prior learning; or
``(iii) secondary school students enrolled
in courses at the institution,
so long as the institution demonstrates to the
Secretary that the experiment described in this
subparagraph will assist in decreasing the total the
cost of attendance (defined in section 472) for such
students.''. | Flexibility to Innovate for College Affordability Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to establish the Higher Education Regulatory Reform Task Force to prepare a report, that is to be submitted to Congress and made available on a publicly accessible website, on federal regulatory requirements for institutions of higher education (IHEs). Requires the report to contain: (1) a list of rules that are determined to be outmoded, duplicative, ineffective, or excessively burdensome; (2) an analysis of how the costs of such rules outweigh their benefits; (3) recommendations to consolidate, modify, simplify, or repeal such rules and a description of the justification for and impact of such recommendations; and (4) recommendations on establishing a permanent entity to review new regulatory requirements affecting IHEs. Requires the President to submit to Congress a legislative proposal for carrying out some or all of the recommendations contained in the report. Establishes congressional procedures to expedite consideration of the President's proposal. Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary to waive certain statutory or regulatory requirements under title IV to allow IHEs participating in the experimental sites initiative to increase the maximum federal Pell Grant and loan award amounts for students in proportion to the amount that their workload exceeds the minimum full-time academic workload. (The experimental sites initiative was established to test the effectiveness of providing participating IHEs with statutory and regulatory flexibility in awarding and disbursing student aid under title IV.) Authorizes the waiver of statutory and regulatory requirements under title IV that might bias the results of experiments carried out by IHEs under the initiative to provide title IV assistance to: (1) students enrolled in remedial courses or competency-based learning programs, which are not accredited but are approved by the IHE and provide competencies for success in certain programs of study at the IHE; (2) students to pay test fees if the students could be awarded academic credit for prior learning based on the test results; and (3) secondary school students enrolled in courses at the IHE. Requires the IHEs to demonstrate to the Secretary that these waivers would reduce the total cost of attendance for participating students. | billsum_train |
Change the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY TO THE TANANA TRIBAL COUNCIL.
(a) Conveyance of Property.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable, but not later than
180 days, after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this Act
as the ``Secretary'') shall convey to the Tanana Tribal Council
located in Tanana, Alaska (referred to in this section as the
``Council''), all right, title, and interest of the United
States in and to the property described in subsection (b) for
use in connection with health and social services programs.
(2) Effect on any quitclaim deed.--The conveyance by the
Secretary of title by warranty deed under this subsection
shall, on the effective date of the conveyance, supersede and
render of no future effect any quitclaim deed to the property
described in subsection (b) executed by the Secretary and the
Council.
(3) Conditions.--The conveyance of the property under this
section--
(A) shall be made by warranty deed; and
(B) shall not--
(i) require any consideration from the
Council for the property;
(ii) impose any obligation, term, or
condition on the Council; or
(iii) allow for any reversionary interest
of the United States in the property.
(b) Property Described.--The property, including all land,
improvements, and appurtenances, described in this subsection is the
property included in U.S. Survey No. 5958, Lot 12, in the village of
Tanana, Alaska, within surveyed Township 4N, Range 22W, Fairbanks
Meridian, Alaska, containing 11.25 acres.
(c) Environmental Liability.--
(1) Liability.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Council shall not be liable for
any soil, surface water, groundwater, or other
contamination resulting from the disposal, release, or
presence of any environmental contamination on any
portion of the property described in subsection (b) on
or before the date on which the property is conveyed to
the Council.
(B) Environmental contamination.--An environmental
contamination described in subparagraph (A) includes
any oil or petroleum products, hazardous substances,
hazardous materials, hazardous waste, pollutants, toxic
substances, solid waste, or any other environmental
contamination or hazard as defined in any Federal or
State of Alaska law.
(2) Easement.--The Secretary shall be accorded any easement
or access to the property conveyed under this section as may be
reasonably necessary to satisfy any retained obligation or
liability of the Secretary.
(3) Notice of hazardous substance activity and warranty.--
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall comply with
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 120(h)(3) of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)(3)).
SEC. 2. CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY TO THE BRISTOL BAY AREA HEALTH
CORPORATION.
(a) Conveyance of Property.--
(1) In general.--As soon as practicable, but not later than
180 days, after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall convey to the Bristol Bay Area Health
Corporation located in Dillingham, Alaska (referred to in this
section as the ``Corporation''), all right, title, and interest
of the United States in and to the property described in
subsection (b) for use in connection with health and social
services programs.
(2) Effect on any quitclaim deed.--The conveyance by the
Secretary of title by warranty deed under this subsection
shall, on the effective date of the conveyance, supersede and
render of no future effect any quitclaim deed to the property
described in subsection (b) executed by the Secretary and the
Corporation.
(3) Conditions.--The conveyance of the property under this
section--
(A) shall be made by warranty deed; and
(B) shall not--
(i) require any consideration from the
Corporation for the property;
(ii) impose any obligation, term, or
condition on the Corporation; or
(iii) allow for any reversionary interest
of the United States in the property.
(b) Property Described.--The property, including all land,
improvements, and appurtenances, described in this subsection is the
property included in Dental Annex Subdivision, creating tract 1, a
subdivision of Lot 2 of U.S. Survey No. 2013, located in Section 36,
Township 13 South, Range 56 West, Seward Meridian, Bristol Bay
Recording District, Dillingham, Alaska, according to Plat No. 2015-8,
recorded on May 28, 2015, in the Bristol Bay Recording District,
Dillingham, Alaska, containing 1.474 acres more or less.
(c) Environmental Liability.--
(1) Liability.--
(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Corporation shall not be liable
for any soil, surface water, groundwater, or other
contamination resulting from the disposal, release, or
presence of any environmental contamination on any
portion of the property described in subsection (b) on
or before the date on which the property is conveyed to
the Corporation.
(B) Environmental contamination.--An environmental
contamination described in subparagraph (A) includes
any oil or petroleum products, hazardous substances,
hazardous materials, hazardous waste, pollutants, toxic
substances, solid waste, or any other environmental
contamination or hazard as defined in any Federal or
State of Alaska law.
(2) Easement.--The Secretary shall be accorded any easement
or access to the property conveyed under this section as may be
reasonably necessary to satisfy any retained obligation or
liability of the Secretary.
(3) Notice of hazardous substance activity and warranty.--
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall comply with
subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 120(h)(3) of the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9620(h)(3)). | This bill directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convey to the Tanana Tribal Council in Tanana, Alaska, all interest of the United States in and to certain property (including all land, improvements, and appurtenances) containing 11.25 acres, in the village of Tanana for use in connection with health and social services programs. HHS shall convey to the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation in Dillingham, Alaska, all interest of the United States in and to certain property included in the Dental Annex Subdivision (including all land, improvements, and appurtenances) containing 1.474 acres more or less, also for use in connection with health and social services programs. Neither the Tanana Tribal Council nor the Corporation shall be liable for soil, surface water, groundwater, or other contamination resulting from the disposal, release, or presence of environmental contamination, including oil or petroleum products, or hazardous substances on any of the properties. | billsum_train |
Condense the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to make technical corrections to the
United States Code relating to cross references, typographical errors,
and stylistic matters.
SEC. 2. TITLE 10, UNITED STATES CODE.
In section 2701(i)(1) of title 10, United States Code, in the
paragraph catchline, strike ``miller act'' and substitute ``sections
3131 and 3133 of title 40''.
SEC. 3. TITLE 23, UNITED STATES CODE.
Title 23, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) In section 107(a), strike ``the Act of February 26, 1931,
46 Stat. 1421'' and substitute ``sections 3114 to 3116 and 3118 of
title 40''.
(2) In section 210(e), strike ``the Act of February 26, 1931;
46 Stat. 1421'' and substitute ``sections 3114 to 3116 and 3118 of
title 40''.
SEC. 4. TITLE 28, UNITED STATES CODE.
Title 28, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) In the analysis for chapter 91, in the item related to
section 1499, strike ``Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards
Act'' and substitute ``chapter 37 of title 40''.
(2) In section 1499, in the section heading, strike ``Contract
Work Hours and Safety Standards Act'' and substitute ``chapter 37
of title 40''.
SEC. 5. TITLE 36, UNITED STATES CODE.
Title 36, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) In the analysis for chapter 5, after the item related to
section 509, insert the following:
``510. Disclosure of and prohibition on certain donations''.
(2) In the analysis for chapter 5, in the last item, which is
related to ``Authorization of appropriations'', strike ``510'' and
substitute ``511''.
(3) In the analysis for chapter 23, in the item related to
section 2306, strike ``museum'' and substitute ``Museum''.
(4) In section 2301, in the first sentence, strike ``United
State Government'' and substitute ``United States Government''.
(5) In section 20908(c), strike ``board or directors'' and
substitute ``board of directors''.
(6) In section 40103(13), strike ``laws of the each State'' and
substitute ``laws of each State''.
(7) In section 70912(b), strike ``Corporation'' and substitute
``corporation''.
(8) In section 150511(b), strike ``with secretary'' and
substitute ``with the secretary''.
(9) In section 151303(c), strike ``The Chairman'' and
substitute ``The chairman''.
(10) In section 153513(a)(1), strike ``(16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.),
known as the National Park Service Organic Act))'' and substitute
``(16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.) (known as the National Park Service Organic
Act)''.
(11) In section 220104(a)(2)(B), strike ``State'' and
substitute ``Defense''.
(12) In the analysis for chapter 2205, in the item related to
section 220501, strike ``Definitions.'' and substitute ``Short
title and definitions.''.
(13) In section 220501, in the section heading, strike ``Title
and Definitions'' and substitute ``Short title and definitions''.
(14) In section 220501(a), in the subsection catchline, strike
``Title'' and substitute ``Short title''.
(15) In section 220505(b)(9), strike ``this Act'' and
substitute ``this chapter''.
(16) In section 220506(d)(3)(A), strike ``subsections'' and
substitute ``subsection''.
(17) In section 220509(b)(1)(A), strike ``a'' before
``paralympic sports organizations''.
(18) In section 220511, in the section heading, strike ``Annual
report'' and substitute ``Report''.
(19) In section 220512, strike ``Corporation'' and substitute
``corporation''.
(20) In section 220521(a), strike ``subsections'' and
substitute ``subsection''.
SEC. 6. TITLE 40, UNITED STATES CODE.
Title 40, United States Code, is amended as follows:
(1) In section 522(a), strike ``of this section''.
(2) In section 522(b), in the subsection catchline, strike
``At'' and substitute ``at''.
(3) In section 552(a), strike ``(a) Authority To Take Property
Administrator'' and substitute ``(a) Authority To Take Property.--
The Administrator''.
(4) In section 554(c), in the subsection catchline, strike
``Transportation.'' and substitute ``Transportation.--''.
(5) In section 581(b), strike ``The Administrator may--'' and
substitute ``The Administrator of General Services
may--''.
(6) In section 593(b), strike ``available to the
Administration'' and substitute ``available to the General Services
Administration''.
(7) In section 611--
(A) after ``under section 1343, 1344, or 1349(b)'', insert
``of title 31''; and
(B) after ``under section 641'', insert ``of title 18''.
(8) In section 3131(e), in the subsection catchline, strike
``to'' and substitute ``To''.
(9) In section 3133(b), in the subsection catchline, strike
``to'' and substitute ``To''.
(10) In section 3133(c), strike ``(c) A waiver'' and substitute
``(c) Waiver of right to civil action.--A waiver''.
(11) In section 3141(1), strike ``1494'' and substitute
``1494)''.
(12) In section 3142(d), after ``amount referred to in section
3141(2)(B)'', insert ``of this title''.
(13) In section 3142(e), after ``determined under section
3141(2)(B)'', insert ``of this title''.
(14) In section 3701(b)(3)(B)--
(A) in the subparagraph catchline, strike ``3902'' and
substitute ``3702'';
(B) strike ``3902'' and substitute ``3702''; and
(C) strike ``subsection (a)(2)(C)'' and substitute
``paragraph (1)(B)(iii)''.
(15) In section 3702(d), in the subsection catchline, strike
``to'' and substitute ``To''.
(16) In section 3704(a)(1), after ``authorized by section
553'', insert ``of title 5''.
(17) In section 3704(a)(2), strike ``of this section''.
(18) In section 6111(b), in the subsection catchline, strike
the second period.
(19) In the analysis for chapter 65, in the first item, which
is related to ``Definition'', strike ``6581'' and substitute
``6501''.
(20) In the analysis for chapter 67, in the item related to
subchapter I, strike ``ASSIGMENT'' and substitute ``ASSIGNMENT''.
(21) In chapter 67, in the heading for subchapter I, strike
``ASSIGMENT'' and substitute ``ASSIGNMENT''.
(22) In section 8104(b), strike ``Commission on Fine Arts'' and
substitute ``Commission of Fine Arts''.
(23) In section 8105, strike ``post-office'' and substitute
``post office''.
(24) In section 8501(b)(1)(A), after ``sections 5101 and
5102'', insert ``of this title''.
(25) In section 8502(a), strike ``5314'' and substitute
``5315''.
(26) In section 8502(c)(2), after ``sections 5101 and 5102'',
insert ``of this title''.
(27) In section 8711(a), after ``sections 5101 and 5102'',
insert ``of this title''.
(28) In section 8712(a)(2), after ``sections 5101 and 5102'',
insert ``of this title''.
(29) In section 8722(d)--
(A) strike ``52 Stat. 802'' and substitute ``52 Stat.
797''; and
(B) strike ``is subject'' and substitute ``are subject''.
(30) In section 9302(b), in the subsection catchline, strike
``with'' and substitute ``With''.
(31) In section 14308(b)(2), strike ``section (a)(2)'' and
substitute ``subsection (a)(2)''.
(32) In section 17504(b), in the subsection catchline, strike
``with'' and substitute ``With''.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Makes technical corrections to provisions of Titles 10 (Armed Forces), 23 (Highways), 28 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), 36 (Patriotic and National Observances, Ceremonies and Organizations), and 40 (Public Buildings, Property, and Works) of the United States Code. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Space Leadership Preservation Act of
2015''.
SEC. 2. ADMINISTRATOR AND DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR.
Section 20111 of title 51, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Administrator.--There is
established'' and inserting ``Administrator.--
``(1) In general.--There is established'';
(B) in paragraph (1), as so designated by
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph--
(i) by inserting ``, pursuant to paragraph
(2),'' after ``who shall be appointed''; and
(ii) by inserting ``The Administrator shall
serve for a term of 10 years.'' after ``and
activities thereof.''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(2) Board of directors nominations.--The President shall
appoint the Administrator under paragraph (1) from among the
list of nominees provided by the Board of Directors pursuant to
section 20118(l)(2)(A). The President shall appoint a new
Administrator not later than 3 months after the first set of
nominees is so provided by the Board of Directors. The sitting
Administrator may serve in the position until a new
Administrator appointed pursuant to this paragraph is confirmed
by the Senate.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``Administrator.--There shall be''
and inserting ``Administrator.--
``(1) In general.--There shall be'';
(B) in paragraph (1), as so designated by
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, by inserting ``,
pursuant to paragraph (2),'' after ``who shall be
appointed''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(2) Board of directors nominations.--The President shall
appoint the Deputy Administrator under paragraph (1) from among
the list of nominees provided by the Board of Directors
pursuant to section 20118(l)(2)(B).''.
SEC. 3. BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
(a) Establishment.--Subchapter II of chapter 201 of title 51,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``Sec. 20118. Board of Directors
``(a) Establishment.--There shall be established a Board of
Directors for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in
accordance with this section, not later than 9 months after the date of
the enactment of the Space Leadership Preservation Act of 2015.
``(b) Membership and Appointment.--The Board shall consist of 11
members to be appointed as follows:
``(1) Three members shall be appointed by the President.
``(2) Three members shall be appointed by the President pro
tempore of the Senate.
``(3) One member shall be appointed by the minority leader
of the Senate.
``(4) Three members shall be appointed by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives.
``(5) One member shall be appointed by the minority leader
of the House of Representatives.
In addition to the members appointed under paragraphs (1) through (5),
the Administrator shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member of the
Board.
``(c) Qualifications.--The individuals appointed as members of the
Board shall be--
``(1) former astronauts or scientists or engineers eminent
in the fields of human spaceflight, planetary science, space
science, Earth science, and aeronautics, or other scientific,
engineering, business, and social science disciplines related
to space and aeronautics;
``(2) selected on the basis of established records of
distinguished service; and
``(3) so selected as to provide representation of the views
of engineering, science, and aerospace leaders in all areas of
the Nation.
``(d) Limitation on Members.--An individual employed by or
representing an organization with which the Administration has a
contract is not eligible to serve on the Board, except for scientists
employed by or representing not-for-profit colleges and universities
and other not-for-profit organizations. A former Board member may not
take employment with or represent an organization with which the
Administration has a contract, or which is seeking such a contract, for
a period of 2 years following completion of service on the Board.
``(e) Terms.--The term of office of each member of the Board shall
be 3 years, except that any member appointed to fill a vacancy
occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor
was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of such term. Any
person who has been a member of the Board for 12 consecutive years
shall thereafter be ineligible for appointment during the 2-year period
following the expiration of such 12th year.
``(f) Travel Expenses.--Each member of the Board shall receive
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in
accordance with applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57
of title 5, United States Code.
``(g) Meetings.--The Board shall meet quarterly and at such other
times as the Chairman may determine, but the Chairman shall also call a
meeting whenever one-third of the members so request in writing. The
Board shall adopt procedures governing the conduct of its meetings,
including delivery of notice and a definition of a quorum, which in no
case shall be less than one-half plus one of the members of the Board.
``(h) Chairman and Vice Chairman.--The election of the Chairman and
Vice Chairman of the Board shall take place at each first quarter
meeting occurring in an even-numbered year. The Vice Chairman shall
perform the duties of the Chairman in his absence. In case a vacancy
occurs in the chairmanship or vice chairmanship, the Board shall elect
a member to fill such vacancy.
``(i) Staff.--
``(1) In general.--The Chairman may, with the concurrence
of a majority of Board members, appoint professional staff,
technical and professional personnel on leave of absence from
academic, industrial, or research institutions for a limited
term, and operations and support staff. The duties of such
staff shall be assigned at the direction of the Board as
necessary to assist the Board in exercising its powers and
functions under this section.
``(2) Competitive service; compensation.--Professional
staff and limited-term technical and professional personnel may
be appointed without regard to the provisions of title 5,
United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive
service, and the provisions of chapter 51 of such title
relating to classification, and shall be compensated at a rate
not exceeding the maximum rate payable under section 5376 of
such title.
``(j) Special Commissions.--The Board is authorized to establish
such special commissions as it may from time to time deem necessary for
the purposes of this section.
``(k) Committees.--The Board is authorized to appoint from among
its members such committees as it deems necessary, and to assign to
committees so appointed such survey and advisory functions as the Board
deems appropriate to assist it in exercising its powers and functions
under this section.
``(l) Functions.--
``(1) Budget proposal.--Not later than November 15 of each
year, the Board shall provide to the President, the Committee
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives, the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of
Representatives, the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate,
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate, a proposed budget for the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration for the next fiscal year. Such budget
shall--
``(A) carry out the purpose described in section
20102(h);
``(B) be based on--
``(i) the best professional judgment of the
Board;
``(ii) recommendations from the scientific,
engineering, and other technical experts
communities; and
``(iii) the recommendations of the most
recent National Research Council decadal
surveys; and
``(C) follow such decadal survey's recommended
decision rules regarding program implementation,
including a strict adherence to the recommendation that
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
include in a balanced program a flagship class mission,
which may be executed in cooperation with one or more
international partners.
``(2) Nominees for administrator, deputy administrator, and
chief financial officer.--The Board shall provide to the
President--
``(A) a list of 3 nominees from which the President
shall appoint an Administrator pursuant to section
20111(a);
``(B) a list of 3 nominees from which the President
shall appoint a Deputy Administrator pursuant to
section 20111(b); and
``(C) a list of 3 nominees from which the President
shall appoint a Chief Financial Officer pursuant to
section 205(a) of the Chief Financial Officers Act (31
U.S.C. 901(a)).
The Board shall provide the first set of nominees under this
paragraph not later than 15 months after the date of the
enactment of the Space Leadership Preservation Act of 2015.
``(3) Reports.--
``(A) Annual infrastructure, capabilities, and
workforce assessment.--The Board shall provide to the
President and the Congress annually a report assessing
the status of United States spaceflight infrastructure,
unique space capabilities, and the availability of
qualified United States workers necessary to maintain
such infrastructure and capabilities. The assessment
shall also identify areas of concern, gaps in
capability compared to foreign spaceflight
capabilities, and recommendations on how to strengthen
or improve United States capabilities and workforce.
``(B) Specific policy matter reports.--The Board
shall provide to the President and the Congress reports
on specific, individual policy matters within the
authority of the Administration (or otherwise as
requested by the Congress or the President) related to
human spaceflight, planetary science, Earth science,
aeronautics, and science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics education, as the Board, the President, or
the Congress determines the need for such reports.
``(4) Review.--The Board shall provide to the President and
the Congress, not later than the later of 180 days after the
establishment of the Board or the third quarterly meeting of
the Board, and once every 4 years thereafter, a review of
current space programs and a vision for future space
exploration.
``(5) Removal of administrator for cause.--The Board may
provide to the President and the Congress a report recommending
the removal of the Administrator for cause. Any such report
shall include the reasons for such recommendation.
``(m) Budget Meetings.--Portions of Board meetings in which the
Board considers the budget proposal required under subsection (l)(1)
for a particular fiscal year may be closed to the public until the
Board submits the proposal to the President and the Congress.
``(n) Financial Disclosure.--Members of the Board shall be required
to file a financial disclosure report under title I of the Ethics in
Government Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App. 92 Stat. 1836), except that such
reports shall be held confidential and exempt from any law otherwise
requiring their public disclosure.''.
(b) Table of Sections.--The table of sections for chapter 201 of
title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end of the
items for subchapter II the following new item:
``20118. Board of Directors.''.
SEC. 4. BUDGET PROPOSAL.
Section 30103 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Board of Directors Proposal.--
``(1) Inclusion in president's proposed budget.--The
proposed budget for the Administration submitted to the
Congress by the President for each fiscal year shall include a
description of, and a detailed justification for, any
differences between the President's proposed budget and the
budget provided by the Board of Directors under section
20118(l)(1).
``(2) Elements of budget proposal.--Subsections (a) through
(d) of this section shall apply to the proposed budget provided
by the Board of Directors under section 20118(l)(1).''.
SEC. 5. LONG-TERM CONTRACTING.
(a) Amendments.--Section 20142 of title 51, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in the section heading, by striking ``Contracts
regarding expendable launch vehicles'' and inserting ``Long-
term contracting'';
(2) in subsection (a), by--
(A) striking ``expendable launch vehicle services''
and inserting ``rocket propulsion systems and manned
and unmanned space transportation vehicles and
payloads, including expendable launch vehicles, and any
other infrastructure intended for placement or
operation in space or on celestial bodies, and services
related thereto,''; and
(B) striking ``related to launch'' and inserting
``related to''; and
(3) in subsection (b), by striking ``launch services'' and
inserting ``the goods and services to have been provided under
the contract''.
(b) Table of Sections Amendment.--The item relating to section
20142 in the table of sections for chapter 201 of title 51, United
States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``20142. Long-term contracting.''. | Space Leadership Preservation Act of 2015 Establishes a 10-year term of office for the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Establishes a NASA Board of Directors together with appointment criteria. Requires the President to appoint the Administrator from among a list of nominees provided by the Board, and a Deputy Administrator from among a separate list of Board nominees. Authorizes the Board to establish special commissions as it deems necessary. Requires the Board to provide: (1) NASA's proposed annual budget; (2) annual reports on spaceflight infrastructure, unique space capabilities, and the availability of qualified U.S. workers necessary to maintain such infrastructure and capabilities; (3) reports on specific policy matters; and (4) once every four years a review of current space programs and a vision for future space exploration. Authorizes NASA to enter into contracts for rocket propulsion systems and manned and unmanned space transportation vehicles and payloads. | billsum_train |
Change the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Psychiatric Hospital
Prospective Payment System Act of 1998''.
SEC. 2. MEDICARE PROSPECTIVE PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR PSYCHIATRIC FACILITIES.
(a) Establishment of Prospective Payment System.--Section 1886 of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(l) Prospective Payment System for Inpatient Psychiatric
Services.--
``(1) Amount of payment.--
``(A) During transition period.--Notwithstanding
section 1814(b), but subject to the provisions of
section 1813, the amount of payment with respect to the
operating and capital-related costs of inpatient
hospital services of a psychiatric facility (as defined
in paragraph (7)(C)) for each day of services furnished
in a cost reporting period beginning on or after
October 1, 2000, and before October 1, 2003, is equal
to the sum of--
``(i) the TEFRA percentage (as defined in
paragraph (7)(D)) of the facility-specific per
diem rate (determined under paragraph (2)); and
``(ii) the PPS percentage (as defined in
paragraph (7)(B)) of the applicable Federal per
diem rate (determined under paragraph (3)).
``(B) Under fully implemented system.--
Notwithstanding section 1814(b), but subject to the
provisions of section 1813, the amount of payment with
respect to the operating and capital-related costs of
inpatient hospital services of a psychiatric facility
for each day of services furnished in a cost reporting
period beginning on or after October 1, 2003, is equal
to the applicable Federal per diem rate determined
under paragraph (3) for the facility for the fiscal
year in which the day of services occurs.
``(C) New facilities.--In the case of a psychiatric
facility that does not have a base fiscal year (as
defined in paragraph (7)(A)), payment for the operating
and capital-related costs of inpatient hospital
services shall be made under this subsection using the
applicable Federal per diem rate.
``(2) Determination of facility-specific per diem rates.--
``(A) Base year.--The Secretary shall determine, on
a per diem basis, the allowable operating and capital-
related costs of inpatient hospital services for each
psychiatric facility for its cost reporting period (if
any) beginning in the base fiscal year (as defined in
paragraph (7)(A)), such costs determined as if
subsection (b)(8) did not apply.
``(B) Updating.--The Secretary shall update the
amount determined under subparagraph (A) for each cost
reporting period after the cost reporting period
beginning in the base fiscal year and before October 1,
2003, by a factor equal to the market basket percentage
increase.
``(3) Determination of the federal per diem rate.--
``(A) Base year.--The Secretary shall determine, on
a per diem basis, the allowable operating and capital-
related costs of inpatient hospital services for each
psychiatric facility for its cost reporting period (if
any) beginning in the base fiscal year (as defined in
paragraph (7)(A)), such costs determined as if
subsection (b)(8) did not apply.
``(B) Updating to first fiscal year.--The Secretary
shall update the amount determined under subparagraph
(A) for each cost reporting period up to the first cost
reporting period to which this subsection applies by a
factor equal to the market basket percentage increase.
``(C) Computation of standardized per diem rate.--
The Secretary shall standardize the amount determined
under subparagraph (B) for each facility by--
``(i) adjusting for variations among
facilities by area in the average facility wage
level per diem; and
``(ii) adjusting for variations in case mix
per diem among facilities (based on the patient
classification system established by the
Secretary under paragraph (4)).
``(D) Computation of weighted average per diem
rates.--
``(i) Separate rates for urban and rural
areas.--Based on the standardized amounts
determined under subparagraph (C) for each
facility, the Secretary shall compute a
separate weighted average per diem rate--
``(I) for all psychiatric
facilities located in an urban area (as
defined in subsection (d)(2)(D)); and
``(II) for all psychiatric
facilities located in a rural area (as
defined in subsection (d)(2)(D)).
``(ii) For hospitals and units.--Subject to
paragraph (7)(C), in the areas referred to in
clause (i) the Secretary may compute a separate
weighted average per diem rate for--
``(I) psychiatric hospitals; and
``(II) psychiatric units described
in the matter following clause (v) of
subsection (d)(1)(B).
If the Secretary establishes separate average
weighted per diem rates under this clause, the
Secretary shall also establish separate average
per diem rates for facilities in such
categories that are owned and operated by an
agency or instrumentality of Federal, State, or
local government and for facilities other than
such facilities.
``(iii) Weighted average.--In computing the
weighted averages under clauses (i) and (ii),
the standardized per diem amount for each
facility shall be weighted for each facility by
the number of days of inpatient hospital
services furnished during its cost reporting
period beginning in the base fiscal year.
``(E) Updating.--The weighted average per diem
rates determined under subparagraph (D) shall be
updated for each fiscal year after the first fiscal
year to which this subsection applies by a factor equal
to the market basket percentage increase.
``(F) Determination of federal per diem rate.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
compute for each psychiatric facility for each
fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 2001) a
Federal per diem rate equal to the applicable
weighted average per diem rate determined under
subparagraph (E), adjusted for--
``(I) variations among facilities
by area in the average facility wage
level per diem;
``(II) variations in case mix per
diem among facilities (based on the
patient classification system
established by the Secretary under
paragraph (4)); and
``(III) variations among facilities
in the proportion of low-income
patients served by the facility.
``(ii) Other adjustments.--In computing the
Federal per diem rates under this subparagraph,
the Secretary may adjust for outlier cases, the
indirect costs of medical education, and such
other factors as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
``(iii) Budget neutrality.--The adjustments
specified in clauses (i)(I), (i)(III), and (ii)
shall be implemented in a manner that does not
result in aggregate payments under this
subsection that are greater or less than those
aggregate payments that otherwise would have
been made if such adjustments did not apply.
``(4) Establishment of patient classification system.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall establish--
``(i) classes of patients of psychiatric
facilities (in this paragraph referred to as
`case mix groups'), based on such factors as
the Secretary determines to be appropriate; and
``(ii) a method of classifying specific
patients in psychiatric facilities within these
groups.
``(B) Weighting factors.--For each case mix group,
the Secretary shall assign an appropriate weighting
factor that reflects the relative facility resources
used with respect to patients classified within that
group compared to patients classified within other such
groups.
``(5) Data collection; utilization monitoring.--
``(A) Data collection.--The Secretary may require
psychiatric facilities to submit such data as is
necessary to implement the system established under
this subsection.
``(B) Utilization monitoring.--The Secretary shall
monitor changes in the utilization of inpatient
hospital services furnished by psychiatric facilities
under the system established under this subsection and
report to the appropriate committees of Congress on
such changes, together with recommendations for
legislation (if any) that is needed to address
unwarranted changes in such utilization.
``(6) Special adjustments.--Notwithstanding the preceding
provisions of this subsection, the Secretary shall reduce
aggregate payment amounts that would otherwise be payable under
this subsection for inpatient hospital services furnished by a
psychiatric facility during cost reporting periods beginning in
fiscal years 2001 and 2002 by such uniform percentage as is
necessary to assure that payments under this subsection for
such cost reporting periods are reduced by an amount that is
equal to the sum of--
``(A) the aggregate increase in payments under this
title during fiscal years 1998, 1999, and 2000, that is
attributable to the operation of subsection (b)(8); and
``(B) the aggregate increase in payments under this
title during fiscal years 2001 and 2002 that is
attributable to the application of the market basket
percentage increase under paragraphs (2)(B) and (3)(E)
of this subsection in lieu of the provisions of
subclauses (VI) and (VII) of subsection (b)(3)(B)(ii).
Reductions under this paragraph shall not affect computation of
the amounts payable under this subsection for cost reporting
periods beginning in fiscal years after fiscal year 2002.
``(7) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
``(A) The term `base fiscal year' means, with
respect to a hospital, the most recent fiscal year
ending before the date of the enactment of this
subsection for which audited cost report data are
available.
``(B) The term `PPS percentage' means--
``(i) with respect to cost reporting
periods beginning on or after October 1, 2000,
and before October 1, 2001, 25 percent;
``(ii) with respect to cost reporting
periods beginning on or after October 1, 2001,
and before October 1, 2002, 50 percent; and
``(iii) with respect to cost reporting
periods beginning on or after October 1, 2002,
and before October 1, 2003, 75 percent.
``(C) The term `psychiatric facility' means--
``(i) a psychiatric hospital; and
``(ii) a psychiatric unit described in the
matter following clause (v) of subsection
(d)(1)(B).
``(D) The term `TEFRA percentage' means--
``(i) with respect to cost reporting
periods beginning on or after October 1, 2000,
and before October 1, 2001, 75 percent;
``(ii) with respect to cost reporting
periods beginning on or after October 1, 2001,
and before October 1, 2002, 50 percent; and
``(iii) with respect to cost reporting
periods beginning on or after October 1, 2002,
and before October 1, 2003, 25 percent.''.
(b) Limit on Reductions Under Balanced Budget Act.--Section 1886(b)
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(b)) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(8)(A) Notwithstanding the amendments made by sections 4411,
4414, 4415, and 4416 of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, in the case of
a psychiatric facility (as defined in subparagraph (B)(ii)), the amount
of payment for the operating costs of inpatient hospital services for
cost reporting periods beginning on or after October 1, 1997, and
before October 1, 2000, shall not be less than the applicable
percentage (as defined in subparagraph (B)(i)) of the amount that would
have been paid for such costs if such amendments did not apply.
``(B) For purposes of this paragraph:
``(i) The term `applicable percentage' means--
``(I) 95 percent for cost reporting periods
beginning on or after October 1, 1997, and before
October 1, 1998;
``(II) 92.5 percent for cost reporting periods
beginning on or after October 1, 1998, and before
October 1, 1999; and
``(III) 90 percent for cost reporting periods
beginning on or after October 1, 1999, and before
October 1, 2000.
``(ii) The term `psychiatric facility' means--
``(I) a psychiatric hospital; and
``(II) a psychiatric unit described in the matter
following clause (v) of subsection (d)(1)(B).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall apply as if included in the enactment of the Balanced Budget Act
of 1997. | Medicare Psychiatric Hospital Prospective Payment System Act of 1998 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) provide for a prospective payment system for inpatient psychiatric facility hospital services; and (2) exempt such services from certain reductions under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and, instead, limit payment to not less than a certain applicable percentage of the amount that would have been paid if such reductions did not apply. | billsum_train |
Create a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Homeland Security Gun Safety Act of
2003''.
SEC. 2. SUSPENSION OF CERTAIN ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS DURING PERIODS
OF HEIGHTENED THREAT CONDITION.
Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (s)(6), by adding at the end the
following:
``(D)(i) Subparagraph (B)(i) shall not apply during any period in
which the threat condition under the Homeland Security Advisory System
is elevated, high, or severe.
``(ii) The provision under clause (i) shall remain in effect until
the threat condition has been at the lowest level for 180 consecutive
days.''; and
(2) in subsection (t)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), by inserting ``subject
to paragraph (7),'' before ``3 business days''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(7)(A) Paragraphs (1)(B)(ii) and (2)(C) shall not apply during
any period in which the threat condition under the Homeland Security
Advisory System is elevated, high, or severe.
``(B) The provision under subparagraph (A) shall remain in effect
until the threat condition has been at the lowest level for 180
consecutive days.''.
SEC. 3. FIREARM STORAGE AND TRANSFER REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Limitations on Handgun Sales.--Section 922(b) of title 18,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and
inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (5), the following:
``(6) any firearm to a qualified purchaser if the licensee
knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that--
``(A) the purchaser intends to transfer the firearm
to an individual who would otherwise be ineligible to
purchase a firearm under this chapter; or
``(B) the gun will be used in the commission of a
crime.''.
(b) Reporting Requirement.--Section 922(s)(6)(C) of title 18,
United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(C) If a chief law enforcement officer determines that a person
is ineligible to receive a handgun, the officer shall--
``(i) notify the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and
Explosives of the person's attempt to purchase a firearm; and
``(ii) not later than 20 business days after a request from
such person, provide the person with a written explanation of
the reasons for such determination.''.
(c) Multiple Handgun Sales.--Section 922 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after subsection (y) the following:
``(z) Prohibition Against Multiple Handgun Sales or Purchases.--
``(1) Sales.--It shall be unlawful for any licensed
dealer--
``(A) during any 30-day period, to sell 2 or more
handguns to an individual who is not licensed under
section 923; or
``(B) to sell a handgun to an individual who--
``(i) is not licensed under section 923;
and
``(ii) purchased a handgun during the 30-
day period ending on the date of the sale.
``(2) Purchases.--It shall be unlawful for any individual
who is not licensed under section 923 to purchase 2 or more
handguns during any 30-day period.
``(3) Exchanges.--Paragraph (1) does not apply to an
exchange of 1 handgun for 1 handgun.''.
(d) Security Standards for Storage and Display of Firearms.--
(1) Rulemaking authority.--Not later than 180 days after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall,
by regulation, prescribe security standards, to prevent theft
or other loss of firearms, for the storage and display of
firearms by firearms dealers that are licensed under chapter 44
of title 18, United States Code.
(2) Penalties for violation of standards.--If a licensed
firearms dealer fails to comply with the standards prescribed
pursuant to paragraph (1), the Attorney General--
(A) shall suspend the license of such dealer until
the dealer is found to be in compliance with such
standards; and
(B) may assess a fine in accordance with section
3571 of title 18, United States Code.
SEC. 4. LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Requirement of Licensees To Comply With Minimum Standards.--
Section 923(e) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking
``or fails'' and adding the following: ``, fails to comply with the
requirements under subsection (d)(1), or fails''.
(b) Unlimited Inspections.--Section 923(g)(1)(B) of title 18,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``without such reasonable
cause or war-
rant--'' and all that follows and inserting ``at any time without such
reasonable cause or warrant.''.
(c) Secondhand Firearm Purchases; Criminal Background Checks.--
Section 923 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(m)(1) A licensed importer, licensed dealer, or licensed
collector shall, before purchasing a firearm from a person who is not
licensed under this chapter, check the make, model, and serial number
of the firearm against the Stolen Gun File of the National Crime
Information Center.
``(2) If a record of the firearm under paragraph (1) is contained
in the Stolen Gun File, the licensee who acquired such information
shall immediately report the make, model, and serial number of the
firearm of an unlicensed person and the name of the person who offered
to sell the firearm to--
``(A) the National Crime Information Center;
``(B) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and
Explosives; and
``(C) local law enforcement.
``(n)(1) Each licensee shall submit to the Attorney General the
name and other identifying information of each responsible person or
employee who will be authorized by the licensee to handle or possess
firearms in the course of employment with the licensee. Upon the
receipt of such information from the licensee, the Attorney General
shall determine whether the responsible person or employee is described
under section 922(d).
``(2) If the Attorney General determines that the responsible
person or employee is not described under section 922(d), the Attorney
General shall notify the licensee in writing or electronically of the
determination and issue, to the responsible person or employee, a
letter of clearance, which confirms the determination.
``(3) If the Attorney General determines that the responsible
person or employee is described under section 922(d), the Attorney
General shall notify the licensee in writing or electronically of the
determination and issue to the responsible person or employee, as the
case may be, a document that--
``(A) confirms the determination;
``(B) explains the grounds for the determination;
``(C) provides information on how the disability may be
relieved; and
``(D) explains how the determination may be appealed.''.
SEC. 5. PENALTIES.
(a) Enhanced Penalties.--Section 924(a) of title 18, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or (o)'' and inserting
``(o), or (z)'';
(2) in paragraph (3), by striking ``one year'' and
inserting ``5 years''; and
(3) in paragraph (6)(B)(i), by striking ``1 year'' and
inserting ``5 years''.
(b) Mandatory Suspension of License When Licensee Charged With
Crime.--Section 924 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(p) A license issued to a person under this chapter shall be
suspended when the licensee is charged with a violation of this
chapter. Such suspension shall continue until--
``(1) the licensee is convicted of the violation, at which
time the license shall be revoked; or
``(2) the licensee is acquitted, at which time the license
shall be restored.''.
(c) Penalty for Failure To Report Missing Firearms.--Section 924 of
title 18, United States Code, as amended by subsection (b), is further
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(q)(1) A person who violates section 923(g)(6), or makes a false
statement relating to firearms, shall, immediately upon discovery by
the Attorney General of such conduct, have any license issued under
this chapter immediately suspended for not less than 48 hours. A
suspension under this subsection shall not terminate until the Attorney
General completes an investigation of the conduct that necessitated
such suspension.
``(2) A dealer, importer, manufacturer, or collector licensed under
this chapter who violates section 923(g), or knowingly makes a false
statement in connection with the firearms of such licensee, may be
fined under this title and imprisoned not more than 5 years.''.
SEC. 6. EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS.
Section 845(a)(5) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``fifty pounds'' and inserting ``5 pounds''.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2004--
(1) $50,000,000 to hire not less than 500 new inspectors
within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and
Explosives, Department of Justice; and
(2) $100,000,000 to hire not less than 1000 new agents
within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and
Explosives, Department of Justice. | Homeland Security Gun Safety Act of 2003 - Amends the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to make certain requirements with respect to the destruction of records of firearms transfers inapplicable during periods in which the Homeland Security Advisory System threat condition is elevated, high, or severe.Prohibits a licensed dealer from selling or delivering a firearm to a qualified purchaser if the dealer has reasonable cause to believe that: (1) the purchaser intends to transfer the firearm to an ineligible individual; or (2) the gun will be used in a crime.Requires a chief law enforcement officer who determines that a person is ineligible to receive a handgun to notify the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) of the person's attempt to purchase a firearm.Prohibits the sale to, or purchase by, an unlicensed individual of two or more handguns during any 30-day period.Directs the Attorney General to prescribe security standards for the storage and display of firearms by licensed firearms dealers to prevent theft or other loss.Authorizes inspections of the inventory and records of a licensed importer, manufacturer, or dealer at any time without reasonable cause or warrant.Requires a licensed importer, dealer, or collector, before purchasing a firearm from an unlicensed person, to check the firearm against the Stolen Gun File of the National Crime Information Center.Increases penalties for specified violations. Provides for: (1) mandatory license suspension when the licensee is charged with a crime; and (2) license suspension for at least 48 hours for failure to report a missing firearm.Reduces from 50 pounds to five pounds of commercially manufactured black powder the threshold amount covered by certain explosives provisions.Authorizes appropriations to hire new BATFE inspectors and agents. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Flood Insurance Fairness Act of
2010''.
SEC. 2. 5-YEAR DELAY IN EFFECTIVE DATE OF MANDATORY PURCHASE
REQUIREMENT FOR NEW FLOOD HAZARD AREAS.
(a) In General.--Section 102 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act
of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(i) Delayed Effective Date of Mandatory Purchase Requirement for
New Flood Hazard Areas.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of any area that was not
previously designated as an area having special flood hazards
and that, pursuant to any issuance, revision, updating, or
other change in flood insurance maps that takes effect on or
after September 1, 2008, becomes designated as an area having
special flood hazards, such designation shall not take effect
for purposes of subsection (a), (b), or (e) of this section, or
section 202(a) of this Act, until the expiration of the 5-year
period beginning upon the date that such maps, as issued,
revised, update, or otherwise changed, become effective.
``(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in paragraph (1) may
be construed to affect the applicability of a designation of
any area as an area having special flood hazards for purposes
of the availability of flood insurance coverage, criteria for
land management and use, notification of flood hazards,
eligibility for mitigation assistance, or any other purpose or
provision not specifically referred to in paragraph (1).''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The second sentence of subsection (h) of
section 1360 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
4101(h)) is amended by striking ``Such'' and inserting ``Except for
notice regarding a change described in section 102(i)(1) of the Flood
Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(i)(1)), such''.
(c) No Refunds.--Nothing in this section or the amendments made by
this section may be construed to authorize or require any payment or
refund for flood insurance coverage purchased for any property that
covered any period during which such coverage is not required for the
property pursuant to the applicability of the amendment made by
subsection (a).
SEC. 3. 5-YEAR PHASE-IN OF FLOOD INSURANCE RATES FOR NEWLY MAPPED
AREAS.
Section 1308 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
4015) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by inserting ``or notice'' after ``prescribe by
regulation'';
(2) in subsection (c), by inserting ``and subsection (g)''
before the first comma; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) 5-Year Phase-In of Flood Insurance Rates for Newly Mapped
Areas.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law relating to
chargeable risk premium rates for flood insurance coverage under this
title, in the case of any property that is located within any area that
was not previously designated as an area having special flood hazards
and that, pursuant to any issuance, revision, updating, or other change
in flood insurance maps, becomes designated as such an area, during the
5-year period that begins upon the earlier of (A) the expiration of the
period referred to in section 102(i)(1) of the Flood Disaster
Protection Act of 1973 with respect to such area, or (B) the first date
during such period referred to in such section 102(i)(1) with respect
to such area that flood insurance coverage under this title is in
effect for such property, the chargeable premium rate for flood
insurance under this title with respect to such shall be--
``(1) for the first year of such 5-year period, 20 percent
of the chargeable risk premium rate otherwise applicable under
this title to the property;
``(2) for the second year of such 5-year period, 40 percent
of the chargeable risk premium rate otherwise applicable under
this title to the property;
``(3) for the third year of such 5-year period, 60 percent
of the chargeable risk premium rate otherwise applicable under
this title to the property;
``(4) for the fourth year of such 5-year period, 80 percent
of the chargeable risk premium rate otherwise applicable under
this title to the property; and
``(5) for the fifth year of such 5-year period, 100 percent
of the chargeable risk premium rate otherwise applicable under
this title to the property.''.
SEC. 4. REIMBURSEMENT OF PROPERTY OWNERS FOR COSTS INCURRED IN REQUESTS
TO REMOVE PROPERTY FROM BASE FLOOD ELEVATIONS.
Section 1360 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
4101) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Reimbursement of Property Owners for Costs Incurred in
Requests To Remove Property From Base Flood Elevations.--If an owner of
a real property incurs expense in connection with the services of
surveyors, engineers, or similar services, but not including legal
services, in effecting any request to the Director to remove the
property from inclusion within the base flood elevations established
under flood insurance map panels, and the Director grants such request
in whole or in part, the Director shall reimburse such individual for
such expense. The amount of such reimbursement shall be determined by
the Director, based on the ratio of the successful portion of the
request as compared to the entire request. The Director shall apply
such ratio to the average cost of such services in the community for
jobs of a similar size.''.
SEC. 5. COMMUNITY OUTREACH PLAN FOR UPDATING FLOODPLAIN AREAS AND
FLOOD-RISK ZONES.
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency--
(1) shall, not later than the expiration of the 60-day
period beginning upon the date of the enactment of this Act,
submit to the Congress a community outreach plan for the
updating of floodplain areas and flood-risk zones under section
1360(f) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
4101(f)); and
(2) may not revise and update any floodplain area or flood-
risk zone under such section 1360(f) of the National Flood
Insurance Act of 1968 until the date on which the Administrator
submits such community outreach plan.
SEC. 6. NOTIFICATION OF ESTABLISHMENT OF FLOOD ELEVATIONS.
Section 1360 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
4101), as amended by the preceding provisions of this Act, is further
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(l) Notification to Members of Congress of Map Modernization.--
Upon any revision or update of any floodplain area or flood-risk zone
pursuant to subsection (f), any decision pursuant to subsection (f)(1)
that such revision or update is necessary, any issuance of preliminary
maps for such revision or updating, or any other significant action
relating to any such revision or update, the Director shall notify the
Senators for each State affected, and each Member of the House of
Representatives for each congressional district affected, by such
revision or update in writing of the action taken.''. | Flood Insurance Fairness Act of 2010 - Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to delay, for certain areas not previously designated as having special flood hazards, the effective date for the mandatory purchase of flood insurance until the expiration of the five-year period beginning upon the date that revisions to certain flood insurance maps become available.
Prohibits this Act from being construed to authorize or require any payment or refund for flood insurance coverage purchases that covered any period during which such coverage is not required for the insured property.
Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to prescribe a five-year phase-in schedule for flood insurance rates for areas newly mapped as having special flood hazards.
Requires the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reimburse property owners for costs incurred in requests to remove property from base flood elevations.
Instructs the FEMA Administrator to submit to Congress a community outreach plan updating floodplain areas and flood-risk zones.
Instructs the FEMA Administrator to notify the appropriate Members of Congress of actions taken regarding any modernization of a floodplain area or flood-risk zone in their respective states or districts. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Prescription Drug and Health
Improvement Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. NEGOTIATING FAIR PRICES FOR MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.
(a) Negotiating Fair Prices.--
(1) In general.--Section 1860D-11 of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-111) is amended by striking subsection (i)
(relating to noninterference) and by inserting the following:
``(i) Negotiating Fair Prices With Drug Manufacturers.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, in furtherance of the goals of providing quality care and
containing costs under this part, the Secretary shall, with
respect to applicable covered part D drugs, and may, with
respect to other covered part D drugs, negotiate, using the
negotiation technique that the Secretary determines will
maximize savings and value for a covered part D drug and plan
enrollees (in a manner that may be similar to Federal entities
and that may include, but is not limited to, formularies,
reference pricing, discounts, rebates, and other price
concessions), with drug manufacturers the prices that may be
charged to PDP sponsors and MA organizations for such drugs for
part D eligible individuals who are enrolled in a prescription
drug plan or in an MA-PD plan. In conducting such negotiations,
the Secretary shall consider the drug's current price, initial
launch price, prevalence and usage, and approved indications,
the number of similarly effective alternative treatments for
each approved use of the drug, the budgetary impact of
providing coverage under this part for such drug for all
individuals who would likely benefit from the drug, and
evidence on the drug's effectiveness compared to similar drugs.
``(2) Use of lower of va or big four price if negotiations
fail.--If, after attempting to negotiate for a price with
respect to a covered part D drug under paragraph (1) for a
period of 1 year, the Secretary is not successful in obtaining
an appropriate price for the drug (as determined by the
Secretary), the Secretary shall establish the price that may be
charged to PDP sponsors and MA organizations for such drug for
part D eligible individuals who are enrolled in a prescription
drug plan or in an MA-PD plan at an amount equal to the lesser
of--
``(A) the price paid by the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs to procure the drug under the laws administered
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; or
``(B) the price paid to procure the drug under
section 8126 of title 38, United States Code.
``(3) Applicable covered part d drug defined.--For purposes
of this subsection, the term `applicable covered part D drug'
means a covered part D drug that the Secretary determines to be
appropriate for negotiation under paragraph (1) based on one or
more of the following factors as applied to such drug:
``(A) Spending on a per beneficiary basis.
``(B) Spending under this title.
``(C) Unit price increases over the preceding
years.
``(D) Initial launch price.
``(E) Availability of similarly effective
alternative treatments.
``(F) Status of the drug as a follow-on to
previously approved drugs.
``(G) Any other criteria determined by the
Secretary.
``(4) PDP sponsors and ma organization may negotiate lower
prices.--Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as
preventing the sponsor of a prescription drug plan, or an
organization offering an MA-PD plan, from obtaining a discount
or reduction of the price for a covered part D drug below the
price negotiated under paragraph (1) or the price established
under paragraph (2).
``(5) No affect on existing appeals process.--Nothing in
this subsection shall be construed to affect the appeals
procedures under subsections (g) and (h) of section 1860D-4.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and
shall first apply to negotiations and prices for plan years
beginning on January 1, 2019.
(b) Reports to Congress.--
(1) Secretary of hhs.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, and every 6 months
thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall submit to Congress a report on the following:
(i) The negotiations conducted by the
Secretary under section 1860D-11(i) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-111(i)),
as amended by subsection (a), including a
description of how such negotiations are
achieving lower prices for covered part D drugs
(as defined in section 1860D-2(e) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-102(e))) for
Medicare beneficiaries.
(ii) Data on spending under part D of the
Medicare program on covered part D drugs,
including data on covered part D drugs with--
(I) spending on a per beneficiary
basis that is above the median spending
on other drugs in the same class or
above the median spending of other drug
classes; and
(II) high unit cost increases over
the past five years, especially where
such increases are greater than the
increases for covered part D drugs in
general.
(iii) A list of the covered part D drugs
with no therapeutic substitute and data on
spending under part D of the Medicare program
on such drugs.
(iv) Access to covered part D drugs.
(v) Appeals by enrollees with respect to
covered part D drugs not included on plan
formularies.
(B) Public availability of report.--The Secretary
of Health and Human Services shall publish on the
Internet website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services a copy of each report submitted under
subparagraph (A).
(2) MedPAC.--
(A) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a study on the negotiations
conducted by the Secretary under section 1860D-11(i) of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-111(i)), as
amended by subsection (a), including a description of
how such negotiations are achieving lower prices for
covered part D drugs (as defined in section 1860D-2(e)
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-102(e)))
for Medicare beneficiaries.
(B) Report.--Not later than January 1, 2022, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit
to Congress a report on the study conducted under
subparagraph (A), together with recommendations for
improving such negotiations.
(c) CMI Testing of Negotiating Drug and Biological Prices To
Improve Value.--Section 1115A(b)(2) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1315a(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ``The models selected under this subparagraph
shall include at least 3 of the models described in
subparagraph (D), which shall be implemented by not later than
18 months after the date of the enactment of the Prescription
Drug and Health Improvement Act of 2017''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(D) Models of negotiating drug and biological
prices to improve value.--The models described in this
subparagraph are the following models for negotiating
drug and biological prices under the applicable titles
(including under both parts B and D of title XVIII) in
order to improve the value of payments for such drugs
and biologicals under such titles:
``(i) Discounting or eliminating patient
cost-sharing on high-value drugs and
biologicals.
``(ii) Value-based formularies.
``(iii) Indications-based pricing.
``(iv) Reference pricing.
``(v) Risk-sharing agreements based on
outcomes.
``(vi) Pricing based on comparative
effectiveness research.
``(vii) Episode-based payments for
chemotherapy and other conditions determined
appropriate by the Secretary.''. | Prescription Drug and Health Improvement Act of 2017 This bill requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to negotiate lower prices on behalf of Medicare and Medicare Advantage (MA) beneficiaries for covered prescription drugs that the CMS deems appropriate for negotiation based on: (1) program and per-beneficiary spending, (2) unit price increases over the preceding years, (3) initial launch price, (4) availability of similarly effective alternative treatments, (5) status of the drug as a follow-on to previously approved drugs, and (6) any other criteria determined by the CMS. If, after a one year period, negotiations with respect to a covered prescription drug prove unsuccessful, the CMS shall establish a price for the drug that is equal to the lesser of the price paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs or the price paid by the four largest federal pharmaceutical-drug purchasers. The CMS may (but is not required to) negotiate lower prices on behalf of Medicare and MA beneficiaries for other covered prescription drugs. The Government Accountability Office must report to Congress on the CMS' negotiations. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation must test several specified models for negotiating drug and biological prices. | billsum_train |
Give a brief overview of the following text: SECTION 1. WAIVER OF 10 PERCENT PENALTY ON WITHDRAWALS FROM QUALIFIED
RETIREMENT PLANS UPON RECEIPT OF NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE ON
A PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 72(t) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to subsection not to apply to certain
distributions) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(H) Qualified foreclosure distributions.--
Distributions to an individual which are qualified
foreclosure distributions (as defined in paragraph
(11)). Distributions shall not be taken into account
under the preceding sentence if such distributions are
described in subparagraph (A), (C), (D), (E), (F), or
(G) or to the extent paragraph (1) does not apply to
such distributions by reason of subparagraph (B).''.
(b) Qualified Foreclosure Distributions.--Subsection (t) of section
72 of such Code (relating to 10 percent additional tax on early
distributions from qualified retirement plans) is amended by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
``(11) Qualified foreclosure distributions.--For purposes
of paragraph (2)(H)--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified foreclosure
distribution' means any payment or distribution
received after July 31, 2007, and before January 1,
2011, by an individual after the individual has
received a foreclosure notice relating to any mortgage
on the principal residence (within the meaning of
section 121) of the individual.
``(B) Limitation.--The amount of payments or
distributions received by an individual which may be
treated as qualified foreclosure distributions for any
taxable year shall not exceed the excess (if any) of--
``(i) $30,000, over
``(ii) the aggregate amounts treated as
qualified foreclosure distributions with
respect to such individual for all prior
taxable years.
``(C) Amount distributed may be repaid.--
``(i) In general.--Any individual who
receives a qualified foreclosure distribution
may, at any time during the 5-year period
beginning on the day after the date on which
such distribution was received, make one or
more contributions in an aggregate amount not
to exceed the amount of such distribution to an
eligible retirement plan of which such
individual is a beneficiary and to which a
rollover contribution of such distribution
could be made under section 402(c), 403(a)(4),
403(b)(8), 408(d)(3), or 457(e)(16), as the
case may be.
``(ii) Treatment of repayments of
distributions from eligible retirement plans
other than iras.--For purposes of this title,
if a contribution is made pursuant to clause
(i) with respect to a qualified foreclosure
distribution from an eligible retirement plan
other than an individual retirement plan, then
the taxpayer shall, to the extent of the amount
of the contribution, be treated as having
received the qualified foreclosure distribution
in an eligible rollover distribution (as
defined in section 402(c)(4)) and as having
transferred the amount to the eligible
retirement plan in a direct trustee to trustee
transfer within 60 days of the distribution.
``(iii) Treatment of repayments for
distributions from iras.--For purposes of this
title, if a contribution is made pursuant to
clause (i) with respect to a qualified
foreclosure distribution from an individual
retirement plan (as defined by section
7701(a)(37)), then, to the extent of the amount
of the contribution, the qualified foreclosure
distribution shall be treated as a distribution
described in section 408(d)(3) and as having
been transferred to the eligible retirement
plan in a direct trustee to trustee transfer
within 60 days of the distribution.
``(D) Income inclusion spread over 5-year period.--
``(i) In general.--In the case of any
qualified foreclosure distribution, unless the
taxpayer elects not to have this subparagraph
apply for any taxable year, any amount required
to be included in gross income for such taxable
year shall be so included ratably over the 5-
taxable-year period beginning with such taxable
year.
``(ii) Special rule.--For purposes of
clause (i), rules similar to the rules of
subparagraph (E) of section 408A(d)(3) shall
apply.
``(E) Special rules.--
``(i) Exemption of distributions from
trustee to trustee transfer and withholding
rules.--For purposes of sections 401(a)(31),
402(f), and 3405, qualified foreclosure
distributions shall not be treated as eligible
rollover distributions.
``(ii) Qualified foreclosure distributions
treated as meeting plan distribution
requirements.--For purposes this title, a
qualified foreclosure distribution shall be
treated as meeting the requirements of sections
401(k)(2)(B)(i), 403(b)(7)(A)(ii), 403(b)(11),
and 457(d)(1)(A).''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt a taxpayer from the 10% penalty on premature withdrawals from tax-exempt retirement plans if such taxpayer received a foreclosure notice relating to a mortgage on a principal residence and makes a withdrawal from a retirement account after July 31, 2007, and before January 1, 2011. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Combating Money Laundering and
Terrorist Financing Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. SPECIFIED ACTIVITIES FOR MONEY LAUNDERING.
(a) RICO Definitions.--Section 1961(1) of title 18, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``burglary,
embezzlement,'' after ``robbery,'';
(2) in subparagraph (B), by--
(A) inserting ``section 1960 (relating to illegal
money transmitters),'' before ``sections 2251'';
(B) striking ``1588'' and inserting ``1592'';
(C) inserting ``and 1470'' after ``1461-1465''; and
(D) inserting ``2252A,'' after ``2252,'';
(3) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``fraud in the sale of
securities'' and inserting ``fraud in the purchase or sale of
securities''; and
(4) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ``and 274A'' after
``274''.
(b) Monetary Investments.--Section 1956(c)(7)(D) of title 18,
United States Code, is amended by--
(1) inserting ``, or section 2339C (relating to financing
of terrorism)'' before ``of this title''; and
(2) striking ``or any felony violation of the Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act'' and inserting ``any felony violation of
the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or any violation of section
208 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 408) (relating to
obtaining funds through misuse of a social security number)''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Monetary instruments.--Section 1956(e) of title 18,
United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Violations of this section may be investigated by such
components of the Department of Justice as the Attorney General may
direct, and by such components of the Department of the Treasury as the
Secretary of the Treasury may direct, as appropriate, and, with respect
to offenses over which the Department of Homeland Security has
jurisdiction, by such components of the Department of Homeland Security
as the Secretary of Homeland Security may direct, with respect to the
offenses over which the Social Security Administration has
jurisdiction, as the Commissioner of Social Security may direct, and
with respect to offenses over which the United States Postal Service
has jurisdiction, as the Postmaster General may direct. The authority
under this subsection of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary
of Homeland Security, the Commissioner of Social Security, and the
Postmaster General shall be exercised in accordance with an agreement
which shall be entered into by the Secretary of the Treasury, the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Commissioner of Social Security,
the Postmaster General, and the Attorney General. Violations of this
section involving offenses described in subsection (c)(7)(E) may be
investigated by such components of the Department of Justice as the
Attorney General may direct, and the National Enforcement
Investigations Center of the Environmental Protection Agency.''.
(2) Property from unlawful activity.--Section 1957(e) of
title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Violations of this section may be investigated by such
components of the Department of Justice as the Attorney General may
direct, and by such components of the Department of the Treasury as the
Secretary of the Treasury may direct, as appropriate, and, with respect
to offenses over which the Department of Homeland Security has
jurisdiction, by such components of the Department of Homeland Security
as the Secretary of Homeland Security may direct, and, with respect to
offenses over which the United States Postal Service has jurisdiction,
by the Postmaster General. The authority under this subsection of the
Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the
Postmaster General shall be exercised in accordance with an agreement
which shall be entered into by the Secretary of the Treasury, the
Secretary of Homeland Security, the Postmaster General, and the
Attorney General.''.
SEC. 3. ILLEGAL MONEY TRANSMITTING BUSINESSES.
(a) Technical Amendments.--Section 1960 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in the caption by striking ``unlicensed'' and inserting
``illegal'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``unlicensed'' and
inserting ``illegal'';
(3) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``unlicensed'' and
inserting ``illegal''; and
(4) in subsection (b)(1)(C), by striking ``to be used to be
used'' and inserting ``to be used''.
(b) Prohibition of unlicensed money transmitting businesses.--
Section 1960(b)(1)(B) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
inserting the following before the semicolon: ``, whether or not the
defendant knew that the operation was required to comply with such
registration requirements''.
(c) Authority To Investigate.--Section 1960 of title 18, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Violations of this section may be investigated by the
Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of
the Department of Homeland Security.''.
SEC. 4. ASSETS OF PERSONS COMMITTING TERRORIST ACTS AGAINST FOREIGN
COUNTRIES OR INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.
Section 981(a)(1)(G) of title 18, United States Code, is amended
by--
(1) striking ``or'' at the end of clause (ii);
(2) striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) inserting after clause (iii) the following:
``(iv) of any individual, entity, or
organization engaged in planning or
perpetrating any act of international terrorism
(as defined in section 2331) against any
international organization (as defined in
section 209 of the State Department Basic
Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 4309(b))) or
against any foreign government. Where the
property sought for forfeiture is located
beyond the territorial boundaries of the United
States, an act in furtherance of such planning
or perpetration must have occurred within the
jurisdiction of the United States.''.
SEC. 5. MONEY LAUNDERING THROUGH INFORMAL VALUE TRANSFER SYSTEMS.
Section 1956(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(4) A transaction described in paragraph (1) or a transportation,
transmission, or transfer described in paragraph (2) shall be deemed to
involve the proceeds of specified unlawful activity, if the
transaction, transportation, transmission, or transfer is part of a
single plan or arrangement whose purpose is described in either of
those paragraphs and one part of such plan or arrangement actually
involves the proceeds of specified unlawful activity.''.
SEC. 6. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO FINANCING OF TERRORISM STATUTE.
(a) Concealment.--Section 2339C(c)(2) of title 18, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``resources, or funds'' and inserting
``resources, or any funds or proceeds of such funds'';
(2) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``were provided'' and
inserting ``are to be provided, or knowing that the support or
resources were provided,''; and
(3) in subparagraph (B)--
(A) by striking ``or any proceeds of such funds'';
and
(B) by striking ``were provided or collected'' and
inserting ``are to be provided or collected, or knowing
that the funds were provided or collected,''.
(b) Definitions.--Section 2339C(e) is amended by--
(1) striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (12);
(2) redesignating paragraph (13) as paragraph (14); and
(3) inserting after paragraph (12) the following new
paragraph:
``(13) the term `material support or resources' has the
same meaning as in section 2339A(b) of this title; and''.
(c) International Terrorism.--Section 2332b(g)(5)(B) of title 18,
United States Code, is amended by inserting ``)'' after ``2339C
(relating to financing of terrorism''.
SEC. 7. MISCELLANEOUS AND TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.
(a) Criminal Forfeiture.--Section 982(b) of title 18, United States
Code, is amended in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``The substitution''
and inserting ``With respect to a forfeiture under subsection (a)(1),
the substitution''.
(b) Technical Amendments to Sections 1956 and 1957.--
(1) Unlawful activity.--Section 1956(c)(7)(F) of title 18,
United States Code, is amended by inserting ``, as defined in
section 24'' before the period.
(2) Property from unlawful activity.--Section 1957 of title
18, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``engages or
attempts to engage in'' and inserting ``conducts or
attempts to conduct''; and
(B) in subsection (f), by inserting the following
after paragraph (3):
``(4) the term `conducts' has the same meaning as it does
for purposes of section 1956 of this title.''.
(c) Obstruction of Justice.--Section 1510(b)(3)(B) of title 18,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``or'' the first time it
appears and inserting ``, a subpoena issued pursuant to section 1782 of
title 28, or''.
SEC. 8. EXTENSION OF THE MONEY LAUNDERING AND FINANCIAL CRIMES STRATEGY
ACT OF 1998.
(a) Transmittal to Congress.--Section 5341(a)(2) of title 31,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``and 2003'' and inserting
``2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006''.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 5355 of title 31,
United States Code is amended by inserting after the item for fiscal
year 2003 the following:
``2004.........................
$15,000,000
``2005.........................
$15,000,000
``2006.........................
$15,000,000.''. | Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Act of 2003 - Amends the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to expand its scope to cover acts or threats involving burglary, embezzlement, and fraud in the purchase of securities.
Modifies provisions regarding: (1) the laundering of monetary instruments to include violations of the Social Security Act relating to obtaining funds through misuse of a social security number, to grant authority to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Commissioner of Social Security over offenses within their jurisdictions, and to cover certain informal transfers of the proceeds of specified unlawful activity; and (2) engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity to grant authority to the Secretary over offenses within his jurisdiction.
Changes the name of a money transmitting business the operation of which is prohibited from an "unlicensed" to an "illegal" money transmitting business. Specifies that such a business shall be illegal if it fails to to comply with money transmitting business registration requirements (current law), whether or not the defendant knew that the operation was required to comply with such requirements. Authorizes the Attorney General, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to investigate violations regarding such businesses.
Amends the Federal criminal code to provide for civil forfeiture of the assets of individuals or entities engaging in planning or perpetrating any act of international terrorism against any international organization or foreign government.
Reauthorizes the Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Strategy Act of 1998. | billsum_train |
Make a brief summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Identification Security Enhancement
Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. REPEAL.
Title II of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (division B of Public Law 109-
13; 49 U.S.C. 30301 note) is repealed.
SEC. 3. DRIVER'S LICENSES AND PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Driver's license.--The term ``driver's license'' means
a motor vehicle operator's license (as defined in section
30301(5) of title 49, United States Code).
(2) Personal identification card.--The term ``personal
identification card'' means an identification document (as
defined in section 1028(d)(3) of title 18, United States Code)
issued by a State.
(b) Standards for Acceptance by Federal Agencies.--
(1) In general.--
(A) Limitation on acceptance.--No Federal agency
may accept, for any official purpose, a driver's
license or personal identification card newly issued by
a State more than 2 years after the promulgation of the
minimum standards under paragraph (2) unless the
driver's license or personal identification card
conforms to such minimum standards.
(B) Date for full conformance.--
(i) In general.--Except as provided under
clause (ii), beginning on the date that is 5
years after the promulgation of minimum
standards under paragraph (2), no Federal
agency may accept, for any official purpose, a
driver's license or personal identification
card issued by a State unless such driver's
license or personal identification card
conforms to such minimum standards.
(ii) Alternative date for full
conformance.--If the Secretary of Homeland
Security determines that it is impracticable
for States to replace all State-issued driver's
licenses and personal identification cards
before the deadline set forth in clause (i),
the Secretary of Homeland Security, in
consultation with the Secretary of
Transportation, may set a later, alternative
deadline to the extent necessary for States to
complete such replacement with reasonable
efforts.
(C) State certification.--
(i) In general.--Each State shall certify
to the Secretary of Homeland Security that the
State is in compliance with the requirements of
this section.
(ii) Frequency.--Certifications under
clause (i) shall be made at such intervals and
in such a manner as the Secretary of Homeland
Security, with the concurrence of the Secretary
of Transportation, may prescribe by regulation.
(iii) Audits.--The Secretary of Homeland
Security may conduct periodic audits of each
State's compliance with the requirements of
this section.
(2) Minimum standards.--Not later than 12 months after the
date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland
Security, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation,
shall by regulation, establish by minimum standards for
driver's licenses or personal identification cards issued by a
State for use by Federal agencies for identification purposes
that shall include--
(A) standards for documentation required as proof
of identity of an applicant for a driver's license or
personal identification card;
(B) standards for the verifiability of documents
used to obtain a driver's license or personal
identification card;
(C) standards for the processing of applications
for driver's licenses and personal identification cards
to prevent fraud;
(D) standards for information to be included on
each driver's license or personal identification card,
including--
(i) the person's full legal name;
(ii) the person's date of birth;
(iii) the person's gender;
(iv) the person's driver's license or
personal identification card number;
(v) a photograph of the person;
(vi) the person's address of principal
residence; and
(vii) the person's signature;
(E) standards for common machine-readable identity
information to be included on each driver's license or
personal identification card, including defined minimum
data elements;
(F) security standards to ensure that driver's
licenses and personal identification cards are--
(i) resistant to tampering, alteration, or
counterfeiting; and
(ii) capable of accommodating and ensuring
the security of a photograph or other unique
identifier; and
(G) a requirement that a State confiscate a
driver's license or personal identification card if any
component or security feature of the license or
identification card is compromised.
(c) Negotiated Rulemaking.--
(1) In general.--Before publishing the proposed regulations
required by subsection (b)(2) to carry out this title, the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish a negotiated
rulemaking process pursuant to subchapter IV of chapter 5 of
title 5, United States Code (5 U.S.C. 561 et seq.).
(2) Time requirement.--The process described in paragraph
(1) shall be conducted in a timely manner to ensure that--
(A) any recommendation for a proposed rule or
report--
(i) is provided to the Secretary of
Homeland Security not later than 9 months after
the date of enactment of this Act; and
(ii) includes an assessment of the benefits
and costs of the recommendation; and
(B) a final rule is promulgated not later than 12
months after the date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Representation on negotiated rulemaking committee.--Any
negotiated rulemaking committee established by the Secretary of
Homeland Security pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include equal
numbers of representatives from--
(A) among State offices that issue driver's
licenses or personal identification cards;
(B) among State elected officials;
(C) the Department of Transportation; and
(D) among interested parties, including experts in
privacy protection, experts in civil liberties and
protection of constitutional rights, and experts in
immigration law.
(4) Content of regulations.--The regulations required by
subsection (b)(2)--
(A) shall facilitate communication between the
chief driver licensing official of a State, an
appropriate official of a Federal agency and other
relevant officials, to verify the authenticity of
documents, as appropriate, issued by such Federal
agency or entity and presented to prove the identity of
an individual;
(B) may not infringe on a State's power to set
criteria concerning what categories of individuals are
eligible to obtain a driver's license or personal
identification card from that State;
(C) may not require a State to comply with any such
regulation that conflicts with or otherwise interferes
with the full enforcement of State criteria concerning
the categories of individuals that are eligible to
obtain a driver's license or personal identification
card from that State;
(D) may not require a single design to which
driver's licenses or personal identification cards
issued by all States must conform; and
(E) shall include procedures and requirements to
protect the privacy rights of individuals who apply for
and hold driver's licenses and personal identification
cards.
(F) shall include procedures and requirements to
protect the federal and state constitutional rights and
civil liberties of individuals who apply for and hold
driver's licenses and personal identification cards;
(G) shall not permit the transmission of any
personally identifiable information except for in
encrypted format;
(H) shall provide individuals with procedural and
substantive due process, including promulgating rules
and rights of appeal, to challenge errors in data
records contained within the databases created to
implement this Act;
(I) shall not permit private entities to scan the
information contained on the face of a license, or in
the machine readable component of the license, and
resell, share or trade that information with any other
third parties, nor shall private entities be permitted
to store the information collected for any other than
fraud prevention purposes;
(J) shall not preempt state privacy laws that are
more protective of personal privacy than the standards,
or regulations promulgated to implement this Act; and
(K) shall neither permit nor require verification
of birth certificates until a nationwide system is
designed to facilitate such verification.
(d) Grants to States.--
(1) Assistance in meeting federal standards.--Beginning on
the date a final regulation is promulgated under subsection
(b)(2), the Secretary of Homeland Security shall award grants
to States to assist them in conforming to the minimum standards
for driver's licenses and personal identification cards set
forth in the regulation.
(2) Allocation of grants.--The Secretary of Homeland
Security shall award grants to States under this subsection
based on the proportion that the estimated average annual
number of driver's licenses and personal identification cards
issued by a State applying for a grant bears to the average
annual number of such documents issued by all States.
(3) Minimum allocation.--Notwithstanding paragraph (2),
each State shall receive not less than 0.5 percent of the grant
funds made available under this subsection.
(4) Separate funding.--Funds appropriated for grants under
this section may not be commingled with other grant funds
administered by the Department of Homeland Security and may not
be used for any purpose other than the purpose set forth in
paragraph (1).
(e) Extension of Effective Date.--The Secretary of Homeland
Security may extend the date specified under subsection (b)(1)(A) for
up to 2 years for driver's licenses issued by a State if the Secretary
determines that the State made reasonable efforts to comply with the
date under such subsection but was unable to do so.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of
Homeland Security $300,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007
through 2013 to carry out this Act. | Identification Security Enhancement Act of 2006 - Repeals title II of the Real ID Act of 2005.
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) establish by regulation minimum standards for acceptance of state-issued driver's licenses and personal identification cards by federal agencies; (2) establish a negotiated rulemaking process before publishing such standards; and (3) award grants to states to assist them in conforming to such standards.
Prohibits federal agencies from accepting state-issued driver's licenses and personal identification cards after specified deadlines unless such identification conforms to the minimum standards promulgated under this Act. | billsum_train |
Create a condensed overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Auto Industry Emergency Bridge Loan
Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Automobile manufacturer or component supplier.--The
term ``automobile manufacturer or component supplier'' means an
automobile manufacturer or component supplier or any successor
thereto.
(2) Golden parachute payment.--The term ``golden parachute
payment'' means any payment to a senior executive officer for
departure from a company for any reason.
(3) Financial viability.--The term ``financial viability''
means, using generally acceptable accounting principles, that
there is a reasonable prospect that the applicant will be able
to make payments of principal and interest on the loan as and
when such payments become due under the terms of the loan
documents, and that the applicant has a net present value that
is positive.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce.
(5) Senior executive officer.--The term ``senior executive
officer'' means an individual who is one of the top five most
highly paid executives of a public company, whose compensation
is required to be disclosed pursuant to the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, and any regulations issued thereunder, and
nonpublic company counterparts.
SEC. 3. AUTO INDUSTRY EMERGENCY BRIDGE LOAN PROGRAM.
On or before March 31, 2009, the Secretary shall make loans from
funds provided under this section to automobile manufacturers or
component suppliers that have--
(1) operations in the United States, the failure of which
would have a systemic adverse effect on the overall United
States economy or a significant loss of United States jobs, as
determined by the Secretary;
(2) operated a manufacturing facility for the purposes of
producing automobiles or automobile components in the United
States throughout the 20-year period ending on the date of the
enactment of this Act; and
(3) submitted a complete application for a loan under this
section pursuant to section 4(a), which has been determined
eligible under section 4(b).
SEC. 4. PLAN TO ENSURE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF BORROWER.
(a) In General.--At the time of application for a loan under this
Act, an automobile manufacturer or component supplier shall submit to
the Secretary a detailed plan that describes how the requested
Government funds--
(1) would be utilized to ensure the financial viability of
the manufacturer or supplier;
(2) would stimulate automobile production in the United
States; and
(3) would improve the capacity of the manufacturer or
supplier to pursue the timely and aggressive production of
energy-efficient advanced technology vehicles.
(b) Plan Contents.--A plan submitted under this section shall
detail cost control measures and performance goals and milestones.
SEC. 5. APPLICATIONS, ELIGIBILITY AND DISBURSEMENTS.
(a) Applications.--On and after the date that is 3 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall accept
applications for loans under this Act.
(b) Determination of Eligibility.--Not later than 15 days after the
date on which the Secretary receives a complete application for a loan
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall, after consultation with
other Executive Branch officials, determine whether--
(1) the applicant meets the requirements described in
sections 3 and 4;
(2) the disbursement of funds and the successful
implementation of the required plan would ensure the financial
viability of the applicant; and
(3) the applicant is therefore eligible to receive a loan
under this Act.
(c) Disbursement.--The Secretary shall begin disbursement of the
proceeds of a loan under this Act to an eligible applicant not later
than 7 days after the date on which the Secretary receives a disbursal
request from the applicant.
(d) Warrants and Debt Instruments.--The Secretary may not make a
loan under this Act unless the Secretary receives from the automobile
manufacturer or component supplier a warrant or senior debt instrument
from the manufacturer made in accordance with the requirements for a
warrant or senior debt instrument by a financial institution under
section 113(d) of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008
(division A of Public Law 110-343).
SEC. 6. REPLENISHMENT OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY VEHICLE MANUFACTURING
INCENTIVE PROGRAM.
(a) Equity Sales.--
(1) Sales authorized.--The Secretary may sell, exercise, or
surrender any equity instrument received under this Act.
(2) Turnaround profits to restore advanced vehicles
manufacturing incentive program.--Proceeds received from a
sale, exercise, or surrender under paragraph (1) may be
credited to the appropriate Government financing account made
available to fulfill the advanced technology vehicle
manufacturing incentive purpose under section 136 of the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140; 42
U.S.C. 17013) until the amount loaned under this Act has been
repaid.
(3) Reduction of public debt.--Proceeds received from a
sale, exercise, or surrender under paragraph (1) that takes
place after the amount loaned under this Act has been repaid in
accordance with paragraph (2) may be used to reduce the public
debt.
(b) Repaid Loan Funds.--
(1) In general.--Loan amounts repaid under this Act may be
credited to the appropriate Government financing account made
available to fulfill the advanced technology vehicle
manufacturing incentive purpose of section 136 of the Energy
Independence and Security Act of 2007 until the amount loaned
under this Act is repaid.
(2) Reduction of public debt.--Loan amounts repaid under
this Act after the amount loaned under this Act has been repaid
may be used to reduce the public debt.
SEC. 7. LIMITS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
(a) Standards Required.--The Secretary shall require any recipient
of a loan under this Act to meet appropriate standards for executive
compensation and corporate governance.
(b) Specific Requirements.--The standards established under
subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1) Limits on compensation that exclude incentives for
senior executive officers of a recipient of a loan under this
Act to take unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the
value of such recipient during the period that the loan is
outstanding.
(2) A provision for the recovery by such recipient of any
bonus or incentive compensation paid to a senior executive
officer based on statements of earnings, gains, or other
criteria that are later found to be materially inaccurate.
(3) A prohibition on such recipient making any golden
parachute payment to a senior executive officer during the
period that the loan under this Act is outstanding.
(4) A prohibition on such recipient paying or accruing any
bonus or incentive compensation during the period that the loan
under this Act is outstanding to any executive whose annual
base compensation exceeds $250,000 (which amount shall be
adjusted by the Secretary for inflation).
(5) A prohibition on any compensation plan that could
encourage manipulation of the reported earnings of the
recipient to enhance compensation of any of its employees.
SEC. 8. PROHIBITION ON THE USE OF LOAN PROCEEDS FOR LOBBYING
ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--A recipient of a loan under this Act may not use
such funds for any lobbying expenditures or political contributions.
(b) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Lobbying expenditures.--The term ``lobbying
expenditures'' has the meaning given the term in section
4911(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
(2) Political contributions.--The term ``political
contribution'' means any contribution on behalf of a political
candidate or to a separate segregated fund described in section
316(b)(2)(C) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2
U.S.C. 441b(b)(2)(C)).
SEC. 9. PROHIBITION ON PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS.
No common stock dividends may be paid by any recipient of a loan
under this Act for the duration of the loan.
SEC. 10. AUTO INDUSTRY EMERGENCY BRIDGE LOAN OVERSIGHT BOARD.
(a) Establishment.--There is established the Auto Industry
Emergency Bridge Loan Oversight Board (in this section referred to as
the ``Board''), which shall be responsible for reviewing and providing
advice concerning the exercise of authority under this Act, including--
(1) the progress of the applicant in meeting the
performance goals and milestones under its financial viability
plan required under section 4;
(2) recommending changes, as necessary and appropriate, to
the Secretary in meeting the goals and milestones under the
financial viability plan, and senior management and board of
directors to the automobile manufacturers and component
suppliers assisted under this Act; and
(3) reporting any suspected fraud, misrepresentation, or
malfeasance to the Inspector General of the Department of
Commerce or the Attorney General of the United States,
consistent with section 535(b) of title 28, United States Code.
(b) Membership.--The Board shall be comprised of--
(1) the Secretary of Commerce;
(2) the Secretary of Energy;
(3) the Secretary of Transportation;
(4) the Secretary of the Treasury;
(5) the Secretary of Labor; and
(6) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency.
(c) Chairperson.--The chairperson of the Board shall be the
Secretary of Commerce.
(d) Meetings.--The Board shall meet--
(1) not later than 14 days after the first disbursement of
funds provided under this Act; and
(2) not less frequently than monthly thereafter.
(e) Reports.--The Board shall report to the appropriate committees
of Congress, not less frequently than quarterly, on the matters
described under this section.
(f) Oversight of Transactions and Financial Condition.--
(1) Duty to inform.--During the period in which any loan
extended under this Act remains outstanding, the recipient of
such loan shall promptly inform the Secretary and the Board
of--
(A) any asset sale, investment, or commitment for
any asset sale or investment proposed to be entered
into by such recipient that has a value in excess of
$25,000,000; and
(B) any other material change in the financial
condition of such recipient.
(2) Authority of the secretary.--During the period in which
any loan extended under this Act remains outstanding, the
Secretary, in consultation with the Board, may--
(A) promptly review any asset sale or investment
described in paragraph (1) or any commitment for such
asset sale or investment; and
(B) direct the recipient of the loan that it should
not consummate such proposed sale or investment or
commitment for such sale or investment.
(3) Regulations.--The Board may establish, by regulation,
procedures for conducting any review under this subsection.
(g) Termination.--The Board, and its authority under this section,
shall terminate not later than 6 months after the date on which the
last loan amounts under this section are repaid.
SEC. 11. PRIORITIZATION OF LOAN ALLOCATIONS.
In allocating loan amounts under this Act, the Secretary shall
consider the magnitude of the impact of the manufacturing operations of
the applicant in the United States on the overall economy of the United
States and other segments of the automobile industry, including the
impact on levels of employment, domestic manufacturing of automobiles
and automobile components, and automobile dealerships.
SEC. 12. RATE OF INTEREST.
The annual rate of interest for a loan under this Act shall be--
(a) 5 percent during the 5-year period beginning on the date on
which the Secretary disburses the loan; and
(b) 9 percent after the end of the period described in paragraph
(1).
SEC. 13. NO PREPAYMENT PENALTY.
A loan made under this Act shall be prepayable without penalty at
any time.
SEC. 14. DISCHARGE.
A discharge under title 11, United States Code, shall not discharge
the borrower from any debt for funds authorized to be disbursed under
this Act.
SEC. 15. FEES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may charge and collect fees for
disbursements under this Act in amounts that the Secretary determines
are sufficient to cover applicable administrative expenses.
(b) Availability.--Fees collected under this section--
(1) shall be deposited by the Secretary into the Treasury
of the United States;
(2) shall be used by the Secretary to pay administrative
expenses of making awards and loans under this Act; and
(3) shall remain available until expended, without further
appropriation.
SEC. 16. JUDICIAL REVIEW AND RELATED MATTERS.
(a) Standards.--Actions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority
of this Act shall be subject to chapter 7 of title 5, United States
Code, including that such final actions shall be held unlawful and set
aside if found to be arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion, or
not in accordance with law.
(b) Limitations on Equitable Relief.--
(1) Injunction.--No injunction or other form of equitable
relief shall be issued against the Secretary for actions
pursuant to this Act, other than to remedy a violation of the
Constitution.
(2) Temporary restraining order.--Any request for a
temporary restraining order against the Secretary for actions
pursuant to this Act shall be considered and granted or denied
by the court within 3 days of the date of the request.
(3) Preliminary injunction.--Any request for a preliminary
injunction against the Secretary for actions pursuant to this
Act shall be considered and granted or denied by the court on
an expedited basis consistent with the provisions of rule
65(b)(3) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, or any
successor to such rule.
(4) Permanent injunction.--Any request for a permanent
injunction against the Secretary for actions pursuant to this
Act shall be considered and granted or denied by the court on
an expedited basis. Whenever possible, the court shall
consolidate trial on the merits with any hearing on a request
for a preliminary injunction, consistent with the provisions of
rule 65(a)(2) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, or any
successor to such rule.
(5) Limitation on actions by participating companies.--No
action or claims may be brought against the Secretary by any
person that divests its assets with respect to its
participation in a program under this Act, except as provided
in paragraph (1), other than as expressly provided in a written
contract with the Secretary.
(6) Stays.--Any injunction or other form of equitable
relief issued against the Secretary for actions pursuant to
this Act shall be automatically stayed. The stay shall be
lifted, unless the Secretary seeks a stay from a higher court
within 3 calendar days after the date on which the relief is
issued.
(c) Savings Clause.--Any exercise of the authority of the Secretary
pursuant to this section shall not impair the claims or defenses that
would otherwise apply with respect to persons other than the Secretary.
SEC. 17. FUNDING.
(a) In General.--The $7,500,000,000 appropriated for fiscal year
2009 for direct loans under section 129 of the Consolidated Security,
Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 (division
A of Public Law 110-329) is rescinded.
(b) Appropriations.--There is appropriated to the Secretary of
Commerce $7,500,000,000 to the ``Department of Commerce--Emergency
Bridge Loan Program Account'' for the cost of direct loans authorized
under this Act, which shall remain available until expended.
Commitments for direct loans using such amount shall not exceed
$25,000,000,000 in total loan principal. The cost of such direct loans,
including the cost of modifying such loans, shall be calculated in
accordance with section 502 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2
U.S.C. 661a).
(c) Transfers for Direct Loans.--Following the receipt of a notice
from the Secretary of Energy certifying the approval of a loan under
the program authorized under section 136 of the Energy Independence and
Security Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-140; 42 U.S.C. 17013), the
Secretary may transfer amounts made available under this Act to the
Secretary of Energy, in an amount sufficient for the cost of the direct
loans if such transfer would not cause the Secretary to exceed the
total appropriation and total commitment level authorized under
subsection (b). Any amounts so transferred shall be available to the
Secretary of Energy without fiscal year limitation and subject to the
terms and conditions described in section 129 of the Consolidated
Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009.
(d) Use of Remaining Amounts.--Amounts appropriated under
subsection (b) which remain available after March 31, 2009, shall be
transferred to the Secretary of Energy and shall be used to carry out
section 136 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007,
subject to the terms and conditions described in section 129 of the
Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing
Appropriations Act, 2009.
SEC. 18. COORDINATION WITH OTHER LAWS REGARDING PROMOTION OF ADVANCED
TECHNOLOGY VEHICLE MANUFACTURING.
Nothing in the Act may be construed as altering, affecting, or
superseding the provisions of section 136 of the Energy Independence
and Security Act of 2007, relating to the technology requirements for
energy efficient vehicles. | Auto Industry Emergency Bridge Loan Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to make loans to automobile manufacturers or component suppliers that have: (1) operations in the United States, the failure of which would have a systemic adverse effect on the overall U.S. economy or a significant loss of U.S. jobs, as determined by the Secretary; and (2) operated a manufacturing facility for the purpose of producing automobiles or automobile components in the U.S. throughout the 20-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
Requires any automobile manufacturer or component supplier applying for such a loan to submit to the Secretary a detailed plan describing how the requested government funds would: (1) be utilized to ensure the the manufacturer's or supplier's financial viability; (2) stimulate U.S. automobile production; and (3) improve the manufacturer's or supplier's capacity to pursue the timely and aggressive production of energy-efficient advanced technology vehicles.
Authorizes the Secretary to sell, exercise, or surrender any equity instrument received under this Act.
Allows proceeds received from a sale, exercise, or surrender to be credited to the appropriate Government financing account made available to fulfill the advanced technology vehicle manufacturing incentive purpose under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 until the amount loaned under this Act has been repaid.
Directs the Secretary to require any loan recipient to meet appropriate standards for executive compensation and corporate governance.
Prohibits a loan recipient from using loan funds for any lobbying expenditures or political contributions.
Prohibits the payment of common stock dividends by any loan recipient for the duration of the loan.
Establishes the Auto Industry Emergency Bridge Loan Oversight Board to review and provide advice concerning the exercise of the authority under this Act.
Requires the Secretary, in allocating loan amounts under this Act, to consider the magnitude of the impact of the loan applicant's manufacturing operations in the United States on the overall U.S. economy and other segments of the automobile industry, including levels of employment, domestic manufacturing of automobiles and automobile components, and automobile dealerships.
Rescinds the $7.5 billion appropriation for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program Account for the cost of direct loans as authorized by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Appropriates the same amount for the cost of direct loans under this Act. Limits commitments for direct loans using such amount to $25 billion in total loan principal. | billsum_train |
Summarize the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Commission on Educational
Readiness Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
It is the purpose of this Act to promote and improve the quality of
preschool skills development by coordinating efforts on behalf of
public and private organizations to improve and enhance systems of care
for children and their families.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL COMMISSION ON EDUCATIONAL READINESS.
(a) Establishment.--There is hereby established a National
Commission on Educational Readiness (hereafter in this Act referred to
as the ``Commission'').
(b) Membership and Administration of the Commission.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall consist of 11
members, of whom--
(A) 2 members shall be appointed by the Secretary
of Education;
(B) 2 members shall be appointed by the Secretary
of Health and Human Services;
(C) 2 members shall be appointed by the Majority
Leader of the Senate in consultation with the Minority
Leader of the Senate;
(D) 2 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives in consultation with the
Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; and
(E) 3 members shall be jointly selected by the
Majority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the
House of Representatives from among individuals who
have demonstrated expertise in areas such as early
childhood development, comprehensive services delivery
for pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and preschool
children, professional teaching, or nonprofit
organizations or foundations which work to expand
educational opportunities for preschool children, such
individuals may include State or local officials
responsible for health and education policy, parents or
representatives of parent organizations.
(2) Chairman and vice chairman.--The Commission shall
select a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among the
members of the Commission.
(3) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall not
affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as
the original appointment was made.
(4) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet on a regular
basis, as necessary, at the call of the Chairperson of the
Commission or a majority of the Commission's members.
(5) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
(6) Terms.--(A) Members of the Commission shall be
appointed to serve for terms of 3 years, except that of the
members first appointed--
(i) 4 members shall serve for terms of 1 year;
(ii) 4 members shall serve for terms of 2 years;
and
(iii) 3 members shall serve for terms of 3 years.
(B) Members may be reappointed to the Commission.
(7) Contracts.--To carry out this Act, the Commission may
enter into such contracts and other arrangements to such extent
or in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, and
without regard to the provisions of section 3709 of the Revised
Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5). Contracts and other arrangements may be
entered into under this paragraph with or without consideration
or bond.
(8) Compensation.--Each member of the Commission shall
serve without compensation, but shall be allowed travel
expenses including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as
authorized by section 5703 of title 5, United States Code, when
engaged in the performance of Commission duties.
(9) Activity of the commission.--The Commission may begin
to carry out its duties under this Act when at least 6 members
of the Commission have been appointed pursuant to paragraph
(1).
SEC. 4. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.
The Commission shall--
(1) recommend a national policy designed to prepare the
Nation's children for formal learning, including
recommendations concerning appropriate roles for the Federal
Government, States, local governments and the private sector;
(2) recommend to the President and the Congress the
specific changes needed within Federal laws and policies to
achieve an effective Federal role in such preparation;
(3) encourage State and local initiatives on behalf of
children (including legislative and policy changes as the
Commission determines necessary) and monitor progress toward
school readiness;
(4) sponsor national, State and regional conferences on
ready to learn activities;
(5) establish and operate a national clearinghouse for the
dissemination of information and materials on readiness to
learn;
(6) establish an advisory council in accordance with
section 10;
(7) collaborate with specific entities involved with ready
to learn issues or activities such as the National Ready to
Learn Council, the National Education Goals Panel and
appropriate State ready to learn activities;
(8) develop and maintain collaborative arrangements with
public agencies and professional and voluntary organizations
that are involved in ready to learn issues; and
(9) provide consultation and technical assistance, or
arrange for the provision of such consultation and technical
assistance, to State and community entities providing or
preparing to provide integrated comprehensive health or child
development services or educational services to pregnant women,
infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
SEC. 5. REPORTS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date on which all
members of the Commission are appointed in accordance with section
3(b), the Commission shall prepare and submit to the President and to
the appropriate committees of the Congress a comprehensive report on
the activities of the Commission.
(b) Contents.--The report submitted pursuant to subsection (a)
shall include such findings and recommendations for legislation and
administrative action as the Commission considers appropriate based on
the activities of the Commission.
(c) Other Reports.--The Commission shall prepare and submit to the
President and the Congress such other reports as the Commission
considers appropriate.
SEC. 6. INFORMATION.
The Commission may secure directly from any Federal agency such
information, relevant to the Commission's functions, as may be
necessary to enable the Commission to carry out the Commission's
duties. Upon request of the Chairman of the Commission, the head of the
agency shall, to the extent permitted by law, furnish such information
to the Commission.
SEC. 7. GIFTS.
The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts and donations
of money, services, or property, for the purpose of aiding the
activities of the Commission.
SEC. 8. MAIL.
The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner
and under the same conditions as the departments and agencies of the
United States.
SEC. 9. COMMISSION STAFF.
(a) Executive Director.--The Commission shall appoint an executive
director, who shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the maximum rate of
basic pay under section 5376 of title 5, United States Code, and such
professional and clerical personnel as may be reasonable and 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, and without regard to the provisions of
chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title, or of any
other provision of law, relating to the number, classification and
General Schedule rates, except that no employee, other than the staff
director, may be compensated at a rate to exceed the maximum rate
applicable to level 15 of the General Schedule set forth in section
5332 of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Other Federal Personnel.--Upon request of the Chairman of the
Commission, the head of any Federal agency is authorized to detail,
without reimbursement, any personnel of such agency to the Commission
to assist the Commission in carrying out its duties under this Act.
Such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service
status or privilege set forth in section 5332 of title 5, United States
Code.
SEC. 10. ADVISORY COUNCIL.
(a) Establishment.--The Commission shall establish an advisory
council (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ``Council'') composed
of representatives of professional and voluntary organizations, and
recognized scholars and experts in early childhood development,
education, health, child advocacy and other relevant fields.
(b) Functions.--
(1) In general.--The Council shall--
(A) advise the Commission regarding--
(i) readiness to learn;
(ii) the design, development and execution
of the strategies assisted under this Act; and
(iii) the coordination of activities
assisted under this Act, including procedures
to assure compliance with the provisions of
this Act; and
(B) make recommendations to the Commission in
accordance with paragraph (2).
(2) Recommendations.--The Council shall make
recommendations to the Commission regarding how best to--
(A) promote collaboration and joint activities to
assist communities in assuring the Nation's children
receive the variety of supports such children require
to be ready for school;
(B) report on and promote innovative and exemplary
projects and programs that highlight integrated,
comprehensive services, including how such projects and
programs may be used as models for replication in other
communities;
(C) encourage and support the development of State
and community ready to learn activities;
(D) monitor national progress toward the National
Education Goal regarding school readiness; and
(E) develop, exchange and disseminate information
regarding readiness to learn.
SEC. 11. APPLICABILITY OF FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT.
The provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act shall not
apply to the Commission established under this Act.
SEC. 12. EXPERTS AND CONSULTANTS.
Subject to such rules as may be prescribed by the Commission, the
Chairman of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent
services under section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, as rates
for individuals, not to exceed the daily rate payable for level GS-15
of the General Schedule set forth in section 5332 of title 5, United
States Code.
SEC. 13. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated $1,500,000
for fiscal year 1994 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the
fiscal years 1995 and 1996 to carry out the provisions of this Act.
(b) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authority
of subsection (a) shall remain available until expended. | National Commission on Educational Readiness Act - Establishes a National Commission on Educational Readiness (the Commission).
Directs the Commission to: (1) recommend a national policy to prepare children for formal learning; (2) recommend specific changes in Federal laws and policies to effectuate the Federal role; (3) encourage State and local initiatives and monitor progress toward school readiness; (4) run a national clearinghouse for information and materials on readiness to learn; (5) sponsor conferences; (6) establish an advisory council; (7) arrange for provision of consultation and technical assistance to State or community entities for integrated comprehensive health or child development services or educational services to pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and preschool children; and (8) report to the President and the Congress.
Authorizes appropriations. | billsum_train |
Change the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Next Generation Hispanic Serving
Institutions Act''.
TITLE I--GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES AT HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS
SEC. 101. POSTBACCALAUREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HISPANIC AMERICANS.
(a) Establishment of Program.--Title V of the Higher Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating part B as part C;
(2) by redesignating sections 511 through 518 as sections
521 through 528, respectively; and
(3) by inserting after section 505 the following:
``PART B--PROMOTING POSTBACCALAUREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HISPANIC
AMERICANS
``SEC. 511. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
``(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
``(1) According to the United States Census, by the year
2050, 1 in 4 Americans will be of Hispanic origin.
``(2) Despite the dramatic increase in the Hispanic
population in the United States, the National Center for
Education Statistics reported that in 1999, Hispanics accounted
for only 4 percent of the master's degrees, 3 percent of the
doctor's degrees, and 5 percent of first-professional degrees
awarded in the United States.
``(3) Although Hispanics constitute 10 percent of the
college enrollment in the United States, they comprise only 3
percent of instructional faculty in college and universities.
``(4) The future capacity for research and advanced study
in the United States will require increasing the number of
Hispanics pursuing postbaccalaureate studies.
``(5) Hispanic-serving institutions are leading the Nation
in increasing the number of Hispanics attaining graduate and
professional degrees.
``(6) Among Hispanics who received master's degrees in
1999-2000, 25 percent earned them at Hispanic-serving
institutions.
``(7) Between 1991 and 2000, the number of Hispanic
students earning master's degrees at Hispanic-serving
institutions grew 136 percent, the number receiving doctor's
degrees grew by 85 percent, and the number earning first-
professional degrees grew by 47 percent.
``(8) It is in the National interest to expand the capacity
of Hispanic-serving institutions to offer graduate and
professional degree programs.
``(9) Research is a key element in graduate education and
undergraduate preparation, particularly in science and
technology, and Congress desires to strengthen the role of
research at Hispanic serving-institutions. University research,
whether performed directly or through a university's nonprofit
research institute or foundation, is considered an integral
part of the institution and mission of the university.
``(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this part are--
``(1) to expand postbaccalaureate educational opportunities
for, and improve the academic attainment of, Hispanic students;
and
``(2) to expand and enhance the postbaccalaureate academic
offerings of high quality that are educating the majority of
Hispanic college students and helping large numbers of Hispanic
students and low-income individuals complete postsecondary
degrees.
``SEC. 512. PROGRAM AUTHORITY AND ELIGIBILITY.
``(a) Program Authorized.--Subject to the availability of funds
appropriated to carry out this part, the Secretary shall award
competitive grants to eligible institutions.
``(b) Eligibility.--For the purposes of this part, an `eligible
institution' means an institution of higher education that--
``(1) is a Hispanic-serving institution (as defined under
section 502); and
``(2) offers a postbaccalaureate certificate or degree
granting program.
``SEC. 513. AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.
``Grants awarded under this part shall be used for 1 or more of the
following activities:
``(1) Purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or
laboratory equipment for educational purposes, including
instructional and research purposes.
``(2) Construction, maintenance, renovation, and
improvement in classroom, library, laboratory, and other
instructional facilities, including purchase or rental of
telecommunications technology equipment or services.
``(3) Purchase of library books, periodicals, technical and
other scientific journals, microfilm, microfiche, and other
educational materials, including telecommunications program
materials.
``(4) Support for needy postbaccalaureate students
including outreach, academic support services, mentoring,
scholarships, fellowships, and other financial assistance to
permit the enrollment of such students in postbaccalaureate
certificate and degree granting programs.
``(5) Support of faculty exchanges, faculty development,
faculty research, curriculum development, and academic
instruction.
``(6) Creating or improving facilities for Internet or
other distance learning academic instruction capabilities,
including purchase or rental of telecommunications technology
equipment or services.
``(7) Collaboration with other institutions of higher
education to expand postbaccalaureate certificate and degree
offerings.
``(8) Other activities proposed in the application
submitted pursuant to section 514 that--
``(A) contribute to carrying out the purposes of
this part; and
``(B) are approved by the Secretary as part of the
review and acceptance of such application.
``SEC. 514. APPLICATION AND DURATION.
``(a) Application.--Any eligible institution may apply for a grant
under this part by submitting an application to the Secretary at such
time and in such manner as determined by the Secretary. Such
application shall demonstrate how the grant funds will be used to
improve postbaccalaureate education opportunities for Hispanic and low-
income students and will lead to such students' greater financial
independence.
``(b) Duration.--Grants under this part shall be awarded for a
period not to exceed 5 years.
``(c) Limitation.--The Secretary shall not award more than 1 grant
under this part in any fiscal year to any Hispanic-serving
institution.''.
(b) Cooperative Arrangements.--Section 524 of the Higher Education
Act of 1965 (as redesignated by subsection (a)(2)) is amended by
inserting ``and section 513'' after ``section 503''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 528(a) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (as redesignated by subsection (a)(2)) is amended
to read as follows:
``(a) Authorizations.--
``(1) Part a.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out part A of this title $175,000,000 for fiscal year
2005 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.
``(2) Part b.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out part B of this title $125,000,000 for fiscal year
2005 and such sums as may be necessary for each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.''.
(d) Conforming Amendments.--Title V of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 502--
(A) in subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii), by striking
``section 512(b)'' and inserting ``section 522(b)'';
and
(B) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``section
512(a)'' and inserting ``section 522(a)'';
(2) in section 521(c)(6) (as redesignated by subsection
(a)(2)), by striking ``section 516'' and inserting ``section
526''; and
(3) in section 526 (as redesignated by subsection (a)(2)),
by striking ``section 518'' and inserting ``section 528''.
TITLE II--REDUCING REGULATORY BARRIERS FOR HISPANIC-SERVING
INSTITUTIONS
SEC. 201. DEFINITIONS.
Section 502(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1101a(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and'' after
the semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a period; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(2) by striking paragraph (7).
SEC. 202. AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.
Section 503(b)(7) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1101b(b)(7)) is amended to read as follows:
``(7) Articulation agreements and student support programs
designed to facilitate the transfer from 2-year to 4-year
institutions.''.
SEC. 203. ELIMINATION OF WAIT-OUT PERIOD.
Section 504(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1101c(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Award Period.--The Secretary may award a grant to a Hispanic-
serving institution under this title for 5 years.''.
SEC. 204. APPLICATION PRIORITY.
Section 521(d) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as redesignated
by section 101(a)(2)) is amended by striking ``(from funds other than
funds provided under this title)''. | Next Generation Hispanic Serving Institutions - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to revise provisions for Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) under title V (Developing Institutions).
Establishes a program of competitive grants to eligible HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees (part B grants). Limits a part B grant award's duration to not more than five years. Prohibits the Secretary of Education from awarding more than one part B grant to an HSI in any one fiscal year.
Authorizes appropriations for FY 2005 through FY 2009 for: (1) the current part A program of grants to HSIs that offer baccalaureate degrees or are junior or community colleges; and (2) the new part B program of grants to HSIs that offer postbaccalaureate certifications or degrees.
Eliminates the requirement that an eligible HSI provide assurances that at least 50 percent of its Hispanic students be low-income students.
Includes, among authorized activities under part A grants, articulation agreements and student support programs to help transfers from two-year to four-year institutions.
Eliminates the two-year wait-out period between any two five-year part A grants to an HSI. | billsum_train |
Give a brief overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fiscal Accountability and
Intergovernmental Reform Act'' (``FAIR Act'').
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds and declares:
(1) Federal legislation and regulatory requirements impose
burdens on State and local resources to implement federally
mandated programs without fully evaluating the costs to State
and local governments associated with compliance with those
requirements and often times without provision of adequate
Federal financial assistance. These Federal legislative and
regulatory initiatives--
(A) force State and local governments to utilize
scarce public resources to comply with Federal
mandates;
(B) prevent these resources from being available to
meet local needs; and
(C) detract from the ability of State and local
governments to establish local priorities for use of
local public resources.
(2) Federal legislation and regulatory programs result in
inefficient utilization of economic resources, thereby reducing
the pool of resources available--
(A) to enhance productivity, and increase the
quantity and quality of goods and services produced by
the American economy; and
(B) to enhance international competitiveness.
(3) In implementing Congressional policy, Federal agencies
should, consistent with the requirements of Federal law, seek
to implement statutory requirements, to the maximum extent
feasible, in a manner which minimizes--
(A) the inefficient allocation of economic
resources;
(B) the burden such requirements impose on use of
local public resources by State and local governments;
and
(C) the adverse economic effects of such
regulations on productivity, economic growth, full
employment, creation of productive jobs, and
international competitiveness of American goods and
services.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are:
(1) To assist Congress in consideration of proposed
legislation establishing or revising Federal programs so as to
assure that, to the maximum extent practicable, legislation
enacted by Congress will--
(A) minimize the burden of such legislation on
expenditure of scarce local public resources by State
and local governments;
(B) minimize inefficient allocation of economic
resources; and
(C) reduce the adverse effect of such legislation--
(i) on the ability of State and local
governmental entities to use local public
resources to meet local needs and to establish
local priorities for local public resources;
and
(ii) on allocation of economic resources,
productivity, economic growth, full employment,
creation of productive jobs, and international
competitiveness.
(2) To require Federal agencies to exercise discretionary
authority and to implement statutory requirements in a manner
which consistent with fulfillment of each agency's mission and
with the requirements of other laws, minimizes the impact
regulations and other major Federal actions affecting the
economy have on--
(A) the ability of State and local governmental
entities to use local public resources to meet local
needs; and
(B) the allocation of economic resources,
productivity, economic growth, full employment,
creation of productive jobs, and international
competitiveness of American goods and services.
TITLE I--LEGISLATIVE REFORM
SEC. 101. REPORTS ON LEGISLATION.
(a) Report Required.--(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2),
whenever a committee of either House reports a bill or resolution of a
public character to its House which mandates unfunded requirements upon
State or local governments or the private sector, the report
accompanying that bill or resolution shall contain an analysis,
prepared after consultation with the Director of the Congressional
Budget Office, detailing the effect of the new requirements on--
(A) State and local government expenditures necessary to
comply with Federal mandates;
(B) private businesses, including the economic resources
required annually to comply with the legislation and
implementing regulations; and
(C) economic growth and competitiveness.
(2) Exception.--The requirements of paragraph (1) shall not apply
to any bill or resolution with respect to which the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office certifies in writing to the Chairman of the
Committee reporting the legislation that the estimated costs to State
and local governments and the private sector of implementation of such
legislation during the first three years will not exceed $50,000,000 in
the aggregate and during the first five years will not exceed
$100,000,000 in the aggregate. For this purpose, a year shall be a
period of three hundred and sixty five consecutive days.
(b) Duties and Functions of Congressional Budget Office.--The
Director of the Congressional Budget Office shall prepare for each bill
or resolution of a public character reported by any committee of the
House of Representatives or of the Senate, an economic analysis of the
effects of such bill or resolution, satisfying the requirements of
subsection (a). The analysis prepared by the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office shall be included in the report
accompanying such bill or resolution if timely submitted to such
committee before such report is filed.
(c) Legislation Subject To Point of Order.--Any bill or resolution
shall be subject to a point of order against consideration of the bill
by the House of Representatives or the Senate (as the case may be) if
such bill or resolution is reported for consideration by the House of
Representatives or the Senate unaccompanied by the analysis required by
this section.
SEC. 102. EXERCISE OF RULEMAKING POWERS.
The provisions of this title are enacted by the Congress--
(1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the House of
Representatives and the Senate, respectively, and as such they
shall be considered as part of the rules of each House,
respectively, and such rules shall supersede other rules only
to the extent that they are inconsistent therewith; and
(2) with full recognition of the constitutional right of
either House to change such rules (so far as relating to such
House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent
as in the case of any other rule of such House.
SEC. 103. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This title shall apply to any bill or resolution ordered reported
by any committee of the House of Representatives or of the Senate after
the date of enactment of this Act.
TITLE II--FEDERAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
SEC. 201. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
The Congress authorizes and directs that, to the fullest extent
practicable:
(1) the policies, regulations, and public laws of the
United States shall be interpreted and administered in
accordance with the purposes of this Act;
(2) all agencies of the Federal Government shall,
consistent with attainment of the requirements of Federal law,
minimize--
(A) the burden which rules and other major Federal
actions affecting the economy impose on State and local
governments,
(B) the effect of rules and other major Federal
actions affecting the economy on allocation of private
economic resources, and
(C) the adverse effects of rules and other major
Federal actions affecting the economy on productivity,
economic growth, full employment, creation of
productive, and international competitiveness of
American goods and services; and
(3) in promulgating new rules, reviewing existing rules,
developing legislative proposals, or initiating any other major
Federal action affecting the economy, whenever an agency
identifies two or more alternatives which will satisfy the
agency's statutory obligations, the agency shall--
(A) select the alternative which, on balance--
(i) imposes the least burden on expenditure
of local public resources by State and local
governments, and
(ii) has the least adverse effect on
productivity, economic growth, full employment,
creation of productive jobs, and international
competitiveness of American goods or services;
or
(B) provide a written statement--
(i) that the agency's failure to select
such alternative is precluded by the
requirements of Federal law; or
(ii) that the agency's failure to select
such alternative is consistent with the
purposes of this Act.
SEC. 202. INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT.
(a) Requirement.--Whenever an agency publishes a general notice of
proposed rulemaking for any proposed rule, and before initiating any
other major Federal action affecting the economy, the agency shall
prepare and make available for public comment an Intergovernmental and
Economic Impact Assessment. Such Assessment shall be published in the
Federal Register at the time of the publication of general notice of
proposed rulemaking for the rule or prior to implementing such other
major agency action affecting the economy.
(b) Content.--Each Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Assessment
required under this section shall contain--
(1) a description of the reasons why action by the agency
is being considered;
(2) a succinct statement of the objective of, and legal
basis for, the proposed rule or other action; and
(3) a description and an estimate of the effect the
proposed rule or other major Federal action will have on--
(A) expenditure of State or local public resources
by State and local governments,
(B) allocation of economic resources, and
(C) productivity, economic growth, full employment,
creation of productive jobs, and international
competitiveness of American goods and services.
(c) Alternatives Considered.--Each Intergovernmental and Economic
Impact Assessment shall also contain a detailed description of any
significant alternatives to the proposed rule or other major Federal
action which would accomplish applicable statutory objectives while
reducing--
(1) the need for expenditure of State or local public
resources by State and local governments; and
(2) the potential adverse effects of such proposed rule or
other major Federal action on productivity, economic growth,
full employment, creation of productive jobs, and international
competitiveness of American goods and services.
SEC. 203. INTERGOVERNMENTAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT STATEMENT.
(a) Requirement.--When an agency promulgates a final rule or
implements any other major Federal action affecting the economy, the
agency shall prepare an Intergovernmental and Economic Impact
Statement. Each Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Statement shall
contain--
(1) a succinct statement of the need for, and the
objectives of, such rule or other major Federal action;
(2) a summary of the issues raised by the public comments
in response to the publication by the agency of the Economic
Impact Assessment, a summary of the agency's evaluation of such
issues, and a statement of any changes made in the proposed
rule or other proposed action as a result of such comments;
(3) a description of each of the significant alternatives
to the rule or other major Federal action affecting the
economy, considered by the agency, which, consistent with
fulfillment of agency statutory obligations, would--
(A) lessen the need for expenditure of State or
local public resources by State and local governments;
or
(B) reduce the potential adverse effects of such
proposed rule or other major Federal action on
productivity, economic growth, full employment,
creation of productive jobs, and international
competitiveness of American goods and services,
along with a statement of the reasons why each such
alternatives was rejected by the agency; and
(4) an estimate of the effect the rule or other major
Federal action will have on--
(A) expenditure of State or local public resources
by State and local governments; and
(B) productivity, economic growth, full employment,
creation of productive jobs, and international
competitiveness of American goods and services.
(b) Availability.--The agency shall make copies of each
Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Statement available to members of
the public and shall publish in the Federal Register at the time of
publication of any final rule or at the time of implementing any other
major Federal action affecting the economy, a statement describing how
the public may obtain copies of such Statement.
SEC. 204. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS.
The requirements of this title shall not alter in any manner the
substantive standards otherwise applicable to the implementation by an
agency of statutory requirements or to the exercise by an agency of
authority delegated by law.
SEC. 205. EFFECTIVE DATE AND EXEMPTION.
This title shall apply to any rule proposed, any final rule
promulgated, and any other major Federal action affecting the economy
implemented by any agency after the date of the enactment of this Act.
This title shall not apply to any agency which is not an agency within
the meaning of section 551(1) of title 5, United States Code. | TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: Legislative Reform
Title II: Federal Intergovernmental Relations
Fiscal Accountability and Intergovernmental Reform Act (FAIR Act) -
Title I: Legislative Reform
- Provides that, with certain exceptions, whenever a committee of either House reports a bill or resolution of a public character to its House mandating unfunded requirements upon State or local governments or the private sector, the report accompanying that bill or resolution shall analyze the effect of the new requirements on: (1) State and local government expenditures necessary to comply with Federal mandates; (2) private businesses; and (3) economic growth and competitiveness.
Title II: Federal Intergovernmental Relations
- Requires, to the fullest extent practicable, that: (1) the policies, regulations, and public laws of the United States be interpreted and administered in accordance with this Act; (2) all Federal agencies, consistent with attainment of the requirements of Federal law, minimize the adverse effects of rules affecting the economy; and (3) Federal agencies take certain actions in promulgating new rules, reviewing existing rules, developing legislative proposals, or initiating any other major Federal action affecting the economy whenever an agency identifies two or more alternatives which will satisfy the agency's statutory obligations.
Provides that, whenever an agency publishes a general notice of proposed rulemaking, promulgates a final rule, or before initiating or implementing any other major Federal action affecting the economy, the agency shall prepare and make available for public comment an Intergovernmental and Economic Impact Assessment. Specifies the contents of such an assessment. | billsum_train |
Create a condensed overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Border and Homeland
Security Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. PRIORITY DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE STATE CRIMINAL ALIEN
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Section 241(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1231(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(7) In distributing amounts under this subsection to a
State or political subdivision of a State for a fiscal year,
the Attorney General shall prioritize compensating--
``(A) States that are on the northern or southern
border; or
``(B) political subdivisions of States that, in the
determination of the Attorney General, have one of the
4 largest populations of aliens unlawfully present in
the United States for the preceding fiscal year.''.
SEC. 3. FENCING ALONG AND OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE SOUTHWEST BORDER.
(a) Fencing.--Subparagraph (A) of section 102(b)(1) of the Illegal
Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C.
1103 note) is amended by inserting ``not later than December 31,
2012,'' before ``construct''.
(b) Operational Control.--Subsection (a) of the Secure Fence Act of
2006 (Public Law 109-367) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``18 months after the date of the enactment of this
Act,'' and inserting ``December 31, 2012,''.
SEC. 4. BORDER PATROL AGENTS.
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall increase the number of
positions for full-time, active-duty Border Patrol agents over the
number of such agents for the preceding fiscal year as follows:
(1) Three thousand such agents for fiscal year 2011 (with
2,500 such agents deployed to the southern border and 500 such
agents deployed to the northern border).
(2) One thousand such agents for fiscal year 2012 (with 800
such agents deployed to the southern border and 200 such agents
deployed to the northern border).
(3) One thousand such agents for fiscal year 2013 (with 800
such agents deployed to the southern border and 200 such agents
deployed to the northern border).
(4) One thousand such agents for fiscal year 2014 (with 800
such agents deployed to the southern border and 200 such agents
deployed to the northern border).
SEC. 5. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION.
For each of fiscal years 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, the Secretary
of Homeland Security shall increase by not fewer than 200 the number of
United States Customs and Border Protection officers at United States
ports of entry over the number of such officers at such ports for the
preceding fiscal year.
SEC. 6. COMPLETE IMPLEMENTATION OF US-VISIT.
Not later than December 31, 2011, the Secretary of Homeland
Security shall ensure that for the automated entry and exit control
system under section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and
Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1365a) for aliens
arriving in or departing from the United States at any port of entry,
the requirement under subsection (a)(1) of such section has been
completely implemented.
SEC. 7. PROHIBITION ON IMPEDING CERTAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE SECRETARY OF
HOMELAND SECURITY RELATED TO BORDER SECURITY.
On public lands of the United States, neither the Secretary of the
Interior nor the Secretary of Agriculture may impede, prohibit, or
restrict activities of the Secretary of Homeland Security to achieve
operational control (as defined in section 2(b) of the Secure Fence Act
of 2006 (8 U.S.C. 1701 note; Public Law 109-367)).
SEC. 8. OPERATION STREAMLINE.
(a) Capacity Expanded.--To the extent necessary to double the
number of Operation Streamline prosecutions that a Federal district
court may consider during a fiscal year, the following actions are
authorized:
(1) The clerk of each district court described in
subsection (b)(2) shall appoint under section 751(b) of title
28, United States Code, in addition to deputies, clerical
assistants, and employees otherwise appointed under such
section, any number of deputies, clerical assistants, or
employees without regard to the requirement under such section
for approval by the Director of the Administrative Office of
the United States Courts.
(2) The chief judge of each district court described in
subsection (b)(2) may appoint under section 631 of title 28,
United States Code, in addition to magistrate judges otherwise
appointed under such section, 1 magistrate judge who meets the
qualifications under such section.
(3) Each district judge of each district court described in
subsection (b)(2) may appoint under section 752 of title 28,
United States Code, in addition to law clerks otherwise
appointed under such section, 1 law clerk.
(b) Operation Streamline Prosecutions.--
(1) Definition.--For purposes of this section, an
``Operation Streamline prosecution'' is any criminal
prosecution of an alien for an offense under section 275 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1325) in any district
court described in paragraph (2).
(2) District courts described.--A district court described
in this paragraph is the United States district court for any
of the following:
(A) The District of Arizona.
(B) The District of New Mexico.
(C) The Southern District of California.
(D) The Southern District of Texas.
(E) The Western District of Texas.
SEC. 9. INCREASED PENALTY FOR ENTRY OF ALIEN AT IMPROPER TIME OR PLACE
OR MISREPRESENTATION AND CONCEALMENT OF FACTS.
Section 275 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1325)
is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``not more than 6 months, or
both'';
(B) by striking ``not more than 2 years, or both'';
(C) by inserting after ``for the first commission
of any such offense,'' the following: ``be imprisoned
for not less than 30 days and not more than 6 months,
and may in addition be''; and
(D) by inserting after ``for a subsequent
commission of any such offense,'' the following: ``be
imprisoned not less than 6 months and not more than 2
years, and may in addition be''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(e) The minimum mandatory terms of imprisonment under subsection
(a) shall not apply to any alien who is--
``(1) a child under the age of 18;
``(2) a parent traveling with a child under the age of 18;
or
``(3) an alien who has a life-threatening health
condition.''.
SEC. 10. GLOBAL NUCLEAR DETECTION ARCHITECTURE.
Section 1902(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C.
592(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the semicolon at
the end the following: ``particularly with respect to potential
smuggling routes in land border areas between ports of entry,
railcars entering the United States from Canada or Mexico, and
private aircraft or small vessels'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (13) and (14) as paragraphs
(14) and (15), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (12) the following new
paragraph:
``(13) develop objectives to be accomplished to carry out
this subsection, identify roles and responsibilities for
meeting such objectives, ensure that the funding necessary to
achieve such objectives is available, and employ monitoring
mechanisms to determine progress toward achieving such
objectives;''; and
(4) in paragraph (14), as so redesignated, by striking
``paragraphs (10), (11), and (12)'' and inserting ``this
subsection''.
SEC. 11. PORTABLE RADIATION DETECTORS AND RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPE
IDENTIFICATION DEVICES.
Not later than July 1, 2011, the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall determine the number of next generation portable radiation
detectors (PRD) and radioactive isotope identification devices (RIID)
required by Border Patrol agents patrolling the southern and northern
borders of the United States and procure such detectors and devices.
SEC. 12. PORT SECURITY GRANTS.
Section 70107(l) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to
read as follows:
``(l) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) Fiscal years 2007 through 2011.--There are authorized
to be appropriated $400,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2007
through 2011 to carry out this section.
``(2) Fiscal years 2012 through 2014.--There are authorized
to be appropriated not less than $500,000,000 for each of
fiscal years 2012 through 2014 to carry out this section.''.
SEC. 13. STRATEGIC PLAN TO DETECT AND INTERDICT BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL
WEAPONS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Development.--Not later than July 1, 2011, the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop a strategic plan
(hereinafter in this section referred to as the ``Plan'') to
detect and interdict biological and chemical weapons entering
the United States.
(2) Implementation.--The Secretary shall complete
implementation of the Plan not later than July 1, 2014.
(b) Reports to Congress.--
(1) Initial report.--Not later than July 1, 2011, the
Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that describes the
Plan.
(2) Annual report.--Beginning on July 1, 2012, and annually
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit reports to Congress on
the implementation of the Plan. | National Border and Homeland Security Act of 2010 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to give state criminal alien assistance program (SCAAP) funding priority to: (1) northern or southern border states; or (2) state political subdivisions having one of the four largest populations of unlawfully present aliens for the preceding fiscal year.
Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) (Secretary) to complete the required 700 mile southwest border fencing by December 31, 2012.
Amends the Secure Fence Act of 2006 to direct the Secretary to achieve operational control over U.S. international land and maritime borders by December 31, 2012.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) increase the number of full-time, active-duty Border Patrol agents; (2) increase the number of Customs and Border Protection officers at U.S. ports of entry; and (3) ensure the implementaion of the automated entry and exit control system for aliens entering the United States at ports of entry (US-Visit) by December 31, 2011.
Prohibits the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) from impeding border security-related activities by the Secretary on U.S. public lands.
Sets forth activities that may be taken to increase the number of Operation Streamline prosecutions by the following U.S. district courts: (1) the District of Arizona; (2) the District of New Mexico (3) the Southern District of California (4) the Southern District of Texas; and (5) the Western District of Texas.
Increases criminal penalties for improper U.S. entry by an alien. Excludes minimum mandatory prison penalties for an alien who: (1) is under 18 years old; (2) is a parent traveling with a child under 18 years old; or (3) has a life-threatening health condition.
Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (of DHS), in protecting the United States from a nuclear, fissile material, or radiological attack, to consider potential smuggling routes in land border areas between ports of entry, railcars entering the United States from Canada or Mexico, and private aircraft or small vessels.
Directs the Secretary to procure the number of next generation portable radiation detectors (PRD) and radioactive isotope identification devices (RIID) required by the Border Patrol along the southern and northern U.S. borders by July 1, 2011.
Authorizes appropriations for port security grants.
Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a strategic plan to detect and interdict biological and chemical weapons entering the United States. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Mobility for Work Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to--
(1) improve the employment rates and earnings of residents
of central cities by improving the access of the residents to
areas of high job growth;
(2) meet the labor needs of employers in suburban locations
during periods of economic growth and build permanent
attachments between workers and jobs; and
(3) test differing approaches to achieving the purposes
described in paragraphs (1) and (2) and determine the effects
of the approaches.
SEC. 3. MOBILITY FOR WORK DEMONSTRATION GRANTS.
(a) Definitions.--As used in this section:
(1) Area of high job growth.--The term ``area of high job
growth'' means an area, within a Primary Metropolitan
Statistical Area, that has averaged, during the 3 years
preceding the date on which the determination regarding the
area is made, a higher percentage increase in the number of
jobs, as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics or a
comparable State agency, than the Primary Metropolitan
Statistical Area as a whole.
(2) Central city.--The term ``central city'' means a
central city, as defined by the Bureau of the Census as of the
date of enactment of this Act.
(3) Community-based organization.--The term ``community-
based organization'' means an entity described in section 4(5)
of the Job Training Partnership Act (29 U.S.C. 1503(5)).
(4) Eligible metropolitan area.--The term ``eligible
metropolitan area'' means an area--
(A) that is a Primary Metropolitan Statistical
Area; and
(B) in which the job growth outside of central
cities accounted for 75 percent or more of total job
growth in the Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area
over the most recent 10-year period for which data are
available.
(5) Primary metropolitan statistical area.--The term
``Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area'' means a Primary
Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the Bureau of the
Census as of the date of enactment of this Act.
(6) Suburban job location.--The term ``suburban job
location'' means a job location that--
(A) is in an area of high job growth; and
(B) is not in a central city.
(b) Establishment of Program.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Labor, in consultation
with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development, shall establish a Mobility for
Work Demonstration Program to evaluate the effects of assisting
residents of a central city within an eligible metropolitan
area to commute to job locations, especially suburban job
locations, within the metropolitan area.
(2) Grants authorized.--The Secretary of Labor, in
consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall make grants
through the Mobility for Work Demonstration Program to not more
than six entities to carry out demonstration projects in
eligible metropolitan areas, utilizing the program models
described in subsection (d).
(3) Peer review panel.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary of Labor, in
consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and
the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall
establish a peer review panel.
(B) Experience.--The panel shall be comprised of
individuals with experience in designing or
implementing successful programs to improve mobility
for work.
(C) Composition.--The panel shall include at least
one representative from each of the following:
(i) A local or regional transportation
authority.
(ii) A community-based organization that
has organized such a program.
(iii) A local or regional government.
(iv) A nonprofit organization that has
helped design or evaluate such a program.
(D) Duties.--The panel shall conduct an initial
review of, and make recommendations to the Secretary of
Labor regarding, applications submitted under
subsection (c). The panel shall recommend to the
Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Transportation
a design for the evaluation described in subsection
(e).
(c) Application and Approval Criteria.--To be eligible to receive a
grant under this section to carry out a demonstration project, an
entity shall submit an application to the Secretary of Labor at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, may require, including
information demonstrating that--
(1) the applicant will use one of the three program models
described in subsection (d) to carry out the project;
(2) the applicant will establish data collection procedures
that will be sufficient to enable the Secretary of Labor, in
consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, to conduct
an evaluation in accordance with subsection (e); and
(3) the applicant has the capability to carry out the
project adequately and to meet such other criteria as the
Secretary of Labor may prescribe.
(d) Program Models.--In making grants to entities to carry out
demonstration projects under this section, the Secretary of Labor, in
consultation with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of
Housing and Urban Development shall make grants to entities that agree
to use one of the program models described in paragraphs (1), (2), and
(3), and shall make at least one grant to an entity that agrees to use
each of the following program models:
(1) Adding transportation services to existing job training
and placement programs.--Under this model an entity shall
supplement job training and placement programs that are in
existence on the date of the submission of the applicable
application by increasing the access of residents of a central
city in an eligible metropolitan area to job locations in areas
of high job growth in the metropolitan area. The entity shall
increase such access through the establishment of new
transportation services that are designed to--
(A) transport the residents to the locations, such
as van service provided between--
(i) the central city; and
(ii) business parks or major employers in
such locations,
by a public agency, a private entity, or a community-
based organization;
(B) provide transportation counseling and
assistance (such as services to promote the creation of
carpools or provide education on public transit routes)
to the residents to supplement counseling on job search
and workplace conduct provided through the job training
and placement programs; or
(C) provide a direct subsidy of public transit
fares or private automobile expenses for low-income
residents of central cities.
(2) Improving public transit systems to facilitate access
to areas of high job growth.--
(A) In general.--Under this model an entity shall--
(i) work with the relevant public transit
operator or agency to modify public transit
routes and schedules, in order to increase the
access of residents described in paragraph (1)
to job locations described in paragraph (1),
through public transit services such as--
(I) express bus service to business
parks in such locations at times
coinciding with shift changes; or
(II) new connecting services to
fill gaps in transportation service
that impede commuting from central
cities to such job locations; or
(ii) reimburse public transit operators for
the costs of providing reduced fare programs to
increase such access.
(B) Employer contributions.--An entity carrying out
a demonstration project in accordance with subparagraph
(A)(i) may request that employers of the residents
described in such subparagraph contribute to the costs
of implementing the transit services described in such
subparagraph.
(3) Establishing regional coalitions to improve central
city access to jobs.--
(A) Coalition.--Under this model an entity shall
establish a regional coalition, which may include
neighborhood organizations, employers, employer
associations, transportation providers, and similar
entities, to implement comprehensive strategies to
improve the access of low-income residents of a central
city in an eligible metropolitan area to job locations
within the metropolitan area.
(B) Services.--The entity shall identify
transportation barriers between central cities and such
job locations and shall address the barriers through--
(i) modifications in job training and
placement services;
(ii) the provision of support services such
as child care; and
(iii) the provision of transportation
services.
(C) Area.--The entity shall attempt to link job
training and placement program participants with job
opportunities throughout as much of the eligible
metropolitan area as is practicable.
(e) Evaluation.--The Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the
Secretary of Transportation, shall conduct a thorough evaluation of the
demonstration projects established under this section, which evaluation
shall include an assessment--
(1) with respect to entities establishing transportation
services to supplement job training and placement programs in
accordance with subsection (d)(1), the effect of the addition
of such transportation services on employment rates, job
retention, and earnings among residents of the area in which
the demonstration project is conducted;
(2) with respect to entities improving public transit
systems in accordance with subsection (d)(2), the effect of the
improvements on such employment rates, job retention, and
earnings; and
(3) with respect to entities establishing regional
coalitions and implementing comprehensive strategies in
accordance with subsection (d)(3), the effects of such
strategies on such employment rates, job retention, and
earnings.
(f) Other Funding Sources.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to prevent an entity that receives a grant under this section
to carry out a demonstration project from receiving funds to carry out
the project from other sources to supplement the funds made available
through the grant.
(g) Authorization of Funds.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for fiscal year
1994, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years
1995 through 1998. | Mobility for Work Act of 1993 - Directs the Secretary of Labor to establish a Mobility for Work Demonstration Program to evaluate the effects of assisting residents of central cities to commute to job locations, especially in the suburbs, within the metropolitan area.
Authorizes grants to up to six entities through such Program to carry out demonstration projects in eligible metropolitan areas, using specified program models. Requires a peer review panel to review applications.
Authorizes appropriations. | billsum_train |
Create a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Shellfish Safety Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are to--
(1) protect against the hazards to human health associated
with the consumption of shellfish; and
(2) ensure the public confidence in the wholesomeness and
labeling of shellfish products consumed in the United States.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL SHELLFISH SAFETY PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 9 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the
Secretary of Commerce, other appropriate Federal agencies and the
Conference shall establish a National Shellfish Safety Program to carry
out the purposes of this Act.
(b) Guidelines.--The National Shellfish Safety Program established
under subsection (a) shall include the issuance of guidelines for--
(1) shellfish growers, shellfish harvesters, shellfish
shippers, and their vessels;
(2) water quality of shellfish growing and harvesting
areas;
(3) monitoring the movement of domestic and imported
shellfish in interstate commerce;
(4) monitoring and controlling biotoxins and other
naturally occurring pathogens and bacterial, viral, and
chemical contaminants in shellfish; and
(5) such other matters as are necessary to carry out the
purposes of this Act.
(c) Existing Guidelines.--The Program shall be consistent with
guidelines adopted by the Conference pursuant to the Memorandum of
Understanding between the Conference and the Food and Drug
Administration, dated March 14, 1984.
(d) Review and Revision.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
Conference, shall periodically review and revise the Program to ensure
that the program continues to carry out the purposes of this Act.
SEC. 4. DOMESTIC SHELLFISH SAFETY.
(a) State Shellfish Safety Programs.--Each shellfish producing
State shall submit to the Secretary, within 6 months after the
establishment of the Program and annually thereafter--
(1) a proposed State shellfish safety program to--
(A) manage its shellfish safety program consistent
with the Program;
(B) monitor and classify shellfish growing and
harvest areas in the State consistent with the Program;
(C) establish procedures for the closure and
reopening of shellfish growing and harvest areas in the
State that do not meet the standards of the Program;
(D) certify those shellfish shippers in the State
that comply with the requirements of the Program; and
(E) provide adequate monitoring and enforcement to
ensure that standards and procedures established under
the Program are met.
(b) Certified Shellfish Shippers List.--Each State shall submit to
the Secretary each month, a list of those shellfish shippers that are
certified by the State as meeting the requirements of the Program.
(c) Classified Waters List.--Each shellfish producing State shall
submit to the Secretary each month, a list of those shellfish
harvesting and growing waters that are classified by the State as
meeting the requirements of the Program.
SEC. 5. IMPORTED SHELLFISH SAFETY.
(a) Memorandum of Understanding.--After the date of the
establishment of the Program, the Secretary may enter into a memorandum
of understanding with any foreign country which the Secretary
determines has a shellfish safety program that is at least equivalent
to the Program.
(b) Contents.--A memorandum of understanding entered into by the
Secretary under this section shall--
(1) provide for such verification activities by the
Secretary as the Secretary considers appropriate to determine
that the shellfish safety program of the foreign country is at
least equivalent to the Program; and
(2) require the foreign country to--
(A) manage its shellfish safety program under
standards and procedures that are at least equivalent
to the Program;
(B) certify to the Secretary those shellfish
shippers located in the foreign country that comply
with the Program; and
(C) maintain and make available to the Secretary a
list of those shellfish harvesting and growing waters
of the foreign country that are classified by the
foreign country as meeting requirements at least
equivalent to the Program.
SEC. 6. PUBLICATION OF LISTS.
The Secretary shall, within 60 days after the establishment of the
Program--
(1) establish, maintain, publish, and distribute monthly a
list of those shellfish shippers that are certified by a State
or a foreign country as meeting the requirements of the
Program; and
(2) establish, maintain, publish, and distribute monthly a
list of those shellfish harvesting and growing waters that are
classified by States and foreign countries as meeting the
requirements of the Program.
SEC. 7. DELISTING OF CERTIFIED SHIPPERS.
After consultation with the appropriate State or foreign shellfish
control agency and the Conference, the Secretary may remove a shellfish
shipper from the list under section 6(1) if the Secretary determines
that--
(1) the shipper is not in compliance with the standards and
procedures established under the Program that are applicable to
the shipper; and
(2) the State or foreign country which certified that
shipper under section 4(b) or 5(b)(2)(A), respectively, has not
taken appropriate action with respect to that noncompliance.
SEC. 8. CERTAIN SHELLFISH DEEMED UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
Shellfish is deemed to be adulterated for purposes of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.) if--
(1) it is grown or harvested in a foreign country that has
not entered into a memorandum of understanding with the
Secretary in accordance with section 5 within 6 months after
the date of the enactment of the Program;
(2) it is grown or harvested in a State that does not have
State shellfish safety program that is approved by the
Secretary under section 4;
(3) it is harvested from waters that--
(A) have not been classified by a State or a
foreign country as meeting the requirements of the
Program; or
(B) are otherwise deemed by the Secretary to be
unsuitable for harvesting; or
(4) it is shipped by a shellfish shipper not on the list
published by the Secretary under section 6(1).
SEC. 9. ASSISTANCE FOR STATE SHELLFISH SAFETY PROGRAMS.
The Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with States for
developing, implementing, and maintaining State shellfish safety
programs in accordance with the Program.
SEC. 10. RESTORATION OF SHELLFISH GROWING AND HARVEST WATERS.
(a) Evaluation.--The Secretary of Commerce shall, in cooperation
with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the
States--
(1) establish and maintain a list of those State shellfish
growing and harvesting areas where shellfish harvesting is
conditional or prohibited;
(2) determine the causes of those conditions and
prohibitions; and
(3) evaluate the potential for removing those conditions
and prohibitions.
(b) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary of Commerce may enter
into cooperative agreements with States for developing and implementing
restoration programs for shellfish growing and harvesting areas listed
under subsection (a)(1).
SEC. 11. DEFINITIONS.
For the purpose of this Act, the term--
(1) ``Conference'' means the Interstate Shellfish
Sanitation Conference;
(2) ``Program'' means the National Shellfish Safety Program
established under section 3;
(3) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health and Human
Services;
(4) ``shellfish''--
(A) means any species of molluscan bivalves;
(B) includes oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops
(except scallop abductor muscles); and
(C) includes any such species that is shucked, in
the shell, fresh, frozen, canned, cooked, thermally
processed, or breaded;
(5) ``State'' means any of the several States, the District
of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth
of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the
Virgin Islands, and any other territory of possession of the
United States; and
(6) ``shellfish shipper'' means any person that shucks,
packs, repacks, ships, or processes (including cooking,
canning, freezing, depurating, breading, thermal processing, or
other handling) shellfish in interstate commerce. | Shellfish Safety Act of 1993 - Mandates the establishment of a National Shellfish Safety Program, including the issuance of guidelines for: (1) shellfish growers, harvesters, and shippers and their vessels; (2) water quality of shellfish growing and harvesting areas; (3) monitoring the movement of domestic and imported shellfish in interstate commerce; and (4) monitoring and controlling biotoxins and contaminants.
Provides for State programs, including monitoring, classifying, and closing growing and harvesting areas and certification of shippers.
Authorizes a memorandum of understanding with any country with a program at least equivalent to the Program providing for specified matters, including requiring the country to certify shippers and make available a list of waters classified as meeting requirements at least equivalent to the Program.
Deems adulterated, for purposes of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, shellfish: (1) grown or harvested in a country without such a memorandum; (2) grown or harvested in a State without an approved program; (3) harvested from waters not classified as meeting the requirements of the program or otherwise deemed unsuitable for harvesting; or (4) shipped by an uncertified shipper.
Directs the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate the potential for removing conditions and prohibitions on growing and harvesting areas.
Authorizes cooperative agreements with States for restoration of such areas. | billsum_train |
Provide a condensed version of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Travel Regional Investment
Partnership Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The importance of travel and tourism cannot be
overstated: travel and tourism employs America.
(2) Approximately 8,300,000 domestic jobs depend on the
travel and tourism industry.
(3) The United States travel and tourism industry--
(A) generates more than $691,000,000,000 annually
in direct spending, of which more than 85 percent is
the result of domestic travel; and
(B) generates more than $1,200,000,000,000 in total
spending, if indirect spending is included.
(4) The travel and tourism industry accounts for 2.6
percent of the Nation's gross domestic product, nearly 4 times
that of the automotive industry.
(5) Domestic employment related to the travel and tourism
industry cannot be outsourced to other countries.
(6) The current economic downturn has created the most
difficult economic environment for the domestic travel and
tourism industry since the period following the terrorist
attacks of September 11, 2001.
(7) Travel and tourism revenues dropped by nearly
$130,000,000,000 during 2009. The domestic tourism economy has
fallen by nearly 4.5 percent during 2009, twice the rate of the
overall economy of the United States.
(8) Domestic spending on travel and tourism has been in
decline since the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008, while
employment in the travel and tourism industry has been falling
since the second quarter of such year.
(9) Public-private partnerships have been underutilized in
the promotion of travel and tourism and are a dynamic tool in
creating new domestic tourism markets and promoting domestic
regional tourism growth.
SEC. 3. DOMESTIC REGIONAL TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of Commerce shall establish a
competitive grant program, to be administered by the Office of Travel
and Tourism Industries, to promote domestic regional tourism growth and
new domestic tourism market creation.
(b) Range of Grant Monetary Amounts.--The amount of each grant
awarded under this section shall be at least $100,000 and not more than
$1,000,000.
(c) Grantee Eligibility Requirements.--
(1) Eligible entities.--Grants may be awarded under this
section to--
(A) State tourism offices;
(B) local convention and visitors bureaus; and
(C) partnerships between a State or local
government and local tourism entities.
(2) Regional diversity.--In awarding grants under this
section, the Secretary may consider--
(A) giving priority to regions with low
contributions to tourism marketing;
(B) maintaining regional diversity of grant
recipients; and
(C) providing benefits to rural and less-marketed
destinations.
(3) Use of funds.--Grants awarded under this section may be
used to--
(A) promote domestic regional tourism growth; and
(B) create new domestic tourism markets.
(4) Application process.--
(A) Submission.--An eligible entity seeking a grant
under this section shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such form, and with such
information and assurances as the Secretary may
require.
(B) Contents.--Each application submitted under
subparagraph (A) shall include--
(i) a description of the tourist promotion
activities to be funded by the grant; and
(ii) in the case of a partnership between a
State or local government and local tourism
entities--
(I) a list of the specific tourist
entities that such government has
partnered with in order promote tourism
within the relevant domestic region;
(II) the details of the partnership
agreement;
(III) specific information
explaining how such partnership will
increase regional tourism; and
(IV) the anticipated positive
impact of the partnership on job
creation and employment in the relevant
domestic region.
(d) Matching Requirement.--
(1) Non-federal funds.--As a condition for receiving a
grant under this section, the grant recipient shall provide,
either directly or through donations from public or private
entities, non-Federal matching funds, in cash or in-kind, in an
amount equal to the amount of the grant.
(2) Special rule for in-kind donations.--Of the amount of
non-Federal matching funds required under paragraph (1), not
more than 25 percent may be provided through in-kind
contributions.
(e) Reports.--Not later than 6 months after the end of each fiscal
year in which grants are awarded by the Secretary under this section,
the Secretary shall submit a report to Congress that details--
(1) travel-generated expenditures;
(2) travel-generated tax receipts; and
(3) travel-generated employment.
(f) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Local tourist entity.--The term ``local tourist
entity'' means any public or private sector business engaged in
tourism-related activities.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated, for each of the first 5 fiscal years beginning after the
date of the enactment of this Act, $10,000,000, which shall be used for
grants under this section and shall remain available until expended. | Travel Regional Investment Partnership Act - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish a competitive grant program, administered by the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, to award grants to eligible entities (such as state tourism offices, local convention and visitors bureaus, and partnerships between a state or local government and local tourism entities) to promote domestic regional tourism growth and new domestic tourism market creation. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Support Our Students Act of 2016''
or the ``S.O.S. Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Approximately 1 in 5 children have a diagnosable mental
illness.
(2) Fifty percent of all lifetime cases of lived experience
of mental illness begin by age 14, and 75 percent by age 24.
(3) Fifty percent of students with a mental illness, age 14
years and older, drop out of high school.
(4) One in 10 children and adolescents suffer from mental
illness severe enough to cause some level of impairment, but
only 1 in 5 of such children receive specialty mental health
services.
(5) For youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the
third leading cause of death, and an estimated 90 percent have
a diagnosable mental health condition.
(6) Annually, approximately 4,600 youth die as a result of
suicide and another 156,000 youth ages 10 to 24 are treated for
self-inflicted injuries at emergency rooms.
(7) The overwhelming majority of individuals including
teens, who attempt suicide, have one or more psychiatric or
mental health conditions.
(8) Suicide prevention and awareness efforts are key in
combating this often preventable loss of life.
SEC. 3. TRAINING TEACHERS AND SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS IN UNDERSTANDING
MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS IN CHILDREN.
(a) In General.--Part A of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7131 et seq.) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``Subpart 3--Training Teachers and School Professionals in
Understanding Mental Health Conditions in Children
``SEC. 4131. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award grants to eligible
State educational agencies to enable such agencies to award subgrants
to eligible local educational agencies to support an existing, or
develop a new, program that will educate teachers, school personnel,
and specialized instructional support personnel on mental health
conditions in children, including the causes, symptoms, and impact on
learning.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Eligible local educational agency.--The term
`eligible local educational agency' means a local educational
agency or a local educational agency in partnership with a
mental health organization, family advocacy organization, or
community nonprofit organization.
``(2) Eligible state educational agency.--The term
`eligible State educational agency' means a State educational
agency or a State educational agency in partnership with a
mental health organization, family advocacy organization, or
community nonprofit organization.
``(3) School personnel.--The term `school personnel' means
administrators, administrative staff, custodial staff,
cafeteria staff, transportation staff, and other school-
employed staff who interact with students.
``(4) Specialized instructional support personnel.--The
term `specialized instructional support personnel' means school
counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, and
other qualified professional personnel involved in providing
assessment, diagnosis, counseling, educational, therapeutic,
and other necessary services (including related services, as
defined in section 602 of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act) as part of a comprehensive program to meet
student needs.
``SEC. 4132. GRANTS.
``(a) Applications.--An eligible State educational agency that
desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an
application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such information as the Secretary may require.
``(b) Activities.--An eligible State educational agency that
receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds to award
subgrants to eligible local educational agencies in accordance with
subsection (c).
``SEC. 4133. SUBGRANTS.
``(a) Application.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible local educational agency
that desires to receive a subgrant under this section shall
submit an application to the eligible State educational agency
at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such
information as the eligible State educational agency may
require.
``(2) Description of utilization.--An application submitted
under subparagraph (A) shall include a description of how the
local educational agency will utilize school counselors, school
psychologists, school social workers, or community
organizations with expertise in the lived experience of mental
illness and suicide prevention efforts, in developing and
conducting the training described in paragraph (2).
``(b) Training.--
``(1) In general.--An eligible local educational agency
that receives a subgrant under this section shall support an
existing training program developed by either the school or a
community organization with expertise in the lived experience
of mental illness and suicide prevention, or develop a new
program, in which school counselors, school psychologists, and
school social workers develop and provide training to teachers,
school personnel, and specialized instructional support
personnel in understanding the mental health needs of children.
Such program shall include an annual in-service training
program to enable such teachers, school personnel, and
specialized instructional support personnel--
``(A) to better understand mental health conditions
and the early warning signs in children and
adolescents;
``(B) to best communicate with families about these
concerns;
``(C) to identify classroom strategies for working
effectively with children with mental health
conditions; and
``(D) to understand school specific information,
including, as appropriate, how schools are--
``(i) assisting in linking students to
supports and services; and
``(ii) providing information on the
school's mental health services and supports,
including school social work and psychological
services, as well as the school's referral
process for additional school-linked services
connecting to community mental health
professionals.
``(2) Family perspective.--A training program described in
subparagraph (A) shall incorporate family and parent
perspectives.
``(3) Training program for all areas of the state and for
personnel serving indian children.--
``(A) Urban and rural areas.--In awarding subgrants
under this section, a State educational agency shall
ensure training programs described under subparagraph
(A) are available for teachers, school personnel, and
specialized instructional support personnel in urban
and rural areas across the State.
``(B) Indian children.--A State educational agency
that receives a grant under this section shall award
subgrants to eligible local educational agencies
described in section 6112(b)(1) and Indian tribes
described in section 6112(c).
``(4) School-based mental health services providers.--A
training program described in subparagraph (A) shall include a
school-based mental health service provider and a community
organization with expertise in the lived experience of mental
illness or suicide prevention, whenever possible, to maximize
training outcomes and facilitate coordinated referrals when
more intensive community services are needed.
``(c) Guidelines.--In carrying out a training program described in
paragraph (2), an eligible local educational agency may--
``(1) report to the Secretary on the agency's commitment to
students with mental illness and suicide prevention efforts
through innovative programs, resource development, and the
development of a mental health curriculum and activities that
focus on raising awareness within schools of early onset mental
health conditions and linking students with effective mental
health services and supports;
``(2) describe existing school-community partnerships that
provide effective clinical services to students with severe
mental health needs;
``(3) describe how the agency will measure outcomes, as
described in subsection (d), specifically for students with
serious mental health needs;
``(4) describe how the training program will be effective
for teachers, school personnel, and specialized instructional
support personnel in culturally and linguistically diverse
school communities; and
``(5) describe any strong links to the community mental
health system and community mental health providers through
interagency collaboration, including documenting--
``(A) the extent of the interagency collaboration
(including the engagement in joint activities); and
``(B) the dates during which the collaboration has
been in effect and any outcomes that have been achieved
as a result of this activity.
``SEC. 4134. EVALUATIONS AND MEASURES OF OUTCOMES.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall develop measures of outcomes
for eligible local educational agencies that receive subgrants under
this section, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of programs
carried out under the subgrant.
``(b) Outcomes.--The measures of outcomes described in paragraph
(1) shall include, at a minimum, provisions to evaluate--
``(1) the effectiveness of comprehensive school mental
health training and suicide prevention programs established
under this section;
``(2) the effectiveness of formal partnership linkages
among child and family serving institutions, community support
systems, and the educational system, if applicable;
``(3) the effectiveness of the training program in
culturally and linguistically diverse school communities;
``(4) the improvement in understanding mental health
conditions with the purpose of providing a safe and supportive
learning environment among school staff, students, and parents;
``(5) the improvement in--
``(A) case-finding of students in need of more
intensive services;
``(B) effective communication with families; and
``(C) referral of identified students with mental
health related concerns for an evaluation for services
and supports;
``(6) the reduction in the number of students with mental
health conditions and those identified as children with
disabilities under the emotional disturbance and other health
impairment categories of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act who are suspended and an increase in the number
of such students who graduate from high school; and
``(7) the increased successful matriculation to
postsecondary school.
``SEC. 4135. DATA COLLECTION COMPONENT.
``(a) Annual Data Submissions and Reports.--
``(1) Data submission.--
``(A) Local educational agencies.--An eligible
local educational agency that receives a subgrant under
this section shall annually submit to the eligible
State educational agency a report that includes data to
evaluate the success of the program carried out by the
eligible local educational agency. Such reports shall
utilize the measures of outcomes described in
subsection (d).
``(B) State educational agencies.--An eligible
State educational agency that receives a grant under
this section shall annually submit to the Secretary a
report that includes data from the reports submitted to
the agency from eligible local educational agencies
pursuant to clause (i).
``(2) Report to congress.--Not later than 6 months after
the date the Secretary receives reports under subparagraph
(A)(ii), the Secretary shall compile the data in the reports
and conduct a general analysis of the success of the programs
carried out by the local educational agencies involved with
subgrant funds received under this section. The Secretary shall
prepare a report containing the compilation and general
analysis, and submit the report to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee
on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives.
``(b) Evaluation and Report.--
``(1) Evaluation.--Not later than 12 months after the end
of the initial subgrant period for eligible local educational
agencies under this section, the Secretary shall conduct an in-
depth evaluation of the success of the programs carried out by
the local educational agencies with subgrant funds received
under this section.
``(2) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall prepare a
report containing the in-depth evaluation, and submit the
report to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives.
``SEC. 4136. TERMS AND COST OF THE GRANT.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section
such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2017 and each of the 4
succeeding fiscal years.''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 2 of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting
after the item relating to subpart 2 of part A of title IV the
following:
``subpart 3--training teachers and school professionals in
understanding mental health conditions in children
``Sec. 4131. Program authorized.
``Sec. 4132. Grants.
``Sec. 4133. Subgrants.
``Sec. 4134. Evaluations and measures of outcome.
``Sec. 4135. Data collection component.
``Sec. 4136. Terms and cost of the grant.''. | Support Our Students Act of 2016 or the S.O.S. Act of 2016 This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to support or develop programs that will train teachers, school personnel, and specialized instructional support personnel regarding mental health conditions in children. To be eligible to receive such a grant or subgrant, a state or LEA must partner with a mental health organization, family advocacy organization, or community nonprofit organization. Subgrantees shall utilize school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, or community organizations with experience in mental illness and suicide prevention to develop and conduct the training. The training program must include an annual in-service training component that enables teachers, school personnel, and specialized instructional support personnel to: (1) better understand mental health conditions and the early warning signs in children and adolescents; (2) effectively communicate their mental health concerns with families and consider family perspectives; (3) identify classroom strategies for working effectively with troubled children; and (4) understand school-specific information, including links to mental health services and supports in the school and community. ED shall develop outcome measures for in-depth evaluation of the effectiveness of the training programs. | billsum_train |
Provide a condensed version of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Taxpayer Receipt Act''.
SEC. 2. ITEMIZED FEDERAL TAX RECEIPT.
(a) In General.--Chapter 77 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 7529. FEDERAL TAX RECEIPT.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall send to every taxpayer who
files an individual income tax return for any taxable year an itemized
Federal tax receipt showing a proportionate allocation (in money terms)
of the taxpayer's total tax payment for such taxable year among major
expenditure categories for the fiscal year ending in such taxable year.
The Federal tax receipt shall also include 2 separate line items
showing the amount of Federal debt per legal United States resident at
the end of such fiscal year, and the amount of additional borrowing per
legal United States resident by the Federal Government in such fiscal
year.
``(b) Total Tax Payments.--For purposes of subsection (a), the
total tax payment of a taxpayer for any taxable year is equal to the
sum of--
``(1) the tax imposed by subtitle A for such taxable year
(as shown on such taxpayer's return), plus
``(2) the tax imposed by section 3101 on wages received by
such taxpayer during such taxable year.
``(c) Determination of Proportionate Allocation of Tax Payment
Among Major Expenditure Categories.--For purposes of determining a
proportionate allocation described in subsection (a), not later than 60
days after the end of any fiscal year, the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office shall provide to the Secretary the
percentage of Federal outlays for such fiscal year for the following
categories and subcategories of Federal spending:
``(1) Social Security.
``(2) National defense:
``(A) Overseas combat operations.
``(3) Medicare.
``(4) Low-income assistance programs:
``(A) Housing assistance.
``(B) Food stamps and other food programs.
``(5) Other Federal health programs:
``(A) Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance
Program, and other public health programs.
``(B) National Institutes of Health and other
health research and training programs.
``(C) Food and Drug Administration, Consumer
Product Safety Commission, and other regulatory health
and safety activities.
``(6) Unemployment benefits.
``(7) Net interest on the Federal debt.
``(8) Veterans benefits and services.
``(9) Education:
``(A) K-12 and vocational education.
``(B) Higher education.
``(C) Job training and assistance.
``(10) Federal employee retirement and disability benefits.
``(11) Highway, mass transit, and railroad funding.
``(12) Mortgage finance (Federal National Mortgage
Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal
Housing Administration, and other housing finance programs).
``(13) Justice and law enforcement funding, including
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal courts, and Federal
prisons.
``(14) Natural resources, land, and water management and
conservation funding, including National Parks.
``(15) Foreign aid.
``(16) Science and technology research and advancement:
``(A) National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
``(17) Air transportation, including Federal Aviation
Administration.
``(18) Farm subsidies.
``(19) Energy funding, including renewable energy and
efficiency programs, Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission.
``(20) Disaster relief and insurance, including Federal
Emergency Management Administration.
``(21) Diplomacy and embassies.
``(22) Environmental Protection Agency and pollution
control programs.
``(23) Internal Revenue Service and United States Treasury
operations.
``(24) Coast Guard and maritime programs.
``(25) Community Development Block Grants.
``(26) Congress and legislative branch activities.
``(27) United States Postal Service.
``(28) Executive Office of the President.
``(29) Other Federal spending.
``(d) Additional Major Expenditure Categories.--With respect to
each fiscal year, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office shall
include additional categories and subcategories of Federal spending for
purposes of subsection (c), but only if, and only for so long as, each
such additional category or subcategory exceeds 3 percent of total
Federal outlays for the fiscal year.
``(e) Timing of Federal Tax Receipt.--A Federal tax receipt shall
be made available to each taxpayer as soon as practicable upon the
processing of that taxpayer's income tax return by the Internal Revenue
Service.
``(f) Use of Technologies.--The Internal Revenue Service is
encouraged to utilize modern technologies such as electronic mail and
the Internet to minimize the cost of sending Federal tax receipts to
taxpayers. The Internal Revenue Service shall establish an interactive
program on its Internet Web site to allow taxpayers to generate Federal
tax receipts on their own.
``(g) Cost.--No charge shall be imposed to cover any cost
associated with the production or distribution of the Federal tax
receipt.
``(h) Regulations.--The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as
may be necessary to carry out this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 77 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the
following new item:
``Sec. 7529. Federal tax receipt.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act. | Taxpayer Receipt Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to require the Department of the Treasury to provide every taxpayer who files an individual income tax return for any taxable year an itemized tax receipt showing: (1) the proportionate allocation of the taxpayer's payment in such year among major expenditure categories of the federal budget (e.g., social security, national defense, Medicare and other federal health programs, low-income assistance programs, unemployment benefits, net interest on the federal debt, and other federal programs); and (2) the amount of the federal debt at the end of the fiscal year and the amount of additional borrowing by the federal government in such fiscal year for each legal U.S. resident. | billsum_train |
Summarize the following text: SECTION 1. PENALTY FREE WITHDRAWALS FROM RETIREMENT PLANS FOR VICTIMS
OF FEDERALLY DECLARED NATURAL DISASTERS.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 72(t) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to 10-percent additional tax on early
distributions from qualified retirement plans) is amended by adding at
the end the following new subparagraph:
``(G) Distributions from retirement plans to
victims of federally declared natural disasters.--
``(i) In general.--Any qualified disaster-
relief distribution.
``(ii) Amount distributed may be repaid.--
Any individual who receives a qualified
disaster-relief distribution may, at any time
during the 5-year period beginning on the day
after the date on which such distribution was
made, make one or more contributions to an
individual retirement plan of such individual
in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount
of such distribution. The dollar limitations
otherwise applicable to contributions to
individual retirement plans shall not apply to
any contribution made pursuant to the preceding
sentence. No deduction shall be allowed for any
contribution pursuant to this clause.
``(iii) Qualified disaster-relief
distribution.--For purposes of this
subparagraph, the term `qualified disaster-
relief distribution' means any distribution to
an individual who has sustained a loss in
excess of $100 as a result of a major disaster
declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act--
``(I) if such distribution is made
during the 1-year period beginning on
the date such declaration is made, and
``(II) to the extent such
distribution does not exceed the amount
of such loss and is not compensated for
by insurance or otherwise.
For purposes of subclause (II), the amount of
any loss shall be determined using the greater
of the fair market value of the property on the
day before the date of such disaster or the
adjusted basis of the property as provided in
section 1011.''.
(b) Exemption of Distributions From Withholding.--Paragraph (4) of
section 402(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to
eligible rollover distribution) is amended by striking ``and'' at the
end of subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end of
subparagraph (C) and inserting ``, and'', and by inserting at the end
the following new subparagraph:
``(D) any qualified disaster-relief distribution
(within the meaning of section 72(t)(2)(G)).''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 401(k)(2)(B)(i) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of subclause
(III), by striking ``and'' at the end of subclause (IV) and
inserting ``or'', and by inserting after subclause (IV) the
following new subclause:
``(V) the date on which a period
referred to in section
72(t)(2)(G)(iii)(I) begins (but only to
the extent provided in section
72(t)(2)(G)), and''.
(2) Section 403(b)(7)(A)(ii) of such Code is amended by
inserting ``sustains a loss as a result of a major disaster
declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (but only to the extent provided in
section 72(t)(2)(G)),'' before ``or''.
(3) Section 403(b)(11) of such Code is amended by striking
``or'' at the end of subparagraph (A), by striking the period
at the end of subparagraph (B) and inserting ``, or'', and by
inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) for distributions to which section
72(t)(2)(G) applies.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to distributions received in taxable years beginning after
December 31, 2003. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) exempt qualified disaster-relief distributions from the ten percent penalty on premature distributions from tax-exempt retirement plans; and (2) allow repayment of such distributions to the retirement plan within five years after the date of such distribution. Defines a "qualified disaster-relief distribution" as a distribution to an individual who has sustained a loss in excess of $100 from a major disaster declared under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act if such distribution is made within one year after the disaster declaration and the distribution does not exceed the amount of the loss and is not covered by insurance or otherwise. | billsum_train |
Give a brief overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Mountains to Sound Greenway National
Heritage Area Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Heritage area.--The term ``Heritage Area'' means the
Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area established
in this Act.
(2) Local coordinating entity.--The term ``local
coordinating entity'' means the entity selected by the
Secretary under section 3(d).
(3) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map titled ``Mountains
to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Proposed Boundary'',
numbered 584/125,484 and dated January 31, 2011.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(5) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of
Washington.
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION OF THE MOUNTAINS TO SOUND GREENWAY NATIONAL
HERITAGE AREA.
(a) Establishment.--There is hereby established the Mountains to
Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in the State, to consist of land
in King and Kittitas counties in the State, as generally depicted on
the map, unless the county commission of King or Kittitas county elects
at any time to be excluded from the Heritage Area, in which case that
county shall not be part of the Heritage Area.
(b) Map.--The map shall be on file and available to the public in
the appropriate offices of the National Park Service, United States
Forest Service, and the local coordinating entity.
(c) Local Coordinating Entity.--The Secretary shall select a local
coordinating entity for the Heritage Area.
SEC. 4. MANAGEMENT PLAN.
(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act and subject to subsection (b)(4), the local
coordinating entity shall submit to the Secretary for approval a
proposed management plan for the Heritage Area.
(b) Requirements.--The management plan shall--
(1) incorporate an integrated and cooperative approach for
the protection, enhancement, management, and interpretation of
the natural, cultural, historic, scenic, and recreational
resources of the Heritage Area;
(2) take into consideration State government plans;
(3) include--
(A) an inventory of the resources of the Heritage
Area;
(B) an inventory of any other property in the
Heritage Area that is related to the themes of the
Heritage Area, and should be preserved, restored,
managed or maintained because of the significance of
the property;
(C) comprehensive policies, strategies and
recommendations for conservation, funding, management,
and development of the Heritage Area;
(D) a description of actions that governments,
private organizations, and individuals have agreed to
take to protect the natural, historical and cultural
resources of the Heritage Area;
(E) a program of implementation for the management
plan by the local coordinating entity that includes a
description of--
(i) actions to facilitate ongoing
collaboration among partners to promote plans
for resource protection, restoration, and
construction; and
(ii) specific commitments for
implementation that have been made by the local
coordinating entity or any government,
organization or individual for the first five
years of operation;
(F) analysis and recommendations for means by which
Federal, State, and local programs, including the role
of the National Park Service in the Heritage Area, may
best be coordinated to carry out this Act;
(G) an interpretative plan for the Heritage Area;
and
(4) be submitted to the county commissions of King and
Kittitas counties in the State for approval by the commissions
before the management plan is submitted to the Secretary,
unless the county has elected not to be part of the Heritage
Area.
(c) Approval or Disapproval of Management Plan.--
(1) Review.--Not later than 180 days after receiving the
management plan for the Heritage Area, the Secretary shall
review and, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture
and State, approve or disapprove the management plan on the
basis of the criteria established under paragraph (2).
(2) Criteria for approval.--In determining whether to
approve a management plan for a Heritage Area, the Secretary
shall consider whether--
(A) the local coordinating entity represents the
diverse interests of the Heritage Area, including
governments, natural and historic resource protection
organizations, educational institutions, businesses,
recreational organizations, and private property
owners;
(B) the local coordinating entity has afforded
adequate opportunity, including public hearings, for
the public and Federal, State, tribal, and local
governmental involvement in the preparation of the
management plan; and
(C) the resource protection and interpretation
strategies contained in the management plan, if
implemented, would adequately protect the natural,
historical, and cultural resources of the Heritage
Area.
(d) Disapproval.--
(1) In general.--If the Secretary disapproves the
management plan, the Secretary shall--
(A) advise the local coordinating entity in writing
of the reasons for the disapproval; and
(B) make recommendations to the local coordinating
entity for revisions to the management plan.
(2) Deadline.--Not later than 180 days after receiving a
revised management plan, the Secretary shall approve or
disapprove the revised management plan.
(e) Amendments.--
(1) In general.--An amendment to the management plan that
substantially changes the management plan shall be reviewed by
the Secretary and approved or disapproved in the same manner as
the original management plan.
(2) County review and approval.--No amendment may be
submitted to the Secretary under paragraph (1) until and unless
the amendment is first reviewed and approved by the county
commissions for King and Kittitas counties in the State (unless
that county has elected not to be part of the Heritage Area).
(3) Implementation.--The local coordinating entity shall
not implement an amendment to the management plan until the
Secretary approves the amendment.
(f) Authorities.--The Secretary may provide technical assistance to
the State, political subdivisions of the State, nonprofit
organizations, and other interested parties.
SEC. 5. EVALUATION; REPORTING.
(a) In General.--Not later than 10 years after the enactment of
this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of
Agriculture, shall--
(1) conduct an evaluation of the accomplishments of the
Heritage Area; and
(2) prepare and submit a report pursuant to subsection (c).
(b) Evaluation.--An evaluation conducted under this subsection
shall--
(1) assess the progress of the local coordinating entity
with respect to--
(A) accomplishing the purposes of the authorizing
legislation for the Heritage Area; and
(B) achieving the goals and objectives of the
approved management plan for the Heritage Area;
(2) analyze the Federal, State, tribal, local, and private
investments in the Heritage Area to determine the impact of the
investments; and
(3) review the management structure, partnership
relationships, and funding of the Heritage Area for purposes of
identifying the critical components for sustainability of the
Heritage Area.
(c) Report.--Based on the evaluation conducted under subsection
(b), the Secretary shall submit a report to the Committee on Natural
Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy
and Natural Resources of the Senate. The report shall include
recommendations for the future role of the National Park Service with
respect to the Heritage Area.
SEC. 6. LOCAL COORDINATING ENTITY.
(a) Duties.--To further the purposes of the Heritage Area, the
local coordinating entity shall--
(1) prepare and submit a management plan for the Heritage
Area to the Secretary in accordance with section 4;
(2) submit a report to the Secretary every five years after
the Secretary has approved the management plan, specifying--
(A) the expenses and income of the local
coordinating entity; and
(B) significant grants or contracts made by the
local coordinating entity to any other entities during
the five-year period.
(b) Authorities.--To further the purposes of the Heritage Area, the
local coordinating entity may--
(1) make grants to the State, or a political subdivision of
the State, nonprofit organizations, and other parties within
the National Heritage Area;
(2) enter into cooperative agreements with or provide
technical assistance to political jurisdictions, nonprofit
organizations, Federal agencies, and other interested parties;
(3) hire and compensate staff, which shall include
individuals with expertise in natural, cultural, and historical
resources protection, heritage programming, and economic and
community development;
(4) obtain funds or services that are provided under any
Federal law or program not specifically applicable to national
heritage areas;
(5) contract for goods or services;
(6) support activities that further the Heritage Area and
are consistent with the approved management plan;
(7) assist units of local government, regional planning
organizations, and nonprofit organizations in carrying out the
approved management plan by--
(A) carrying out programs and projects that
recognize, protect, and enhance important resource
values in the Heritage Area;
(B) establishing and maintaining interpretative
exhibits and programs in the Heritage Area;
(C) developing recreational and educational
opportunities in the Heritage Area;
(D) increasing public awareness of, and
appreciation for, natural, historical, scenic, and
cultural resources of the Heritage Area;
(E) protecting and restoring historic sites and
buildings in the Heritage Area that are consistent with
the Heritage Area themes;
(F) ensuring that clear, consistent, and
appropriate signs identifying points of public access
and sites of interest are posted throughout the
Heritage Area; and
(G) promoting a wide range of partnerships among
governments, organizations, and individuals to further
the Heritage Area;
(8) consider the interests of diverse units of government,
businesses, organizations, and individuals in the Heritage Area
in the preparation and implementation of the management plan;
(9) conduct meetings open to the public at least
semiannually regarding the development and implementation of
the management plan;
(10) for any year that Federal funds have been received by
the local coordinating entity--
(A) submit to the Secretary an annual report that
describes the activities, expenses, and income of the
local coordinating entity (including grants to any
other entities during the year that the report is
made);
(B) make available to the Secretary for audit all
records relating to the expenditure of the funds and
any matching funds; and
(C) require, with respect to all agreements
authorizing expenditure of Federal funds by other
organizations, that the organizations receiving the
funds make available to the Secretary for audit all
records concerning the expenditure of the funds; and
(11) encourage by appropriate means economic vitality that
is consistent with the Heritage Area.
(c) Prohibition on Acquisition of Real Property.--The local
coordinating entity may not acquire real property or interests in real
property with Federal funds or through condemnation.
SEC. 7. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this Act affects the authority of a
Federal agency to provide technical or financial assistance under any
other law.
(b) Consultation and Coordination.--Any Federal agency planning to
conduct activities that may have an impact on the Heritage Area is
encouraged to consult and coordinate the activities with the Secretary
and the local coordinating entity to the maximum extent practicable.
(c) Other Federal Agencies.--Nothing in this Act--
(1) modifies, alters, or amends any law or regulation
authorizing a Federal agency to manage Federal land under the
jurisdiction of the Federal agency;
(2) limits the discretion of a Federal land manager to
implement an approved land use plan within the boundaries of
the Heritage Area; or
(3) modifies, alters, or amends any authorized use of
Federal land under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency.
SEC. 8. PRIVATE PROPERTY AND REGULATORY PROTECTIONS.
Nothing in this Act--
(1) abridges the rights of any property owner (whether
public or private), including the right to refrain from
participating in any plan, project, program, or activity
conducted within the Heritage Area;
(2) requires any property owner to permit public access
(including access by Federal, State, tribal, or local agencies)
to the property of the property owner, or to modify public
access or use of property of the property owner under any other
Federal, State, tribal, or local law;
(3) alters any duly adopted land use regulation, approved
land use plan, or other regulatory authority (such as the
authority to make safety improvements or increase the capacity
of existing roads or to construct new roads or associated
developments) of any Federal, State, tribal, local unit of
government or local agency, or conveys any land use or other
regulatory authority to any local coordinating entity,
including but not necessarily limited to development and
management of energy, water or water-related infrastructure;
(4) alters, modifies, diminishes, or extinguishes the
treaty rights of any Indian tribe within the Heritage Area;
(5) authorizes or implies the reservation or appropriation
of water or water rights;
(6) diminishes the authority of the State to manage fish
and wildlife, including the regulation of fishing and hunting
within the Heritage Area;
(7) creates any liability, or affects any liability under
any other law, of any private property owner;
(8) affects current or future grazing permits, leases or
allotments on Federal lands; or
(9) affects the construction, operation, maintenance,
improvement or expansion of current or future water projects,
including water storage, hydroelectric facilities, or delivery
systems.
SEC. 9. CLARIFICATION.
Nothing in this Act authorizes the Secretary--
(1) to allocate or distribute Federal funds to the local
coordinating entity; or
(2) to expend Federal funds for any purpose under this Act
except for those purposes specifically enumerated to the
Secretary under section 3, subsections (c), (d), (e) and (f) of
section 4, and section 5.
SEC. 10. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.
The authority of the Secretary to provide assistance under this Act
terminates on the date that is 15 years after the date of enactment of
this Act. | Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area Act - (Sec. 3) Establishes the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area in the state of Washington, consisting of specified land in King and Kittitas counties. Allows King or Kittitas county to elect at any time to be excluded from the Heritage Area. Requires the Secretary of the Interior to select the local coordinating entity for the Heritage Area. (Sec. 4) Requires the coordinating entity to submit a proposed management plan to King and Kittitas counties for approval before submitting the plan to the Secretary. Requires the plan to include: (1) consideration of the state of Washington's government plans; (2) descriptions of partnership collaborations and actions that governments, private organizations, and individuals have agreed to take to protect the area; and (3) recommendations to coordinate federal, state, and local programs, including the role of the National Park Service (NPS). Requires the Secretary to approve or disapprove the plan based on specified criteria, including whether the public and federal, state, tribal, and local governments were afforded an opportunity to be involved in the preparation of plan. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance to the state, political subdivisions of the state, nonprofit organizations, and other interested parties. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary, within 10 years after enactment of this Act, to submit to Congress a report evaluating the Heritage Area's coordinating entity, private and government investments, management structure, partnerships, and funding. Requires the report to include recommendations for the NPS's future role in the Heritage Area. (Sec. 6) Directs the coordinating entity to report to the Secretary every five years after the Secretary has approved a management plan. Requires the report to specify the entity's expenses and income, as well as grants or contracts made by the coordinating entity to other entities. Prohibits the coordinating entity from acquiring real property with federal funds or through condemnation. (Sec. 7) Encourages federal agencies planning to conduct activities that may impact the Heritage Area to consult and coordinate with the Secretary and the local coordinating entity to the maximum extent practicable. (Sec. 8) Prohibits this Act from altering the rights of property owners or affecting certain existing federal, state, tribal, or local projects, agreements, or regulatory requirements. (Sec. 9) Declares that nothing in this Act authorizes the Secretary to allocate or distribute federal funds to the local coordinating entity or to expend federal funds for any purpose other than as specified in this Act. (Sec. 10) Terminates the Secretary's authority to provide assistance 15 years after enactment of this Act. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENT OF 1986 CODE.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Shipping Income
Reform Act of 1997''.
(b) Amendment of 1986 Code.--Except as otherwise expressly
provided, whenever in this Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in
terms of an amendment to, or a repeal of, a section or other provision,
the reference shall be considered to be made to a section of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF CERTAIN FOREIGN BASE COMPANY SHIPPING INCOME
FROM FOREIGN BASE COMPANY INCOME.
Subsection 954(b) is amended by inserting the following paragraph
(2):
``(2) Exclusion for certain shipping income.--
``(A) Income of certain foreign corporations.--For
purposes of subsection (a), foreign base company income
does not include--
``(i) income derived from the operation of
a vessel registered in the Bahamas, Honduras,
the Republic of Liberia, the Republic of
Panama, the Republic of the Marshall Islands,
or such other country as the Secretary of
Transportation certifies, if the owner,
operator, or a member of its controlled group,
as defined in subparagraph (E)(iii), enters
into an agreement with the Secretary of
Transportation to own or operate a qualified
U.S.-flag fleet for at least 320 days of the
taxable year; or
``(ii) the shipping income of a controlled
foreign corporation that owns or operates
vessels that do not derive U.S.-source income
(other than dividend or interest income) in the
taxable year and have not engaged in the
carriage of any cargoes in the U.S. import or
export trade in that period.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term `U.S.
import or export trade' shall mean the carriage of
goods or other commodities to or from United States
ports whether or not via transshipment at a foreign
port; and a charter to a member of a controlled group
(as defined in subparagraph (E)(iii) shall not be
considered carriage in the U.S. import or export trade.
``(B) Income of caribbean basin shipping
corporation.--For purposes of subsection (a), foreign
base company income does not include income derived
from the operation of a vessel owned by a Caribbean
Basin Shipping Corporation.
``(C) Inapplicability to petroleum
transportation.--The exclusions set forth in
subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall not apply to foreign
base company shipping income properly allocable to any
vessel engaged in the carriage of petroleum or related
products or byproducts if the controlled group (as
defined in section 267(f)(1) without regard to section
1563(b)(2)(C)) of which the taxpayer is a member is
engaged principally in the trade or business of
exploring for, or extracting, refining or marketing of,
petroleum or related products or byproducts.
``(D) Definition of caribbean basin shipping
corporation.--For purposes of this section--
``(i) Caribbean basin shipping
corporation.--The term `Caribbean Basin
shipping corporation' means a corporation if,
for the taxable year, at least 75 percent of
its foreign base company shipping income
(determined without regard to this paragraph
(2)) is Caribbean Basin shipping income.
``(ii) Caribbean basin shipping income.--
The term `Caribbean Basin shipping income'
means foreign base company shipping income
derived from or in connection with the
operation of any non-passenger vessel in
foreign commerce within any Caribbean Basin
country, among Caribbean Basin countries, or
between any Caribbean Basin country and the
United States, including that portion of any
transshipping originating or terminating in any
non-Caribbean Basin country that otherwise
satisfies these requirements.
``(iii) Caribbean basin country.--The term
`Caribbean Basin country' means any beneficiary
country (as defined in section 212(a)(1)(A) of
the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act);
except that such term shall also include
Anguilla, Colombia, Mexico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands and Venezuela.
``(iv) Special rules.--For purposes of
determining whether a controlled foreign
corporation is a Caribbean Basin shipping
corporation, all members of the same affiliated
group (within the meaning of section 1504(a))
shall be treated as one corporation, except
that--
``(I) section 1504(a)(2) shall be
applied by substituting 50 percent for
80 percent; and
``(II) section 1504(b)(3) shall not
apply.
``(E) Definition of qualified u.s.-flag fleet.--For
purposes of this section--
``(i) Qualified u.s.-flag fleet.--The term
`qualified U.S. flag fleet' means a fleet of
four or more U.S.-flag cargo vessels or two or
more U.S.-flag passenger vessels, each such
vessel having a deadweight tonnage of not less
than 10,000 deadweight tons and, in the case of
a passenger vessel, having berth or stateroom
accommodations for at least 275 passengers, for
which a member of the controlled group of which
the controlled foreign corporation is a member
is the owner (or demise charterer) and which
vessels have been placed in service and
operated for at least 320 days in the preceding
taxable year with days during which the vessel
is drydocked or undergoing survey, inspection
or repair considered to be days on which the
vessel is operated;
``(ii) U.S.-flag vessel.--The term `U.S.-
flag vessel' means any vessel which is
documented under the laws of the United States
and is subject to the provisions of section
8103 of title 46, United States Code, relating
to manning by citizens of the United States.
``(iii) Controlled group.--The term
`controlled group' has the meaning given such
term by section 1563(a) except that--
``(I) section 1563(a) shall be
applied by substituting 50 percent for
80 percent; and
``(II) section 1563(b)(2)(C) shall
not apply.
``(iv) Special rules.--In determining the
qualified U.S.-flag fleet of a controlled
group--
``(I) if a U.S.-flag vessel which
is part of a qualified U.S.-flag fleet
is destroyed by casualty or purchased
by requisition pursuant to section 1242
of title 46, United States Code, it may
continue to be included in such
qualified U.S.-flag fleet during the
replacement period, but only if a
member of the controlled group is or
becomes the owner (or demise charterer)
of a replacement U.S.-flag vessel which
is placed in service (and not retired
from service) within the replacement
period; and
``(II) If a member of the
controlled group owns (directly or
indirectly) at least 25 percent (by
value) of the stock of another
corporation, or at least 25 percent of
the interest in the capital or profits
of a partnership, such member shall be
treated as if it were the owner (or
demise charterer) of its proportionate
share of the U.S. flag vessels of which
such corporation or partnership is the
owner (or demise charterer).
``(v) Replacement period.--The term
`replacement period' means the period beginning
on the date on which the casualty or purchase
by requisition occurs and ending on the earlier
of the date--
``(I) on which a replacement U.S.-
flag vessel is placed in service, or
``(II) which is four years after
the close of the taxable year in which
the casualty or purchase by requisition
occurs.
``(v) Replacement u.s.-flag vessel.--The
term `replacement U.S.-flag vessel' means a
U.S. flag vessel for which a member of the
controlled group has entered into a binding
contract for the purchase or construction of
such vessel during the period--
``(I) beginning on the day
following the date on which there is a
loss by casualty or purchase by
requisition pursuant to section 1242 of
title 46, United States Code, of a
vessel included in such controlled
group's qualified U.S.-flag fleet, and
``(II) ending on the date which is
two years after the date of such
casualty or such purchase, but only if
such U.S.-flag vessel would be included
in the controlled group's qualified
U.S.-flag fleet when it is placed in
service.''
SEC. 3. REINVESTMENT IN U.S.-FLAG SHIPS.
(a) Reinvestment in U.S.-Flag Ships.--Subsection 956(c)(2) is
amended by inserting at the end thereof the following:
``(J) any amount of funds loaned to a United States
person for the acquisition, construction, or
reconstruction of a vessel documented under the laws of
the United States.
Any interest payable on indebtedness described in (J) shall be
free from U.S. income tax withholding under sections 1441 and
1442 if such interest is paid to an individual resident in or
corporation or other entity organized under the laws of The
Bahamas, Honduras, the Republic of Liberia, the Republic of
Panama, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or such other
country as the Secretary of Transportation certifies.''
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 956(c)(2)(H) is amended by deleting ``; and''
and inserting in lieu thereof ``;''.
(2) Section 956(c)(2)(I) is amended by deleting the period
at the end thereof and inserting ``; and'' in lieu thereof.
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this Act are effective for taxable years
beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. | Shipping Income Reform Act of 1997 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the definition of foreign base company income foreign base company shipping income: (1) derived from a vessel registered in the Bahamas, Honduras, Liberia, Panama, the Marshall islands, or other countries certified by the Secretary of Transportation, if the vessel owner enters into an agreement to operate a U.S.-flag fleet for at least 320 days annually; or (2) the owner does not derive U.S.-source income and has not engaged in the carriage of any cargoes in the U.S. import or export trade for at least 320 days annually. | billsum_train |
Provide a condensed version of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``MTBE Elimination Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS; SENSE OF THE SENATE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) a single cup of MTBE, equal to the quantity found in 1
gallon of gasoline oxygenated with MTBE, renders all of the
water in a 5,000,000-gallon well undrinkable;
(2) the physical properties of MTBE allow MTBE to pass
easily from gasoline to air to water, or from gasoline directly
to water, but MTBE does not--
(A) readily attach to soil particles; or
(B) naturally degrade;
(3) the development of tumors and nervous system disorders
in mice and rats has been linked to exposure to MTBE and
tertiary butyl alcohol and formaldehyde, which are 2 metabolic
byproducts of MTBE;
(4) reproductive and developmental studies of MTBE indicate
that exposure of a pregnant female to MTBE through inhalation
can--
(A) result in maternal toxicity; and
(B) have possible adverse effects on a developing
fetus;
(5) the Health Effects Institute reported in February 1996
that the studies of MTBE support its classification as a
neurotoxicant and suggest that its primary effect is likely to
be in the form of acute impairment;
(6) people with higher levels of MTBE in the bloodstream
are significantly more likely to report more headaches, eye
irritation, nausea, dizziness, burning of the nose and throat,
coughing, disorientation, and vomiting as compared with those
who have lower levels of MTBE in the bloodstream;
(7) available information has shown that MTBE significantly
reduces the efficiency of technologies used to remediate water
contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons;
(8) the costs of remediation of MTBE water contamination
throughout the United States could run into the billions of
dollars;
(9) although several studies are being conducted to assess
possible methods to remediate drinking water contaminated by
MTBE, there have been no engineering solutions to make such
remediation cost-efficient and practicable;
(10) the remediation of drinking water contaminated by
MTBE, involving the stripping of millions of gallons of
contaminated ground water, can cost millions of dollars per
municipality;
(11) the average cost of a single industrial cleanup
involving MTBE contamination is approximately $150,000;
(12) the average cost of a single cleanup involving MTBE
contamination that is conducted by a small business or a
homeowner is approximately $37,000;
(13) the reformulated gasoline program under section 211(k)
of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7545(k)) has resulted in
substantial reductions in the emissions of a number of air
pollutants from motor vehicles, including volatile organic
compounds, carbon monoxide, and mobile-source toxic air
pollutants, including benzene;
(14) in assessing oxygenate alternatives, the Blue Ribbon
Panel of the Environmental Protection Agency determined that
ethanol, made from domestic grain and potentially from recycled
biomass, is an effective fuel-blending component that--
(A) provides carbon monoxide emission benefits and
high octane; and
(B) appears to contribute to the reduction of the
use of aromatics, providing reductions in emissions of
toxic air pollutants and other air quality benefits;
(15) the Department of Agriculture concluded that ethanol
production and distribution could be expanded to meet the needs
of the reformulated gasoline program in 4 years, with
negligible price impacts and no interruptions in supply; and
(16) because the reformulated gasoline program is a source
of clean air benefits, and ethanol is a viable alternative that
provides air quality and economic benefits, research and
development efforts should be directed to assess infrastructure
and meet other challenges necessary to allow ethanol use to
expand sufficiently to meet the requirements of the
reformulated gasoline program as the use of MTBE is phased out.
(b) Sense of the Senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency should provide
technical assistance, information, and matching funds to help local
communities--
(1) test drinking water supplies; and
(2) remediate drinking water contaminated with methyl
tertiary butyl ether.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(2) Eligible grantee.--The term ``eligible grantee''
means--
(A) a Federal research agency;
(B) a national laboratory;
(C) a college or university or a research
foundation maintained by a college or university;
(D) a private research organization with an
established and demonstrated capacity to perform
research or technology transfer; or
(E) a State environmental research facility.
(3) MTBE.--The term ``MTBE'' means methyl tertiary butyl
ether.
SEC. 4. USE AND LABELING OF MTBE AS A FUEL ADDITIVE.
Section 6 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2605) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Use of Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether.--
``(1) Prohibition on use.--Effective beginning on the date
that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this subsection,
a person shall not use methyl tertiary butyl ether as a fuel
additive.
``(2) Labeling of fuel dispensing systems for mtbe.--Any
person selling oxygenated gasoline containing methyl tertiary
butyl ether at retail shall be required under regulations
promulgated by the Administrator to label the fuel dispensing
system with a notice that--
``(A) specifies that the gasoline contains methyl
tertiary butyl ether; and
``(B) provides such other information concerning
methyl tertiary butyl ether as the Administrator
determines to be appropriate.
``(3) Regulations.--As soon as practicable after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator shall
establish a schedule that provides for an annual phased
reduction in the quantity of methyl tertiary butyl ether that
may be used as a fuel additive during the 3-year period
beginning on the date of enactment of this subsection.''.
SEC. 5. GRANTS FOR RESEARCH ON MTBE GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION AND
REMEDIATION.
(a) In General.--
(1) Establishment.--There is established a MTBE research
grants program within the Environmental Protection Agency.
(2) Purpose of grants.--The Administrator may make a grant
under this section to an eligible grantee to pay the Federal
share of the costs of research on--
(A) the development of more cost-effective and
accurate MTBE ground water testing methods;
(B) the development of more efficient and cost-
effective remediation procedures for water sources
contaminated with MTBE; or
(C) the potential effects of MTBE on human health.
(b) Administration.--
(1) In general.--In making grants under this section, the
Administrator shall--
(A) seek and accept proposals for grants;
(B) determine the relevance and merit of proposals;
(C) award grants on the basis of merit, quality,
and relevance to advancing the purposes for which a
grant may be awarded under subsection (a); and
(D) give priority to those proposals the applicants
for which demonstrate the availability of matching
funds.
(2) Competitive basis.--A grant under this section shall be
awarded on a competitive basis.
(3) Term.--A grant under this section shall have a term
that does not exceed 4 years.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2001 through 2004. | Amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to prohibit, three years after the enactment of the MTBE Elimination Act, the use of MTBE as a fuel additive.
Requires persons selling oxygenated gasoline containing MTBE at retail to be required under regulations promulgated by the Administrator to label the fuel dispensing system with a notice that specifies that the gasoline contains MTBE and provides other information concerning MTBE as determined appropriate by the Administrator.
Directs the Administrator to establish a schedule that provides for an annual phased reduction in the quantity of MTBE that may be used as a fuel additive during the three-year period beginning on this Act's enactment date.
Establishes an MTBE research grants program within EPA. Authorizes grants to eligible grantees to pay the Federal cost share of research on: (1) the development of more cost-effective and accurate MTBE groundwater testing methods; (2) the development of more efficient and cost-effective remediation procedures for water sources contaminated with MTBE; or (3) the potential effects of MTBE on human health. Makes eligible for such grants Federal research agencies, national laboratories, colleges or universities, certain private research organizations, and State environmental research facilities. Authorizes appropriations. | billsum_train |
Give a brief overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Agricultural Export Program
Protection Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. AGRICULTURAL EXPORT PROGRAM PROTECTION.
Title XV of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of
1990 (Public Law 101-624) is amended by adding at the end the following
new subtitle:
``Subtitle G--Agricultural Export Program Protection
``SEC. 1581. DEFINITIONS.
``As used in this subtitle:
``(1) Agricultural trade program.--The term `agricultural
trade program' means an export promotion, export credit, export
credit guarantee, export bonus, or other export or
international food aid program carried out through, or
administered by, the Commodity Credit Corporation, including
such a program carried out under--
``(A) the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C.
5601 et seq.)--
``(i) including the export enhancement
program established by section 301 of such Act
(7 U.S.C. 5651); but
``(ii) excluding the market promotion
program established by section 203 of such Act
(7 U.S.C. 5623);
``(B) the Agricultural Trade Development and
Assistance Act of 1954 (7 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.);
``(C) section 416 of the Agricultural Act of 1949
(7 U.S.C. 1431); or
``(D) section 5 of the Commodity Credit Corporation
Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714c).
``(2) Covered foreign commodity.--The term `covered foreign
commodity' means wheat, feed grains, or soybeans produced in a
foreign country that is imported into the customs territory of
the United States.
``(3) Entry.--The term `entry' means the entry into, or the
withdrawal from warehouse for consumption in, the customs
territory of the United States.
``(4) Person.--The term `person' includes an exporter, an
assignee, and a participant in an agricultural trade program.
``(5) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
``(6) United states agricultural commodity.--The term
`United States agricultural commodity' has the same meaning
given the term in section 102(7) of the Agricultural Trade Act
of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602(7)).
``SEC. 1582. MONITORING OF DOMESTIC USES MADE OF CERTAIN FOREIGN
COMMODITIES.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) End-use certificate.--An end-use certificate that
meets the requirements of subsection (b) shall be included in
the documentation covering the entry of any covered foreign
commodity.
``(2) Quarterly reports.--A consignee of a covered foreign
commodity (including a secondary consignee of a covered foreign
commodity and a consignee of a covered foreign commodity that
has been commingled with a commodity produced in the United
States) shall submit to the Secretary a quarterly report that
certifies--
``(A) what percentage of the covered foreign
commodity that is subject to an end-use certificate was
used by the consignee during the quarter; and
``(B)(i) that the covered foreign commodity
referred to in paragraph (1) was used by the consignee
for the purpose stated in the end-use certificate; or
``(ii) if ownership of the covered foreign
commodity is transferred, the name and address and
other information, as determined by the Secretary, of
the entity (or consignee) to whom it is transferred.
``(b) End-Use Certificate and Quarterly Report Content.--The end-
use certificates and quarterly reports required under subsection (a)
shall be in such form, and require such information, as the Secretary
considers necessary or appropriate to carry out this section. At a
minimum, the Secretary shall require that end-use certificates and
quarterly reports indicate--
``(1) in the case of the end-use certificate--
``(A) the name and address of the importer of
record of the covered foreign commodity that is subject
to the certificate;
``(B) the name and address of the consignee of the
covered foreign commodity;
``(C) the identification of the country of origin
of the covered foreign commodity;
``(D) a description by class and quantity of the
covered foreign commodity;
``(E) the specification of the purpose for which
the consignee will use the covered foreign commodity;
and
``(F) the identification of the transporter of the
covered foreign commodity from the port of entry to the
processing facility of the consignee; and
``(2) in the case of the quarterly report--
``(A) the information referred to in subparagraphs
(A) and (B) of paragraph (1);
``(B) the identification of the end-use
certificates currently held by the consignee;
``(C) a statement of the quantity of the covered
foreign commodity that is the subject of each of the
end-use certificates identified under subparagraph (B)
that was used during the quarter;
``(D) a statement of the use made during the
quarter by the consignee of each quantity referred to
in subparagraph (C);
``(E) a statement of the quantity of the covered
foreign commodity that was exported by the consignee
during the quarter;
``(F) a statement of the quantity of the covered
foreign commodity that was commingled with commodities
produced in the United States and the disposition of
the commingled commodities; and
``(G) a statement of the quantity of any covered
foreign commodity that is transferred to a subsequent
consignee, the name and address of the consignee, and
the change in end-use.
``(c) Sales Price.--The Secretary may require the importer or the
first consignee of a covered foreign commodity to report to the
Secretary the sales price of a covered foreign commodity that is
subject to an end-use certificate issued under this section if the
Secretary considers the sales price necessary to facilitate enforcement
of United States trade laws and international agreements.
``(d) Confidentiality.--In carrying out this section, the Secretary
shall take such actions as are necessary to ensure the confidentiality
and privacy of purchasers of covered foreign commodities.
``(e) Entry Prohibited Unless End-Use Certificate Presented.--The
Commissioner of Customs may not permit the entry of a covered foreign
commodity unless the importer of record presents at the time of entry
of the covered foreign commodity an end-use certificate that complies
with the applicable requirements of this section.
``(f) Penalties.--
``(1) Customs penalties.--End-use certificates required
under this section shall be treated as any other customs
documentation for purposes of applying the customs laws that
prohibit the entry, or the attempt to enter, merchandise by
fraud, gross negligence, or negligence.
``(2) Civil penalties.--Any person who knowingly violates
any requirement prescribed by the Secretary to carry out this
section is punishable by a civil penalty in an amount not to
exceed $10,000.
``(g) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations
as are necessary to carry out this section, including regulations
regarding the preparation and submission of the quarterly reports
required under subsection (a)(2).
``SEC. 1583. COMPLIANCE PROVISIONS.
``Subsections (b) and (c) of section 402 of the Agricultural Trade
Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5662) shall apply to the programs authorized
under this subtitle.
``SEC. 1584. SUSPENSION OR DEBARMENT FOR USE OF FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL
COMMODITIES IN CERTAIN AGRICULTURAL TRADE PROGRAMS.
``(a) Hearing.--The Commodity Credit Corporation shall provide a
person with an opportunity for a hearing before suspending or debarring
the person from participation in an agricultural trade program for
using a foreign agricultural commodity in violation of the terms and
conditions of the program.
``(b) Waiver.--
``(1) In general.--The Commodity Credit Corporation may
waive the suspension or debarment of a person from
participation in an agricultural trade program for using a
foreign agricultural commodity in violation of the terms and
conditions of the program if the person demonstrates, to the
satisfaction of the Corporation, that--
``(A) the use of the foreign agricultural commodity
was unintentional; and
``(B) the quantity of the foreign agricultural
commodity used was less than 1 percent of the total
quantity of the commodity involved in the transaction.
``(2) Other penalties.--Any waiver by the Commodity Credit
Corporation of a suspension or debarment of a person under
paragraph (1) shall not affect the liability of the person for
any other penalty imposed under an agricultural trade program
for the quantity of the foreign agricultural commodity
involved.''.
SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act and the amendment made by this Act shall become effective
120 days after the date of enactment of this Act. | Agricultural Export Program Protection Act of 1993 - Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to require specified foreign agricultural commodities imported into the United States to carry an end-use certificate.
Subjects a person using foreign agricultural commodities in a U.S. agricultural trade program to program suspension or debarment. | billsum_train |
Create a condensed overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Professional Sports Integrity and
Accountability Act''.
SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Federal
Trade Commission.
(2) Off-season.--The term ``off-season'' for each
professional athlete means the period of time outside the
professional sports season.
(3) Professional athlete.--The term ``professional
athlete'' means an individual who competes in a professional
sports league.
(4) Professional sports event.--The term ``professional
sports event'' means any game, match, or competition conducted
in the United States between any teams, clubs, or organizations
of a professional sports league.
(5) Professional sports league.--The term ``professional
sports league'' means Major League Baseball, Minor League
Baseball, the National Football League, the Arena Football
League, the National Basketball Association, the Women's
National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League,
Major League Soccer, and any successor organization to those
organizations.
(6) Professional sports season.--The term ``professional
sports season'' for each professional athlete means the period
of time beginning on the date on which the athlete is eligible,
invited, allowed, or required to report for practice or
preparation to compete in a professional sports league and
ending on the later of the date of the league's last regularly
scheduled professional sports event or the date of the last
professional sports event of the post-season in which the
athlete is eligible, invited, allowed, or required to
participate.
(7) Protocol.--The term ``Protocol'' means the United
States Anti-Doping Agency Protocol for Olympic Movement Testing
and any successor to that protocol.
SEC. 4. CONDUCT PROHIBITED.
It is unlawful for a professional sports league to organize,
sponsor, endorse, promote, produce, or recognize a professional sports
event without adopting and enforcing a testing policy that meets the
requirements of section 5.
SEC. 5. MINIMUM DRUG POLICY IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS.
(a) Testing Policy Required.--Each professional sports league shall
adopt and enforce policies and procedures to--
(1) proscribe the use of prohibited substances and methods
by each professional athlete competing in the league;
(2) test for the use of prohibited substances and methods
by each professional athlete competing in the league; and
(3) proscribe any person associated with the league from
complicity in a violation by a professional athlete competing
in the league.
(b) Prohibited Substances and Methods.--At a minimum, the
prohibited substances and methods are as follows:
(1) Professional sports season.--During the professional
sports season, all substances and methods in such amounts as
prohibited in-competition by the Protocol, excluding substances
or methods prohibited in a particular sport as defined by the
Protocol.
(2) Off-season.--During the off-season, all substances and
methods in such amounts as prohibited out-of-competition by the
Protocol, excluding substances or methods prohibited in a
particular sport as defined by the Protocol.
(3) Additional substances and methods.--Any other
substances or methods or amounts of substances or methods
determined by the Commission to be performance-enhancing
substances or methods for which testing is reasonable and
practicable.
(c) Violations.--
(1) Professional athlete.--The following constitute
violations of the testing policy under this section for a
professional athlete:
(A) The presence of a prohibited substance or its
metabolites or markers in the bodily specimen of a
professional athlete, or evidence of the use of a
prohibited method.
(B) Refusing, or failing without compelling
justification, to submit to a test. The absence of an
athlete from the United States shall not alone be a
compelling justification under this subparagraph.
(2) Any person.--The following constitute violations of the
testing policy under this section for any person associated
with a professional sports league:
(A) The administration or attempted administration
of a prohibited substance or method to any professional
athlete.
(B) Assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting,
covering up, or any other type of complicity involving
a violation by a professional athlete.
(d) Conduct of Tests.--
(1) Frequency, randomness, and advance notice.--
(A) In general.--Each professional athlete shall be
tested for the use of prohibited substances and methods
no less than 3 times in each calendar year that the
athlete competes in a professional sports league.
(B) Random.--Tests conducted under this subsection
shall be conducted at random intervals throughout the
entire calendar year with no advance notice to the
professional athlete.
(2) Administration and analysis.--
(A) In general.--Tests under this subsection shall
be conducted by an independent entity not subject to
the control of any professional sports league.
(B) Methods, policies, and procedures.--The
independent entity shall determine the methods,
policies, and procedures of collection, transportation,
and analysis of bodily specimens of professional
athletes necessary to conduct tests for prohibited
substances and methods and shall conduct such
collection, transportation, and analysis.
(C) Analysis.--Analysis of specimens shall be
conducted in a laboratory that meets the requirements
for approval by the United States Anti-Doping Agency
and is located within the United States.
(3) Substances.--
(A) In general.--Each professional athlete shall be
tested for all prohibited substances and methods at the
time of the administration of each test.
(B) Limited exemption for medical or therapeutic
use.--A professional sports league may provide an
individual professional athlete with an exemption for a
particular prohibited substance or method if such
substance or method--
(i) has a legitimate and documented medical
or therapeutic use;
(ii) is for a documented medical condition
of such athlete; and
(iii) is properly prescribed by a doctor of
medicine licensed in the United States.
(e) Penalties.--
(1) Violation.--Subject to paragraph (3), a violation shall
result in the following penalties:
(A) First violation.--A person who commits a
violation shall be immediately suspended from
participation in any professional sports league without
pay for a minimum of 2 years.
(B) Second violation.--A person who commits a
violation, having once previously committed a
violation, shall be immediately permanently suspended
without pay from participation in any professional
sports league.
(2) Disclosure.--
(A) After notice.--Not later than 10 days after
receiving notice of a violation under this section, a
professional sports league shall publicly disclose the
name of the violator, the penalty imposed, and a
description of the violation, including any prohibited
substance or method involved.
(B) Adjudication proceedings.--The league shall
publicly disclose the results of any adjudication
proceedings required by paragraph (3) within 10 days of
notice of the termination of the proceedings.
(3) Adjudication.--
(A) In general.--A professional sports league
shall--
(i) provide a violator with prompt notice
and a prompt hearing and right to appeal; and
(ii) permit that violator to have counsel
or other representative for the proceedings.
(B) Violator suspended.--A violator subject to this
paragraph shall be suspended without pay from
participation in any professional sports league during
the proceedings.
(f) Records.--
(1) In general.--Each professional sports league shall
maintain all documentation and records pertaining to the
policies and procedures required by this section and make such
documentation and records available to the Commission upon
request.
(2) Privacy.--With regards to any information provided to
the Commission under this subsection, nothing in this Act shall
be construed to require disclosure to the public of health
information of an individual athlete that would not be subject
to disclosure under other applicable Federal laws.
SEC. 6. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices.--Except as provided in
subsection (b), this Act shall be enforced by the Commission as if a
violation of this Act or of any regulation promulgated by the
Commission under this Act were a violation of section 18 of the Federal
Trade Commission Act regarding unfair or deceptive acts or practices.
(b) Enhanced Civil Penalties.--In addition to the penalties
provided in subsection (a), the Commission may seek a civil penalty not
to exceed $1,000,000 for each day a professional sports league is in
violation of this Act.
(c) Promulgation of Regulations.--The Commission may promulgate
such regulations as necessary to enforce this Act as if the relevant
provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act were incorporated in
this Act.
(d) Delegation.--The Commission may delegate the administration of
this Act or any part of this Act to any appropriate agency of the
United States Government.
SEC. 7. RULES OF CONSTRUCTION.
(a) United States Anti-Doping Agency.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed to deem the United States Anti-Doping Agency an agent of or
an actor on behalf of the United States Government or impose any
requirements or place any limitations on the United States Anti-Doping
Agency.
(b) More Stringent Policies.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed to prohibit a professional sports league from adopting and
enforcing policies and procedures more stringent than the requirements
of this Act.
SEC. 8. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON COORDINATION WITH THE UNITED STATES ANTI-
DOPING AGENCY.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the United States Anti-Doping Agency is the Nation's
leading expert on testing for and research on performance-
enhancing substances and methods; and
(2) professional sports leagues should consult with and
follow the recommendations and standards of the Agency in
developing their testing policies and procedures.
SEC. 9. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON PROFESSIONAL SPORTS RECORDS.
It is the sense of Congress that the individual records of athletes
achieved while using performance-enhancing drugs should be invalidated.
SEC. 10. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON OTHER PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS.
It is the sense of Congress that all professional sports
organizations not covered by this Act should adopt testing policies
that meet the requirements of the Act. | Professional Sports Integrity and Accountability Act - Prohibits a professional sports league from any involvement in a professional sports event without adopting and enforcing a testing policy for performance-enhancing drugs.
Requires each such league to adopt policies and procedures that: (1) proscribe the use of prohibited substances and methods; (2) provide for random testing of each professional athlete at least three times a year; and (3) proscribe any person associated with the league from complicity in a violation by an athlete.
Prohibits all substances and methods prohibited by the United States Anti-Doping Agency Protocol for Olympic Movement Testing and any other appropriate substance or method as determined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Includes as a violations of the testing policy: (1) the presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites or markers; (2) refusing to submit to a test; (3) administering or attempting to administer a prohibited substance or method to any athlete; and (4) assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, covering up, or any other type of complicity involving a violation by a professional athlete.
Allows a league to provide an individual athlete with an exemption for a particular prohibited substance or method for a documented medical condition.
Sets the penalties for the first violation at a minimum of two years suspension, permanent suspension for any subsequent violation, and public disclosure of the name of the violator and substance involved.
Allows the FTC to seek civil penalties for violations of this Act.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the individual records of athletes achieved while using performance-enhancing drugs should be invalidated. | billsum_train |
Give a brief overview of the following text: SECTION 1. EQUAL USE OF INCOME WITHHOLDING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
BENEFITS.
(a) Disclosure of Wage Information to Persons Other Than the Title
IV-D Agency.--Section 303(e)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
503(e)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, or to any other
individual or person enforcing child support obligations,''
after ``enforcement agency''; and
(2) in the second sentence--
(A) by striking ``only''; and
(B) by inserting ``and which are being enforced by
an individual or person other than the State or local
child support enforcement agency'' before the period.
(b) Authority To Withhold in the Case of Non-Title IV-D
Enforcement.--Section 303(e)(2)(A) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 503(e)(2)(A)) is amended--
(1) in clause (i), by inserting ``and the identity and
location of the agency, individual, or person enforcing the
obligations, to the extent known'' before the comma;
(2) in clause (ii), by inserting ``or the individual or
person'' after ``agency'';
(3) in clause (iii)(III)--
(A) by striking ``462(e)'' and inserting
``459(i)(5)''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(4) in clause (iv), by striking the period and inserting
``or individual or person disclosed under clause (i); and'';
and
(5) in the matter following clause (iv)--
(A) by inserting ``or to the individual or person
disclosed under clause (i) through legal process (as
defined in section 459(i)(5))'' after ``agency''; and
(B) by striking ``his'' and inserting ``the
individual's''.
(c) Fees.--Section 303(e)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
503(e)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(D) The State agency charged with the administration of the State
law may require payment, not to exceed $5.00 per calendar month, for
the administrative costs incurred by the agency under this paragraph
for any child support obligations enforced pursuant to subparagraph (A)
which are attributable to child support obligations that are enforced
by an individual or person other than a State or local child support
enforcement agency.''.
SEC. 2. COMPREHENSIVE COORDINATION WITH OTHER ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS.
(a) Secretarial Responsibilities.--
(1) In general.--Section 452 of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 652), as amended by the Child Support Performance and
Incentive Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-200) is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(m) Coordination With Other Enforcement Activities.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall seek and promote, to
the extent consistent with this part, the enforcement of child
support obligations through activities conducted by a private
attorney or a public entity not providing services pursuant to
a State plan under this part in order to ensure the fullest
practicable utilization of available enforcement resources not
requiring Federal financial support.
``(2) Access to enforcement remedies and resources.--The
Secretary shall provide, to the maximum extent feasible and for
the sole purpose of establishing paternity and establishing,
modifying, and enforcing support obligations, access through
the State agency providing child support enforcement services
under this part to the following procedures, remedies, and
information to a State or local governmental enforcement agency
not providing enforcement services under a plan approved under
this part and to any private attorney that is registered with
the Secretary under this section, and without the requirement
of an application for services pursuant to section
454(4)(A)(ii) and subject to such reasonable fees as the
Secretary may prescribe:
``(A) The collection of past-due child support from
Federal income tax refunds pursuant to section 464,
subject to such regulations governing the time,
content, and form of requests for such collection as
are issued by the Secretary of the Treasury, and
approved by the Secretary.
``(B) The collection of overdue child support from
State income tax refunds pursuant to section 466(a)(3).
``(C) The denial, revocation, or limitation of
passports for overdue child support pursuant to section
452(k).
``(D) The reporting to consumer credit bureaus of
noncustodial parents who are delinquent in the payment
of child support and the amount of overdue support
pursuant to section 466(a)(7).
``(E) Financial institution data matches and the
enforcement of past-due support pursuant to section
466(a)(17).
``(F) In addition to all information authorized to
be disclosed to an authorized person under section
453(a)(2), pertinent case information, including
information comparisons under section 453(j),
maintained in components of the Federal Parent Locator
Service under section 453 and information reported by
employers pursuant to section 453A(b), subject to
section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to the confidentiality of Federal income tax
returns and return information) and other Federal
requirements applicable to the confidentiality of
information and the protection of privacy rights.
``(3) Registration with the secretary of a public
enforcement agency or a private attorney.--
``(A) In general.--For the purposes of this
subsection, the Secretary shall develop a form and
procedures, including the charging of a reasonable fee,
for the registration of a public child support
enforcement agency not providing services under this
part or of a private attorney. The form established
under this subparagraph shall require--
``(i) the disclosure of the legal name and
address of the public agency or of the law
offices of the attorney or other entity for
which the attorney provides legal services,
that provides enforcement of child support
obligations;
``(ii) the length of time the public agency
or the attorney or the entity for which the
attorney provides legal services in the
enforcement of child support, has provided such
enforcement services;
``(iii) the nature of the child support
enforcement services provided by the public
agency or by the attorney or entity for which
the attorney provides legal services in the
enforcement of child support;
``(iv) the amount of fees and other costs
charged a client for such services; and
``(v) evidence of any bond or other
assurance of client funds security.
``(B) Registration numbers.--Upon receiving a
completed and sworn registration form under this
paragraph, the Secretary shall assign a registration
number to the registering agency or attorney. The
Secretary shall provide registration information,
including the assigned registration number for a public
agency or private attorney, to each State agency
operating an enforcement program under an approved plan
under this part and, upon request and payment of a
reasonable fee, to any other entity or individual.
``(4) Penalties.--In addition to any other penalties
provided under Federal or State law, with respect to any public
agency or private attorney registered with the Secretary under
this subsection that knowingly and intentionally uses for
purposes other than establishing paternity, or establishing,
modifying, or enforcing child support obligations any
information made available under this subsection to such agency
or attorney, the Secretary may impose either or both of the
following penalties:
``(A) An administrative fine not to exceed $1,000.
``(B) The revocation of the agency's or the
attorney's registration under this subsection, with
appropriate notice to State enforcement agencies
providing services under this part and to disciplinary
bodies of the State in which the attorney is licensed
to practice law.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 453(c)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
653(c)(1)) is amended by inserting ``and any agent or attorney
of any public child support enforcement agency not providing services
under a plan approved under this part or of a private attorney
registered with the Secretary pursuant to section 452(l)'' before the
semicolon.
(2) Section 453(j) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 653(j)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Release of information.--The Secretary shall share
pertinent information maintained in each component of the
Federal Parent Locator Service under this section and
information reported by employers pursuant to section 453A(b)
on any case or order with a public enforcement agency not
providing services under this part or with a private attorney
that is registered with the Secretary under section 452(l) and
that has submitted a request for such information through a
State agency providing services under this part in a manner
prescribed by the Secretary, subject to section 6103 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to the confidentiality
of Federal income tax returns and return information) and other
Federal requirements applicable to the confidentiality of
information and the protection of privacy rights.''.
(3) Section 453A(h)(1) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 653(h)(1)) is amended by inserting ``or, upon payment of
a reasonable fee not to exceed actual administrative costs, to
any person or entity authorized to receive such information
under section 452(l)(2)(F)'' before the period.
SEC. 3. EXPEDITIOUS PAYMENT OF SUPPORT COLLECTIONS.
(a) State Plan Requirements.--Section 454(11) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 654(11)) is amended in subparagraph (B) by
inserting ``at the address (including a financial institution for
electronic transfer or direct deposit of funds) and in care of the
individual or entity last specified for receipt of such payment by any
individual legally able to so specify'' before the semicolon.
(b) State Law Requirements.--Section 466(a) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 666(a)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (19) the
following:
``(20) Payment of support collections.--Procedures under
which any payment of child support due a family which is
received by an instrumentality of or a political subdivision of
the State, or by an entity acting under authority of such an
instrumentality or political subdivision, shall be paid on
behalf of the individual entitled to such support at the
address (including a financial institution for electronic
transfer or direct deposit of funds) and in care of the
individual or entity last specified for receipt of such payment
by any individual legally able to so specify, without regard to
whether the child support obligation is being enforced under a
State plan approved under this part.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 454B of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 654B) is amended by adding the following:
``(e) Redirection of Disbursements.--The State disbursement unit
shall redirect and forward any portion due a family of a support
payment to any address (including a financial institution for the
electronic transfer or direct deposit of funds) and in care of any
person or entity last specified for receipt of such payment by any
individual legally able to so specify on behalf of the person entitled
to such support.''. | Amends title III (Unemployment Insurance) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to set as a prerequisite to certification for Federal payments that the State agency charged with administration of State law: (1) disclose the wage information contained in its records upon the request of any child support enforcement entity; and (2) require each new applicant for unemployment compensation to disclose the identity and location of the entity enforcing such applicant's child support obligations. Authorizes such State agency to require payments for its administrative costs incurred for child support obligations enforced by an entity other than a state or local child support enforcement agency.
(Sec. 2) Amends SSA title IV part D (title IV-D) (Child Support and Establishment of Paternity) to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) promote enforcement of child support obligations through activities conducted by either a private attorney or a public entity not providing services under a title IV-D plan; (2) provide access to specified enforcement remedies and resources to a State or local governmental enforcement agency not providing title IV-D enforcement services (including certain registered private attorneys); and (3) develop registration procedures for non-title IV-D public child support enforcement agencies, and for private attorneys.
(Sec. 3) Requires State plans for child and spousal support to prescribe procedures for electronic transfer or direct deposit of funds at the financial institution of the individual entitled to receive payment of child support collections or the individual's designee, without regard to whether the child support obligation is being enforced under a title IV-D plan. | billsum_train |
Give a brief overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Copper Valley Native Allotment
Resolution Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Association.--The term ``Association'' means the Copper
Valley Electric Association.
(2) Native allotment.--
(A) In general.--The term ``Native allotment''
means--
(i) each of the following allotments issued
under the Act of May 17, 1906 (34 Stat. 197,
chapter 2469)--
(I) A-031653;
(II) A-043380;
(III) A-046337;
(IV) AA-5896;
(V) AA-6014, Parcel B;
(VI) AA-6034;
(VII) AA-7059;
(VIII) AA-7242, Parcel B;
(IX) AA-7336;
(X) AA-7552;
(XI) AA-7553;
(XII) AA-7554;
(XIII) AA-7600;
(XIV) AA-8032; and
(ii) any allotment for which a patent or
Certificate of Allotment has been issued under
the Act of May 17, 1906 (34 Stat. 197, chapter
2469) across which the Association maintains an
electric transmission line on the date of
enactment of this Act.
(B) Exclusions.--The term ``Native allotment'' does
not include any allotment to which the Secretary has
approved the grant of a right of way or issued a patent
or Certificate of Allotment that is subject to a right
of way held by the Association.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Alaska.
SEC. 3. ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINE RIGHTS-OF-WAY.
(a) In General.--There is granted to the Association rights-of-way
across the Native allotments for an electric transmission line owned by
the Association.
(b) Width.--After considering any information provided by the
Association, allottee, or any other source that the Secretary
determines to be relevant, the Secretary shall determine an accurate
legal description of the rights-of-way, the nature of the rights
granted, and the widths of the rights-of-way granted by subsection (a).
(c) Ratification of Existing Rights-of-Ways.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), any
electric transmission right-of-way or conveyance within a
federally granted highway easement granted by the State to the
Association before the date of enactment of this Act is
ratified.
(2) Certain agreements.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Act, this Act does not apply to land owned by
Ahtna, Inc. and any prior or current right-of-way agreements
that may exist between Ahtna, Inc. and the Copper Valley
Electric Association or the State.
(d) Compensation.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
(A) appraise the value of the rights-of-way granted
under subsection (a);
(B) pay to any owner of a Native allotment or, if
the owner is deceased, the estate or assign of the
owner, compensation for the grant of a right-of-way
over the Native allotment in an amount determined under
paragraph (2);
(C) issue recordable instruments that indicate the
location of the rights-of-way over the Native
allotments;
(D) provide written notice of the compensation
procedure for the rights-of-way to--
(i) the owner of record for each Native
allotment; or
(ii) if the owner of record is deceased,
the heir or assign of the owner of record; and
(E) publish in the Federal Register and any
newspaper of general circulation within the service
area of the Association and location of the relevant
allotment--
(i) notice of the compensation procedure
established by this subsection; and
(ii) with respect to a Native allotment
described in section 2(2)(A)(ii), the location
of the right-of-way, as prepared by the
Association and provided to the Secretary, in
accordance with any requirements established by
the Secretary.
(2) Calculation of payments.--
(A) In general.--For purposes of calculating the
amount of compensation required under paragraph (1)(B),
the Secretary shall determine, with respect to a
portion of a Native allotment encumbered by a right-of-
way--
(i) compensation for each right-of-way
based on an appraisal conducted in conformity
with the version of the Uniform Appraisal
Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions that is
correct as of the date of the compensation
proceeding; and
(ii) interest calculated based on the
section 3116 of title 40, United States Code.
(B) Date of valuation.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), the date of valuation of the
acquisition by the Association of each right-of-way
shall be considered to be the date on which the
Association first entered upon the Native allotment at
issue to develop the utility line of the Association,
as determined by the Secretary.
(3) Source of compensation payments.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law, any compensation payments required by
this subsection shall be paid on a nonreimbursable basis from
the permanent judgment appropriation under section 1304 of
title 31, United States Code.
(4) Judicial review.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, judicial review under this subsection shall be limited
to a review of the determination of the Secretary under
paragraph (2) regarding the compensation for a right-of-way
over a Native allotment.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this Act. | Copper Valley Native Allotment Resolution Act of 2006 - Grants rights-of-way across specified Native allotments to the Copper Valley Electric Association for an electric transmission line.
Declares ratified any electric transmission right-of-way or conveyance within a federally granted highway easement granted by the state of Alaska to the Association before the enactment of this Act.
Declares this Act inapplicable to land owned by Ahtna, Inc. and any prior or current right-of-way agreements that may exist between Ahtna, Inc. and the Copper Valley Electric Association or Alaska.
Prescribes compensation guidelines. | billsum_train |
Change the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Presidential Debate Reform Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE COMMISSION.
Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
431 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``presidential debate commission
``Sec. 323. (a) Establishment.--Not later than 6 months before the
date of each general election for the offices of President and Vice
President of the United States (beginning with the general election
held in 2000), the President shall appoint a Presidential Debate
Commission (hereafter in this section referred to as the `Commission')
in accordance with this section with respect to such election.
``(b) Membership.--
``(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 3
members appointed by the President as follows:
``(A) 1 member shall be from among a list of
nominees submitted by the chair of the Republican
National Committee.
``(B) 1 member shall be from among a list of
nominees submitted by the chair of the Democratic
National Committee.
``(C) 1 member (who shall not be a member of the
Republican or Democratic Parties) shall be from among a
list of nominees submitted jointly by the chairs of the
Republican National Committee and the Democratic
National Committee.
``(2) Qualifications.--Members of the Commission may be
from the public or private sector, and may include Federal,
State, or local officers or employees, members of academia,
nonprofit organizations, or other interested individuals.
``(3) Vacancies.--Any vacancy shall be filled in the same
manner as the original appointment not later than 10 days after
the vacancy occurs.
``(4) Compensation.--Members of the Commission shall
receive no compensation for service on the Commission, but
shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies
under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States
Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business
in the performance of service for the Commission.
``(c) Powers; Meetings.--Except as provided in subsection (d),
decisions made by the Commission shall be made by unanimous consent of
the commissioners. The Commission shall meet at a time and a site
agreed upon by each of the members.
``(d) Staff.--
``(1) Executive director.--With the approval of the
majority of the Commission's members and without regard to the
provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing
appointments in the competitive service, the Commission shall
appoint an executive director, who shall be paid at a rate not
to exceed the rate of basic pay payable for level V of the
Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States
Code.
``(2) Other personnel.--With the approval of the majority
of the Commission's members, the Commission may appoint a
secretarial assistant and such other staff as the Commission
considers appropriate, without regard to the provisions of
title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the
competitive service and without regard to the provisions of
chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of that title
relating to classifications and General Schedule pay rates,
except that the rate of pay for any such personnel may not
exceed 75 percent of the rate of pay for the Executive
Director.
``(3) Temporary and intermittent services.--The Commission
may procure temporary and intermittent services to the same
extent as is authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5, United
States Code.
``(e) Duties.--It shall be the duty of the Commission to establish
a schedule of debates in accordance with subsection (f) as follows:
``(1) One preliminary debate.
``(2) Not more than 2 Vice Presidential debates.
``(3) Not less than 2 or more than 4 Presidential debates.
``(f) Debates Described.--
``(1) Preliminary debates.--A preliminary debate shall take
place no sooner than 90 days and no later than 60 days before a
Presidential election. The time and place of the preliminary
debate shall be announced by the Commission no later than 14
days before the scheduled preliminary debate. A preliminary
debate shall involve any person who has declared himself a
candidate for the position of President of the United States
who is either on the ballot in all 50 States or is the choice
of 5 percent of likely voters to be President of the United
States, as determined by the Commission. Factors to be taken
into account include nationally recognized polling data. The
format shall be decided by the Commission. The attendance by
any candidate at the preliminary debate is optional.
``(2) Vice presidential debates.--Vice Presidential debates
shall take place at least 7 days following the preliminary
debate. The time and date of all Vice Presidential debates
shall be announced no later than 14 days prior to the first
Vice Presidential debate. All Vice Presidential debates shall
involve persons who are the Vice Presidential candidates to
qualified Presidential candidates described in paragraph (4).
The format of debates shall be decided by the Commission.
``(3) Presidential debates.--Presidential debates shall
take place no sooner than 7 days following the preliminary
debate. The time and date of all qualified debates shall be
announced no later than 21 days prior to the first scheduled
qualified debate. The format of debates shall be decided by the
Commission, with at least 1 being of the single moderator
format. Presidential debates shall involve persons who are
qualified Presidential candidates described in paragraph (4).
``(4) Qualified presidential candidate defined.--In this
subsection, a `qualified Presidential candidate' is a candidate
for President of the United States who is the choice of not
less than 5 percent of likely voters, to be determined by the
Commission taking into account only the polling data collected
no sooner than 1 day after the conclusion of the preliminary
debate.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to each Commission appointed under this section such sums
as may be necessary to carry out its activities with respect to the
election involved.
``(h) Termination.--Each Commission appointed under this section
shall terminate on the date following the day of the election for which
the Commission was appointed.''.
SEC. 3. REDUCTION IN AMOUNT OF FEDERAL PAYMENTS FOR PARTY CONVENTIONS
OF PARTIES NOT PARTICIPATING IN COMMISSION DEBATES.
Section 9008 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(i) Reduction in Payments for Parties Not Participating in
Debates Certified by Presidential Debate Commission.--
``(1) In general.--If the nominee for President of the
United States or Vice President of the United States of a party
receiving payments under this section does not certify to the
Commission that the nominee will participate in all applicable
debates scheduled by the Presidential Debate Commission
pursuant to section 323 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of
1971 with respect to a general election (other than a
preliminary debate described in section 323(f)(1) of such Act),
the amount of the payment to which the party is otherwise
entitled under this section for the nominating convention for
the following general election shall be reduced by the
percentage described in paragraph (2).
``(2) Reduction percentage described.--The percentage
described in this paragraph with respect to a party is the
amount (expressed as a percentage) equal to--
``(A) the number of Presidential and Vice
Presidential debates scheduled by the Presidential
Debate Commission with respect to an election that the
party's nominee did not attend; divided by
``(B) the total number of such debates scheduled by
the Commission with respect to the election.''. | Presidential Debate Reform Act - Amends the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 to direct the President to establish a Presidential Debate Commission (Commission) six months before each general election for the offices of President and Vice President beginning with the general election in 2000. Directs the Commission to establish: (1) one preliminary debate; (2) not more than two vice presidential debates; and (3) not fewer than two nor more than four presidential debates.
Authorizes appropriations.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce the amount of Federal payments for a party's nominating convention for the following general election if the party's nominee for President or Vice President does not certify to the Commission that the nominee will participate in all applicable Commission debates (other than a preliminary debate). | billsum_train |
Make a brief summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Clean Water Infrastructure Financing
Act of 1999''.
SEC. 2. GENERAL AUTHORITY FOR CAPITALIZATION GRANTS.
Section 601(a) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33
U.S.C. 1381(a)) is amended by striking ``(1) for construction'' and all
that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``to
accomplish the purposes of this Act.''.
SEC. 3. CAPITALIZATION GRANTS AGREEMENTS.
(a) Requirements for Construction of Treatment Works.--Section
602(b)(6) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C.
1382(b)(6)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``before fiscal year 1995''; and
(2) by striking ``201(b)'' and all that follows through
``218,'' and inserting ``211,''.
(b) Guidance for Small Systems.--Section 602 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1382) is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(c) Guidance for Small Systems.--
``(1) Simplified procedures.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this subsection, the Administrator
shall assist the States in establishing simplified procedures
for small systems to obtain assistance under this title.
``(2) Publication of manual.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of enactment of this subsection, and after providing
notice and opportunity for public comment, the Administrator
shall publish a manual to assist small systems in obtaining
assistance under this title and publish in the Federal Register
notice of the availability of the manual.
``(3) Definition of small system.--In this title, the term
`small system' means a system for which a municipality or
intermunicipal, interstate, or State agency seeks assistance
under this title and that serves a population of 20,000 or
fewer inhabitants.''.
SEC. 4. WATER POLLUTION CONTROL REVOLVING FUNDS.
(a) Activities Eligible for Assistance.--Section 603 of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383) is amended by striking
subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Activities Eligible for Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The water pollution control revolving
fund of a State shall be used only for providing financial
assistance for activities that have, as a principal benefit,
the improvement or protection of the water quality of navigable
waters to a municipality, intermunicipal, interstate, or State
agency, or other person, including activities such as--
``(A) construction of a publicly owned treatment
works;
``(B) implementation of lake protection programs
and projects under section 314;
``(C) implementation of a nonpoint source
management program under section 319;
``(D) implementation of a estuary conservation and
management plan under section 320;
``(E) restoration or protection of publicly or
privately owned riparian areas, including acquisition
of property rights;
``(F) implementation of measures to improve the
efficiency of public water use;
``(G) development and implementation of plans by a
public recipient to prevent water pollution; and
``(H) acquisition of land necessary to meet any
mitigation requirements related to construction of a
publicly owned treatment works.
``(2) Fund amounts.--
``(A) Repayments.--The water pollution control
revolving fund of a State shall be established,
maintained, and credited with repayments.
``(B) Availability.--The balance in the fund shall
be available in perpetuity for providing financial
assistance described in paragraph (1).
``(C) Fees.--Fees charged by a State to recipients
of the assistance may be deposited in the fund and may
be used only to pay the cost of administering this
title.''.
(b) Extended Repayment Period for Disadvantaged Communities.--
Section 603(d)(1) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C.
1383(d)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting after ``20 years''
the following: ``or, in the case of a disadvantaged community,
the lesser of 40 years or the expected life of the project to
be financed with the proceeds of the loan''; and
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``not later than 20
years after project completion'' and inserting ``on the
expiration of the term of the loan''.
(c) Loan Guarantees for Innovative Technology.--Section 603(d) of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383(d)) is amended
by striking paragraph (5) and inserting the following:
``(5) to provide loan guarantees for--
``(A) similar revolving funds established by
municipalities or intermunicipal agencies; and
``(B) developing and implementing innovative
technologies;''.
(d) Administrative Expenses.--Section 603(d)(7) of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383(d)(7)) is amended by
inserting before the period at the end the following: ``or the greater
of $400,000 per year or an amount equal to \1/2\ percent per year of
the current valuation of the fund, plus the amount of any fees
collected by the State under subsection (c)(2)(C)''.
(e) Technical and Planning Assistance for Small Systems.--Section
603(d) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383(d))
is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) to provide to small systems technical and planning
assistance and assistance in financial management, user fee
analysis, budgeting, capital improvement planning, facility
operation and maintenance, repair schedules, and other
activities to improve wastewater treatment plant operations,
except that the amounts used under this paragraph for a fiscal
year shall not exceed 2 percent of all grants provided to the
fund for the fiscal year under this title.''.
(f) Consistency With Planning Requirements.--Section 603(f) of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383(f)) is amended by
striking ``is consistent'' and inserting ``is not inconsistent''.
(g) Construction Assistance.--Section 603 of the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383) is amended by striking
subsection (g) and inserting the following:
``(g) Construction Assistance.--
``(1) Priority list requirement.--The State may provide
financial assistance from the water pollution control revolving
fund of the State for a project for construction of a publicly
owned treatment works only if the project is on the priority
list of the State under section 216, without regard to the rank
of the project on the list.
``(2) Eligibility of certain treatment works.--A treatment
works shall be treated as a publicly owned treatment works for
purposes of subsection (c) if the treatment works, without
regard to ownership, would be considered a publicly owned
treatment works and is principally treating municipal waste
water or domestic sewage.''.
(h) Interest Rates.--Section 603 of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1383) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(i) Interest Rates.--
``(1) In general.--In any case in which a State makes a
loan under subsection (d)(1) to a disadvantaged community, the
State may charge a negative interest rate of not to exceed 2
percent to reduce the unpaid principal of the loan.
``(2) Limitation.--The aggregate amount of all negative
interest rate loans the State makes for a fiscal year under
paragraph (1) shall not exceed 20 percent of the aggregate
amount of all loans made by the State from the water pollution
control revolving fund for the fiscal year.
``(j) Definition of Disadvantaged Community.--In this section, the
term `disadvantaged community' means the service area of a publicly
owned treatment works with respect to which the average annual
residential sewage treatment charges for a user of the treatment works
meet affordability criteria established by the State in which the
treatment works is located (after providing for public review and
comment) in accordance with guidelines established by the Administrator
in cooperation with the States.''.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 607 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C.
1387) is amended by striking ``the following sums:'' and all that
follows through the period at the end of paragraph (5) and inserting
``$3,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through 2005.''. | Removes certain requirements for States with respect to construction of treatment works under capitalization grant agreements.
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to assist States in establishing simplified procedures for small water systems to obtain assistance under the Act.
Requires revolving funds to be used only for providing assistance for activities that have as a principal benefit the improvement or protection of water quality of navigable waters. Adds activities to the list of those which may be assisted.
Provides for a repayment period of the lesser of 40 years or the expected life of the project to be financed with loan proceeds with respect to loans made to disadvantaged communities from revolving funds. Requires loans made from such funds to be fully amortized upon the expiration of the loan term (currently, no later than 20 years after project completion). Requires such funds to provide: (1) loan guarantees for developing and implementing innovative technologies; and (2) technical, planning, and other specified assistance to small systems.
Treats a treatment works as a publicly owned treatment works, for purposes of eligibility for construction assistance from a revolving fund, if the treatment works, without regard to ownership, would be considered a publicly owned treatment works and is principally treating municipal waste water or domestic sewage.
Provides for negative interest rates of up to two percent to reduce the unpaid principal on loans from revolving funds made to disadvantaged communities.
Reauthorizes appropriations for FY 2001 through 2005 for the revolving fund program. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Land Transaction
Facilitation Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) the Bureau of Land Management has authority under the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701
et seq.) to sell land identified for disposal under its land
use planning;
(2) the Bureau of Land Management has authority under that
Act to exchange Federal land for non-Federal land if the
exchange would be in the public interest;
(3) through land use planning under that Act, the Bureau of
Land Management has identified certain tracts of public land
for disposal;
(4) the land management agencies of the Department of the
Interior have authority under existing law to acquire land
consistent with land use plans and the mission of each agency;
(5) the sale or exchange of land identified for disposal
and the acquisition of certain non-Federal land from willing
landowners would--
(A) allow for the reconfiguration of land ownership
patterns to better facilitate resource management;
(B) contribute to administrative efficiency within
Federal land management units; and
(C) allow for increased effectiveness of the
allocation of fiscal and human resources within the
Federal land management agencies;
(6) a more expeditious process for disposal and acquisition
of land, established to facilitate a more effective
configuration of land ownership patterns, would benefit the
public interest;
(7) many private individuals own land within the boundaries
of Federal land management units and desire to sell the land to
the Federal Government;
(8) such land lies within national parks, national
monuments, national wildlife refuges, and other areas
designated for special management;
(9) Federal land management agencies are facing increased
workloads from rapidly growing public demand for the use of
public land, making it difficult for Federal managers to
address problems created by the existence of inholdings in many
areas;
(10) in many cases, inholders and the Federal Government
would mutually benefit from Federal acquisition of the land on
a priority basis;
(11) proceeds generated from the disposal of public land
may be properly dedicated to the acquisition of inholdings and
other land that will improve the resource management ability of
the Bureau of Land Management and adjoining landowners;
(12) using proceeds generated from the disposal of public
land to purchase inholdings and other such land from willing
sellers would enhance the ability of the Federal land
management agencies to--
(A) work cooperatively with private landowners and
State and local governments; and
(B) promote consolidation of the ownership of
public and private land in a manner that would allow
for better overall resource management;
(13) in certain locations, the sale of public land that has
been identified for disposal is the best way for the public to
receive fair market value for the land; and
(14) to allow for the least disruption of existing land and
resource management programs, the Bureau of Land Management may
use non-Federal entities to prepare appraisal documents for
agency review and approval consistent with applicable
provisions of the Uniform Standards for Federal Land
Acquisition.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Exceptional resource.--The term ``exceptional
resource'' means a resource of scientific, historic, cultural,
or recreational value that has been documented by a Federal,
State, or local governmental authority, and for which
extraordinary conservation and protection is required to
maintain the resource for the benefit of the public.
(2) Federally designated area.--The term ``Federally
designated area'' means land administered by the Secretary in
Alaska and the eleven contiguous Western States (as defined in
section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of
1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702)) that on the date of enactment of this
Act was within the boundary of--
(A) a national monument, area of critical
environmental concern, national conservation area,
national riparian conservation area, national
recreation area, national scenic area, research natural
area, national outstanding natural area, or a national
natural landmark managed by the Bureau of Land
Management;
(B) a unit of the National Park System;
(C) a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System;
or
(D) a wilderness area designated under the
Wilderness Act (16 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.), the Wild and
Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.), or the
National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.).
(3) Inholding.--The term ``inholding'' means any right,
title, or interest, held by a non-Federal entity, in or to a
tract of land that lies within the boundary of a federally
designated area.
(4) Public land.--The term ``public land'' means public
lands (as defined in section 103 of the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702)).
(5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 4. IDENTIFICATION OF INHOLDINGS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a procedure to--
(1) identify, by State, inholdings within federally
designated areas for which the landowner has indicated a desire
to sell the land or an interest in land to the Federal
Government; and
(2) establish the date on which the land or interest in
land identified became an inholding.
(b) Notice of Policy.--The Secretary shall provide, in the Federal
Register and through such other means as the Secretary may determine to
be appropriate, periodic notice to the public of the policy under
subsection (a), including any information required by the Secretary to
consider an inholding for acquisition under section 6.
(c) Identification.--An inholding--
(1) shall be considered for identification under this
section only if the Secretary receives notification of a desire
to sell from the landowner in response to public notice given
under subsection (b); and
(2) shall be deemed to have been established as of the
later of--
(A) the earlier of--
(i) the date on which the land was
withdrawn from the public domain; or
(ii) the date on which the land was
established or designated for special
management; or
(B) the date on which the inholding was acquired by
the current owner.
(d) Application to the Secretary of Agriculture.--If funds become
available under section 6(c)(2)(E)--
(1) this section shall apply to the Secretary of
Agriculture; and
(2) private land within an area described in that section
shall be deemed to be an inholding for the purposes of this
Act.
(e) No Obligation To Convey or Acquire.--The identification of an
inholding under this section creates no obligation on the part of a
landowner to convey the inholding or any obligation on the part of the
United States to acquire the inholding.
SEC. 5. DISPOSAL OF PUBLIC LAND.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program, using
funds made available under section 6, to complete appraisals and
satisfy other legal requirements for the sale or exchange of public
land identified for disposal under approved land use plans (as in
effect on the date of enactment of this Act) under section 202 of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1712).
(b) Sale of Public Land.--
(1) In general.--The sale of public land so identified
shall be conducted in accordance with sections 203 and 209 of
the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C.
1713, 1719).
(2) Exceptions to competitive bidding requirements.--The
exceptions to competitive bidding requirements under section
203(f) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976
(43 U.S.C. 1713(f)) shall apply to this section in cases in
which the Secretary determines it to be necessary.
(c) Report in Public Land Statistics.--The Secretary shall provide
in the annual publication of Public Land Statistics, a report of
activities under this section.
(d) Termination of Authority.--The authority provided under this
section shall terminate 10 years after the date of enactment of this
Act.
SEC. 6. FEDERAL LAND DISPOSAL ACCOUNT.
(a) Deposit of Proceeds.--Notwithstanding any other law (except a
law that specifically provides for a proportion of the proceeds to be
distributed to any trust funds of any States), the gross proceeds of
the sale or exchange of public land under this Act shall be deposited
in a separate account in the Treasury of the United States to be known
as the ``Federal Land Disposal Account''.
(b) Availability.--Amounts in the Federal Land Disposal Account
shall be available to the Secretary, without further Act of
appropriation, to carry out this Act.
(c) Use of the Federal Land Disposal Account.--
(1) In general.--Funds in the Federal Land Disposal Account
shall be expended in accordance with this subsection.
(2) Fund allocation.--
(A) Purchase of land.--Except as authorized under
subparagraph (C), funds shall be used to purchase--
(i) inholdings; and
(ii) land adjacent to federally designated
areas that contains exceptional resources.
(B) Inholdings.--Not less than 80 percent of the
funds allocated for the purchase of land within each
State shall be used to acquire--
(i) inholdings identified under section 4;
and
(ii) National Forest System land as
authorized under subparagraph (E).
(C) Administrative and other expenses.--An amount
not to exceed 20 percent of the funds in the Federal
Land Disposal Account shall be used for administrative
and other expenses necessary to carry out the land
disposal program under section 5.
(D) Same state purchases.--Of the amounts not used
under subparagraph (C), not less than 80 percent shall
be expended within the State in which the funds were
generated. Any remaining funds may be expended in any
other State.
(E) Purchase of national forest system land.--
Beginning 5 years after the date of enactment of this
Act, if, for any fiscal year, the Secretary determines
that funds allocated for the acquisition of inholdings
under this section exceed the availability of
inholdings within a State, the Secretary may use the
excess funds to purchase land, on behalf of the
Secretary of Agriculture, within the boundaries of a
national recreation area, national scenic area,
national monument, national volcanic area, or any other
area designated for special management by an Act of
Congress within the National Forest System.
(3) Priority.--The Secretary may develop and use criteria
for priority of acquisition that are based on--
(A) the date on which land or interest in land
became an inholding;
(B) the existence of exceptional resources on the
land; and
(C) management efficiency.
(4) Basis of sale.--Any acquisition of land under this
section shall be--
(A) from a willing seller;
(B) contingent on the conveyance of title
acceptable to the Secretary (and the Secretary of
Agriculture, in the case of an acquisition of National
Forest System land) using title standards of the
Attorney General; and
(C) at not less than fair market value consistent
with applicable provisions of the Uniform Appraisal
Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions.
(d) Contaminated Sites and Sites Difficult and Uneconomic To
Manage.--Funds in the Federal Land Disposal Account shall not be used
to purchase land or an interest in land that, as determined by the
Secretary--
(1) contains a hazardous substances or is otherwise
contaminated; or
(2) because of the location or other characteristics of the
land, would be difficult or uneconomic to manage as Federal
land.
(e) Investment.--Amounts in the Federal Land Disposal Account shall
earn interest at a rate determined by the Secretary of the Treasury
based on the current average market yield on outstanding marketable
obligations of the United States of comparable maturities.
(f) Land and Water Conservation Fund Act.--Funds made available
under this section shall be supplemental to any funds appropriated
under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (16 U.S.C. 460l-4 et
seq.).
(g) Termination.--On termination of activities under section 5--
(1) the Federal Land Disposal Account shall be terminated;
and
(2) any remaining balance in the account shall become
available for appropriation under section 3 of the Land and
Water Conservation Fund Act (16 U.S.C.460l-6).
SEC. 7. SPECIAL PROVISIONS.
(a) In General.--Nothing in this Act provides an exemption from any
limitation on the acquisition of land or interest in land under any
Federal Law in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Other Law.--This Act shall not apply to land eligible for sale
under--
(1) Public Law 96-568 (commonly known as the ``Santini-
Burton Act'') (94 Stat. 3381); or
(2) the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act of 1998
(112 Stat. 2343).
(c) Exchanges.--Nothing in this Act precludes, preempts, or limits
the authority to exchange land under--
(1) the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43
U.S.C. 1701 et seq.); or
(2) the Federal Land Exchange Facilitation Act of 1988 (102
Stat. 1086) or the amendments made by that Act.
(d) No New Right or Benefit.--Nothing in this Act creates a right
or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity
by a party against the United States, its agencies, its officers, or
any other person. | Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) establish a procedure to identify, by State, inholdings within federally designated areas for which the landowner has indicated a desire to sell the land or an interest in land to the Federal Government and to establish the date upon which the land or interest in land identified became an inholding; and (2) provide in the Federal Register and through other means as deemed appropriate periodic notice to the public of such policy, including any information to consider an inholding for acquisition. Provides that an inholding shall be considered for identification only if the Secretary receives notification of a desire to sell from the owner in response to such a notice and shall be deemed to have been established as of the later of the earlier of the date on which the land was withdrawn from the public domain or established or designated for special management, or the date on which the inholding was acquired by the current owner.
Directs the Secretary to establish a program, using funds from a Federal Land Disposal Account of the Treasury established by this Act, to complete appraisals and satisfy other legal requirements for the sale or exchange of public land identified for disposal under approved land use plans. Sets forth reporting and program termination requirements.
Requires that gross proceeds generated by the sale or exchange of public land under this Act be deposited in the Federal Land Disposal Account.
Sets forth provisions regarding use of the Account, contaminated sites and sites difficult and uneconomic to manage, investment, and program termination. | billsum_train |
Condense the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``State Criminal Alien Assistance
Program II''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to assist States and units of local
governments by providing financial assistance for costs incurred by
such States and local governments for processing illegal immigrants
through their law enforcement and criminal justice systems.
SEC. 3. REIMBURSEMENT OF INDIRECT COSTS RELATING TO THE INCARCERATION
OF ILLEGAL ALIENS.
(a) In General.--Section 501 of the Immigration Reform and Control
Act of 1986 (8 U.S.C. 1365) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``a State for'' and all
that follows through ``State'' and inserting the following:
``each State and unit of local government for--
``(1) costs incurred by the State or unit of local
government for the imprisonment of any illegal alien who is
convicted of a felony by such State; and
``(2) indirect costs related to the imprisonment described
in paragraph (1).''; and
(2) by striking subsections (c) through (e) and inserting
the following:
``(c) Definitions.--As used in this section--
``(1) the term `indirect costs' includes costs relating
to--
``(A) court proceedings, attorneys for units of
local government, and detention of illegal aliens;
``(B) indigent defense;
``(C) State and local prosecution;
``(D) autopsies; and
``(E) translation and interpreter services; and
``(2) the term `State' has the meaning given such term in
section 1101(a)(36) of this title.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated $500,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2006 through
2009 to carry out subsection (a)(2).''.
(b) State Allocations.--
(1) Based on percentage of undocumented aliens.--
(A) In general.--From the amount appropriated for a
fiscal year pursuant to section 501(d) of the
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (8 U.S.C.
1365(d)), the Attorney General shall allocate
$333,000,000 for States and units of local government
in accordance with subparagraph (B).
(B) Formula.--The amount allocated under this
paragraph for each State (including units of local
government within such State) for a fiscal year shall
be equal to the product of--
(i) the total amount available to be
allocated under this paragraph for that fiscal
year; and
(ii) the percentage of undocumented aliens
residing in the State compared to the total
number of such aliens residing in all States,
as determined by the Statistics Division of the
Immigration and Naturalization Service, as of
January 2005, based on the 2000 decennial
census.
(2) Based on number of undocumented alien apprehension
states.--
(A) In general.--From the amount appropriated for a
fiscal year pursuant to such section 501(d), the
Attorney General shall allocate $167,000,000, in
addition to amounts allocated under paragraph (1), for
each of the 6 States with the highest number of
undocumented alien apprehensions for such fiscal year.
(B) Determination of allotments.--The amount
allocated under this paragraph for a fiscal year for
each State described in subparagraph (A) (including
units of local government within each such State) shall
be equal to the product of--
(i) the total amount available to be
allocated under this paragraph for the fiscal
year; and
(ii) the percentage of undocumented alien
apprehensions in the State in that fiscal year
compared to the total of such apprehensions for
all such States for the preceding fiscal year.
(C) Data.--For purposes of this paragraph, the
highest number of undocumented alien apprehensions for
a fiscal year shall be based on the apprehension rates
for the 4-consecutive-quarter period ending before the
beginning of the fiscal year for which information is
available for undocumented aliens in such States, as
reported by the Department of Homeland Security. | State Criminal Alien Assistance Program II - Amends the Immigration and Reform and Control Act of 1986 to provide for the reimbursement of State and local costs incurred for: (1) the imprisonment of any illegal alien who is convicted of a felony by such State; and (2) indirect costs including court proceedings, attorneys for local government, illegal alien detention, indigent defense, State and local prosecution, autopsies, and translation and interpreter services.
Obligates reimbursement funds. Allocates such amount based upon the percentage of undocumented aliens in a State compared to the total number of undocumented aliens in all States. Obligates additional funds for each of the six States with the highest number of apprehended undocumented aliens. | billsum_train |
Give a brief overview of the following text: SECTION 1. DEDUCTION DISALLOWED FOR CERTAIN TOBACCO COMPANY PAYMENTS.
(a) In General.--Section 162 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(defining trade or business expenses) is amended by redesignating
subsection (o) as subsection (p) and by inserting after subsection (n)
the following new subsection:
``(o) Certain Tobacco Company Payments Not Deductible.--
``(1) In general.--No deduction otherwise allowable shall
be allowed under this chapter for any amount paid or incurred
to the Federal Government or to any State or local government
pursuant to any applicable tobacco judgment or settlement.
``(2) Reporting of payments.--Any taxpayer to which
paragraph (1) applies for any taxable year shall include on its
return of tax imposed by this chapter for such taxable year the
total amount of payments for which a deduction is not allowed
and such other information as the Secretary may prescribe.
``(3) Applicable tobacco judgment or settlement.--For
purposes of this subsection, the term `applicable tobacco
judgment or settlement' means--
``(A) any judgment in any civil action seeking
damages in connection with the manufacture or sale of
any tobacco product; and
``(B) any settlement agreement arising out of any
such civil action, including the tobacco industry
settlement agreement of June 20, 1997 (and any
modification or successor thereof).
Such term shall include any law enacted to implement any
settlement described in subparagraph (B).''
(b) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to any payments made on or after November ____, 1997,
pursuant to any judgment entered, or settlement agreement
entered into, on or after such date.
(2) Special rule for settlement agreement.--In the case of
the tobacco industry settlement agreement of June 20, 1997,
such agreement shall be treated as entered into on the date of
the enactment of Federal legislation implementing the
agreement.
SEC. 2. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH TRUST FUND.
(a) In General.--Subchapter A of chapter 98 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to trust fund code) is amended by adding at the
end the following new section:
``SEC. 9512. NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH TRUST FUND FOR HEALTH
RESEARCH.
``(a) Creation of Trust Fund.--There is established in the Treasury
of the United States a trust fund to be known as the `National
Institutes of Health Trust Fund for Health Research' (hereafter
referred to in this section as the `Trust Fund'), consisting of such
amounts as may be appropriated or transferred to the Trust Fund as
provided in this section or section 9602(b).
``(b) Transfers to Trust Fund.--There is hereby appropriated to the
Trust Fund an amount equivalent to the net increase in revenues
received in the Treasury attributable to the application of section
162(o) as estimated by the Secretary.
``(c) Obligations From Trust Fund.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the provisions of paragraph
(4), with respect to the amounts made available in the Trust
Fund in a fiscal year, the Secretary of Health and Human
Services shall distribute during any fiscal year--
``(A) 2 percent of such amounts to the Office of
the Director of the National Institutes of Health to be
allocated at the Director's discretion--
``(i) for carrying out the responsibilities
of the Office of the Director, including the
Office of Research on Women's Health and the Office of Research on
Minority Health, the Office of Alternative Medicine, the Office of Rare
Disease Research, the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research
(for use for efforts to reduce tobacco use), the Office of Dietary
Supplements, and the Office for Disease Prevention; and
``(ii) for construction and acquisition of
equipment for or facilities of or used by the
National Institutes of Health;
``(B) 2 percent of such amounts for transfer to the
National Center for Research Resources to carry out
section 1502 of the National Institutes of Health
Revitalization Act of 1993 concerning Biomedical and
Behavioral Research Facilities; and
``(C) the remainder of such amounts to member
institutes and centers, including the Office of AIDS
Research, of the National Institutes of Health in the
same proportion to the total amount received under this
section, as the amount of annual appropriations under
appropriations Acts for each member institute and
Centers for the fiscal year bears to the total amount
of appropriations under appropriations Acts for all
member institutes and Centers of the National
Institutes of Health for the fiscal year.
``(2) Plans of allocation.--The amounts transferred under
paragraph (1)(C) shall be allocated by the Director of the
National Institutes of Health or the various directors of the
institutes and centers, as the case may be, pursuant to
allocation plans developed by the various advisory councils to
such directors, after consultation with such directors.
``(3) Grants and contracts fully funded in first year.--
With respect to any grant or contract funded by amounts
distributed under paragraph (1), the full amount of the total
obligation of such grant or contract shall be funded in the
first year of such grant or contract, and shall remain
available until expended.
``(4) Trigger and release of monies and phase-in.--
``(A) Trigger and release.--No expenditure shall be
made under paragraph (1) during any fiscal year in
which the annual amount appropriated for the National
Institutes of Health is less than the amount so
appropriated for the prior fiscal year.
``(B) Phase-in.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services shall phase in the distributions required
under paragraph (1) so that--
``(i) 25 percent of the amount in the Trust
Fund is distributed in the first fiscal year
for which funds are available;
``(ii) 50 percent of the amount in the
Trust Fund is distributed in the second fiscal
year for which funds are available;
``(iii) 75 percent of the amount in the
Trust Fund is distributed in the third fiscal
year for which funds are available; and
``(iv) 100 percent of the amount in the
Trust Fund is distributed in the fourth and
each succeeding fiscal year for which funds are
available.
``(d) Budget Treatment of Amounts in Trust Fund.--The amounts in
the Trust Fund shall be excluded from, and shall not be taken into
account, for purposes of any budget enforcement procedure under the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 or the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985.''
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for such
subchapter A is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 9512. National Institutes of Health Trust Fund for Health
Research.'' | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit a deduction for any amount paid to the Federal Government or State or local government pursuant to any tobacco judgment or settlement.
Establishes the National Institutes of Health Trust Fund for Health Research into which shall be deposited the net increase in revenues received attributable to the provisions of the preceding paragraph. | billsum_train |
Create a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Genetic Information
Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1995''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITION OF HEALTH INSURANCE DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF
GENETIC INFORMATION.
(a) In General.--An insurance provider may not deny or cancel
health insurance coverage, or vary the premiums, terms, or conditions
for health insurance coverage, for an individual or a family member of
an individual--
(1) on the basis of genetic information; or
(2) on the basis that the individual or family member of an
individual has requested or received genetic services.
(b) Limitation on Collection and Disclosure of Information.--
(1) In general.--An insurance provider may not request or
require an individual to whom the provider provides health
insurance coverage, or an individual who desires the provider
to provide health insurance coverage, to disclose to the
provider genetic information about the individual or family
member of the individual.
(2) Requirement of prior authorization.--An insurance
provider may not disclose genetic information about an
individual without the prior written authorization of the
individual or legal representative of the individual. Such
authorization is required for each disclosure and shall include
an identification of the person to whom the disclosure would be
made.
(c) Enforcement.--
(1) Plans other than employee health benefit plans.--The
requirements established under subsections (a) and (b) shall be
enforced by the State insurance commissioner for the State
involved or the official or officials designated by the State,
except that in no case shall a State enforce such requirements
as they relate to employee health benefit plans.
(2) Employee health benefit plans.--With respect to
employee health benefit plans, the Secretary shall enforce the
requirements established under subsections (a) and (b) in the
same manner as provided for under sections 502, 504, 506, and
510 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29
U.S.C. 1132, 1134, 1136, and 1140).
(3) Private right of action.--A person may bring a civil
action--
(A) to enjoin any act or practice which violates
subsection (a) or (b),
(B) to obtain other appropriate equitable relief
(i) to redress such violations, or (ii) to enforce any
such subsections, or
(C) to obtain other legal relief, including
monetary damages.
(4) Jurisdiction.--State courts of competent jurisdiction
and district courts of the United States have concurrent
jurisdiction of actions under this subsection. The district
courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction, without
respect to the amount in controversy or the citizenship of the
parties, to grant the relief provided for in paragraph (3) in
any action.
(5) Venue.--For purposes of this subsection the venue
provisions of section 1391 of title 28, United States Code,
shall apply.
(6) Regulations.--The Secretary may promulgate such
regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out
this section.
(d) Applicability.--
(1) Preemption of state law.--A State may establish or
enforce requirements for insurance providers or health
insurance coverage with respect to the subject matter of this
section, but only if such requirements are more restrictive
than the requirements established under subsections (a) and (b).
(2) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to affect or modify the provisions of section 514 of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C.
1144).
(3) Continuation.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as requiring a group health plan or an employee
health benefit plan to provide benefits to a particular
participant or beneficiary.
(e) Definitions.--For purposes of this Act:
(1) Employee health benefit plan.--The term ``employee
health benefit plan'' means any employee welfare benefit plan,
governmental plan, or church plan (as defined under paragraphs
(1), (32), and (33) of section 3 of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1002)) that provides or
pays for health insurance coverage (such as provider and
hospital benefits) whether--
(A) directly;
(B) through a group health plan; or
(C) otherwise.
(2) Family member.--The term ``family member'' means, with
respect to an individual, another individual related by blood
to that individual.
(3) Genetic information.--The term ``genetic information''
means information about genes, gene products, or inherited
characteristics.
(4) Genetic services.--The term ``genetic services'' means
health services to obtain, assess, and interpret genetic
information for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and for
genetic education and counselling.
(5) Group health plan.--The term ``group health plan'' has
the meaning given such term in section 607 of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1167), and
includes a multiple employer welfare arrangement (as defined in
section 3(40) of such Act) that provides health insurance
coverage.
(6) Health insurance coverage.--The term ``health insurance
coverage'' means a contractual arrangement for the provision of
a payment for health care, including--
(A) a group health plan; and
(B) any other health insurance arrangement,
including any arrangement consisting of a hospital or
medical expense incurred policy or certificate,
hospital or medical service plan contract, or health
maintenance organization subscriber contract.
(7) Individual health plan.--The term ``individual health
plan'' means any health insurance coverage offered to
individuals that is not a group health plan.
(8) Insurance provider.--The term ``insurance provider''
means an insurer or other entity providing health insurance
coverage.
(9) Person.--The term ``person'' includes corporations,
companies, associations, firms, partnerships, societies, and
joint stock companies, as well as individuals.
(10) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Labor.
(11) State.--The term ``State'' means any of the 50 States,
the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam.
(f) Technical Amendment.--Section 508 of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1138) is amended by inserting
``and under the Genetic Insurance Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance
Act of 1995'' before the period.
(g) Effective Date.--This section shall apply to health insurance
coverage offered or renewed on or after the end of the 90-day period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act. | Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act of 1995 - Prohibits insurance providers from: (1) denying or canceling health insurance coverage or varying the premiums, terms, or conditions of coverage on the basis of genetic information or on the basis that the individual or family involved has requested or received genetic services; (2) requesting or requiring insured individuals or applicants to disclose genetic information; or (3) disclosing genetic information without prior written authorization.
Provides for enforcement by the Secretary of Labor regarding employee health benefit plans and by State insurance commissioners in other cases. Allows a private right of action. Allows a State to establish or enforce requirements only if they are more restrictive than this Act. | billsum_train |
Give a brief overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Domestic Offshore Energy Security
Act of 2008'' or the ``DOES Act''.
SEC. 2. DEVELOPMENT AND INVENTORY OF CERTAIN OUTER CONTINENTAL SHELF
RESOURCES.
(a) Definition of United States Person.--In this section, the term
``United States person'' means--
(1) any United States citizen or alien lawfully admitted
for permanent residence in the United States; and
(2) any person other than an individual, if 1 or more
individuals described in paragraph (1) own or control at least
51 percent of the securities or other equity interest in the
person.
(b) Authorization of Activities and Exports Involving Hydrocarbon
Resources by United States Persons.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law (including a regulation), United States persons
(including agents and affiliates of those United States persons) may--
(1) engage in any transaction necessary for the exploration
for and extraction of hydrocarbon resources from any portion of
any foreign exclusive economic zone that is contiguous to the
exclusive economic zone of the United States; and
(2) export without license authority all equipment
necessary for the exploration for or extraction of hydrocarbon
resources described in paragraph (1).
(c) Travel in Connection With Authorized Hydrocarbon Exploration
and Extraction Activities.--Section 910 of the Trade Sanctions Reform
and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7209) is amended by
inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) General License Authority for Travel-Related Expenditures by
Persons Engaging in Hydrocarbon Exploration and Extraction
Activities.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall,
authorize under a general license the travel-related
transactions listed in section 515.560(c) of title 31, Code of
Federal Regulations, for travel to, from or within Cuba in
connection with exploration for and the extraction of
hydrocarbon resources in any part of a foreign maritime
Exclusive Economic Zone that is contiguous to the United
States' Exclusive Economic Zone.
``(2) Persons authorized.--Persons authorized to travel to
Cuba under this section include full-time employees,
executives, agents, and consultants of oil and gas producers,
distributors, and shippers.''.
(d) Moratorium of Oil and Gas Leasing in Certain Areas of the Gulf
of Mexico.--
(1) In general.--Section 104(a) of the Gulf of Mexico
Energy Security Act of 2006 (43 U.S.C. 1331 note; Public Law
109-432) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (1);
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``125 miles'' and
inserting ``45 miles'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``100 miles''
each place it appears and inserting ``45 miles''; and
(D) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as
paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively.
(2) Regulations.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior
shall promulgate regulations that establish appropriate
environmental safeguards for the exploration and
production of oil and natural gas on the outer
Continental Shelf.
(B) Minimum requirements.--At a minimum, the
regulations shall include--
(i) provisions requiring surety bonds of
sufficient value to ensure the mitigation of
any foreseeable incident;
(ii) provisions assigning liability to the
leaseholder in the event of an incident causing
damage or loss, regardless of the negligence of
the leaseholder or lack of negligence;
(iii) provisions no less stringent than
those contained in the Spill Prevention,
Control, and Countermeasure regulations
promulgated under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990
(33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.);
(iv) provisions ensuring that--
(I) no facility for the exploration
or production of resources is visible
to the unassisted eye from any shore of
any coastal State; and
(II) the impact of offshore
production facilities on coastal vistas
is otherwise mitigated;
(v) provisions to ensure, to the maximum
extent practicable, that exploration and
production activities will result in no
significant adverse effect on fish or wildlife
(including habitat), subsistence resources, or
the environment; and
(vi) provisions that will impose seasonal
limitations on activity to protect breeding,
spawning, and wildlife migration patterns.
(3) Conforming amendment.--Section 105 of the Department of
the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Act, 2006 (Public Law 109-54; 119 Stat. 521) (as amended by
section 103(d) of the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of
2006 (43 U.S.C. 1331 note; Public Law 109-432)) is amended by
inserting ``and any other area that the Secretary of the
Interior may offer for leasing, preleasing, or any related
activity under section 104 of that Act'' after ``2006)''.
(e) Inventory of Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Natural Gas
Resources Off Southeastern Coast of the United States.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior (referred to
in this subsection as the ``Secretary'') may conduct an
inventory of oil and natural gas resources beneath the waters
of the outer Continental Shelf (as defined in section 2 of the
Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (43 U.S.C. 1331)) off of the
coast of the States of Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, or Georgia in accordance with this subsection.
(2) Best available technology.--In conducting the
inventory, the Secretary shall use the best technology
available to obtain accurate resource estimates.
(3) Request by governor.--The Secretary may conduct an
inventory under this subsection off the coast of a State
described in paragraph (1) only if the Governor of the State
requests the inventory.
(4) Reports.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress and
the requesting Governor a report on any inventory conducted
under this subsection.
(5) Authorization of appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this
subsection.
(f) Enhanced Oil Recovery.--Section 354(c)(4)(B) of the Energy
Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15910(c)(4)(B)) is amended--
(1) in clause (iii), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (iv), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(v) are carried out in geologically
challenging fields.''.
SEC. 3. SUSPENSION OF PETROLEUM ACQUISITION FOR STRATEGIC PETROLEUM
RESERVE.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b) and
notwithstanding any other provision of law, during calendar year 2008--
(1) the Secretary of the Interior shall suspend acquisition
of petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve through the
royalty-in-kind program; and
(2) the Secretary of Energy shall suspend acquisition of
petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve through any other
acquisition method.
(b) Resumption.--Not earlier than 30 days after the date on which
the President notifies Congress that the President has determined that
the weighted average price of petroleum in the United States for the
most recent 90-day period is $75 or less per barrel--
(1) the Secretary of the Interior may resume acquisition of
petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve through the
royalty-in-kind program; and
(2) the Secretary of Energy may resume acquisition of
petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve through any other
acquisition method. | Domestic Offshore Energy Security Act of 2008, or the DOES Act - Permits United States persons to: (1) engage in exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources from any portion of any foreign exclusive economic zone contiguous to the exclusive economic zone of the United States; and (2) export without license authority all pertinent equipment for such activity.
Amends the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of the Treasury to authorize travel-related transactions for travel to, from, or within Cuba in connection with exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources in any part of a foreign maritime Exclusive Economic Zone contiguous to the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.
Identifies as persons authorized to travel to Cuba any full-time employees, executives, and agents and consultants of oil and gas producers, distributors, and shippers.
Amends the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 to: (1) repeal the moratorium on oil and gas leasing east of the Military Mission Line in the Gulf of Mexico; and (2) decrease to 45 miles within the coastline of Florida the moratorium on oil and gas leasing.
Instructs the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations that establish environmental safeguards for oil and natural gas exploration and production on the outer Continental Shelf.
Authorizes such Secretary to inventory the oil and natural gas resources beneath the waters of the outer Continental Shelf off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia, only if the respective state governor requests it.
Amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to instruct the Secretary of Energy, in evaluating applications for enhanced oil and natural gas production through carbon dioxide injection, to grant priority consideration to applications carried out in geologically challenging fields.
Requires the Secretaries of the Interior and of Energy (Secretaries) to suspend acquisition of petroleum for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) during calendar 2008. Authorizes the Secretaries to resume such acquisition after the President notifies Congress that the weighted average price of petroleum in the United States for the most recent 90-day period is $75 or less per barrel. | billsum_train |
Make a brief summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Make College Affordable Act of
1999''.
SEC. 2. DEDUCTION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSES.
(a) Deduction Allowed.--Part VII of subchapter B of chapter 1 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to additional itemized
deductions for individuals) is amended by redesignating section 222 as
section 223 and by inserting after section 221 the following:
``SEC. 222. HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSES.
``(a) Allowance of Deduction.--
``(1) In general.--In the case of an individual, there
shall be allowed as a deduction an amount equal to the
applicable dollar amount of the qualified higher education
expenses paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
``(2) Applicable dollar amount.--The applicable dollar
amount for any taxable year shall be determined as follows:
Applicable
``Taxable year: dollar amount:
2001.......................................... $4,000
2002.......................................... $8,000
2003 and thereafter........................... $12,000.
``(b) Limitation Based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income.--
``(1) In general.--The amount which would (but for this
subsection) be taken into account under subsection (a) shall be
reduced (but not below zero) by the amount determined under
paragraph (2).
``(2) Amount of reduction.--The amount determined under
this paragraph equals the amount which bears the same ratio to
the amount which would be so taken into account as--
``(A) the excess of--
``(i) the taxpayer's modified adjusted
gross income for such taxable year, over
``(ii) $62,450 ($104,050 in the case of a
joint return, $89,150 in the case of a return
filed by a head of household, and $52,025 in
the case of a return by a married individual
filing separately), bears to
``(B) $15,000.
``(3) Modified adjusted gross income.--For purposes of this
subsection, the term `modified adjusted gross income' means the
adjusted gross income of the taxpayer for the taxable year
determined--
``(A) without regard to this section and sections
911, 931, and 933, and
``(B) after the application of sections 86, 135,
219, 220, and 469.
For purposes of the sections referred to in subparagraph (B),
adjusted gross income shall be determined without regard to the
deduction allowed under this section.
``(c) Qualified Higher Education Expenses.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) Qualified higher education expenses.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified higher
education expenses' means tuition and fees charged by
an educational institution and required for the
enrollment or attendance of--
``(i) the taxpayer,
``(ii) the taxpayer's spouse,
``(iii) any dependent of the taxpayer with
respect to whom the taxpayer is allowed a
deduction under section 151, or
``(iv) any grandchild of the taxpayer,
as an eligible student at an institution of higher
education.
``(B) Eligible courses.--Amounts paid for qualified
higher education expenses of any individual shall be
taken into account under subsection (a) only to the
extent such expenses--
``(i) are attributable to courses of
instruction for which credit is allowed toward
a baccalaureate degree by an institution of
higher education or toward a certificate of
required course work at a vocational school,
and
``(ii) are not attributable to any graduate
program of such individual.
``(C) Exception for nonacademic fees.--Such term
does not include any student activity fees, athletic
fees, insurance expenses, or other expenses unrelated
to a student's academic course of instruction.
``(D) Eligible student.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), the term `eligible student' means a
student who--
``(i) meets the requirements of section
484(a)(1) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1091(a)(1)), as in effect on the
date of the enactment of this section, and
``(ii) is carrying at least one-half the
normal full-time work load for the course of
study the student is pursuing, as determined by
the institution of higher education.
``(E) Identification requirement.--No deduction
shall be allowed under subsection (a) to a taxpayer
with respect to an eligible student unless the taxpayer
includes the name, age, and taxpayer identification
number of such eligible student on the return of tax
for the taxable year.
``(2) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' means an institution which--
``(A) is described in section 481 of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1088), as in effect on
the date of the enactment of this section, and
``(B) is eligible to participate in programs under
title IV of such Act.
``(d) Special Rules.--
``(1) No double benefit.--
``(A) In general.--No deduction shall be allowed
under subsection (a) for any expense for which a
deduction is allowable to the taxpayer under any other
provision of this chapter unless the taxpayer
irrevocably waives his right to the deduction of such
expense under such other provision.
``(B) Denial of deduction if credit elected.--No
deduction shall be allowed under subsection (a) for a
taxable year with respect to the qualified higher
education expenses of an individual if the taxpayer
elects to have section 25A apply with respect to such
individual for such year.
``(C) Dependents.--No deduction shall be allowed
under subsection (a) to any individual with respect to
whom a deduction under section 151 is allowable to
another taxpayer for a taxable year beginning in the
calendar year in which such individual's taxable year
begins.
``(D) Coordination with exclusions.--A deduction
shall be allowed under subsection (a) for qualified
higher education expenses only to the extent the amount
of such expenses exceeds the amount excludable under
section 135 or 530(d)(2) for the taxable year.
``(2) Limitation on taxable year of deduction.--
``(A) In general.--A deduction shall be allowed
under subsection (a) for qualified higher education
expenses for any taxable year only to the extent such
expenses are in connection with enrollment at an
institution of higher education during the taxable
year.
``(B) Certain prepayments allowed.--Subparagraph
(A) shall not apply to qualified higher education
expenses paid during a taxable year if such expenses
are in connection with an academic term beginning
during such taxable year or during the first 3 months
of the next taxable year.
``(3) Adjustment for certain scholarships and veterans
benefits.--The amount of qualified higher education expenses
otherwise taken into account under subsection (a) with respect
to the education of an individual shall be reduced (before the
application of subsection (b)) by the sum of the amounts
received with respect to such individual for the taxable year
as--
``(A) a qualified scholarship which under section
117 is not includable in gross income,
``(B) an educational assistance allowance under
chapter 30, 31, 32, 34, or 35 of title 38, United
States Code, or
``(C) a payment (other than a gift, bequest,
devise, or inheritance within the meaning of section
102(a)) for educational expenses, or attributable to
enrollment at an eligible educational institution,
which is exempt from income taxation by any law of the
United States.
``(4) No deduction for married individuals filing separate
returns.--If the taxpayer is a married individual (within the
meaning of section 7703), this section shall apply only if the
taxpayer and the taxpayer's spouse file a joint return for the
taxable year.
``(5) Nonresident aliens.--If the taxpayer is a nonresident
alien individual for any portion of the taxable year, this
section shall apply only if such individual is treated as a
resident alien of the United States for purposes of this
chapter by reason of an election under subsection (g) or (h) of
section 6013.
``(6) Regulations.--The Secretary may prescribe such
regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out
this section, including regulations requiring recordkeeping and
information reporting.''
(b) Deduction Allowed in Computing Adjusted Gross Income.--Section
62(a) of such Code is amended by inserting after paragraph (17) the
following:
``(18) Higher education expenses.--The deduction allowed by
section 222.''
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for part VII of
subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the item
relating to section 222 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 222. Higher education expenses.
``Sec. 223. Cross reference.''
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to payments made in taxable years beginning after December 31,
1999.
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 25A the
following new section:
``SEC. 25B. 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 ($80,000 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.
``(B) Modified adjusted gross income.--The term
`modified adjusted gross income' means adjusted gross
income determined without regard to sections 911, 931,
and 933.
``(C) Inflation adjustment.--In the case of any
taxable year beginning after 2002, the $50,000 and
$80,000 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 `2001' 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(e)(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 is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 25A the following new item:
``Sec. 25B. 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 25B(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, 2000. | Establishes an annual income-adjusted credit (up to $1,500) for the interest paid during the first 60 months of a qualified higher education loan by a non-dependent taxpayer. | billsum_train |
Provide a condensed version of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Increased Authorizations for the
Denver VA Medical Center Construction Project Act''.
SEC. 2. INCREASE IN AUTHORIZATION FOR DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECT PREVIOUSLY AUTHORIZED.
Section 2(a) of the Construction Authorization and Choice
Improvement Act (Public Law 114-19; 129 Stat. 215), as amended by
section 1 of Public Law 114-25, is further amended by striking
``$1,050,000,000'' and inserting ``$1,675,000,000''.
SEC. 3. PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF SUPER CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS.
(a) In General.--Section 8103 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e)(1) In the case of any super construction project, the
Secretary shall enter into an agreement with an appropriate non-
Department Federal entity to provide full project management services
for the super construction project, including management over the
project design, acquisition, construction, and contract changes. Such
agreement shall provide that the Secretary shall reimburse such Federal
entity for all costs associated with the provision of project
management services under the agreement.
``(2) In this subsection, the term `super construction project'
means a project for the construction, alteration, or acquisition of a
medical facility involving a total expenditure of more than
$100,000,000.''.
(b) Application.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply
with respect to the following:
(1) The medical facility construction project in Denver,
Colorado, specified in section 2 of the Construction
Authorization and Choice Improvement Act (Public Law 114-19;
129 Stat. 215).
(2) A super construction project (as defined in section
8103(e)(2) of title 38, United States Code, as added by such
subsection (a)) that is authorized on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. MODIFICATION TO LIMITATION ON AWARDS AND BONUSES.
Section 705 of the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act
of 2014 (Public Law 113-146; 38 U.S.C. 703 note) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 705. LIMITATION ON AWARDS AND BONUSES PAID TO EMPLOYEES OF
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
``The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that the aggregate
amount of awards and bonuses paid by the Secretary in a fiscal year
under chapter 45 or 53 of title 5, United States Code, or any other
awards or bonuses authorized under such title or title 38, United
States Code, does not exceed the following amounts:
``(1) With respect to fiscal year 2016, $100,000,000.
``(2) With respect to each of fiscal years 2017 through
2024, $360,000,000.''.
SEC. 5. REDUCTION OF BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE
SERVICE WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
CONVICTED OF CERTAIN CRIMES.
(a) Reduction of Benefits.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 7 of title 38, United States Code,
is amended by adding after section 713 the following new
section:
``Sec. 715. Senior executives: reduction of benefits of individuals
convicted of certain crimes
``(a) Reduction of Annuity for Removed Employee.--The Secretary
shall order that the covered service of an individual removed from a
senior executive position under section 713 of this title shall not be
taken into account for purposes of calculating an annuity with respect
to such individual under chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5, if--
``(1) the individual is convicted of a felony that
influenced the individual's performance while employed in the
senior executive position; and
``(2) before such order is made, the individual is afforded
notice and an opportunity for a hearing conducted by another
department or agency of the Federal Government.
``(b) Reduction of Annuity for Retired Employee.--(1) The Secretary
may order that the covered service of an individual who is subject to a
removal or transfer action under section 713 of this title but who
leaves employment at the Department prior to the issuance of a final
decision with respect to such action shall not be taken into account
for purposes of calculating an annuity with respect to such individual
under chapter 83 or chapter 84 of title 5, if--
``(A) the individual is convicted of a felony that
influenced the individual's performance while employed in the
senior executive position; and
``(B) before such order is made, the individual is afforded
notice and an opportunity for a hearing conducted by another
department or agency of the Federal Government.
``(2) The Secretary shall make such an order not later than seven
days after the date of the conclusion of a hearing referred to in
paragraph (1)(B) that determines that such order is lawful.
``(c) Administrative Requirements.--(1) Not later than 30 days
after the Secretary issues an order under subsection (a) or (b), the
Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall recalculate the
annuity of the individual.
``(2) A decision regarding whether the covered service of an
individual shall be taken into account for purposes of calculating an
annuity under subsection (a) or (b) is final and may not be reviewed by
any department or agency or any court.
``(d) Lump-Sum Annuity Credit.--Any individual with respect to whom
an annuity is reduced under subsection (a) or (b) shall be entitled to
be paid so much of such individual's lump-sum credit as is attributable
to the period of covered service.
``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `covered service' means, with respect to an
individual subject to a removal or transfer action under
section 713 of this title, the period of service beginning on
the date that the Secretary determines under such section that
such individual engaged in activity that gave rise to such
action and ending on the date that such individual is removed
from the civil service or leaves employment at the Department
prior to the issuance of a final decision with respect to such
action, as the case may be.
``(2) The term `lump-sum credit' has the meaning given such
term in section 8331(8) or section 8401(19) of title 5, as the
case may be.
``(3) The term `senior executive position' has the meaning
given such term in section 713(g)(3) of this title.
``(4) The term `service' has the meaning given such term in
section 8331(12) or section 8401(26) of title 5, as the case
may be.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of chapter 7 of such title is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 713 the following new item:
``715. Senior executives: reduction of benefits of individuals
convicted of certain crimes.''.
(b) Application.--Section 715 of title 38, United States Code, as
added by subsection (a)(1), shall apply to any action of removal or
transfer under section 713 of title 38, United States Code, commencing
on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 6. AUTHORITY TO RECOUP BONUSES OR AWARDS PAID TO EMPLOYEES OF
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 7 of title 38, United States Code, as
amended by section 5, is amended by adding at the end the following new
section:
``Sec. 717. Recoupment of bonuses or awards paid to employees of
Department
``(a) Recoupment.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
Secretary may issue an order directing an employee of the Department to
repay the amount, or a portion of the amount, of any award or bonus
paid to the employee under title 5, including under chapter 45 or 53 of
such title, or this title if--
``(1) the Secretary determines such repayment appropriate
pursuant to regulations prescribed under subsection (c); and
``(2) before such repayment, the employee is afforded
notice and an opportunity for a hearing conducted by another
department or agency of the Federal Government.
``(b) Review.--A decision regarding a repayment by an employee
pursuant to subsection (a)(2) is final and may not be reviewed by any
department or agency or any court.
``(c) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to
carry out this section.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
715, as added by section 5(a)(2), the following new item:
``717. Recoupment of bonuses or awards paid to employees of
Department.''.
(c) Effective Date.--Section 717 of title 38, United States Code,
as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to an award or
bonus paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to an employee of the
Department of Veterans Affairs on or after the date that is 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d) Construction.--Nothing in this section or the amendments made
by this section may be construed to modify the certification issued by
the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and
Budget regarding the performance appraisal system of the Senior
Executive Service of the Department of Veterans Affairs. | Increased Authorizations for the Denver VA Medical Center Construction Project Act This bill amends the Construction Authorization and Choice Improvement Act to increase the amount authorized for the replacement of the existing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Denver, Colorado. In the case of any super construction project (expenditures exceeding $100 million) the VA shall enter into an agreement with an appropriate non-VA federal entity to provide full project management services for the super construction project, including management over the project design, acquisition, construction, and contract changes. The Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 is amended to reduce the aggregate amount of specified VA awards and bonuses for FY2016. (Existing award levels are maintained for each of FY2017-FY2024.) The VA shall reduce the retirement annuity benefits of a senior executive employee who: (1) is convicted of a felony that influenced the individual's performance while employed in the senior executive position, and (2) is afforded notice and an opportunity for a hearing conducted by another federal department or agency. The VA may issue an order directing a VA employee to repay in full or in part any award or bonus if: (1) the VA determines such repayment appropriate pursuant to specified regulations, and (2) the employee is afforded notice and an opportunity for a hearing conducted by another federal department or agency. A VA decision regarding a repayment is final and not subject to review by other federal agencies or courts. | billsum_train |
Create a condensed overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Tackling Excessive Standardized
Testing Act of 2014'' or the ``TEST Act of 2014''.
SEC. 2. ESEA AMENDMENTS.
(a) Academic Assessments.--Section 1111(b)(3)(C) of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(3)(C)) is
amended--
(1) in clause (v)(I), by striking ``clause vii'' and
inserting ``clause (vii) and as otherwise provided under clause
(xvi)'';
(2) in clause (vii), by inserting ``except as otherwise
provided under clause (xvi),'' before ``beginning'';
(3) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (xiv);
(4) by striking the period at the end of clause (xv); and
(5) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(xvi) beginning with the first full
school year after the date of enactment of the
TEST Act of 2014, in lieu of the requirements
of clause (vii)--
``(I) authorize any public
elementary school or public secondary
school to administer the academic
assessments in mathematics required
under clause (vii) in each of grades 4,
6, and 8;
``(II) authorize any public
elementary school or public secondary
school to administer the academic
assessments in reading or language arts
required under clause (vii) in each of
grades 3, 5, and 7;
``(III) authorize a public
elementary schools or public secondary
school at the 15th percentile or above
for mathematics in the State (based on
the achievement of students for the
preceding school year in each of grades
4, 6, and 8 on the academics
assessments in mathematics required
under clause (vii)), to, for the school
year following the administration of
such assessments, administer the
academic assessments in mathematics
required under clause (vii) in each of
grades 4 and 8;
``(IV) authorize a public
elementary school or public secondary
school at the 15th percentile or above
for reading or language arts in the
State (based on the achievement of
students for the preceding school year
in each of grades 3, 5, and 7 on the
academics assessments in reading or
language arts required under clause
(vii)), to, for the school year
following the administration of such
assessments, administer the academic
assessments in reading or language arts
required under clause (vii) in each of
grades 3 and 7;
``(V) authorize a public elementary
school or public secondary school whose
students do not meet the academic
achievement requirements of subclause
(III) of this clause, but which has
demonstrated such level of progress
with respect to the achievement of
students on academic assessments in
mathematics required under clause
(vii), as determined appropriate by the
Secretary to be authorized to
administer assessments in mathematics
in accordance with subclause (III) of
this clause, to administer such
assessments in mathematics in
accordance with such subclause (III);
and
``(VI) authorize a public
elementary school or public secondary
school whose students do not meet the
academic achievement requirements of
subclause (IV) of this clause, but
which has demonstrated such level of
progress with respect to the
achievement of students on academic
assessments in reading or language arts
required under clause (vii), as
determined appropriate by the Secretary
to be authorized to administer
assessments in reading or language arts
in accordance with subclause (IV) of
this clause, to administer such
assessments in reading or language arts
in accordance with such subclause
(IV).''.
(b) Limited English Proficient Students.--Section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v)
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6311(b)(2)(C)(v)) is amended in the matter following item (dd), by
inserting before the semicolon the following: ``and that the
achievement of a student with limited English proficiency shall not be
considered for purposes of such definition for the first 12 months that
the student is enrolled in a public elementary school or public
secondary school''.
(c) Application to Waivers.--Section 9401 of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7861) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)--
(A) by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph
(9)(C);
(B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph
(10) and inserting ``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(11) the requirement under section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v) that
a student with limited English proficiency be excluded from the
definition of adequate yearly progress for the first 12 months
that the student is enrolled in a public elementary school or
public secondary school.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(h) Options for Certain Academic Assessments.--A waiver awarded
under this section shall not prohibit a State educational agency from
administering academic assessments in accordance with clause (xvi) of
section 1111(b)(3)(C) in lieu of the requirements of clause (vii) of
section 1111(b)(3)(C).''. | Tackling Excessive Standardized Testing Act of 2014 or the TEST Act of 2014 - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to alter the frequency with which students must take the tests used in determining whether they are making adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic achievement standards in mathematics and reading or language arts. (Currently, students must take those tests in each of grades 3 through 8.) Authorizes a public school to administer the academic assessments in mathematics: (1) in each of grades 4, 6, and 8; or (2) in each of grades 4 and 8 if the school is at the 15th percentile or above for mathematics in the state or its students are making appropriate progress, as determined by the Secretary of Education, toward state mathematics achievement standards. Authorizes a public school to administer the academic assessments in reading or language arts: (1) in each of grades 3, 5, and 7; or (2) in each of grades 3 and 7 if the school is at the 15th percentile or above for reading or language arts or its students are making appropriate progress toward state reading or language arts achievement standards. Excludes limited English proficient students who are in their first 12 months of enrollment in a public school from the determination as to whether students are making AYP toward state academic achievement standards. Prohibits the Secretary from waiving the application of any of this Act's provisions. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Wastewater Treatment Works Security
Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS SECURITY.
Title II of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1281
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 222. WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS SECURITY.
``(a) Grants for Vulnerability Assessments and Security
Enhancements.--The Administrator may make grants to a State,
municipality, or intermunicipal or interstate agency--
``(1) to conduct a vulnerability assessment of a publicly
owned treatment works;
``(2) to implement security enhancements listed in
subsection (c)(1) to reduce vulnerabilities identified in a
vulnerability assessment; and
``(3) to implement additional security enhancements to
reduce vulnerabilities identified in a vulnerability
assessment.
``(b) Vulnerability Assessments.--
``(1) Definition.--In this section, the term `vulnerability
assessment' means an assessment of the vulnerability of a
treatment works to actions intended to--
``(A) substantially disrupt the ability of the
treatment works to safely and reliably operate; or
``(B) have a substantial adverse effect on critical
infrastructure, public health or safety, or the
environment.
``(2) Identification of methods to reduce
vulnerabilities.--A vulnerability assessment includes
identification of procedures, countermeasures, and equipment
that the treatment works can implement or utilize to reduce the
identified vulnerabilities.
``(3) Review.--A vulnerability assessment shall include a
review of the vulnerability of the treatment work's--
``(A) facilities, systems, and devices used in the
storage, treatment, recycling, or reclamation of
municipal sewage or industrial wastes;
``(B) intercepting sewers, outfall sewers, sewage
collection systems, and other constructed conveyances;
``(C) electronic, computer, and other automated
systems;
``(D) pumping, power, and other equipment;
``(E) use, storage, and handling of various
chemicals; and
``(F) operation and maintenance procedures.
``(c) Grants for Security Enhancements.--
``(1) Preapproved security enhancements.--Upon
certification by an applicant that the applicant has completed
a vulnerability assessment for a treatment works and that the
security enhancement for which assistance is sought is to
reduce vulnerabilities of the treatment works identified in the
assessment, the Administrator may make grants to the applicant
under subsection (a)(2) for 1 or more of the following:
``(A) Purchase and installation of equipment for
access control, intrusion prevention and delay, and
detection of intruders and hazardous or dangerous
substances, including--
``(i) barriers, fencing, and gates;
``(ii) security lighting and cameras;
``(iii) metal grates, wire mesh, and
outfall entry barriers;
``(iv) securing of manhole covers and fill
and vent pipes;
``(v) installation and re-keying of doors
and locks; and
``(vi) smoke, chemical, and explosive
mixture detection systems.
``(B) Security improvements to electronic,
computer, or other automated systems and remote
security systems, including controlling access to such
systems, intrusion detection and prevention, and system
backup.
``(C) Participation in training programs and the
purchase of training manuals and guidance materials
relating to security.
``(D) Security screening of employees or contractor
support services.
``(2) Additional security enhancements.--
``(A) Grants.--The Administrator may make grants
under subsection (a)(3) to an applicant for additional
security enhancements not listed in paragraph (1).
``(B) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant
under this paragraph, an applicant shall submit an
application to the Administrator containing such
information as the Administrator may request.
``(3) Limitations.--
``(A) Use of funds.--Grants under subsections
(a)(2) and (a)(3) may not be used for personnel costs
or operation or maintenance of facilities, equipment,
or systems.
``(B) Disclosure of vulnerability assessment.--As a
condition of applying for or receiving a grant under
this section, the Administrator may not require an
applicant to provide the Administrator with a copy of a
vulnerability assessment.
``(d) Grant Amounts.--
``(1) Federal share.--The Federal share of the cost of
activities funded by a grant under subsection (a) may not
exceed 75 percent.
``(2) Maximum amount.--The total amount of grants made
under subsections (a)(1) and (a)(2) for one publicly owned
treatment works shall not exceed $150,000.
``(e) Technical Assistance for Small Publicly Owned Treatment
Works.--
``(1) Security assessment and planning assistance.--The
Administrator, in coordination the States, may provide
technical guidance and assistance to small publicly owned
treatment works on conducting a vulnerability assessment and
implementation of security enhancements to reduce
vulnerabilities identified in a vulnerability assessment. Such
assistance may include technical assistance programs, training,
and preliminary engineering evaluations.
``(2) Participation by nonprofit organizations.--The
Administrator may make grants to nonprofit organizations to
assist in accomplishing the purposes of this subsection.
``(3) Small publicly owned treatment works defined.--In
this subsection, the term `small publicly owned treatment
works' means a publicly owned treatment works that services a
population of fewer than 20,000 persons.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Administrator--
``(1) $200,000,000 for making grants under subsection (a);
and
``(2) $15,000,000 for providing technical assistance under
subsection (e).
Such sums shall remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 3. REFINEMENT OF VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY FOR PUBLICLY
OWNED TREATMENT WORKS.
(a) Grants.--The Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency may make grants to a nonprofit organization for the improvement
of vulnerability self-assessment methodologies and tools for publicly
owned treatment works, including publicly owned treatment works that
are part of a combined public wastewater treatment and water supply
system.
(b) Eligible Activities.--Grants provided under this section may be
used for developing and distributing vulnerability self-assessment
methodology software upgrades, improving and enhancing critical
technical and user support functions, expanding libraries of
information addressing both threats and countermeasures, and
implementing user training initiatives. Such services shall be provided
at no cost to recipients.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2003 through 2007. Such sums shall remain available until
expended.
Passed the House of Representatives October 7, 2002.
Attest:
JEFF TRANDAHL,
Clerk. | Wastewater Treatment Works Security Act of 2002 - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to make grants to a State, municipality, or intermunicipal or interstate agency to conduct a vulnerability assessment of a publicly owned treatment works and implement security enhancements for such facilities upon completion of the assessment.Authorizes the Administrator to: (1) provide technical guidance and assistance to small publicly owned treatment works (those serving a population of fewer than 20,000 persons) on conducting vulnerability assessments and implementing security enhancements; and (2) make grants to a nonprofit organization to improve vulnerability self-assessment methodologies and tools for publicly owned treatment works, including those that are part of a combined wastewater treatment and water supply system.Authorizes appropriations. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of
1997''.
SEC. 2. MEDICARE COVERAGE OF COLORECTAL SCREENING SERVICES.
(a) Coverage.--
(1) In general.--Section 1861 of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395x) is amended--
(A) in subsection (s)(2)--
(i) by striking ``and'' at the end of
subparagraphs (N) and (O); and
(ii) by inserting after subparagraph (O)
the following:
``(P) colorectal cancer screening tests (as defined in
subsection (oo)); and''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests
``(oo)(1) The term `colorectal cancer screening test' means, unless
determined otherwise pursuant to section 2(a)(2) of the Colorectal
Cancer Screening Act of 1997, any of the following procedures furnished
to an individual for the purpose of early detection of colorectal
cancer:
``(A) Screening fecal-occult blood test.
``(B) Screening flexible sigmoidoscopy.
``(C) Screening barium enema.
``(D) In the case of an individual at high risk for
colorectal cancer, screening colonoscopy or screening barium
enema.
``(E) For years beginning after 2002, such other procedures
as the Secretary finds appropriate for the purpose of early
detection of colorectal cancer, taking into account changes in
technology and standards of medical practice, availability,
effectiveness, costs, the particular screening needs of racial
and ethnic minorities in the United States and such other
factors as the Secretary considers appropriate.
``(2) In paragraph (1)(D), an `individual at high risk for
colorectal cancer' is an individual who, because of family history,
prior experience of cancer or precursor neoplastic polyps, a history of
chronic digestive disease condition (including inflammatory bowel
disease, Crohn's Disease, or ulcerative colitis), the presence of any
appropriate recognized gene markers for colorectal cancer, or other
predisposing factors, faces a high risk for colorectal cancer.''.
(2) Review of coverage of colorectal cancer screening
tests.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act (and periodically
thereafter), the Secretary of Health and Human Services
(in this paragraph referred to as the ``Secretary'')
shall review--
(i) the standards of medical practice with
regard to colorectal cancer screening tests (as
defined in section 1861(oo) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(oo))) (as added
by paragraph (1) of this section);
(ii) the availability, effectiveness,
costs, and cost-effectiveness of colorectal
cancer screening tests covered under the
medicare program under title XVIII of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) at
the time of such review;
(iii) the particular screening needs of
racial and ethnic minorities in the United
States; and
(iv) such other factors as the Secretary
considers appropriate with regard to the
coverage of colorectal cancer screening tests
under the medicare program.
(B) Determination.--If the Secretary determines it
appropriate based on the review conducted pursuant to
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall issue and publish
a determination that one or more colorectal cancer
screening tests described in section 1861(oo) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(oo)) (as added by
paragraph (1) of this section) shall no longer be
covered under that section.
(b) Frequency and Payment Limits.--
(1) In general.--Section 1834 of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395m) is amended by inserting after subsection (c)
the following:
``(d) Frequency and Payment Limits for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Tests.--
``(1) Screening fecal-occult blood tests.--
``(A) Payment limit.--In establishing fee schedules
under section 1833(h) with respect to colorectal cancer
screening tests consisting of screening fecal-occult
blood tests, except as provided by the Secretary under
paragraph (5)(A), the payment amount established for
tests performed--
``(i) in 1998 shall not exceed $5; and
``(ii) in a subsequent year, shall not
exceed the limit on the payment amount
established under this subsection for such
tests for the preceding year, adjusted by the
applicable adjustment under section 1833(h) for
tests performed in such year.
``(B) Frequency limit.--Subject to revision by the
Secretary under paragraph (5)(B), no payment may be
made under this part for colorectal cancer screening
test consisting of a screening fecal-occult blood
test--
``(i) if the individual is under 50 years
of age; or
``(ii) if the test is performed within the
11 months after a previous screening fecal-
occult blood test.
``(2) Screening for individuals not at high risk.--Subject
to revision by the Secretary under paragraph (5)(B), no payment
may be made under this part for a colorectal cancer screening
test consisting of a screening flexible sigmoidoscopy or
screening barium enema--
``(i) if the individual is under 50 years
of age; or
``(ii) if the procedure is performed within
the 47 months after a previous screening
flexible sigmoidoscopy or screening barium
enema.
``(3) Screening for individuals at high risk for colorectal
cancer.--Subject to revision by the Secretary under paragraph
(5)(B), no payment may be made under this part for a colorectal
cancer screening test consisting of a screening colonoscopy or
screening barium enema for individuals at high risk for
colorectal cancer if the procedure is performed within the 23
months after a previous screening colonoscopy or screening
barium enema.
``(4) Payment amounts for certain colorectal cancer
screening tests.--The Secretary shall establish payment amounts
under section 1848 with respect each colorectal cancer
screening tests described in subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) of
section 1861(oo)(1) that are consistent with payment amounts
under such section for similar or related services, except that
such payment amount shall be established without regard to
section 1848(a)(2)(A).
``(5) Reductions in payment limit and revision of
frequency.--
``(A) Reductions in payment limit for screening
fecal-occult blood tests.--The Secretary shall review
from time to time the appropriateness of the amount of
the payment limit established for screening fecal-
occult blood tests under paragraph (1)(A). The
Secretary may, with respect to tests performed in a
year after 2000, reduce the amount of such limit as it
applies nationally or in any area to the amount that
the Secretary estimates is required to assure that such tests of an
appropriate quality are readily and conveniently available during the
year.
``(B) Revision of frequency.--
``(i) Review.--The Secretary shall review
periodically the appropriate frequency for
performing colorectal cancer screening tests
based on age and such other factors as the
Secretary believes to be pertinent.
``(ii) Revision of frequency.--The
Secretary, taking into consideration the review
made under clause (i), may revise from time to
time the frequency with which such tests may be
paid for under this subsection, but no such
revision shall apply to tests performed before
January 1, 2001.
``(6) Limiting charges of nonparticipating physicians.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a colorectal
cancer screening test consisting of a screening
flexible sigmoidoscopy or screening barium enema, or a
screening colonoscopy or screening barium enema
provided to an individual at high risk for colorectal
cancer for which payment may be made under this part,
if a nonparticipating physician provides the procedure
to an individual enrolled under this part, the
physician may not charge the individual more than the
limiting charge (as defined in section 1848(g)(2)).
``(B) Enforcement.--If a physician or supplier
knowingly and willfully imposes a charge in violation
of subparagraph (A), the Secretary may apply sanctions
against such physician or supplier in accordance with
section 1842(j)(2).''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Paragraphs (1)(D) and (2)(D) of section 1833(a) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(a)) are each amended by
inserting ``or section 1834(d)(1)'' after ``subsection
(h)(1)''.
(2) Section 1833(h)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395l(h)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ``The Secretary''
and inserting ``Subject to paragraphs (1) and (5)(A) of section
1834(d), the Secretary''.
(3) Clauses (i) and (ii) of section 1848(a)(2)(A) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-4(a)(2)(A)) are each
amended by inserting after ``a service'' the following:
``(other than a colorectal cancer screening test consisting of
a screening colonoscopy or screening barium enema provided to
an individual at high risk for colorectal cancer or a screening
flexible sigmoidoscopy or screening barium enema)''.
(4) Section 1862(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395y(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (E), by striking
``and'' at the end;
(ii) in subparagraph (F), by striking the
semicolon at the end and inserting ``, and'';
and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(G) in the case of colorectal cancer screening tests,
which are performed more frequently than is covered under
section 1834(d);''; and
(B) in paragraph (7), by striking ``paragraph
(1)(B) or under paragraph (1)(F)'' and inserting
``subparagraph (B), (F), or (G) of paragraph (1)''.
SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by section 2 shall apply to items and services
furnished on or after January 1, 1998. | Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 1997 - Amends part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to: (1) cover colorectal cancer screening tests for individuals age 50 or over (screening fecal-occult blood tests, flexible sigmoidoscopies, barium enemas, and, for high-risk individuals, colonoscopy); and (2) prescribe frequency and payment limits. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review such coverage after two years and determine whether to terminate it for one or more of such tests. | billsum_train |
Create a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Little Rock Central High School
Desegregation 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) September 2007, marks the 50th anniversary of the
desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock,
Arkansas.
(2) In 1957, Little Rock Central High was the site of the first
major national test for the implementation of the historic decision
of the United States Supreme Court in Brown, et al. v. Board of
Education of Topeka, et al., 347 U.S. 483 (1954).
(3) The courage of the ``Little Rock Nine'' (Ernest Green,
Elizabeth Eckford, Melba Pattillo, Jefferson Thomas, Carlotta
Walls, Terrence Roberts, Gloria Ray, Thelma Mothershed, and
Minnijean Brown) who stood in the face of violence, was influential
to the Civil Rights movement and changed American history by
providing an example on which to build greater equality.
(4) The desegregation of Little Rock Central High by the 9
African American students was recognized by Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. as such a significant event in the struggle for civil rights
that in May 1958, he attended the graduation of the first African
American from Little Rock Central High School.
(5) A commemorative coin will bring national and international
attention to the lasting legacy of this important event.
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 500,000 $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 desegregation of the Little Rock Central
High School and its contribution to civil rights in America.
(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 ``2007''; 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, 2007, 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, 2007.
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, and subsection (d), all surcharges which are received by
the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be
promptly paid by the Secretary to the Secretary of the Interior for the
protection, preservation, and interpretation of resources and stories
associated with Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site,
including the following:
(1) Site improvements at Little Rock Central High School
National Historic Site.
(2) Development of interpretive and education programs and
historic preservation projects.
(3) Establishment of cooperative agreements to preserve or
restore the historic character of the Park Street and Daisy L.
Gatson Bates Drive corridors adjacent to the site.
(c) 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.
(d) Creditable Funds.--Notwithstanding any other provision of the
law and recognizing the unique partnership nature of the Department of
the Interior and the Little Rock School District at the Little Rock
Central High School National Historic Site and the significant
contributions made by the Little Rock School District to preserve and
maintain the historic character of the high school, any non-Federal
funds expended by the school district (regardless of the source of the
funds) for improvements at the Little Rock Central High School National
Historic Site, to the extent such funds were used for the purposes
described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b), shall be
deemed to meet the requirement of funds from private sources of section
5134(f)(1)(A)(ii) of title 31, United States Code, with respect to the
Secretary of the Interior.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Little Rock Central High School Desegregation 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act - Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Requires the design of such coins to be emblematic of the desegregation of Little Rock Central High School and its contribution to civil rights in America.
Specifies the sale price of such coins and applicable surcharges. Requires surcharges collected from sales to be paid to the Secretary of the Interior for the protection, preservation, and interpretation of resources and stories associated with the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, including: (1) site improvements; (2) development of interpretive and education programs and historic preservation projects; and (3) establishment of cooperative agreements to preserve or restore the historic character of the Park Street and Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive corridors adjacent to the site.
Prohibits including any surcharge with respect to the issuance of any coin under this Act during a calendar year if such issuance would result in exceeding the annual two commemorative coin program issuance limitation for such year.
Deems any funds expended by the school district (regardless of the source of the funds) for improvements at the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, to the extent such funds were used as described in this Act, to be funds from private sources as necessary to meet statutory matching requirements. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forestry
Program Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) trees and forests are critical to the long-term health
and proper functioning of the Chesapeake Bay and the Chesapeake
Bay watershed;
(2) the Chesapeake Bay States lost 350,000 acres of forest
land between 1987 and 1997, or nearly 100 acres per day; and
(3) the Forest Service has a vital role to play in
assisting States, local governments, and nonprofit
organizations of the Chesapeake Bay in carrying out forest
conservation, restoration, and stewardship projects and
activities.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to expand and strengthen cooperative efforts to restore
and protect forests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and
(2) to contribute to the achievement of the goals of the
Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Chesapeake bay agreement.--The term ``Chesapeake Bay
Agreement'' means the formal, voluntary agreements--
(A) executed to achieve the goal of restoring and
protecting the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and the living
resources of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem; and
(B) signed by the Council.
(2) Chesapeake bay state.--The term ``Chesapeake Bay
State'' means each of the States of Delaware, Maryland, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and the
District of Columbia.
(3) Council.--The term ``Council'' means the Chesapeake Bay
Executive Council.
(4) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the program designated under section 4(b)(1).
(5) Program.--The term ``program'' means the Chesapeake Bay
watershed forestry program established under section 4(a).
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service
and the Director appointed under section 4(b)(1).
SEC. 4. CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED FORESTRY PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a Chesapeake Bay
watershed forestry program under which the Secretary shall make grants
and provide technical assistance to eligible entities to restore and
protect forests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including grants and
assistance--
(1) to promote forest conservation and stewardship efforts
in urban, suburban, and rural areas of the Chesapeake Bay
watershed;
(2) to manage National Forest System land in the Chesapeake
Bay watershed in a manner that enhances the land;
(3) to assist in developing and carrying out large-scale
projects and partnerships in the Chesapeake Bay watershed;
(4) to conduct research, assessment, and planning
activities to restore and protect forest land in the Chesapeake
Bay watershed;
(5) to develop communication and education resources to
enhance public understanding of the value of forests in the
Chesapeake Bay watershed; and
(6) to contribute to the achievement of the goals of the
Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
(b) Office; Director.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall--
(A) establish an office within the Forest Service
to carry out the program; and
(B) designate an employee of the Forest Service as
Director of the program.
(2) Duties.--As part of the program, the Director, in
cooperation with the Secretary, shall--
(A) carry out a small grants and technical
assistance program to restore and protect forests in
the Chesapeake Bay watershed;
(B) enter into partnerships to carry out forest
restoration and protection activities at a watershed
scale using the resources and programs of the Forest
Service; and
(C) employ a sufficient number of individuals to--
(i) represent the Forest Service in water
quality and land stewardship deliberations of
the Chesapeake Bay program; and
(ii) support and collaborate with a
forestry work group in planning and
implementing program activities.
(c) State Watershed Foresters.--Funds made available under section
6(a) may be used by a Chesapeake Bay State to hire a State watershed
forester to carry out activities and coordinate watershed-level
projects relating to the program.
(d) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to receive assistance under
the program, an entity shall be--
(1) a Chesapeake Bay State;
(2) a political subdivision of a Chesapeake Bay State;
(3) an organization operating in the Chesapeake Bay
watershed that is described in section 501(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under section
501(a) of that Code; or
(4) any other person in the Chesapeake Bay watershed that
the Secretary determines to be eligible.
(e) Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make grants to
eligible entities under the program to pay the Federal share of
the cost of carrying out projects to restore and protect
forests in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
(2) Federal share.--The Federal share of a grant made under
the program shall not exceed 75 percent, as determined by the
Secretary.
(3) Types of projects.--The Secretary may make a grant to
an eligible entity for any project in the Chesapeake Bay
watershed that--
(A) improves habitat and water quality through the
establishment, protection, or stewardship of riparian
or wetland forests;
(B) builds the capacity of State and local
organizations to implement conservation, restoration,
and stewardship actions;
(C) develops and implements watershed management
plans that address forest conservation and restoration
activities;
(D) provides outreach and assistance to private
landowners and communities to restore or protect
watersheds through the enhancement of forests;
(E) develops and implements communication,
education, or technology transfer programs that broaden
public understanding of the value of trees and forests
in sustaining and restoring watershed health;
(F) coordinates and implements watershed
partnerships, such as the Potomac Watershed Partnership
or Revitalizing Baltimore, that--
(i) focus on the restoration or protection
of forest land; or
(ii) focus urban and rural forest programs
of the Forest Service on restoring or
protecting forests at a large-watershed scale;
(G) provides enhanced forest resource data to
support watershed management;
(H) enhances upland forest health to reduce risks
to watershed function and water quality; or
(I) conducts inventory assessment or monitoring
activities to support indicators of environmental
change associated with projects carried out under the
program.
(f) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, in consultation with the
Council, shall conduct a study of urban and rural forests in
the Chesapeake Bay watershed, including--
(A) an assessment of the extent and location of
forest loss and fragmentation in the Chesapeake Bay
watershed;
(B) an identification of critical forest land
within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that should be
restored and protected; and
(C) recommendations on ways in which to expand
restoration, protection, and stewardship activities to
achieve the goals of the Chesapeake Bay Agreement.
(2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after amounts are first
made available under section 6(a), the Secretary shall submit
to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives
and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of
the Senate a report that describes the results of the study,
including recommendations for--
(A) management actions; and
(B) further inventory, assessment, or research.
SEC. 5. WATERSHED FORESTRY RESEARCH PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, in cooperation with the Council,
shall establish a watershed forestry research program for the
Chesapeake Bay watershed.
(b) Administration.--In carrying out the program established under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
(1) use a combination of applied research, modeling,
demonstration projects, implementation standards, strategies
for adaptive management, training, and education to meet the
needs of the residents of the Chesapeake Bay States for
managing forests in urban, developing, and rural areas;
(2) solicit input from local managers, Federal, State, and
private researchers, and state-of-the-art technology to answer
critical watershed forestry questions related to air and water
quality, social and economic implications, environmental
change, and other watershed forestry issues in urban and rural
areas; and
(3) coordinate with the Chesapeake Bay Program Scientific
and Technical Advisory Committee and universities in the
Chesapeake Bay States to ensure that Forest service research--
(A) addresses issues in the Chesapeake Bay
Agreement; and
(B) supports modeling and informational needs of
the Chesapeake Bay program.
(c) Watershed Forestry Research Strategy.--Not later than 1 year
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in
collaboration with the Northeast Forest Research Station and the
Southern Forest Research Station, shall submit to Congress a
coordinated strategy to address Chesapeake Bay watershed goals relating
to--
(1) urban forestry; and
(2) the health and stewardship of watershed forests.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the program
$3,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2010, of which--
(1) not more than $500,000 shall be used to conduct the
study required under section 4(f); and
(2) not more than $1,000,000 of the amounts appropriated
for a fiscal year, shall be used to carry out the watershed
forestry research program under section 5.
SEC. 7. REPORT.
Not later than December 1, 2004, and biennially thereafter, the
Director shall submit to the Secretary a comprehensive report on
activities carried out under the program. | Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forestry Program Act of 2002 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Forest Service, to establish a Chesapeake Bay watershed forestry program of grants and technical assistance for: (1) forest conservation in urban, suburban, and rural areas; (2) National Forest System management; (3) research, education, and planning activities; and (4) achievement of Chesapeake Bay Agreement goals.Sets forth grantee and project eligibility criteria.Authorizes a Bay State (Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia) to use funds to hire a State watershed forester to carry out watershed projects.Directs the Secretary to establish for the Chesapeake Bay watershed a: (1) forestry research program; and (2) a forestry research strategy. | billsum_train |
Create a condensed overview of the following text: That (a)(1) sections
1861(e)(9) and 1861(j)(15) of the Social Security Act (relating to
qualifications of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities) are each
amended by striking out ``health and safety'' and inserting in lieu
thereof ``health, safety, and rights''.
(2) Section 1864(c) of such Act is amended by striking out ``health
and safety of patients'' and inserting in lieu thereof ``the health,
safety, and rights of patients''.
(b) Part C of title XVIII of such Act is amended by adding after
section 1881 the following new sections:
``rights of patients of certain long-term care facilities
``Sec. 1882. (a) In prescribing standards under subsections (e)(9)
and (j)(15) of section 1861 with respect to the rights of individuals
(hereinafter in this section and section 1883 referred to as
`patients') furnished services in an institution which has (as
determined by the Secretary) an average duration-of-stay of more than
30 days (such an institution hereinafter in this section and section
1183 referred to as a `facility'), the Secretary shall--
``(1) require the governing board of the facility to
establish written policies, consistent with the rights set
forth in subsection (b), regarding the rights and
responsibilities of patients and, through the administrator of
the facility, to develop and adhere to procedures for
implementing such policies;
``(2) require the facility to make these policies and
procedures available to the public, patients, guardians, and
relatives of patients, and to any relative or other person
serving as a representative payee of a patient pursuant to
section 205(j) of this Act; and
``(3) require the staff of the facility to be trained and
involved in the implementation of these policies and
procedures.
``(b) A facility's policies and procedures regarding rights of
patients of the facility must at least ensure that the following
patients' rights are provided:
``(1) Information on patient rights.--A patient's right to
be fully informed, as evidenced by the patient's written
acknowledgment, before or at the time of admission and during
stay of these rights and of all rules and regulations governing
patient conduct and responsibility.
``(2) Information on services and charges.--A patient's
right (A) to be fully informed, and given a written statement
before or at the time of admission and during stay, of services
available in the facility and of related charges for such
services, including any charges for services not covered under
this title or title XIX or not covered by the facility's basic
per diem rate, and (B) to be informed in writing at least 30
days in advance of any changes in the availability of services
or in the charges for these services.
``(3) Information on and participation in medical
treatment.--A patient's right (A) to be fully informed by a
physician of the patient's medical condition, unless medically
contraindicated for a specified and limited period of time (as
documented, by a physician, in the patient's medical record),
(B) to be afforded the opportunity to participate in the
planning of his medical treatment, and (C) to refuse to
participate in experimental research.
``(4) Conditions of transfer or discharge.--A patient's
right (A) to be transferred within the facility or discharged
from the facility only for medical reasons, for his welfare or
that of other patients, or for nonpayment of his stay (except
as prohibited by this title or title XIX), (B) to be informed
before admission of the causes for such a transfer or
discharge, (C) to be given 30 days' advance notice of such a
transfer or discharge (except for emergencies threatening the
health or safety of the patient), and (D) to be given
sufficient preparation and orientation to ensure safe and
orderly transfer or discharge and adjustment and to have this
preparation and orientation documented in his medical record.
``(5) Grievances.--A patient's right to be assisted,
throughout his period of stay, in his exercise of his rights as
a patient and as a citizen, and to this end the patient's right
to file complaints under section 1883, voice grievances, and
recommend changes in policies and service to the staff of the
facility and to outside representatives of his choice
(including representatives of governmental agencies
administering the programs under this title and title XIX) free
from restraint, interference, coercion, discrimination, or
reprisal.
``(6) Management of personal financial affairs.--A
patient's right to manage his personal financial affairs or be
given, at least quarterly, an itemized accounting of financial
transactions made on his behalf whenever the facility accepts
his written delegation of this responsibility for any period of
time in conformance with State law.
``(7) Freedom from abuse and restraints.--A patient's
right--
``(A) to be free from mental and physical abuse,
and
``(B) to be free from chemical and physical
restraints, except (i) as authorized in writing by a
physician for a specified and limited period of time,
or (ii) in emergencies when necessary to protect the
patient from injury to himself or to others (in which
case notice of the use of such restraints, and an
explanation of the circumstances thereof, shall be
promptly provided to the attending physician and noted
in the patient's medical record).
``(8) Confidentiality of treatment and medical records.--A
patient's right--
``(A) to be assured confidential treatment of his
personal and medical records, and
``(B) to approve or refuse the release of such
records to any individual outside the facility, except
in the case of a transfer to another health care
institution or as required by law or third-party
payment contract.
``(9) Dignity and privacy.--A patient's right to be treated
with consideration, respect, and full recognition of his
dignity and individuality, including privacy in treatment and
in care for his personal needs.
``(10) Work requirements.--A patient's right not to be
required to perform services for the facility.
``(11) Freedom of association.--A patient's right to
associate and communicate privately (in writing or otherwise)
with persons of his choice.
``(12) Participation in activities of choice.--A patient's
right to meet with, and participate in activities of, social,
religious, and community groups at his discretion.
``(13) Use of personal possessions.--A patient's right to
retain and use his personal clothing and possessions as space
permits, unless to do so would infringe upon rights of other
patients, and to be provided security in storing possessions.
``(14) Privacy for married patients.--A married patient's
right to be assured privacy in visits by the patient's spouse
and, if spouses are both patients in the facility, the right of
the patients to share the same room if they so desire.
``(c) The patient's rights and responsibilities specified in
paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (b), as they pertain to a
patient adjudicated incompetent in accordance with State law, devolve
to the patient's guardian, next of kin, sponsoring agency (or
agencies), or relative or other person serving as representative payee
under section 205(j) of this Act (except when the facility itself is
representative payee).
``enforcement of patient's rights
``Sec. 1883. (a) The Secretary shall establish, by regulation, a
schedule of the maximum amount of civil penalties which may be imposed
under this section for the violation of each of the patient's rights
set forth in section 1882(b). No such penalty shall exceed $500 for a
single violation, except that the civil penalty for a violation of a
patient's right, under paragraph (5) of such section, to file a
complaint under this section free from restraint, interference,
coercion, discrimination, or reprisal shall not exceed $1,000. The
Secretary shall define in those regulations what constitutes a separate
violation for purposes of this section.
``(b)(1) Any patient, or any person on behalf of such a patient,
who claims to have had a right under section 1882(b) violated by the
facility may submit a complaint, written or oral, with the appropriate
enforcing agency (as defined in subsection (f)). No such complaint with
respect to a violation shall be considered by an enforcing agency under
this section unless it is filed with the agency within 180 days after
the date the alleged violation occurred.
``(2) Upon receiving a complaint concerning a facility under
paragraph (1), an enforcing agency shall promptly notify the facility
of the complaint (including the date, place, and circumstances of the
alleged violation), shall investigate the complaint (keeping
confidential insofar as possible the identity of the complainant and
the name of the patient or patients involved if the complainant is not
such a patient), and shall provide the complainant with a written
report thereon within 30 days of the date the complaint was filed. A
copy of the report of the agency, including the complaint (with
identities of the complainant and any patients deleted), shall be made
part of the permanent files of the agency and made available to the
public.
``(c)(1)(A) If, as a result of an investigation conducted under
subsection (b)(2), the enforcing agency determines that a facility has
not violated any patients' rights under section 1882(b), the enforcing
agency shall notify the facility and the complainant of such
determination.
``(B) If, as a result of such an investigation, the enforcing
agency determines that a facility has violated one or more patients'
rights under section 1882(b), the enforcing agency shall endeavor to
provide appropriate adjustment with respect to any such alleged
violation (and to prevent future similar violations) by informal
methods of conference, conciliation, and persuasion. Nothing said or
done during and as part of such informal endeavors may be made public
by the enforcing agency or used as evidence in a subsequent proceeding
without the written consent of the persons concerned. If after such
endeavors (but in a period no longer than 30 days), the enforcing
agency is not able to secure from the facility a conciliation agreement
or other understanding acceptable to the agency and the complainant,
the agency shall assess against the facility a civil penalty
(determined in accordance with the schedule developed under subsection
(a)) by an order made--
``(i) after written notice (including notice of the
enforcing agency's proposed order and the facility's
opportunity to request, within 15 days after the date the
notice is received, a hearing on the proposed order), and
``(ii) after opportunity for a hearing in accordance with
procedures to be specified by the Secretary in regulations.
``(2) Such an order shall provide that the penalty shall be paid
(in accordance with subsection (d)(2)) to the enforcing agency and the
agency shall promptly make payment to patients (or heirs of patients,
in the case of deceased patients) in accordance with the penalties
assessed for violation of their rights. Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, civil penalties paid to any individual in accordance
with this paragraph shall not constitute income or resources or
otherwise be taken into account (A) for purposes of determining the
eligibility of the individual, or the family or household of the
individual, for assistance under a State plan approved under title XIX,
or for aid, assistance, or benefits in any form under any Federal
program, or any State or local program financed in whole or in part
with Federal funds, which conditions such eligibility to any extent
upon the income or resources of the individual, family, or household,
or (B) for purposes of determining the amount or extent of such aid,
assistance, or benefits.
``(3) An enforcing agency may suspend imposition of an order of
assessment against a facility if the facility can provide assurances,
satisfactory to the agency, that the facility has taken such actions as
will prevent the reoccurrence of the violation (and similar violations)
from which the order results. To the extent that the enforcing agency
determines, based on a later complaint or investigation, that such
actions have not been taken in accordance with such assurances, the
agency shall reimpose such an order.
``(d)(1)(A) Not later than 60 days after the final action of an
enforcing agency with respect to a complaint or suspension of an order
of assessment under this section, any person adversely affected or
aggrieved by the action is entitled to judicial review thereof in the
appropriate United States district court or State court of competent
jurisdiction. The provisions of sections 701(b)(2), and 702 through 706
of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to such reviews.
``(B) Where a patient or facility brings an action for review of a
determination by an enforcing agency which is not in the patient's or
facility's favor, respectively, and the action is determined to
constitute harassment of the facility or patient, respectively, the
patient or facility shall be liable to the enforcing agency for all the
agency's legal fees and costs (including reasonable attorney's fees) in
connection with the action.
``(2)(A) If an enforcing agency has issued a final order of an
assessment of a penalty against a facility and--
``(i) the order has not been suspended under subsection
(c)(3), the facility shall pay the amount of the penalty to the
enforcing agency within 60 days after the date the order
becomes final, or
``(ii) the order has been suspended but has been reimposed,
the facility shall pay the amount of the penalty to the
enforcing agency within 60 days after the date the order was
reimposed.
``(B)(i) The agency will hold any such amounts paid to it in escrow
and, except as provided in clause (ii), shall make payment of it, in
accordance with subsection (b)(2), at the end of the applicable 60-day
period described in subparagraph (A).
``(ii) If judicial review of such an order of an enforcing agency
has been sought, the agency shall make payment of any penalty collected
at the conclusion of the review and in accordance with the order of the
court.
``(3) If a facility fails to make timely payment of a civil penalty
according to paragraph (2), the enforcing agency shall recover the
amount assessed (plus interest at currently prevailing rates from the
last date of such 60-day period) in an action brought in any
appropriate district court of the United States or State court of
competent jurisdiction and shall hold or transfer it in the manner
provided in that paragraph.
``(e) The imposition of a civil penalty under this section shall
not preclude, and shall be in addition to, any other monetary damages
recoverable by, or other relief available to, patients or enforcing
agencies as a result of violation of patients' rights.
``(f) For purposes of this section, the term `enforcing agency'
means, with respect to an alleged violation occurring in a State in
which the Secretary--
``(1) has entered into an agreement under section
1864(d)(1), the appropriate State or local agency or agencies
specified in that agreement, or
``(2) has not entered into such an agreement, such office
within the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare as the
Secretary shall designate by regulation.''.
(c) Section 1864 of such Act is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(d)(1) The Secretary shall make an agreement with any State which
is able and willing to do so and has an agreement under subsection (a)
under which the agency (or agencies) under subsection (a) will serve as
an appropriate agency for the purpose of enforcing patients' rights
under section 1883. The Secretary shall pay for the services of such an
agency in the manner prescribed in subsection (b).
``(2) Any agreement under this section with a State with regard to
determining whether a facility meets the standards relating to
patients' rights and described in section 1882 shall include a
provision that each routine certification survey of such a facility
shall include a private meeting between patients and survey personnel
to discuss patients' experiences within the facility as regards such
rights and compliance with such standards generally.''.
(d) Section 1865(a) of such Act is amended by inserting after the
second sentence the following new sentence: ``No institution shall be
so deemed to meet standards relating to patients' rights and described
in section 1882 unless the accreditation survey of the institution
includes a private meeting between patients and survey personnel to
discuss patients' experiences within the institution as regards such
rights and compliance with such standards generally.''.
Sec. 2. The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall first
publish proposed regulations for carrying out the amendments made by
this Act not later than six months after the date of the enactment of
this Act and such regulations shall first become final and fully
effective on the first day of the ninth month which begins after the
date of the enactment of this Act. | Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to require the governing boards of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities having an average duration of patient stay of more than 30 days to establish written policies guaranteeing specified rights of patients, including: (1) information on services and charges; (2) information on and participation in medical treatment; (3) conditions of transfer or discharge; (4) grievances; (5) management of personal financial affairs; (6) freedom from abuse and restraints; (7) confidentiality of records; and (8) freedom of association.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish civil penalties for the violation of such rights.
Sets forth provisions concerning the processing and investigation of complaints arising from such violations. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Easy Voting Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHING MINIMUM EARLY VOTING PERIOD FOR JURISDICTIONS
CONDUCTING EARLY VOTING.
(a) Minimum Period.--Subtitle A of title III of the Help America
Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15481 et seq.) is amended by inserting
after section 303 the following new section:
``SEC. 303A. REQUIREMENTS FOR STATES PERMITTING EARLY VOTING.
``(a) Minimum Early Voting Period.--If a State permits individuals
to cast ballots in an election for Federal office during a period that
occurs prior to the date of the election in the same manner in which
ballots are cast on the date of the election, the State shall ensure
that such period includes the entire 14-day period (including Saturdays
and Sundays) which ends on the date of the election.
``(b) Effective Date.--Each State shall be required to comply with
the requirements of this section beginning January 1, 2012.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment Relating to Enforcement.--Section 401 of
such Act (42 U.S.C. 15511) is amended by striking ``sections 301, 302,
and 303'' and inserting ``subtitle A of title III''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of such Act is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 303 the
following new item:
``Sec. 303A. Requirements for States permitting early voting''.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITING STATES FROM REQUIRING STATE-ISSUED IDENTIFICATION
AS CONDITION FOR VOTING OR REGISTERING TO VOTE.
(a) Prohibition.--Subtitle A of title III of the Help America Vote
Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15481 et seq.), as amended by section 2(a), is
amended by inserting after section 303A the following new section:
``SEC. 303B. PROHIBITING STATES FROM REQUIRING STATE-ISSUED
IDENTIFICATION AS CONDITION FOR VOTING OR REGISTERING TO
VOTE.
``(a) Prohibition.--An election official may not require an
individual to provide a State-issued identification (including an
identification issued by a unit of local government in the State) as a
condition of receiving or casting a ballot in any election for Federal
office or of registering to vote in any election for Federal office.
``(b) No Effect on Requirements for Certain Voters Who Register by
Mail.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect any
requirement under section 303(b) that certain individuals who register
to vote by mail present a form of identification as a condition of
casting a ballot in an election.
``(c) Effective Date.--Each State shall be required to comply with
the requirements of this section beginning January 1, 2012.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of such Act, as
amended by section 2(c), is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 303A the following new item:
``Sec. 303B. Prohibiting States from requiring State-issued
identification as condition for voting or
registering to vote''.
SEC. 4. REQUIRING STATES TO MAKE SAME-DAY VOTER REGISTRATION AND CHANGE
OF ADDRESS SERVICE AVAILABLE.
(a) Requirement.--
(1) In general.--Subtitle A of title III of the Help
America Vote Act of 2002 (42 U.S.C. 15481 et seq.), as amended
by section 3(a), is amended by inserting after section 303B the
following new section:
``SEC. 303C. ELECTION DAY REGISTRATION AND CHANGE OF ADDRESS SERVICE.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Registration.--Notwithstanding section 8(a)(1)(D) of
the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C. 1973gg-
6), each State shall permit any individual on the day of an
election for Federal office--
``(A) to register to vote in such election at the
polling place using a form that meets the requirements
of section 9(b) of the National Voter Registration Act
of 1993; and
``(B) if, on the basis of registering to vote under
subparagraph (A), the individual is qualified to vote
in such election, to cast a vote in such election.
``(2) Change of address service for registered voters.--If
an individual who is a registered voter in a State moves to a
new address in the State but does not provide the appropriate
State election official with information on the new address
prior to appearing at a polling place to cast a vote in an
election for Federal office, the State shall permit the
individual--
``(A) to provide such information at the polling
place using a change of address form developed by the
State; and
``(B) notwithstanding section 302(a), to cast a
regular ballot instead of a provisional ballot for the
election.
``(3) Exception.--The requirements under paragraphs (1) and
(2) shall not apply to a State in which, under a State law in
effect continuously on and after the date of the enactment of
this Act, there is no voter registration requirement for
individuals in the State with respect to elections for Federal
office.
``(b) Transmittal of Forms to State Election Officials.--The
appropriate election official at the polling place shall transmit a
voter registration form provided by an individual at the polling place
under subsection (a)(1) or a change of address form provided by an
individual at the polling place under subsection (a)(2) to the
appropriate State election official at the time the official transmits
the ballots cast in the election.
``(c) Effective Date.--Each State shall be required to comply with
the requirements of this section beginning January 1, 2012.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents of such Act,
as amended by section 3(b), is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 303B the following new item:
``Sec. 303C. Election Day registration and change of address service''.
(b) Application to Early Voting Sites.--Section 303A of such Act,
as added by section 2(a), is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (a) the following new
subsection:
``(b) Application of Election Day Registration and Change of
Address Service to Early Voting.--At each polling place in a State
which allows voting prior to the day of a Federal election (as
described in subsection (a)), the State shall permit individuals to
register to vote in the same manner as the State is required to permit
individuals to register to vote and vote on the day of the election
under section 303C(a)(1), and shall provide change of address service
in the same manner as the State is required to provide such service
under section 303C(a)(2).''. | Easy Voting Act of 2011 - Amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to: (1) require a minimum early voting period of 14 days preceding a federal election for states offering early voting, (2) prohibit an election official from requiring an individual to provide a state-based identification as a condition of registering to vote or of receiving or casting a ballot in any federal election, and (3) require states to make same-day voter registration and change of address service available at the polling place on the date of election. | billsum_train |
Create a condensed overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Payment Rate Disclosure Act
of 2006''.
SEC. 2. PUBLIC INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF MEDICARE PAYMENT RATES FOR
FREQUENTLY REIMBURSED PROCEDURES AND SERVICES.
Title XVIII of the Social Security Act is amended by adding at the
end the following new section:
``SEC. 1898. PUBLIC INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF MEDICARE PAYMENT RATES FOR
FREQUENTLY REIMBURSED PROCEDURES AND SERVICES.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Initial posting.--During the initial period beginning
on a date not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this section and ending on the date that is 240
days after such starting date, the Secretary shall make
publicly available on the official Medicare Internet site the
following:
``(A) Payment rates for hospital inpatient
procedures.--For each procedure selected under
subsection (b)(1)(A)(i) and for each Metropolitan
Statistical Area or other payment area used for
purposes of section 1886(d), the average rate of
payment under such section for the procedure,
determined without regard to the application of any
deduction or coinsurance amount or any adjustment under
subparagraph (B), (D), (F), or (G) of paragraph (5) of
such section.
``(B) Payment rates for hospital outpatient
procedures.--For each procedure selected under
subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii) and for each county or other
payment area used for purposes of section 1833(t), the
average rate of payment under such section for the
procedure, determined without regard to the application
of any deductible or coinsurance.
``(C) Physician payment rates for physicians'
services.--For each physicians' service selected under
subsection (b)(1)(A)(iii) and for each fee schedule
area under section 1848, the average payment amount
determined under the fee schedule under such section
for the service, determined without regard to the
application of any deductible or coinsurance.
``(D) Period for which payment rates are
applicable.--A description of the period for which each
payment rate or amount under subparagraph (A), (B), or
(C) is applicable.
``(E) Services included in procedures.--A
description of the items and services included in each
procedure selected under clauses (i) and (ii) of
subsection (b)(1)(A).
``(F) Notice.--A statement that the average payment
rates and average payment amounts described in
subparagraphs (A) through (C) are only applicable to
the medicare program under this title and may not be
available for an individual who is not purchasing such
a procedure or service under such program.
``(2) Posting of expanded selection.--During the period
beginning on the date that is one day after the last day of the
initial period described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
make publicly available on the official Medicare Internet site
the following:
``(A) Payment rates for hospital inpatient
procedures.--For each procedure selected under
subsection (b)(1)(B)(i) and for each Metropolitan
Statistical Area or other payment area used for
purposes of section 1886(d), the average rate of
payment described in paragraph (1)(A) for the
procedure.
``(B) Payment rates for hospital outpatient
procedures.--For each procedure selected under
subsection (b)(1)(B)(ii) and for each county or other
payment area used for purposes of section 1833(t), the
average rate of payment described in paragraph (1)(B)
for the procedure.
``(C) Physician payment rates for physicians'
services.--For each physicians' service selected under
subsection (b)(1)(B)(iii) and for each fee schedule
area under section 1848, the average payment amount
described in paragraph (1)(C) for the physicians'
service.
``(D) Period for which payment rates are
applicable.--A description of the period for which each
payment rate or amount under subparagraph (A), (B), or
(C) is applicable.
``(E) Services included in procedures.--A
description of the items and services included in each
procedure selected under clauses (i) and (ii) of
subsection (b)(1)(B).
``(F) Notice.--A statement that the average payment
rates and average payment amounts described in
subparagraphs (A) through (C) are only applicable to
the medicare program under this title and may not be
available for an individual who is not purchasing such
a procedure or service under such program.
``(b) Selection of Procedures and Services.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) Initial selection.--For purposes of
subsection (a)(1) and based on the most recent national
data available, the Secretary shall select the
following:
``(i) At least the 30 hospital inpatient
procedures for which payment is most frequently
provided under section 1886(d).
``(ii) At least the 30 hospital outpatient
procedures for which payment is most frequently
provided under section 1833(t).
``(iii) At least the 30 physicians'
services (as defined in section 1861(q)) for
which payment is most frequently provided under
section 1848.
``(B) Expanded selection.--For purposes of
subsection (a)(2) and based on the most recent national
data available, the Secretary shall select the
following:
``(i) At least the 100 hospital inpatient
procedures for which payment is most frequently
provided under section 1886(d).
``(ii) At least the 100 hospital outpatient
procedures for which payment is most frequently
provided under section 1833(t).
``(iii) At least the 100 physicians'
services (as defined in section 1861(q)) for
which payment is most frequently provided under
section 1848.
``(2) Updating expanded selection.--The Secretary shall
periodically update the procedures and services selected under
paragraph (1)(B).
``(3) Further expansion of selection.--The Secretary shall
expand the number of procedures and services selected under
paragraph (1)(B) to include as many procedures and services as
may be useful for an individual not entitled to benefits under
part A or enrolled under part B in the purchase of such
procedures and services.
``(c) Authority to Post Additional Information.--The Secretary may
make publicly available on the official Medicare website such
information on the payment rate or payment amount under this title for
a procedure, item, or service not selected under subsection (b) as may
be useful for an individual not entitled to benefits under part A or
enrolled under part B in the purchase of the procedure, item, or
service. To the extent practicable, such information shall be provided
for each payment area involved.
``(d) Administrative Provisions.--
``(1) Use of most recent national data.--The information
described in paragraphs (1) of subsection (b) and subsection
(c) shall be based on the most recent national data available.
``(2) Accessibility by zip code.--Such information for an
applicable payment area shall be accessible by any zip code
included in such area.''. | Medicare Payment Rate Disclosure Act of 2006 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make publicly available on the official Medicare Internet site: (1) payment rates for hospital inpatient procedures, outpatient procedures, and physicians' services; (2) the period for which payment rates are applicable; (3) services included in certain procedures; and (4) a statement that the average payment rates and average payment amounts are only applicable to the Medicare program and may not be available for an individual who is not purchasing such a procedure or service under the Medicare program. | billsum_train |
Make a brief summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Children's Equal Protection Act of
1994''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Complaints of assault or abuse of children raised
during custody proceedings or under other circumstances are
often not pursued through criminal investigation and
prosecution in the same manner and with the same vigor that
similar complaints against adult victims are pursued.
(2) Complaints are often adjudicated in family courts ill-
equipped to, or jurisdictionally prohibited from, investigating
criminal matters.
(3) The failure by States, territories, and the District of
Columbia to bring their full criminal investigatory and
prosecutorial skills to bear regarding such complaints
regarding alleged child victims places these alleged child
victims at risk of further harm.
(4) Children are a discrete and insular minority, within
the Supreme Court's understanding of the Fourteenth Amendment
to the Constitution of the United States.
(5) Because of such status, children have been deprived of
equal and adequate enforcement of the laws, and particularly
those criminal laws prohibiting assault, battery, and torture.
(6) It would be a violation of the alleged child victims'
right to equal protection of law if enforcement actions are
brought to bear regarding alleged adult victims but not brought
to bear regarding child victims.
SEC. 3. RIGHT TO PROTECTION; DUTY TO INTERVENE.
The Revised Statutes of the United States are amended by inserting
after section 1979 the following:
SEC. 1979A. RIGHT TO PROTECTION; DUTY TO INTERVENE.
``(a) Where the statutes, ordinances, regulations, custom, or usage
of any State or territory or the District of Columbia provide for
investigation and, where warranted, criminal prosecution in response to
complaints of physical assault, sexual assault, sexual abuse, or sexual
harassment of citizens or other persons within the jurisdiction
thereof, these ordinances, regulations, customs, and usage shall be
applied without regard to the age of the victim.
``(b) Neither the investigation and determination of facts for the
purpose of awarding guardianship for or custody of a minor, nor the act
of awarding such guardianship or custody shall relieve any State or
territory or the District of Columbia of the duty to investigate and
criminally prosecute valid complaints against child victims in the same
vigorous and timely manner as complaints against adult victims.
``(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit the
public disclosure of any victim's identity. To the contrary, to the
maximum extent possible, the identity of all child victims shall be
protected in any investigation and prosecution.
``(d) Every person who, under color of any statute, ordinance,
regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or territory or the District
of Columbia, fails to provide the affirmative protection or
intervention required pursuant to subsection (a) to a citizen of the
United States or other person within the jurisdiction thereof shall be
liable to the party injured in an action at law, suit in equity, or
other proper proceeding for redress. Such protection and intervention
as required by law shall not be limited to those cases in which the
injured party is in the physical or constructive custody of such
person.
``(e) The failure of a State, county, locality, or the District of
Columbia to comply with this section shall act as an absolute
disability to receipt of Federal grants for law-enforcement purposes as
otherwise provided for in such laws as Congress may from time to time
enact.
``SEC. 1979B. RELIEF.
``An injured party under section 1979A may apply to the court for
such relief as the court may grant in its discretion. Such relief may
include injunctive relief, restraining orders, and monetary damages.
Such relief may not include punitive damages. Granting of such relief
as the court may grant does not preclude criminal prosecution under the
laws of a State or the United States. Judgment entered on such action
may be considered by the Department of Justice in its determination of
whether a State, locality, or the District of Columbia has met the
requirements of section 1979A.
``SEC. 1979C. ABSTENTION; DENOVO REVIEW.
``The court may not abstain from hearing a case under section 1979B
until the completion of State court proceedings or exhaustion of State
remedies unless the defendant demonstrate by clear and convincing
evidence that delay of Federal proceedings will not endanger the
injured party or deprive such party of the protection which is the
subject of the proceeding. In making any determination in a proceeding
under this section, the court may, in its discretion, review all
factual issues de novo, and shall not be limited by doctrines of res
judicata or collateral estoppel, except that a final criminal
conviction in a State or Federal court after a fully-litigated trial
shall estop any review of the act or acts underlying such conviction.
``SEC. 1979D. WHO MAY BRING.
``An action under section 1979B may be brought by the injured
party, a guardian ad litem, a class of affected individuals, the
Attorney General of the United States, or the attorney general of a
State, commonwealth, territory. A refusal by such attorneys general to
prosecute shall not act as a bar to private action.
``SEC. 1979E. COSTS.
``In any action under section 1979B, the court, in its discretion,
may allow the prevailing party, other than the United States or a
State, territory or jurisdiction, a reasonable attorney's fee.''. | Children's Equal Protection Act of 1994 - Amends the Revised Statutes to mandate that State criminal investigation and prosecution statutes that relate to physical assault or sexual assault, abuse, or harassment be applied without regard to the victim's age.
Imposes liability upon any person who under color of law fails to provide the affirmative protection or intervention required by this Act.
Declares that noncompliance by any jurisdiction shall serve as an absolute bar to receipt of Federal law-enforcement grants.
Prescribes guidelines for judicial relief, abstention, de novo review, and attorney's fees. | billsum_train |
Provide a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. REVIEW AND POLICY REGARDING DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
INVESTIGATIVE PRACTICES IN RESPONSE TO ALLEGATIONS OF
SEX-RELATED OFFENSES.
(a) Review.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a review
of the practices of the military criminal investigative organizations
(Army Criminal Investigation Command, Naval Criminal Investigative
Service, and Air Force Office of Special Investigation) regarding the
investigation of alleged sex-related offenses involving members of the
Armed Forces, including the extent to which the military criminal
investigative organizations make a recommendation regarding whether an
allegation of a sex-related offense appears founded or unfounded.
(b) Policy.--After conducting the review required by subsection
(a), the Secretary of Defense shall develop a uniform policy for the
Armed Forces, to the extent practicable, regarding the use of case
determinations to record the results of the investigation of a sex-
related offense. In developing the policy, the Secretary shall consider
the feasibility of adopting case determination methods, such as the
uniform crime report, used by nonmilitary law enforcement agencies.
(c) Sex-Related Offense Defined.--In this section, the term ``sex-
related offense'' includes--
(1) any offense covered by section 920, 920a, 920b, 920c,
or 925 of title 10, United States Code (article 120, 120a,
120b, 120c, or 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice); or
(2) an attempt to commit an offense specified in a
paragraph (1) as punishable under section 880 of such title
(article 80 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).
SEC. 2. DEVELOPMENT OF SELECTION CRITERIA FOR ASSIGNMENT AS SEXUAL
ASSAULT RESPONSE AND PREVENTION PROGRAM MANAGERS, SEXUAL
ASSAULT RESPONSE COORDINATORS, AND SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM
ADVOCATES.
(a) Qualifications for Assignment.--Section 1602(e)(2) of the Ike
Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public
Law 111-383; 10 U.S.C. 1561 note; 124 Stat. 4431) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
and
(2) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the
following new subparagraphs:
``(A) the qualifications necessary for a member of
the Armed Forces or a civilian employee of the
Department of Defense to be selected for assignment to
duty as a Sexual Assault Response and Prevention
Program Manager, Sexual Assault Response Coordinator,
or Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, whether assigned to
such duty on a full-time or part-time basis;
``(B) consistent with section 584(c) of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012
(Public Law 112-81; 10 U.S.C. 1561 note; 125 Stat.
1433), the training, certification, and status of
members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of
the department assigned to duty as Sexual Assault
Response and Prevention Program Managers, Sexual
Assault Response Coordinators, and Sexual Assault
Victim Advocates for the Armed Forces; and''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 584 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112-81; 10 U.S.C.
1561 note; 125 Stat. 1432) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by inserting ``who satisfy the
selection criteria established under section 1602(e)(2) of the
Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2011 (Public Law 111-383; 10 U.S.C. 1561 note; 124 Stat.
4431)'' after ``Defense''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by inserting ``who satisfy the
selection criteria established under section 1602(e)(2) of the
Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2011'' after ``Defense''.
SEC. 3. UNIFORM TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT
PREVENTION AND RESPONSE PROGRAM.
Section 585(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2012 (Public Law 112-81; 125 Stat. 1434; 10 U.S.C. 1561 note) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in the first sentence, by striking ``Not later
than one year after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of each military department shall
develop a curriculum to provide sexual assault
prevention and response training and education for
members of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of
the Secretary and civilian employees of the military
department'' and inserting ``Not later than June 30,
2014, the Secretary of Defense shall develop a uniform
curriculum to provide sexual assault prevention and
response training and education for members of the
Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department
of Defense''; and
(B) in the second sentence, by inserting
``including lesson plans to achieve core competencies
and learning objectives,'' after ``curriculum,''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) by striking ``Consistent training.--The
Secretary of Defense shall ensure'' and inserting
``Uniform training.--The Secretary of Defense shall
require''; and
(B) by striking ``consistent'' and inserting
``uniform''. | Directs the Secretary of Defense to: (1) review practices of the military criminal investigative organizations regarding the investigation of alleged sex-related offenses involving members of the Armed Forces (members), and (2) develop a uniform policy regarding the use of case determinations to record the results of such investigations. Amends the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 to direct the Secretary to establish minimum standards for: (1) the qualifications necessary for members or civilian employees of the Department of Defense (DOD) to be selected as a sexual assault response and prevention program manager, sexual assault response coordinator, or sexual assault victim advocate; and (2) the training, certification, and status of such members and employees assigned to such positions. Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to require the Secretary, by June 30, 2014, to develop a uniform curriculum to provide sexual assault prevention and response training for members and civilian DOD employees. Requires such curriculum to include lesson plans to achieve core competencies and learning objectives. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Elder Abuse Prevention Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The number of older individuals in the United States
who are abused, neglected, or exploited is increasing, and a
large percentage of elder abuse cases are not reported to
Federal and State law enforcement authorities.
(2) The number of individuals in the United States aged 65
and older is projected to increase exponentially in the coming
years, and many of these valued citizens will begin to
constitute a vulnerable population at increased risk of abuse
and exploitation in domestic and community-based settings.
(3) The projected increase in the number of individuals in
the United States aged 65 and over is expected to result in a
corresponding increase in the number of cases of elder abuse,
which suggests an urgent need for comprehensive consideration
of means by which such abuse can be prevented, reported, and
prosecuted by Federal and State authorities.
(4) Violent, physical, and sexual assaults upon older
individuals are particularly abhorrent and should be prosecuted
vigorously by Federal and State law enforcement authorities.
Such acts should be deterred by appropriate penalties including
enhanced penalties and the elimination of parole for
individuals convicted of violent sexual offenses against the
elderly.
SEC. 3. NO PAROLE FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES COMMITTED AGAINST OLDER
INDIVIDUALS OR FOR SEXUALLY VIOLENT PREDATORS.
(a) In General.--For each fiscal year after the expiration of the
period specified in subsection (b)(1) in which a State receives funds
for the program referred to in subsection (b)(2), the State shall have
in effect throughout the State laws and policies that prohibit parole
for any individual who--
(1) is convicted of a criminal sexual offense against a
victim who is an older individual, which shall include any such
offense under State law for conduct that would constitute an
offense under chapter 109A of title 18, United States Code, had
the conduct occurred in the special maritime and territorial
jurisdiction of the United States or in a Federal prison; and
(2) is a sexually violent predator.
(b) Compliance and Ineligibility.--
(1) Compliance date.--Each State shall have not more than 3
years from the date of enactment of this Act to comply with
subsection (a), except that--
(A) the Attorney General may grant an additional 2
years to a State that is making good faith efforts to
comply with such subsection; and
(B) the Attorney General shall waive the
requirements of subsection (a) if compliance with such
subsection by a State would be unconstitutional under
the constitution of such State.
(2) Ineligibility for funds.--For any fiscal year after the
expiration of the period specified in paragraph (1), a State
that fails to comply with subsection (a) shall not receive 10
percent of the funds that would otherwise be allocated for that
fiscal year to the State under the Edward Byrne Memorial
Justice Assistance Grant Program under subpart 1 of part E of
title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of
1968 (42 U.S.C. 3750 et seq.).
(c) Reallocation.--Amounts not allocated under the program referred
to in subsection (b)(2) to a State for failure to fully comply with
subsection (a) shall be reallocated under that program to States that
have not failed to comply with such subsection.
(d) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section--
(1) the term ``older individual'' means an individual who
is 65 years of age or older; and
(2) the term ``sexually violent predator'' means a person
who--
(A) has been convicted of a sexually violent
offense; and
(B) has been diagnosed by a qualified mental health
professional as having a mental abnormality or
personality disorder that makes the person likely to
engage in predatory sexually violent offenses, or has
been determined by a court to suffer from such an
illness or disorder.
SEC. 4. AMENDMENT TO THE FEDERAL SENTENCING GUIDELINES.
(a) Request for Immediate Consideration by 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 shall--
(1) promptly review the sentencing guidelines applicable to
sexual offenses committed against the elderly;
(2) expeditiously consider the promulgation of new
sentencing guidelines or amendments to existing sentencing
guidelines to provide an enhancement for such offenses; and
(3) submit to Congress an explanation of actions taken by
the Sentencing Commission pursuant to paragraph (2) and any
additional policy recommendations the Sentencing Commission may
have for combating offenses described in paragraph (1).
(b) Considerations in Review.--In carrying out this section, the
Sentencing Commission shall--
(1) ensure that the sentencing guidelines and policy
statements reflect the serious nature of such offenses and the
need for aggressive and appropriate law enforcement action to
prevent such offenses;
(2) assure reasonable consistency with other relevant
directives and with other guidelines;
(3) account for any aggravating or mitigating circumstances
that might justify exceptions, including circumstances for
which the sentencing guidelines currently provide sentencing
enhancements;
(4) make any necessary conforming changes to the sentencing
guidelines; and
(5) assure that the guidelines adequately meet the purposes
of sentencing as set forth in section 3553(a)(2) of title 18,
United States Code.
(c) Emergency Authority and Deadline for Commission Action.--The
United States Sentencing Commission shall promulgate the guidelines or
amendments provided for under this section as soon as practicable, and
in any event not later than the 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 21(a)
of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1987, as though the authority under
that Act had not expired. | Elder Abuse Prevention Act - Requires a state that is receiving funds for certain law enforcement assistance programs under the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to have in effect laws and policies that prohibit parole for any individual who is: (1) convicted of a criminal sexual offense against a victim who is an older individual (defined as age 65 or older); or (2) a sexually violent predator (defined as a person who has been convicted of a sexually violent offense and who has been diagnosed by a qualified mental health professional as having a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes the person likely to engage in predatory sexually violent offenses or who has been determined by a court to suffer from such an illness or disorder). Grants states three years to implement such laws and policies (with one additional two-year extension for states making good faith efforts at implementation). Renders any state that does not implement such laws and policies within the required period ineligible for 10% of funding for its law enforcement assistance programs.
Requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to promptly review its guidelines for sexual offenses committed against the elderly and to consider new guidelines for enhanced sentencing for such crimes. | billsum_train |
Provide a condensed version of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Clean Rivers Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of
the Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, the Committee on Energy and Commerce,
and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives.
(2) Gathering lines.--The term ``gathering lines'' has the
meaning given the term pursuant to section 60101(b) of title
49, United States Code.
(3) Hazardous liquid pipeline facility.--The term
``hazardous liquid pipeline facility'' has the meaning given
the term in section 60101(a) of title 49, United States Code.
(4) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b).
SEC. 3. REVIEW OF PIPELINE RIVER CROSSINGS.
(a) Review Required.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Pipeline
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration shall complete a
review of the adequacy of the Administration's regulations with
respect to pipelines regulated by the Administration that cross
inland bodies of water with a width of at least 100 feet from
high water mark to high water mark.
(2) Scope.--The review required under paragraph (1) shall
include data about the geomorphology of individual rivers,
including flood hydraulics, riverbed mobility, and channel
migration, with respect to--
(A) existing depth of cover requirements;
(B) existing requirements for pipeline operators to
inspect the conditions of river crossings during
extraordinary events irrespective of periodic
inspection requirements;
(C) existing requirements for Integrity Management
Plans to include evaluations of the probability and
consequences of flooding at river crossings;
(D) existing requirements for installing crossings
with respect to horizontal directional drilling; and
(E) issuance by the Administration of emergency
orders to address unsafe conditions or practices posing
an imminent hazard.
(3) Consultation.--In conducting the review required under
paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consult with--
(A) Federal entities with relevant data and
expertise, including the United States Geological
Service, the Army Corps of Engineers, the National
Transportation Safety Board, the Bureau of Reclamation,
and the Environmental Protection Agency; and
(B) regional, state, Tribal, and local entities
with relevant data and expertise, including State and
regional conservation district councils.
(b) Report Required.--Not later than 30 days after completing the
review required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report on the findings of
the review, including any recommendations for changes in laws or
regulations.
(c) Regulations.--Not later than one year after submittal of the
report required under subsection (b), the Administrator shall prescribe
regulations to incorporate the findings of the review conducted under
subsection (a) and the recommendations included in the report submitted
under subsection (b).
SEC. 4. INCREASED TRANSPARENCY.
(a) River Crossings Database.--Not later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Pipeline
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration shall establish and
maintain on a publicly available Internet Web site of the
Administration a database of all pipeline water crossings in the United
States, searchable nationally, by State, and by pipeline, including,
with respect to each crossing--
(1) the pipeline operator;
(2) the classification of crossing design;
(3) the estimated depth of cover;
(4) the date of pipeline installation;
(5) the dates of in-line inspections;
(6) a summary of past actionable anomalies resulting from
in-line inspections; and
(7) the operational status of the pipeline during flows
higher than 10-percent probability of exceedance.
(b) National Statistics.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration shall establish and maintain
on a publicly available Internet Web site of the Administration a
listing of national and state statistics on pipeline safety,
including--
(1) the percentage of pipeline crossings inspected by in-
line inspection within the last 6 months, year, five years, and
greater than five years;
(2) the percentage of pipeline miles inspected by in-line
inspection within the last 6 months, year, five years, and
greater than five years;
(3) the percentage of pipeline crossings designated High
Consequences Areas;
(4) the percentage of pipeline miles designated High
Consequence Areas;
(5) the percentage of total pipelines in compliance as of
the last date of in-line inspection;
(6) the percentage of pipeline miles in compliance as of
the last date of in-line inspection;
(7) the percentage of pipeline crossings which are bored
crossings;
(8) the percentage of pipeline crossings which are cut
crossings;
(9) the percentage of pipeline crossings which are aerial
crossings; and
(10) any other relevant statistics the agency determines.
(c) Oil Spill Response Plans.--Not later than one year after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall post on a
publicly available Internet Web site of the Administration the
following information about hazardous liquid pipeline response plans
required of each pipeline operator under part 194 of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations:
(1) A status indication of the review and approval of each
plan.
(2) A comprehensive description of the requirements for
such plans.
(3) A detailed summary of each approved plan written by the
operator that includes the key elements of the plan, but which
may exclude--
(A) proprietary information;
(B) security-sensitive information, including as
referenced in section 1520.5(a) of title 49, Code of
Federal Regulations;
(C) specific response resources and tactical
deployment plans; and
(D) the specific location of worst-case discharges.
(d) Consultation on Oil Spill Response Plan.--The Administrator
shall prescribe regulations requiring pipeline operators--
(1) in constructing oil spill response plans, to consult
with local first responders and emergency services operators;
(2) to file approved oil spill response plans with all
local first responders and emergency services operators that
are listed in the plan; and
(3) to provide updated oil spill response plans to local
first responders and emergency services operators as necessary.
SEC. 5. LEAK DETECTION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration shall review the need for performance standards for leak
detection systems used by operators of hazardous liquid pipeline
facilities, including specific standards with respect to--
(1) determining the size of leak a system is capable of
detecting; and
(2) the time required for the system to issue an alarm in
the event that a leak is detected.
SEC. 6. EMERGENCY FLOW RESTRICTING DEVICES.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration shall review the adequacy of regulations on the
circumstances under which an operator of a hazardous liquid pipeline
facility must use an emergency flow restricting device.
SEC. 7. ONSHORE GATHERING LINES.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees
a report summarizing a review of all onshore gas and hazardous liquid
gathering lines not regulated by the Administration, including
recommendations with respect to--
(1) the sufficiency of existing laws and regulations to
ensure pipeline safety;
(2) the economical and technical practicability of applying
existing regulations to unregulated onshore gathering lines;
and
(3) the modification or revocation of existing statutory or
regulatory exemptions, subject to a risk-based assessment.
SEC. 8. EXPANDED LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IN NATIONAL CONTINGENCY PLAN
RESPONSE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE.
(a) In General.--The National Contingency Plan for removal of oil
and hazardous substances shall be revised to provide for the greater
involvement of local authorities in the basic framework for the
response management structure.
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as limiting, reducing, or otherwise modifying the controlling
role of the On-Scene Coordinator in the response management structure
referred to in subsection (a).
SEC. 9. TRIBAL CONSULTATION.
(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration shall establish a protocol for
consulting with Indian tribes to provide technical assistance for
regulation of pipelines under the jurisdiction of Indian tribes.
(b) Requirement for Operators.--The operator of a pipeline that is
located, wholly or partially, on land under the jurisdiction of an
Indian tribe shall file with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials
Safety Administration a copy of any oil spill response plan required
under this Act for the pipeline. | Clean Rivers Act of 2011 - Directs the Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to review the adequacy of PHMSA regulations with respect to PHMSA-regulated pipelines that cross rivers with a width of at least 100 feet from high water mark to high water mark.
Requires the Administrator to establish on a publicly available PHMSA website: (1) a database of all pipeline water crossings in the United States, (2) a listing of national and state statistics on pipeline safety, and (3) certain information regarding pipeline operator hazardous liquid pipeline response plans.
Directs the Administrator to review: (1) the need for performance standards for leak detection systems used by hazardous liquid pipeline facility operators, and (2) the adequacy of PHMSA regulations in cases where a hazardous liquid pipeline facility operator must use an emergency flow restricting device.
Requires the Administrator to review and report to Congress on all onshore gas and hazardous liquid gathering lines not regulated by PHMSA.
Requires revision of the National Contingency Plan for removal of oil and hazardous substances to provide greater involvement of local authorities in the basic framework for the response management structure. | billsum_train |
Condense the following text into a summary: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Waste-to-Energy Technology Act of
2010''.
SEC. 2. INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT FOR WASTE TO ENERGY FACILITIES.
(a) 30 Percent Energy Percentage.--Clause (i) of section
48(a)(2)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking
``and'' at the end of subparagraph (III) and by inserting after
subparagraph (IV) the following new subparagraph:
``(E) qualified waste-to-energy property, and''.
(b) Energy Property.--Subparagraph (A) of section 48(a)(3) of such
Code is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (vi), by
inserting ``or'' at the end of clause (vii), and by inserting after
clause (vii) the following new clause:
``(viii) qualified waste-to-energy
property,''.
(c) Qualified Waste-to-Energy Property Defined.--Subsection (c) of
section 48 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following
new paragraph:
``(5) Qualified waste-to-energy property.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified waste-to-
energy property' means property comprising a system
which--
``(i) uses municipal solid waste or
municipal sewage sludge as the feedstock for
producing solid, liquid, or gas fuel, and
``(ii) is certified by the Secretary under
subparagraph (D)(iii) as eligible for a credit
under this section.
``(B) Exception.--Such term does not include any
landfill facility that recirculates leachate, regrades
landfill surfaces to encourage runoff to infiltrate the
cells, or delays installation of covers longer than 18
months following the cell reaching more than 90 percent
of its final grade.
``(C) Limitation.--The amount allowed as a credit
for a qualified waste-to-energy property shall not
exceed the credit allocation to such project under
subparagraph (D)(ii).
``(D) Competitive allocation of credit.--
``(i) In general.--Not later than 180 days
after the date of enactment of this section,
the Secretary, in consultation with the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency, shall establish a qualifying waste-to-
energy project program to consider and award
certifications for qualified investments
eligible for credits under this section to
qualifying waste-to-energy project sponsors.
``(ii) Limitation.--The total amount of
credits that may be allocated under the program
shall not exceed $1,000,000,000.
``(iii) Certification.--
``(I) Application period.--An
application for certification under
this paragraph may only be submitted
during the 2-year period beginning on
the date the Secretary establishes the
program under clause (i) and shall
contain such information as the
Secretary may require.
``(II) Time to meet criteria for
certification.--Each applicant for
certification shall have 1 year from
the date of acceptance by the Secretary
of the application during which to
provide to the Secretary evidence that
the requirements of the certification
have been met.
``(iv) Selection criteria.--In determining
which qualifying waste-to-energy projects to
certify under this section, the Secretary--
``(I) shall take into consideration
only those projects where there is a
reasonable expectation of commercial
viability, and
``(II) shall take into
consideration those projects which--
``(aa) use the least amount
of post-consumer materials that
could otherwise enter the
recycling stream,
``(bb) will provide the
greatest net impact in avoiding
or reducing air pollutants or
anthropogenic emissions of
greenhouse gases (including
lifecycle leakage of greenhouse
gases),
``(cc) have the lowest
levelized cost of generated or
stored energy, or of measured
reduction in energy consumption
or greenhouse gas emission
(based on costs of the full
supply chain), and
``(dd) pose the fewest
risks (other than climate
risks) to environmental and
human health.
``(v) Limitation on allocation.--No credit
shall be allocated with respect to any
qualified waste-to-energy property for which
there is no net benefit in cumulative lifecycle
greenhouse gas emissions.
``(vi) Greenhouse gas leakage from
facility.--For purposes of clause
(iv)(II)(bb)--
``(I) In general.--The lifecycle
leakage of greenhouse gases is, on a
integrated basis, the leakage rate
during each phase multiplied by the
proportion of lifetime greenhouse gases
that are released by the facility in
that phase, which shall be based upon
field data where that can be
accomplished.
``(II) Matters included.--Included
in the lifecycle analysis shall be an
accounting of the leakage of greenhouse
gases attendant upon the production of
bio-based energy from the facility.
Such leakage shall be determined over
the longer of the entire lifetime the
facility releases greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere or the time the facility
is capable of doing so by virtue of the
quantity of any residual carbon
remaining after energy production.
Leakage shall be accounted for during
each distinct phase of the facility's
life, including the time before the gas
collection system and the final cover
is installed and the time after funds
previously set aside to maintain the
final cover after the facility is
closed are no longer available. Leakage
shall be counted for the entire time
the facility generates, or is capable
of generating, greenhouse gases.
``(vii) Definitions relating to greenhouse
gas leakage.--For purposes of clause (vi)--
``(I) Leakage.--The term `leakage'
means the portion of the total
greenhouse gases generated by
decomposition of organic discards
disposed of in the facility that are
released into the atmosphere.
``(II) Facility.--A facility refers
not only to the energy-producing
machinery but also to the entire
municipal solid waste landfill unit.
``(III) Phase.--The term `phase'
means one of the time periods when
greenhouse gases are generated at a
facility at distinctly different rates
of generation and rates of gas
collection. For landfill facilities
that produce biogas, the periods are--
``(aa) the time prior to
the installation of active gas
collection systems,
``(bb) the time after the
installation of the systems but
prior to installation of the
final cover,
``(cc) the time after
installation of the final cover
but prior to the time that
maintenance of the cover ends,
and
``(dd) the time after
maintenance of the cover ends.
``(IV) Bio-based energy.--The term
`bio-based energy' means energy
produced from the current decomposition
of plants or animals.
``(V) Integrated basis.--The term
`integrated basis' means first
multiplying the collection efficiency
applicable for each phase of the life
of a landfill facility by the
proportion of the total gas over the
landfill's life that is generated
during that phase, and then summing the
product of the two for each phase to
determine the integrated collection
efficiency that reflects the actual
lifetime collection efficiency.
``(E) Denial of double benefit.--
``(i) In general.--A credit shall not be
allowed under sections 40, 40A, 45, 48B, and
6426 with respect to any fuel produced at a
facility with respect to which a credit is
allowed under this section.
``(ii) Coordination with arra grant.--A
credit shall not be allowed under this section
for any facility if a grant is made under
section 1603 of the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act with respect to such
facility.''.
(d) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (e) of section 45 of such
Code is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(12) Coordination with energy credit for qualified waste-
to-energy property.--The term `qualified facility' shall not
include any facility which produces electricity from solid,
gas, or liquid fuel produced by qualified waste-to-energy
property (as defined in section 48(c)(5)) if a credit is
determined under section 48 with respect to such property for
the taxable year or any prior taxable year.''.
(e) Report.--After the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation
with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, has made
all of the credit allocation under section 48(c)(5) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by subsection (a)), the Secretary, in
consultation with the Administrator, shall submit to Congress a report
on the recipients of the energy credit for qualified waste-to-energy
property under section 48 of such Code and the effectiveness of the
selection criteria under section 48(c)(5)(D)(iv) of such Code in
selecting waste-to-energy projects these projects. The report shall
also include recommendations (if any) for continuing the waste-to-
energy credit under section 48(c) of such Code and, if so, at what
dollar amount. The Secretary shall, upon making a certification of such
credit under section 48(c)(5)(D)(iii) of such Code, publicly disclose
the identity of the applicant and the amount of the credit with respect
to such applicant.
(f) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to facilities placed in service in periods after the date of the
enactment of this Act, in taxable years ending after such date, under
rules similar to the rules of section 48(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment
of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990). | Waste-to-Energy Technology Act of 2010 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a 30% energy tax credit for investment in qualified waste-to-energy property. Defines "qualified waste-to-energy property" as property comprising a system that uses municipal solid waste or sewage sludge as the feedstock for producing solid, liquid, or gas fuel, and that is certified by the Secretary of the Treasury as eligible for a credit under this Act. Excludes certain landfill facilities from such definition.
Requires the Secretary to establish criteria for awarding certifications for waste-to-energy projects, which shall include: (1) the commercial viability of such projects; (2) whether such projects will provide the greatest net impact in avoiding or reducing air pollutants or anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases; and (3) whether such projects pose the fewest risks (other than climate risks) to environmental and human health. | billsum_train |
Make a brief summary of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``IRS Whistleblower Improvements Act
of 2017''.
SEC. 2. WHISTLEBLOWER REFORMS.
(a) Modifications to Disclosure Rules for Whistleblowers.--
(1) In general.--Section 6103(k) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(13) Disclosure to whistleblowers.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may disclose, to
any individual providing information relating to any
purpose described in paragraph (1) or (2) of section
7623(a), return information related to the
investigation of any taxpayer with respect to whom the
individual has provided such information, but only to
the extent that such disclosure is necessary in
obtaining information, which is not otherwise
reasonably available, with respect to the correct
determination of tax liability for tax, or the amount
to be collected with respect to the enforcement of any
other provision of this title.
``(B) Updates on whistleblower investigations.--The
Secretary shall disclose to an individual providing
information relating to any purpose described in
paragraph (1) or (2) of section 7623(a) the following:
``(i) Not later than 30 days after a case
for which the individual has provided
information has been referred for an audit or
examination, a notice with respect to such
referral.
``(ii) Not later than 30 days after a
taxpayer with respect to whom the individual
has provided information has made a payment of
tax with respect to tax liability to which such
information relates, a notice with respect to
such payment.
``(iii) Subject to such requirements and
conditions as are prescribed by the Secretary,
upon a written request by such individual--
``(I) information on the status and
stage of any investigation or action
related to such information, and
``(II) in the case of a
determination of the amount of any
award under section 7623(b), the
reasons for such determination.
Clause (iii) shall not apply to any information if the
Secretary determines that disclosure of such
information would seriously impair Federal tax
administration. Information described in clauses (i),
(ii), and (iii) may be disclosed to a designee of the
individual providing such information in accordance
with guidance provided by the Secretary.''.
(2) Conforming amendments.--
(A) Confidentiality of information.--Section
6103(a)(3) of such Code is amended by striking
``subsection (k)(10)'' and inserting ``paragraph (10)
or (13) of subsection (k)''.
(B) Penalty for unauthorized disclosure.--Section
7213(a)(2) of such Code is amended by striking
``(k)(10)'' and inserting ``(k)(10) or (13)''.
(C) Coordination with authority to disclose for
investigative purposes.--Section 6103(k)(6) of such
Code is amended by adding at the end the following new
sentence: ``This paragraph shall not apply to any
disclosure to an individual providing information
relating to any purpose described in paragraph (1) or
(2) of section 7623(a) which is made under paragraph
(13)(A).''.
(b) Protection Against Retaliation.--Section 7623 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(c) Civil Action To Protect Against Retaliation Cases.--
``(1) Anti-retaliation whistleblower protection for
employees.--No employer or any officer, employee, contractor,
subcontractor, or agent of such employer may discharge, demote,
suspend, threaten, harass, or in any other manner discriminate
against an employee in the terms and conditions of employment
(including through an act in the ordinary course of such
employee's duties) in reprisal for any lawful act done by the
employee--
``(A) to provide information, cause information to
be provided, or otherwise assist in an investigation
regarding underpayment of tax or any conduct which the
employee reasonably believes constitutes a violation of
the internal revenue laws or any provision of Federal
law relating to tax fraud, when the information or
assistance is provided to the Internal Revenue Service,
the Secretary of the Treasury, the Treasury Inspector
General for Tax Administration, the Comptroller General
of the United States, the Department of Justice, the
United States Congress, a person with supervisory
authority over the employee, or any other person
working for the employer who has the authority to
investigate, discover, or terminate misconduct, or
``(B) to testify, participate in, or otherwise
assist in any administrative or judicial action taken
by the Internal Revenue Service relating to an alleged
underpayment of tax or any violation of the internal
revenue laws or any provision of Federal law relating
to tax fraud.
``(2) Enforcement action.--
``(A) In general.--A person who alleges discharge
or other reprisal by any person in violation of
paragraph (1) may seek relief under paragraph (3) by--
``(i) filing a complaint with the Secretary
of Labor, or
``(ii) if the Secretary of Labor has not
issued a final decision within 180 days of the
filing of the complaint and there is no showing
that such delay is due to the bad faith of the
claimant, bringing an action at law or equity
for de novo review in the appropriate district
court of the United States, which shall have
jurisdiction over such an action without regard
to the amount in controversy.
``(B) Procedure.--
``(i) In general.--An action under
subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be governed under
the rules and procedures set forth in section
42121(b) of title 49, United States Code.
``(ii) Exception.--Notification made under
section 42121(b)(1) of title 49, United States
Code, shall be made to the person named in the
complaint and to the employer.
``(iii) Burdens of proof.--An action
brought under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be
governed by the legal burdens of proof set
forth in section 42121(b) of title 49, United
States Code, except that in applying such
section--
``(I) `behavior described in
paragraph (1)' shall be substituted for
`behavior described in paragraphs (1)
through (4) of subsection (a)' each
place it appears in paragraph (2)(B)
thereof, and
``(II) `a violation of paragraph
(1)' shall be substituted for `a
violation of subsection (a)' each place
it appears.
``(iv) Statute of limitations.--A complaint
under subparagraph (A)(i) shall be filed not
later than 180 days after the date on which the
violation occurs.
``(v) Jury trial.--A party to an action
brought under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall be
entitled to trial by jury.
``(3) Remedies.--
``(A) In general.--An employee prevailing in any
action under paragraph (2)(A) shall be entitled to all
relief necessary to make the employee whole.
``(B) Compensatory damages.--Relief for any action
under subparagraph (A) shall include--
``(i) reinstatement with the same seniority
status that the employee would have had, but
for the reprisal,
``(ii) the sum of 200 percent of the amount
of back pay and 100 percent of all lost
benefits, with interest, and
``(iii) compensation for any special
damages sustained as a result of the reprisal,
including litigation costs, expert witness
fees, and reasonable attorney fees.
``(4) Rights retained by employee.--Nothing in this section
shall be deemed to diminish the rights, privileges, or remedies
of any employee under any Federal or State law, or under any
collective bargaining agreement.
``(5) Nonenforceability of certain provisions waiving
rights and remedies or requiring arbitration of disputes.--
``(A) Waiver of rights and remedies.--The rights
and remedies provided for in this subsection may not be
waived by any agreement, policy form, or condition of
employment, including by a predispute arbitration
agreement.
``(B) Predispute arbitration agreements.--No
predispute arbitration agreement shall be valid or
enforceable, if the agreement requires arbitration of a
dispute arising under this subsection.''.
(c) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by subsection (a)
shall apply to disclosures made after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
(2) Civil protection.--The amendment made by subsection (b)
shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act. | IRS Whistleblower Improvements Act of 2017 This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), with respect to whistle-blowers, to establish rules regarding the disclosure of tax return information and retaliation by employers. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may disclose tax return information to whistle-blowers if: (1) the information is related to the investigation of any taxpayer with respect to whom the whistle-blower has provided information; and (2) the disclosure is necessary to obtain information, which is not otherwise reasonably available, with respect to the correct determination of tax liability or the amount to be collected with respect to the enforcement of any other provision of the IRC. The bill also: (1) requires the IRS to provide updates to whistle-blowers regarding investigations, and (2) subjects whistle-blowers who receive tax return information to criminal penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of taxpayer information. An employer or any officer, employee, contractor, subcontractor, or agent of the employer may not retaliate against an employee for certain lawful activities related to alleged underpayments of taxes or violations of tax law. The specified activities include: (1) providing certain information or assistance to federal agencies or Congress; and (2) testifying, participating in, or otherwise assisting in IRS actions. The bill also specifies: (1) enforcement actions that may be brought before the Department of Labor or in federal court to enforce the laws against retaliation, (2) procedures that apply to the actions, and (3) remedies that must be provided to employees that prevail in the actions. | billsum_train |
Make a summary of the following text: SECTION 1. TERMINATION OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN FUND CHECK-
OFF.
Section 6096 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to
designation of income tax payments to Presidential Election Campaign
Fund) is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
subsection:
``(d) Termination.--This section shall not apply to any taxable
year beginning after December 31, 1991.
SEC. 2. DESIGNATION OF OVERPAYMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS FOR REDUCTION OF
PUBLIC DEBT.
(a) In General.--Subchapter A of chapter 61 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
part:
``PART IX--DESIGNATION OF OVERPAYMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS FOR REDUCTION
OF PUBLIC DEBT.
``Sec. 6097. Designation.
``SEC. 6097. DESIGNATION.
``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, with respect to
each taxpayer's return for the taxable year of the tax imposed by
chapter 1, such taxpayer may designate that--
``(1) a specified portion (not less than $1) of any
overpayment of tax for such taxable year, and
``(2) any cash contribution which the taxpayer includes
with such return,
shall be used to reduce the public debt.
``(b) Manner and Time of Designation.--A designation under
subsection (a) may be made with respect to any taxable year only at the
time of filing the return of the tax imposed by chapter 1 for such
taxable year. Such designation shall be made in such manner as the
Secretary prescribes by regulations except that such designation shall
be made either on the first page of the return or on the page bearing
the taxpayer's signature.
``(c) Overpayments Treated As Refunded.--For purposes of this
title, any portion of an overpayment of tax designated under subsection
(a) shall be treated as being refunded to the taxpayer as of the last
date prescribed for filing the return of tax imposed by chapter 1
(determined without regard to extensions) or, if later, the date the
return is filed.
``(d) Forms To Include Address for Other Public Debt Reduction
Contributions.--The Secretary shall include on returns of tax imposed
by chapter 1 the address to which taxpayers may send at any time
additional contributions to reduce the public debt.''
(b) Transfers To Account to Reduce Public Debt.--The Secretary of
the Treasury shall, from time to time, transfer to the special account
established by section 3113(d) of title 31, United States Code--
(1) the amounts of the overpayments of tax to which
designations under section 6097 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 apply, and
(2) the amounts of contributions made under such section to
the United States.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of parts for subchapter A of
chapter 61 of such Code is amended by adding at the end thereof the
following new item:
``Part IX. Designation of overpayments
and contributions for reduction
of public debt.''
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1991.
SEC. 3. INDIVIDUALS WHO DO NOT ITEMIZE DEDUCTIONS ALLOWED DEDUCTION FOR
CONTRIBUTIONS TO REDUCE PUBLIC DEBT.
(a) In General.--Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to charitable, etc., contributions and gifts) is amended by
redesignating subsection (m) as subsection (n) and by inserting after
subsection (l) the following new subsection:
``(m) Individuals Who Do Not Itemize Deductions Allowed Deduction
for Contributions To Reduce Public Debt.--In the case of an individual
who does not itemize his deductions for the taxable year, the amount
allowable under subsection (a) for such taxable year for contributions
made to the Secretary to reduce the public debt shall be taken into
account as a direct public debt reduction contribution under section
63.''
(b) Taxable Income Reduced By Contributions.--Subsection (b) of
section 63 of such Code (defining taxable income) is amended by
striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (1), by striking the period at
the end of paragraph (2) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the
end thereof the following new paragraph:
``(3) the direct public debt reduction contribution.''
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subsection (f) of section 63 of such Code (defining
itemized deductions) is amended by striking ``and'' at the end
of paragraph (1), by striking the period at the end of
paragraph (2) and inserting ``, and'', and by adding at the end
thereof the following new paragraph:
``(3) the direct public debt reduction contribution.''
(2) Section 63 of such Code is amended by adding at the end
thereof the following new subsection:
``(h) Direct Public Debt Reduction Contribution.--For purposes of
this section, the term `direct public debt reduction contribution'
means that portion of the amount allowable under section 170(a) which
is taken as a direct public debt reduction contribution for the taxable
year under section 170(m).''
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1992. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to terminate the authority for individuals to designate income tax payments to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund.
Allows individual taxpayers to designate a portion of any tax overpayment (not less than one dollar) and to make cash contributions with their tax returns to reduce the public debt.
Allows individuals who do not itemize deductions a deduction for contributions to reduce the public debt. | billsum_train |
Create a condensed overview of the following text: SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Securing Care for Seniors Act of
2013''.
SEC. 2. REINSTATEMENT OF 3-MONTH OPEN ENROLLMENT AND DISENROLLMENT
PERIOD FOR MEDICARE ADVANTAGE.
Section 1851(e)(2) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-
1(e)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``and ending with
2013'' after ``(beginning with 2011''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(F) Continuous open enrollment and disenrollment
for first 3 months in subsequent years.--
``(i) In general.--Subject to subparagraph
(D), at any time during the first 3 months of a
year (beginning with 2014), or, if the
individual first becomes a Medicare Advantage
eligible individual during a year after 2014,
during the first 3 months of such year in which
the individual is a Medicare Advantage eligible
individual, a Medicare Advantage eligible
individual may change the election under
subsection (a)(1).
``(ii) Limitation of one change during open
enrollment period each year.--An individual may
exercise the right under clause (i) only once
during the applicable 3-month period described
in such clause in each year. The limitation
under this clause shall not apply to changes in
elections effected during an annual,
coordinated election period under paragraph (3)
or during a special election period under
paragraph (4).
``(iii) Application to part d for
individuals changing enrollment from ma to fee-
for-service.--The previous provisions of this
subparagraph shall only apply with respect to
changes in enrollment in a prescription drug
plan under part D in the case of an individual
who, previous to such change in enrollment, is
enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.''.
SEC. 3. PERMITTING INCENTIVES FOR PARTICIPATION IN HEALTH CARE
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Section 1859 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395w-28) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(h) Permitting MA Organizations To Provide Incentives for
Participation in Health Care Improvement Programs.--
``(1) In general.--An MA organization may offer to
individuals enrolled in an MA plan offered by such organization
one or more incentive programs that are designed to improve the
health care of such individuals by providing one or more
incentives, such as the reducing or waiving of copayment
amounts, that reward individuals for participation in such a
program, if--
``(A) the incentive program meets the requirements
described in paragraph (2); and
``(B) the MA organization provides to the Secretary
such information on participation and performance in
the incentive program as the Secretary may specify.
``(2) Requirements.--The requirements described in this
paragraph, with respect to an incentive program offered by an
MA organization to individuals enrolled in an MA plan offered
by such organization, are as follows:
``(A) Incentive only upon completion of program.--
In the case of a program that consists of multiple
sessions or other multiple activities, any incentive
offered under the program is offered only upon
completion of all such sessions or activities.
``(B) Nondiscrimination.--Participation in the
program is offered to all such individuals.
``(C) No cash or monetary incentive.--
``(i) In general.--No incentive under the
program is in the form of cash or any other
monetary rebate.
``(ii) Construction.--Nothing in clause (i)
may be construed as preventing the offering of
an incentive in the form of a reduction or
waiver of copayment amounts or deductibles.
``(3) Waiver authority.--The Secretary may waive such
requirements of this title and title XI, except for sections
1128A, 1128B(b), and 1877, as may be necessary to carry out the
purposes of the program established under this subsection.
``(4) Program not taken into account for bid amount.--The
program may not be taken into account for purposes of the
monthly bid amount submitted by the organization under section
1854(a)(6) and provisions relating to the monthly bid amount.
``(5) Encouragement to participate in activities offered by
certain persons or entities.--An MA organization may, as part
of an incentive program offered by such organization to
individuals under this subsection, require or otherwise
encourage such individuals to participate in activities
designed to improve the health care of such individuals that
are offered by persons or entities specified by such
organization, such as persons or entities that the organization
has identified as performing well on quality metrics identified
by the organization.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect for plan years beginning on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. COST SHARING VARIATION PERMITTED TO ENCOURAGE USE OF HIGH
QUALITY PROVIDERS.
Section 1852 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-22) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``clause (iii)'' and
inserting ``clauses (iii) and (vi)''; and
(B) by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(vi) Cost sharing variation permitted to
encourage use of high quality providers.--
Notwithstanding subsection (b), an MA plan
offered by an MA organization may, through
mechanisms such as value based insurance design
(VBID) practices, vary cost-sharing for the
purpose of encouraging enrollees to use
providers that such organization has identified
as performing well on quality metrics
identified by the organization. Any such
variation on cost-sharing by an MA organization
must occur on an annual basis. An MA
organization may not vary cost-sharing pursuant
to this paragraph during a plan year.''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(2), by striking ``A Medicare+Choice''
and inserting ``Subject to subsection (a)(1)(B)(vi), a Medicare
Advantage''.
SEC. 5. IMPROVEMENTS TO RISK ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM.
Section 1853(a)(1)(C) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-
23(a)(1)(C)) is amended by adding at the end the following new clauses:
``(iv) Revision of risk adjustment system
to account for chronic conditions and two years
of diagnostic data.--
``(I) In general.--The Secretary
shall evaluate and, as the Secretary
determines appropriate, revise for 2017
and periodically thereafter the risk
adjustment system under this
subparagraph so that a risk score under
such system, with respect to an
individual, takes into account the
number of chronic conditions with which
the individual has been diagnosed, and
at least two years of diagnostic data
including such data obtained during
health risk assessments regarding the
individual, to the extent that two
years of such data are available.
``(II) Periodic reporting to
congress.--With respect to plan years
beginning in 2017 and every third year
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit
to Congress a report on the most recent
revisions (if any) made under subclause
(I).
``(v) No changes to adjustment factors that
prevent activities consistent with national
health policy goals.--In making any changes to
the adjustment factors, including adjustment
for health status under paragraph (3), the
Secretary shall ensure that the changes do not
prevent MA organizations from performing or
undertaking activities that are consistent with
national health policy goals, including
activities to promote early detection and
better care coordination, the use of health
risk assessments, care plans, and programs to
slow the progression of chronic diseases.
``(vi) Opportunity for review and public
comment regarding changes to adjustment
factors.--For any changes to adjustment factors
effective for 2015 and subsequent years, in
addition to providing notice of such changes in
the announcement under subsection (b)(2), the
Secretary shall provide an opportunity for
review of proposed changes and a public comment
period of not less than 60 days before
implementing such changes.''.
SEC. 6. IMPROVEMENTS TO MA 5-STAR QUALITY RATING SYSTEM.
Section 1853(o)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-
23(o)(4)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) Plans with disproportionately high enrollment
of individuals with complex health care needs.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall take
such steps as are necessary to ensure that the
5-star rating system described in subparagraph
(A)--
``(I) does not disadvantage a plan
that enrolls a disproportionately high
proportion of enrollees who are full-
benefit dual eligible individuals (as
defined in section 1935(c)(6)), subsidy
eligible individuals (as defined in
section 1860D-14(a)(3)), or other
individuals with complex health care
needs such as individuals with multiple
conditions; and
``(II) allows adjustments to
account for differences in
socioeconomic and demographic
characteristics of enrollees and
geographic variation in health
outcomes.
``(D) Announcement of changes two years prior to
end of performance period.--The Secretary may not
implement any change in the 5-star rating system
described in subparagraph (A) with respect to any
performance period used as part of such system unless
the Secretary announces such change at least one year
prior to the beginning of any such period.''. | Securing Care for Seniors Act of 2013 - Amends part C (Medicare+Choice) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to terminate after 2013 the permission to disenroll, between January 1 and March 15 of each year, only from a MedicareAdvantage (MA) plan to elect enrollment in the original Medicare fee-for-service program. Restores the option under previous law to elect to change from an MA plan to the original Medicare fee-for-service plan, or from the original Medicare fee-for-service to an MA plan, once a year during the first three months. Permits an MA organization to offer individuals enrolled in one of its MA plans one or more incentive programs designed to improve their health care. Permits an MA plan, through mechanisms such as value based insurance design (VBID) practices, to vary cost sharing for the purpose of encouraging enrollees to use providers that the MA organization has identified as performing well on quality metrics. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to evaluate and, as appropriate, revise for 2017 and periodically thereafter the risk adjustment system so that a risk score, with respect to an individual, takes into account the number of chronic conditions with which the individual has been diagnosed, and, to the extent available, at least two years of diagnostic data including data obtained during the individual's health risk assessments. Requires the Secretary to take steps necessary to ensure that the MA 5-star rating system: (1) does not disadvantage a plan that enrolls a disproportionately high proportion of enrollees who are full-benefit dual eligible individuals, subsidy eligible individuals, or other individuals with complex health care needs such as individuals with multiple conditions; and (2) allows adjustments to account for differences in socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of enrollees and geographic variation in health outcomes. | billsum_train |
Subsets and Splits
No saved queries yet
Save your SQL queries to embed, download, and access them later. Queries will appear here once saved.