text
stringlengths 0
479k
| summary
stringlengths 1
35.4k
| provenance
stringlengths 41
999
| t5_text_token_count
int64 1
124k
| t5_summary_token_count
int64 2
10.2k
| contriever_cos
float64 0.03
1
| contriever_dot
float64 0.1
4.89
| reward
float64 -2.28
2.43
| density
float64 0
1.15k
| compression
float64 0
16.3k
| coverage
float64 0
1
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Economic Growth and Development
Act.''
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The promotion of sustainable economic growth is the
only long-term solution to lifting people out of poverty and
addressing development challenges such as infectious disease,
food security, education, and access to clean water.
(2) Several of the greatest development success stories in
the last 50 years demonstrate how private sector investment and
economic growth are fundamental to lifting populations out of
poverty.
(3) There has been a dramatic shift in the composition of
capital flows to the developing world. Whereas forty years ago
more than 70 percent of capital flowing to developing countries
was public sector foreign assistance, today 87 percent of
capital flowing to the developing world comes from the private
sector.
(4) Eleven of the 15 largest importers of United States
goods and services are countries that graduated from United
States foreign assistance, and 12 of the 15 fastest growing
markets for United States exports are former United States
foreign assistance recipients.
(5) With 12 departments, 26 agencies, and more than 60
Federal Government offices all involved in the delivery of
United States foreign assistance, it is extremely difficult for
United States businesses to navigate the bureaucracy in search
of opportunities to partner with such United States agencies.
(6) Although many United States development agencies have
taken steps to improve their private sector coordination
capabilities in recent years, these agency-specific strategies
remain opaque and must be integrated into a coherent
interagency coordination structure to engage the private
sector.
(7) President Barack Obama's 2010 Policy Directive on
Global Development created an Interagency Policy Committee
(IPC) for Global Development. However, the IPC has not yet
established a streamlined, interagency mechanism for
coordination with the private sector.
(8) In order to better leverage United States foreign
assistance dollars and to promote sustainable economic
development in partner countries, the private sector should be
consulted during development planning and programming
processes.
(9) Whether it is in the context of country, sector, or
global development strategy, decisions on program
prioritization and resource allocations would benefit greatly
from private sector perspectives and market data.
(10) By consulting with the private sector from the outset,
development programs can be designed to better attract private
sector investment and to promote public-private partnerships in
key development sectors.
(11) The Millennium Challenge Corporation and the
Partnership for Growth both analyze constraints to growth as
part of their planning processes, but these analyses need to be
included in all agency country, sector, and global development
strategies to more effectively inform and guide the full
spectrum of United States development programs.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development.
(2) United states development agencies.--The term ``United
States development agencies'' means the Department of State,
the United States Agency for International Development, the
Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Overseas Private
Investment Corporation, the Trade and Development Agency, the
Inter-American Foundation, and the African Development
Foundation.
(3) Private sector.--The term ``private sector'' means for-
profit United States businesses.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of State.
SEC. 4. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to maximize the impact of United States
development programs by--
(1) enhancing coordination between United States
development agencies and their programs and the private sector
and its investment activities;
(2) integrating the private sector into United States
development agencies planning and programming processes;
(3) institutionalizing analyses of constraints to growth
and investment throughout United States development agencies
planning and programming processes; and
(4) ensuring United States development agencies are
accountable for progress toward improving coordination of
United States development programs and private sector
investment activities.
SEC. 5. INTERAGENCY MECHANISM TO COORDINATE UNITED STATES DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMS AND PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES.
(a) In General.--The President, in consultation with the Secretary,
the Administrator, the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium
Challenge Corporation, and the heads of other United States development
agencies, shall establish an interagency mechanism to improve
coordination of United States development programs with private sector
investment activities.
(b) Duties.--The mechanism established under subsection (a) shall--
(1) streamline and integrate the various private sector
liaison functions of United States development agencies;
(2) facilitate the use of various development and finance
tools across United States development agencies to attract
greater private sector participation in development activities;
and
(3) establish a single point of contact for the private
sector for partnership opportunities with United States
development agencies.
SEC. 6. INTEGRATING PRIVATE SECTOR CONSULTATION IN COUNTRY, SECTOR, AND
GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES.
The Secretary and the Administrator shall direct their respective
policy and country teams to include private sector consultation in all
country, sector, and global development strategies, including
integrated country strategies, regional and functional strategies,
country development cooperation strategies, mission strategic resource
plans, and global development strategies.
SEC. 7. ANALYSIS OF CONSTRAINTS TO GROWTH AND INVESTMENT IN FOREIGN
COUNTRIES AND SECTORS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary and the Administrator shall ensure
that independent constraints to growth and investment analyses are
conducted as a component of all appropriate country, sector, and global
development strategies.
(b) Matters To Be Included.--The analysis required under subsection
(a) shall include, at a minimum, an identification and analysis of--
(1) constraints posed by the inadequacies of critical
infrastructure, rule of law, tax and investment codes, and
customs and regulatory regimes of recipient countries, as
appropriate; and
(2) particular economic sectors that are central to
achieving economic growth, such as agriculture, transportation,
energy, and financial services.
(c) Conduct.--The analysis required under subsection (a) shall be
conducted by teams composed of representatives of United States
development agencies, international organizations, the private sector,
including representatives from commercial sectors of recipient
countries, and other stakeholders.
(d) Results.--The results of the analysis required under subsection
(a) shall be incorporated into development strategies of United States
development agencies and shall be used to inform and guide resource
allocations.
SEC. 8. REPORT.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the President shall transmit to the Committee on Foreign Relations
and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate and the Committee on
Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of
Representatives a report that describes the specific measures that have
been taken to implement this Act and the outcomes that such measures
are intended to produce.
|
Economic Growth and Development Act - Directs the President to establish an interagency mechanism to improve coordination of U.S. development programs with private sector investment activities.
Directs the President and Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to: (1) direct their respective policy and country teams to include private sector consultation in all country, sector, and global development strategies; and (2) ensure that independent analyses of constraints to growth are conducted as a component of all appropriate country, sector, and global development strategies.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to direct the President to establish an interagency mechanism to coordinate United States development programs and private sector investment activities, and for other purpose."}
| 1,458 | 109 | 0.515562 | 1.500661 | 1.344812 | 5.63 | 14.21 | 0.95 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Nuclear Family Priority Act''.
SEC. 2. CHANGE IN FAMILY-SPONSORED IMMIGRANT CATEGORIES.
Section 203(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1153(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Preference Allocation for Spouses and Children of Permanent
Resident Aliens.--Qualified immigrants who are the spouses or children
of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence shall be allotted
visas in a number not to exceed the worldwide level specified in
section 201(c).''.
SEC. 3. CHANGE IN WORLDWIDE LEVEL OF FAMILY-SPONSORED IMMIGRANTS.
Section 201(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1151(c)) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) The worldwide level of family-sponsored immigrants
under this subsection for a fiscal year is equal to--
``(A) 88,000; minus
``(B) the number computed under paragraph (2).'';
(2) by striking paragraphs (2), (3), and (5); and
(3) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2).
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Numerical Limitation to Any Single Foreign State.--Section 202
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1152) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(4)--
(A) by amending subparagraphs (A) and (B) to read
as follows:
``(A) 75 percent of family-sponsored immigrants not
subject to per country limitation.--Of the visa numbers
made available under section 203(a) in any fiscal year,
75 percent shall be issued without regard to the
numerical limitation under paragraph (2).
``(B) Treatment of remaining 25 percent for
countries subject to subsection (e).--
``(i) In general.--Of the visa numbers made
available under section 203(a) in any fiscal
year, the remaining 25 percent shall be
available, in the case of a foreign state or
dependent area that is subject to subsection
(e) only to the extent that the total number of
visas issued in accordance with subsection (A)
to natives of the foreign state or dependent
area is less than the subsection (e) ceiling
(as defined in clause (ii)).
``(ii) Subsection (e) ceiling defined.--In
clause (i), the term `subsection (e) ceiling'
means, for a foreign state or dependent area,
77 percent of the maximum number of visas that
may be made available under section 203(a) to
immigrants who are natives of the state or area
consistent with subsection (e).''; and
(B) by striking subparagraphs (C) and (D); and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by adding ``and'' at the end;
(B) by striking paragraph (2) and redesignating
paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and
(C) in the final sentence, by striking
``respectively,'' and all that follows through the
period at the end and inserting ``respectively.''.
(b) Rules for Determining Whether Certain Aliens Are Children.--
Section 203(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1153(h)) is amended by striking ``(a)(2)(A)'' each place such term
appears and inserting ``(a)''.
(c) Procedure for Granting Immigrant Status.--Section 204 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by striking ``to
classification by reason of a relationship described in
paragraph (1), (3), or (4) of section 203(a) or'';
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking
``203(a)(2)(A)'' and ``203(a)(2)'' each place such
terms appear and inserting ``203(a)''; and
(C) in subparagraph (D)(i)(I), by striking ``a
petitioner for preference status under paragraph (1),
(2), or (3)'' and all that follows through the period
at the end and inserting ``an individual under 21 years
of age for purposes of adjudicating such petition and
for purposes of admission as an immediate relative
under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) or a family-sponsored
immigrant under section 203(a), as appropriate,
notwithstanding the actual age of the individual.'';
(2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``201(b), 203(a)(1),
or 203(a)(3), as appropriate.'' and inserting ``201(b).''; and
(3) by striking subsection (k).
(d) Waivers of Inadmissibility.--Section 212(d)(11) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)(11)) is amended by
striking ``(other than paragraph (4) thereof)''.
(e) Conditional Permanent Resident Status for Certain Alien Spouses
and Sons and Daughters.--Section 216(g)(1)(C) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1186a(g)(1)(C)) is amended by striking
``203(a)(2)'' and inserting ``203(a)''.
(f) Classes of Deportable Aliens.--Section 237(a)(1)(E)(ii) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)(1)(E)(ii)) is amended
by striking ``203(a)(2)'' and inserting ``203(a)''.
SEC. 5. NONIMMIGRANT STATUS FOR ALIEN PARENT OF ADULT UNITED STATES
CITIZENS.
(a) In General.--Section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (U), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (V), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(W) Subject to section 214(s), an alien who is a parent
of a citizen of the United States, if the citizen is at least
21 years of age.''.
(b) Conditions on Admission.--Section 214 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(s)(1) The initial period of authorized admission for a
nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(W) shall be 5 years. Such
period may be extended by the Secretary of Homeland Security so long as
the United States citizen son or daughter of the nonimmigrant is
residing in the United States.
``(2) A nonimmigrant described in section 101(a)(15)(W) is not
authorized to be employed in the United States and is not eligible,
notwithstanding any other provision of law, for any Federal, State, or
local public benefit. In the case of such a nonimmigrant, the United
States citizen son or daughter shall be responsible for the support of
the nonimmigrant, regardless of the resources of the nonimmigrant.
``(3) An alien is ineligible to receive a visa and ineligible to be
admitted into the United States as a nonimmigrant described in section
101(a)(15)(W) unless the alien provides satisfactory proof that the
United States citizen son or daughter has arranged for the provision to
the alien, at no cost to the alien, of health insurance coverage
applicable during the period of the alien's presence in the United
States.''.
SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE; APPLICABILITY.
The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the first day
of the second fiscal year that begins after the date of the enactment
of this Act, except that the following shall be considered invalid:
(1) Any petition under section 204 of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1154) seeking classification of an
alien under a family-sponsored immigrant category eliminated by
the amendments made by this Act that is filed after the date of
the introduction of this Act.
(2) Any application for an immigrant visa based on a
petition described in paragraph (1).
|
Nuclear Family Priority Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to replace existing family-sponsored immigrant categories with a single preference allocation for spouses and children of permanent resident aliens.
Reduces the number of, and revises the calculation for, fiscal year family-sponsored immigrant entrants.
Establishes a nonimmigrant visa category for an alien who is a parent of a U.S. citizen at least 21 years old.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make changes related to family-sponsored immigrants and to reduce the number of such immigrants, and for other purposes."}
| 2,025 | 104 | 0.499532 | 1.198675 | 0.668323 | 2.973684 | 21.868421 | 0.868421 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Expansion
and Fossil Forest Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. BISTI/DE-NA-ZIN WILDERNESS.
(a) Wilderness Designation.--Section 102 of the San Juan Basin
Wilderness Protection Act of 1984 (98 Stat. 3155) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``wilderness, and, therefore,'' and
all that follows through ``System--'' and inserting
``wilderness areas, and as one component of the
National Wilderness Preservation System, to be known as
the `Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness'--'';
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ``, and which
shall be known as the Bisti Wilderness; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ``, and which
shall be known as the De-Na-zin Wilderness.'' and
inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) certain lands in the Farmington District of the
Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico, which comprise
approximately 16,674 acres, as generally depicted on a map
entitled `Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Amendment Proposal', dated
May 1992.'';
(2) in the first sentence of subsection (c), by inserting
after ``of this Act'' the following: ``with regard to the areas
described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), and as
soon as practicable after the date of enactment of subsection
(a)(3) with regard to the area described in subsection
(a)(3)'';
(3) in subsection (d), by inserting after ``of this Act''
the following: ``with regard to the areas described in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), and where established
prior to the date of enactment of subsection (a)(3) with regard
to the area described in subsection (a)(3)''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e)(1) Subject to valid existing rights, the lands described in
subsection (a)(3) are withdrawn from all forms of appropriation under
the mining laws and from disposition under all laws pertaining to
mineral leasing, geothermal leasing, and mineral material sales.
``(2) The Secretary of the Interior may issue coal leases in New
Mexico in exchange for any preference right coal lease application
within the area described in subsection (a)(3). Such exchanges shall be
made in accordance with applicable existing laws and regulations
relating to coal leases after a determination has been made by
the Secretary that the applicant is entitled to a preference right
lease and that the exchange is in the public interest.
``(3) Operations on oil and gas leases issued prior to the date of
enactment of subsection (a)(3) shall be subject to the applicable
provisions of Group 3100 of title 43, Code of Federal Regulations
(including section 3162.5-1), and such other terms, stipulations, and
conditions as the Secretary of the Interior considers necessary to
avoid significant disturbance of the land surface or impairment of the
ecological, educational, scientific, recreational, scenic, and other
wilderness values of the lands described in subsection (a)(3) in
existence on the date of enactment of subsection (a)(3).''.
(b) Exchanges for State Lands.--Section 104 of the San Juan Basin
Wilderness Protection Act of 1984 (98 Stat. 3156) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence of subsection (b), by inserting
after ``of this Act'' the following: ``with regard to the areas
described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), and not
later than 120 days after the date of enactment of subsection
(a)(3) with regard to the area described in subsection
(a)(3)'';
(2) in subsection (c), by inserting before the period the
following: ``with regard to the areas described in paragraphs
(1) and (2) of subsection (a), and as of the date of enactment
of subsection (a)(3) with regard to the area described in
subsection (a)(3)''; and
(3) in the last sentence of subsection (d), by inserting
before the period the following: ``with regard to the areas
described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a), and not
later than 2 years after the date of enactment of subsection
(a)(3) with regard to the area described in subsection
(a)(3)''.
(c) Exchanges for Indian Lands.--Section 105 of the San Juan Basin
Wilderness Protection Act of 1984 (98 Stat. 3157) is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(d)(1) The Secretary of the Interior shall exchange any lands
held in trust for the Navajo Tribe by the Bureau of Indian Affairs that
are within the boundary of the area described in subsection (a)(3).
``(2) The lands shall be exchanged for lands within New Mexico
approximately equal in value that are selected by the Navajo Tribe.
``(3) After the exchange, the lands selected by the Navajo Tribe
shall be held in trust by the Secretary of the Interior in the same
manner as the lands described in paragraph (1).''.
SEC. 3. FOSSIL FOREST RESEARCH NATURAL AREA.
Section 103 of the San Juan Basin Wilderness Protection Act of 1984
(98 Stat. 3156) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 103. FOSSIL FOREST RESEARCH NATURAL AREA.
``(a) Establishment.--To conserve and protect natural values and to
provide scientific knowledge, education, and interpretation for the
benefit of future generations, there is established the Fossil Forest
Research Natural Area (referred to in this section as the `Area'),
consisting of the approximately 2,770 acres in the Farmington District
of the Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico, as generally depicted on
a map entitled `Fossil Forest', dated June 1983.
``(b) Map and Legal Description.--
``(1) In general.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary of the Interior
shall file a map and legal description of the Area with the
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
``(2) Force and effect.--The map and legal description
described in paragraph (1) shall have the same force and effect
as if included in this Act.
``(3) Technical corrections.--The Secretary of the Interior
may correct clerical, typographical, and cartographical errors
in the map and legal description subsequent to filing the map
pursuant to paragraph (1).
``(4) Public inspection.--The map and legal description
shall be on file and available for public inspection in the
Office of the Director of the Bureau of Land Management,
Department of the Interior.
``(c) Management.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior, acting
through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, shall
manage the Area--
``(A) to protect the resources within the Area; and
``(B) in accordance with--
``(i) this Act;
``(ii) the Federal Land Policy and
Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et
seq.); and
``(iii) other applicable provisions of law.
``(2) Mining.--
``(A) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing
rights, the lands within the Area are withdrawn from
all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and
from disposition under all laws pertaining to mineral
leasing, geothermal leasing, and mineral material
sales.
``(B) Coal preference rights.--The Secretary of the
Interior is authorized to issue coal leases in New
Mexico in exchange for any preference right coal lease
application within the Area. Such exchanges shall be
made in accordance with applicable existing laws and
regulations relating to coal leases after a
determination has been made by the Secretary that the
applicant is entitled to a preference right lease and
that the exchange is in the public interest.
``(C) Oil and gas leases.--Operations on oil and
gas leases issued prior to the date of enactment of
this paragraph shall be subject to the applicable
provisions of Group 3100 of title 43, Code of Federal
Regulations (including section 3162.5-1), and such
other terms, stipulations, and conditions as the
Secretary of the Interior considers necessary to avoid
significant disturbance of the land surface or
impairment of the natural, educational, and scientific
research values of the Area in existence on the date of
enactment of this paragraph.
``(3) Grazing.--Livestock grazing on lands within the Area
may not be permitted.
``(d) Inventory.--Not later than 3 full fiscal years after the date
of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of the Interior, acting
through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, shall develop a
baseline inventory of all categories of fossil resources within the
Area. After the inventory is developed, the Secretary shall conduct
monitoring surveys at intervals specified in the management plan
developed for the Area in accordance with subsection (e).
``(e) Management Plan.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 5 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Interior shall
develop and submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources
of the House of Representatives a management plan that
describes the appropriate uses of the Area consistent with this
Act.
``(2) Contents.--The management plan shall include--
``(A) a plan for the implementation of a continuing
cooperative program with other agencies and groups
for--
``(i) laboratory and field interpretation;
and
``(ii) public education about the resources
and values of the Area (including vertebrate
fossils);
``(B) provisions for vehicle management that are
consistent with the purpose of the Area and that
provide for the use of vehicles to the minimum extent
necessary to accomplish an individual scientific
project;
``(C) procedures for the excavation and collection
of fossil remains, including botanical fossils, and the
use of motorized and mechanical equipment to the
minimum extent necessary to accomplish an individual
scientific project; and
``(D) mitigation and reclamation standards for
activities that disturb the surface to the detriment of
scenic and environmental values.''.
|
Bisti-De-Na-Zin Wilderness Expansion and Fossil Forest Protection Act - Amends the San Juan Wilderness Protection Act of 1984 to incorporate additional lands in New Mexico into the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. Withdraws such lands from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from disposition under laws pertaining to mineral and geothermal leasing and mineral material sales.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to issue coal leases in New Mexico in exchange for any preference right coal lease application on such lands after a determination has been made by the Secretary that the applicant is entitled to a preference right lease and that the exchange is in the public interest.
Provides for the exchange of State and Navajo Indian lands located in the wilderness for other lands.
Establishes the Fossil Forest Research Natural Area within New Mexico. Makes such area subject to the same withdrawal requirements and coal preference rights as the wilderness area designated under this Act. Prohibits livestock grazing in the Area.
Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Bureau of Land Management, to develop a baseline inventory of all categories of fossil resources within the Area and to conduct monitoring surveys. Requires the Secretary to submit a management plan for the Area to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs to include: (1) a plan for the implementation of a cooperative program with other agencies for laboratory and field interpretation and public education; (2) provisions for vehicle management; (3) procedures for the excavation and collection of fossil remains; and (4) mitigation and reclamation standards for activities that disturb the surface to the detriment of scenic and environmental values.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Expansion and Fossil Forest Protection Act"}
| 2,394 | 375 | 0.551059 | 1.682324 | 0.653667 | 4.613497 | 6.858896 | 0.92638 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting Partnerships to Transform
Opportunities Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
It is the purpose of this Act to provide resources to eligible
institutions to prepare individuals with multiple barriers to
employment, including underrepresented minorities, to enter the
workforce by providing support services, job training, and education.
SEC. 3. PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MULTIPLE BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT.
Subtitle D of title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 is
amended by inserting after section 166 (29 U.S.C. 2911) the following
new section:
``SEC. 166A. PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MULTIPLE BARRIERS TO
EMPLOYMENT.
``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to support
employment and training activities for individuals with multiple
barriers to employment in order--
``(1) to develop more fully the academic, occupational, and
literacy skills of such individuals;
``(2) to make such individuals more competitive in the
workforce; and
``(3) to promote the economic and social development of the
communities, including minority communities, of those
individuals in accordance with the goals and values of the
communities described in this paragraph.
``(b) Definitions.--As used in this section:
``(1) Eligible institution.--The term `eligible
institution' means--
``(A) a historically Black college or university;
``(B) a Hispanic-serving Institution;
``(C) a Tribal College or University; or
``(D) a Predominantly Black Institution.
``(2) Hispanic-serving institution.--The term `Hispanic-
serving institution' has the meaning given the term in section
502 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a).
``(3) Historically black college or university.--The term
`historically Black college or university' has the meaning
given the term `part B institution' in section 322 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).
``(4) Nonprofit organization.--The term `nonprofit
organization' means a nonprofit organization that focuses on
preparing individuals with multiple barriers to employment to
enter the workforce by providing such individuals with support
services, job training, and education.
``(5) Predominantly black institution.--The term
`Predominantly Black Institution' has the meaning given the
term in section 318 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1059e).
``(6) Tribal college or university.--The term `Tribal
College or University' has the meaning given the term in
section 316 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1059c).
``(c) Program Authorized.--The Secretary shall, on a competitive
basis, make grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative
agreements with, eligible institutions to carry out the authorized
activities described in subsection (d). Such an eligible institution
may carry out the activities directly, or through a partnership with a
nonprofit organization.
``(d) Authorized Activities.--An eligible institution receiving a
grant, contract, or agreement under subsection (c) shall use such funds
to serve individuals with multiple barriers to employment by carrying
out one or more of the following activities:
``(1) Education services, including postsecondary
education, English as a second language courses, General
Educational Development preparation, financial literacy
workshops, access to information technology workshops and
courses, Generational Diversity Awareness programs, and health
and wellness programs.
``(2) Activities that increase access to workforce
services, including on-the-job training, internships, skills
training, job placement, financial literacy training, and
personal development.
``(3) Additional support services, including health and
nutrition services, housing assistance, transportation, child
care, and clothing.
``(e) Program Plan.--In order to receive a grant or enter into a
contract or cooperative agreement under subsection (c), an eligible
institution shall submit to the Secretary a program plan that describes
a strategy for meeting the needs of individuals with multiple barriers
to employment in the area served by such organization. Such plan
shall--
``(1) be consistent with the purpose of this section;
``(2) identify the population to be served;
``(3) identify the education and employment needs of the
population to be served and the manner in which the activities
to be provided will strengthen the ability of the individuals
served to obtain or retain unsubsidized employment;
``(4) describe the activities to be provided and the manner
in which such activities are to be integrated with other
appropriate activities; and
``(5) describe, after the eligible institution consults
with the Secretary, the performance measures to be used to
assess the performance of the eligible institution, and any
nonprofit organization that carries out authorized activities
assisted under this section, in carrying out the activities.
``(f) Priority.--In making grants or entering into contracts or
cooperative agreements under subsection (c), the Secretary shall give
priority to an eligible institution that--
``(1) proposes to carry out the authorized activities
through a partnership described in subsection (c); or
``(2) demonstrates that the institution is unable to carry
out the activities through such a partnership because the
institution is not within a reasonable distance (as determined
by the Secretary) of a nonprofit organization.
``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section
for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2019.''.
|
Promoting Partnerships to Transform Opportunities Act - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Labor to make competitive grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with, eligible institutions, preferably in partnership with a nonprofit organization, to provide support services, job training, and education to individuals with multiple barriers to employment, including underrepresented minorities, to help prepare them to enter the workforce. Defines "eligible institution" to mean a historically Black college or university, a Hispanic-serving Institution, a Tribal College or University, or a Predominantly Black Institution. Requires an eligible institution to submit a program plan to the Secretary in order to receive a grant or enter into such a contract or cooperative agreement.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Promoting Partnerships to Transform Opportunities Act"}
| 1,247 | 176 | 0.628865 | 1.859829 | 0.870906 | 4.211679 | 8.467153 | 0.912409 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Textiles and Apparel China Safeguard
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Since January 1, 2001, the United States textiles and
apparel industries have lost 345,000 jobs.
(2) Under the terms of the Agreement on Textiles and
Clothing of the World Trade Organization, on January 1, 2005,
the United States will be required to eliminate all quotas on
textiles and apparel products maintained against other World
Trade Organization members, including the People's Republic of
China.
(3) Job losses are expected to continue, and to accelerate
after the elimination of United States quotas, with at least
one study estimating that an additional 630,000 United States
jobs in the textiles and apparel sector will be lost by the end
of 2006.
(4) Many analysts believe that the People's Republic of
China's dominance of the United States textiles and apparel
market will grow after the elimination of quotas, with some
studies indicating that imports from the People's Republic of
China will account for more than two-thirds of total United
States consumption by 2006.
(5) President Clinton negotiated the right to use a special
textiles and apparel safeguard as an integral part of the
agreement allowing the People's Republic of China to join the
World Trade Organization. The safeguard allows the United
States to impose quotas on exports to the United States of
textiles and apparel products of the People's Republic of China
if such exports result in or threaten disruption of the United
States market.
(6) The current Administration delayed in applying the
special textiles and apparel safeguard by failing to implement
it for 17 months after the accession to the World Trade
Organization of the People's Republic of China. During this
delay, exports to the United States of textiles and apparel
products of the People's Republic of China increased
substantially, while significant numbers of United States
textiles and apparel workers lost their jobs.
(7) When the executive branch finally issued procedures to
implement the safeguard on May 21, 2003, those procedures
severely restricted the ability of the United States textiles
and apparel industries and their workers to employ the
safeguard in ways not required by the Accession Agreement of
the People's Republic of China to the World Trade Organization.
(8) To date, the executive branch has refused to self-
initiate a case under the special textiles and apparel
safeguard, notwithstanding the significant increase in exports
to the United States of textiles and apparel products of the
People's Republic of China and concurrent job losses in the
United States in the textiles and apparel industries.
(9) Large bipartisan groups of Members of the House of
Representatives and Senate urged the President to support a
special session of the World Trade Organization to discuss the
impact that expiration of textiles and apparel quotas will have
on trade and employment in this sector throughout the world.
(10) Despite studies showing major employment loss in the
United States and disruptions in trade throughout the world,
the President did not support such a special session at the
World Trade Organization and has not created a comprehensive
plan to address the expiration of the quota regime.
(11) As part of the Doha Round negotiations of the World
Trade Organization, the President has proposed to eliminate
textiles and apparel tariffs.
SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF REGULATIONS.
The President shall, upon the enactment of this Act, modify the
procedures for considering requests from the public for safeguard
actions on imports of textiles and apparel products of the People's
Republic of China, as published in the Federal Register on May 21,
2003, so that import relief will be provided, in accordance with the
Accession Agreement of the People's Republic of China to the World
Trade Organization, if a claim is supported by data showing that
imports of textiles or apparel products of Chinese origin are, due
either to market disruption, or to the threat of market disruption,
threatening to impede the orderly development of trade in such
products, including products not produced in the United States if such
products include components of United States origin.
SEC. 4. COMPREHENSIVE AGREEMENT ON TEXTILES AND APPAREL PRODUCTS.
The President shall, upon the enactment of this Act, initiate
consultations with the People's Republic of China for the purpose of
reaching an agreement with that country on the application of
quantitative limitations on imports into the United States of all
textiles and apparel products that--
(1) are products of the People's Republic of China;
(2) as of September 1, 2004, are subject to quotas under
the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing of the World Trade
Organization; and
(3) meet the requirements for applying safeguards on such
imports, as modified under section 3.
SEC. 5. IMPOSITION OF QUANTITATIVE LIMITATIONS.
If, within 90 days after consultations under section 4 are
initiated, an agreement described in section 4 is not reached, the
President shall impose the quantitative limitations provided for in the
Accession Agreement referred to in section 3 on imports of all textiles
and apparel products that were the subject of the consultations.
|
Textiles and Apparel China Safeguard Act - Requires the President to modify the procedures for considering requests from the public for safeguard actions on imports of textiles and apparel products of the People's Republic of China (PRC), as published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2003, so that import relief will be provided, in accordance with the Accession Agreement of the PRC to the World Trade Organization (WTO), if a claim is supported by data showing that imports of textiles or apparel products of Chinese origin are threatening to impede the orderly development of trade in such products, including products not produced in the United States if such products include components of U.S. origin.
Requires the President to: (1) initiate consultations with the PRC to reach an agreement on the application of quantitative limitations on U.S. imports of all PRC textiles and apparel products that are subject, as of September 1, 2004, to quotas under the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing of the WTO, and meet the requirements for applying safeguards on such imports; and (3) impose the quantitative limitations on such textiles and apparel products provided for in the Accession Agreement if, after consultations are inititated, an agreement is not reached.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To require the President to take certain actions to enforce the textiles and apparel safeguard with respect to imports from the People's Republic of China."}
| 1,107 | 274 | 0.648791 | 1.901415 | 0.709714 | 6.432314 | 4.624454 | 0.947598 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Industrial Bank Holding Company Act
of 2006''.
SEC. 2. INDUSTRIAL BANK HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION.
(a) Definitions.--
(1) Industrial bank.--Section 3(a) of the Federal Deposit
Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(a)) is amended by adding at the
end the following new paragraph:
``(5) Industrial bank.--The term `industrial bank' means
any insured State bank that is an industrial bank, industrial
loan company, or other institution described in section
2(c)(2)(H) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956.''.
(2) Industrial bank holding company.--Section 3(w) of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(w)) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) Industrial bank holding company.--The term
`industrial bank holding company' means any company that--
``(A) controls (as determined by the Corporation),
directly or indirectly, any industrial bank; and
``(B) is not a bank holding company, a savings and
loan holding company, or a company that is subject to
the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 pursuant to
section 8(a) of the International Banking Act of
1978.''.
(3) Technical and conforming amendments to other
definitions.--
(A) Appropriate federal banking agency.--Section
3(q)(3) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C.
1813(q)(3)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``or a foreign'' and
inserting ``, any foreign''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, and any industrial
bank holding company'' after ``insured
branch''.
(B) Depository institution holding company.--
Section 3(w)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act
(12 U.S.C. 1813(w)(1)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``or a savings'' and
inserting ``, any savings''; and
(ii) by inserting ``, and any industrial
bank holding company'' before the period at the
end.
(b) Industrial Bank Holding Company Registration and Ownership.--
The Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1811 et seq.) is amended
by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 50. INDUSTRIAL BANK HOLDING COMPANY REGULATION.
``(a) Registration.--
``(1) In general.--Within 90 days after becoming an
industrial bank holding company, each industrial bank holding
company shall register with the Corporation on forms prescribed
by the Corporation.
``(2) Information to be included.--Each registration
submitted under paragraph (1) shall include such information,
under oath, with respect to the financial condition, ownership,
operations, management, and intercompany relationships of the
industrial bank holding company and subsidiaries of such
holding company, and other factors (including information
described in subsection (b)(1)(C)), as the Corporation may
determine to be appropriate to carry out the purposes of this
section.
``(3) Extension of time for submitting complete
information.--Upon application by an industrial bank holding
company and subject to such requirements, factors, and evidence
as the Corporation may require, the Corporation may extend the
period described in paragraph (1) within which such company
shall register and file the requisite information.
``(4) Application to prior holding companies.--In the case
of any company that becomes an industrial bank holding company
by virtue of the enactment of the Industrial Bank Holding
Company Act of 2006, the 90-day period referred to in paragraph
(1) shall begin on the date of the enactment of such Act.
``(b) Reports and Examinations .--
``(1) Reports.--
``(A) Reports required.--Each industrial bank
holding company and each subsidiary of an industrial
bank holding company, other than an industrial bank,
shall file with the Corporation such reports as may be
required by the Corporation.
``(B) Form and manner.--Reports filed under
subparagraph (A) shall be made under oath and shall be
in such form and for such periods, as the Corporation
may prescribe.
``(C) Information.--Each report filed under
subparagraph (A) shall contain such information as the
Corporation may require concerning--
``(i) the operations of the industrial bank
holding company and its subsidiaries;
``(ii) the financial condition of the
industrial bank holding company and such
subsidiaries, together with information on
systems maintained within the holding company
for monitoring and controlling financial and
operating risks, and transactions with
industrial bank subsidiaries of the holding
company;
``(iii) compliance by the industrial bank
holding company and its subsidiaries with all
applicable Federal and State law; and
``(iv) such other information as the
Corporation may require.
``(D) Acceptance of existing reports.--For purposes
of this paragraph, the Corporation may accept reports
that an industrial bank holding company or any
subsidiary of such company has provided or has been
required to provide to any other Federal or State
supervisor or to any appropriate self-regulatory
organization.
``(2) Examinations.--
``(A) In general.--Each industrial bank holding
company and each subsidiary of each such holding
company (other than an industrial bank) shall be
subject to such examinations by the Corporation as the
Corporation may prescribe for purposes of this section.
``(B) Furnishing reports to other agencies.--
Examination and other reports made or received under
this section may be furnished by the Corporation to any
other Federal agency or any appropriate State bank
supervisor.
``(C) Use of reports from other agencies.--The
Corporation may use, for the purposes of this
subsection, reports of examination made by any other
Federal agency or any appropriate State bank supervisor
with respect to any industrial bank holding company or
subsidiary of any such holding company, to the extent
the Corporation may determine such use to be feasible
for such purposes.
``(c) Limitation on Control.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3) or
(4), no industrial bank may be controlled, directly or
indirectly, by a commercial firm.
``(2) Commercial firm defined.--For purposes of this
section, the term `commercial firm' means any entity at least
15 percent of the annual gross revenues of which on a
consolidated basis, including all affiliates of the entity,
were derived from engaging, on an on-going basis, in activities
that are not financial in nature or incidental to a financial
activity during at least 3 of the prior 4 calendar quarters, as
determined by the Corporation in accordance with regulations
which the Corporation shall prescribe.
``(3) Pre-2003 exclusions.--
``(A) Grandfathered institutions.--Paragraph (1)
shall not apply with respect to any industrial bank--
``(i) which became an insured depository
institution before October 1, 2003, or pursuant
to an application for deposit insurance which
was approved by the Corporation before such
date; and
``(ii) with respect to which there is no
change in control, directly or indirectly, of
the bank after September 30, 2003, that
requires a registration under this section or
an application under section 7(j) or 18(c),
section 3 of the Bank Holding Company Act of
1956, or section 10 of the Home Owners' Loan
Act.
``(B) Corporate reorganizations permitted.--The
acquisition of direct or indirect control of the
industrial bank referred to in subparagraph (A)(ii)
shall not be treated as a `change in control' for
purposes of such subparagraph if the company acquiring
control is itself directly or indirectly controlled by
a company that was an affiliate of such bank on the
date referred to in such paragraph, and remains an
affiliate at all times after such date.
``(4) Pre-2006 exclusions.--
``(A) Grandfathered commercial firms.--Paragraph
(1) shall not apply to any commercial firm--
``(i) which became an industrial bank
holding company by virtue of acquiring control
of an industrial bank on or after October 1,
2003, and before June 1, 2006;
``(ii) which does not acquire control of
any other depository institution after May 31,
2006;
``(iii) with respect to which there is no
change in control, directly or indirectly, of
any depository institution subsidiary after
June 1, 2006, that requires a registration
under this section or an application under
section 7(j) or 18(c), section 3 of the Bank
Holding Company Act of 1956, or section 10 of
the Home Owners' Loan Act; and
``(iv) each industrial bank subsidiary of
which remains in compliance with the
limitations contained in subparagraph (B).
``(B) Activity and branching limitations.--An
industrial bank subsidiary of a commercial firm
described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of
subparagraph (A) is in compliance with the requirements
of this subparagraph for purposes of subparagraph
(A)(iv) so long as the industrial bank--
``(i) engages only in activities in which
the industrial bank was engaged on May 31,
2006; and
``(ii) does not acquire, establish, or
operate any branch, deposit production office,
loan production office, automated teller
machine, or remote service unit in any State
other than the home State of the bank or any
host State in which such bank operated branches
on May 31, 2006.
``(C) Corporate reorganizations permitted.--The
acquisition of direct or indirect control of a
depository institution subsidiary referred to in
subparagraph (A)(iii) shall not be treated as a `change
in control' for purposes of such subparagraph if the
company acquiring control is itself directly or
indirectly controlled by a company that was an
affiliate of such subsidiary on the date referred to in
such paragraph, and remains an affiliate at all times
after such date.
``(5) Transition provision.--Any divestiture of any
industrial bank by an industrial bank holding company that is
required by operation of this section shall be completed as
quickly as is reasonably possible and not later than the end of
the 2-year period beginning on the earliest of, as
appropriate--
``(A) the date on which control of the industrial
bank is acquired by a commercial firm;
``(B) the date on which the industrial bank holding
company that controls such bank becomes a commercial
firm; or
``(C) the date on which an industrial bank
subsidiary of the industrial bank holding company
ceases to comply with any limitation applicable to such
bank under paragraph (4)(B).
``(d) Administrative Provisions.--
``(1) Agent for service of process.--The Corporation may
require any industrial bank holding company, or persons
connected with such holding company if it is not a corporation,
to execute and file a prescribed form of irrevocable
appointment of agent for service of process.
``(2) Release from registration.--The Corporation may at
any time, upon the Corporation's own motion or upon
application, release a registered industrial bank holding
company from any registration previously made by such company,
if the Corporation determines that such company no longer
controls any industrial bank.''.
(c) Enforcement.--Section 8(b) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act
(12 U.S.C. 1818(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(11) Industrial bank holding companies.--This subsection
and subsections (c) through (s) and subsection (u) of this
section shall apply to any industrial bank holding company, and
to any subsidiary (other than an industrial bank) of an
industrial bank holding company in the same manner as such
subsections apply to State nonmember banks.''.
(d) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--Section 10(e)(2) of the
Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1820(e)(2)) is amended by
inserting ``or section 50(b)(2)'' after ``subsection (b)(4)''.
|
Industrial Bank Holding Company Act of 2006 - Requires an industrial bank holding company to register and file certain reports with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) within ninety days after becoming an industrial bank holding company
Prohibits such holding company from being controlled by a commercial firm.
Grandfathers certain institutions to exempt them from the requirements of this Act.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to establish industrial bank holding company regulation, and for other purposes."}
| 2,703 | 80 | 0.601543 | 1.487952 | 0.661794 | 2.454545 | 37.787879 | 0.848485 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Universal National
Service Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--NATIONAL SERVICE
Sec. 101. Definitions.
Sec. 102. National service obligation.
Sec. 103. Induction to perform national service.
Sec. 104. Two-year period of national service.
Sec. 105. Implementation by the President.
Sec. 106. Examination and classification of persons.
Sec. 107. Deferments and postponements.
Sec. 108. Induction exemptions.
Sec. 109. Conscientious objection.
Sec. 110. Discharge following national service.
TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO MILITARY SELECTIVE SERVICE ACT
Sec. 201. Registration of females.
Sec. 202. Registration and induction authority.
TITLE I--NATIONAL SERVICE
SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) The terms ``community-based agency'' and ``community-
based entity'' have the meanings given those terms in section
101 of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42
U.S.C. 12511).
(2) The term ``contingency operation'' has the meaning
given that term in section 101(a)(13) of title 10, United
States Code.
(3) The term ``military service'' means service performed
as a member of an active or reserve component of the uniformed
services.
(4) The term ``national service'' means--
(A) military service; or
(B) civilian service in a Federal, State, or local
government program or with a community-based agency or
community-based entity that, as determined by the
President, is engaged in meeting human, educational,
environmental, or public safety needs.
(5) The term ``Secretary concerned'' means--
(A) the Secretary of Defense with respect to the
Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps;
(B) the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect
to the Coast Guard;
(C) the Secretary of Commerce with respect to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
(D) the Secretary of Health and Human Services with
respect to the Public Health Service.
(6) The term ``United States'', when used in a geographical
sense, means the several States, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.
(7) The term ``uniformed services'' means the Army, Navy,
Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, commissioned corps of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and
commissioned corps of the Public Health Service.
SEC. 102. NATIONAL SERVICE OBLIGATION.
(a) Obligation for Service.--It is the obligation of every citizen
of the United States, and every other person residing in the United
States, who is between the ages of 18 and 25 to perform a period of
national service as prescribed in this title unless exempted under the
provisions of this title.
(b) Forms of National Service.--The national service obligation
under this title shall be performed either through--
(1) military service; or
(2) civilian service in a Federal, State, or local
government program or with a community-based agency or
community-based entity that, as determined by the President, is
engaged in meeting human, educational, environmental, or public
safety needs.
(c) Age Limits.--A person may be inducted under this title only if
the person has attained the age of 18 and has not attained the age of
25.
SEC. 103. INDUCTION TO PERFORM NATIONAL SERVICE.
(a) Induction Requirements.--The President shall provide for the
induction of persons described in section 102(a) to perform their
national service obligation.
(b) Limitation on Induction for Military Service.--Persons
described in section 102(a) may be inducted to perform military service
only if--
(1) a declaration of war is in effect;
(2) the President declares a national emergency, which the
President determines necessitates the induction of persons to
perform military service, and immediately informs Congress of
the reasons for the declaration and the need to induct persons
for military service; or
(3) members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps
are engaged in a contingency operation pursuant to a
congressional authorization for the use of military force.
(c) Limitation on Number of Persons Inducted for Military
Service.--When the induction of persons for military service is
authorized by subsection (b), the President shall determine the number
of persons described in section 102(a) whose national service
obligation is to be satisfied through military service based on--
(1) the authorized end strengths of the uniformed services;
and
(2) the feasibility of the uniformed services to recruit
sufficient volunteers to achieve such end-strength levels.
(d) Selection for Induction.--
(1) Random selection for military service.--When the
induction of persons for military service is authorized by
subsection (b), the President shall utilize a mechanism for the
random selection of persons to be inducted to perform military
service.
(2) Random selection for civilian service.--Persons
described in section 102(a) who do not volunteer to perform
military service or are not inducted for military service shall
perform their national service obligation in a civilian
capacity pursuant to section 102(b)(2).
(e) Voluntary Service.--A person subject to induction under this
title may--
(1) volunteer to perform national service in lieu of being
inducted; or
(2) request permission to be inducted at a time other than
the time at which the person is otherwise called for induction.
SEC. 104. TWO-YEAR PERIOD OF NATIONAL SERVICE.
(a) General Rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this section,
the period of national service performed by a person under this title
shall be two years.
(b) Grounds for Extension.--At the discretion of the President, the
period of military service for a member of the uniformed services under
this title may be extended--
(1) with the consent of the member, for the purpose of
furnishing hospitalization, medical, or surgical care for
injury or illness incurred in line of duty; or
(2) for the purpose of requiring the member to compensate
for any time lost to training for any cause.
(c) Early Termination.--The period of national service for a person
under this title shall be terminated before the end of such period
under the following circumstances:
(1) The voluntary enlistment and active service of the
person in an active or reserve component of the uniformed
services for a period of at least two years, in which case the
period of basic military training and education actually served
by the person shall be counted toward the term of enlistment.
(2) The admission and service of the person as a cadet or
midshipman at the United States Military Academy, the United
States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the
Coast Guard Academy, or the United States Merchant Marine
Academy.
(3) The enrollment and service of the person in an officer
candidate program, if the person has signed an agreement to
accept a Reserve commission in the appropriate service with an
obligation to serve on active duty if such a commission is
offered upon completion of the program.
(4) Such other grounds as the President may establish.
SEC. 105. IMPLEMENTATION BY THE PRESIDENT.
(a) In General.--The President shall prescribe such regulations as
are necessary to carry out this title.
(b) Matter To Be Covered by Regulations.--Such regulations shall
include specification of the following:
(1) The types of civilian service that may be performed in
order for a person to satisfy the person's national service
obligation under this title.
(2) The types of Federal, State, and local government
programs and programs carried out by a community-based agency
or community-based entity that may be used for the performance
of national service.
(3) Standards for satisfactory performance of civilian
service and of penalties for failure to perform civilian
service satisfactorily.
(4) The manner in which persons shall be selected for
induction under this title, including the manner in which those
selected will be notified of such selection.
(5) All other administrative matters in connection with the
induction of persons under this title and the registration,
examination, and classification of such persons.
(6) A means to determine questions or claims with respect
to inclusion for, or exemption or deferment from induction
under this title, including questions of conscientious
objection.
(7) Standards for compensation and benefits for persons
performing their national service obligation under this title
through civilian service.
(8) Such other matters as the President determines
necessary to carry out this title.
(c) Use of Prior Act.--To the extent determined appropriate by the
President, the President may use for purposes of this title the
procedures provided in the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C.
App. 451 et seq.), including procedures for registration, selection,
and induction.
SEC. 106. EXAMINATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF PERSONS.
(a) Examination.--Every person subject to induction under this
title shall, before induction, be physically and mentally examined and
shall be classified as to fitness to perform national service.
(b) Different Classification Standards.--The President may apply
different classification standards for fitness for military service and
fitness for civilian service.
SEC. 107. DEFERMENTS AND POSTPONEMENTS.
(a) High School Students.--A person who is pursuing a standard
course of study, on a full-time basis, in a secondary school or similar
institution of learning shall be entitled to have induction under this
title postponed until the person--
(1) obtains a high school diploma;
(2) ceases to pursue satisfactorily such course of study;
or
(3) attains the age of 20.
(b) Post Secondary Students.--A person who is pursuing a standard
course of study, on a full-time basis, in a university, technical
school or similar institution of learning shall be entitled to have
induction under this title postponed until the person--
(1) obtains a certificate or diploma;
(2) ceases to pursue satisfactorily such course of study;
or
(3) attains the age of 24.
(c) Hardship and Disability.--Deferments from national service
under this title may be made for--
(1) extreme hardship; or
(2) physical or mental disability.
(d) Training Capacity.--The President may postpone or suspend the
induction of persons for military service under this title as necessary
to limit the number of persons receiving basic military training and
education to the maximum number that can be adequately trained.
(e) Termination.--No deferment or postponement of induction under
this title shall continue after the cause of such deferment or
postponement ceases.
SEC. 108. INDUCTION EXEMPTIONS.
(a) Qualifications.--No person may be inducted for military service
under this title unless the person is acceptable to the Secretary
concerned for training and meets the same health and physical
qualifications applicable under section 505 of title 10, United States
Code, to persons seeking original enlistment in a regular component of
the Armed Forces.
(b) Other Military Service.--No person shall be liable for
induction under this title who--
(1) is serving, or has served honorably for at least six
months, in any component of the uniformed services on active
duty; or
(2) is or becomes a cadet or midshipman at the United
States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the
United States Air Force Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, the
United States Merchant Marine Academy, a midshipman of a Navy
accredited State maritime academy, a member of the Senior
Reserve Officers' Training Corps, or the naval aviation college
program, so long as that person satisfactorily continues in and
completes at least two years training therein.
SEC. 109. CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION.
(a) Claims as Conscientious Objector.--Nothing in this title shall
be construed to require a person to be subject to combatant training
and service in the uniformed services, if that person, by reason of
sincerely held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs, is conscientiously
opposed to participation in war in any form.
(b) Alternative Noncombatant or Civilian Service.--A person who
claims exemption from combatant training and service under subsection
(a) and whose claim is sustained by the local board shall--
(1) be assigned to noncombatant service (as defined by the
President), if the person is inducted into the uniformed
services; or
(2) be ordered by the local board, if found to be
conscientiously opposed to participation in such noncombatant
service, to perform civilian service for the period specified
in section 104(a) and subject to such regulations as the
President may prescribe.
SEC. 110. DISCHARGE FOLLOWING NATIONAL SERVICE.
(a) Discharge.--Upon completion or termination of the obligation to
perform national service under this title, a person shall be discharged
from the uniformed services or from civilian service, as the case may
be, and shall not be subject to any further service under this title.
(b) Coordination With Other Authorities.--Nothing in this section
shall limit or prohibit the call to active service in the uniformed
services of any person who is a member of a regular or reserve
component of the uniformed services.
TITLE II--AMENDMENTS TO MILITARY SELECTIVE SERVICE ACT
SEC. 201. REGISTRATION OF FEMALES.
(a) Registration Required.--Section 3(a) of the Military Selective
Service Act (50 U.S.C. 453(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``male'' both places it appears;
(2) by inserting ``or herself'' after ``himself''; and
(3) by striking ``he'' and inserting ``the person''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 16(a) of the Military Selective
Service Act (50 U.S.C. App. 466(a)) is amended by striking ``men'' and
inserting ``persons''.
SEC. 202. REGISTRATION AND INDUCTION AUTHORITY.
(a) Registration.--Section 4 of the Military Selective Service Act
(50 U.S.C. App. 454) is amended by inserting after subsection (g) the
following new subsection:
``(h) This section does not apply with respect to the induction of
persons into the Armed Forces pursuant to the Universal National
Service Act.''.
(b) Induction.--Section 17(c) of the Military Selective Service Act
(50 U.S.C. App. 467(c)) is amended by striking ``now or hereafter'' and
all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``inducted
pursuant to the Universal National Service Act.''.
|
Universal National Service Act - Declares that it is the obligation of every U.S. citizen, and every other person residing in the United States, between the ages of 18 and 25 to perform a 2-year period of national service, unless exempted, either through military service or through civilian service in a federal, state, or local government program or with a community-based agency or entity engaged in meeting human, educational, environmental, or public safety needs. Requires induction into national service by the President. Allows persons to be inducted only: (1) under a declaration of war or national emergency, or (2) when members of the Armed Forces are engaged in a contingency operation. Requires each person, before induction, to be examined physically and mentally for classification for fitness to perform. Sets forth provisions governing: (1) induction deferments, postponements, and exemptions, including exemption of a conscientious objector from combatant training and military service; and (2) discharge following national service. Amends the Military Selective Service Act to authorize the military registration of females.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Universal National Service Act"}
| 3,428 | 245 | 0.574835 | 1.607017 | 0.884405 | 4.390244 | 14.829268 | 0.946341 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Military Infrastructure
Transformation Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. ADDITIONAL ROUND OF DEFENSE BASE CLOSURES AND REALIGNMENTS IN
2003.
(a) Additional Round of Closures Authorized.--The Defense Base
Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public Law
101-501; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note) is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``SEC. 2912. BASE REINVESTMENT AND COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE INITIATIVE FOR
2003.
``(a) Authorization of Additional Base Closure Round.--(1) During
the period between January 15, 2003, and January 31, 2003, the
President may elect to commence an additional round of base closures
and realignments by transmitting to the Senate nominations for the
appointment of new members to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment
Commission. If the President does not transmit to Congress the
nominations during that period, the process by which military
installations may be selected for closure or realignment under this
section shall be terminated.
``(2) As part of the submission of the nominations under paragraph
(1), the Secretary of Defense may submit to Congress a report
explaining the military necessity for further base closures and
realignments.
``(3) Notwithstanding section 2902(d), the term of the Commission
required for the round of base closures and realignment authorized by
this section shall continue until the disposal of property at all
military installations approved for closure under this section is
completed. Notwithstanding section 2902(i), the Commission may only
maintain 15 staff members after December 31, 2003.
``(b) Selection Criteria.--(1) The Secretary shall amend the
criteria to be used in making recommendations for the closure or
realignment of military installations inside the United States to
reflect the requirement to develop a list of those military
installations to be excluded from the base closure and realignment
process, as provided in subsection (c). The Secretary shall comply with
section 2903(b)(2)(B) in amending the criteria, except that the
Secretary shall publish the proposed amendments in the Federal Register
and transmit them to the congressional defense committees not later
than December 1, 2002, and publish the final criteria in the Federal
Register and transmit to such committees not later than January 15,
2003. The Secretary shall comply with section 2903(a) in preparing the
budget justification documents submitted to Congress in support of the
budget for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2004.
``(2) It is the sense of Congress that the national security needs
of the United States in the future will be best met by a military force
that operates on the principle of jointness, and, therefore, the
Secretary and the Commission should consider jointness when performing
their duties in the additional round of base closures and realignments
authorized by this section.
``(c) List of Installations Excluded From Consideration for Closure
or Realignment.--(1) Before preparing the list of military
installations inside the United States that the Secretary recommends
for closure or realignment, the Secretary shall prepare a list of core
military installations that the Secretary considers absolutely
essential to the national defense and that should not be considered for
closure.
``(2) Not later than February 15, 2003, the Secretary shall submit
to the congressional defense committees, publish in the Federal
Register, and send to the Commission the list required by paragraph
(1). The list shall contain not more than 50 percent of the military
installations inside the United States.
``(3) The Commission shall consider the list based on the amended
criteria developed under subsection (b). The Commission may modify this
list, in the manner provided in section 2903(d), if the Commission
finds that the inclusion of a military installation on the list
substantially violates the criteria. Except as provided in subsection
(d), the Commission shall forward to the President, not later than
April 15, 2003, a report containing its recommendations regarding the
list, which must comply with the percentages specified in paragraph
(2). The Comptroller General shall also comply with section 2904(d)(5)
by that date.
``(4) If the Commission submits a report to the President under
paragraph (3), the President shall notify Congress, not later than
April 30, 2003, regarding whether the President approves or disapproves
the report. If the President disapproves the report, the Commission
shall have until May 15, 2003, to submit a modified report, after which
the President shall have until May 22, 2003, to transmit the modified
report to Congress. If the President fails to do so or does not approve
the modified list, the Commission shall be dissolved, and the process
by which military installations may be selected for closure or
realignment under this section shall be terminated.
``(5) A military installation included on the exclusion list
approved under this subsection may not be included on the closure and
realignment list prepared under subsection (e) or otherwise considered
for closure or realignment as part of the base closure process under
this section.
``(d) Commission Review of Need for Further Closures.--As part of
its activities under subsection (c), the Commission shall determine
whether there exists a military necessity for further base closures. In
making this determination, the Commission may take such testimony and
consider such submitted documentation and statements as the Commission
considers appropriate. If the Commission determines that further
closures are not militarily necessary, and transmits this determination
to the President, the Commission shall be dissolved, and the process by
which military installations may be selected for closure or realignment
under this section shall be terminated.
``(e) Preparation and Consideration of Closure and Realignment
List.--(1) Not later than 15 days after that date on which the
President approves the list prepared under subsection (c), the
Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, transmit to the
congressional defense committees, and send to the Commission, a list of
military installations recommended for closure or realignment. The
Commission shall consider this list in the manner provided in section
2903(d), except that the Commission's report shall be transmitted to
the President not later than October 15, 2003.
``(2) Not later than October 30, 2003, the President shall notify
Congress regarding whether the President approves or disapproves the
report. If the President disapproves the closure list, the Commission
shall have until November 15, 2003, to submit a revised list. If the
President does not approve the revised list by November 30, 2003, or
does not transmit approval or disapproval of the revised list to
Congress by that date, the Commission shall be dissolved, and the
process by which military installations may be selected for closure or
realignment under this section shall be terminated. If the President
approves the original or revised list, the President shall transmit to
Congress a copy of the Commission's report, together with the
certification of such approval.
``(f) Congressional Disapproval.--Section 2904(b)(1) shall apply to
the base closure process required by this section, except that the date
otherwise determined under subparagraph (A) of such section is deemed
to be December 31, 2003.
``(g) Implementation.--Within three years after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall initiate the closure or
realignment, as the case may be, of all military installations
recommended for closure or realignment by the Commission in the report
transmitted to the Congress by the President pursuant to subsection
(e), unless Congress disapproves of the report as provided in
subsection (f).
``(h) Commission's Role During Closure.--(1) During the Secretary's
implementation of base closures and realignments approved under this
section, the Commission shall serve as an Ombudsman, to which any
affected community (containing or bordering a military installation to
be closed) or redevelopment authority may appeal regarding problems or
disputes with the Secretary in the process of closure or realignment.
Appeals may be submitted to the Commission regarding any dispute
between the affected parties (the Secretary, redevelopment authorities,
and local communities) after approval of the closure list.
``(2) The Commission is authorized, but not required, to issue a
decision on an appeal submitted under paragraph (1). Any such decision
shall be made by majority vote. The decision shall be binding on the
Secretary unless the Secretary overrules the decision of the
Commission. If the Secretary overrules a decision, the Secretary shall
provide written notice, including the reasons why the Secretary is
overruling the decision, to the Chairman of the Commission, the
affected community or redevelopment authority, and the Chairmen and
ranking minority members of the Committees on Armed Services of the
Senate and House of Representatives.
``(3) The Commission may not take a military installation off the
closure list, change a closure to a realignment (or vice versa), or
make any other substantive changes to the list, but the Commission
shall have jurisdiction over solely procedural matters.''.
(b) Adjustment and Diversification Assistance.--Section 2391(b)(1)
of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after ``the
affected community'' the following: ``or the community contains an
economically distressed area''.
(c) Report on Expediting Base Closure Property Transfers.--Not
later than December 31, 2003, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to
Congress a report evaluating the feasibility of permitting local
communities and redevelopment authorities to take possession of
individual structures on military installations approved for closure,
when such structures are no longer needed for military purposes,
without waiting for the closure of the installation.
|
Military Infrastructure Transformation Act of 2001 - Amends the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to authorize the President to elect to commence an additional round of military base closures and realignments by transmitting to the Senate nominations for the appointment of new members to the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Allows the Secretary of Defense, as part of such submission, to explain to Congress the military necessity for further base closures and realignments.Requires the Secretary to amend the criteria to be used in making recommendations to develop a list of those installations to be excluded from the closure and realignment process.Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary and the Commission should consider military force jointness when performing their base closure and realignment duties.Requires the Secretary, before preparing a list of recommended closures or realignments, to submit a list of core military installations considered absolutely essential to the national defense that should not be considered for closure which shall contain not more than 50 percent of the military installations inside the United States. Requires the Commission to consider such list, to determine whether there exists a military necessity for further base closures, and to submit its recommendations to the President for approval.Requires the Secretary to publish and transmit to the congressional defense committees and the Commission a final list of installations recommended for closure or realignment. Provides for presidential approval or disapproval, and eventual implementation, of such list. Directs the Commission to serve as an ombudsman during implementation.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 to authorize an additional round of military base closures and realignments using a two-step process that first identifies those military bases that may not be considered for closure or realignment."}
| 2,102 | 334 | 0.664778 | 1.98614 | 0.981892 | 4.380952 | 7.241758 | 0.952381 |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that, in carrying out title I of the
Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency (referred to in this Act as the
``Administrator'') has failed to--
(1) adequately consider alternative programs to centralized
vehicle emission testing programs, as required by section
182(c)(3)(C)(vi) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 7511a(c)(3)(C)(vi));
and
(2) provide adequate credit to States for the alternative
programs.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to require the
Administrator to--
(1) reassess the determinations of the Administrator with
respect to the equivalency of centralized and decentralized
programs under section 182(c)(3)(C)(vi) of such Act (42 U.S.C.
7511a(c)(3)(C)(vi)); and
(2) issue new regulations governing the programs that--
(A) result in minimum disruption to the ability of
States to comply with other requirements of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.); and
(B) provide States a reasonable opportunity to
comply with the new regulations and implement
decentralized testing programs.
SEC. 2. IMPLEMENTATION OF ENHANCED VEHICLE INSPECTION PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a
State shall not be required to implement an enhanced vehicle inspection
and maintenance program under section 182(c)(3) of the Clean Air Act
(42 U.S.C. 7511a(c)(3)) prior to March 1, 1996.
(b) Reassessment of Regulations.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator shall--
(A) immediately rescind the regulations issued on
November 5, 1992 (57 Fed. Reg. 52950), relating to
operation of the program described in subsection (a) on
a centralized basis; and
(B) during the period beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act and ending on March 1, 1996--
(i) reassess the determinations made by the
Administrator with respect to operation of the
program described in subsection (a) on a
centralized basis, taking into consideration
comments submitted by States; and
(ii) issue new regulations relating to
operation of the program described in
subsection (a) on a centralized basis or
decentralized basis, at the option of each
State.
(2) Requirements.--The regulations issued under paragraph
(1)(B)(ii) shall--
(A) in accordance with the intent of section
182(c)(3)(C)(vi) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
7511a(c)(3)(C)(vi))--
(i) make reasonably available to States the
option of operation of the program described in
subsection (a) on a decentralized basis; and
(ii) establish criteria that a State must
meet in order to demonstrate that a
decentralized program of the State is equally
effective as a centralized program; and
(B)(i) provide each State a reasonable opportunity
to submit (at the option of the State) a new revision
to a plan under section 182(c)(3) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 7511a(c)(3)) based on the new regulations, which
revision shall replace any revision to a plan
previously submitted by the State under section
182(c)(3) of such Act; and
(ii) include a schedule that provides States a
reasonable opportunity to implement any new revisions
to plans that they submit.
(3) Judicial review.--Notwithstanding section 706 of title
5, United States Code, or any other provision of law, if the
regulations issued pursuant to paragraph (1)(B)(ii) are
reviewed by a court, the court shall hold unlawful and set
aside the regulations if the regulations are found to be
unsupported by a preponderance of the evidence.
(c) Prohibition on Imposition of Sanctions.--Until such time as the
Administrator has carried out subsection (b)(1)--
(1) the Administrator may not issue a finding, disapproval,
or determination under section 179(a) of the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. 7509(a)), or apply a sanction specified in section
179(b) of such Act, to a State with respect to a failure to
implement a program described in subsection (a), or any portion
of such a program; and
(2) the Administrator and the Administrator of the Federal
Highway Administration of the Department of Transportation may
not take any adverse action, against a State with respect to a
failure described in paragraph (1), under--
(A) section 176 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.
7506);
(B) chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code;
(C) subpart T of part 51, or subpart A of part 93,
of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations (commonly
known as the ``transportation conformity rule''); or
(D) part 6, 51, or 93 of title 40, Code of Federal
Regulations (commonly known as the ``general conformity
rule'').
(d) Full Credit for Decentralized Programs.--Until such time as the
Administrator has carried out subsection (b)(1), for the purpose of the
attainment demonstration and the reasonable further progress
demonstration required under section 182(c)(2) of the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. 7511a(c)(2)), the Administrator shall--
(1) deem that the emission reductions calculated by States
for inspection and maintenance under their State implementation
plans would be achieved as if the planned program had been
implemented; or
(2) if appropriate, consider the operation of the program
described in subsection (a) on a decentralized basis as
equivalent to the operation of the program on a centralized
basis in any case in which a State demonstrates that a
determination of such an equivalency is reasonable.
|
Provides that States will not be required to implement enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance programs under the Clean Air Act prior to March 1, 1996.
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to immediately rescind regulations relating to the operation of such programs on a centralized basis and issue new regulations to allow the operation of such programs on a centralized or decentralized basis at the option of each State.
Prohibits, until the Administrator carries out such requirements, the imposition of sanctions for failures by States to implement such programs or specified adverse actions against States by the Administrator or the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration.
Requires the Administrator to: (1) deem that emissions reductions calculated by States for inspection and maintenance under State implementation plans would be achieved as if the planned program had been implemented; or (2) consider the operation of the program on a decentralized basis as equivalent to operation on a centralized basis if the State demonstrates that such equivalency is reasonable.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to delay the required implementation date for enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance programs under the Clean Air Act and to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to reissue the regulations relating to the programs, and for other purposes."}
| 1,377 | 210 | 0.644002 | 1.960791 | 0.869542 | 3.448649 | 6.135135 | 0.92973 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Medicare Diabetes Self-Management
Training Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Diabetes self-management training, also called diabetes
education, provides critical knowledge and skills training to
patients with diabetes, helping them manage medications,
address nutritional issues, facilitate diabetes related problem
solving, and make other critical lifestyle changes to
effectively manage their diabetes.
(2) A certified diabetes educator is a State licensed or
registered health care professional who specializes in helping
people with diabetes develop the self-management skills needed
to stay healthy and avoid costly acute complications and
emergency care, as well as debilitating secondary conditions
caused by diabetes.
(3) Diabetes self-management training has been proven
effective in helping to reduce the risks and complications of
diabetes and is a vital component of an overall diabetes
treatment regimen. Patients under the care of a certified
diabetes educator are better able to control their diabetes and
improve their health status.
(4) Lifestyle changes, such as those taught by certified
diabetes educators, directly contribute to better glycemic
control and reduced complications from diabetes. Evidence shows
that the potential for prevention of the most serious medical
complications caused by diabetes to be as high as 90 percent
(blindness), 85 percent (amputations), and 50 percent (heart
disease and stroke) with proper medical treatment and active
self-management.
(5) Despite its effectiveness in reducing diabetes related
complications and associated costs, diabetes self-management
training has been recognized by policymakers as an
underutilized Medicare benefit. Enhancing access to diabetes
self-management training programs that are taught by Certified
Diabetes Educators is an important public policy goal that can
help improve health outcomes, ensure quality, and reduce
escalating diabetes-related health costs.
SEC. 3. RECOGNITION OF CERTIFIED DIABETES EDUCATORS AS AUTHORIZED
PROVIDERS OF MEDICARE DIABETES OUTPATIENT SELF-MANAGEMENT
TRAINING SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Section 1861(qq) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395x(qq)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``by a certified provider
(as described in paragraph (2)(A)) in an outpatient setting''
and inserting ``in an outpatient setting by a certified
diabetes educator (as defined in paragraph (3)) or by a
certified provider (as described in paragraph (2)(A))''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
``(3) For purposes of paragraph (1), the term `certified diabetes
educator' means an individual who--
``(A) is licensed or registered by the State in which the
services are performed as a health care professional;
``(B) specializes in teaching individuals with diabetes to
develop the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the
individual's diabetic condition; and
``(C) is certified as a diabetes educator by a recognized
certifying body (as defined in paragraph (4)).
``(4) For purposes of paragraph (3)(C), the term `recognized
certifying body' means a certifying body for diabetes educators which
is recognized by the Secretary as authorized to grant certification of
diabetes educators for purposes of this subsection pursuant to
standards established by the Secretary.''.
(b) Treatment as a Practitioner, Including for Telehealth
Services.--Section 1842(b)(18)(C) of the such Act (42 U.S.C.
1395u(b)(18)(C)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
clause:
``(vii) A certified diabetes educator (as defined in
section 1861(qq)(3)).''.
(c) GAO Study and Report.--
(1) Study.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall conduct a study to identify the barriers that exist for
Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes
self-management training services under the Medicare program,
including economic and geographic barriers and availability of
appropriate referrals and access to adequate and qualified
providers.
(2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted
under paragraph (1).
(d) AHRQ Development of Recommendations for Outreach Methods and
Report.--
(1) Development of recommendations.--The Director of the
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality shall, through use
of a workshop and other appropriate means, develop a series of
recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate
primary care physicians and the public about the benefits of
diabetes self-management training in order to promote better
health outcomes for patients with diabetes.
(2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Director of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality shall submit to Congress a
report on the recommendations developed under paragraph (1).
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2013.
|
Medicare Diabetes Self-Management Training Act of 2011 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to recognize state-licensed or -registered health care professionals who are certified diabetes educators in an outpatient setting as authorized providers of Medicare diabetes outpatient self-management training services, including as part of telehealth services, under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).
Directs the Comptroller General to study the barriers that exist for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes in accessing diabetes self-management training services under the Medicare program.
Directs the Director of the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a series of recommendations on effective outreach methods to educate primary care physicians and the public about the benefits of diabetes self-management training.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to diabetes self-management training by authorizing certified diabetes educators to provide diabetes self-management training services, including as part of telehealth services, under part B of the Medicare program."}
| 1,128 | 177 | 0.549459 | 1.500163 | 0.987501 | 4.178808 | 6.84106 | 0.907285 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Community AIDS and Hepatitis
Prevention Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds as follows:
(1) Each year, approximately 12,000 Americans contract HIV/
AIDS and approximately 19,000 Americans contract the hepatitis
C virus directly or indirectly from sharing contaminated
syringes.
(2) A 2005 comprehensive international review of the
evidence of the effectiveness of syringe exchange programs in
preventing HIV transmission shows that such programs reduce HIV
transmission and are cost-effective. Eight additional federally
funded research reports concluded that syringe exchange
programs, as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy,
are an effective public health intervention that reduces HIV
transmission without increasing the use of illicit drugs.
Research has also shown that syringe exchange programs are
important in preventing the transmission of hepatitis B and C.
In 2004, Dr. Elias A. Zerhouni, Director of the National
Institutes of Health, wrote Members of Congress stating, ``A
number of studies conducted in the United States have shown
that syringe exchange programs do not increase drug use among
participants or surrounding community members and are
associated with reductions in the incidence of HIV, hepatitis
B, and hepatitis C in the drug-using population.''.
(3) As part of a comprehensive HIV and hepatitis C virus
prevention effort, syringe exchange programs often provide HIV
and hepatitis C counseling, testing, education, and tools to
reduce sexual and drug use-related health risks; links to
addiction treatment; overdose prevention; and referrals to
other important medical and social services. Research has shown
that injection drug users who are referred to addiction
treatment from syringe exchange programs are more likely to
enter and remain in treatment.
(4) Research has shown that, by providing safe disposal of
used injection equipment, syringe exchange programs
significantly reduce the number of improperly discarded
syringes in the community, thereby reducing the exposure of
police, sanitation workers, children, and others to dangers of
blood-borne disease from accidental syringe sticks.
(5) Syringe exchange programs reduce the prevalence of HIV
among injection drug users. A review of data from 81 cities
across Europe, Asia, and North America found that, on average,
HIV prevalence among injection drug users increased by 5.9
percent per year in the 52 cities without syringe exchange
programs and decreased by 5.8 percent per year in the 29 cities
with syringe exchange programs.
(6) Syringe exchange programs are supported by American
scientific and professional organizations, including the
American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of
Pediatrics, the American Academy of Physicians Assistants, the
American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (formerly the American
Academy of Psychiatrists in Alcoholism and Addictions), the
American Bar Association, the American Medical Association, the
American Nurses Association, the American Pharmacists
Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American
Psychological Association, the American Public Health
Association, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the
Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, the Association of State
and Territorial Health Officials, the Infectious Diseases
Society of America, the National Association of Boards of
Pharmacy, the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS
Directors, the United States Conference of Mayors, the World
Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Bank, the International
Red Cross-Red Crescent Society, UNAIDS, and the United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime; and United States government
agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and the
National Institute on Drug Abuse.
(7) According to the most recent data from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, in 2005, 185 syringes exchanges
were operating in 36 States, the District of Columbia, and
Puerto Rico. Removing barriers to the use of Federal funding
will empower localities to use their funding in the most
efficient way to prevent HIV and viral hepatitis.
(8) Despite the scientific and public health consensus that
syringe exchange programs reduce HIV and do not increase
substance abuse, a ban on funding syringe exchange has been
enacted as part of each Departments of Labor, Health and Human
Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act
since 1998.
(9) A similar ban on the District of Columbia's use of its
own funds for needle exchange programs was lifted in fiscal
year 2008.
(10) Title XXVI of the Public Health Service Act, as added
by the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of
1990, is subject to a statutory ban on funding needle exchange
programs.
SEC. 3. USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS PERMITTED FOR SYRINGE EXCHANGE PROGRAMS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, nothing shall prohibit
the use of Federal funds to establish or carry out a program of
distributing sterile syringes to reduce the transmission of bloodborne
pathogens, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral
hepatitis.
|
Community AIDS and Hepatitis Prevention Act - Provides that nothing shall prohibit the use of federal funds to establish or carry out a program of distributing sterile syringes to reduce the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral hepatitis.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To permit the use of Federal funds for syringe exchange programs for purposes of reducing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens, including HIV and viral hepatitis."}
| 1,138 | 76 | 0.486394 | 1.303954 | 0.583005 | 8.9375 | 20.645833 | 0.979167 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Middle East Peace Compliance Act of
2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) On September 9, 1993, Palestinian Liberation
Organization (PLO) Chairman Yasser Arafat made the following
commitments in an exchange of letters with Prime Minister of
Israel Yitzhak Rabin:
(A) ``The PLO recognizes the right of the State of
Israel to exist in peace and security.''.
(B) ``The PLO accepts United Nations Security
Council Resolutions 242 and 338'' pertaining to the
cessation of hostilities and the establishment of a
just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
(C) ``The PLO commits itself to the Middle East
peace process, and to a peaceful resolution of the
conflict between the two sides and declares that all
outstanding issues relating to permanent status will be
resolved through negotiations.''.
(D) ``The PLO considers that the signing of the
Declaration of Principles constitutes a historic event,
inaugurating a new epoch of peaceful coexistence, free
from violence and all other acts which endanger peace
and stability. Accordingly, the PLO renounces the use
of terrorism and other acts of violence and will assume
responsibility over all PLO elements and personnel in
order to assure their compliance, prevent violence and
discipline violators.''.
(E) ``In view of the promise of a new era and the
signing of the Declaration of Principles and based on
Palestinian acceptance of Security Council Resolutions
242 and 338, the PLO affirms that those articles of the
Palestinian Covenant which deny Israel's right to
exist, and the provisions of the Covenant which are
inconsistent with the commitments of this letter are
now inoperative and no longer valid.''.
(2) The Palestinian Authority, the governing body of
autonomous Palestinian territories, was created as a result of
the agreements between the PLO and the State of Israel that are
a direct outgrowth of the September 9, 1993, commitments.
(3) The United States Congress has provided authorities to
the President to suspend certain statutory restrictions
relating to the PLO, subject to Presidential certification that
the PLO has continued to abide by commitments made.
SEC. 3. REPORTS.
(a) In General.--The President shall, at the times specified in
subsection (b), transmit to Congress a report--
(1) detailing and assessing the steps that the PLO or the
Palestinian Authority, as appropriate, has taken to
substantially comply with its 1993 commitments, as specified in
section 2(1) of this Act;
(2) a description of the steps taken by the PLO or the
Palestinian Authority, as appropriate, to investigate and
prosecute those responsible for violence against American and
Israeli citizens;
(3) making a determination as to whether the PLO or the
Palestinian Authority, as appropriate, has substantially
complied with such commitments during the period since the
submission of the preceding report, or, in the case of the
initial report, during the preceding 6-month period; and
(4) detailing progress made in determining the designation
of the PLO, or one or more of its constituent groups (including
Fatah and Tanzim) or groups operating as arms of the
Palestinian Authority (including Force 17) as a foreign
terrorist organization, in accordance with section 219(a) of
the Immigration and Nationality Act.
(b) Transmission.--The initial report required under subsection (a)
shall be transmitted not later than 30 days after the date of enactment
of this Act. Each subsequent report shall be submitted on the date on
which the President is next required to submit a report under the PLO
Commitments Compliance Act of 1989 (title VIII of Public Law 101-246)
and may be combined with such report.
SEC. 4. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS.
(a) In General.--If, in any report transmitted pursuant to section
3, the President determines that the PLO or Palestinian Authority, as
appropriate, has not substantially complied with the commitments
specified in section 2(1), the following sanctions shall apply:
(1) Suspension of assistance.--The President shall suspend
all United States assistance to the West Bank and Gaza except
for humanitarian assistance.
(2) Additional sanction or sanctions.--The President shall
impose one or more of the following sanctions:
(A) Denial of visas to plo and palestinian
authority figures.--The President shall prohibit the
Secretary of State from issuance of any visa for any
member of the PLO or any official of the Palestinian
Authority.
(B) Downgrade in status of plo office in the united
states.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
the President shall withdraw or terminate any waiver by
the President of the requirements of section 1003 of
the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 1988 and
1989 (22 U.S.C. 5202) (prohibiting the establishment or
maintenance of a Palestinian information office in the
United States), and such section shall apply so as to
prohibit the operation of a PLO or Palestinian
Authority office in the United States from carrying out
any function other than those functions carried out by
the Palestinian information office in existence prior
to the Oslo Accord.
(b) Duration of Sanctions.--The period of time referred to in
subsection (a) is the period of time commencing on the date that the
report pursuant to section 3 was transmitted and ending on the later
of--
(1) the date that is 6 months after such date;
(2) the date that the next report under section 3 is
required to be transmitted; or
(3) the date, if any, on which the President determines and
informs Congress that the conditions that were the basis for
imposing the sanctions are no longer valid.
(c) Waiver Authority.--The President may waive any or all of the
sanctions imposed under this Act if the President determines that such
a waiver is in the national security interest of the United States, and
reports such a determination to the appropriate committees of Congress.
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE; TERMINATION DATE.
(a) Effective Date.--This Act shall take effect on the date of
enactment of this Act.
(b) Termination Date.--This Act shall cease to be effective 5 years
after the date of enactment of this Act.
|
Middle East Peace Compliance Act of 2001 - Imposes specified sanctions with respect to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) or the Palestinian Authority if the President determines that such entities have not substantially complied with certain commitments made with Israel. Authorizes the President to waive such sanctions in the U.S. national security interest.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to impose sanctions against the PLO or the Palestinian Authority if the President determines that those entities have failed to substantially comply with commitments made to the State of Israel."}
| 1,386 | 73 | 0.460164 | 1.173394 | 0.644817 | 2.736842 | 22.54386 | 0.877193 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``K-12 Education Excellence Now Act of
1999''.
SEC. 2. CREDIT FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL EXPENSES AND FOR
CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUCH SCHOOLS AND TO CHARITABLE
ORGANIZATIONS WHICH PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS
ATTENDING SUCH SCHOOLS.
(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. 30B. CREDIT FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL EXPENSES AND FOR
CONTRIBUTIONS TO SUCH SCHOOLS AND TO CHARITABLE
ORGANIZATIONS WHICH PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS
ATTENDING SUCH SCHOOLS.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--There shall be allowed as a credit
against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount
equal to the sum of--
``(1) the qualified elementary and secondary education
expenses which are paid or incurred by the taxpayer during such
taxable year, and
``(2) the qualified charitable contributions of the
taxpayer for the taxable year.
``(b) Maximum Credit.--The credit allowed by subsection (a) for any
taxable year shall not exceed--
``(1) $100 in the case of taxable years beginning in
calendar year 1999,
``(2) $150 in the case of taxable years beginning in
calendar year 2000,
``(3) $200 in the case of taxable years beginning in
calendar year 2001, and
``(4) $250 in the case of taxable years beginning after
calendar year 2001.
In the case of a joint return, the limitation under this subsection
shall be twice the dollar amount otherwise applicable under the
preceding sentence.
``(c) Qualified Elementary and Secondary Education Expenses.--For
purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified elementary and
secondary education expenses' means tuition, fees, tutoring,
special needs services, books, supplies, computer equipment
(including related software and services) and other equipment,
transportation, and supplementary expenses required for the
enrollment or attendance of any individual at a public,
private, or religious elementary or secondary school.
``(2) Special rule for home-schooling.--Such term shall
include expenses described in paragraph (1) required for
education provided for homeschooling if the requirements of any
applicable State or local law are met with respect to such
education.
``(3) Elementary or secondary school.--The term `elementary
or secondary school' means any school which provides elementary
education or secondary education (through grade 12), as
determined under State law.
``(d) Qualified Charitable Contribution.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified charitable
contribution' means, with respect to any taxable year, the
amount allowable as a deduction under section 170 for cash
contributions to--
``(A) an elementary or secondary school, or
``(B) a school tuition organization.
``(2) School tuition organization.--
``(A) In general.--The term `school tuition
organization' means any organization described in
section 170(c)(2) if the annual disbursements of the
organization for elementary and secondary school
scholarship are normally not less than 90 percent of
the sum of such organization's annual gross income and
contributions and gifts.
``(B) Exceptions.--Such term shall not include any
organization if substantially all of its scholarships
(by value) may be used to attend only 1 school.
``(C) Elementary and secondary school
scholarship.--The term `elementary and secondary school
scholarship' means any scholarship excludable from
gross income under section 117 for expenses related to
education at an elementary or secondary school.
``(e) Special Rules.--
``(1) Denial of double benefit.--No deduction shall be
allowed under this chapter for any contribution for which
credit is allowed under this section.
``(2) Application with other credits.--The credit allowable
under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed the
excess (if any) of--
``(A) the regular tax for the taxable year, reduced
by the sum of the credits allowable under subpart A and
the preceding sections of this subpart, over
``(B) the tentative minimum tax for the taxable
year.
``(3) Controlled groups.--All persons who are treated as
one employer under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 shall be
treated as 1 taxpayer for purposes of this section.
``(f) Election To Have Credit Not Apply.--A taxpayer may elect to
have this section not apply for any taxable year.''
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart B of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding
at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 30B. Credit for elementary and
secondary school expenses and
for contributions to such
schools and to charitable
organizations which provide
scholarships for students
attending such schools.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998.
|
K-12 Education Excellence Now Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a limited tax credit for the expenses of attending elementary and secondary schools (including qualifying home schooling) and for contributions to charitable organizations which provide scholarships for children to attend such schools.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "K-12 Education Excellence Now Act of 1999"}
| 1,206 | 57 | 0.577644 | 1.276645 | 0.864328 | 2.64 | 21.22 | 0.88 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Good Medicine Cultural Competence
Act of 2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Racial and ethnic minorities receive lower-quality
health care, even when insurance status, income, age, and
severity of conditions are comparable.
(2) In overall health, at each stage of life until age 44,
African Americans, Latinos, and Native Americans have, on
average, higher mortality rates than whites.
(3) The Department of Health and Human Services found at
least 6 areas in which racial and ethnic minorities experience
serious disparities in health access outcomes: infant
mortality, cancer screening and management, cardiovascular
disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS infection, and immunizations.
(4) African-American children are twice as likely to have
asthma and 6 times as likely to die from asthma as white
children.
(5) Asthma hospitalization rates are higher in urban, low-
income, and minority communities.
(6) African Americans are 30 percent more likely to die of
cancer than whites when differences in age are taken into
account.
(7) African-American women are at greater risk for being
diagnosed with more advanced forms of breast cancer.
(8) The African-American death rate due to diabetes is more
than twice that for whites when differences in age are taken
into account.
(9) African Americans are 30 percent more likely to die of
heart disease than whites when differences in age are taken
into account.
(10) Of the AIDS cases reported in 2000, 47 percent
involved African Americans.
(11) The annual AIDS case rate is 4 times higher for
Latinos than for whites.
(12) Infant mortality rates, one of the most sensitive
indicators of the health and well-being of a population, are
twice as high among African-American infants as whites.
(13) Studies show that even well-meaning physicians who are
not overtly biased or prejudiced typically demonstrate
unconscious negative racial attitudes.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a commission to be known as the Cultural
Competence Commission (in this Act referred to as the ``Commission'').
SEC. 4. DUTIES.
The Commission shall conduct a study and, under section 7, submit
a report on the following:
(1) Establishing standards in cultural competence education
for medical and health professionals.
(2) Mandating minimum professional training requirements
for the delivery of high-quality knowledge-based patient care,
and mandating annual hearings on the status of patient care for
minority and low-income patients.
(3) Collaborating with the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality and the American Hospital Association to ensure
that the review and assessment process for updating clinical
guidelines and protocols incorporates a mechanism to determine
the appropriateness of the guidelines and protocols for use
among patients of color.
(4) Engaging the leadership of such diverse organizations
as the national consortium for African-American children to
help prioritize and provide cultural competence training
opportunities in such venues as school-based and school-linked
health settings, working with The Council for Exceptional
Children to address issues relating to persons with special
needs, and collaborating with geriatric experts to improve
access to culturally competent care for seniors in long-term
care facilities.
(5) Working with diverse organizations such as the Asian
and Pacific Islander American Health Forum, the National
Alliance for Hispanic Health, the Johns Hopkins University
Institute of Urban Health, and the Utah Department of Health,
Division of Health Systems Improvement Primary Care Rural and
Ethnic Health, to address the needs of vulnerable populations
served by community and tribal health centers.
(6) Increasing outcomes-based research to assess
improvements in health care outcomes for minority patients as a
result of cultural competence education.
(7) Broadening access to culturally competent health
education by patients, providers, and organizations.
(8) Conducting a national policy forum to inform
legislators at the Federal, State, and local levels about
cultural competence programs, research findings, and patient
care outcomes.
(9) Facilitating improvements in the effectiveness of
provider and patient interactions and communications through
cross-cultural education, health literacy training, and
information.
(10) Creating incentives for providers who have documented
training and expertise in cultural competence.
(11) Collaborating with the National Board of Medical
Examiners, the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health
Care Organizations, and other professional licensing boards and
accrediting bodies to devise and monitor a method for assessing
provider attitudes, knowledge, and skills in culturally
competent health care.
(12) Developing and enforcing mechanisms to ensure
organizational compliance with cultural competence professional
training, service delivery, and administrative requirements.
(13) Establishing a national cultural competence ``think
tank'' comprised of expert advisers known in the areas of
research, advocacy, education, public health policy, and human
services.
SEC. 5. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Number and Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 17
members appointed as follows:
(1) 4 members appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives.
(2) 4 members appointed by the minority leader of the House
of Representatives.
(3) 4 members appointed by the majority leader of the
Senate.
(4) 4 members appointed by the minority leader of the
Senate.
(5) 1 member appointed by the President.
(b) Terms.--
(1) In general.--Each member of the Commission shall be
appointed for the life of the Commission.
(2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled
in the manner in which the original appointment was made.
(c) Basic Pay.--Members of the Commission shall serve without pay.
(d) Travel Expenses.--Each member 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.
(e) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Commission shall be
elected by the Commission from among its members.
SEC. 6. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings and Sessions.--The Commission may, for the purpose of
carrying out this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places,
take testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers
appropriate.
(b) Powers of Members and Agents.--Any member or agent of the
Commission may, if authorized by the Commission, take any action that
the Commission is authorized to take by this section.
(c) Obtaining Official Data.--Notwithstanding sections 552 and 552a
of title 5, United States Code, the Commission may secure directly from
any department or agency of the United States information necessary to
enable it to carry out this Act. Upon request of the Commission, the
head of that department or agency shall furnish that information to the
Commission.
(d) Mails.--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.
(e) Staff of Federal Agencies.--Upon request of the Commission, the
head of any Federal department or agency may detail, on a
nonreimbursable basis, any of the personnel of that department or
agency to the Commission to assist it in carrying out its duties under
this Act.
(f) Administrative Support Services.--Upon the request of the
Commission, the Administrator of General Services may provide to the
Commission, on a nonreimbursable basis, the administrative support
services necessary for the Commission to carry out its responsibilities
under this Act.
SEC. 7. REPORT.
Not later than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress and the President a
report containing a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions
of the Commission, together with such recommendations as the Commission
considers appropriate.
SEC. 8. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall terminate 180 days after submitting its final
report pursuant to section 7.
|
Good Medicine Cultural Competence Act of 2003 - Establishes the Cultural Competence Commission to study and report on establishing standards in cultural competence education for medical and health professionals.Addresses issues of training, clinical guidelines and protocols, access, vulnerable populations, policy forums and think tanks, incentives, collaboration, and enforcement mechanisms.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish the Cultural Competence Commission."}
| 1,696 | 69 | 0.410684 | 1.083897 | 0.520274 | 2.559322 | 28.118644 | 0.898305 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Justice and Understanding By IMF
Loan Elimination and Equity Act of 2004'' or the ``JUBILEE Act of
2004''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Many poor countries have been struggling under the
burden of international debts for many years.
(2) Many poor countries have debts that are odious because
they were incurred by dictatorships that did not use the funds
in ways that benefitted the population of the country.
(3) The international Jubilee coalitions have been working
to raise awareness of the needs of these impoverished countries
for full debt cancellation.
(4) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has imposed
onerous structural adjustment requirements on many poor
countries as a condition of past loans and of participation in
debt relief programs.
(5) Justice requires that debts owed by these countries to
the IMF be cancelled.
SEC. 3. CANCELLATION OF DEBT OWED TO THE IMF BY ELIGIBLE POOR
COUNTRIES.
Title XVI of the International Financial Institutions Act (22
U.S.C. 262p-262p-8) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 1626. CANCELLATION OF DEBT OWED TO THE IMF BY ELIGIBLE POOR
COUNTRIES.
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Cancellation of debt.--In order to achieve
multilateral debt cancellation and promote human and economic
development and poverty alleviation in eligible poor countries,
the Secretary of the Treasury shall commence immediate efforts,
within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the International
Monetary Fund (IMF), and other appropriate multilateral
development institutions, to accomplish the following:
``(A) The IMF shall cancel all debts owed to the
IMF by eligible poor countries, and finance the debt
cancellation from ongoing operations, procedures, and
accounts of the IMF established as of the end of the
most recent fiscal year, including the Poverty
Reduction and Growth Facility (formerly known as the
`Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility' or `ESAF').
``(B) Any waiting period before receiving debt
cancellation shall not exceed 1 month from the date of
an eligible poor country's application for debt
cancellation.
``(C) The government of each eligible poor country
shall be encouraged to allocate at least 20 percent of
its national budget, including the savings from the
cancellation of debt owed by the country to the IMF,
for the provision of basic health care services,
education services, and clean water services to
individuals in the country. In providing such services,
the government should seek input from a broad cross-
section of members of civil society.
``(2) Prohibition of privilege for imf credit.--In order to
ensure that the interests of the United States are fully
protected and that the IMF does not have undue influence over
the policies and finances of poor countries, the Secretary of
the Treasury shall commence immediate efforts, within the Paris
Club of Official Creditors, the IMF, and other appropriate
multilateral development institutions, to ensure that the IMF
does not require any country receiving new concessional loans
to privilege the IMF as a creditor over the United States.
``(3) Establishment of framework for creditor
transparency.--In order to ensure that creditor activity is
known and assessed by all stakeholders, the Secretary of the
Treasury shall commence immediate efforts, within the Paris
Club of Official Creditors, the International Monetary Fund
(IMF), and other appropriate multilateral development
institutions, to ensure that each international financial
institution (as defined in section 1701(c)(2))--
``(A) continues to make efforts to promote greater
transparency regarding the activities of the
institution, including project design, project
monitoring and evaluation, project implementation,
resource allocation, and decisionmaking; and
``(B) supports continued efforts to allow informed
participation and input by affected communities,
including translation of information on proposed
projects, provision of information through information
technology application, oral briefings, and outreach to
and dialogue with community organizations and
institutions in affected areas.
``(4) Availability on treasury department website of
remarks of united states executive directors at meetings of
international financial institutions boards of directors.--The
Secretary of the Treasury shall make available on the website
of the Department of the Treasury the full record of the
remarks of the United States Executive Director at meetings of
the Board of Directors of each international financial
institution and the International Monetary Fund, about
cancellation or reduction of debts owed to the institution
involved, with redaction by the Secretary of the Treasury of
material deemed too sensitive for public distribution, but
showing the topic, amount of material redacted, and reason for
the redaction.
``(5) Report from the comptroller general.--Within 90 days
after the date of the enactment of this section, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare and
submit to the Committee on Banking and Financial Services of
the House of Representatives and the Committee on Banking,
Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a report on the
availability of the ongoing operations, procedures, and
accounts of the IMF for canceling the debt of eligible poor
countries.
``(6) Annual reports from the president.--Not later than
December 31 of each year, the President shall submit to the
Committees on Banking and Financial Services, and on
International Relations of the House of Representatives and the
Committees on Foreign Relations and on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs of the Senate a report, which shall be made
available to the public, on the activities undertaken under
this section, and other progress made in accomplishing the
purposes of this section, for the prior fiscal year. The report
shall include a list of the countries that have received debt
cancellation, a list of the countries whose request for such
debt cancellation has been denied and the reasons therefor, and
a list of the countries whose requests for such debt
cancellation are under consideration.
``(b) Promotion of Equitable Burden Sharing.--In order to promote
equitable burden sharing by bilateral, multilateral, and private
creditors, the Secretary of the Treasury shall commence immediate
efforts to ensure that such creditors draw upon their own resources to
finance debt reduction to the extent possible without diverting funds
from other high-priority poverty alleviation programs.
``(c) Eligible Poor Country Defined.--In this section, the term
`eligible poor country' means Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia,
Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African
Republic, Chad, Cote d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia,
Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica,
Kenya, Lao PDR, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco,
Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Peru,
Philippines, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal,
Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen, and
Zambia, but not if--
``(1) the government of the country has an excessive level
of military expenditures;
``(2) the government of the country has repeatedly provided
support for acts of international terrorism, as determined by
the Secretary of State under section 6(j)(1) of the Export
Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 2405(j)(1)), or
section 620A(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22
U.S.C. 2371(a));
``(3) the government of the country is failing to cooperate
on international narcotics control matters;
``(4) the government of the country (including its military
or other security forces) engages in a consistent pattern of
gross violations of internationally recognized human rights; or
``(5) in the case of Haiti, the government of the country
has not been elected through free and fair elections.''.
SEC. 4. PROHIBITION OF STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT PROGRAMS.
Title XVI of the International Financial Institutions Act (22
U.S.C. 262p-262p-8) is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``SEC. 1627. PROHIBITION OF STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT PROGRAMS.
``(a) Prohibition of Structural Adjustment Conditions.--In order to
promote human and economic development and poverty alleviation in
eligible poor countries (as defined in section 1626(c)), the Secretary
of the Treasury shall commence immediate efforts within the Paris Club
of Official Creditors, as well as the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), the International Monetary
Fund (IMF), and other appropriate multilateral development
institutions, to ensure that the provision of debt cancellation to the
countries is not conditioned on any agreement by such a country to
implement or comply with policies that deepen poverty or degrade the
environment, including any policy that--
``(1) implements or extends user fees on primary education
or primary health care, including prevention and treatment
efforts for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and infant, child,
and maternal well-being;
``(2) provides for increased cost recovery from poor people
to finance basic public services such as education, health
care, or sanitation;
``(3) would have the effect of increasing the cost to
consumers with incomes of less than $2 per day for access to
clean drinking water through--
``(A) decreased public subsidy for water supply,
treatment, disposal, distribution, or management;
``(B) reduced intrasectoral or intersectoral
subsidization of residential water consumers with
incomes of less than $2 per day;
``(C) reduced government ability to regulate; or
``(D) mandated privatization of water; or
``(4) undermines workers' ability to exercise effectively
their internationally recognized worker rights, as defined
under section 526(e) of the Foreign Operations, Export
Financing and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1995 (22
U.S.C. 262p-4p).
``(b) Annual Reports to the Congress.--Not later than December 31
of each year, the President shall submit to the Committees on Banking
and Financial Services and on International Relations of the House of
Representatives and the Committees on Foreign Relations and on Banking,
Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate a report, which shall be made
available to the public, on the activities undertaken under this
section, and other progress made in accomplishing the purposes of this
section, for the prior fiscal year.''.
SEC. 5. CONDITIONAL BAN ON PROVIDING FUNDS TO THE IMF.
(a) In General.--None of the funds appropriated in any Act may be
obligated or made available to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
unless--
(1) the IMF has cancelled all debts owed to it by eligible
poor countries as described in section 1626(a)(1) of the
International Financial Institutions Act;
(2) the IMF has terminated its involvement in the Poverty
Reduction and Growth Facility and any other program to
condition debt relief on implementation of structural
adjustment; and
(3) the Secretary of the Treasury has certified to the
Congress that the conditions referred to in paragraphs (1) and
(2) of this subsection have been met.
(b) Limitation.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to any funds
appropriated to provide debt relief to poor countries.
|
Justice and Understanding By IMF Loan Elimination and Equity (JUBILEE) Act of 2004 - Amends the International Financial Institutions Act to require the Secretary of the Treasury to commence immediate efforts, within the Paris Club of Official Creditors, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other appropriate multilateral development institutions (MDI's), to accomplish: (1) cancellation of all debts owed to the IMF by specified eligible poor countries, and the financing of such debt cancellation from ongoing IMF operations, procedures, and accounts established as of the end of the most recent fiscal year, including the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (formerly known as the Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility or ESAF); (2) limitation of any waiting period before receipt of debt cancellation to one month from the date of an eligible poor country's application for it; and (3) encouragement of the government of each eligible poor country to allocate at least 20 percent of its national budget, including the savings from such debt cancellation, for the provision of basic health care services, education services, and clean water services to individuals in the country.
Sets forth requirements for: (1) a prohibition against the IMF's requiring any country receiving new concessional loans to privilege the IMF as a creditor over the United States; (2) establishment of a framework to ensure the transparency regarding each international financial institution's activities; and (3) availability on the Treasury Department's website of U.S. Executive Directors' remarks at meetings of international financial institutions' Boards of Directors.
Requires the Secretary to commence immediate efforts, within the Paris Club, the IMF, and other appropriate MDI's, to ensure that the provision of debt cancellation to such countries is not conditioned on any agreement by such a country to implement or comply with specified policies that deepen poverty or degrade the environment.
Bars funds appropriated in any Act (except those providing for debt relief to poor countries) from being obligated or made available to IMF unless specified conditions are met relating to debt cancellation for all eligible poor countries and termination of conditioning debt relief on certain structural adjustment.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for the cancellation of debts owed to the International Monetary Fund by poor countries, and for other purposes."}
| 2,537 | 451 | 0.724056 | 2.495162 | 0.817147 | 4.80397 | 5.744417 | 0.942928 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Housing Opportunity and Mortgage
Equity Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. AFFORDABLE NEW MORTGAGES.
(a) Authority.--The Federal National Mortgage Association and the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation shall each carry out a program
under this section to purchase and securitize qualified new mortgages
on single-family housing, in accordance with this section and policies
and procedures that the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency
shall establish.
(b) Requirement To Purchase Qualified New Mortgages.--If a lender
proffers to an enterprise, in accordance with requirements established
by the Director, a mortgage or mortgages for purchase under this
section, the enterprise shall make a determination of whether such
mortgage or mortgages are qualified new mortgages. Subject to
subsection (e), if the enterprise determines that such mortgage or
mortgages meet the requirements for qualified new mortgages, the
enterprise shall make a commitment to purchase, and shall purchase, the
mortgage or mortgages.
(c) Qualified New Mortgages.--For purposes of this section, the
term ``qualified new mortgage'' means a mortgage that meets the
following requirements:
(1) Single-family housing.--The property subject to the
mortgage shall be a one- to four-family dwelling, including a
condominium or a share in a cooperative ownership housing
association.
(2) Principal residence.--The mortgagor under the mortgage
shall occupy the property subject to the mortgage as his or her
principal residence.
(3) Interest rate; term to maturity.--The mortgage shall--
(A) bear interest at a single rate that is fixed
for the entire term of the mortgage, which shall not
exceed an annual rate that is 1.6 percentage points
higher than the average annual rate of interest paid on
obligations of the United States most recently issued
by the Secretary of the Treasury and having 10-year
maturities; and
(B) have a term to maturity of not less than 30
years and not more than 40 years from the date of the
beginning of the amortization of the mortgage.
(4) Underwriting standards.--The mortgage shall meet such
underwriting standards as the Director shall require.
(5) Home purchase.--The principal loan amount repayment of
which is secured by the mortgage shall be used to purchase the
property that is subject to the qualified new mortgage.
(6) New mortgages.--The mortgage was originated on or after
the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d) Securitization.--
(1) Requirement.--Each enterprise shall, upon such terms
and conditions as it may prescribe, set aside any qualified new
mortgages purchased by it under this section and, upon approval
of the Secretary of the Treasury, issue and sell securities
based upon such mortgages set aside.
(2) Form.--Securities issued under this subsection may be
in the form of debt obligations or trust certificates of
beneficial interest, or both.
(3) Terms.--Securities issued under this subsection shall
have such maturities and bear such rate or rates of interest as
may be determined by the enterprise with the approval of the
Secretary.
(4) Exemption.--Securities issued by an enterprise under
this subsection shall, to the same extent as securities which
are direct obligations of or obligations guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the United States, be deemed to be
exempt securities within the meaning of laws administered by
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(5) Principal and interest payments.--Mortgages set aside
pursuant to this subsection shall at all times be adequate to
enable the issuing enterprise to make timely principal and
interest payments on the securities issued and sold pursuant to
this subsection.
(6) Required disclosure.--Each enterprise shall insert
appropriate language in all of the securities issued under this
subsection clearly indicating that such securities, together
with the interest thereon, are not guaranteed by the United
States and do not constitute a debt or obligation of the United
States or any agency or instrumentality thereof other than the
enterprise.
(e) Termination.--The requirement under subsection (b) for the
enterprises to purchase mortgages shall not apply to any mortgage
proferred to an enterprise after the expiration of the two-year period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. AFFORDABLE REFINANCING OF MORTGAGES HELD BY FANNIE MAE AND
FREDDIE MAC.
(a) Authority.--The Federal National Mortgage Association and the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation shall each carry out a program
under this section to provide for the refinancing of qualified
mortgages on single-family housing owned by such enterprise and for the
purchase of and securitization of such refinancing mortgages, in
accordance with this section and policies and procedures that the
Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency shall establish. Such
program shall require such refinancing of a qualified mortgage upon the
request of the mortgagor made to the applicable enterprise and a
determination by the enterprise that the mortgage is a qualified
mortgage.
(b) Qualified Refinancing Mortgage.--For purposes of this section,
the term ``qualified mortgage'' means a mortgage that meets the
following requirements:
(1) Single-family housing.--The property subject to the
mortgage shall be a one- to four-family dwelling, including a
condominium or a share in a cooperative ownership housing
association.
(2) Refinancing of gse-owned mortgages.--The principal loan
amount repayment of which is secured by the mortgage shall be
used to satisfy all indebtedness under an existing first
mortgage that--
(A) was made for purchase of, or refinancing
another first mortgage on, the same property that is
subject to the qualified refinancing mortgage;
(B) is owned by the Federal National Mortgage
Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation; and
(C) was originated on or before January 1, 2008.
(3) Interest rate.--The mortgage shall bear interest at a
single rate that is fixed for the entire term of the mortgage,
which shall not exceed an annual rate that is 1.6 percentage
points higher than the average annual rate of interest paid on
obligations of the United States most recently issued by the
Secretary of the Treasury and having 10-year maturities.
(4) Waiver of prepayment penalties.--All penalties for
prepayment or refinancing of the underlying mortgage refinanced
by the mortgage, and all fees and penalties related to the
default or delinquency on such mortgage, shall have been waived
or forgiven.
(c) Termination.--The requirement under subsection (a) for the
enterprises to refinance qualified mortgages shall not apply to any
request for refinancing made after the expiration of the two-year
period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. TREASURY FINANCING.
(a) Authority.--Subject to subsection (e), the Secretary may
purchase securities issued by the enterprises pursuant to the programs
under this Act and such other obligations as may be issued by the
enterprises for purposes of carrying out the programs under this Act.
(b) Public Debt Transaction.--For the purpose of purchasing any
such securities and obligations, the Secretary may use as a public debt
transaction the proceeds from the sale of any securities issued under
chapter 31 of title 31, United States Code, and the purposes for which
securities are issued under such chapter are hereby extended to include
any purchase by the Secretary of such obligations under this section.
(c) Characteristics of Obligations.--Obligations issued and
purchased pursuant to this section shall be in such forms and
denominations, bear such maturities, bear interest at such rate, and be
subject to such other terms and conditions, as the Secretary shall
determine. In determining the term to maturity of such obligations, the
Secretary shall take into consideration the terms to maturity of the
various securities issued by the enterprises pursuant to the programs
under this Act and the terms to maturity and possibility of prepayment
of mortgages purchased and securitized under such programs.
(d) Treatment.--All redemptions, purchases, and sales by the
Secretary of obligations under this section shall be treated as public
debt transactions of the United States.
(e) Limitation on Amount.--The aggregate principal amount of
outstanding obligations and securities purchased under subsection (a)
by the Secretary and held at any one time may not exceed
$10,000,000,000.
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act, the following definitions shall apply:
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
(2) Enterprise.--The term ``enterprise'' means the Federal
National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Treasury.
|
Housing Opportunity and Mortgage Equity Act of 2009 - Directs the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (the enterprises) each to implement a program to purchase and securitize qualified new mortgages on single-family housing in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
Sets forth requirements for the purchase and securitization of qualified new mortgages.
Terminates the requirement for the enterprises to purchase mortgages two years after the enactment of this Act.
Directs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac each to implement a program to provide for the refinancing of qualified mortgages on single-family housing they own and for the purchase and securitization of such refinancing mortgages in accordance with policies and procedures established by the FHFA Director. Terminates this requirement two years after enactment of this Act.
Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to purchase securities issued by the enterprises under this Act and such other obligations as the enterprises may issue to carry out this Act.
Authorizes the Secretary also, for the purpose of purchasing any such securities and obligations, to use as a public debt transaction the proceeds from the sale of other public debt securities.
Treats all redemptions, purchases, and sales by the Secretary of obligations under this Act as public debt transactions of the United States.
Limits to $10 billion the aggregate principal amount of outstanding obligations and securities purchased by the Secretary under this Act.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To prevent foreclosure of home mortgages and increase the availability of affordable new mortgages and affordable refinancing of mortgages held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac."}
| 1,927 | 326 | 0.606001 | 1.875528 | 0.868372 | 3.717857 | 6.207143 | 0.932143 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Rural Flood Mitigation and Recovery
Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. CORPS OF ENGINEERS FLOOD DAMAGE REDUCTION PROJECTS.
(a) In General.--In carrying out a study for a flood damage
reduction project to be carried out for a flood prone disaster area,
the Secretary of the Army may determine that the project is justified
and recommend the project solely on the basis that the non-Federal
interest for the project has demonstrated that the project is
appropriate and needed to protect the long-term economic viability of
the area.
(b) Flood Prone Disaster Area Defined.--In this section, the term
``flood prone disaster area'' means an area determined by the President
at any time to be a flood prone disaster area under section 428 of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (as
added by section 3 of this Act).
SEC. 3. FLOOD PRONE DISASTER AREAS.
Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating the second section 425 (42 U.S.C.
5189e; relating to essential service providers) as section 427;
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 428. FLOOD PRONE DISASTER AREAS.
``(a) Determination of Flood Prone Disaster Areas.--
``(1) In general.--If the President declares under section
401 that a major disaster exists in an area due to flooding,
the President shall determine at the time of the declaration
whether the area qualifies as a flood prone disaster area for
the purposes of this section.
``(2) Criteria.--The President shall determine an area to
be a flood prone disaster area under paragraph (1) if the area
has experienced at least 2 other major disasters due to
flooding during the 5-year period preceding the date of the
declaration referred to in paragraph (1).
``(3) Applicability.--The determination that an area is a
flood prone disaster area in connection with a major disaster
shall apply to assistance made available under this Act with
respect to that disaster.
``(b) Special Rules for Flood Prone Disaster Areas.--
``(1) Contributions for hazard mitigation measures.--
``(A) Federal share.--In making contributions for
hazard mitigation measures under section 404 for the
benefit of a flood prone disaster area, the President
shall treat the `75 percent' specified in the first
sentence of subsection (a) of that section as--
``(i) 90 percent; or
``(ii) 100 percent, if the President
determines that the measures would not be
carried out without additional Federal funding
and are necessary to protect the long-term
economic viability of the area.
``(B) Total contributions.--In making contributions
for hazard mitigation measures under section 404 for
the benefit of a flood prone disaster area, the
President shall--
``(i) treat the `15 percent' specified in
the last sentence of subsection (a) of that
section as 20 percent; and
``(ii) treat the `20 percent' specified in
section 322(e)(1) as 25 percent.
``(2) Repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged
facilities.--In making contributions for the repair,
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of facilities under
section 406 for the benefit of a flood prone disaster area, the
President shall treat the `75 percent' specified in subsection
(b)(1) of that section as--
``(A) 90 percent; or
``(B) 100 percent, if the President determines that
the activity would not be carried out without
additional Federal funding and is necessary to protect
the long-term economic viability of the area.
``(c) Flood Prone Disaster Area Task Forces.--
``(1) Establishment.--In each State that includes a flood
prone disaster area, the President shall establish a task force
to ensure that activities in response to the major disaster in
that area are coordinated and carried out appropriately.
``(2) Membership.--The President shall ensure, to the
extent practicable, that each task force established under
paragraph (1) is composed of the heads of all Federal and State
agencies relevant to disaster response activities in the flood
prone disaster area.''.
SEC. 4. HAZARD MITIGATION.
Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(d) Timing of Contributions.--In making contributions for hazard
mitigation measures under this section with respect to a major
disaster, the President, to the extent practicable, shall--
``(1) review an application for assistance not later than 3
months after the date on which the application is received; and
``(2) begin providing contributions to the cost of the
measures not later than 6 months after the date on which the
major disaster is declared.''.
SEC. 5. FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS.
Section 408(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(a)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(3) Consideration of certain factors.--In determining
whether to provide financial assistance or direct services
under this section to an individual or household affected by a
major disaster, the President shall give consideration to--
``(A) the economic impact of the major disaster on
the area in which the individual or household is
located; and
``(B) the number of other major disasters that have
been declared with respect to that area during the
preceding 5-year period.''.
SEC. 6. EMERGENCY RELIEF.
Section 120(e) of title 23, United States Code, is amended by
inserting after ``natural disaster or catastrophic failure'' the
following: ``, or accomplished more than 180 days after the actual
occurrence if the Secretary determines that inclement weather or
flooding prevented accomplishment within 180 days,''.
SEC. 7. REPAIR, RESTORATION, AND REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED FACILITIES
PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--During the 2-year period beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act, the President shall select 3 major disasters
declared under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief
and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) for the use of modified
response procedures in accordance with subsection (b).
(b) Modified Response Procedures.--With respect to a major disaster
selected for modified response procedures under subsection (a), the
President, in carrying out section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172), shall
make contributions to a State or local government for a repair,
restoration, reconstruction, or replacement project--
(1) at the time that a bid is selected for awarding the
contract with respect to the project; and
(2) in an amount based on the bid selected.
(c) Report.--Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the President shall submit to Congress a report on the
results of the use of modified response procedures under this section,
including a description of--
(1) any benefits that resulted from the use of the
procedures; and
(2) any overpayments that resulted from the use of the
procedures.
SEC. 8. INDIAN TRIBE DISASTER RESPONSE MANAGEMENT PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The President shall establish an Indian tribe
disaster response management pilot program (in this section referred to
as the ``program'') in accordance with this section.
(b) Participants.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the President shall select 5 Indian
tribes (as such term is defined in section 4(e) of the Indian
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C.
450b(e))) to participate in the program.
(2) Consideration of past major disaster declarations.--In
considering an Indian tribe for participation in the program,
the President shall give consideration to the number of major
disasters that have been declared with respect to the lands of
the Indian tribe by the President under section 401 of the
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
(42 U.S.C. 5170).
(c) Treatment as States.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 102 of the Robert
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5122), an Indian tribe selected for participation in the
program shall be treated as a State for purposes of--
(A) requesting, under section 401 of such Act (42
U.S.C. 5170), a declaration by the President that a
major disaster exists with respect to lands of the
Indian tribe; and
(B) managing response activities under that Act
with respect to a major disaster declared.
(2) Duration.--An Indian tribe selected for participation
in the program shall be treated as a State in accordance with
paragraph (1) during the 5-year period beginning on the date on
which the Indian tribe is selected for program participation.
(d) Technical Assistance and Grants.--The President is authorized
to provide technical assistance and grants to an Indian tribe selected
for participation in the program to ensure that the Indian tribe has
the appropriate personnel for and is prepared to manage disaster
response activities during program participation.
(e) Report.--Not later than 30 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the President shall submit to Congress a report describing
the results of the program and any related recommendations, including a
recommendation on whether to make the program permanent and allow the
participation of all Indian tribes.
SEC. 9. STUDY AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN GRANTS WITH RESPECT TO ROAD
PROJECTS.
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is
authorized to make a grant to a State to assist the State to--
(1) conduct a study to determine and prioritize road
projects that need to be completed for the State to be prepared
for flooding or other potential disasters; and
(2) develop an implementation plan for projects determined
to be a priority under paragraph (1).
SEC. 10. REPORT ON COMMUNICATION.
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall
submit to Congress a report that includes--
(1) a description of the efforts of the Administrator to
improve communication with State and local officials with
respect to the disaster response, recovery, and hazard
mitigation programs of the Agency; and
(2) recommendations for continuing to improve such
communication.
SEC. 11. HAZARD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE REPORT.
Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act,
the President shall submit to Congress a report that includes--
(1) a description of the efforts of the President to
utilize contributions made under section 406 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42
U.S.C. 5172) for hazard mitigation projects;
(2) an assessment of the effectiveness of the efforts
described in paragraph (1), including a specification of
impediments to effectiveness;
(3) recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the
efforts described in paragraph (1); and
(4) a description of the interaction between the efforts
described in paragraph (1) and contributions for hazard
mitigation measures made under section 404 of such Act (42
U.S.C. 5170c).
SEC. 12. GAO STUDIES AND REPORTS.
(a) Assistance to Distressed Communities.--
(1) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study
on the effectiveness of the major disaster declaration process
and other response activities under the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et
seq.) in providing assistance to distressed communities,
including Indian tribes (as such term is defined in section
4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(e))).
(2) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
Congress a report on the results of the study conducted under
paragraph (1).
(b) Paperwork Reduction for Hazard Mitigation Projects.--
(1) Study.--The Comptroller General shall conduct a study
on the application processes and paperwork required for
programs under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) that provide
assistance for hazard mitigation activities, including whether
application process complexity prevents certain entities from
applying for the assistance.
(2) Report.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to
Congress a report on the results of the study conducted under
paragraph (1), which shall include recommendations for
streamlining the application processes and paperwork required
for programs that provide assistance for hazard mitigation
activities.
|
Rural Flood Mitigation and Recovery Act of 2010 - Authorizes the Secretary of the Army to determine that a flood damage reduction project for a flood prone disaster area is justified and to recommend the project solely on the basis that the non-federal interest has demonstrated that the project is appropriate and needed to protect the area's long-term economic viability.
Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the President: (1) upon declaring that a major disaster exists in an area due to flooding, to determine whether the area qualifies as a flood prone disaster area; (2) to determine an area to be a flood prone disaster area if it has experienced at least two other major disasters due to flooding during the preceding five-year period; (3) in making contributions for hazard mitigation measures to benefit such an area, and for repair, restoration, and replacement of facilities for such area's benefit, to provide for a federal share of 90% (or 100% if the President determines that the measures would not be carried out without additional federal funding and are necessary to protect the area's long-term economic viability); and (4) in each state that includes such an area, to establish a task force to ensure that activities in response to the major disaster in that area are coordinated and carried out appropriately.
Requires the President: (1) in making contributions for hazard mitigation measures for a major disaster, to review an application for assistance within three months of receipt and begin providing contributions to the cost of the measures within six months after the disaster is declared; and (2) in determining whether to provide financial assistance or direct services to an individual or household affected by a major disaster, to consider the economic impact on the area and the number of other major disasters that have been declared there during the preceding five-year period.
Permits a higher federal share payable for repair or reconstruction for Interstate highway system projects to be accomplished more than 180 days after the actual occurrence of a natural disaster or catastrophic failure if the Secretary determines that inclement weather or flooding prevented accomplishment within that period.
Requires the President to select three declared major disasters for the use of modified response procedures, under which the President shall make contributions to a state or local government for a repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement project: (1) at the time a bid is selected for awarding the contract for the project; and (2) in an amount based on the bid selected.
Directs the President to: (1) establish an Indian tribe disaster response management pilot program; and (2) report to Congress on efforts of the President to utilize for hazard mitigation projects contributions made for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster.
Authorizes the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make a grant to assist a state in conducting a study to determine and prioritize road projects that need to be completed for the state to be prepared for flooding or other potential disasters and to develop an implementation plan for priority projects. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on efforts to improve communication with state and local officials with respect to FEMA's disaster response, recovery, and hazard mitigation programs.
Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on: (1) the effectiveness of the major disaster declaration process and other response under the Stafford Act in providing assistance to distressed communities; and (2) the application processes and paperwork required for programs under the Stafford Act that provide assistance for hazard mitigation activities.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to improve recovery and hazard mitigation activities with respect to major disasters, and for other purposes."}
| 2,980 | 752 | 0.717553 | 2.28927 | 0.710608 | 4.892857 | 3.794286 | 0.944286 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Labor-Management Partnership
Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FEDERAL LABOR-MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a council to be known as
the Federal Labor-Management Partnership Council (hereinafter in this
Act referred to as the ``Council''). The Council shall be composed of--
(1) the Director of the Office of Personnel Management;
(2) the Deputy Director for Management of the Office of
Management and Budget;
(3) a deputy secretary (or other officer with agency-wide
authority) from each of 2 agencies not otherwise represented on
the Council, who shall be appointed by the President;
(4) the Chairman of the Federal Labor Relations Authority;
(5) the Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation
Service;
(6) 2 members who shall be appointed by the President to
represent the respective labor organizations representing (as
exclusive representatives) the first and second largest numbers
of Federal employees subject to chapter 71 of title 5, United
States Code, or any other authority permitting such employees
to select an exclusive representative;
(7) 4 members who shall be appointed by the President to
represent labor organizations representing (as exclusive
representatives) substantial numbers of Federal employees
subject to chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code, or any
other authority permitting such employees to select an
exclusive representative--
(A) each of whom shall be selected giving due
consideration to such factors as the relative numbers
of Federal employees represented by the various
organizations; and
(B) not more than 2 of whom may, at any time, be
representatives of the same labor organization or
council, federation, alliance, association, or
affiliation of labor organizations;
(8) 1 member who shall be appointed by the President to
represent the organization representing the largest number of
senior executives; and
(9) 1 member who shall be appointed by the President to
represent the organization representing the largest number of
Federal managers.
(b) Responsibilities and Functions.--The Council shall advise the
President on matters involving labor-management relations in the
executive branch. Its activities shall include--
(1) supporting the creation of local labor-management
partnership councils that promote partnership efforts in the
executive branch;
(2) collecting and disseminating information about and
providing guidance on partnership efforts in the executive
branch, including the results of those efforts;
(3) using the expertise of individuals, both inside and
outside the Federal Government, to foster partnership
arrangements in the executive branch; and
(4) proposing statutory changes to improve the civil
service to better serve the public and carry out the mission of
the various agencies.
(c) Administration.--
(1) Chairperson.--The President shall designate a member of
the Council who is a full-time Federal employee to serve as the
Chairperson. The Council shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson or a majority of its members.
(2) Outside input.--The Council shall seek input from
agencies not represented on the Council, particularly smaller
agencies. It may also from time to time, in the discretion of
the Council, invite experts from the private and public sectors
to submit information. The Council shall also seek input from
companies, nonprofit organizations, State and local
governments, Federal employees, and customers of Federal
services, as needed.
(3) Assistance of the office of personnel management.--To
the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Director of the Office of Personnel
Management shall, upon request, provide such staff, facilities,
support, and administrative services to the Council as the
Director considers appropriate.
(4) No compensation.--Members of the Council shall serve
without compensation for their work on the Council.
(5) Cooperation of other agencies.--All agencies shall, to
the extent permitted by law, provide to the Council such
assistance, information, and advice as the Council may request.
(d) General Requirements.--
(1) Reporting to congress.--Any reporting to or appearances
before Congress that may be requested or required of the
Council shall be made by the Chairperson of the Council.
(2) Terms of membership.--A member under paragraph (3),
(6), (7), (8), or (9) of subsection (a) shall be appointed for
a term of 3 years, except that any individual chosen to fill a
vacancy under any of those paragraphs shall be appointed for
the unexpired term of the member replaced and shall be chosen
subject to the same conditions as applied with respect to the
original appointment.
(3) Service after expiration of term.--A member under
paragraph (3), (6), (7), (8), or (9) of subsection (a) may
serve after the expiration of such member's term until a
successor has taken office, but for not more than 60 days after
such term expires.
(4) Not special government employees.--A member who is not
otherwise a Federal employee shall not be considered a special
Government employee for any purpose.
SEC. 3. IMPLEMENTATION OF LABOR-MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIPS THROUGHOUT THE
EXECUTIVE BRANCH.
The President shall direct the head of each agency which is subject
to chapter 71 of title 5, United States Code, or any other authority
permitting employees of such agency to select an exclusive
representative to take the following actions:
(1) Create labor-management partnerships by forming labor-
management committees or councils at appropriate levels, or
adapting existing committees or councils if such groups exist.
(2) Involve employees and employee representatives as full
partners with management representatives to improve the civil
service to better serve the public and carry out the mission of
the agency.
(3) Provide systemic training of appropriate agency
employees (including line managers, first-line supervisors, and
labor organization representatives) in consensual methods of
dispute resolution, such as alternative dispute resolution
techniques and interest-based bargaining approaches.
(4) Negotiate, at the request of the labor organization, on
the subjects set forth in section 7106(b)(1) of title 5, United
States Code, and instruct subordinate officials to do the same.
(5) Evaluate progress and improvements in organizational
performance resulting from such labor-management partnerships.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act--
(1) the terms ``agency'' and ``labor organization'' have
the meanings set forth in section 7103(a) of title 5, United
States Code;
(2) the term ``Federal employee'' means an employee, as
defined by section 7103(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code;
(3) the term ``Federal manager'' means a management
official, as defined by section 7103(a)(11) of title 5, United
States Code; and
(4) the term ``senior executive'' has the meaning given
such term by section 3132(a)(3) of title 5, United States Code.
|
Federal Labor-Management Partnership Act of 2007 - Establishes the Federal Labor-Management Partnership Council to advise the President on matters involving labor-management relations in the executive branch. Includes among the Council's activities: (1) supporting the creation of local labor-management partnership councils that promote partnership efforts; (2) collecting and disseminating information about and providing guidance on such efforts; (3) using the expertise of individuals, inside and outside the federal government, to foster partnership arrangements in the executive branch; and (4) proposing statutory changes to improve the civil service to better serve the public and carry out the mission of the various agencies.
Requires the President to designate a Council Chairperson.
Requires the President to direct the head of each agency which is subject to labor-management relations provisions or any other authority permitting employees to select an exclusive representative, to: (1) create labor-management partnerships by forming labor-management committees or councils at appropriate levels or adapting existing committees or councils if such groups exist; (2) involve employees and their representatives as full partners with management representatives to improve the civil service to better serve the public and carry out the mission of the agency; (3) provide systemic training of appropriate employees in consensual methods of dispute resolution; (4) negotiate, at the request of the labor organization, on specified subjects and instruct subordinate officials to do the same; and (5) evaluate progress and improvements in organizational performance resulting from such labor-management partnerships.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish the Federal Labor-Management Partnership Council."}
| 1,484 | 310 | 0.702578 | 2.149648 | 1.065079 | 7.167808 | 4.958904 | 0.976027 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Air Force Science and Technology for
the 21st Century Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The development of science and technology has been a
core mission of the Air Force since its inception as an
independent service.
(2) From fiscal year 1989 to fiscal year 2001, spending on
Air Force science and technology programs dropped
significantly, from $2,720,000,000 to $1,460,000,000 when
measured in constant fiscal year 2001 dollars and from 2.2
percent to 1.7 percent when measured as a percentage of the
total obligational authority of the Air Force.
(3) In recent years, the focus of Air Force science and
technology has shifted to include a smaller percentage of long-
term, revolutionary projects with the promise of significant
payoff and a higher percentage of short-term projects with the
possibility only of incremental technology advances.
(4) The steep decline over the last decade in spending on
Air Force science and technology programs and the absence of
long-term science and technology planning are the result of
factors including:
(A) The Air Force organization has not included, at
a sufficiently high level, a single official with clear
responsibility for advocating the development of
science and technology.
(B) The science and technology program has had
inadequate visibility at the highest levels of Air
Force decisionmaking.
(C) The Air Force does not have a planning process
that clearly links long-term warfighting requirements
with planning for science and technology development
within the budget planning process.
(D) The methodologies used to determine the overall
budgetary requirements for Air Force science and
technology programs and to prioritize among those
programs are ineffective.
(5) The decline in Air Force science and technology
development will likely diminish national security in the
future, because important technologies may be unavailable to be
incorporated into weapon systems.
(6) In recent years, Congress has made efforts to reverse
the decline in Air Force science and technology development by
appropriating greater amounts for such development than
requested in the budget submitted by the President.
(7) The Air Force is in the process of making fundamental
changes in how it makes budgetary and nonbudgetary policy
decisions with respect to its science and technology
development programs and how it carries out those programs.
(8) The Air Force has made a significant effort over the
past two years to increase the emphasis on science and
technology development by senior-level decisionmakers through
the use of science and technology summits, applied technology
councils, and a new advocacy process for science and
technology.
(9) The Secretary of the Air Force has designated the
commander of the Air Force Materiel Command with the grade of
general as the budget advocate for science and technology
programs.
(10) The Secretary of the Air Force has implemented a new
planning process for science and technology development that is
linked to the Air Force Strategic Plan.
(11) The Air Force is, in a good faith effort, conducting a
comprehensive review of the long-term challenges and short-term
objectives of the Air Force science and technology programs, as
specified in section 252 of the Floyd D. Spence National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (as enacted by
Public Law 106-398; 114 Stat. 1654A-46).
(12) Despite the recent Air Force efforts, additional
measures are needed to ensure that advocacy for Air Force
science and technology development is at its highest and that
planning and technology investment prioritization is at its
best.
SEC. 3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Secretary of the Air Force should carry out each of the following:
(1) Continue and improve efforts to ensure that--
(A) the Air Force science and technology community
is represented, and the recommendations of that
community are considered, at all levels of program
planning and budgetary decisionmaking within the Air
Force;
(B) advocacy for science and technology development
is institutionalized across all levels of Air Force
management in a manner that is not dependent on
individuals; and
(C) the value of Air Force science and technology
development is made increasingly apparent to the
warfighters, by linking the needs of those warfighters
with decisions on science and technology development.
(2) Complete and adopt the policy directive that provides
for changes in how the Air Force makes budgetary and
nonbudgetary decisions with respect to its science and
technology development programs and how it carries out those
programs.
(3) At least once every five years, conduct a review of the
long-term challenges and short-term objectives of the Air Force
science and technology programs that is consistent with the
review specified in section 252 of the Floyd D. Spence National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (as enacted by
Public Law 106-398; 114 Stat. 1654A-46).
(4) Ensure that development and science and technology
planning and investment activities are carried out for future
space warfighting systems and for future nonspace warfighting
systems in an integrated manner.
(b) Reinstatement of Development Planning.--(1) The Secretary of
the Air Force shall reinstate and implement a revised development
planning process that provides for each of the following:
(A) Coordinating the needs of Air Force warfighters with
decisions on science and technology development.
(B) Giving input into the establishment of priorities among
science and technology programs.
(C) Analyzing Air Force capability options for the
allocation of Air Force resources.
(D) Developing concepts for technology, warfighting
systems, and operations with which the Air Force can achieve
its critical future goals.
(E) Evaluating concepts for systems and operations that
leverage technology across Air Force organizational boundaries.
(F) Ensuring that a ``system-of-systems'' approach is used
in carrying out the various Air Force capability planning
exercises.
(G) Utilizing existing analysis capabilities within the Air
Force product centers in a collaborative and integrated manner.
(2) Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to Congress a report
on the implementation of the planning process required by paragraph
(1).
(3) There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out paragraph
(1) $20,000,000 for each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 2002.
SEC. 4. STUDY AND REPORT ON EFFECTIVENESS OF AIR FORCE SCIENCE AND
TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM CHANGES.
(a) Requirement.--The Secretary of the Air Force, in cooperation
with the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences,
shall carry out a study to determine how the changes to the Air Force
science and technology program implemented during the past two years
affect the future capabilities of the Air Force.
(b) Matters Studied.--(1) The study shall independently review and
assess whether such changes as a whole are sufficient to ensure the
following:
(A) The concerns about the management of the science and
technology program that have been raised by the Congress, the
Defense Science Board, the Air Force Science Advisory Board,
and the Air Force Association have been adequately addressed.
(B) Appropriate and sufficient technology is available to
ensure the military superiority of the United States and
counter future high-risk threats.
(C) The science and technology investments are balanced to
meet the near-, mid-, and long-term needs of the Air Force.
(D) Technologies are made available that can be used to
respond flexibly and quickly to a wide range of future threats.
(E) The Air Force organizational structure provides for a
sufficiently senior level, effective advocate of science and
technology to ensure an on-going presence of the science and
technology community during the budget and planning process.
(2) In addition, the study shall independently assess the specific
changes as follows:
(A) Whether the biannual science and technology summits
provide sufficient visibility into, and understanding and
appreciation of, the value of the science and technology
program to the senior level of Air Force budget and policy
decisionmakers.
(B) Whether the Applied Technology Councils are effective
in contributing the input of all levels beneath the senior
leadership into the coordination, focus, and content of the
science and technology program.
(C) Whether the designation of the Commander of the Air
Force Materiel Command as the science and technology budget
advocate is effective to assure that an adequate budget top
line is set.
(D) Whether the revised development planning process is
effective to aid in the coordination of the needs of the Air
Force warfighters with decisions on science and technology
investments and the establishment of priorities among different
science and technology programs.
(E) Whether the implementation of section 252 of the Floyd
D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law 106-398; 114 Stat.
1654A-46) is effective to identify the basis for the
appropriate science and technology program top line and
investment portfolio.
(c) Report.--Not later than 60 days after the date on which the
study required by subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary of the Air
Force shall submit to Congress the results of the study.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $950,000.
SEC. 5. GRADE OF DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY.
It is the sense of Congress that the Deputy Assistant Secretary of
the Air Force, Science, Technology, and Engineering, shall be paid at
the highest rate of basic pay payable for a member of the Senior
Executive Service.
|
Air Force Science and Technology for the 21st Century Act of 2001 - Expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Air Force should: (1) continue and improve efforts to ensure the advocacy of science and technology within the Air Force budgetary decisionmaking process; (2) complete and adopt policy directives for changes in Air Force science and technology budgetary and nonbudgetary decisions; (3) review the long-term challenges and short-term objectives of Air Force science and technology programs; and (4) ensure that development and science and technology planning and investment activities are carried out for future space warfighting systems and future nonspace warfighting systems.Directs the Secretary to: (1) reinstate and implement a revised Air Force science and technology development planning process; and (2) carry out a study to determine how changes to the Air Force science and technology program implemented during the past two years affect future Air Force capabilities.Expresses the sense of Congress that the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Science, Technology, and Engineering shall be paid at the highest rate of basic pay for a member of the Senior Executive Service.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title 10, United States Code, to enhance science and technology planning and budgeting by the Air Force, and for other purposes."}
| 2,022 | 231 | 0.64476 | 2.027316 | 0.931957 | 5.833333 | 9.268519 | 0.981481 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Real Property Disposal
Enhancement Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) In January 2003, the Government Accountability Office
identified Federal real property as a high-risk area, citing
excess property as a long-standing problem.
(2) The magnitude of the problem with excess Federal real
property continues to put the government at risk for lost
dollars and missed opportunities.
(3) The Administration has stated its goal is to reduce the
size of the Federal real property inventory by 5 percent, or
$15 billion, by disposing of unneeded assets by 2015.
(4) The Federal inventory includes many properties that are
no longer relevant to agencies' missions and agencies are
spending billions of dollars to maintain these unneeded
properties.
(5) The costs of preparing a property for transfer or sale
continue to hamper some agencies' efforts to address their
unneeded properties and serve as a disincentive to disposal
because, in the short-term, it can be more beneficial
economically to maintain a property that is not being used than
to dispose of it.
(6) Agencies should give greater attention to right-sizing
their real property portfolios.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to reduce the Federal
inventory of unneeded and costly property.
SEC. 3. DUTIES OF THE GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION AND EXECUTIVE
AGENCIES.
(a) In General.--Section 524 of title 40, United States Code, is
amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 524. Duties of the General Services Administration and executive
agencies
``(a) Duties of the General Services Administration.--
``(1) Guidance.--The Administrator shall issue guidance for
the development and implementation of agency real property
plans. Such guidance shall include recommendations on--
``(A) how to identify excess properties;
``(B) how to evaluate the costs and benefits
involved with disposing of real property;
``(C) how to prioritize disposal decisions based on
agency missions and anticipated future need for
holdings; and
``(D) how best to dispose of those properties
identified as excess to the needs of the agency.
``(2) Annual report.--The Administrator shall submit an
annual report, for each of the first 5 years after 2008, to the
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate, based on data submitted
from all executive agencies, detailing executive agency efforts
to reduce their real property assets.
``(3) Assistance.--The Administrator shall assist executive
agencies in the identification and disposal of excess real
property.
``(b) Duties of Executive Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--Each executive agency shall--
``(A) maintain adequate inventory controls and
accountability systems for property under its control;
``(B) continuously survey property under its
control to identify excess property;
``(C) promptly report excess property to the
Administrator;
``(D) perform the care and handling of excess
property; and
``(E) transfer or dispose of excess property as
promptly as possible in accordance with authority
delegated and regulations prescribed by the
Administrator.
``(2) Specific requirements with respect to real
property.--With respect to real property, each executive agency
shall--
``(A) develop and implement a real property plan in
order to identify properties to declare as excess using
the guidance issued under subsection (a)(1);
``(B) identify and categorize all real property
owned, leased, or otherwise managed by the agency;
``(C) establish adequate goals and incentives that
lead the agency to reduce excess real property in its
inventory;
``(D) when appropriate, use the authorities in
section 572(a)(2)(B) of this title in order to identify
and prepare real property to be reported as excess.
``(3) Additional requirements.--Each executive agency, as
far as practicable, shall--
``(A) reassign property to another activity within
the agency when the property is no longer required for
the purposes of the appropriation used to make the
purchase;
``(B) transfer excess property under its control to
other Federal agencies and to organizations specified
in section 321(c)(2) of this title; and
``(C) obtain excess properties from other Federal
agencies to meet mission needs before acquiring non-
Federal property.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The item relating to section 524 in the
table of sections at the beginning of chapter 5 of such title is
amended to read as follows:
``524. Duties of the General Services Administration and executive
agencies.''.
SEC. 4. ENHANCED AUTHORITIES WITH REGARD TO PREPARING PROPERTIES TO BE
REPORTED AS EXCESS.
Section 572(a)(2) of title 40, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as
subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new
subparagraph:
``(B) Additional authority.--(i) From the fund
described in paragraph (1), subject to clause (iv), the
Administrator may obligate an amount to pay the direct
and indirect costs related to identifying and preparing
properties to be reported excess by another agency.
``(ii) The General Services Administration may be
reimbursed from the proceeds of the sale of such
properties for such costs.
``(iii) Net proceeds shall be dispersed pursuant to
section 571 of this title.
``(iv) The authority under clause (i) to obligate
funds to prepare properties to be reported excess does
not include the authority to convey such properties by
sale, lease, exchange, or otherwise, including through
leaseback arrangements.
``(v) Nothing in this subparagraph is intended to
affect subparagraph (D).''.
SEC. 5. ENHANCED AUTHORITIES WITH REGARD TO REVERTED REAL PROPERTY.
(a) Authority to Pay Expenses Related to Reverted Real Property.--
Section 572(a)(2)(A) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(iv) The direct and indirect costs
associated with the reversion, custody, and
disposal of reverted real property.''.
(b) Requirements Related to Sales of Reverted Property Under
Section 550.--Section 550(b)(1) of title 40, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by inserting ``(A)'' after ``(1) In general.--''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``If the official,
in consultation with the Administrator, recommends reversion of
the property, the Administrator shall take control of such
property, and, subject to subparagraph (B), sell it at or above
appraised fair market value for cash and not by lease,
exchange, or leaseback arrangements.
``(B) Prior to sale, the Administrator shall make such
property available to State and local governments and certain
non-profit institutions or organizations pursuant to this
section and sections 553 and 554 of this title.''.
(c) Requirements Related to Sales of Reverted Property Under
Section 553.--Section 553(e) of title 40, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``This Section.--''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``If the
Administrator determines that reversion of the property is
necessary to enforce compliance with the terms of the
conveyance, the Administrator shall take control of such
property and, subject to paragraph (2), sell it at or above
appraised fair market value for cash and not by lease,
exchange, or leaseback arrangements.
``(2) Prior to sale, the Administrator shall make such property
available to State and local governments and certain non-profit
institutions or organizations pursuant to this section and sections 550
and 554 of this title.''.
(d) Requirements Related to Sales of Reverted Property Under
Section 554.--Section 554(f) of title 40, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``This Section.--''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``If the Secretary,
in consultation with the Administrator, recommends reversion of
the property, the Administrator shall take control of such
property and, subject to paragraph (2), sell it at or above
appraised fair market value for cash and not by lease,
exchange, or leaseback arrangements.
``(2) Prior to sale, the Administrator shall make such property
available to State and local governments and certain non-profit
institutions or organizations pursuant to this section and sections 550
and 553 of this title.''.
SEC. 6. AGENCY RETENTION OF PROCEEDS.
The text of section 571 of title 40, United States Code, is amended
to read as follows:
``(a) Deposit of Proceeds.--Net proceeds described in subsection
(d) shall be deposited into the appropriate real property account of
the agency that had custody and accountability for the real property.
Such funds shall be expended only as authorized in annual
appropriations Acts and only for activities as described in section
524(b) of this title and disposal activities, including paying costs
incurred by the General Services Administration for any disposal-
related activity authorized by this title. Proceeds shall not be
expended for activities or projects subject to the requirements of
section 3307 of this title.
``(b) Effect on Other Sections.--Nothing in this section is
intended to affect section 572(b) or 574 of this title.
``(c) Disposal Agency for Reverted Property.--For the purposes of
this section, the General Services Administration, as the disposal
agency, shall be treated as the agency with custody and accountability
for properties which revert to the United States under sections 550,
553, and 554 of this title.
``(d) Proceeds.--The net proceeds referred to in subsection (a) are
proceeds under this chapter from a--
``(1) transfer of excess property to a federal agency for
agency use; or
``(2) sale, lease, or other disposition of surplus
property.''.
Passed the House of Representatives May 21, 2008.
Attest:
LORRAINE C. MILLER,
Clerk.
|
Federal Real Property Disposal Enhancement Act of 2008 - Requires the Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA) to issue guidance for federal agency real property plans, including recommendations on how to identify and dispose of excess properties, evaluate disposal costs and benefits, and prioritize disposal decisions based on agency missions and anticipated future need for holdings.
Requires the Administrator to: (1) report to specified congressional committees annually for five years on agency efforts to reduce their real property assets; and (2) assist agencies in the identification and disposal of excess real property.
Requires agencies to: (1) maintain adequate inventory controls and accountability systems for property under their control; (2) continuously survey such property to identify excess property; (3) promptly report excess property to the Administrator; (4) perform the care and handling of excess property; and (5) transfer or dispose of excess property as promptly as possible.
Requires each agency to: (1) develop and implement a real property plan to identify and declare excess property; (2) identify and categorize all real property owned, leased, or managed by the agency; (3) establish goals and incentives to reduce excess real property in its inventory; and (4) use authorities to identify and prepare real property to be reported as excess.
Requires each agency to: (1) reassign to another activity within the agency property that is no longer required for the purposes for which it was purchased; (2) transfer excess property to other federal agencies and to specified organizations; and (3) obtain excess properties from other agencies to meet mission needs before acquiring nonfederal property.
(Sec. 4) Includes among the amounts the Administrator is authorized to obligate from proceeds from the disposition of surplus real and related personal property: (1) amounts to pay the costs related to identifying and preparing properties to be reported excess by another agency; and (2) amounts to pay the costs associated with the reversion, custody, and disposal of reverted real property.
Requires the Administrator to: (1) take control of certain property for which reversion is recommended or determined to be necessary and to sell it at fair market value; and (2) make such property available to state and local governments and certain nonprofit entities prior to sale.
(Sec. 6) Requires: (1) excess or surplus property proceeds to be deposited into the appropriate agency's real property account (currently, into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts); and (2) the funds from such deposits to be expended only as authorized in annual appropriations Acts for activities related to federal real property asset management and disposal.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title 40, United States Code, to enhance authorities with regard to real property that has yet to be reported excess, and for other purposes."}
| 2,337 | 535 | 0.672513 | 2.35983 | 0.775158 | 3.554264 | 4.222868 | 0.937984 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Retiree Health Benefits Protection
Act''.
TITLE I--RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS PROTECTION
SEC. 101. RULES GOVERNING LITIGATION INVOLVING RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS.
(a) In General.--Part 5 of subtitle B of title I of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1131 et seq.) is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 516. RULES GOVERNING LITIGATION INVOLVING RETIREE HEALTH
BENEFITS.
``(a) Maintenance of Benefits.--
``(1) In general.--If--
``(A) retiree health benefits or plan or plan
sponsor payments in connection with such benefits are
to be or have been terminated or reduced under an
employee welfare benefit plan; and
``(B) an action is brought by any participant or
beneficiary to enjoin or otherwise modify such
termination or reduction,
the court without requirement of any additional showing shall
promptly order the plan and plan sponsor to maintain the
retiree health benefits and payments at the level in effect
immediately before the termination or reduction while the
action is pending in any court. No security or other
undertaking shall be required of any participant or beneficiary
as a condition for issuance of such relief. An order requiring
such maintenance of benefits may be refused or dissolved only
upon determination by the court, on the basis of clear and
convincing evidence, that the action is clearly without merit.
``(2) Exceptions.--Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any
action if--
``(A) the termination or reduction of retiree
health benefits is substantially similar to a
termination or reduction in health benefits (if any)
provided to current employees which occurs either
before, or at or about the same time as, the
termination or reduction of retiree health benefits, or
``(B) the changes in benefits are in connection
with the addition, expansion, or clarification of the
delivery system, including utilization review
requirements and restrictions, requirements that goods
or services be obtained through managed care entities
or specified providers or categories of providers, or
other special major case management restrictions.
``(3) Modifications.--Nothing in this section shall
preclude a court from modifying the obligation of a plan or
plan sponsor to the extent retiree benefits are otherwise being
paid by the plan sponsor.
``(b) Burden of Proof.--In addition to the relief authorized in
subsection (a) or otherwise available, if, in any action to which
subsection (a)(1) applies, the terms of the employee welfare benefit
plan summary plan description or, in the absence of such description,
other materials distributed to employees at the time of a participant's
retirement or disability, are silent or are ambiguous, either on their
face or after consideration of extrinsic evidence, as to whether
retiree health benefits and payments may be terminated or reduced for a
participant and his or her beneficiaries after the participant's
retirement or disability, then the benefits and payments shall not be
terminated or reduced for the participant and his or her beneficiaries
unless the plan or plan sponsor establishes by a preponderance of the
evidence that the summary plan description or other materials about
retiree benefits--
``(1) were distributed to the participant at least 90 days
in advance of retirement or disability;
``(2) did not promise retiree health benefits for the
lifetime of the participant and his or her spouse; and
``(3) clearly and specifically disclosed that the plan
allowed such termination or reduction as to the participant
after the time of his or her retirement or disability.
The disclosure described in paragraph (3) must have been made
prominently and in language which can be understood by the average plan
participant.
``(c) Representation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
an employee representative of any retired employee or the employee'
spouse or dependents may--
``(1) bring an action described in this section on behalf
of such employee, spouse, or dependents; or
``(2) appear in such an action on behalf of such employee,
spouse or dependents.
``(d) Retiree Health Benefits.--For the purposes of this section,
the term `retiree health benefits' means health benefits (including
coverage) which are provided to--
``(1) retired or disabled employees who, immediately before
the termination or reduction, have a reasonable expectation to
receive such benefits upon retirement or becoming disabled; and
``(2) their spouses or dependents.''
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1 of
such Act is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 515
the following new item:
``Sec. 516. Rules governing litigation involving retiree health
benefits.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to actions relating to terminations or reductions of retiree
health benefits which are pending or brought, on or after January 1,
1998.
TITLE II--RETIREE CONTINUATION COVERAGE
SEC. 201. EXTENSION OF COBRA CONTINUATION COVERAGE.
(a) Public Health Service Act.--
(1) Type of coverage.--
(A) In general.--Section 2202(1) of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300bb-2(1)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``The coverage'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the coverage''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Certain retirees.--In the case of an event
described in section 2203(6), the qualified beneficiary
may elect to continue coverage as provided for in
subparagraph (A) or may elect coverage--
``(i) under any other plan offered by the
State, political subdivision, agency, or
instrumentality involved; or
``(ii) notwithstanding paragraphs (4) and
(5) of section 2741(b), through any health
insurance issuer offering health insurance
coverage (as defined in section 2791(b)(1)) in
the individual market in the State.''.
(B) Technical amendment.--Section 2202(2)(D)(i) of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300bb-
2(2)(D)(i)) is amended by striking ``covered under any
other'' and inserting ``except with respect to coverage
obtained under paragraph (1)(B), covered under any
other''.
(2) Period of coverage.--Section 2202(2)(A) of the Public
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300bb-2(2)(A)) is amended by
adding at the end thereof the following new clause:
``(v) Qualifying event involving
substantial reduction or elimination of a
retiree group health plan.--In the case of an
event described in section 2203(6), the date on
which such covered qualified beneficiary
becomes entitled to benefits under title XVIII
of the Social Security Act.''.
(3) Qualifying event.--Section 2203 of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300bb-3) is amended by adding at the end
thereof the following new paragraph:
``(6) The substantial reduction or elimination of group
health coverage as a result of plan changes or termination with
respect to a qualified beneficiary described in section
2208(3)(A).''.
(4) Notice.--Section 2206 of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 300bb-6) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or (4)'' and
inserting ``(4), or (6)''; and
(B) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``or (4)'' and
inserting ``(4), or (6)''.
(5) Definition.--Section 2208(3) of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300bb-8(3)) is amended by adding at the
end thereof the following new subparagraph:
``(C) Special rule for retirees.--In the case of a
qualifying event described in section 2203(6), the term
`qualified beneficiary' includes a covered employee who
had retired on or before the date of substantial
reduction or elimination of coverage and any other
individual who, on the day before such qualifying
event, is a beneficiary under the plan--
``(i) as the spouse of the covered
employee;
``(ii) as the dependent child of the
covered employee; or
``(iii) as the surviving spouse of the
covered employee.''.
(b) Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.--
(1) Type of coverage.--
(A) In general.--Section 602(1) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C.
1162(1)) is amended--
(i) by striking ``The coverage'' and
inserting the following:
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the coverage''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) Certain retirees.--In the case of an event
described in section 603(7), the qualified beneficiary
may elect to continue coverage as provided for in
subparagraph (A) or may elect coverage--
``(i) under any other plan maintained by
the plan sponsor involved; or
``(ii) notwithstanding paragraphs (4) and
(5) of section 2741(b) of the Public Health
Service Act, through any health insurance
issuer offering health insurance coverage (as
defined in section 2791(b)(1) of such Act) in
the individual market in the State.''.
(B) Technical amendment.--Section 602(2)(D)(i) of
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29
U.S.C. 1162(2)(D)(i)) is amended by striking ``covered
under any other'' and inserting ``except with respect
to coverage obtained under paragraph (1)(B), covered
under any other''.
(2) Period of coverage.--Section 602(2)(A) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1162(2)(A))
is amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
clause:
``(vi) Qualifying event involving
substantial reduction or elimination of a group
health plan covering retirees, spouses and
dependents.--In the case of an event described
in section 603(7), the date on which such
covered qualified beneficiary becomes entitled
to benefits under title XVIII of the Social
Security Act.''.
(3) Qualifying event.--Section 603 of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1163) is
amended by adding at the end thereof the following new
paragraph:
``(7) The substantial reduction or elimination of group
health plan coverage as a result of plan changes or termination
with respect to a qualified beneficiary described in section
607(3)(C).''.
(4) Notice.--Section 606(a) of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1166) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``or (6)'' and
inserting ``(6), or (7)''; and
(B) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``or (6)'' and
inserting ``(6), or (7)''.
(5) Definition.--Section 607(3)(C) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1167(2)) is
amended by striking ``603(6)'' and inserting ``603(6) or
603(7)''.
(c) Internal Revenue Code of 1986.--
(1) Type of coverage.--
(A) In general.--Section 4980B(f)(2)(A) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(i) by striking ``The coverage'' and
inserting the following:
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), the coverage''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Certain retirees.--In the case of an
event described in paragraph (3)(G), the
qualified beneficiary may elect to continue
coverage as provided for in clause (i) or may
elect coverage--
``(I) under any other plan
maintained by the plan sponsor
involved; or
``(II) notwithstanding paragraphs
(4) and (5) of section 2741(b) of the
Public Health Service Act, through any
health insurance issuer offering health
insurance coverage (as defined in
section 2791(b)(1) of such Act) in the
individual market in the State.''.
(B) Technical amendment.--Section
4980B(f)(2)(B)(iv)(I) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by striking ``covered under any other''
and inserting ``except with respect to coverage
obtained under paragraph (1)(B), covered under any
other''.
(2) Period of coverage.--Section 4980B(f)(2)(B)(i) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
thereof the following new subclause:
``(VI) Qualifying event involving
substantial reduction or elimination of
a retiree group health plan.--In the
case of an event described in paragraph
(3)(G), the date on which such covered
qualified beneficiary becomes entitled
to benefits under title XVIII of the
Social Security Act.''.
(3) Qualifying event.--Section 4980B(f)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end thereof
the following new subparagraph:
``(G) The substantial reduction or elimination of
group health coverage as a result of plan changes or
termination with respect to a qualified beneficiary
described in subsection (g)(1)(D).''.
(4) Notice.--Section 4980B(f)(6) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or (F)'' and
inserting ``(F), or (G)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (D)(i), by striking ``or (F)''
and inserting ``(F), or (G)''.
(5) Definition.--Section 4980B(g)(1)(D) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``(f)(3)(F)'' and
inserting ``(f)(3)(F) or (f)(3)(G)''.
SEC. 202. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This title shall take effect as if enacted on January 1, 1998.
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: Retiree Health Benefits Protection
Title II: Retiree Continuation Coverage
Retiree Health Benefits Protection Act -
Title I: Retiree Health Benefits Protection
- Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to add rules governing litigation involving the termination or reduction of retiree health benefits.
Title II: Retiree Continuation Coverage
- Amends ERISA, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code to extend group health plan insurance continuation coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to retirees and their dependents, in cases of substantial reduction or elimination of a retiree group health plan. Allows early retirees and their dependents who lost such employer-sponsored health benefits to purchase continuing group health insurance coverage until they become eligible for Medicare.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Retiree Health Benefits Protection Act"}
| 3,360 | 195 | 0.526144 | 1.344213 | 0.715685 | 2.429487 | 18.602564 | 0.762821 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Egg Research and Consumer Information
Act Amendments of 1993''.
SEC. 2. ASSESSMENT RATE.
(a) In General.--Section 8(e) of the Egg Research and Consumer
Information Act (7 U.S.C. 2707(e)) is amended--
(1) by designating the first and second sentences as paragraph
(1);
(2) by designating the fifth and sixth sentences as paragraph
(3); and
(3) by striking the third and fourth sentences and inserting the
following new paragraph:
``(2)(A) The assessment rate shall be prescribed by the order. The
rate shall not exceed 20 cents per case (or the equivalent of a case) of
commercial eggs.
``(B) The order may be amended to increase the rate of assessment if
the increase is recommended by the Egg Board and approved by egg
producers in a referendum conducted under section 9(b).
``(C) The order may be amended to decrease the assessment rate after
public notice and opportunity for comment in accordance with section 553
of title 5, United States Code, and without regard to sections 556 and
557 of such title.''.
(b) Referendum.--Section 9 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 2708) is amended--
(1) by designating the first and second sentences as subsection
(a);
(2) by designating the last sentence as subsection (c); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (a) (as designated by
paragraph (1)) the following new subsection:
``(b)(1) If the Egg Board determines, based on a scientific study,
marketing analysis, or other similar competent evidence, that an
increase in the assessment rate is needed to ensure that assessments
under the order are set at an appropriate level to effectuate the policy
declared in section 2, the Egg Board may request that the Secretary
conduct a referendum, as provided in paragraph (2).
``(2)(A) If the Egg Board requests the Secretary to conduct a
referendum under paragraph (1) or (3), the Secretary shall conduct a
referendum among egg producers not exempt from this Act who, during a
representative period determined by the Secretary, have been engaged in
the production of commercial eggs, for the purpose of ascertaining
whether the producers approve the change in the assessment rate proposed
by the Egg Board.
``(B) The change in the assessment rate shall become effective if
the change is approved or favored by--
``(i) not less than two-thirds of the producers voting in the
referendum; or
``(ii) a majority of the producers voting in the referendum, if
the majority produced not less than two-thirds of all the commercial
eggs produced by the producers voting during a representative period
defined by the Secretary.
``(3)(A) In the case of the order in effect on the date of enactment
of this subsection, the Egg Board shall determine under paragraph (1),
as soon as practicable after such date of enactment, whether to request
that the Secretary conduct a referendum under paragraph (2).
``(B) If the Egg Board makes such a request on the basis of
competent evidence, as provided in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall
conduct the referendum as soon as practicable, but not later than--
``(i) 120 days after receipt of the request from the Egg Board;
or
``(ii) if the Director of the Office of Management and Budget
determines that the change in the assessment rate is a significant
action that requires review by the Director, 170 days after receipt
of the request from the Egg Board.
``(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, if an
increase in the assessment rate and the authority for additional
increases is approved by producers in a referendum conducted under this
subsection, the Secretary shall amend the order to reflect the vote of
the producers. The amendment to the order shall become effective on the
date of issuance of the amendment.''.
SEC. 3. RESEARCH.
Section 8(d) of the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act (7
U.S.C. 2707(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
sentence: ``In preparing a budget for each of the 1994 and subsequent
fiscal years, the Egg Board shall, to the maximum extent practicable,
allocate a proportion of funds for research projects under this Act that
is comparable to the proportion of funds that were allocated for
research projects under this Act in the budget of the Egg Board for
fiscal year 1993.''.
SEC. 4. EXEMPTED PRODUCERS.
Section 12(a)(1) of the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act (7
U.S.C. 2711(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``30,000 laying hens'' and
inserting ``75,000 laying hens''.
SEC. 5. AMENDMENT TO ORDER.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law:
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Agriculture shall issue
amendments to the egg promotion and research order issued under the
Egg Research and Consumer Information Act (7 U.S.C. 2701 et seq.) to
implement the amendments made by this Act. The amendments shall be
issued after public notice and opportunity for comment in accordance
with section 553 of title 5, United States Code, and without regard
to sections 556 and 557 of such title. The Secretary shall issue the
proposed amendments to the order not later than 80 days after the
date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments to the egg promotion and
research order required by paragraph (1) shall become effective not
later than--
(A) 30 days after the proposed amendments are issued; or
(B) if the Director of the Office of Management and Budget
determines that the amendments are a significant action that
requires review by the Director, 50 days after the proposed
amendments are issued.
(3) Referendum.--The amendments referred to in paragraph (2)
shall not be subject to a referendum conducted under the Egg
Research and Consumer Information Act.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
|
Egg Research and Consumer Information Act Amendments of 1993 - Amends the Egg Research and Consumer Information Act to: (1) increase the maximum assessment rate from ten cents per case of commercial eggs to 20 cents per case; (2) authorize the Egg Board to increase assessments subject to producer referendum; (3) increase the trigger level for assessment exemptions from (producers of) 30,000 laying hens to 75,000 laying hens; and (4) allocate funds for research activities.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Egg Research and Consumer Information Act Amendments of 1993"}
| 1,330 | 102 | 0.576575 | 1.4927 | 0.555737 | 2.714286 | 14.021978 | 0.912088 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Flood Insurance Market Parity and
Modernization Act''.
SEC. 2. PRIVATE FLOOD INSURANCE.
(a) Mandatory Purchase Requirement.--
(1) In general.--Section 102 of the Flood Disaster
Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a) is amended by striking
``Sec. 102. (a)'' and all that follows through subsection (b)
and inserting the following:
``Sec. 102. (a) After the expiration of sixty days following the
date of enactment of this Act, no Federal officer or agency shall
approve any financial assistance for acquisition or construction
purposes for use in any area that has been identified by the
Administrator as an area having special flood hazards and in which the
sale of flood insurance has been made available under the National
Flood Insurance Act of 1968, unless the building or mobile home and any
personal property to which such financial assistance relates is covered
by flood insurance: Provided, That the amount of flood insurance (1) in
the case of Federal flood insurance, is at least equal to the
development or project cost of the building, mobile home, or personal
property (less estimated land cost), the outstanding principal balance
of the loan, or the maximum limit of Federal flood insurance coverage
made available with respect to the particular type of property,
whichever is less; or (2) in the case of private flood insurance, is at
least equal to the development or project cost of the building, mobile
home, or personal property (less estimated land cost), the outstanding
principal balance of the loan, or the maximum limit of Federal flood
insurance coverage made available with respect to the particular
property, whichever is less: Provided further, That if the financial
assistance provided is in the form of a loan or an insurance or
guaranty of a loan, the amount of flood insurance required need not
exceed the outstanding principal balance of the loan and need not be
required beyond the term of the loan. The requirement of maintaining
flood insurance shall apply during the life of the property, regardless
of transfer of ownership of such property.
``(b) Requirement for Mortgage Loans.--
``(1) Regulated lending institutions.--Each Federal entity
for lending regulation (after consultation and coordination
with the Financial Institutions Examination Council established
under the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council
Act of 1974) shall by regulation direct regulated lending
institutions not to make, increase, extend, or renew any loan
secured by improved real estate or a mobile home located or to
be located in an area that has been identified by the
Administrator as an area having special flood hazards and in
which flood insurance has been made available under the
National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, unless the building or
mobile home and any personal property securing such loan is
covered for the term of the loan by flood insurance: Provided,
That the amount of flood insurance (A) in the case of Federal
flood insurance, is at least equal to the outstanding principal
balance of the loan or the maximum limit of Federal flood
insurance coverage made available with respect to the
particular type of property, whichever is less; or (B) in the
case of private flood insurance, is at least equal to the
outstanding principal balance of the loan or the maximum limit
of Federal flood insurance coverage made available with respect
to the particular type of property, whichever is less.
``(2) Federal agency lenders.--
``(A) In general.--A Federal agency lender may not
make, increase, extend, or renew any loan secured by
improved real estate or a mobile home located or to be
located in an area that has been identified by the
Administrator as an area having special flood hazards
and in which flood insurance has been made available
under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, unless
the building or mobile home and any personal property
securing such loan is covered for the term of the loan
by flood insurance in accordance with paragraph (1).
Each Federal agency lender may issue any regulations
necessary to carry out this paragraph. Such regulations
shall be consistent with and substantially identical to
the regulations issued under paragraph (1).
``(B) Requirement to accept flood insurance.--Each
Federal agency lender shall accept flood insurance as
satisfaction of the flood insurance coverage
requirement under subparagraph (A) if the flood
insurance coverage meets the requirements for coverage
under that subparagraph.
``(3) Government-sponsored enterprises for housing.--The
Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation shall implement procedures reasonably
designed to ensure that, for any loan that is--
``(A) secured by improved real estate or a mobile
home located in an area that has been identified, at
the time of the origination of the loan or at any time
during the term of the loan, by the Administrator as an
area having special flood hazards and in which flood
insurance is available under the National Flood
Insurance Act of 1968, and
``(B) purchased by such entity,
the building or mobile home and any personal property securing
the loan is covered for the term of the loan by flood insurance
in the amount provided in paragraph (1). The Federal National
Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation shall accept flood insurance as satisfaction of the
flood insurance coverage requirement under paragraph (1) if the
flood insurance coverage provided meets the requirements for
coverage under that paragraph.
``(4) Applicability.--
``(A) Existing coverage.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), paragraph (1) shall apply on the date
of enactment of the Riegle Community Development and
Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994.
``(B) New coverage.--Paragraphs (2) and (3) shall
apply only with respect to any loan made, increased,
extended, or renewed after the expiration of the 1-year
period beginning on the date of enactment of the Riegle
Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of
1994. Paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to any
loan made, increased, extended, or renewed by any
lender supervised by the Farm Credit Administration
only after the expiration of the period under this
subparagraph.
``(C) Continued effect of regulations.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection,
the regulations to carry out paragraph (1), as in
effect immediately before the date of enactment of the
Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement
Act of 1994, shall continue to apply until the
regulations issued to carry out paragraph (1) as
amended by section 522(a) of such Act take effect.
``(5) Rule of construction.--Except as otherwise specified,
any reference to flood insurance in this section shall be
considered to include Federal flood insurance and private flood
insurance.
``(6) Definitions.--
``(A) Flood insurance.--In this section, the term
`flood insurance' means--
``(i) Federal flood insurance; and
``(ii) private flood insurance.
``(B) Other definitions.--In this section--
``(i) the term `Federal flood insurance'
means an insurance policy made available under
the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42
U.S.C. 4001 et seq.);
``(ii) the term `private flood insurance'
means an insurance policy that--
``(I) is issued by an insurance
company that is--
``(aa) licensed, admitted,
or otherwise approved to engage
in the business of insurance in
the State in which the insured
building is located, by the
insurance regulator of that
State; or
``(bb) eligible as a
nonadmitted insurer to provide
insurance in the home State of
the insured, in accordance with
sections 521 through 527 of the
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
and Consumer Protection Act (15
U.S.C. 8201 through 8206);
``(II) is issued by an insurance
company that is not otherwise
disapproved as a surplus lines insurer
by the insurance regulator of the State
in which the property to be insured is
located; and
``(III) provides flood insurance
coverage that complies with the laws
and regulations of that State; and
``(iii) the term `State' means any State of
the United States, the District of Columbia,
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the
Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands,
and American Samoa.''.
(2) Technical and conforming amendment.--Section
1364(a)(3)(C) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42
U.S.C. 4104a(a)(3)(C)) is amended by striking ``, as required
under section 102(b)(6) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of
1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(6))''.
(b) Effect of Private Flood Insurance Coverage on Continuous
Coverage Requirements.--Section 1308 of the National Flood Insurance
Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(n) Effect of Private Flood Insurance Coverage on Continuous
Coverage Requirements.--For purposes of applying any statutory,
regulatory, or administrative continuous coverage requirement,
including under section 1307(g)(1), the Administrator shall consider
any period during which a property was continuously covered by private
flood insurance (as defined in section 102(b)(6) of the Flood Disaster
Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(6))) to be a period of
continuous coverage.''.
|
Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act This bill amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to make technical amendments to requirements for flood insurance under either the federal program or private flood insurance. "Private flood insurance" shall include any policy issued by an insurance company eligible as a nonadmitted insurer to provide flood insurance in the state or jurisdiction where the property to be insured is located. The flood insurance program under the Act, including both private and federal flood insurance, shall extend to Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 is amended to direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency to consider any period during which a property was continuously covered by private flood insurance to be a period of continuous insurance coverage.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act"}
| 2,065 | 167 | 0.526713 | 1.420021 | 0.780173 | 3.873333 | 12.986667 | 0.913333 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Higher Education for Freedom Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) Given the increased threat to American ideals in the
trying times in which we live, it is important to preserve and
defend our common heritage of freedom and civilization and to
ensure that future generations of Americans understand the
importance of traditional American history and the principles
of free government on which this Nation was founded in order to
provide the basic knowledge that is essential to full and
informed participation in civic life and to the larger vibrancy
of the American experiment in self-government, binding together
a diverse people into a single Nation with a common purposes.
(2) However, despite its importance, most of the Nation's
colleges and universities no longer require United States
history or systematic study of Western civilization and free
institutions as a prerequisite to graduation.
(3) In addition, too many of our Nation's elementary and
secondary history teachers lack the training necessary to
effectively teach these subjects--due largely to the inadequacy
of their teacher preparation.
(4) Distinguished historians and intellectuals fear that
without a common civic memory and a common understanding of the
remarkable individuals, events, and ideals that have shaped our
Nation and its free institutions, the people in the United
States risk losing much of what it means to be an American, as
well as the ability to fulfill the fundamental responsibilities
of citizens in a democracy.
(b) Purposes.--The purpose of this act is to promote and sustain
post-secondary academic centers, institutes, and programs that offer
undergraduate and graduate courses, support research, and develop
teaching materials for the purpose of developing and imparting a
knowledge of traditional American history, the American Founding, the
history and nature of, and threats to, free institutions, or of the
nature, history and achievements of Western Civilization, particularly
for--
(1) undergraduate students enrolled in teacher education
programs, or who may consider becoming school teachers, or who
wish to enhance their civic competence;
(2) elementary, middle, and high school teachers in need of
additional training in order to effectively teach in these
subject area; and
(3) graduate students and post-secondary faculty who wish
to teach about these subject areas with greater knowledge and
effectiveness.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Eligible institution.--For the purposes of this Act:
(A) In general.--The term ``eligible institution''
means--
(i) an institution of higher education;
(ii) a specific program within an
institution of higher education; and
(iii) a non-profit history or academic
organization associated with higher education
whose mission is consistent with the purposes
of this Act.
(B) Special rule.--An eligible institution within
the meaning of subparagraph (A) may apply to award
subgrants to other such eligible institutions at the
discretion of, and subject to the oversight of, the
Secretary.
(2) Free institution.--The term ``free institution'' means
institutions that emerged out of Western Civilization, such as
democracy, individual rights, market economics, religious
freedom and tolerance, and freedom of thought and inquiry.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the same meaning given
that term under section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1001).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Education.
(5) Traditional american history.--The term ``traditional
American history'' means the significant constitutional,
political, intellectual, economic, and foreign policy trends
and issues that have shaped the course of American history; and
the key episodes, turning points and leading figures, involved
in the constitutional, political, intellectual, diplomatic, and
economic history of the United States.
SEC. 4. GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS.
(a) In General.--From amounts appropriated to carry out this Act,
the Secretary shall provide, on a competitive basis, grants to eligible
institutions, which shall be used for--
(1) History Teacher Preparation Initiatives, that--
(A) stress content mastery in traditional American
history and the principals on which the American
political system is based, including the history and
philosophy of free institutions, and the study of
Western civilization; and
(B) provide for grantees to carry out research,
planning, and coordination activities devoted to the
purposes of this Act.
(2) Grants to Strengthen Post-Secondary Programs in fields
related to the American founding, free institutions, and
Western civilization, particularly through--
(A) the design and implementation of courses,
lecture series and symposia, the development and
publication of instructional materials, and the
development of new, and supporting of existing,
academic centers;
(B) research supporting the development of relevant
course materials;
(C) the support of faculty teaching in
undergraduate and graduate programs; and
(D) the support of graduate and postgraduate
fellowships and courses for scholars related to such
fields.
(b) Selection Criteria.--In selecting eligible institutions for
grants under this section for any fiscal year, the Secretary shall
establish criteria by regulation, which shall, at a minimum, consider
the education value and relevance of the institution's programming to
carrying out the purposes of this Act and the expertise of key
personnel in the area of traditional American history and the
principals on which the American political system is based, including
the political and intellectual history and philosophy of free
institutions, the American Founding, and other key events that have
contributed to American freedom and the study of Western civilization.
(c) Grant Application.--An eligible institution that desires to
receive a grant under this Act shall submit to the Secretary an
application therefor at such time or times, or in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may prescribe by
regulation.
(d) Grant Review.--The Secretary shall establish procedures for
reviewing and evaluating grants and contracts made or entered into
under such programs.
(e) Grant Awards.--
(1) Maximum and minimum grants.--For the purposes of this
Act, the Secretary shall award grants of not less than $400,000
and not more than $6,000,000 to eligible institutions.
(2) Exception.--A subgrant by an eligible institution to
another eligible institution is not subject to the minimum
amount specified in paragraph (1).
(f) Multiple Awards.--For the purposes of this Act, the Secretary
may award more than one grant to an eligible institution.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) For the purpose of carrying out this Act, there are authorized
to be appropriated--
(1) $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2004; and
(2) such sums as may be necessary for each of the
succeeding 5 fiscal years.
SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect on September 1, 2003.
|
Higher Education for Freedom Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive grants to eligible institutions to prepare elementary, middle, and secondary school history teachers and to strengthen postsecondary programs in fields related to the founding of the United States, free institutions, and Western civilization.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Higher Education Act to establish and strengthen post-secondary programs and courses in the subjects of traditional American history, free institutions, and Western civilization, available to students preparing to teach these subjects, and to other students."}
| 1,504 | 57 | 0.481902 | 1.235548 | 0.818286 | 3.038462 | 27.884615 | 0.923077 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Sudan Divestment Authorization Act
of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) On July 22, 2004, the Senate and the House of
Representatives passed concurrent resolutions declaring that
``the atrocities unfolding in Darfur, Sudan, are genocide''.
(2) On June 30, 2005, President Bush affirmed that ``the
violence in Darfur region is clearly genocide [and t]he human
cost is beyond calculation''.
(3) The Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006, which
was signed into law on October 13, 2006, reaffirms that ``the
genocide unfolding in the Darfur region of Sudan is
characterized by acts of terrorism and atrocities directed
against civilians, including mass murder, rape, and sexual
violence committed by the Janjaweed and associated militias
with the complicity and support of the National Congress Party-
led faction of the Government of Sudan''.
(4) Several States and governmental entities, through
legislation and other means, have expressed their desire, or
are considering measures--
(A) to divest any equity in, or to refuse to
provide debt capital to, certain companies that operate
in Sudan; and
(B) to disassociate themselves and the
beneficiaries of their public pension and endowment
funds from directly or indirectly supporting the Darfur
genocide.
(5) Efforts of States and other governmental entities to
divest their pension funds and other investments of companies
that operate in Sudan build upon the legal and historical
legacy of the anti-apartheid movement in the United States, a
movement which contributed to the end of apartheid in South
Africa and the holding of free elections in that country in
1994.
(6) Although divestment measures should be employed
judiciously and sparingly, declarations of genocide by Congress
and the President justify such action.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) States and other governmental entities should be
permitted to provide for the divestment of certain State assets
within their jurisdictions as an expression of opposition to
the genocidal actions and policies of the Government of Sudan;
and
(2) a divestment measure authorized under section 5 does
not violate the United States Constitution because such a
measure--
(A) is not preempted under the Supremacy Clause;
(B) does not constitute an undue burden on foreign
or interstate commerce under the Commerce Clause; and
(C) does not intrude on, or interfere with, the
conduct of foreign affairs of the United States.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Assets.--The term ``assets'' means any public pension,
retirement, annuity, or endowment fund, or similar instrument,
managed by a State.
(2) Company.--The term ``company'' means any natural
person, legal person, sole proprietorship, organization,
association, corporation, partnership, firm, joint venture,
franchisor, franchisee, financial institution, utility, public
franchise, trust, enterprise, limited partnership, limited
liability partnership, limited liability company, or other
business entity or association, including all wholly-owned
subsidiaries, majority-owned subsidiaries, parent companies, or
affiliates of such business entities or associations.
(3) Company with a qualifying business relationship with
sudan.--The term ``company with a qualifying business
relationship with Sudan''--
(A) means any company--
(i) that is wholly or partially managed or
controlled, either directly or indirectly, by
the Government of Sudan or any of its agencies,
including political units and subdivisions;
(ii) that is established or organized under
the laws of the Government of Sudan;
(iii) whose domicile or principal place of
business is in Sudan;
(iv) that is engaged in business operations
that provide revenue to the Government of
Sudan;
(v) that owns, maintains, sells, leases, or
controls property, assets, equipment,
facilities, personnel, or any other apparatus
of business or commerce in Sudan, including
ownership or possession of real or personal
property located in Sudan;
(vi) that transacts commercial business,
including the provision or obtaining of goods
or services, in Sudan;
(vii) that has distribution agreements
with, issues credits or loans to, or purchases
bonds of commercial paper issued by--
(I) the Government of Sudan; or
(II) any company whose domicile or
principal place of business is in
Sudan;
(viii) that invests in--
(I) the Government of Sudan; or
(II) any company whose domicile or
principal place of business is in
Sudan; or
(ix) that is fined, penalized, or
sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets
Control of the Department of the Treasury for
violating any Federal rule or restriction
relating to Sudan after the date of the
enactment of this Act; and
(B) does not include--
(i) nongovernmental organizations (except
agencies of Sudan), which--
(I) have consultative status with
the United Nations Economic and Social
Council; or
(II) have been accredited by a
department or specialized agency of the
United Nations;
(ii) companies that operate in Sudan under
a permit or other authority of the United
States;
(iii) companies whose business activities
in Sudan are strictly limited to the provision
of goods and services that are--
(I) intended to relieve human
suffering;
(II) intended to promote welfare,
health, religious, or spiritual
activities;
(III) used for educational
purposes;
(IV) used for humanitarian
purposes; or
(V) used for journalistic
activities.
(4) Government of sudan.--The term ``Government of
Sudan''--
(A) means--
(i) the government in Khartoum, Sudan,
which is led by the National Congress Party
(formerly known as the National Islamic Front);
or
(ii) any successor government formed on or
after the date of the enactment of this Act,
including the Government of National Unity,
established in 2005 as a result of the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement for Sudan; and
(B) does not include the regional Government of
Southern Sudan.
(5) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several
States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American
Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,
and any department, agency, public university or college,
county, city, village, or township of such governmental entity.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTAIN STATE AND LOCAL DIVESTMENT MEASURES.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any
State may adopt measures to prohibit any investment of State assets in
the Government of Sudan or in any company with a qualifying business
relationship with Sudan, during any period in which the Government of
Sudan, or the officials of such government are subject to sanctions
authorized under--
(1) the Sudan Peace Act (Public Law 107-245);
(2) the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004 (Public
Law 108-497);
(3) the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of
2005 (Public Law 109-177);
(4) the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006 (Public
Law 109-344); or
(5) any other Federal law or executive order.
(b) Applicability.--Subsection (a) shall apply to measures adopted
by a State before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
|
Sudan Divestment Authorization Act of 2007 - Declares the sense of Congress that states and other governmental entities should be permitted to provide for the divestment of certain state assets within their jurisdictions as an expression of opposition to the genocidal actions and policies of the Government of Sudan.
Authorizes any state to adopt measures to prohibit any investment of state assets in the Government of Sudan, or in any company with a qualifying business relationship with Sudan, during any period in which the Government of Sudan, or the officials of such government are subject to sanctions authorized under the Sudan Peace Act, the Comprehensive Peace in Sudan Act of 2004, the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005, the Darfur Peace and Accountability Act of 2006, or any other federal law or executive order.
Defines state assets as any public pension, retirement, annuity, or endowment fund, or similar instrument managed by a state.
Applies this Act to measures adopted by a state before, on, or after the enactment of this Act.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to authorize States and local governments to prohibit the investment of State assets in any company that has a qualifying business relationship with Sudan."}
| 1,687 | 226 | 0.626652 | 2.207335 | 0.916236 | 7.227979 | 8.264249 | 0.979275 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Military Retirement Restoration
Act''.
SEC. 2. REPEAL OF REDUCTIONS MADE BY BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT OF 2013.
Section 403 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 is repealed as of
the date of the enactment of such Act.
SEC. 3. TREATMENT OF FOREIGN CORPORATIONS MANAGED AND CONTROLLED IN THE
UNITED STATES AS DOMESTIC CORPORATIONS.
(a) In General.--Section 7701 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
is amended by redesignating subsection (p) as subsection (q) and by
inserting after subsection (o) the following new subsection:
``(p) Certain Corporations Managed and Controlled in the United
States Treated as Domestic for Income Tax.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding subsection (a)(4), in
the case of a corporation described in paragraph (2) if--
``(A) the corporation would not otherwise be
treated as a domestic corporation for purposes of this
title, but
``(B) the management and control of the corporation
occurs, directly or indirectly, primarily within the
United States,
then, solely for purposes of chapter 1 (and any other provision
of this title relating to chapter 1), the corporation shall be
treated as a domestic corporation.
``(2) Corporation described.--
``(A) In general.--A corporation is described in
this paragraph if--
``(i) the stock of such corporation is
regularly traded on an established securities
market, or
``(ii) the aggregate gross assets of such
corporation (or any predecessor thereof),
including assets under management for
investors, whether held directly or indirectly,
at any time during the taxable year or any
preceding taxable year is $50,000,000 or more.
``(B) General exception.--A corporation shall not
be treated as described in this paragraph if--
``(i) such corporation was treated as a
corporation described in this paragraph in a
preceding taxable year,
``(ii) such corporation--
``(I) is not regularly traded on an
established securities market, and
``(II) has, and is reasonably
expected to continue to have, aggregate
gross assets (including assets under
management for investors, whether held
directly or indirectly) of less than
$50,000,000, and
``(iii) the Secretary grants a waiver to
such corporation under this subparagraph.
``(3) Management and control.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall prescribe
regulations for purposes of determining cases in which
the management and control of a corporation is to be
treated as occurring primarily within the United
States.
``(B) Executive officers and senior management.--
Such regulations shall provide that--
``(i) the management and control of a
corporation shall be treated as occurring
primarily within the United States if
substantially all of the executive officers and
senior management of the corporation who
exercise day-to-day responsibility for making
decisions involving strategic, financial, and
operational policies of the corporation are
located primarily within the United States, and
``(ii) individuals who are not executive
officers and senior management of the
corporation (including individuals who are
officers or employees of other corporations in
the same chain of corporations as the
corporation) shall be treated as executive
officers and senior management if such
individuals exercise the day-to-day
responsibilities of the corporation described
in clause (i).
``(C) Corporations primarily holding investment
assets.--Such regulations shall also provide that the
management and control of a corporation shall be
treated as occurring primarily within the United States
if--
``(i) the assets of such corporation
(directly or indirectly) consist primarily of
assets being managed on behalf of investors,
and
``(ii) decisions about how to invest the
assets are made in the United States.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning on or after the date which is 2 years
after the date of the enactment of this Act, whether or not regulations
are issued under section 7701(p)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as added by this section.
|
Military Retirement Restoration Act - Repeals the provision of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 that reduces the cost-of-living adjustment to the retirement pay of members of the Armed Forces under age 62. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat a foreign corporation managed and controlled, directly or indirectly, primarily in the United States as a domestic corporation for U.S. tax purposes if the stock of such corporation is regularly traded on an established securities market or the aggregate gross assets of such corporation during the taxable year or any preceding taxable year is $50 million or more.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Military Retirement Restoration Act"}
| 950 | 145 | 0.595549 | 1.655001 | 0.646715 | 3.4 | 8.371429 | 0.828571 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be referred to as ``The Well America Act''.
SEC. 2. WELLNESS TRUST FUND.
(a) Establishment.--There is hereby created on the books of the
Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the
``Wellness Trust Fund''. The Wellness Trust Fund shall consist of such
gifts and bequests as may be made and such amounts as may be deposited
in, or appropriated to, such fund.
(b) There are hereby appropriated to the Trust Fund for each year 4
percent of all health care premiums, as well as 4 percent of all
Federal expenditures on health care for populations served outside of
health care plans.
SEC. 3. WELLNESS PROGRAM.
(a) Wellness Voucher.--The Secretary shall issue to each enrollee
satisfying the conditions of paragraph (b) a wellness voucher card
which may be used for identification, verifying eligibility for
benefits under this section, and processing of payments under this
section to participating wellness providers selected by the enrollee.
The wellness voucher card shall bear an indication of its total value
as computed under paragraph (g), the portion of its value used and the
portion remaining at any time. The wellness voucher card function may
be incorporated into the health security card.
(b) Eligibility.--Those eligible for wellness benefits are:
(1) Any enrollee thirty years of age or older;
(2) Any enrollee under thirty years of age who is certified
by his or her primary care provider as in special need of
wellness benefits as a result of unusual physical
characteristics or conditions; or
(3) Any enrollee under thirty years of age who uses
tobacco, for the purpose of a tobacco-use-cessation program; or
whose cholesterol condition is certified by his primary care
provider to place him or her at high health risk, for the
purpose of a weight-loss, nutrition, or exercise program; or
whose body weight is certified by his primary care physician to
place him or her at high health risk, for the purpose of a
weight-loss, nutrition or exercise program.
(c) Benefits.--Benefits provided under this section are intended to
promote greater health and reduced injury and illness through programs
which increase general health status, or promote healthier lifestyles
by changing health related behaviors, such as hygiene or nutritional
education programs. They are not intended to duplicate or substitute
for therapeutic or rehabilitative services more properly included in
treatments for illnesses, injuries or conditions covered by medical
benefits. In addition to the activities specified in paragraph (b)(3),
States shall periodically determine the range of other services
eligible for reimbursement from wellness voucher funds. Enrollees
eligible under paragraph (b)(2) are eligible only for such benefits
related to the characteristic or condition certified by the primary
care provider.
(d) Enrollee Use.--An eligible enrollee obtains benefits under this
section by presenting the wellness voucher card to a participating
wellness provider in return for covered benefits up to the total value
remaining on the card. Covered benefits costing more than the value
remaining on the card may be purchased, but the enrollee is personally
responsible for the portion of the cost which exceeds the value
remaining on the voucher card.
(e) Participating Providers.--
(1) Wellness providers must be licensed under any
applicable State laws relating to the activities provided. The
States may establish standards for minimum solvency and
insurance (which may include bonding) for participating
providers.
(2) As a condition of participation in the program
established by this section, providers agree to provide a
defined course of covered benefits in return for the payment
made by the Secretary under this section, to provide covered
benefits in return for payment in full by the Secretary from a
portion of the value of the wellness voucher, or to provide
covered benefits to be paid in part by payment from the
Secretary under this section.
(3) As a condition of participation in the program
established by this section, providers must agree to inform the
enrollee's primary care physician of the services rendered and
consult with the primary care physician if requested on any
ongoing course of services.
(4) Each State shall maintain a list of wellness providers
satisfying the requirements of this Act, which it shall make
public and shall transmit to the Secretary, and shall promptly
notify the Secretary of any additions thereto or deletions
therefrom.
(f) Payment.--The Secretary shall establish a mechanism for paying
to participating providers from the Wellness Trust Fund the cost of
covered benefits under this section as they are provided, and as claims
for same are made. In no event shall the Secretary be liable for so
much of claims which individually or in the aggregate exceed the value
of the enrollee's wellness voucher.
(g) Computation of Wellness Voucher Value.--Prior to the beginning
of each year, the Secretary shall project the total income to the
Wellness Trust Fund for the coming year, and shall divide this figure,
less a contingency reserve not to exceed 2 percent, by the number of
enrollees whom the Secretary projects will be eligible for benefits
under this section in that year. The quotient is the value of the
wellness voucher of each eligible enrollee for that year, except that
the Secretary may adjust the value of wellness vouchers relative to
each other to take into consideration differences in the cost of
services among States or alliance service areas. Such process of
adjustment shall not increase the total aggregate value of all wellness
vouchers.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.--
For purposes of this title:
(a) ``Enrollee'' means an individual--
(i) who is entitled to participate in an alliance
or who is provided health benefits through a Federal
health care program outside of an alliance, and
(ii) who is entitled to receive services under this
Act.
(b) ``Primary care providers'' means a primary care
physician with the training and experience to assess and treat
the full range of basic health care needs, and properly
coordinate and refer to others for specialized treatment, or,
if licensed or certified as such under State law, a nurse
practitioner with equivalent training and experience.
(c) ``Provider'' means any person who provides services to
enrollees or to other providers for enrollees within the
meaning of this Act.
(d) ``Participating provider'' means providers who have
agreed to abide by the conditions and requirements of this Act.
(e) ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the Treasury
unless otherwise specified.
(f) ``Services'' includes goods, such as equipment.
|
Well America Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to issue a voucher card to each enrollee in the wellness program established by this Act who is: (1) age 30 or older; (2) under age 30 and certified by his or her primary care provider as in special need of wellness benefits resulting from unusual physical characteristics or conditions; or (3) under age 30 and uses tobacco for a tobacco-use-cessation program or whose cholesterol condition or body weight is certified by his or her primary care provider to place the individual at high health risk for the purpose of a weight-loss, nutrition, or exercise program.
Establishes in the Treasury the Wellness Trust Fund from which the cost of covered benefits under this Act and related claims shall be paid to participating providers.
Appropriates to such Fund for each year four percent of all health care premiums and Federal expenditures on health care populations served outside of health care plans.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Well America Act"}
| 1,424 | 194 | 0.713393 | 2.060006 | 0.806329 | 3.786885 | 7.404372 | 0.945355 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Emergency Lumber Act of 1995''.
SEC. 2. TEMPORARY IMPOSITION OF DUTIES PENDING FINAL DETERMINATION.
(a) In General.--In addition to any other duty that may apply,
there is imposed a duty of 25 percent ad valorem on wood and lumber
products described in subsection (b).
(b) Wood and Lumber Products Described.--Wood and lumber products
described in this subsection are wood or lumber products described in
subheading 4407.10.00, 4409.10.10, 4409.10.20, or 4409.10.90 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States that are imported
directly or indirectly from Canada.
(c) Applicability.--The rate of duty imposed under subsection (a)
shall apply to goods described in subsection (b) that are entered, or
withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, during the period beginning
on the date that is 15 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
and ending on whichever of the following dates occurs first with
respect to an investigation initiated under section 3:
(1) The date the investigation is suspended pursuant to
section 3(b)(2).
(2) The date on which a final negative determination is
made by the Commission pursuant to section 705 of the Tariff
Act of 1930.
(3) The date on which an order is issued pursuant to
section 706 of such Act.
(d) Refunds; Collections.--If the amount of the duty imposed under
this section is different from the amount of the cash deposit, bond, or
other security required for the countervailing duty imposed under a
countervailing duty order issued under section 706 of the Tariff Act of
1930 (19 U.S.C. 1671e) as a result of the investigation initiated under
section 3, such difference shall be refunded, released, or collected,
as the case may be, in accordance with section 707 of the Tariff Act of
1930 (19 U.S.C. 1671f).
SEC. 3. INITIATION OF INVESTIGATION.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not
later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
administering authority shall initiate an investigation pursuant to
section 702(a) of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1671a(a)) with
respect to the importation and sales for importation into the United
States of wood and lumber products described in section 2(b).
(b) Application of Title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this Act,
the provisions of title VII of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19
U.S.C. 1671 et seq.) shall apply to the countervailing duty
investigation initiated under subsection (a).
(2) Termination or suspension of investigation.--
(A) Termination.--Subsections (a) and (k) of
section 704 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1671c
(a) and (k)) shall not apply to the investigation
initiated pursuant to subsection (a).
(B) Suspension.--The investigation initiated
pursuant to subsection (a) may be suspended pursuant to
subsection (b) or (c) of section 704 of such Act, if
the requirements of such section 704 and subparagraph
(C) are satisfied.
(C) Suspension of investigation procedure.--The
requirements of this subparagraph are satisfied if, not
less than 30 days before suspending the investigation,
the administering authority--
(i) notifies the Committee on Finance of
the Senate, the Committee on Ways and Means of
the House of Representatives, the Commission,
and other parties to the investigation, of the
administering authority's intention to suspend
the investigation;
(ii) consults with such committees
regarding such suspension;
(iii) provides to such committees a copy of
the proposed agreement pursuant to which the
investigation is to be suspended, together with
an explanation of--
(I) how the agreement will be
carried out and enforced;
(II) how the agreement meets the
requirements of subsections (b), (c),
(d), and (e) of section 704 of the
Tariff Act of 1930; and
(III) any action required of
Canada; and
(iv) permits all interested parties to
submit comments and information for the record
before the date on which notice of suspension
of the investigation is published.
SEC. 4. RENEGOTIATION OF CHAPTER 19 OF NAFTA AND THE UNITED STATES-
CANADA FREE-TRADE AGREEMENT.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law--
(1) the President is authorized and directed to negotiate
with the governments of free trade area countries for the
purpose of entering into an agreement to modify the terms of
chapter 19 of the NAFTA and chapter 19 of the United States-
Canada Free-Trade Agreement to provide that--
(A) the exclusive review by binational panels shall
not apply to antidumping and countervailing duty
determinations involving the merchandise of a free
trade area country; and
(B) such determinations shall be subject to
judicial review in the same manner as determinations
made with respect to countries that are not free trade
area countries;
(2) the negotiations described in paragraph (1) shall not
in any way affect the rights of the United States or a free
trade area country to apply its domestic antidumping and
countervailing duty laws to the imports of another country; and
(3) not later than 150 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act, if an agreement described in paragraph (1) has
been entered into, the President shall submit to the Congress--
(A) a draft implementing bill (as defined in
section 151 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2191))
which contains provisions--
(i) approving the agreement; and
(ii) modifying the provisions of United
States law that are necessary to implement the
agreement; and
(B) a statement of any administrative action
proposed to implement the agreement.
(b) Implementation of Modifications.--
(1) In general.--Any agreement entered into under
subsection (a)(1) shall enter into force with respect to the
United States if (and only if) the implementing bill described
in subsection (a)(3)(A) is enacted into law.
(2) Extension of fast track procedures to implementing
bill.--
(A) Section 151(b)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19
U.S.C. 2191(b)(1)) is amended by inserting ``section 4
of the Emergency Lumber Act of 1995,'' after ``the
Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988,''.
(B) Section 151(c)(1) of such Act (19 U.S.C.
2191(c)(1)) is amended by striking ``or section 282 of
the Uruguay Round Agreements Act,'' and inserting ``,
section 282 of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, or
section 4 of the Emergency Lumber Act of 1995,''.
(c) Modification of Review Process.--
(1) In general.--If a draft implementing bill is not
submitted in accordance with subsection (a) within 150 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act--
(A) the provisions of article 1904 of the NAFTA and
article 1904 of the United States-Canada Free-Trade
Agreement relating to review of determinations shall
cease to apply to determinations involving the
merchandise of a free trade area country;
(B) the provisions of section 516A of the Tariff
Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C 1516A) shall apply to the review
of such determinations without regard to subsection (g)
of such section; and
(C) any such determination with respect to which a
binational panel review or an extraordinary challenge
committee review is pending on the day after such 150th
day shall be transferred to the United States Court of
International Trade (in accordance with rules issued
the Court) for review under section 516A(a) of such
Act.
(2) Notice of modifications.--If a draft implementing bill
is not submitted in accordance with subsection (a) within 150
days after the date of the enactment of this Act--
(A) the President shall immediately notify the
government of each free trade area country of the
modifications described in paragraph (1) and shall
publish notice of such modifications in the Federal
Register; and
(B) the United States Secretary shall immediately
notify the relevant FTA Secretaries that article 1904
of the NAFTA and article 1904 of the United States-
Canada Free-Trade Agreement no longer apply to
determinations described in paragraph (1).
(3) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(A) Determination; antidumping and countervailing
duty determination.--The terms ``determination'' and
``antidumping and countervailing duty determination''
mean a determination as defined in section 516A(g)(1)
of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1516A(g)(1)).
(B) Free trade area country; relevant fta
secretary; and united states secretary.--The terms
``free trade area country'', ``relevant FTA
Secretary'', and ``United States Secretary'' have the
meanings given such terms by section 516A(f) of the
Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1516A(f)).
SEC. 5. APPLICATION TO CANADA AND MEXICO.
Pursuant to article 1902 of the NAFTA, section 408 of the North
American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 3301), and
article 1902 of the United States-Canada Free-Trade Agreement, the
provisions of this Act shall apply with respect to goods from Canada or
Mexico.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Administering authority.--The term ``administering
authority'' has the meaning given such term by section 771(1)
of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1677(1)).
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the United
States International Trade Commission.
(3) NAFTA.--The term ``NAFTA'' means the North American
Free Trade Agreement entered into between the United States,
Mexico, and Canada on December 17, 1992.
|
Emergency Lumber Act of 1995 - Impose
s a 25
percent ad valorem duty on imported Canadian wood and lumber products.
Requires the administering authority to initiate a countervailing duty investigation with respect to such products.
Declares that the President is authorized to negotiate with free trade area countries for the purpose of entering into an agreement to modify certain terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the United States-Canada Free-Trade Agreement to provide: (1) that the exclusive review by binational panels shall not apply to antidumping and countervailing duty determinations involving their merchandise; and (2) that such determinations shall be subject to judicial review in the same manner as determinations made with respect to non-free trade area countries.
Declares further that: (1) such negotiations shall not affect the rights of the United States or a free trade area country to apply its domestic antidumping and countervailing duty laws to the imports of another country; and (2) if an agreement has been entered into pursuant to such negotiations, the President shall submit implementing legislation to the Congress.
Extends "fast track" procedures to such legislation.
Applies the requirements of this Act to goods from Canada or Mexico.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Emergency Lumber Act of 1995"}
| 2,341 | 267 | 0.50246 | 1.624778 | 0.740273 | 4.326271 | 8.580508 | 0.919492 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Promotion and Expansion of Private
Employee Ownership Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) on January 1, 1998--nearly 25 years after the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 was enacted and the
employee stock ownership plan (hereafter in this section
referred to as an ``ESOP'') was created--employees were first
permitted to be owners of subchapter S corporations pursuant to
the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-
188);
(2) with the passage of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997
(Public Law 105-34), Congress designed incentives to encourage
businesses to become ESOP-owned S corporations;
(3) since that time, several thousand companies have become
ESOP-owned S corporations, creating an ownership interest for
several million Americans in companies in every State in the
country, in industries ranging from heavy manufacturing to
technology development to services;
(4) while estimates show that 40 percent of working
Americans have no formal retirement account at all, every
United States worker who is an employee-owner of an S
corporation company through an ESOP has a valuable qualified
retirement savings account;
(5) recent studies have shown that employees of ESOP-owned
S corporations enjoy greater job stability than employees of
comparable companies;
(6) studies also show that employee-owners of S corporation
ESOP companies have amassed meaningful retirement savings
through their S ESOP accounts that will give them the means to
retire with dignity;
(7) under the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.)
and the regulations promulgated by the Administrator of the
Small Business Administration, a small business concern that
was eligible under the Small Business Act for the numerous
preferences of the Act is denied treatment as a small business
concern after an ESOP acquires more than 49 percent of the
business, even if the number of employees, the revenue of the
small business concern, and the racial, gender, or other
criteria used under the Act to determine whether the small
business concern is eligible for benefits under the Act remain
the same, solely because of the acquisition by the ESOP; and
(8) it is the goal of Congress to both preserve and foster
employee ownership of S corporations through ESOPs.
SEC. 3. DEFERRAL OF TAX FOR CERTAIN SALES OF EMPLOYER STOCK TO EMPLOYEE
STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN SPONSORED BY S CORPORATION.
(a) In General.--Subparagraph (A) of section 1042(c)(1) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining qualified securities) is
amended by striking ``domestic C corporation'' and inserting ``domestic
corporation''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to sales after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OFFICE.
(a) Establishment Required.--Before the end of the 90-day period
beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
Treasury shall establish the S Corporation Employee Ownership
Assistance Office to foster increased employee ownership of S
corporations.
(b) Duties of the Office.--The S Corporation Employee Ownership
Assistance Office shall provide--
(1) education and outreach to inform companies and
individuals about the possibilities and benefits of employee
ownership of S corporations; and
(2) technical assistance to assist S corporations in
sponsoring employee stock ownership plans.
SEC. 5. SMALL BUSINESS AND EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP.
(a) In General.--The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating section 45 as section 46; and
(2) by inserting after section 44 the following:
``SEC. 45. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLANS.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `ESOP' means an employee stock ownership
plan, as defined in section 4975(e)(7) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended; and
``(2) the term `ESOP business concern' means a business
concern that was a small business concern eligible for a loan
or to participate in a contracting assistance or business
development program under this Act before the date on which
more than 49 percent of the business concern was acquired by an
ESOP.
``(b) Continued Eligibility.--In determining whether an ESOP
business concern qualifies as a small business concern for purposes of
a loan, preference, or other program under this Act, each ESOP
participant shall be treated as directly owning his or her
proportionate share of the stock in the ESOP business concern owned by
the ESOP.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect on January 1 of the first calendar year beginning after the date
of the enactment of this Act.
|
Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend to all domestic corporations, including S corporations, provisions allowing deferral of tax on gain from the sale of employer securities to an S corporation-sponsored employer stock ownership plan (ESOP).
Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the S Corporation Employee Ownership Assistance Office to foster increased employee ownership of S corporations.
Amends the Small Business Act to define "ESOP business concern" and allow such a concern to continue to qualify for loans, preferences, and other programs under such Act.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Small Business Act to expand the availability of employee stock ownership plans in S corporations, and for other purposes."}
| 1,150 | 127 | 0.508429 | 1.428055 | 0.664924 | 2.654867 | 8.814159 | 0.831858 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Portable Generator Safety Act of
2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Portable generators are frequently used to provide
electricity during temporary power outages. These generators
use fuel-burning engines that emit carbon monoxide gas in their
exhaust.
(2) In the last several years, hundreds of people
nationwide have been seriously injured or killed due to
exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators.
From 2000 through 2006, at least 260 carbon monoxide poisoning
deaths related to portable generator use were reported to the
Consumer Product Safety Commission. In the last three months of
2006 alone, 32 carbon monoxide deaths were linked to generator
use.
(3) Virtually all of the serious injuries and deaths due to
carbon monoxide from portable generators were preventable. In
many instances, consumers simply were unaware of the hazards
posed by carbon monoxide.
(4) Since at least 1997, a priority of the Consumer Product
Safety Commission has been to reduce injuries and deaths
resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning.
(5) On January 4, 2007, the Consumer Product Safety
Commission adopted certain labeling standards for portable
generators (section 1407 of title 16, Code of Federal
Regulations), but such standards do not go far enough to reduce
substantially the potential harm to consumers.
(6) The issuance of mandatory safety standards and labeling
requirements to warn consumers of the dangers associated with
portable generator carbon monoxide would reduce the risk of
injury or death.
SEC. 3. SAFETY STANDARD: REQUIRING EQUIPMENT OF PORTABLE GENERATORS
WITH CARBON MONOXIDE INTERLOCK SAFETY DEVICES.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shall promulgate consumer
product safety rules, pursuant to section 7 of the Consumer Product
Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2056), requiring, at a minimum, that every
portable generator sold to the public for purposes other than resale
shall be equipped with an interlock safety device that--
(1) detects the level of carbon monoxide in the areas
surrounding such portable generator; and
(2) automatically turns off the portable generator before
the level of carbon monoxide reaches a level that would cause
serious bodily injury or death to people.
SEC. 4. LABELING AND INSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shall promulgate consumer
product safety rules, pursuant to section 7 of the Consumer Product
Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2056), requiring, at a minimum, the following:
(1) Warning labels.--Each portable generator sold to the
public for purposes other than resale shall have a large,
prominently displayed warning label in both English and Spanish
on the exterior packaging, if any, of the portable generator
and permanently affixed on the portable generator regarding the
carbon monoxide hazard posed by incorrect use of the portable
generator. The warning label shall include the word ``DANGER''
printed in a large font that is no smaller than 1 inch tall,
and shall include the following information, at a minimum,
presented in a clear manner:
(A) Indoor use of a portable generator can kill
quickly.
(B) Portable generators should be used outdoors
only and away from garages and open windows.
(C) Portable generators produce carbon monoxide, a
poisonous gas that people cannot see or smell.
(2) Pictogram.--Each portable generator sold to the public
for purposes other than resale shall have a large pictogram,
affixed to the portable generator, which clearly states
``POISONOUS GAS'' and visually depicts the harmful effects of
breathing carbon monoxide.
(3) Instruction manual.--The instruction manual, if any,
that accompanies any portable generator sold to the public for
purposes other than resale shall include detailed, clear, and
conspicuous statements that include the following elements:
(A) A warning that portable generators emit carbon
monoxide, a poisonous gas that can kill people.
(B) A warning that people cannot smell, see, or
taste carbon monoxide.
(C) An instruction to operate portable generators
only outdoors and away from windows, garages, and air
intakes.
(D) An instruction never to operate portable
generators inside homes, garages, sheds, or other semi-
enclosed spaces, even if a person runs a fan or opens
doors and windows.
(E) A warning that if a person begins to feel sick,
dizzy, or weak while using a portable generator, that
person should shut off the portable generator, get to
fresh air immediately, and consult a doctor.
SEC. 5. PUBLIC OUTREACH.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shall
establish a program of public outreach to inform consumers of the
dangers associated with the emission of carbon monoxide from portable
generators.
(b) Time.--The program required by subsection (a) shall place
emphasis on informing consumers of the dangers described in such
subsection during the start of each hurricane season.
|
Portable Generator Safety Act of 2007 - Instructs the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to promulgate consumer product safety rules requiring that every portable generator sold to the public for purposes other than resale be equipped with an interlock safety device that detects the level of carbon monoxide in the areas surrounding the generator and automatically turns off power to it before the level of carbon monoxide reaches a level that would cause serious bodily injury or death to people.
Requires the CPSC to issue consumer product safety rules requiring that every such portable generator: (1) prominently display a permanently affixed warning label in English and Spanish regarding the carbon monoxide hazard posed by its incorrect use, including the word "DANGER" printed in a large font; and (2) have affixed to it a large pictogram which clearly states "POISONOUS GAS" and visually depicts the harmful effects of breathing carbon monoxide.
Requires a program of public outreach to inform consumers of the dangers associated with the emission of carbon monoxide from portable generators, with an emphasis on doing so during the start of each hurricane season.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate consumer product safety rules concerning the safety and labeling of portable generators."}
| 1,178 | 259 | 0.662751 | 2.203913 | 0.887619 | 5.132353 | 5.181373 | 0.916667 |
SECTION 1. LAND EXCHANGE WITH CITY OF GREELEY, COLORADO, AND THE WATER
SUPPLY AND STORAGE COMPANY.
(a) In General.--If the city of Greeley, Colorado, and The Water
Supply and Storage Company, a Colorado mutual ditch company, offer to
transfer all their right, title, and interest in and to lands described
in subsection (b), the Secretary of Agriculture shall, not later than 1
year after the date of the city's and company's offer, in exchange for
the property, transfer to the city and to the company, as the city and
the company, respectively, shall designate, all right, title, and
interest of the United States in and to the Federal land described in
subsection (c).
(b) City and Company Lands.--
(1) In general.--The city and company lands to be exchanged
under this section are the lands described in paragraph (2)
that are depicted on maps entitled ``Rockwell Ranch Property
Land Exchange'', ``Timberline Lake Property'', and ``Cameron
Pass Lands'' dated February 7, 1997.
(2) Acreage.--
(A) Rockwell ranch property.--The Rockwell Ranch
property is comprised of 4 parcels containing
approximately 520 acres of land.
(B) Timberline lake property.--The Timberline Lake
Property is a parcel of approximately 10 acres located
in the Comanche Peak Wilderness.
(C) Cameron pass lands.--The Cameron Pass Lands
consist of 2 parcels totaling approximately 178 acres
owned by The Water Supply and Storage Company.
(3) Quit claim deed.--The land described in paragraph
(2)(B) shall be conveyed by quit claim deed for the purposes of
eliminating any title conflict between the city of Greeley and
the United States in regard to the land.
(4) Availability of maps.--The maps described in paragraph
(1) shall be on file and available for public inspection in the
office of the Supervisor of the Arapaho National Forest and
Roosevelt National Forest in Fort Collins, Colorado.
(c) Federal Lands.--
(1) In general.--The Federal lands to be exchanged under
this section are the lands depicted on the maps described in
subsection (b) as ``Federal Exchange Lands''.
(2) Acreage.--The total area of Federal land to be
exchanged is approximately 1,176 acres, including approximately
447 acres occupied by the city and the company under perpetual
easements of the United States Department of the Interior, Nos.
D-028135 and D-029149.
(3) Land included.--The Federal land to be exchanged
includes the following:
(A) All Federal land within the high water contour
lines (that is, the elevation of the dam crest) of the
following reservoirs: Barnes Meadow, Chambers Lake,
Comanche, Hourglass, Long Draw, Milton Seaman, Peterson
Lake, and Twin Lakes, together with their dams and
structures.
(B) A surcharge and operational access area around
each reservoir consisting of an average 50-foot
horizontal projection from the high water line and an
average 100-foot horizontal projection from the outer
perimeter of all dams, and appurtenant structures
(including outlets, measuring devices, spillways,
wasteways, toe drains, canals, abutments, and the
Peterson Lake operations cabin), as generally depicted
on the maps described in subsection (b), the access
area to the east of Long Draw Reservoir being limited
to the extent necessary to convey only the land within
the boundary of a national forest.
(C) The Federal land that would be occupied by an
enlargement of Seaman Reservoir to an approximate
capacity of 43,000 acre feet (but not to exceed 50,000
acre feet), including an average 50-foot horizontally
projected buffer zone around the enlarged water line
and structures and an 80-acre parcel of Federal land
south of Seaman Reservoir potentially required for a
downstream damsite on the North Fork of the Cache la
Poudre River, as generally depicted on the maps
described in subsection (b).
SEC. 2. PROCESSING OF AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS RELATING TO LAND
EXCHANGE.
(a) Processing.--The land exchange under section 1 shall be
processed in accordance with Forest Service Land Exchange Regulations
in subpart A of part 254 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations,
subject to section 1 and the terms and conditions stated in subsection
(b).
(b) Terms and Conditions.--
(1) Easements.--The United States shall--
(A) grant perpetual access easements to the city of
Greeley, Colorado, and to The Water Supply and Storage
Company to the land conveyed by the United States under
section 1; and
(B) reserve easements for all designated roads and
trails crossing any Federal land to be conveyed that
are necessary to ensure public access to adjoining
national forest land.
(2) Accessibility.--The city of Greeley, Colorado, and The
Water Supply and Storage Company shall continue to make
accessible to visitors to the Roosevelt National Forest, under
rules and restrictions determined by the city and the company,
Chambers Reservoir, Long Draw Reservoir, Peterson Reservoir,
Barnes Meadow Reservoir, Comanche Reservoir, Seaman Reservoir,
and Twin Lakes Reservoir.
(3) Special use permits and easements.--All special use
permits and easements and other instruments authorizing
occupancy of the Federal land described in section 1(c) are
rescinded on completion of the exchange.
(4) Instream flow requirements.--
(A) Joint operations plan.--The conditions
specified in the easements granted on December 28,
1994, and January 4, 1995, for Long Draw Reservoir,
Peterson Lake Reservoir, and Barnes Meadow Reservoir
requiring a joint operations plan providing instream
winter flows to the mainstream of the Cache la Poudre
River from Chambers Lake and Barnes Meadow Reservoir
shall continue to be fulfilled regardless of land
ownership unless the grantor and grantee of an easement agree
otherwise.
(B) Rockwell ranch property.--
(i) In general.--On completion of the land
exchange, the city of Greeley's \1/2\ interest
in the rights associated with the Rockwell
Ranch property described in clause (ii) shall
be dedicated to the Colorado Water Conservation
Board in perpetuity for the instream flow
program of the State of Colorado.
(ii) Rights.--The rights described in this
subparagraph are the rights in Rockwell Ditches
No. 1 in the volume of 1.2 c.f.s., No. 2 in the
volume of 1.7 c.f.s., No. 3 in the volume of
2.68 c.f.s., No. 4 in the volume of 1.87
c.f.s., No. 5 in the volume of 1.95 c.f.s. and
No. 6 in the volume of 2.5 c.f.s., diverting
from the South Fork of the Cache la Poudre
River, and its tributaries, Little Beaver
Creek, and the North Fork of Little Beaver
Creek, all with the appropriation date of
December 31, 1888.
(C) No additional conditions, consultations, or
mitigation.--No conditions, consultations, or
mitigation (including instream or bypass flow
requirements) in addition to those described in this
Act shall be required as a condition of the land
exchange.
(5) Water rights.--Except as provided in paragraph (4)(B),
the land exchange does not include any water right owned by the
city of Greeley, Colorado, or The Water Supply and Storage
Company.
(6) Conveyance of federal land.--
(A) In general.--The Federal land to be exchanged
shall be conveyed to the city of Greeley, Colorado, and
to The Water Supply and Storage Company by means of a
land exchange deed issued by an authorized officer of
the Forest Service.
(B) Surveys.--Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, the Secretary of Agriculture may conduct and
approve all cadastral surveys that are necessary for
completion of the exchange.
(7) Equal value.--The values of the lands exchanged between
the United States and the city of Greeley, Colorado, and The
Water Supply and Storage Company are deemed to be of
approximately equal value, without need for a cash equalization
payment.
(8) New holdings.--
(A) In general.--It is recognized that the
conveyance of certain portions of Federal land to the
city of Greeley, Colorado, and The Water Supply and
Storage Company will create new holdings in otherwise
consolidated areas of Federal ownership.
(B) Notification.--If the city of Greeley,
Colorado, or The Water Supply and Storage Company
decides to permanently discontinue reservoir operations
on any of the properties acquired through the exchange,
the Forest Supervisor of the Arapaho National Forest
and Roosevelt National Forest shall be advised of the
intent to perform nonreconstructive breaching of the
dam for purposes of permanently terminating reservoir
operations.
(C) Opportunity to reacquire.--On notification
under subparagraph (B), the Forest Service shall be
afforded the opportunity, for a period not to exceed 1
year, to reacquire property at fair market value or
exchange or on such other terms and conditions as may
be agreed to by the parties concerned.
(9) Development.--
(A) Finding.--Congress finds that the Federal land
to be exchanged, with the exception of the Seaman
Reservoir enlargement area and potential new damsite
below Seaman Reservoir on the North Fork of the Cache
la Poudre River, are fully developed and authorized for
occupancy by the city of Greeley, Colorado, and The
Water Supply and Storage Company.
(B) No further inventory or consultation.--The land
exchange may be completed without further inventory or
consultation under the National Historic Preservation
Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.).
(C) Enlargement.--If the city of Greeley, Colorado,
seeks enlargement of Seaman Reservoir or construction
of a new dam on the North Fork of the Poudre River
below Seaman Reservoir for a Seaman Reservoir
Enlargement, the site shall be subject to all Federal
laws (including regulations) applicable at the time of
proposed construction.
(10) Easement for use of cabin.--
(A) In general.--The Chief of the Forest Service
shall grant a 20-year easement to the city of Greeley,
Colorado, for use of the cabin, in existence on the
date of enactment of this Act, in the north half of the
southwest quarter of Section 30, Township 8 North,
Range 72 West.
(B) Allowed uses.--The easement shall allow the use
of the cabin and other improvements and access to the
forest land nearby.
(C) Access road.--The access road shall be
available for city employees to have access to the
cabin for recreational purposes and to the Forest
Service for administrative purposes.
(11) Easement for use of land.--
(A) In general.--The Chief of the Forest Service
shall grant a 20-year easement to the city of Greeley,
Colorado, for use of approximately 1 acre of land under
the cabin, in existence on the date of enactment of
this Act, in the vicinity of Jacks Gulch Campground on
Pingree Road.
(B) Allowed uses.--The easement shall include the
administrative use of the access road to the cabin and
the reservation of the use of the cabin to persons
permitted under the special use permit in effect on the
date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. ADMINISTRATION OF LAND ACQUIRED BY THE UNITED STATES.
(a) In General.--The land acquired by the United States under
section 1 shall be added to and administered as part of the Roosevelt
National Forest.
(b) Wilderness.--The portions of the land located within a
wilderness area shall be added to and administered as part of the
wilderness area.
SEC. 4. BOUNDARY MODIFICATION OF THE ARAPAHO NATIONAL FOREST AND
ROOSEVELT NATIONAL FOREST.
(a) Modification.--
(1) In general.--In order to provide for more efficient
administration of certain Federal lands adjoining the Arapaho
National Forest and Roosevelt National Forest--
(A) the exterior boundary of the Arapaho National
Forest is modified as shown on the map entitled
``Boundary Modification, Arapaho National Forest''; and
(B) the exterior boundary of the Roosevelt National
Forest is modified as shown on the map entitled
``Boundary Modification, Roosevelt National Forest''.
(2) Public availability.--The maps described in paragraph
(1) and a legal description of the boundary changes shall be on
file and available for public inspection in the office of the
Chief of the Forest Service and appropriate field offices of
the Forest Service.
(b) Administration.--All Federal land brought within the boundary
of the Arapaho National Forest and the Roosevelt National Forest by
this Act as a result of the land exchange under section 1 shall be
added to the Arapaho National Forest and the Roosevelt National Forest,
respectively, and administered in accordance with the laws (including
regulations) and other rules applicable to the National Forest System.
(c) Availability of Certain Lands.--For the purpose of section 7 of
the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 (16 U.S.C. 460l-9),
the boundary of each of the Arapaho National Forest and the Roosevelt
National Forest, as modified by this section, shall be treated as if it
were the boundary of each forest, respectively, as of January 1, 1965.
|
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer specified Federal lands to the city of Greeley, Colorado, and The Water Supply and Storage Company, a Colorado mutual ditch company, if the city and the company offer to transfer specified lands to the United States (Rockwell Ranch and Timberline Lake properties and specified company lands).
Specifies exchange terms and conditions, including that: (1) the United States shall grant perpetual access easements to the city and the company to the lands conveyed; (2) the city and the company shall continue to make specified reservoirs accessible to visitors to the Roosevelt National Forest; (3) all special use permits, easements, or other instruments authorizing occupancy of certain identified Federal lands are rescinded; and (4) conditions specified in certain easements for Long Draw, Peterson Lake, and Barnes Meadow Reservoirs requiring a joint operations plan providing instream winter flows to the mainstream of the Cache La Poudre River from Chambers Lake and Barnes Meadow Reservoir shall continue to be fulfilled regardless of land ownership unless the grantor and grantee of an easement agree otherwise.
Directs that lands acquired by the United States under this Act be added to and administered as part of the Roosevelt National Forest and the portions of such lands located within a wilderness area shall be added to such area.
Modifies the boundaries of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for an exchange of lands with the city of Greeley, Colorado, and The Water Supply and Storage Company to eliminate private inholdings in wilderness areas, and for other purposes."}
| 3,062 | 299 | 0.608982 | 2.215052 | 0.716408 | 4.79845 | 10.267442 | 0.968992 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Digital Tech Corps
Act of 2001''.
(b) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) unless action is taken soon, there will be a crisis in
government's ability to deliver essential services to the
American people;
(2) by 2006, over 50 percent of the Federal Government's
information technology workforce will be eligible to retire,
creating a huge demand in government for high-skill workers;
(3) despite a 44 percent decrease in the demand for
information technology workers in the private sector, the
Information Technology Association of America reports that
employers will need to fill over 900,000 new information
technology jobs and will be unable to find qualified workers
for 425,000 of those jobs;
(4) to highlight the urgency of this situation, in January
2001, the General Accounting Office added the Federal
Government's human capital management to its list of high-risk
problems for which an effective solution must be found;
(5) despite efforts to increase flexibility in Federal
agencies' employment practices, compensation issues continue to
severely restrain recruitment for Government agencies;
(6) failures in the Federal Government employment process
are accelerating efforts by agencies to implement outsourcing
as a short-term solution to skill gaps, further unbalancing
efforts to reach the proper government versus contractor mix of
management and skills; and
(7) an effective, efficient, and economical response to
this crisis would be to create a vibrant, ongoing exchange
effort designed to share talent, expertise, and advances in
management between leading-edge businesses and government
agencies engaged in best practices.
SEC. 2. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subpart B of part III of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``CHAPTER 37--INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE PROGRAM
``Sec.
``3701. Definitions.
``3702. General provisions.
``3703. Assignment of employees to private sector organizations.
``3704. Assignment of employees from private sector organizations.
``3705. Authority of the Office of Personnel Management.
``Sec. 3701. Definitions
``For purposes of this chapter--
``(1) the term `agency' means an Executive agency, but does
not include the General Accounting Office;
``(2) the term `detail' means--
``(A) the assignment or loan of an employee to a
private sector organization without a change of
position from the agency by which the individual is
employed; and
``(B) the assignment or loan of an employee of a
private sector organization to an agency without a
change of position from the private sector organization
that employs the individual; and
``(3) the term `transfer' means the change of position by
an employee from an agency to a private sector organization or
from a private sector organization to an agency.
``Sec. 3702. General provisions
``(a) On request from or with the agreement of a private sector
organization, and with the consent of the employee concerned, the head
of an agency may arrange for the assignment of an eligible employee of
the agency to a private sector organization or an eligible employee of
a private sector organization to the agency. An eligible employee is an
individual employed at the GS-12 level or above (or equivalent) who--
``(1) works in the field of information technology
management
``(2) is considered an exceptional performer by the
individual's current employer; and
``(3) is expected to assume increased information
technology management responsibilities in the future.
An employee of an agency shall be eligible to participate in this
program only if the employee is serving under a career or career-
conditional appointment or an appointment of equivalent tenure in the
excepted service.
``(b) Each agency that exercises its authority under this chapter
shall establish a plan for implementing this authority. The plan shall
provide for a written agreement between the agency and the employee
concerned regarding the terms and conditions of the employee's
assignment. In the case of an employee of the agency, the agreement
shall--
``(1) require the employee to serve in the civil service,
upon completion of the assignment, for a period equal to the
length of the assignment; and
``(2) provide that, in the event the employee fails to
carry out the agreement (except for good and sufficient reason,
as determined by the head of the agency from which assigned) the
employee shall be liable to the United States for payment of all
expenses (excluding salary) of the assignment. The amount shall be
treated as a debt due the United States.
``(c) Assignments may be terminated by the agency or private sector
organization concerned for any reason at any time.
``(d) Assignments under this chapter shall be for 1 year and may be
extended for an additional period not to exceed 1 year.
``(e) The Chief Information Officers Council, by agreement with the
Office of Personnel Management, may assist in the administration of
this chapter, including by maintaining lists of potential candidates
for assignment under this chapter, establishing mentoring relationships
for the benefit of individuals who are given assignments under this
chapter, and publicizing the program.
``Sec. 3703. Assignment of employees to private sector organizations
``(a) An employee of an agency may be assigned to a private sector
organization under this chapter either--
``(1) as a detail to a regular work assignment; or
``(2) as a transfer to the private sector organization.
``(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an employee
assigned under subsection (a) is entitled--
``(1) to receive supplemental pay from the agency in the
amount equal to the difference between the rate paid by the
organization to which detailed or transferred and the rate of
basic pay (including locality pay, where applicable, subject to
regulations of the Office of Personnel Management) payable for
the employee's Federal position, if the latter is greater;
``(2) in the case of an employee who is detailed under
subsection (a)(1), to credit for the period of assignment under
this chapter toward periodic step increases, retention, and
leave accrual;
``(3) to retain coverage, rights, and benefits under
chapters 87 and 89, if necessary employee deductions and agency
contributions for the period of the assignment are currently
deposited in the Employees' Life Insurance Fund and the
Employees Health Benefits Fund, respectively, and the period of
the assignment is deemed service as an employee under chapters
87 and 89;
``(4) to retain coverage, rights, and benefits under any
system established by law for the retirement of employees, if
necessary employee deductions and agency contributions in
payment for the coverage, rights, and benefits for the period
of assignment are currently deposited in the system's fund; and
the period of the assignment is deemed creditable under the
system, except that such service shall not be considered
creditable service for the purpose of any retirement system for
Federal employees if such service forms the basis, in whole or
in part, for an annuity or pension under the retirement system
of the private sector organization; and
``(5) to retain coverage, rights, and benefits under
subchapter I of chapter 81, and employment during the
assignment is deemed employment by the United States, but if
the employee or the employee's dependents receive from the
private sector organization any payment under an insurance
policy for which the premium is wholly paid by the private
sector organization, or other benefit of any kind on account of
the same injury or death, the amount of such payment or benefit
shall be credited against any compensation otherwise payable
under subchapter I of chapter 81.
During the employee's assignment to the private sector organization,
the agency from which the employee is detailed or transferred shall
make contributions for retirement and insurance purposes from the
appropriations or funds of that agency so long as contributions are
made by the employee.
``(c) The detail of an employee of an agency under subsection
(a)(1) may be made with or without reimbursement by the private sector
organization for the travel and transportation expenses to or from the
place of assignment, subject to the same terms and conditions that
apply with respect to an employee of a Federal agency or a State or
local government under section 3375, and for the pay, or supplemental
pay, or any part thereof of the employee during assignment. Any
reimbursements shall be credited to the appropriation of the agency
used for paying the travel and transportation expenses or pay.
``(d) An employee assigned on detail under subsection (a)(1)
remains an employee of the agency from which detailed. The Federal Tort
Claims Act and any other Federal tort liability statute apply to the
employee. The supervision of the duties of an employee on detail may be
governed by an agreement between the agency and the organization to
which detailed.
``(e)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an employee
detailed under subsection (a)(1) is entitled to accrue annual and sick
leave to the same extent as if the employee had continued working in
the position from which detailed.
``(2) An employee who transfers to a private sector organization
under subsection (a)(2) may elect to retain credit for all accumulated
and currently accrued annual leave to which entitled at the time of
transfer which otherwise would be liquidated by a lump-sum payment. At
the employee's request at any time before returning to the agency, the
employee shall be paid for the annual leave retained. Upon completion
of the assignment under this chapter, the agency shall restore the
employee's sick leave account to its status at the time of transfer.
``Sec. 3704. Assignment of employees from private sector organizations
``(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an employee of a
private sector organization who is assigned to an agency under section
3702(a) may be--
``(1) transferred to the agency and appointed without
regard to the provisions of this title governing appointment in
the competitive service for the period of assignment; or
``(2) detailed to the agency.
``(b) An individual appointed under subsection (a)(1) is entitled
to pay in accordance with chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53
or other applicable law, and is deemed an employee of the agency for
all purposes except--
``(1) subchapter III of chapter 83, chapter 84, or other
applicable retirement system;
``(2) chapter 87; and
``(3) chapter 89 or other applicable health benefits system
unless the appointment results in the employee's loss of
coverage in a group health benefits plan the premium of which
has been paid in whole or in part by the private sector
organization.
The exceptions set forth in paragraphs (1) through (3) shall not apply
to non-Federal employees who are covered by chapters 83, 84, 87, and 89
by virtue of their non-Federal employment immediately before
appointment under subsection (a)(1).
``(c) An employee of a private sector organization who is detailed
to an agency under subsection (a)(2)--
``(1) is not entitled to pay from the agency, except to the
extent that the pay for the position to which detailed
(including locality pay, where applicable) exceeds the pay the
individual was receiving from the private sector organization
immediately before the detail;
``(2) may continue to receive pay and benefits from the
private sector organization from which he is detailed;
``(3) is deemed an employee of the agency for the purposes
of--
``(A) chapter 73, except for section 7353(a)(1);
``(B) sections 203, 205, 207, 208, 603, 606, 607,
643, 654, 1905, and 1913 of title 18;
``(C) sections 1343, 1344, and 1349(b) of title 31;
``(D) the Federal Tort Claims Act and any other
Federal tort liability statute;
``(E) the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (5
U.S.C. App.);
``(F) section 1043 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (26 U.S.C. 1043); and
``(G) section 27(p)(8) of the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 423(p)(8)); and
``(4) is subject to such regulations as the President may
prescribe.
The supervision of an employee who is detailed under subsection (a)(2)
may be governed by agreement between the agency and the private sector
organization concerned. A detail under subsection (a)(2) may be made
with or without reimbursement by the agency for the pay, or a part
thereof, of the employee during the period of assignment, or for any
contribution of the private sector organization to employee benefit
systems.
``(d) If a private sector organization fails to continue the
employer's contribution to private sector retirement, life insurance,
and health benefit plans for an individual who is appointed in an
agency under this section, the employer's contributions covering the
period of the assignment may be made from the appropriations of the
agency concerned.
``(e) A private sector employee who is given an assignment in an
agency under subsection (a) and who suffers disability or dies as a
result of personal injury sustained while performing duties during the
assignment shall be treated, for the purpose of subchapter I of chapter
81, as an employee as defined by section 8101 who had sustained the
injury in the performance of duty, except that if the employee or the
employee's dependents receive from the private sector organization any
payment under an insurance policy for which the premium is wholly paid
by the private sector organization, or other benefit of any kind on
account of the same injury or death, the amount of such payment or
benefit shall be credited against any compensation otherwise payable
under subchapter I of chapter 81.
``Sec. 3705. Authority of the Office of Personnel Management
``The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall
prescribe regulations for the administration of this chapter.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The analysis for part III of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
chapter 35 the following:
``37. Information Technology Exchange Program.''.
SEC. 3. ALLOWABILITY OF COSTS.
Within 120 days after the enactment of this Act, the Federal
Acquisition Regulations Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition
Regulation to recognize the costs associated with an employee's
participation in the program authorized by section 2 as allowable
training and education costs. Such costs--
(1) include the employee's salary and fringe benefits for a
period not to exceed the period of the employee's assignment
under the program authorized by section 2, as well as moving
and travel expenses; and
(2) may be treated, for accounting purposes--
(A) as an indirect cost and accounted for in--
(i) an established overhead account; or
(ii) an overhead account established
specifically for the program authorized by
section 2 and allocated exclusively to the
contractor's Federal Government contracts; or
(B) as a direct cost chargeable to fixed price or
time and material contracts.
SEC. 4. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Title 5, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in section 3111 by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, the head of an
agency may accept voluntary service for the United States under chapter
37 of this title and regulations of the Office of Personnel
Management.''; and
(2) in section 4108 by striking subsection (d).
(b) Section 125(c)(1) of Public Law 100-238 (5 U.S.C. 8432 note) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (C) by striking ``and'' at the end and
inserting ``or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) an individual assigned from a Federal agency
to a private sector organization under chapter 37 of
title 5, United States Code; and''.
|
Digital Tech Corps Act of 2001 - Establishes an information technology exchange program between the Government and the private sector. Provides for one-year assignments of executive agency information technology management employees to private sector organizations, and of private sector information technology management employees to executive agencies.Sets forth administrative provisions governing such assignments, including provisions concerning pay, creditable service, life and health insurance coverage, reimbursement, liability, and Federal employee status.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend title 5, United States Code, to establish an exchange program between the Federal Government and the private sector to develop expertise in information technology management, and for other purposes."}
| 3,479 | 90 | 0.473474 | 1.360167 | 0.59268 | 1.95122 | 42.02439 | 0.926829 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Patent Sovereignty Act of 1997''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) the quality of United States letters patent is
essential for preserving the technological lead and economic
well-being of the United States in the next century;
(2) the quality of United States letters patent is highly
dependent upon the maintenance and the comprehensiveness of
patent examiners' search files; and
(3) the quality of United States letters patent is
inextricably linked to the professionalism of patent examiners
and the quality of the training of patent examiners.
SEC. 3. SECURE PATENT EXAMINATION.
Section 3 of title 35, United States Code, is amended by adding at
the end thereof the following:
``(f) All examination and search duties for the grant of United
States letters patent are sovereign functions which shall be performed
within the United States by United States citizens who are employees of
the United States Government.''.
SEC. 4. MAINTENANCE OF EXAMINERS' SEARCH FILES.
Section 9 of title 35, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by striking ``may revise and maintain'' and inserting
``shall maintain and revise''; and
(2) by adding at the end thereof the following: ``United
States letters patent, and all such other patents and printed
publications shall be maintained in the examiners' search files
under the United States Patent Classification System.''.
SEC. 5. PATENT EXAMINER TRAINING.
(a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 35, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 15. Patent examiner training
``(a) In General.--All patent examiners shall spend at least 5
percent of their duty time per annum in training to maintain and
develop the legal and technological skills useful for patent
examination.
``(b) Trainers of Examiners.--The Patent and Trademark Office shall
develop an incentive program to retain as employees patent examiners of
the primary examiner grade or higher who are eligible for retirement,
for the sole purpose of training patent examiners who have not achieved
the grade of primary examiner.''.
SEC. 6. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS.
(a) Limitations on Personnel.--Section 3(a) of title 35, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end thereof the following:
``The Office shall not be subject to any administratively or
statutorily imposed limitation on positions or personnel, and no
positions or personnel of the Office shall be taken into account for
purposes of applying any such limitation.''.
(b) Retention of Fees.--(1) Section 255(g)(1)(A) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C.
905(g)(1)(A)) is amended by inserting after the item relating to the
National Credit Union Administration, credit union share insurance
fund, the following new item:
``Patent and Trademark Office''.
(2) Section 10101(b)(2)(B) of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
of 1990 (35 U.S.C. 41 note) is amended by striking ``, to the extent
provided in appropriation Acts,'' and inserting ``without
appropriation''.
(3) Section 42(c) of title 35, United States Code, is amended by
amending by striking first sentence and inserting the following:
``Revenues from fees shall be available to the Commissioner to carry
out the activities of the Patent and Trademark Office, in such
allocations as are approved by Act of Congress. Such revenues shall not
be made available for any purpose other than that authorized for the
Patent and Trademark Office.''.
(c) Compensation of Commissioner.--(1) Section 5314 of title 5,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Under Secretary of Commerce and Commissioner of Patents
and Trademarks.''.
(2) Section 3(d) of title 35, United States Code, is amended to
read as follows:
``(d) The Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks shall be an Under
Secretary of Commerce.''.
(3) Section 5316 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``Commissioner of Patents, Department of Commerce.''.
(d) Use of Fees.--Section 42(c) of title 35, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end thereof the following: ``All patent
application fees collected under paragraphs (1), (3)(A), (3)(B), and
(4) through (8) of section 41(a), and all other fees collected under
section 41 for services or the extension of services to be provided by
patent examiners shall be used only for the pay and training of patent
examiners.''.
(e) Publications.--Section 11 of title 35, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end thereof the following:
``(c) The Patent and Trademark Office shall make available for
public inspection during regular business hours all solicitations
issued by the Office for contracts for goods or services, and all
contracts for goods or services entered into by the Office.
``(d) Notice of a proposal to change United States patent law that
will be made on behalf of the United States to a foreign country or
international body shall be published in the Federal Register before,
or at the same time as, the proposal is transmitted.''.
SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect 30 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
|
Patent Sovereignty Act of 1997 - Amends Federal patent law to declare all examination and search duties for the grant of U.S. letters patent to be sovereign functions which shall be performed within the United States by U.S. citizens who are Government employees.
Requires (current law authorizes) the Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to revise and maintain the classification by subject matter of all U.S. letters patent. Requires such patents, and all such other patents and printed publications, to be maintained in the examiners' search files under the U.S. Patent Classification System.
Requires all patent examiners to spend at least five percent of their annual duty time in training to maintain and develop legal and technical skills useful for patent examination. Directs the Patent and Trademark Office (Office) to develop an incentive program to retain patent examiners of primary examiner grade or higher to train other patent examiners who have not achieved such grade.
Prohibits the Office from being subject to any administratively or statutorily imposed limitations on positions or personnel. Allows patent fees to be retained by the Office to carry out its activities, including the training of patent examiners, in such allocations as approved by the Congress. Requires the Office to make public all Office solicitations for goods and services, as well as all such contracts entered into by the Office. Requires publication in the Federal Register of notice of a proposal to change U.S. patent law that will be made on behalf of the United States to a foreign country or international body.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Patent Sovereignty Act of 1997"}
| 1,267 | 348 | 0.620641 | 1.959186 | 0.812551 | 3.795053 | 4.021201 | 0.890459 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``ATM Fee Reform Act of 1997''.
SEC. 2. ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER FEE DISCLOSURES AT ANY HOST ATM.
Section 904 of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 1693b)
is amended--
(1) by striking ``(d) In the event'' and inserting ``(d)
Applicability to Service Providers Other Than Certain Financial
Institutions.--
``(1) In general.--In the event''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Fee disclosures at electronic terminals.--
``(A) In general.--The regulations prescribed under
paragraph (1) shall require any host electronic
terminal operator who imposes a fee on any consumer for
providing host transfer services to such consumer to
provide notice in accordance with subparagraph (B) to
the consumer (at the time the service is provided) of--
``(i) the fact that a fee is imposed by
such operator for providing the service; and
``(ii) the amount of any such fee.
``(B) Notice requirements.--The notice required
under subparagraph (A) with respect to any fee
described in such subparagraph shall--
``(i) be posted in a prominent and
conspicuous location on or at the electronic
terminal at which the electronic fund transfer
is initiated by the consumer; and
``(ii) appear on the screen of the
electronic terminal, or on a paper notice
issued from the terminal, after the transaction
is initiated and before the consumer is
irrevocably committed to completing the
transaction.
``(C) Prohibition on fees not properly disclosed
and explicitly assumed by consumer.--No fee may be
imposed by any host electronic terminal operator in
connection with any electronic fund transfer initiated
by a consumer for which a notice is required under
subparagraph (A), unless--
``(i) the consumer receives such notice in
accordance with subparagraph (B); and
``(ii) the consumer elects to continue in
the manner necessary to effect the transaction
after receiving such notice.
``(D) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph,
the following definitions shall apply:
``(i) Electronic fund transfer.--The term
`electronic fund transfer' includes a
transaction which involves a balance inquiry
initiated by a consumer in the same manner as
an electronic fund transfer, whether or not the
consumer initiates a transfer of funds in the
course of the transaction.
``(ii) Host electronic terminal operator.--
The term `host electronic terminal operator'
means any person who--
``(I) operates an electronic
terminal at which consumers initiate
electronic fund transfers; and
``(II) is not the financial
institution which holds the account of
any such consumer from which the
transfer is made.
``(iii) Host transfer services.--The term
`host transfer services' means any electronic
fund transfer made by a host electronic terminal operator in connection
with a transaction initiated by a consumer at an electronic terminal
operated by such operator.''.
SEC. 3. DISCLOSURE OF POSSIBLE FEES TO CONSUMERS WHEN ATM CARD IS
ISSUED.
Section 905(a) of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (12 U.S.C.
1693c(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (8);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (9) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following new
paragraph:
``(10) a notice to the consumer that a fee may be imposed
by--
``(A) a host electronic terminal operator (as
defined in section 904(d)(2)(D)(ii)) if the consumer
initiates a transfer from an electronic terminal which
is not operated by the person issuing the card or other
means of access; and
``(B) any national, regional, or local network
utilized to effect the transaction.''.
SEC. 4. FEASIBILITY STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct a study of the feasibility of requiring, in connection with any
electronic fund transfer initiated by a consumer through the use of an
electronic terminal--
(1) a notice to be provided to the consumer before the
consumer is irrevocably committed to completing the
transaction, which clearly states the amount of any fee which
will be imposed upon the consummation of the transaction by--
(A) any host electronic terminal operator (as
defined in section 904(d)(2)(D)(ii) of the Electronic
Fund Transfer Act) involved in the transaction;
(B) the financial institution holding the account
of the consumer;
(C) any national, regional, or local network
utilized to effect the transaction; and
(D) any other party involved in the transfer; and
(2) the consumer to elect to consummate the transaction
after receiving the notice described in paragraph (1).
(b) Factors To Be Considered.--In conducting the study required
under subsection (a) with regard to the notice requirement described in
such subsection, the Comptroller General shall consider the following
factors:
(1) The availability of appropriate technology.
(2) Implementation and operating costs.
(3) The competitive impact any such notice requirement
would have on various sizes and types of institutions, if
implemented.
(4) The period of time which would be reasonable for
implementing any such notice requirement.
(5) The extent to which consumers would benefit from any
such notice requirement.
(6) Any other factor the Comptroller General determines to
be appropriate in analyzing the feasibility of imposing any
such notice requirement.
(c) Report to the Congress.--Before the end of the 6-month period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller
General shall submit a report to the Congress containing--
(1) the findings and conclusions of the Comptroller General
in connection with the study required under subsection (a); and
(2) the recommendation of the Comptroller General with
regard to the question of whether a notice requirement
described in subsection (a) should be implemented and, if so,
how such requirement should be implemented.
SEC. 5. NO LIABILITY IF POSTED NOTICES ARE DAMAGED.
Section 910 of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 1693h)
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Exception for Damaged Notices.--If the notice required to be
posted pursuant to section 904(d)(2)(B)(i) by a host electronic
terminal operator has been posted by such operator in compliance with
such section and the notice is subsequently removed, damaged, or
altered by any person other than the operator of the automated teller
machine, the operator shall have no liability under this section for
failure to comply with section 904(d)(2)(B)(i).''.
SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act and the amendments made by this Act to other provisions of
law shall take effect at the end of the 6-month period beginning on the
date of the enactment of this Act.
|
ATM Fee Reform Act of 1997 - Amends the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to mandate fee disclosures at the time of service by any host electronic terminal operator which imposes a fee for providing host transfer services to a consumer.
Mandates disclosure at the time the consumer contracts for electronic fund transfer services that fees may be imposed for initiating electronic fund transfers from an electronic terminal which is not operated by the issuer of the consumer's access card. Requires the Comptroller General to study the feasibility of requiring specified fee disclosures before the consumer is irrevocably committed to completing any electronic fund transfer by means of an electronic terminal.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "ATM Fee Reform Act of 1997"}
| 1,624 | 139 | 0.705312 | 1.959809 | 0.689572 | 3.068966 | 12.663793 | 0.913793 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; DEFINITIONS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Online Investor
Protection Act of 1999''.
(b) Definitions.--In this Act--
(1) the term ``Commission'' means the Securities and
Exchange Commission;
(2) the term ``Internet'' means the international computer
network of both Federal and non-Federal interoperable packet
switched data networks;
(3) the term ``interactive computer service'' means any
information service, system, or access software provider that
provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a
computer server, including specifically a service or system
that provides access to the Internet and such systems operated
or services offered by libraries or educational institutions;
(4) the term ``investment adviser'' has the same meaning as
in section 202 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940;
(5) the term ``investment company'' has the same meaning as
in section 3 of the Investment Company Act of 1940;
(6) the term ``registered broker or dealer'' has the same
meaning as in section 3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
and
(7) the term ``retail investor'' means--
(A) any investor other than an accredited investor
(as defined in section 2(a)(15) of the Securities Act
of 1933); and
(B) any other similar person or class of persons,
as the Commission determines to be appropriate.
SEC. 2. ONLINE TRADING DISCLOSURES.
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78a et seq.) is
amended by inserting after section 35A the following:
``SEC. 35B. ONLINE TRADING DISCLOSURES.
``(a) In General.--Each online broker or dealer shall, on a
quarterly basis, make available on the Internet or other interactive
computer service, such information as the Commission may require, by
rule or order, taking into account the needs of customers, and in such
format and within such time periods as the Commission may prescribe
regarding--
``(1) the date, time, and duration of any system outage or
other event that prevented or materially delayed the execution
of online securities transactions during the preceding quarter;
``(2) any steps taken to address or prevent such outages or
events; and
``(3) information regarding limiting risk of loss to
securities investors that is unique to online trading, as
required by the Commission, by rule or order.
``(b) Exceptions.--The Commission, by rule or order, may exempt
from the requirements of subsection (a) any online broker or dealer, or
class of online brokers or dealers, as the Commission determines to be
appropriate.
``(c) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `Internet' means the international computer
network of both Federal and non-Federal interoperable packet
switched data networks;
``(2) the term `interactive computer service' means any
information service, system, or access software provider that
provides or enables computer access by multiple users to a
computer server, including specifically a service or system
that provides access to the Internet and such systems operated
or services offered by libraries or educational institutions;
``(3) the term `online broker or dealer' means any broker
or dealer that provides retail investors with a means to effect
securities transactions over the Internet or an interactive
computer service;
``(4) the term `online securities transaction' means a
securities transaction effected between a retail investor and
an online broker or dealer over the Internet or an interactive computer
service; and
``(5) the term `retail investor' means--
``(A) any customer of an online broker or dealer,
other than an accredited investor (as defined in
section 2(a)(15) of the Securities Act of 1933); and
``(B) any other similar person or class of persons,
as the Commission determines to be appropriate, by rule
or order.''.
SEC. 3. EXTENDING DISCIPLINARY DISCLOSURES TO THE INTERNET.
(a) In General.--Section l5A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(15 U.S.C. 78o-3) is amended by striking subsection (i) and inserting
the following:
``(i) Obligation To Maintain Disciplinary and Other Data.--
``(1) Maintenance of system to respond to inquiries.--A
registered securities association shall--
``(A) establish and maintain a toll-free telephone
listing or other readily accessible electronic process
to receive inquiries regarding disciplinary actions and
proceedings and other information involving its members
and associated persons of those members; and
``(B) promptly respond to such inquiries.
``(2) Recovery of costs.--A registered securities
association may charge persons, other than individual
investors, reasonable fees for responses to inquiries referred
to in paragraph (1).
``(3) Limitation on liability.--A registered securities
association shall not have any liability to any person for any
action taken or omitted in good faith under this subsection.''.
(b) Records and Reports of Investment Advisers.--Section 204 of the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b-4) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Every investment'' and inserting the
following:
``(a) In General.--Every investment''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(b) Filing Depositories.--The Commission, by rule or order, may
require an investment adviser--
``(1) to file with the Commission any fee, application,
report, or notice required to be filed by this title or the
rules issued under this title through any entity designated by
the Commission for that purpose; and
``(2) to pay the reasonable costs associated with such
filing and the establishment and maintenance of the systems
required by subsection (c).
``(c) Access to Disciplinary and Other Information.--
``(1) Maintenance of system to respond to inquiries.--The
Commission shall require an entity designated by the Commission
pursuant to subsection (b)(1)--
``(A) to establish and maintain a toll-free
telephone listing or other readily accessible
electronic process to receive inquiries regarding
disciplinary actions and proceedings and other
information involving investment advisers and persons
associated with investment advisers; and
``(B) to respond promptly to such inquiries.
``(2) Recovery of costs.--An entity designated under
subsection (b)(1) may charge persons, other than individual
investors, reasonable fees for responses to inquiries referred
to in paragraph (1).
``(3) Limitation on liability.--An entity designated under
subsection (b)(1) shall not have any liability to any person
for any action taken or omitted in good faith under this
subsection.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) In general.--Section 203A of the Investment Advisers
Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b-3a) is amended--
(A) by striking subsection (d); and
(B) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection
(d).
(2) Repeal.--Section 306 of the National Securities Markets
Improvement Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-290; 110 Stat. 3438) is
repealed.
SEC. 4. ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO COMMISSION INFORMATION.
(a) Electronic Links.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, each broker or dealer, investment company, and
investment adviser that effects securities transactions with retail
investors, or makes securities market information available to retail
investors for the purpose of effecting such transactions over the
Internet or other interactive computer service, shall provide to those
investors information regarding investor education and fraud prevention
provided by the Commission, through a hypertext link to a Commission
website established for that purpose, or in such other manner as may be
prescribed by the Commission.
(b) Regulatory Action.--The Commission shall issue final
regulations to implement this section not later than 6 months after the
date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. CIVIL PENALTIES FOR INTERNET-RELATED VIOLATIONS.
(a) Securities Act of 1933.--Section 20(d)(2) of the Securities Act
of 1933 (15 U.S.C. 77t(d)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(D) Internet-related violations.--In any case in
which the Internet or other interactive computer
service (as defined in section 35B of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) is used as part of the Act or
omission resulting in a violation referred to in
paragraph (1) the amount of the penalty provided for in
this paragraph shall be doubled.''.
(b) Securities Exchange Act of 1934.--
(1) Section 21.--Section 21(d)(3)(B) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78u(d)(3)(B)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(iv) Internet-related violations.--In any
case in which the Internet or other interactive
computer service (as defined in section 35B) is used as part of the act
or omission resulting in a violation referred to in subparagraph (A),
the amount of the penalty provided for in this subparagraph shall be
doubled.''.
(2) Section 21b.--Section 21B(b) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78u-2(b)) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(4) Internet-related violations.--In any case in which
the Internet or other interactive computer service (as defined
in section 35B) is used as part of the act or omission
resulting in a violation referred to in subsection (a), the
amount of the penalty provided for in this subsection shall be
doubled.''.
(c) Investment Advisers Act of 1940.--
(1) Section 203.--Section 203(i)(2) of the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b-3(i)(2)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(D) Internet-related violations.--In any case in
which the Internet or other interactive computer
service (as defined in section 35B of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) is used as part of the act or
omission resulting in a violation referred to in
paragraph (1), the amount of the penalty provided for
in this paragraph shall be doubled.''.
(2) Section 209.--Section 209(e)(2) of the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80b-9(e)(2)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(D) Internet-related violations.--In any case in
which the Internet or other interactive computer
service (as defined in section 35B of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) is used as part of the act or
omission resulting in a violation referred to in
paragraph (1), the amount of the penalty provided for
in this paragraph shall be doubled.''.
(d) Investment Company Act of 1940.--Section 9(d)(2) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. 80a-9(d)(2)) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(D) Internet-related violations.--In any case in
which the Internet or other interactive computer
service (as defined in section 35B of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) is used as part of the act or
omission resulting in a violation referred to in
paragraph (1), the amount of the penalty provided for
in this paragraph shall be doubled.''.
SEC. 6. STUDY AND REPORT ON MARKET IMPACT OF ONLINE TRADING.
(a) Study.--The Commission shall conduct a study of the effects
that trading in securities by retail investors over the Internet or
other interactive computer service has on the securities markets,
including--
(1) with respect to ``day trading'' activities--
(A) whether a greater risk of fraud exists;
(B) whether such trading results in market
volatility;
(C) the effects on individual companies, the stock
of which fluctuates as a result of such volatility, if
any; and
(D) the effects on investors and their investment
patterns resulting from such volatility, if any; and
(2) the quality of execution received through online
trading services, including the effect of ``payment for order
flow'' and other practices on--
(A) the promptness of execution; and
(B) the purchase or sale price obtained for the
retail investor.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a report on the
results of its study under subsection (a).
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to the Office of Internet
Enforcement of the Securities and Exchange Commission $70,000,000 for
each of fiscal years 2000 through 2004, for the purpose of Internet
enforcement and other related investor protection activities, subject
to appropriations Acts.
|
Amends the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to: (1) authorize the SEC to require an investment adviser to file requisite fees and documents with an SEC designee; and (2) require the SEC to require a designee to establish and maintain a readily accessible electronic process to receive inquiries regarding disciplinary actions and proceedings regarding its members.
Sets a deadline for brokers, dealers, investment companies, and investment advisers engaged in retail transactions to make available to retail investors through a hypertext link to an SEC website access to SEC information regarding investor education and fraud prevention.
Amends the Securities Act of 1933, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to double the civil penalty for Internet-related violations.
Directs the SEC to study and report to Congress on the market impact of online trading.
Authorizes appropriations to the SEC Office of Internet Enforcement for investor protection activities.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Online Investor Protection Act of 1999"}
| 2,937 | 199 | 0.546861 | 1.543255 | 0.700171 | 2.99422 | 15.219653 | 0.924855 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Children's Access to Vision Act of
2005''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds as follows:
(1) Good vision is essential for proper physical
development and educational progress in growing children.
(2) Many serious ocular conditions are treatable if
identified in the preschool and early school-aged years.
(3) Early detection of ocular conditions provides the best
opportunity for effective, inexpensive treatment and can have
far reaching implications for vision.
(4) Widespread use of identification methods, whether
vision screening programs, or comprehensive eye exams required
by State law, will identify children needing services. A child
identified through vision screening should receive a
comprehensive eye exam followed by subsequent treatment as
needed. A child identified through a comprehensive eye exam
should receive subsequent treatment as needed. All children
identified as needing services should have access to subsequent
treatment as needed.
SEC. 3. GRANTS REGARDING COMPREHENSIVE EYE EXAMINATIONS FOR CHILDREN.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services
(referred to in this section as the ``Secretary''), acting through the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, may make
grants to States on the basis of an established review process for the
purpose of--
(1) providing comprehensive eye examinations for children
who have been identified by a licensed health care provider or
vision screener as needing such services, with priority given
to children who are under the age of 9;
(2) providing for children subsequent treatment or services
necessary to correct vision problems; and
(3) developing and disseminating, to parents, teachers, and
health care practitioners, educational materials on recognizing
signs of visual impairment in children.
(b) Criteria and Coordination.--
(1) Criteria.--The Secretary, in consultation with
appropriate professional and consumer organizations including
individuals with knowledge of age appropriate vision services,
shall develop criteria--
(A) governing the operation of the grant program;
and
(B) for the collection of data related to vision
assessment and the utilization of followup services.
(2) Coordination.--The Secretary shall, as appropriate,
coordinate the program under subsection (a) with the program
under section 330 of the Public Health Service Act (relating to
health centers), the program under title XIX of the Social
Security Act (relating to the Medicaid program), the program
under title XXI of such Act (relating to the State children's
health insurance program), and with other Federal or State
program that provide services to children.
(c) Application.--A grant may be made under subsection (a) only if
an application for the grant is submitted to the Secretary and the
application is in such form, is made in such manner, and contains such
information as the Secretary may require, including--
(1) information on existing Federal, Federal-State, or
State-funded children's vision screening programs;
(2) a plan for the use of grant funds, including how funds
will be used to complement existing State efforts;
(3) a plan to determine if a grant eligible child has
received an age appropriate vision screening; and
(4) a description of how funds will be used to provide
items or services only as a secondary payer to--
(A) any State compensation program, under an
insurance policy, or under any Federal or State health
benefits program; or
(B) by any entity that provides health services on
a prepaid basis.
(d) Evaluations.--A grant may be made under subsection (a) only if
the State involved agrees that, not later than 1 year after the date on
which amounts under the grant are first received by the State, and
annually thereafter while receiving amounts under the grant, the State
will submit to the Secretary an evaluation of the operations and
activities carried out under the grant, including--
(1) an assessment of the utilization of vision services and
the status of children receiving these services as a result of
the activities carried out under the grant;
(2) the collection, analysis, and reporting of children's
vision data according to guidelines prescribed by the
Secretary; and
(3) such other information as the Secretary may require.
(e) Certain Provisions Regarding Expenditure of Grant.--
(1) Uses other than comprehensive eye examinations.--A
grant under subsection (a) may be expended for the purposes
described in paragraphs (2) and (3) of such subsection without
regard to whether under paragraph (1) of such subsection the
State involved expends the grant to provide comprehensive eye
examinations. The Secretary may not disapprove an application
under subsection (c), or reduce the amount of the grant, solely
on the basis that the State will not expend the grant to
provide such examinations.
(2) Limitation on grant expenditures.--A grant may be made
under subsection (a) only if the State involved agrees that the
State will not expend more than 20 percent of the grant to
carry out the purpose described in paragraph (3) of such
subsection.
(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the term
``comprehensive eye examination'' includes an assessment of a patient's
history, general medical observation, external and ophthalmoscopic
examination, visual acuity, ocular alignment and motility, refraction,
and as appropriate, binocular vision or gross visual fields, performed
by an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $75,000,000
for fiscal year 2006, and such sums as may be necessary for each of
fiscal years 2007 through 2009.
|
Children's Access to Vision Act of 2005 - Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to make grants to states for providing: (1) comprehensive eye examinations for children, with priority given to children under nine years old; (2) subsequent vision treatment or services to correct vision problems; and (3) educational materials to parents, teachers, and health care practitioners on recognizing signs of visual impairment in children.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop criteria to collect data related to vision assessment and the utilization of follow-up services; and (2) coordinate the grant program with appropriate federal and state child services programs. Requires states to annually submit to the Secretary a program evaluation.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish a grant program to provide follow-up treatment for children identified to have a vision disorder."}
| 1,215 | 155 | 0.650639 | 1.813323 | 0.696763 | 3.474026 | 7.597403 | 0.941558 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Iraqi Police Service Improvement Act
of 2008''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) In 2004, National Security Presidential Directive 36
(NSPD-36) transferred responsibility from the Department of
State to the Department of Defense for ``organizing, equipping,
and training all Iraqi security forces'' and stated that ``at
the appropriate time, the Secretary of State and the Secretary
of Defense shall jointly decide when these functions shall
transfer to a security assistance organization and other
appropriate organizations under the authority of the Secretary
of State and the Chief of Mission.''.
(2) On May 25, 2007, the Independent Commission on the
Security Forces of Iraq, also known as the Jones Commission,
was created to assess the readiness of Iraq's military and
police forces and report its findings to Congress.
(3) The Jones Commission cited progress by the Iraqi Army
and the Ministry of Defense but less improvement by the
Ministry of Interior, ``whose dysfunction has hampered the
police force''. The Jones Commission found the ``Iraqi Police
Service is incapable today of providing security at a level
sufficient to protect Iraqi neighborhoods from insurgents and
sectarian violence'' and stressed that the police are central
to the long-term establishment of security in Iraq.
(4) The Jones Commission report stated that although ``U.S.
military officers rather than senior civilian law enforcement
personnel lead the Coalition training effort for the Iraqi
Police Service; this arrangement has inadvertently marginalized
civilian police advisors and limited the overall effectiveness
of the training and advisory effort.''. The Jones Commission
recommended that leadership of the Coalition Police Assistance
Training Team (CPATT) and the Police Training Teams should be
transferred to senior civilian law enforcement professionals.
(5) The Jones Commission found the number of civilian
international police advisors to be insufficient for the task
of training the Iraqi Police Service.
(6) The Department of Defense's September 2007 Quarterly
Report to Congress on Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq
found that the Ministry of Interior and its forces required
``continued advisory support, training and development, and
equipping to be able to progressively assume missions from
Coalition forces. The efforts of embedded advisors are focused
on addressing continued shortcomings in logistics, leadership
and budget execution that hamper improvement, and in certain
cases, cause regression.''. The advisors also assess and report
on the operational readiness of the units they mentor on a
monthly basis.
(7) The Department of Defense September 2007 Quarterly
Report also stated, ``Current funding levels for the IPA
[International Police Advisors] program and availability of
military assets do not allow for full coverage of the more than
1,100 provincial and local police headquarters and stations in
Iraq.''. In the Department of Defense March 2007 Quarterly
Report, the Department of Defense stated that ``cost and risk
preclude deploying enough PTTs [Police Transition Teams] to
cover all of Iraq's police stations; at any time, only 5 of
Iraq's 18 provinces have sufficient PTTs . . . Continued PTT
presence and participation at Iraqi Police Service stations are
needed to improve police readiness and to sustain progress in
reforming community policing.''. However, Transition Teams are
embedded in the Ministry of Defense, the Joint Headquarters,
and with most battalions and brigade and division headquarters.
(8) The Department of Defense September 2007 Quarterly
Report also stated that there were 238 Police Transition Teams
for the Iraqi Police Service, with each team composed of
approximately 12-15 members, two to four of whom are civilian
Department of State contractors, funded by the Department of
Defense's Iraq Security Forces Fund. The remaining members are
military personnel.
(9) In testimony given to the Subcommittee on Oversight and
Investigations of the Committee on Armed Services of the House
of Representatives, the Department of State stated that since
the Department of Defense assumed responsibility for training
the Iraqi Security Forces, the Department of Defense has
transferred $1,500,000,000 to the Bureau for International
Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the Department
of State to provide trainers and advisors, including 690
International Police Liaison Officers, who are DynCorp
contractors, and who serve as advisors in the field to train
and mentor Iraqi Police.
(10) At hearings on the Iraqi Security Forces conducted by
the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the
Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives,
several witnesses agreed that there were not enough civilian
police advisors for many units of the Iraqi Police Service and
that the military advisors lacked the appropriate policing
background to appropriately support the community-policing
conducted by the Iraqi Police Service.
SEC. 3. DEPARTMENT OF STATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR POLICE TRANSITION TEAMS
FOR THE IRAQI POLICE SERVICE.
(a) Transfer of Responsibility.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding National Security
Presidential Directive 36 (NSPD-36), not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State shall assume responsibility from the Department of
Defense over the Police Training Teams being used in Iraq to
provide advisory support, training and development, and
equipment for the Iraqi Police Service.
(2) Statement of understanding.--Not later than 120 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of
State and the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a
statement of understanding on command structure, including on
the roles and responsibilities of members of the Police
Training Teams.
(b) Composition of Teams.--The Secretary of State shall ensure that
a majority of the members of each Police Training Team consists of
qualified civilian advisors, including employees of the Department of
State and employees of contractors secured by the Department of State.
Not fewer than two members of each Police Training Team shall be police
officers or have retired from police service more than two years before
becoming members of a Police Training Team. The leader of each Police
Training Team shall also be an employee of the Department of State or
an employee of a contractor secured by the Department of State. Members
of the United States Armed Forces and personnel from other United
States Government agencies, including the Department of Justice, may
serve on a Police Training Team in a supporting role.
(c) Transfer of Funds.--Effective as of the date on which the
Secretary of State assumes responsibility from the Department of
Defense over the Police Training Teams, all funds made available for
the Police Training Teams (currently funded through the Iraq Security
Forces Fund of the Department of Defense) and not expended as of that
date shall be transferred to the appropriate account for the Bureau for
International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the Department
of State for the purpose of using Police Training Teams to provide
advisory support, training and development, and equipment for the Iraqi
Police Service.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of State such sums as may be necessary
for the Department of State to staff Police Training Teams in
accordance with the findings of the study under section 4(a).
(e) Continued Department of Defense Role.--In addition to members
of the Armed Forces serving on Police Training Teams under subsection
(b), the Secretary of Defense, at the request of the Secretary of
State, shall make available equipment of the Department of Defense for
use by the Police Training Teams. The Armed Forces shall continue to
provide security for Police Training Teams, in the manner provided for
reconstruction teams operating in Iraq.
SEC. 4. STUDIES REQUIRED.
(a) Staffing for Police Training Teams.--Not later than 60 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State
shall, in consultation with the Government of Iraq and Coalition
forces, conduct a study and submit to Congress a report containing the
recommendations of the Secretary on--
(1) the number of civilian advisors needed to sufficiently
staff enough Police Training Teams to cover a majority of the
approximately 1,100 Iraqi police stations;
(2) the availability of Department of State personnel and
contractors to staff the Police Training Teams; and
(3) the funding required to staff the Police Training
Teams.
(b) Update of IG Assessment.--Not later than 90 days after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of State shall submit to Congress an update to the 2005
interagency Department of Defense-Department of State Inspector General
Assessment of Iraqi Police Training.
SEC. 5. REPORTS ON POLICY IMPLEMENTATION.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, and every 180 days thereafter, the President shall transmit to
Congress a report on the actions that have been taken to implement the
requirements of this Act. The report shall specifically identify the
status of--
(1) the assumption of responsibility for Police Training
Teams by the Department of State;
(2) the equipment level of the Iraqi Police Service,
including armored vehicles and heavy weaponry, and the advisors
on the Police Training Teams assigned to the Iraqi Police
Service;
(3) the number of civilian police advisors training the
Iraqi Police Service;
(4) the number of Police Training Teams and the make-up of
each team;
(5) issues affecting the recruitment of the appropriate
number of advisors;
(6) the indicators used to measure the effectiveness of
advisors;
(7) the indicators used to measure the effectiveness of the
Iraqi Police Service; and
(8) the impact of transferring to the Government of Iraq in
2007 responsibility for the vetting and recruiting of persons
for the Iraqi Police Service with respect to the performance of
units of the Iraqi Police Service.
|
Iraqi Police Service Improvement Act of 2008 - Directs: (1) the Secretary of State to assume responsibility from the Department of Defense (DOD) over the Police Training Teams being used in Iraq to provide advisory support, training and development, and equipment for the Iraqi Police Service; (2) the Secretary to ensure that a majority of the members of each Police Training Team consists of qualified civilian advisors, including Department of State employees and contractor employees; and (3) the Secretary and the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a statement of understanding on command structure, including the responsibilities of members of the Police Training Teams.
States that: (1) in addition to members of the Armed Forces serving on Police Training Teams the Secretary of Defense, at the request of the Secretary, shall make DOD equipment available for the Police Training Teams; and (2) the Armed Forces shall continue to provide security for Police Training Teams.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To restore to the Department of State responsibility over the Police Training Teams being used to provide advisory support, training and development, and equipment for the Iraqi Police Service, to require the Department of State to provide the majority of members for the Police Training Teams, and for other purposes."}
| 2,102 | 186 | 0.61756 | 1.856152 | 0.790956 | 5.801105 | 11.033149 | 0.983425 |
SECTION 1. SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR COMPLYING WITH PENSION REQUIREMENTS.
(a) General Rule.--Subpart B of part I of subchapter D of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 417A. SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR COMPLYING WITH PENSION REQUIREMENTS.
``(a) General Rule.--An employer is entitled to the benefits of
this section for any year if--
``(1) such employer maintains a qualified simplified
defined contribution plan during such year, and
``(2) such employer maintains a qualified simplified
defined benefit plan during such year.
``(b) Benefits of Section.--If an employer is entitled to the
benefits of this section for any year--
``(1) Increase in permitted compensation.--In applying
sections 401(a)(17) and 404(l) to the qualified simplified
defined contribution plan and the qualified simplified defined
benefit plan, the dollar limitation contained in such sections
shall be $200,000. The Secretary shall adjust the $200,000
amount contained in the preceding sentence at the same time and
in the same manner as the adjustment under section
401(a)(17)(B).
``(2) Modification of funding rules.--
``(A) Increase in full funding limitation.--The
full funding limitation for the qualified simplified
defined benefit plan shall be determined under section
412(c)(7)(A) as if such section did not include
subclause (I) of clause (i) thereof.
``(B) Waiver of quarterly contribution
requirements.--Section 412(m) shall not apply to the
qualified simplified defined benefit plan.
``(3) Waiver of certain discrimination rules.--The
requirements of section 401(k)(3) shall be treated as satisfied
with respect to any cash or deferred arrangement maintained by
the employer during such year and the requirements of section
401(m) shall be treated as satisfied with respect to any plan
maintained by the employer during such year.
``(4) Combined limit waived.--The requirements of section
415(e) shall be treated as satisfied with respect to the
qualified simplified defined contribution plan and the
qualified simplified defined benefit plan.
``(5) Other requirements deemed satisfied.--The
requirements of the following provisions shall be treated as
satisfied with respect to the qualified simplified defined
contribution plan and the qualified simplified defined benefit
plan:
``(A) Section 401(a)(4).
``(B) Section 401(a)(26).
``(C) Section 401(l).
``(D) Subsections (a) and (b) of section 410.
``(E) Subsection (b) of section 411.
``(F) Section 416.
``(c) Simplified Defined Contribution Plan.--
``(1) In general.--A defined contribution plan is a
qualified simplified defined contribution plan if--
``(A) all employees of the employer (not excluded
pursuant to paragraph (2)) are eligible to participate
in such plan,
``(B) the employer contribution for each year for
each participant in the plan is a uniform percentage
(which is not less than 3 percent) of such
participant's compensation (within the meaning of
section 414(s)),
``(C) such plan provides that each employee covered
by the plan has a nonforfeitable right to 100 percent
of such employee's accrued benefit derived from
employer contributions, and
``(D) the balance to the credit of the employee
under such plan--
``(i) except as required by section
401(a)(9), may not be distributed earlier than
separation from service, death, or disability,
and
``(ii) in the case of any distribution
other than by reason of death, such
distribution may be made only in the form of--
``(I) an annuity for the life of
the employee (or a joint and survivor
annuity as provided in section 417),
``(II) a direct trustee-to-trustee
transfer as provided in section
401(a)(31), or
``(III) a distribution to a pension
portability clearinghouse (if any)
established to accept distributions.
``(2) Certain exclusions permitted.--For purposes of
paragraph (1), an employee may be excluded until such employee
has completed 6 months of service for the employer.
``(d) Simplified Defined Benefit Plan.--
``(1) In general.--A defined benefit plan is a qualified
simplified defined benefit plan if--
``(A) all employees of the employer (not excluded
pursuant to paragraph (3)) are eligible to participate
in such plan, and
``(B) the accrued benefit derived from employer
contributions for each participant, when expressed as
an annual retirement benefit, is equal to the required
benefit determined under paragraph (2).
``(2) Amount of required benefit.--
``(A) In general.--The required benefit determined
under this paragraph is an amount equal to the product
of--
``(i) the plan's qualified accrual rate
multiplied by the number of years of service
with the employer, and
``(ii) the participant's average
compensation for the testing period.
``(B) Qualified accrual rate.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A):
``(i) A plan's qualified accrual rate is
the uniform accrual rate set forth in such plan
so long as such rate exceeds 0.5 percent.
``(ii) A plan may provide that the accrual
rate with respect to so much of the
participant's average compensation for the
testing period as does not exceed covered
compensation (as defined in section
401(l)(5)(E)) shall be less than the accrual
rate for compensation above covered
compensation (as so defined) so long as such
difference is not greater than 1 percentage
point. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall
be construed as permitting an accrual rate of
less than 0.5 percent.
``(C) Years of service.--For purposes of this
paragraph, years of service shall be determined under
the rules of paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) of section
411(a).
``(D) Annual retirement benefit.--For purposes of
this paragraph, the term `annual retirement benefit'
means a benefit payable annually in the form of a
single life annuity (with no ancillary benefits)
beginning at the normal retirement age under the plan.
``(E) Testing period.--For purposes of this
paragraph--
``(i) In general.--A participant's testing
period shall be the period of years (not less
than 3 nor exceeding 5) during which the
participant has the greatest aggregate
compensation from the employer.
``(ii) Year must be included in year of
service.--The years taken into account under
clause (i) shall be properly adjusted for years
not included in a year of service.
``(3) Excluded employees.--For purposes of this
subsection--
``(A) In general.--The employer may exclude--
``(i) employees who have not completed 6
months of service,
``(ii) employees who normally work less
than 17\1/2\ hours per week,
``(iii) employees who normally work during
not more than 6 months during the year,
``(iv) employees who have not attained age
21, and
``(v) employees who are included in a unit
of employees covered by an agreement which the
Secretary of Labor finds to be a collective
bargaining agreement between employee
representatives and the employer.
``(B) Employees covered by existing defined benefit
plan.--The employer may exclude employees who are
covered under another defined benefit plan maintained
by the employer if--
``(i) such plan was in existence on the
date of the enactment of this section, and
``(ii) such plan meets the applicable
requirements of this part without regard to
this section.
The employer may exclude employees under the preceding
sentence only if all employees described in the
preceding sentence are so excluded.
``(C) Special rule.--If accruals under any defined
benefit plan referred to in subparagraph (B) cease and
the employees covered by such defined benefit plan are
covered by another plan which would otherwise qualify
under this subsection, such other plan shall not be
treated as meeting the requirements of this subsection
unless, in determining the annual retirement benefit of
each such employee under the plan referred to in
subparagraph (B), such employee's average compensation
for the testing period (determined by treating such
plans as 1 plan) is used.
``(e) Special Rules.--
``(1) Aggregation rules.--All employees treated as employed
by a single employer under subsections (a) and (b) of section
414 shall be so treated for purposes of this section.
``(2) Integration with social security not committed.--
Except as provided in subsection (d)(2)(B), a plan shall not be
treated as meeting the requirements of subsection (c) or (d)
unless such plan meets such requirements without taking into
account contributions or benefits under chapter 2 (relating to
tax on self-employment income), chapter 21 (relating to Federal
Insurance Contribution Act), title II of the Social Security
Act, or any other Federal or State law.''
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart B of
part I of subchapter B of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding
at the end the following new item:
``Sec. 417A. Simplified method for
complying with pension
requirements.''
SEC. 2. STUDY.
(a) General Rule.--The Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of the
Treasury shall conduct a joint study on the feasibility of establishing
a pension portability clearinghouse to accept rollovers from tax-
qualified pension plans as well as to receive tax deductible
contributions from employers not maintaining qualified pension plans.
Such study shall also determine the feasibility of having participant-
directed accounts with various investment options with varying degrees
of risk.
(b) Report.--Not later than the date 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretaries referred to in subsection (a)
shall submit a report to the Congress on the study conducted under
subsection (a), together with such recommendations as such Secretaries
may deem advisable.
|
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify certain pension requirements to provide a simplified method for compliance. Entitles employers to the benefits of this Act if the employer maintains a qualified simplified defined contribution plan and a qualified simplified defined benefit plan.
Directs the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct a joint study of the feasibility of establishing a pension portability clearinghouse to accept rollovers from tax-qualified pension plans as well as to receive tax deductible contributions from employers not maintaining qualified pension plans.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to facilitate portability, enhance pension coverage, and provide employers an optional simplified method of complying with certain pension requirements."}
| 2,316 | 113 | 0.476041 | 1.125343 | 0.294749 | 4.604167 | 22.052083 | 0.9375 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Iran Oil Sanctions Act of 1995''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The efforts of the Government of Iran to acquire
weapons of mass destruction and the means to deliver them and
its support of international terrorism endanger the national
security and foreign policy interests of the United States and
those countries with which it shares common strategic and
foreign policy objectives.
(2) The objective of preventing the proliferation of
weapons of mass destruction and international terrorism through
existing multilateral and bilateral initiatives requires
additional efforts to deny Iran the financial means to sustain
its nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile weapons
programs.
SEC. 3. DECLARATION OF POLICY.
The Congress declares that it is the policy of the United States to
deny Iran the ability to support international terrorism and to fund
the development and acquisition of weapons of mass destruction and the
means to deliver them by limiting the development of petroleum
resources in Iran.
SEC. 4. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (d), the
President shall impose one or more of the sanctions described in
section 5 on a person subject to this section (in this Act referred to
as a ``sanctioned person''), if the President determines that the
person has, with actual knowledge, on or after the date of enactment of
this Act, made an investment of more than $40,000,000 (or any
combination of investments of at least $10,000,000 each, which in the
aggregate exceeds $40,000,000 in any 12-month period), that
significantly and materially contributed to the development of
petroleum resources in Iran.
(b) Persons Against Which the Sanctions Are To Be Imposed.--The
sanctions described in subsection (a) shall be imposed on any person
the President determines--
(1) has carried out the activities described in subsection
(a);
(2) is a successor entity to that person;
(3) is a person that is a parent or subsidiary of that
person if that parent or subsidiary with actual knowledge
engaged in the activities which were the basis of that
determination; and
(4) is a person that is an affiliate of that person if that
affiliate with actual knowledge engaged in the activities which
were the basis of that determination and if that affiliate is
controlled in fact by that person.
(c) Publication in Federal Register.--The President shall cause to
be published in the Federal Register a current list of persons that are
subject to sanctions under subsection (a). The President shall remove
or add the names of persons to the list published under this subsection
as may be necessary.
(d) Exceptions.--The President shall not be required to apply or
maintain the sanctions under subsection (a)--
(1) to products or services provided under contracts
entered into before the date on which the President publishes
his intention to impose the sanction; or
(2) to medicines, medical supplies, or other humanitarian
items.
SEC. 5. DESCRIPTION OF SANCTIONS.
The sanctions to be imposed on a person under section 4(a) are as
follows:
(1) Export-import bank assistance for exports to sanctioned
persons.--The President may direct the Export-Import Bank of
the United States not to guarantee, insure, extend credit, or
participate in the extension of credit in connection with the
export of any goods or services to any sanctioned person.
(2) Export sanction.--The President may order the United
States Government not to issue any specific license and not to
grant any other specific permission or authority to export any
goods or technology to a sanctioned person under--
(A) the Export Administration Act of 1979;
(B) the Arms Export Control Act;
(C) the Atomic Energy Act of 1954; or
(D) any other statute that requires the prior
review and approval of the United States Government as
a condition for the exportation of goods and services,
or their re-export, to any person designated by the
President under section 4(a).
(3) Loans from united states financial institutions.--The
United States Government may prohibit any United States
financial institution from making any loan or providing any
credit to any sanctioned person in an amount exceeding
$10,000,000 in any 12-month period (or two or more loans of
more than $5,000,000 each in such period) unless such person is
engaged in activities to relieve human suffering within the
meaning of section 203(b)(2) of the International Emergency
Economic Powers Act.
(4) Prohibitions on financial institutions.--The following
prohibitions may be imposed against financial institutions
sanctioned under section 4(a):
(A) Designation as primary dealer.--Neither the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System nor
the Federal Reserve Bank of New York may designate, or
permit the continuation of any prior designation of,
such financial institution as a primary dealer in
United States Government debt instruments.
(B) Government funds.--Such financial institution
shall not serve as agent of the United States
Government or serve as repository for United States
Government funds.
SEC. 6. ADVISORY OPINIONS.
The Secretary of State may, upon the request of any person, issue
an advisory opinion, to that person as to whether a proposed activity
by that person would subject that person to sanctions under this Act.
Any person who relies in good faith on such an advisory opinion which
states that the proposed activity would not subject a person to such
sanctions, and any person who thereafter engages in such activity, may
not be made subject to such sanctions on account of such activity.
SEC. 7. DURATION OF SANCTIONS; PRESIDENTIAL WAIVER.
(a) Delay of Sanctions.--
(1) Consultations.--If the President makes a determination
described in section 4(a) with respect to a foreign person, the
Congress urges the President to initiate consultations
immediately with the government with primary jurisdiction over
that foreign person with respect to the imposition of sanctions
pursuant to this Act.
(2) Actions by government of jurisdiction.--In order to
pursue such consultations with that government, the President
may delay imposition of sanctions pursuant to this Act for up
to 90 days. Following such consultations, the President shall
immediately impose a sanction or sanctions unless the President
determines and certifies to the Congress that the government
has taken specific and effective actions, including, as
appropriate, the imposition of appropriate penalties, to
terminate the involvement of the foreign person in the
activities that resulted in the determination by the President
pursuant to section 4(a) concerning such person.
(3) Additional delay in imposition of sanctions.--The
President may delay the imposition of sanctions for up to an
additional 90 days if the President determines and certifies to
the Congress that the government with primary jurisdiction over
the foreign person is in the process of taking the actions
described in paragraph (2).
(4) Report to congress.--Not later than 90 days after
making a determination under section 4(a), the President shall
submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
of the Senate and the Committee on International Relations of
the House of Representatives a report which shall include
information on the status of consultations with the appropriate
foreign government under this subsection, and the basis for any
determination under paragraph (3).
(b) Duration of Sanctions..--The requirement to impose sanctions
pursuant to section 4(a) shall remain in effect until the President
determines that the sanctioned person is no longer engaging in the
activity that led to the imposition of sanctions.
(c) Presidential Waiver.--(1) The President may waive the
requirement in section 4(a) to impose a sanction or sanctions on a
person in section 4(b), and may waive the continued imposition of a
sanction or sanctions under subsection (b) of this section, 15 days
after the President determines and so reports to the Committee on
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on
International Relations of the House of Representatives that it is
important to the national interest of the United States to exercise
such waiver authority.
(2) Any such report shall provide a specific and detailed rationale
for such determination, including--
(A) a description of the conduct that resulted in the
determination;
(B) in the case of a foreign person, an explanation of the
efforts to secure the cooperation of the government with
primary jurisdiction of the sanctioned person to terminate or,
as appropriate, penalize the activities that resulted in the
determination;
(C) an estimate as to the significance of the investment to
Iran's ability to develop its petroleum resources; and
(D) a statement as to the response of the United States in
the event that such person engages in other activities that
would be subject to section 4(a).
SEC. 8. TERMINATION OF SANCTIONS.
The sanctions requirement of section 4 shall no longer have force
or effect if the President determines and certifies to the appropriate
congressional committees that Iran--
(1) has ceased its efforts to design, develop, manufacture,
or acquire--
(A) a nuclear explosive device or related materials
and technology;
(B) chemical and biological weapons; or
(C) ballistic missiles and ballistic missile launch
technology; and
(2) has been removed from the list of state sponsors of
international terrorism under section 6(j) of the Export
Administration Act of 1979.
SEC. 9. REPORT REQUIRED.
The President shall ensure the continued transmittal to Congress of
reports describing--
(1) the nuclear and other military capabilities of Iran, as
required by section 601(a) of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act
of 1978 and section 1607 of the National Defense Authorization
Act, Fiscal Year 1993; and
(2) the support provided by Iran for acts of international
terrorism, as part of the Department of State's annual report
on international terrorism.
SEC. 10. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committees
on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and Foreign Relations of
the Senate and the Committees on Banking and Financial Services
and International Relations of the House of Representatives.
(2) Financial institution.--The term ``financial
institution'' includes--
(A) a depository institution (as defined in section
3(c)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act),
including a branch or agency of a foreign bank (as
defined in section 1(b)(7) of the International Banking
Act of 1978);
(B) a credit union;
(C) a securities firm, including a broker or
dealer;
(D) an insurance company, including an agency or
underwriter;
(E) any other company that provides financial
services; or
(F) any subsidiary of such financial institution.
(3) Investment.--The term ``investment'' means--
(A) the entry into a contract that includes
responsibility for the development of petroleum
resources located in Iran, or the entry into a contract
providing for the general supervision and guarantee of
another person's performance of such a contract;
(B) the purchase of a share of ownership in that
development; or
(C) the entry into a contract providing for
participation in royalties, earnings, or profits in
that development, without regard to the form of the
participation.
(4) Person.--The term ``person'' means a natural person as
well as a corporation, business association, partnership,
society, trust, any other nongovernmental entity, organization,
or group, and any governmental entity operating as a business
enterprise, and any successor of any such entity.
(5) Petroleum resources.--The term ``petroleum resources''
includes petroleum and natural gas resources.
SEC. 11. APPLICATION OF THE ACT TO LIBYA.
The sanctions of this Act, including the terms and conditions for
the imposition, duration, and termination of sanctions, shall apply to
persons making investments for the development of petroleum resources
in Libya in the same manner as those sanctions apply under this Act to
persons making investments for such development in Iran.
Passed the Senate December 20, 1995.
Attest:
KELLY D. JOHNSTON,
Secretary.
|
Iran Oil Sanctions Act of 1995 - Directs the President to impose certain credit sanctions against persons who, with actual knowledge, have made an investment of more than $40 million in any 12-month period that has significantly contributed to the development of petroleum resources in Iran. Requires the President to publish in the Federal Register a list of persons that are subject to such sanctions.
(Sec. 6) Authorizes the Secretary of State, upon the request of any person, to issue an advisory opinion as to whether a proposed activity would subject that person to sanctions under this Act.
(Sec. 7) Authorizes waiver of the requirements of this Act if the President reports to specified congressional committees that it is important to U.S. national interest to exercise such waiver.
(Sec. 8) Terminates such sanctions if the President certifies to the appropriate congressional committees that Iran: (1) has ceased its efforts to develop or acquire a nuclear explosive device, chemical or biological weapons, or ballistic missiles or related launch technology; and (2) has been removed from the list of state sponsors of international terrorism.
(Sec. 9) Requires the President to report periodically to the Congress on Iran's: (1) nuclear and other military capabilities; and (2) support for acts of international terrorism.
(Sec. 11) Declares that the sanctions and requirements of this Act shall also apply to persons making investments for the development of petroleum resources in Libya.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Iran Oil Sanctions Act of 1995"}
| 2,635 | 315 | 0.670697 | 2.003471 | 0.748214 | 4.153846 | 8.77972 | 0.937063 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``21st Century Job Opportunities
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) Since the beginning of 2001, the private sector has
lost more than 3 million jobs.
(2) The number of unemployed has risen in 49 states and
national unemployment levels are over 6 percent, the highest in
nearly a decade.
(3) Today, 9.4 million people are out of work and an
additional 4.5 million people work part-time because they are
unable to find a full-time job.
(4) In addition, by the year 2010 there will be an
estimated shortage of 12 million workers with at least some
college education.
(5) Sixty-eight percent of the fastest growing jobs require
at least some college education.
(b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to establish a
temporary emergency program to assist workers who have been laid off
and who require immediate education and training to successfully re-
enter the workforce.
SEC. 3. POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR DISLOCATED WORKERS.
Subpart 1 of part A of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965
is amended by inserting after section 401 (20 U.S.C. 1070a) the
following new section:
``SEC. 401A. JOB OPPORTUNITY GRANTS.
``(a) Definitions.--For purposes of this section, the term
`eligible unemployed individual' means an individual who--
``(1) was, on or after March 1, 2001, employed full-time or
part-time;
``(2) became unemployed after such date; and
``(3) on the date of application for a grant under this
section, has been unemployed for at least 3 months in the
preceding 6 months.
``(b) Benefits Authorized.--
``(1) Program authority and method of distribution.--For
each fiscal year through fiscal year 2009, the Secretary shall
pay to each eligible institution such sums as may be necessary
to pay to each eligible unemployed individual for each academic
year during which that individual is in attendance at an
institution of higher education, as an undergraduate, a Job
Assistance Grant in the amount for which that individual is
eligible, as determined pursuant to subsection (c). Not less
than 85 percent of such sums shall be advanced to eligible
institutions prior to the start of each payment period and
shall be based upon an amount requested by the institution as
needed to pay eligible unemployed individuals until such time
as the Secretary determines and publishes in the Federal
Register with an opportunity for comment, an alternative
payment system that provides payments to institutions in an
accurate and timely manner, except that this sentence shall not
be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary to place
an institution on a reimbursement system of payment.
``(2) Direct payments permitted.--Nothing in this section
shall be interpreted to prohibit the Secretary from paying
directly to eligible unemployed individuals, in advance of the
beginning of the academic term, an amount for which they are
eligible, in cases where the eligible institution elects not to
participate in the disbursement system required by paragraph
(1).
``(3) Name of grants.--Grants made under this section shall
be known as `Job Opportunities Grants'.
``(c) Purpose and Amount of Grants.--
``(1) Purpose.--The Jobs Opportunities Grants program is a
temporary emergency program established to assist American
workers who have been laid off and who require additional
education and training to successfully re-enter the workforce.
``(2) Maximum grants.--
``(A) In general.--The amount of the Job Assistance
Grant for an eligible unemployed individual under this
section shall be the sum of the individual's tuition
and fees not to exceed for any award year the maximum
Pell Grant under section 401(b)(2)(A) of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070a(b)(2)(A)) for
such award year.
``(B) Part time attendance.--In any case where an
eligible unemployed individual attends an institution
of higher education on less than a full-time basis
(including an individual who attends an institution of
higher education on less than a half-time basis) during
any academic year, the amount of the Job Assistance
Grant to which that student is entitled shall be
reduced in proportion to the degree to which that
student is not so attending on a full-time basis, in
accordance with a schedule of reductions established by
the Secretary for the purposes of this division,
computed in accordance with this section. Such schedule
of reductions shall be established by regulation and
published in the Federal Register.
``(3) Minimum grant.--No Job Assistance Grant shall be
awarded to an individual under this section if the amount of
that grant for that student as determined under this subsection
for any academic year is less than $400, except that an
individual who is eligible for a Job Assistance Grant that is
equal to or greater than $200 but less than $400 shall be
awarded a Job Assistance Grant of $400.
``(4) Multiple grants.--
``(A) The Secretary may allow, on a case-by-case
basis, an individual to receive 2 Job Opportunities
Grants during a single award year, if--
``(i) the student is enrolled full-time in
an associate or baccalaureate degree program of
study that is 2 years or longer at an eligible
institution that is computed in credit hours;
and
``(ii) the student completes course work
toward completion of an associate or
baccalaureate degree that exceeds the
requirements for a full academic year as
defined by the institution.
``(B) The Secretary shall promulgate regulations
implementing this paragraph.
``(d) Period of Eligibility for Grants.--
``(1) In general.--The period during which an individual
may receive Job Opportunities Grants shall be the 5 academic
years.
``(2) Multiple institution grants prohibited.--No student
is entitled to receive Job Assistance Grant payments
concurrently from more than one institution or from the
Secretary and an institution.
``(e) Applications for Grants.--The Secretary shall from time to
time set dates by which eligible unemployed individuals shall file
applications for Job Opportunities Grants under this section. Each such
individual desiring a Job Assistance Grant for any year shall file an
application therefor containing such information and assurances as the
Secretary may deem necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out the
functions and responsibilities of this section. The Secretary shall
grant or deny an application for a Job Assistance Grant within 3 months
after the date on which it is submitted.
``(f) Distribution of Grants to Students.--Payments under this
section shall be made in accordance with regulations promulgated by the
Secretary for such purpose, in such manner as will best accomplish the
purpose of this section. Any disbursement allowed to be made by
crediting the eligible unemployed individual's account shall be limited
to tuition and fees and, in the case of institutionally owned housing,
room and board. The student may elect to have the institution provide
other such goods and services by crediting the student's account.
``(g) Insufficient Appropriations.--If, for any fiscal year, the
funds appropriated for payments under this section are insufficient to
satisfy fully all entitlements, as calculated under subsection (c) (but
at the maximum grant level specified in such appropriation), the
Secretary shall promptly transmit a notice of such insufficiency to
each House of the Congress, and identify in such notice the additional
amount that would be required to be appropriated to satisfy fully all
entitlements (as so calculated at such maximum grant level).
``(h) Use of Excess Funds.--
``(1) If, at the end of a fiscal year, the funds available
for making payments under this section exceed the amount
necessary to make the payments required under this section to
eligible students by 15 percent or less, then all of the excess
funds shall remain available for making payments under this
section during the next succeeding fiscal year.
``(2) If, at the end of a fiscal year, the funds available
for making payments under this section exceed the amount
necessary to make the payments required under this section to
eligible students by more than 15 percent, then all of such
funds shall remain available for making such payments but
payments may be made under this paragraph only with respect to
entitlements for that fiscal year.''.
|
21st Century Job Opportunities Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a Job Opportunity Grants program of temporary emergency postsecondary education assistance for dislocated workers who have been laid off and who require additional education and training to successfully reenter the workforce.
Makes the maximum grant amount equal to the Pell Grant maximum award.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish an emergency program to provide immediate education assistance for unemployed workers, and for other purposes."}
| 1,870 | 77 | 0.504109 | 1.144738 | 0.957817 | 3.901639 | 28.803279 | 0.95082 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion
Act''.
SEC. 2. PROHIBITING TAXPAYER FUNDED ABORTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR
CONSCIENCE PROTECTIONS.
Title 1 of the United States Code is amended by adding at the end
the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 4--PROHIBITING TAXPAYER FUNDED ABORTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR
CONSCIENCE PROTECTIONS
``SEC. 301. PROHIBITION ON FUNDING FOR ABORTIONS.
``No funds authorized or appropriated by federal law, and none of
the funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or
appropriated by federal law, shall be expended for any abortion.
``SEC. 302. PROHIBITION ON FUNDING FOR HEALTH BENEFITS PLANS THAT COVER
ABORTION.
``None of the funds authorized or appropriated by federal law, and
none of the funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or
appropriated by federal law, shall be expended for health benefits
coverage that includes coverage of abortion.
``SEC. 303. PROHIBITION ON TAX BENEFITS RELATING TO ABORTION.
``For taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this section--
``(1) no credit shall be allowed under the internal revenue
laws with respect to amounts paid or incurred for an abortion
or with respect to amounts paid or incurred for a health
benefits plan (including premium assistance) that includes
coverage of abortion,
``(2) for purposes of determining any deduction for
expenses paid for medical care of the taxpayer or the
taxpayer's spouse or dependents, amounts paid or incurred for
an abortion or for a health benefits plan that includes
coverage of abortion shall not be taken into account, and
``(3) in the case of any tax-preferred trust or account the
purpose of which is to pay medical expenses of the account
beneficiary, any amount paid or distributed from such an
account for an abortion shall be included in the gross income
of such beneficiary.
``SEC. 304. LIMITATION ON FEDERAL FACILITIES AND EMPLOYEES.
``No health care service furnished--
``(1) by or in a health care facility owned or operated by
the Federal government; or
``(2) by any physician or other individual employed by the
Federal government to provide health care services within the
scope of the physician's or individual's employment,
may include abortion.
``SEC. 305. CONSTRUCTION RELATING TO SEPARATE COVERAGE.
``Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as prohibiting any
individual, entity, or State or locality from purchasing separate
abortion coverage or health benefits coverage that includes abortion so
long as such coverage is paid for entirely using only funds not
authorized or appropriated by federal law and such coverage shall not
be purchased using matching funds required for a federally subsidized
program, including a State's or locality's contribution of Medicaid
matching funds.
``SEC. 306. CONSTRUCTION RELATING TO THE USE OF NON-FEDERAL FUNDS FOR
HEALTH COVERAGE.
``Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as restricting the
ability of any nonfederal health benefits coverage provider from
offering abortion coverage, or the ability of a State or locality to
contract separately with such a provider for such coverage, so long as
only funds not authorized or appropriated by federal law are used and
such coverage shall not be purchased using matching funds required for
a federally subsidized program, including a State's or locality's
contribution of Medicaid matching funds.
``SEC. 307. NON-PREEMPTION OF OTHER FEDERAL LAWS.
``Nothing in this chapter shall repeal, amend, or have any effect
on any other federal law to the extent such law imposes any limitation
on the use of funds for abortion or for health benefits coverage that
includes coverage of abortion, beyond the limitations set forth in this
chapter.
``SEC. 308. CONSTRUCTION RELATED TO STATE OR LOCAL LAWS.
``Nothing in this chapter or any other federal law shall be
construed to require any State or local government to provide or pay
for any abortion or any health benefits coverage that includes coverage
of any abortion.
``SEC. 309. TREATMENT OF ABORTIONS RELATED TO RAPE, INCEST, OR
PRESERVING THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER.
``The limitations established in sections 301, 302, 303, and 304
shall not apply to an abortion--
``(1) if the pregnancy is the result of an act of forcible
rape, or incest with a minor; or
``(2) in the case where a woman suffers from a physical
disorder, physical injury, or physical illness that would, as
certified by a physician, place the woman in danger of death
unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering
physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy
itself.
``SEC. 310. APPLICATION TO DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
``In this chapter:
``(1) Any reference to funds appropriated by Federal law
shall be treated as including any amounts within the budget of
the District of Columbia that have been approved by Act of
Congress pursuant to section 446 of the District of Columbia
Home Rule Act (or any applicable successor Federal law).
``(2) The term `Federal government' includes the government
of the District of Columbia.
``SEC. 311. NO GOVERNMENT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CERTAIN HEALTH CARE
ENTITIES.
``(a) Nondiscrimination.--A Federal agency or program, and any
State or local government that receives Federal financial assistance
(either directly or indirectly), may not subject any individual or
institutional health care entity to discrimination on the basis that
the health care entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of,
or refer for abortions.
``(b) Health Care Entity Defined.--For purposes of this section,
the term `health care entity' includes an individual physician or other
health care professional, a hospital, a provider-sponsored
organization, a health maintenance organization, a health insurance
plan, or any other kind of health care facility, organization, or plan.
``(c) Administration.--The Office for Civil Rights of the
Department of Health and Human Services is designated to receive
complaints of discrimination based on this subsection, and coordinate
the investigation of such complaints.
``SEC. 312. HEALTH BENEFITS COVERAGE DEFINED.
``In this chapter the term `health benefits coverage' means the
package of services covered by a managed care provider or organization
pursuant to a contract or other arrangement.''.
|
No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act - Prohibits: (1) the expenditure of funds authorized or appropriated by federal law or funds in any trust fund to which funds are authorized or appropriated by federal law for any abortion or for health benefits coverage that includes coverage of abortion; (2) any tax benefits for amounts paid or incurred for an abortion or for a health benefits plan (including premium assistance) that includes coverage of abortion; and (3) the inclusion of abortion in any health care service furnished by a federal health care facility or by any physician or other individual employed by the federal government. Exempts from such prohibitions an abortion if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest with a minor, or if the woman suffers from a physical disorder, injury, or illness that would, as certified by a physician, place the women in danger of death unless an abortion is performed, including a life-endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself. Makes such prohibitions applicable to federal funding within the budget of the District of Columbia.
Prohibits federal agencies or programs and states and local governments that receive federal financial assistance from discriminating against any individual or institutional health care entity on the basis that such entity does not provide, pay for, provide coverage of, or refer for abortions. Designates the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to receive, and coordinate the investigation of, discrimination complaints.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To prohibit taxpayer funded abortions and to provide for conscience protections, and for other purposes."}
| 1,559 | 317 | 0.658842 | 1.924658 | 0.781132 | 4.900356 | 4.765125 | 0.94306 |
SECTION. 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Consumer Product Safety Commission
Enhanced Enforcement Act of 2000''.
SEC. 2. REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND.
(a) Section 15(d) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C.
2064(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``If'' in the first sentence and inserting
``Subject to the last 2 sentences of this subsection, if''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``If the Commission
determines (after affording opportunity for an informal
hearing) that the action that the manufacturer, distributor, or
retailer has elected to take under paragraph (1), (2), or (3)
is not in the public interest, the Commission shall order the
manufacturer, distributor, or retailer to take whichever other
action specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) that the
Commission determines to be in the public interest. If the
Commission determines that both of the remaining actions
specified in paragraph(1), (2), or (3) are in the public
interest, the Commission shall order the manufacturer,
distributor, or retailer to take whichever of those actions the
manufacturer, distributor, or retailer elects.''.
(b) Section 15(b) of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15
U.S.C. 1274(b)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``If'' in the first sentence and inserting
``Subject to the last 2 sentences of this subsection, if''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``If the Commission
determines (after affording opportunity for an informal
hearing) that the action that the manufacturer, distributor, or
dealer has elected to take under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) is
not in the public interest, the Commission shall order the
manufacturer, distributor, or dealer to take whichever other
action specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) that the
Commission determines to be in the public interest. If the
Commission determines that both of the remaining actions
specified in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) are in the public
interest, the Commission shall order the manufacturer,
distributor, or dealer to take whichever of those actions the
manufacturer, distributor, or dealer elects.''
(c) Section 15(c)(2) of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15
U.S.C. 1274(c)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``If'' in the first sentence and inserting
``Subject to the last 2 sentences of this subsection, if''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``If the Commission
determines (after affording opportunity for an informal
hearing) that the action that the manufacturer, distributor, or
dealer has elected to take under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C)
is not in the public interest, the Commission shall order the
manufacturer, distributor, or dealer to take whichever other
action specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) that the
Commission determines to be in the public interest. If the
Commission determines that both of the remaining actions
specified in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) are in the public
interest, the Commission shall order the manufacturer,
distributor, or dealer to take whichever of those actions the
manufacturer, distributor, or dealer elects.''.
SEC. 3. CIVIL PENALTIES.
(a) Section 20(a) of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C.
2069(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Amount of Penalty.--
``(1) Any person who knowingly violates section 19 shall be
subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $7,000 for each such
violation. Subject to paragraph (2), a violation of paragraph
(1), (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), or (11) of
section 19(a) shall constitute a separate offense with respect
to each consumer product involved. A violation of section
19(a)(3) shall constitute a separate violation with respect to
each failure or refusal to allow or perform an act required
thereby, and, if such violation is a continuing one, each day
of such violation shall constitute a separate offense.
``(2) The second sentence of paragraph (1) shall not apply
to violations of paragraph (1) or (2) of section 19(a)--
``(A) if the person who violated such paragraph is
not the manufacturer or private labeler or a
distributor of the product involved, and
``(B) if such person did not have either--
``(i) actual knowledge that such person's
distribution or sale of the product violated
such paragraph; or
``(ii) notice from the Commission that such
distribution or sale would be a violation of
such paragraph.
``(3)(A) The penalty amount authorized in paragraph (1)
shall be adjusted for inflation by increasing the amount
referred to in paragraph (1) by the cost-of-living adjustment
for the preceding 5 years. Any increase determined under the
preceding sentence shall be rounded up to--
``(i) in the case of a penalty amount less than or
equal to $10,000, the nearest multiple of $1,000;
``(ii) in the case of a penalty amount greater than
$10,000, the nearest multiple of $5,000.
``(B) Not later than December 1, 2005, and December 1 of
each 5th calendar year thereafter, the Commission shall
prescribe and publish in the Federal Register the authorized
penalty amount that shall apply for violations that occur after
January 1 of the year immediately following such publication.
``(C) For purposes of subparagraph (A):
``(i) The term `Consumer Price Index' means the
Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers published
by the Department of Labor.
``(ii) The term `cost-of-living adjustment for the
preceding 5 years' means the percentage by which--
``(I) the Consumer Price Index for the
month of June of the calendar year preceding
the adjustment exceeds
``(II) the Consumer Price Index for the
month of June preceding the date on which the
maximum authorized penalty was last
adjusted.''.
(b) Section 5(c) of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C.
1264(c)) is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Civil Penalties.--
``(1) Any person who knowingly violates section 4 shall be
subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $7,000 for each such
violation. Subject to paragraph (2), a violation of subsection
(a), (b), (c), (d), (f), (g), (i), (j), or (k) of section 4
shall constitute a separate offense with respect to each
substance involved. A violation of section 4(e) shall
constitute a separate violation with respect to each failure or
refusal to allow or perform an act required by section 4(e),
and if such violation is a continuing one, each day of such
violation shall constitute a separate offense.
``(2) The second sentence of paragraph (1) of this
subsection shall not apply to violations of subsection (a) or
(c) of section 4--
``(A) if the person who violated such subsection is
not the manufacturer, importer, or private labeler or a
distributor of the substance involved; and
``(B) if such person did not have either--
``(i) actual knowledge that such person's
distribution or sale of the substance violated
such subsection, or
``(ii) notice from the Commission that such
distribution or sale would be a violation of
such subsection.
``(3) In determining the amount of any penalty to be sought
upon commencing an action seeking to assess a penalty for a
violation of section 4, the Commission shall consider the
nature of the substance, the severity of the risk of injury,
the occurrence or absence of injury, the amount of the
substance distributed, and the appropriateness of such penalty
in relation to the size of the business of the person charged.
``(4) Any civil penalty under this subsection may be
compromised by the Commission. In determining the amount of
such compromised penalty or whether it should be remitted or
mitigated and in what amount, the Commission shall consider the
appropriateness of such penalty to the size of the business of
the persons charged, the nature of the substance involved, the
severity of the risk of injury, the occurrence or absence of
injury, and the amount of the substance distributed. The amount
of such penalty when finally determined, or the amount agreed
on compromise, may be deducted from any sums owing by the
United States to the person charged.
``(5) As used in the first sentence of paragraph (1), the
term `knowingly' means--
``(A) having actual knowledge, or
``(B) the presumed having of knowledge deemed to be
possessed by a reasonable person who acts in the
circumstances, including knowledge obtainable upon the
exercise of due care to ascertain the truth of
representations.
``(6)(A) The penalty amount authorized in paragraph (1)
shall be adjusted for inflation by increasing the amount
referred to in paragraph (1) by the cost-of-living adjustment
for the preceding 5 years. Any increase determined under the
preceding sentence shall be rounded up to--
``(i) in the case of a penalty amount less than or
equal to $10,000, the nearest multiple of $1,000;
``(ii) in the case of a penalty amount greater than
$10,000, the nearest multiple of $5,000.
``(B) Not later than December 1, 2005, and December 1 of
each 5th calendar year thereafter, the Commission shall
prescribe and publish in the Federal Register the authorized penalty
amount that shall apply for violations that occur after January 1 of
the year immediately following such publication.
``(C) For purposes of subparagraph (A):
``(i) The term `Consumer Price Index' means the
Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers published
by the Department of Labor.
``(ii) The term `cost-of-living adjustment for the
preceding 5 years' means the percentage by which--
``(I) the Consumer Price Index for the
month of June of the calendar year preceding
the adjustment exceeds
``(II) the Consumer Price Index for the
month of June preceding the date on which the
maximum authorized penalty was last
adjusted.''.
SEC. 4. CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
(a) Section 21 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 2070)
is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Any person who knowingly violates section 19 shall be fined
under title 18, United States Code, or be imprisoned not more than 1
year, or both, if such person is an individual, or fined under title
18, United States Code, if such person is an organization (as the term
`organization' is defined in section 18 of title 18, United States
Code). Any person who knowingly and willfully violates section 19 of
this Act shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, or be
imprisoned not more than 3 years, or both, if such person is an
individual, or fined under title 18, United States Code, if such person
is an organization.
``(b) Any individual director, officer, or agent of a corporation
who authorizes, orders, or performs any of the acts or practices
constituting in whole or in part a violation of subsection (a) shall be
subject to penalties under this section without regard to any penalties
to which that corporation may be subject under subsection (a).''.
(b) Section 5(a) of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C.
1264(a)) is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Criminal Penalties.--Any person who violates any of the
provisions of section 4 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall on
conviction thereof be subject to a fine under title 18, United States
Code, or to imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, if such
person is an individual, or to a fine under title 18, United States
Code, if such person is an organization (as the term `organization' is
defined in section 18 of title 18, United States Code); but for
offenses committed willfully, or for second and subsequent offenses,
the penalty shall be imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or a fine
under title 18, United States Code, or both, if such person is an
individual, or a fine under title 18, United States Code, if such
person is an organization.''.
|
Revises civil and criminal penalties, removing the existing cap on the maximum civil penalty that can be assessed to companies that market products in a related series of violations of Federal consumer product safety regulations.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Consumer Product Safety Commission Enhanced Enforcement Act of 2000"}
| 2,750 | 42 | 0.355961 | 0.878381 | -0.420378 | 1 | 74.297297 | 0.675676 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Parents' Rights Empowerment and
Protection Act'' (PREP Act).
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Schools and other public education facilities are
critical societal institutions for the education of children,
and parents are primarily responsible for the care, health, and
education of their children.
(2) Teachers, administrators, and other educational
laypersons may significantly impact the educational development
of the children in their care. The responsibility of teachers,
administrators, and other educational laypersons is limited to
their instructional interaction with the child, while a
parent's responsibilities do not end with the ring of a bell or
the end of the school year.
(3) Schools and other public education facilities serve a
wide array of children, each with their own unique social
maturity level. Schools are not adequately equipped to properly
ascertain an individual child's readiness for certain types of
information.
(4) Parents are primarily responsible for the educational,
societal, and personal development of their children, and
parents are best suited for determining the appropriate time,
manner, and context for conveying sensitive information to
their children.
(5) Schools, in the discharge of their educational duties,
may impart information of a sensitive nature to children
regarding a variety of issues. Parents should be informed by
the schools as to the full content of the information to be
conveyed, the context of the instruction, and methods for
conveying the information.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
(a) In General.--In this Act, the terms ``elementary school'',
``local educational agency'', ``parent'', ``secondary school'', and
``State educational agency'' have the meanings given the terms in
section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7801).
(b) Additional Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Child.--The term ``child'' means a human being who has
not reached the age of majority as determined under applicable
State law.
(2) Educational institution.--The term ``educational
institution'' means any public or private preschool, elementary
school, or secondary school, except that in the case of an
educational institution composed of more than 1 school or
department which are administratively separate units, such term
means each such school or department.
SEC. 4. PROHIBITION OF INSTRUCTION WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF A PARENT.
(a) Consent Required.--Each educational institution that receives
Federal funds or Federal financial assistance shall obtain the
affirmative, informed, written consent of the parent of a child in the
care of the educational institution prior to requesting information
from the child, or conveying information to the child, on subjects
concerning sex, sexuality, or related topics, regardless of whether
such information--
(1) is gender specific;
(2) is related to sexual orientation; or
(3) conforms with other elements of the instructional
materials of the educational institution.
(b) Notice.--Upon the request of a parent of a child attending such
an educational institution, the educational institution shall provide
to the parent--
(1) an opportunity to review the information described in
subsection (a); and
(2) a description of--
(A) the context and setting in which the
information will be requested, broached, discussed, or
otherwise conveyed to the child; and
(B) the educational necessity of the information.
(c) Prohibition Regarding Absence of Consent.--In no event shall an
educational institution consider a parent's lack of denial of the
consent required by subsection (a), or lack of such consent, to be
consent.
(d) Immediate Health Issues.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to limit a school nurse or another school health official
from responding to a child's immediate health issues.
(e) Civil Action for Failure To Obtain Parental Consent.--Every
person or educational institution who or that, under color of any
statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, or usage, of any State or
territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia, violates
this section, shall be liable to the party injured in a civil action in
an appropriate district court of the United States. For the purposes of
this section, any Act of Congress applicable exclusively to the
District of Columbia shall be considered to be a statute of the
District of Columbia.
(f) Notification.--Upon a finding by a court of appropriate
jurisdiction that a person or educational institution has violated this
section, the court shall immediately notify the appropriate local
educational agency, the State educational agency, and the Department of
Education.
(g) Cut Off of Federal Funding.--Each educational institution found
by a court to have violated this section shall be ineligible to receive
Federal funds or Federal financial assistance until the educational
institution reapplies for such funds or assistance not earlier than 1
year after the violation.
(h) Penalties, Damages, and Fees.--
(1) Civil penalty.--Any person or educational institution
that violates this section shall be subject to a civil fine of
$5,000 for each violation.
(2) Treble damages.--For each instance of a knowing
violation of this section the fine shall be 3 times the fine
described in paragraph (1).
(3) Legal fees.--In any action brought under this section,
the court may award a prevailing parent reasonable attorney's
fees.
SEC. 5. PROTECTION OF PUPIL RIGHTS.
Section 445(b) of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C.
1232h(b)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``be required, as part of any
applicable program, to''; and
(B) by inserting ``relating to an applicable
program'' after ``evaluation''; and
(2) in the matter following paragraph (8)--
(A) by inserting ``the administrator of the survey,
analysis, or evaluation obtaining'' before ``the prior
consent''; and
(B) by striking ``minor, without'' and inserting
``minor,''.
|
Parents' Rights Empowerment and Protection Act (PREP Act) - Requires each preschool and elementary and secondary school that receives federal funds to obtain the affirmative, informed, written consent of a child's parent before requesting information from, or conveying information to, such child on topics relating to sex or sexuality.
Requires parents, upon their request, to be given an opportunity to review such information as well as a description of the context of, and need for, its request or conveyance.
Subjects individuals and schools to civil liability and fines for violating these consent and disclosure requirements.
Makes noncompliant schools ineligible for federal funds for one year following a violation.
Amends the General Education Provisions Act to direct administrators of surveys, analyses, or evaluations that require students to reveal certain personal or familial information to obtain the prior consent of adult or emancipated students and prior written consent of minor students' parents.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to require educational institutions that receive Federal funds to obtain the affirmative, informed, written consent of a parent before providing a student information regarding sex, to provide parents the opportunity to review such information, and for other purposes."}
| 1,360 | 212 | 0.40199 | 1.126861 | 0.678783 | 1.91954 | 7.298851 | 0.827586 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Health Care Reform Expedited
Procedures Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. SENATE CONSIDERATION OF HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION.
(a) Introduction.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 30 calendar days after the
commencement of the first session of a Congress, the chair of
the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions,
the Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, the Majority
Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the Senate
shall each introduce a bill to provide universal health care
coverage for the people of the United States.
(2) Minority party.--These bills may be introduced by
request and only 1 qualified bill may be introduced by each
individual referred to in paragraph (1) within a Congress. If
either committee chair fails to introduce the bill within the
30-day period, the ranking minority party member of the
respective committee may instead introduce a bill that will
qualify for the expedited procedure provided in this section.
(3) Qualified bill.--
(A) In general.--In order to qualify as a qualified
bill--
(i) the title of the bill shall be ``To
reform the system of the United States and to
provide insurance coverage for all
Americans.''; and
(ii) the bill shall reach the goal of
providing health care coverage to 95 percent of
Americans within 10 years.
(B) Determination.--Whether or not a bill meets the
criteria in subparagraph (A) shall be determined by the
Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, relying on
estimates of the Congressional Budget Office, subject
to the final approval of the Senate.
(b) Referral.--
(1) Committee bills.--Upon introduction, the bill authored
by the Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance shall be
referred to that Committee and the bill introduced by the Chair
of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions shall be referred to that committee. If either
committee has not reported the bill referred to it (or another
qualified bill) by the end of a 60 calendar-day period
beginning on the date of referral, the committee is, as of that
date, automatically discharged from further consideration of
the bill, and the bill is placed directly on the chamber's
legislative calendar. In calculating the 60-day period,
adjournments for more than 3 days are not counted.
(2) Leader bills.--The bills introduced by the Senate
Majority Leader and the Senate Minority Leader shall, on
introduction, be placed directly on the Senate Calendar of
Business.
(c) Motion To Proceed.--
(1) In general.--On or after the third day following the
committee report or discharge or upon a bill being placed on
the calendar under subsection (b)(2), it shall be in order for
any Member, after consultation with the Majority Leader, to
move to proceed to the consideration of any qualified bill.
Notice shall first be given before proceeding. This motion to
proceed to the consideration of a bill can be offered by a
Member only on the day after the calendar day on which the
Member announces his or her intention to offer it.
(2) Consideration.--The motion to proceed to a given
qualified bill can be made even if a motion to the same effect
has previously been rejected. No more than 3 such motions may
be made, however, in any 1 congressional session.
(3) Privileged and nondebatable.--The motion to proceed is
privileged, and all points of order against the motion to
proceed to consideration and its consideration are waived. The
motion is not debatable, is not amendable, and is not subject
to a motion to postpone.
(4) No other business or reconsideration.--The motion is
not subject to a motion to proceed to the consideration of
other business. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the
motion to proceed is agreed to or disagreed to is not in order.
(d) Consideration of Qualified Bill.--
(1) In general.--If the motion to proceed is adopted, the
chamber shall immediately proceed to the consideration of a
qualified bill without intervening motion, order, or other
business, and the bill remains the unfinished business of the
Senate until disposed of. A motion to limit debate is in order
and is not debatable.
(2) Only business.--The qualified bill is not subject to a
motion to postpone or a motion to proceed to the consideration
of other business before the bill is disposed of.
(3) Relevant amendments.--Only relevant amendments may be
offered to the bill.
SEC. 3. HOUSE CONSIDERATION OF HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION.
(a) Introduction.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 30 calendar days after the
commencement of the first session of a Congress, the chair of
the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the chair of the
House Committee on Ways and Means, the Majority Leader of the
House, and the Minority Leader of the House shall each
introduce a bill to provide universal health care coverage for
the people of the United States.
(2) Minority party.--These bills may be introduced by
request and only 1 qualified bill may be introduced by each
individual referred to in paragraph (1) within a Congress. If
either committee chair fails to introduce the bill within the
30-day period, the ranking minority party member of the
respective committee may, within the following 30 days, instead
introduce a bill that will qualify for the expedited procedure
provided in this section.
(3) Qualified bill.--
(A) In general.--To qualify for the expedited
procedure under this section as a qualified bill, the
bill shall reach the goal of providing healthcare
coverage to 95 percent of Americans within 10 years.
(B) Determination.--Whether or not a bill meets the
criteria in subparagraph (A) shall be determined by the
Speaker's ruling on a point of order based on a
Congressional Budget Office estimate of the bill.
(b) Referral.--
(1) Committee bills.--Upon introduction, the bill authored
by the Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce will
be referred to that committee and the bill introduced by the
Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means shall be
referred to that committee. If either committee has not
reported the bill referred to it (or another qualified bill) by
the end of 60 days of consideration beginning on the date of
referral, the committee shall be automatically discharged from
further consideration of the bill, and the bill shall be placed
directly on the Calendar of the Whole House on the State of the
Union. In calculating the 60-day period, adjournments for more
than 3 days are not counted.
(2) Leader bills.--The bills introduced by the House
Majority Leader and House Minority Leader will, on
introduction, be placed directly on the Calendar of the Whole
House on the State of the Union.
(c) Motion To Proceed.--
(1) In general.--On or after the third day following the
committee report or discharge or upon a bill being placed on
the calendar under subsection (b)(2), it shall be in order for
any Member, after consultation with the Majority Leader, to
move to proceed to the consideration of any qualified bill.
Notice must first be given before proceeding. This motion to
proceed to the consideration of a bill can be offered by a
Member only on the day after the calendar day on which the
Member announces his or her intention to offer it.
(2) Consideration.--The motion to proceed to a given
qualified bill can be made even if a motion to the same effect
has previously been rejected. No more than 3 such motions may
be made, however, in any 1 congressional session.
(3) Privileged and nondebatable.--The motion to proceed is
privileged, and all points of order against the motion to
proceed to consideration and its consideration are waived. The
motion is not debatable, is not amendable, and is not subject
to a motion to postpone.
(4) No other business or reconsideration.--The motion is
not subject to a motion to proceed to the consideration of
other business. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the
motion to proceed is agreed to or disagreed to is not in order.
(d) Consideration of a Qualified Bill.--
(1) In general.--If the motion to proceed is adopted, the
chamber will immediately proceed to the consideration of a
qualified bill without intervening motion, order, or other
business, and the bill remains the unfinished business of the
House until disposed of.
(2) Committee of the whole.--The bill will be considered in
the Committee of the Whole under the 5-minute rule, and the
bill shall be considered as read and open for amendment at any
time.
(3) Limit debate.--A motion to further limit debate is in
order and is not debatable.
(4) Relevant amendments.--Only relevant amendments may be
offered to the bill.
|
Health Care Reform Expedited Procedures Act of 2004 - Requires, within 30 calendar days after the commencement of the first session of a Congress, the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, the chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, the chairs of the House Committees on Energy and Commerce and on Ways and Means, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the House each to introduce a bill to provide universal health care coverage for the people of the United States.
States that these bills may be introduced by request, but only one qualified bill may be introduced by each such individual within a Congress. Authorizes the ranking minority party member of a committee, if the chair fails to introduce the bill within the 30-day period, to introduce a bill that will qualify for the expedited procedure provided in this Act.
Qualifies a bill if: (1) its title reads "to reform the system of the United States and to provide insurance coverage for all Americans;" and (2) it reaches the goal of providing health care coverage to 95 percent of Americans within ten years.
Sets forth procedures for consideration of such legislation in both chambers.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to establish an expedited procedure for congressional consideration of health care reform legislation."}
| 1,961 | 268 | 0.774579 | 2.233596 | 0.757498 | 5.268908 | 7.684874 | 0.915966 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Reasserting American Leadership in
Space Act'' or the ``REAL Space Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The 109th Congress passed the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2005 overwhelmingly,
establishing as the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration's priority human space flight goal: ``To develop
a sustained human presence on the Moon . . . to promote
exploration, commerce, science, and United States preeminence
in space as a stepping stone for the future exploration of Mars
and other destinations.''.
(2) The 110th Congress overwhelmingly reaffirmed the vision
of returning to the Moon as an integral part of exploring
further into our solar system through the passage of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act
of 2008, expressing support for ``the broad goals of the space
exploration policy of the United States, including the eventual
return to and exploration of the Moon and other destinations in
the solar system and the important national imperative of
independent access to space''.
(3) The 111th Congress, in the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2010, called for the
development of a heavy lift capability of greater than 130
metric tons consisting of the Space Launch System (SLS) and
Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) to pursue exploration, yet
fell short on explicitly stating a clear destination.
(4) The 112th Congress has reaffirmed this commitment to
the development of a heavy lift capability.
(5) A sustained human presence on the Moon will allow
astronauts and researchers the opportunity to leverage new
technologies in addressing the challenges of sustaining life on
another celestial body, lessons which are necessary and
applicable as we explore further into our solar system, to Mars
and beyond.
(6) A sustained human presence on the Moon would once again
inspire and engage public interest in our space program,
motivating young people to excel in the vital subjects of math
and science, subjects in which American students lag behind our
international competitors.
(7) A sustained human presence on the Moon would challenge
American industry to continue to develop technologies that not
only enhance our exploration programs but can be applied across
all disciplines of science.
(8) The commercial applications of space technologies have
had tens of billions of dollars in economic impact, including
products from semiconductors and aircraft controls to scratch-
resistant lenses and water purification systems.
(9) The healthcare technologies derived from our space
program, such as the portable x-ray machine, the MRI, advanced
life-saving diagnostics, and the implantable heart aid, have
saved and improved countless lives.
(10) Space is the world's ultimate high ground, returning
to the Moon and reinvigorating our human space flight program
is a matter of national security.
(11) Technologies developed and sustained by the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration's human space flight
program, such as liquid and solid rocket propulsion,
environmental and life support systems, and communications,
navigation, and control systems are important to our military.
(12) China and Russia, understanding the economic and
strategic importance of human space flight, have declared their
intentions of colonizing the Moon and are advancing their lunar
exploration plans.
(13) It is strategically important that the United States
possess and maintain the capabilities of unfettered operation
in the space domain, and not cede the space domain to other
nations.
SEC. 3. MISSION.
In accordance with the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration Authorization Act of 2005, which established as the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration's priority goal: ``To
develop a sustained human presence on the Moon . . . to promote
exploration, commerce, science, and United States preeminence in space
as a stepping stone for the future exploration of Mars and other
destinations.'', and in accordance with the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008, which endorsed ``the
broad goals of the space exploration policy of the United States,
including the eventual return to and exploration of the Moon and other
destinations in the solar system and the important national imperative
of independent access to space'', the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration shall plan to return to the Moon by 2022 and develop a
sustained human presence on the Moon, in order to promote exploration,
commerce, science, and United States preeminence in space as a stepping
stone for the future exploration of Mars and other destinations. The
budget requests and expenditures of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration shall be consistent with achieving this goal.
|
Reasserting American Leadership in Space Act or REAL Space Act - Directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to plan to return to the Moon by 2022 and to develop a sustained human presence there in order to promote exploration, commerce, science, and U.S. preeminence in space as a stepping stone for future exploration of Mars and other destinations.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To direct the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to plan to return to the Moon and develop a sustained human presence on the Moon."}
| 997 | 86 | 0.505792 | 1.485837 | 1.055699 | 4.969697 | 14.454545 | 0.939394 |
SECTION 1. EPILEPSY CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.
(a) In General.--Subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 7330A. Epilepsy centers of excellence
``(a) Establishment of Centers.--(1) Not later than 120 days after
the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, upon
the recommendation of the Under Secretary for Health, designate not
less than six Department health-care facilities as the locations for
epilepsy centers of excellence.
``(2) Subject to the availability of appropriations for such
purpose, the Secretary shall establish and operate epilepsy centers of
excellence at the locations designated pursuant to paragraph (1).
``(b) Designation of Facilities.--(1) The Secretary may not
designate a Department health-care facility as a location for an
epilepsy center of excellence under subsection (a)(1) unless the peer
review panel established under subsection (c) has determined under that
subsection that the proposal submitted by such facility seeking
designation as a location for an epilepsy center of excellence is among
those proposals that meet the highest competitive standards of
scientific and clinical merit.
``(2) In choosing from among the facilities meeting the
requirements of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall also consider
appropriate geographic distribution when designating the epilepsy
centers of excellence under subsection (a)(1).
``(c) Peer Review Panel.--(1) The Under Secretary for Health shall
establish a peer review panel to assess the scientific and clinical
merit of proposals that are submitted to the Secretary for the
designation of epilepsy centers of excellence under this section.
``(2)(A) The membership of the peer review panel shall consist of
experts on epilepsy, including post-traumatic epilepsy.
``(B) Members of the peer review panel shall serve for a period of
no longer than two years, except as specified in subparagraph (C).
``(C) Of the members first appointed to the panel, one half shall
be appointed for a period of three years and one half shall be
appointed for a period of two years, as designated by the Under
Secretary at the time of appointment.
``(3) The peer review panel shall review each proposal submitted to
the panel by the Under Secretary for Health and shall submit its views
on the relative scientific and clinical merit of each such proposal to
the Under Secretary.
``(4) The peer review panel shall not be subject to the Federal
Advisory Committee Act.
``(d) Epilepsy Center of Excellence Defined.--In this section, the
term `epilepsy center of excellence' means a Department health-care
facility that has (or in the foreseeable future can develop) the
necessary capacity to function as a center of excellence in research,
education, and clinical care activities in the diagnosis and treatment
of epilepsy and has (or may reasonably be anticipated to develop) each
of the following:
``(1) An affiliation with an accredited medical school that
provides education and training in neurology, including an
arrangement with such school under which medical residents
receive education and training in the diagnosis and treatment
of epilepsy (including neurosurgery).
``(2) The ability to attract the participation of
scientists who are capable of ingenuity and creativity in
health-care research efforts.
``(3) An advisory committee composed of veterans and
appropriate health-care and research representatives of the
facility and of the affiliated school or schools to advise the
directors of such facility and such center on policy matters
pertaining to the activities of the center during the period of
the operation of such center.
``(4) The capability to conduct effectively evaluations of
the activities of such center.
``(5) The capability to coordinate (as part of an
integrated national system) education, clinical care, and
research activities within all facilities with such centers.
``(6) The capability to develop jointly a national
consortium of providers with interest in treating epilepsy at
Department health-care facilities lacking such centers in order
to ensure better access to state-of-the-art diagnosis,
research, clinical care, and education for traumatic brain
injury and epilepsy throughout the health-care system of the
Department. Such consortium should include a designated
epilepsy referral clinic in each Veterans Integrated Service
Network.
``(7) The capability to assist in the expansion of the
Department's use of information systems and databases to
improve the quality and delivery of care for veterans enrolled
within the Department's health care system.
``(8) The capability to assist in the expansion of the
Department telehealth program to develop, transmit, monitor,
and review neurological diagnostic tests.
``(9) The ability to perform epilepsy research, education,
and clinical care activities in collaboration with Department
medical facilities that have centers for research, education,
and clinical care activities on complex multi-trauma associated
with combat injuries established under section 7327 of this
title.
``(e) National Coordinator for Epilepsy Programs.--(1) To assist
the Secretary and the Under Secretary for Health in carrying out this
section, the Secretary shall designate an individual in the Veterans
Health Administration to act as a national coordinator for epilepsy
programs of the Veterans Health Administration.
``(2) The duties of the national coordinator for epilepsy programs
shall include the following:
``(A) To supervise the operation of the centers established
pursuant to this section.
``(B) To coordinate and support the national consortium of
providers with interest in treating epilepsy at Department
health-care facilities lacking such centers in order to ensure
better access to state-of-the-art diagnosis, research, clinical
care, and education for traumatic brain injury and epilepsy
throughout the health-care system of the Department.
``(C) To conduct regular evaluations of the epilepsy
centers of excellence to ensure compliance with the
requirements of this section.
``(3) In carrying out duties under this subsection, the national
coordinator for epilepsy programs shall report to the official of the
Veterans Health Administration responsible for neurology.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--(1) There are authorized to
be appropriated $6,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012
for the support of the clinical care, research, and education
activities of the epilepsy centers of excellence established and
operated pursuant to subsection (a)(2).
``(2) There are authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year
after fiscal year 2012 such sums as may be necessary for the support of
the clinical care, research, and education activities of the epilepsy
centers of excellence established and operated pursuant to subsection
(a)(2).
``(3) The Secretary shall ensure that funds for such centers are
designated for the first three years of operation as a special purpose
program for which funds are not allocated through the Veterans
Equitable Resource Allocation system.
``(4) In addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated under
paragraphs (1) and (2) for a fiscal year, the Under Secretary for
Health shall allocate to such centers from other funds appropriated
generally for the Department medical services account and medical and
prosthetics research account, as appropriate, such amounts as the Under
Secretary for Health determines appropriate.
``(5) In addition to amounts authorized to be appropriated under
paragraphs (1) and (2) for a fiscal year, there are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to fund the national
coordinator established by subsection (e).''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
chapter 73 of such title is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 7330 the following new item:
``7330A. Epilepsy centers of excellence.''.
|
Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate, establish, and operate at least six Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health-care facilities as locations for epilepsy centers of excellence. Requires the Under Secretary for Health of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to establish a peer review panel to assess the scientific and clinical merit of proposals for the designation of such centers. Prohibits the Secretary from designating a VA facility as a center of excellence unless the peer review panel has determined that the proposal submitted by such facility is among those that meet the highest competitive standards of scientific and clinical merit.
Requires the Secretary to designate a VHA national coordinator for epilepsy programs to: (1) supervise the operation of the centers; (2) coordinate and support throughout the VA health-care system better access to diagnosis, research, care, and education for epilepsy and traumatic brain injury; and (3) conduct regular evaluations of the centers.
Authorizes appropriations.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish epilepsy centers of excellence in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes."}
| 1,634 | 209 | 0.706553 | 2.028142 | 0.803071 | 3.679348 | 8.815217 | 0.918478 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Seniors Mental Health Access
Improvement Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. COVERAGE OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST SERVICES AND MENTAL
HEALTH COUNSELOR SERVICES UNDER PART B OF THE MEDICARE
PROGRAM.
(a) Coverage of Services.--
(1) In general.--Section 1861(s)(2) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(s)(2)), as amended by sections 102(a) and
105(a) of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits
Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (114 Stat. 2763A-468 and
2763A-471), as enacted into law by section 1(a)(6) of Public
Law 106-554, is amended--
(A) in subparagraph (U), by striking ``and'' after
the semicolon at the end;
(B) in subparagraph (V)(iii), by inserting ``and''
after the semicolon at the end; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(W) marriage and family therapist services (as defined in
subsection (ww)(1)) and mental health counselor services (as
defined in subsection (ww)(3));''.
(2) Definitions.--Section 1861 of such Act (42 U.S.C.
1395x), as amended by sections 102(b) and 105(b) of the
Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and
Protection Act of 2000 (114 Stat. 2763A-468 and 2763A-471), as
enacted into law by section 1(a)(6) of Public Law 106-554, is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``Marriage and Family Therapist Services; Marriage and Family
Therapist; Mental Health Counselor Services; Mental Health Counselor
``(ww)(1) The term `marriage and family therapist services' means
services performed by a marriage and family therapist (as defined in
paragraph (2)) for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses,
which the marriage and family therapist is legally authorized to
perform under State law (or the State regulatory mechanism provided by
State law) of the State in which such services are performed, as would
otherwise be covered if furnished by a physician or as an incident to a
physician's professional service, but only if no facility or other
provider charges or is paid any amounts with respect to the furnishing
of such services.
``(2) The term `marriage and family therapist' means an individual
who--
``(A) possesses a master's or doctoral degree which
qualifies for licensure or certification as a marriage and
family therapist pursuant to State law;
``(B) after obtaining such degree has performed at least 2
years of clinical supervised experience in marriage and family
therapy; and
``(C) in the case of an individual performing services in a
State that provides for licensure or certification of marriage
and family therapists, is licensed or certified as a marriage
and family therapist in such State.
``(3) The term `mental health counselor services' means services
performed by a mental health counselor (as defined in paragraph (2))
for the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses which the mental
health counselor is legally authorized to perform under State law (or
the State regulatory mechanism provided by the State law) of the State
in which such services are performed, as would otherwise be covered if
furnished by a physician or as incident to a physician's professional
service, but only if no facility or other provider charges or is paid
any amounts with respect to the furnishing of such services.
``(4) The term `mental health counselor' means an individual who--
``(A) possesses a master's or doctor's degree in mental
health counseling or a related field;
``(B) after obtaining such a degree has performed at least
2 years of supervised mental health counselor practice; and
``(C) in the case of an individual performing services in a
State that provides for licensure or certification of mental
health counselors or professional counselors, is licensed or
certified as a mental health counselor or professional
counselor in such State.''.
(3) Provision for payment under part b.--Section
1832(a)(2)(B) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395k(a)(2)(B)) is amended
by adding at the end the following new clause:
``(v) marriage and family therapist
services and mental health counselor
services;''.
(4) Amount of payment.--Section 1833(a)(1) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1395l(a)(1)), as amended by sections 105(c) and 223(c)
of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and
Protection Act of 2000 (114 Stat. 2763A-472 and 2763A-489), as
enacted into law by section 1(a)(6) of Public Law 106-554, is
amended--
(A) by striking ``and (U)'' and inserting ``(U)'';
and
(B) by inserting before the semicolon at the end
the following: ``, and (V) with respect to marriage and
family therapist services and mental health counselor
services under section 1861(s)(2)(W), the amounts paid
shall be 80 percent of the lesser of the actual charge
for the services or 75 percent of the amount determined
for payment of a psychologist under clause (L)''.
(5) Exclusion of marriage and family therapist services and
mental health counselor services from skilled nursing facility
prospective payment system.--Section 1888(e) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395yy(e)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2)(A)(i)(II), by striking
``clauses (ii) and (iii)'' and inserting ``clauses (ii)
through (iv)''; and
(B) by adding at the end of paragraph (2)(A) the
following new clause:
``(iv) Exclusion of certain mental health
services.--Services described in this clause
are marriage and family therapist services (as
defined in section 1861(ww)(1)) and mental
health counselor services (as defined in
section 1861(ww)(3)).''.
(6) Inclusion of marriage and family therapists and mental
health counselors as practitioners for assignment of claims.--
Section 1842(b)(18)(C) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395u(b)(18)(C)),
as amended by section 105(d) of the Medicare, Medicaid, and
SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (114
Stat. 2763A-472), as enacted into law by section 1(a)(6) of
Public Law 106-554, is amended by adding at the end the
following new clauses:
``(vii) A marriage and family therapist (as defined in
section 1861(ww)(2)).
``(viii) A mental health counselor (as defined in section
1861(ww)(4)).''.
(b) Coverage of Certain Mental Health Services Provided in Certain
Settings.--
(1) Rural health clinics and federally qualified health
centers.--Section 1861(aa)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395x(aa)(1)(B)) is amended by inserting ``, by a
marriage and family therapist (as defined in subsection
(ww)(2)), by a mental health counselor (as defined in
subsection (ww)(4)),'' after ``by a clinical psychologist (as
defined by the Secretary)''.
(2) Hospice programs.--Section 1861(dd)(2)(B)(i)(III) of
such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(dd)(2)(B)(i)(III)) is amended by
inserting ``or a marriage and family therapist (as defined in
subsection (ww)(2))'' after ``social worker''.
(c) Authorization of Marriage and Family Therapists To Develop
Discharge Plans for Post-Hospital Services.--Section 1861(ee)(2)(G) of
the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(ee)(2)(G)) is amended by
inserting ``marriage and family therapist (as defined in subsection
(ww)(2)),'' after ``social worker,''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to services furnished on or after January 1, 2002.
|
Seniors Mental Health Access Improvement Act of 2001 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under Medicare part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance).
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under part B of the medicare program. and for other purposes."}
| 2,016 | 58 | 0.50917 | 1.197169 | 0.886999 | 4.022222 | 35.8 | 0.866667 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``America's Cup Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) 34th america's cup.--The term ``34th America's Cup''--
(A) means the sailing competitions, commencing in 2011, to
be held in the United States in response to the challenge to
the defending team from the United States, in accordance with
the terms of the America's Cup governing Deed of Gift, dated
October 24, 1887; and
(B) if a United States yacht club successfully defends the
America's Cup, includes additional sailing competitions
conducted by America's Cup Race Management during the 1-year
period beginning on the last date of such defense.
(2) America's cup race management.--The term ``America's Cup
Race Management'' means the entity established to provide for
independent, professional, and neutral race management of the
America's Cup sailing competitions.
(3) Eligibility certification.--The term ``Eligibility
Certification'' means a certification issued under section 4.
(4) Eligible vessel.--The term ``eligible vessel'' means a
competing vessel or supporting vessel of any registry that--
(A) is recognized by America's Cup Race Management as an
official competing vessel, or supporting vessel of, the 34th
America's Cup, as evidenced in writing to the Administrator of
the Maritime Administration of the Department of
Transportation;
(B) transports not more than 25 individuals, in addition to
the crew;
(C) is not a ferry (as defined under section 2101(10b) of
title 46, United States Code);
(D) does not transport individuals in point-to-point
service for hire; and
(E) does not transport merchandise between ports in the
United States.
(5) Supporting vessel.--The term ``supporting vessel'' means a
vessel that is operating in support of the 34th America's Cup by--
(A) positioning a competing vessel on the race course;
(B) transporting equipment and supplies utilized for the
staging, operations, or broadcast of the competition; or
(C) transporting individuals who--
(i) have not purchased tickets or directly paid for
their passage; and
(ii) who are engaged in the staging, operations, or
broadcast of the competition, race team personnel, members
of the media, or event sponsors.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF ELIGIBLE VESSELS.
Notwithstanding sections 55102, 55103, and 55111 of title 46,
United States Code, an eligible vessel, operating only in preparation
for, or in connection with, the 34th America's Cup competition, may
position competing vessels and may transport individuals and equipment
and supplies utilized for the staging, operations, or broadcast of the
competition from and around the ports in the United States.
SEC. 4. CERTIFICATION.
(a) Requirement.--A vessel may not operate under section 3 unless
the vessel has received an Eligibility Certification.
(b) Issuance.--The Administrator of the Maritime Administration of
the Department of Transportation is authorized to issue an Eligibility
Certification with respect to any vessel that the Administrator
determines, in his or her sole discretion, meets the requirements set
forth in section 2(4).
SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT.
Notwithstanding sections 55102, 55103, and 55111 of title 46,
United States Code, an Eligibility Certification shall be conclusive
evidence to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security of the
qualification of the vessel for which it has been issued to participate
in the 34th America's Cup as a competing vessel or a supporting vessel.
SEC. 6. PENALTY.
Any vessel participating in the 34th America's Cup as a competing
vessel or supporting vessel that has not received an Eligibility
Certification or is not in compliance with section 12112 of title 46,
United States Code, shall be subject to the applicable penalties
provided in chapters 121 and 551 of title 46, United States Code.
SEC. 7. WAIVERS.
(a) In General.--Notwithstanding sections 12112 and 12132 and
chapter 551 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the
department in which the Coast Guard is operating may issue a
certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for each of
the following vessels:
(1) M/V GEYSIR (United States official number 622178).
(2) OCEAN VERITAS (IMO number 7366805).
(3) LUNA (United States official number 280133).
(b) Documentation of LNG Tankers.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding sections 12112 and 12132 and
chapter 551 of title 46, United States Code, the Secretary of the
department in which the Coast Guard is operating may issue a
certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for each
of the following vessels:
(A) LNG GEMINI (United States official number 595752).
(B) LNG LEO (United States official number 595753).
(C) LNG VIRGO (United States official number 595755).
(2) Limitation on operation.--Coastwise trade authorized under
paragraph (1) shall be limited to carriage of natural gas, as that
term is defined in section 3(13) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974
(33 U.S.C. 1502(13)).
(3) Termination of effectiveness of endorsements.--The
coastwise endorsement issued under paragraph (1) for a vessel shall
expire on the date of the sale of the vessel by the owner of the
vessel on the date of enactment of this Act to a person who is not
related by ownership or control to such owner.
(c) Operation of a Dry Dock.--A vessel transported in Dry Dock #2
(State of Alaska registration AIDEA FDD-2) is not merchandise for
purposes of section 55102 of title 46, United States Code, if, during
such transportation, Dry Dock #2 remains connected by a utility or
other connecting line to pierside moorage.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
|
America's Cup Act of 2011 - Authorizes eligible competing or supporting vessels operating only in preparation for, or in connection with, the 34th America's Cup commencing in 2011 in the United States to position competing vessels and transport individuals, equipment, and supplies for such competition in and around U.S. ports.
Prohibits vessels from operating unless issued an Eligibility Certification from the Administrator of the Maritime Administration of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Subjects noncompliant vessels to certain penalties.
Authorizes the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to issue a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for the vessels: (1) M/V GEYSIR, (2) OCEAN VERITAS, and (3) LUNA.
Authorizes issuance of a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement for liquefying natural gas (LNG) tanker vessels: (1) LNG GEMINI, (2) LNG LEO, and (3) LNG VIRGO. Limits authorized coastwise trade for each vessel to the carriage of natural gas, as defined in the Deepwater Port Act of 1974.
Prohibits a vessel transported in Dry Dock #2 (state of Alaska registration AIDEA FDD-2), if, during such transportation, such dock remains connected by a utility or other connecting line to pierside moorage, from being considered merchandise for purposes of certain coastwise trade requirements a vessel must otherwise meet before engaging in merchandise transportation.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To facilitate the hosting in the United States of the 34th America's Cup by authorizing certain eligible vessels to participate in activities related to the competition, and for other purposes."}
| 1,370 | 317 | 0.510448 | 1.537103 | 0.787052 | 3.875472 | 4.603774 | 0.901887 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Umpqua National Forest Land
Management Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Agriculture.
(2) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Oregon.
(3) Umpqua map.--The term ``Umpqua map'' means the map
entitled ``Umpqua National Forest Land Dispositions'' and dated
June 1, 2003.
(4) Wilderness map.--The term ``Wilderness map'' means the
map entitled ``Rogue-Umpqua Divide Wilderness Boundary
Modification'' and dated May 6, 2003.
SEC. 3. SALE OR EXCHANGE OF UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST ADMINISTRATIVE
SITES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may, under any terms and conditions
that the Secretary may prescribe, sell or exchange any right, title,
and interest of the United States in and to the parcels of National
Forest System land described in subsection (b).
(b) Description of Land.--The parcels of National Forest System
land referred to in subsection (a) are--
(1) tract UMP-A, the Roseburg Service Center Administrative
Site, Roseburg, Oregon, consisting of approximately 2.92 acres,
and more particularly described as the NE\1/4\NW\1/4\ portion
of T. 27 S., R. 5 W., Sec. 20, Umpqua Meridian, Douglas County,
Oregon, as depicted on the Umpqua map;
(2) tract UMP-B, the Roseburg Powder House Administrative
Site, Roseburg, Oregon, consisting of approximately 1.34 acres,
and more particularly described as T. 27 S., R. 5 W., Sec. 15,
Umpqua Meridian, Douglas County, Oregon, as depicted on the
Umpqua map; and
(3) tract UMP-C, the Brown Street Residence Administrative
Site, Glide, Oregon, consisting of approximately 2.35 acres,
and more particularly described as the E\1/2\NW\1/4\ portion of
T. 26 S., R. 3 W., Sec. 19, Umpqua Meridian, Douglas County,
Oregon, as depicted on the Umpqua map.
(c) Map and Legal Descriptions.--
(1) In general.--Until the date on which the parcels of
land are sold or exchanged under subsection (a), the Umpqua map
shall be on file and available for public inspection in the
office of the Chief of the Forest Service.
(2) Modifications.--The Secretary may modify the Umpqua map
and legal descriptions to--
(A) correct technical errors; or
(B) to facilitate the conveyance under subsection
(a).
(d) Consideration.--Consideration for the sale or exchange of land
described in subsection (b) may be in the form of--
(1) cash;
(2) land; or
(3) other consideration, including the construction of
improvements on the land in accordance with the specifications
of the Secretary.
(e) Solicitations of Offers.--
(1) In general.--Subject to any terms and conditions that
the Secretary may prescribe, the Secretary may solicit offers
for the sale or exchange of land under this Act.
(2) Rejection of offers.--The Secretary may reject any
offer received under this section if the Secretary determines
that the offer is not--
(A) adequate; or
(B) in the public interest.
(f) Methods of Sale.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may sell the land described
in subsection (b) at public or private sale (including
auction), in accordance with such terms, conditions, and
procedures that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(2) Brokers.--In any sale or exchange of land described in
subsection (b), the Secretary may--
(A) use a real estate broker; and
(B) pay the real estate broker a commission in an
amount comparable to the amounts of commission
generally paid for real estate transactions in the
area.
(g) Valuation.--If the Secretary determines that an appraisal is
appropriate for a sale or exchange of land under this Act, the
appraisal shall be conducted in accordance with the Uniform Appraisal
Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions.
(h) Equalization of Values.--Notwithstanding section 206(b) of the
Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1716(b)), the
Secretary may accept a cash equalization payment in excess of 25
percent of the value of any Federal land exchanged under this Act.
(i) Disposition of Proceeds.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall deposit the net
proceeds from a sales or exchange of land under this Act in the
fund established under Public Law 90-171 (commonly known as the
``Sisk Act'') (16 U.S.C. 484a).
(2) Use.--Amounts deposited under paragraph (1) shall be
available to the Secretary, without further appropriation,
for--
(A) the acquisition of land and interests in land
in the Umpqua National Forest in the State;-
(B) the reimbursement of costs incurred by the
Secretary in carrying out a sale or exchange of land
under this Act, including the payment of real estate
broker commissions under subsection (e)(2); and
(C) the acquisition or rehabilitation of existing
facilities or construction of new facilities in Umpqua
National Forest in the State.
(3) Limitation.--Funds deposited under paragraph (1) shall
not--
(A) be paid or distributed to States or counties
under any provision of law; or
(B) be considered to be money received from units
of the National Forest System for purposes of--
(i) the Act of May 23, 1908 (16 U.S.C.
500); or
(ii) the Act of March 4, 1913 (16 U.S.C.
501).
(j) Withdrawals and Revocation of Public Land Orders.--
(1) Withdrawal.--Subject to valid existing rights, all land
described in subsection (b) is withdrawn from location, entry,
and patent under the public land laws, mining laws, and mineral
leasing laws of the United States (including geothermal leasing
laws).
(2) Revocation of public land orders.--The Secretary shall
revoke any public land orders in existence on the date of
enactment of this Act that withdraw the land from all forms of
appropriation under the public land laws, to the extent that
the orders apply to the land described in subsection (b).
SEC. 4. WILDERNESS BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT.
(a) Boundary Adjustment.--The Rogue-Umpqua Divide wilderness
boundary, as established by the Oregon Wilderness Act of 1984 (Public
Law 98-328) and approved by the Forest Service on May 4, 1987, is
adjusted as depicted on the Wilderness map and described as follows:
(1) Beginning at T. 30 S., R. 3 E., Willamette Base and
Meridian, from Angle Point 927 of the legal boundary
description monumented with a 2 inch diameter brass cap, set in
cement, marked ``USDA FOREST SERVICE AP 927 2001''.
(2) Thence North 63 deg.39'34" East, 3700.00 feet to new
Angle Point 927B.
(3) Thence South 84 deg.20'00" East, 360.00 feet to new
Angle Point 927C.
(4) Thence on a line northeasterly, approximately 330 feet,
to original Angle Point 928, which is monumented with a 1\1/2\
inch diameter aluminum cap, on a 5/8 diameter rod driven flush
with the ground, marked ``AP 928 1999''.
(5) Thence North 23 deg.00'00" West, 175.00 feet to new
Angle Point 928A.
(6) Thence on a line northeasterly, 1260 feet, more or
less, to original Angle Point 929, which is described in the
legal boundary description as ``A high point on a ridge'' in
Section 7, T. 30 S., R. 3 E., W.M., with an elevation of
approximately 4150 feet.
(b) Map.--
(1) In general.--The Wilderness map shall be on file and
available for public inspection in the office of the Chief of
the Forest Service.
(2) Technical corrections.--The Secretary may correct
technical errors in--
(A) the Wilderness map; and
(B) the legal descriptions.
SEC. 5. APPLICABLE LAW.
(a) In General.--Land transferred or otherwise acquired by the
Secretary under this Act shall be managed in accordance with the Act of
March 1, 1911 (commonly known as the ``Weeks Act'') (16 U.S.C. 480 et
seq.), and the other laws (including regulations) relating to the
National Forest System.
(b) Exemption From Property Management Regulations.--Part 1955 of
title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), shall
not apply to any sale or exchange of National Forest System land under
this Act.
SEC. 6. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this Act.
|
Umpqua National Forest Land Management Act of 2004 - Authorizes the Secretary, under any terms and conditions that the Secretary may prescribe, to sell or exchange any U.S. interest in specified National Forest System lands in Douglas County, Oregon.
Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) solicit offers for the sale or exchange of land; and (2) sell the land at public or private sale, including auction. Sets forth provisions regarding consideration, valuation, and equalization of land values. Directs the Secretary to deposit the net proceeds from a sale or exchange of land in the fund established under the Sisk Act.
Adjusts the Rogue-Umpqua Divide wilderness boundary. Directs that land transferred or otherwise acquired by the Secretary under this Act be managed in accordance with the Weeks Act and other laws relating to the National Forest System.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to sell or exchange certain National Forest System land in the State of Oregon, and for other purposes."}
| 2,073 | 176 | 0.577322 | 1.771459 | 0.765044 | 3.305732 | 11.464968 | 0.910828 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Law Enforcement Officers Equity
Act''.
SEC. 2. INCLUDING CERTAIN POSITIONS WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF LAW
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOR PURPOSES OF RETIREMENT.
(a) Federal Employees Retirement System.--Section 8401(17) of title
5, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) by striking ``subparagraph (A) and (B)'' and
inserting ``subparagraphs (A), (B), (E), (F), (G), (H),
and (I)''; and
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) an employee not otherwise covered by this
paragraph--
``(i) the duties of whose position include
the investigation or apprehension of
individuals suspected or convicted of offenses
against the criminal laws of the United States;
and
``(ii) who is authorized to carry a
firearm;
``(F) an employee of the Internal Revenue Service,
the duties of whose position are primarily the--
``(i) collection of delinquent taxes; and
``(ii) securing of delinquent returns;
``(G) an employee of the United States Postal
Inspection Service;
``(H) an employee of the Department of Veterans
Affairs who is a Department police officer under
section 902 of title 38; and
``(I) an employee of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection--
``(i) who is a seized property specialist
in the GS-1801 job series; and
``(ii) the duties of whose position include
activities relating to the efficient and
effective custody, management, and disposition
of seized and forfeited property;''.
(b) Civil Service Retirement System.--Section 8331(20) of title 5,
United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A)--
(1) by inserting ``and an individual described in any of
subparagraphs (E) through (I) of section 8401(17)'' after
``United States''; and
(2) by striking ``this activity'' and inserting ``such
activity or described in any such subparagraph''.
(c) Application.--The amendments made by this section shall apply
to any--
(1) individual who is appointed as a law enforcement
officer--
(A) as defined in section 8331(20) or 8401(17) of
title 5, United States Code (as amended by this
section); and
(B) on or after the date of enactment of this Act;
and
(2) incumbent (as defined in section 3(a)(3)), consistent
with the requirements of section 3.
SEC. 3. INCUMBENT LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
(a) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) the term ``Director'' means the Director of the Office
of Personnel Management;
(2) the term ``Fund'' means the Civil Service Retirement
and Disability Fund;
(3) the term ``incumbent'' means an individual who--
(A) was appointed as a law enforcement officer
before the date of enactment of this Act; and
(B) is serving as a law enforcement officer on the
date of enactment of this Act;
(4) the term ``law enforcement officer'' means an
individual who satisfies the requirements of section 8331(20)
or 8401(17) of title 5, United States Code, by virtue of the
amendments made by section 2;
(5) the term ``prior service'' means, with respect to an
incumbent who makes an election under subsection (b)(2),
service performed by the incumbent before the date on which
appropriate retirement deductions begin to be made under the
election; and
(6) the term ``service'' means service performed by an
individual as a law enforcement officer.
(b) Treatment of Service Performed by Incumbents.--
(1) Service on or after date of enactment.--Service
performed by an incumbent on or after the date of enactment of
this Act shall be treated as service performed as a law
enforcement officer.
(2) Service before date of enactment.--Service performed by
an incumbent before the date of enactment of this Act shall,
for purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 and chapter 84 of
title 5, United States Code, be treated as service performed as
a law enforcement officer only if the incumbent submits a
written election to the Director by the earlier of--
(A) the date that is 5 years after the date of
enactment of this Act; or
(B) the day before the date on which the incumbent
separates from the service.
(c) Individual Contributions for Prior Service.--
(1) In general.--An incumbent who makes an election under
subsection (b)(2) may, with respect to prior service performed
by the incumbent, pay a deposit into the Fund equal to the sum
of--
(A) the difference between--
(i) the amount that would have been
deducted during the period of prior service
under section 8334 or 8422 of title 5, United
States Code, from the pay of the incumbent if
the amendments made by section 2 had been in
effect during the prior service; and
(ii) the amount that was deducted during
the period of prior service under section 8334
or 8422 of title 5, United States Code; and
(B) interest on the amount described in
subparagraph (A)(i), as computed under--
(i) paragraphs (2) and (3) of section
8334(e) of title 5, United States Code; and
(ii) regulations promulgated by the
Director.
(2) Effect of not contributing.--If an incumbent does not
pay the full amount of the deposit described in paragraph (1),
all prior service of the incumbent--
(A) shall remain fully creditable as a law
enforcement officer; and
(B) the resulting annuity shall be reduced--
(i) in a manner similar to that described
in section 8334(d)(2) of title 5, United States
Code; and
(ii) to the extent necessary to make up the
amount unpaid.
(d) Government Contributions for Prior Service.--
(1) In general.--If an incumbent makes an election under
subsection (b)(2), an agency that employed the incumbent during
any prior service of the incumbent shall remit to the Director,
for deposit in the Fund, an amount equal to the sum of--
(A) the difference between--
(i) the total amount of Government
contributions that would have been paid under
section 8334 or 8423 of title 5, United States
Code, if the amendments made by section 2 had
been in effect during the prior service; and
(ii) the total amount of Government
contributions paid under section 8334 or 8423
of title 5, United States Code; and
(B) interest on the amount described in
subparagraph (A)(i), as computed in accordance with--
(i) paragraphs (2) and (3) of section
8334(e) of title 5, United States Code; and
(ii) regulations promulgated by the
Director.
(2) Contributions to be made ratably.--Government
contributions under this subsection on behalf of an incumbent
shall be made by the agency ratably (not less frequently than
annually) over the 10-year period beginning on the date
described in subsection (a)(5).
(e) Exemption From Mandatory Separation.--Notwithstanding section
8335(b) or 8425(b) of title 5, United States Code, a law enforcement
officer shall not be subject to mandatory separation during the 3-year
period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act.
(f) Regulations.--The Director shall prescribe regulations to carry
out this Act, including regulations for the application of this section
in the case of any individual entitled to a survivor annuity (based on
the service of an incumbent who dies before making an election under
subsection (b)(2)), to the extent of any rights that would have been
available to the decedent if still living.
(g) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
considered to apply in the case of a reemployed annuitant.
|
Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act This bill expands the definition of "law enforcement officer" under provisions of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) to include: (1) federal employees not otherwise covered whose duties include the investigation or apprehension of suspected or convicted criminals and who are authorized to carry a firearm; (2) Internal Revenue Service employees whose duties are primarily the collection of delinquent taxes and the securing of delinquent returns; (3) U.S. Postal Inspection Service employees; (4) Department of Veterans Affairs police officers; and (5) certain U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees who are seized-property specialists with duties relating to custody, management, and disposition of seized and forfeited property. Service performed by an incumbent (an individual appointed before enactment of this bill to a position that is considered to be a law enforcement officer under FERS and the CSRS only by virtue of the expanded definition in this bill) on or after enactment of this bill shall be treated as service performed as a law enforcement officer. Service performed by an incumbent before enactment of this bill shall be treated for federal retirement purposes as service performed as such an officer only if a written election is submitted to the Office of Personnel Management within five years after enactment of this bill or before separation from service, whichever is earlier. An incumbent who makes an election before enactment of this bill may pay a deposit into the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund to cover prior service. Nothing under current law respecting mandatory separation from government service under CSRS or FERS shall cause the mandatory separation of an officer during the three-year period beginning on the enactment of this bill.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act"}
| 1,889 | 388 | 0.608407 | 1.869692 | 0.779635 | 2.582822 | 5.202454 | 0.889571 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Eliminate
Colorectal Cancer Act of 1999''.
(b) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer
deaths in the United States for men and women combined.
(2) It is estimated that in 1999, 129,400 new cases of
colorectal cancer will be diagnosed in men and women in the
United States.
(3) Colorectal cancer is expected to kill 56,600
individuals in the United States in 1999.
(4) Research has shown that a high-fiber, low-fat diet can
significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
(5) The adoption of a healthy diet at a young age can
significantly reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
(6) Appropriate screenings and regular tests can save large
numbers of lives by leading to earlier identification of
colorectal cancer.
(7) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the
Health Care Financing Administration, and the National Cancer
Institute have initiated the Screen for Life Campaign targeted
to individuals age 50 and older to spread the message of the
importance of colorectal cancer screening tests.
(8) Education helps to inform the public of symptoms for
the early detection of colorectal cancer and methods of
prevention.
SEC. 2. COVERAGE FOR COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING.
(a) Group Health Plans.--
(1) Public health service act amendments.--(A) Subpart 2 of
part A of title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act is
amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 2707. COVERAGE FOR COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING.
``(a) Coverage for Colorectal Cancer Screening.--
``(1) In general.--A group health plan, and a health
insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage,
shall provide coverage for colorectal cancer screening at
regular intervals to--
``(A) any participant or beneficiary over the age
of 50; and
``(B) any participant or beneficiary under the age
of 50 who is at a high risk for colorectal cancer, or
who may have symptoms or circumstances that indicate a
need for colorectal cancer screening.
``(2) Definition of high risk.--For purposes of subsection
(a)(1)(B), the term `high risk for colorectal cancer' has the
meaning given such term in section 1861(pp)(2) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(pp)(2)).
``(3) Method of screening.--The group health plan or health
insurance issuer shall cover the method and frequency of
colorectal cancer screening deemed appropriate by a health care
provider treating such participant or beneficiary, in
consultation with the participant or beneficiary. Such coverage
shall include the procedures in section 1861(pp)(1) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(pp)(1)) and section
4104(a)(2) of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.
``(b) Notice.--A group health plan under this part shall comply
with the notice requirement under section 714(b) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to the requirements
of this section as if such section applied to such plan.
``(c) Non-Preemption of More Protective State Law With Respect to
Health Insurance Issuers.--This section shall not be construed to
supersede any provision of State law which establishes, implements, or
continues in effect any standard or requirement solely relating to
health insurance issuers in connection with group health insurance
coverage that provides greater protections to participants and
beneficiaries than the protections provided under this section.''.
(B) Section 2723(c) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg-23(c)) is
amended by striking ``section 2704'' and inserting ``sections
2704 and 2707''.
(2) ERISA amendments.--(A) Subpart B of part 7 of subtitle
B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 714. COVERAGE FOR COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING.
``(a) Coverage for Colorectal Cancer Screening.--
``(1) In general.--A group health plan, and a health
insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage,
shall provide coverage for colorectal cancer screening at
regular intervals to--
``(A) any participant or beneficiary over the age
of 50; and
``(B) any participant or beneficiary under the age
of 50 who is at a high risk for colorectal cancer, or
who may have symptoms or circumstances that indicate a
need for colorectal cancer screening.
``(2) Definition of high risk.--For purposes of subsection
(a)(1)(B), the term `high risk for colorectal cancer' has the
meaning given such term in section 1861(pp)(2) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(pp)(2)).
``(3) Method of screening.--The group health plan or health
insurance issuer shall cover the method and frequency of
colorectal cancer screening deemed appropriate by a health care
provider treating such participant or beneficiary, in
consultation with the participant or beneficiary. Such coverage
shall include the procedures in section 1861(pp)(1) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(pp)(1)) and section
4104(a)(2) of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.
``(b) Notice Under Group Health Plan.--The imposition of the
requirements of this section shall be treated as a material
modification in the terms of the plan described in section 102(a), for
purposes of assuring notice of such requirements under the plan; except
that the summary description required to be provided under the third to
last sentence of section 104(b)(1) with respect to such modification
shall be provided by not later than 60 days after the first day of the
first plan year in which such requirements apply.''.
(B) Section 731(c) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1191(c)) is
amended by striking ``section 711'' and inserting ``sections
711 and 714''.
(C) Section 732(a) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 1191a(a)) is
amended by striking ``section 711'' and inserting ``sections
711 and 714''.
(D) The table of contents in section 1 of such Act is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 713 the
following new item:
``Sec. 714. Coverage for colorectal cancer screening.''.
(b) Individual Health Insurance.--(1) Part B of title XXVII of the
Public Health Service Act is amended by inserting after section 2752
the following new section:
``SEC. 2753. COVERAGE FOR COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING.
``(a) In General.--The provisions of section 2707(a) shall apply to
health insurance coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in the
individual market in the same manner as it applies to health insurance
coverage offered by a health insurance issuer in connection with a
group health plan in the small or large group market.
``(b) Notice.--A health insurance issuer under this part shall
comply with the notice requirement under section 714(b) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 with respect to the requirements
referred to in subsection (a) as if such section applied to such issuer
and such issuer were a group health plan.''.
(c) Effective Dates.--(1)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the
amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to group
health plans for plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2001.
(B) In the case of a group health plan maintained pursuant to 1 or
more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives
and 1 or more employers ratified before the date of enactment of this
Act, the amendments made by subsection (a) shall not apply to plan
years beginning before the later of--
(i) the date on which the last collective bargaining
agreements relating to the plan terminates (determined without
regard to any extension thereof agreed to after the date of
enactment of this Act), or
(ii) January 1, 2001.
For purposes of clause (i), any plan amendment made pursuant to a
collective bargaining agreement relating to the plan which amends the
plan solely to conform to any requirement added by subsection (a) shall
not be treated as a termination of such collective bargaining
agreement.
(2) The amendments made by subsection (b) shall apply with respect
to health insurance coverage offered, sold, issued, renewed, in effect,
or operated in the individual market on or after January 1, 2001.
(3) The amendment made by subsection (c) shall apply to contracts
for contract periods beginning on or after January 1, 2001.
(d) Coordinated Regulations.--The Secretary of Labor and the
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall ensure, through the
execution of an interagency memorandum of understanding among such
Secretaries, that--
(1) regulations, rulings, and interpretations issued by
such Secretaries relating to the same matter over which both
Secretaries have responsibility under the provisions of this
section (and the amendments made thereby) are administered so
as to have the same effect at all times; and
(2) coordination of policies relating to enforcing the same
requirements through such Secretaries in order to have a
coordinated enforcement strategy that avoids duplication of
enforcement efforts and assigns priorities in enforcement.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF THE CONGRESS.
It is the sense of the Congress that--
(1) all Americans should be educated about the risks,
prevention, screening, and treatment of colorectal cancer;
(2) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the
Department of Health and Human Services should be commended for
launching a coordinated education campaign on colorectal cancer
in March of 1999; and
(3) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the
Department of Health and Human Services should track the impact
of the coordinated education campaign on colorectal cancer and
make information on its progress available to Members of
Congress.
|
Directs the Secretaries of Labor and of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure coordination in the implementation and enforcement of this Act.
Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) all Americans should be educated about the risks, prevention, screening, and treatment of colorectal cancer; and (2) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and HHS should track the impact of their coordinated education campaign on colorectal cancer and make information on its progress available to Members of Congress.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Eliminate Colorectal Cancer Act of 1999"}
| 2,331 | 103 | 0.545426 | 1.384443 | 0.430627 | 6.333333 | 21.731183 | 0.935484 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act''.
SEC. 2. PATRIOT EMPLOYER TAX CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 45S. PATRIOT EMPLOYER TAX CREDIT.
``(a) Determination of Amount.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of section 38, the Patriot
employer credit determined under this section with respect to
any taxpayer who is a Patriot employer for any taxable year
shall be equal to 10 percent of the qualified wages paid or
incurred by the Patriot employer.
``(2) Limitation.--The amount of qualified wages which may
be taken into account under paragraph (1) with respect to any
employee for any taxable year shall not exceed $15,000.
``(b) Patriot Employer.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a), the term
`Patriot employer' means, with respect to any taxable year, any
taxpayer--
``(A) which--
``(i) maintains its headquarters in the
United States if the taxpayer (or any
predecessor) has ever been headquartered in the
United States, and
``(ii) is not (and no predecessor of which
is) an expatriated entity (as defined in
section 7874(a)(2)) for the taxable year or any
preceding taxable year ending after March 4,
2003,
``(B) with respect to which no assessable payment
has been imposed under section 4980H with respect to
any month occurring during the taxable year,
``(C) provides employees with--
``(i) paid sick leave, or
``(ii) paid family and medical leave, and
``(D) in the case of--
``(i) a taxpayer which employs an average
of more than 50 employees on business days
during the taxable year, which--
``(I) provides compensation for at
least 90 percent of its employees for
services provided by such employees
during the taxable year at an hourly
rate (or equivalent thereof) not less
than an amount equal to 218 percent of
the Federal poverty level for an
individual for the calendar year in
which the taxable year begins divided
by 1,750,
``(II) meets the retirement plan
requirements of subsection (c) with
respect to at least 90 percent of its
employees providing services during the
taxable year who are not highly
compensated employees, and
``(III) meets the additional
requirements of subparagraphs (A) and
(B) of paragraph (2), or
``(ii) any other taxpayer, which meets the
requirements of either subclause (I) or (II) of
clause (i) for the taxable year.
``(2) Additional requirements for large employers.--
``(A) United states employment.--The requirements
of this subparagraph are met for any taxable year if--
``(i) in any case in which the taxpayer
increases the number of employees performing
substantially all of their services for the
taxable year outside the United States, the
taxpayer either--
``(I) increases the number of
employees performing substantially all
of their services inside the United
States by an amount not less than the
increase in such number for employees
outside the United States, or
``(II) has a percentage increase in
such employees inside the United States
which is not less than the percentage
increase in such employees outside the
United States,
``(ii) in any case in which the taxpayer
decreases the number of employees performing
substantially all of their services for the
taxable year inside the United States, the
taxpayer either--
``(I) decreases the number of
employees performing substantially all
of their services outside the United
States by an amount not less than the
decrease in such number for employees
inside the United States, or
``(II) has a percentage decrease in
employees outside the United States
which is not less than the percentage
decrease in such employees inside the
United States, and
``(iii) there is not a decrease in the
number of employees performing substantially
all of their services for the taxable year
inside the United States by reason of the
taxpayer contracting out such services to
persons who are not employees of the taxpayer.
``(B) Treatment of individuals in the uniformed
services and the disabled.--The requirements of this
subparagraph are met for any taxable year if--
``(i) the taxpayer provides differential
wage payments (as defined in section
3401(h)(2)) to each employee described in
section 3401(h)(2)(A) for any period during the
taxable year in an amount not less than the
difference between the wages which would have
been received from the employer during such
period and the amount of pay and allowances
which the employee receives for service in the
uniformed services during such period, and
``(ii) the taxpayer has in place at all
times during the taxable year a written policy
for the recruitment of employees who have
served in the uniformed services or who are
disabled.
``(3) Special rules for applying the minimum wage and
retirement plan requirements.--
``(A) Minimum wage.--In determining whether the
minimum wage requirements of paragraph (1)(D)(i)(I) are
met with respect to 90 percent of a taxpayer's
employees for any taxable year--
``(i) a taxpayer may elect to exclude from
such determination apprentices or learners that
an employer may exclude under the regulations
under section 14(a) of the Fair Labor Standards
Act of 1938, and
``(ii) if a taxpayer meets the requirements
of paragraph (2)(B)(i) with respect to
providing differential wage payments to any
employee for any period (without regard to
whether such requirements apply to the
taxpayer), the hourly rate (or equivalent
thereof) for such payments shall be determined
on the basis of the wages which would have been
paid by the employer during such period if the
employee had not been providing service in the
uniformed services.
``(B) Retirement plan.--In determining whether the
retirement plan requirements of paragraph (1)(D)(i)(II)
are met with respect to 90 percent of a taxpayer's
employees for any taxable year, a taxpayer may elect to
exclude from such determination--
``(i) employees not meeting the age or
service requirements under section 410(a)(1)
(or such lower age or service requirements as
the employer provides), and
``(ii) employees described in section
410(b)(3).
``(c) Retirement Plan Requirements.--
``(1) In general.--The requirements of this subsection are
met for any taxable year with respect to an employee of the
taxpayer who is not a highly compensated employee if the
employee is eligible to participate in 1 or more applicable
eligible retirement plans maintained by the employer for a plan
year ending with or within the taxable year.
``(2) Applicable eligible retirement plan.--For purposes of
this subsection, the term `applicable eligible retirement plan'
means an eligible retirement plan which, with respect to the
plan year described in paragraph (1), is either--
``(A) a defined contribution plan which--
``(i) requires the employer to make
nonelective contributions of at least 5 percent
of the compensation of the employee, or
``(ii) both--
``(I) includes an eligible
automatic contribution arrangement (as
defined in section 414(w)(3)) under
which the uniform percentage described
in section 414(w)(3)(B) is at least 5
percent, and
``(II) requires the employer to
make matching contributions of 100
percent of the elective deferrals (as
defined in section 414(u)(2)(C)) of the
employee to the extent such deferrals
do not exceed the percentage specified
by the plan (not less than 5 percent)
of the employee's compensation, or
``(B) a defined benefit plan--
``(i) with respect to which the accrued
benefit of the employee derived from employer
contributions, when expressed as an annual
retirement benefit, is not less than the
product of--
``(I) the lesser of 2 percent
multiplied by the employee's years of
service (determined under the rules of
paragraphs (4), (5), and (6) of section
411(a)) with the employer or 20
percent, multiplied by
``(II) the employee's final average
pay, or
``(ii) which is an applicable defined
benefit plan (as defined in section
411(a)(13)(B))--
``(I) which meets the interest
credit requirements of section
411(b)(5)(B)(i) with respect to the
plan year, and
``(II) under which the employee
receives a pay credit for the plan year
which is not less than 5 percent of
compensation.
``(3) Definitions and special rules.--For purposes of this
subsection--
``(A) Eligible retirement plan.--The term `eligible
retirement plan' has the meaning given such term by
section 402(c)(8)(B), except that in the case of an
account or annuity described in clause (i) or (ii)
thereof, such term shall only include an account or
annuity which is a simplified employee pension (as
defined in section 408(k)).
``(B) Final average pay.--For purposes of paragraph
(2)(B)(i)(II), final average pay shall be determined
using the period of consecutive years (not exceeding 5)
during which the employee had the greatest compensation
from the taxpayer.
``(C) Alternative plan designs.--The Secretary may
prescribe regulations for a taxpayer to meet the
requirements of this subsection through a combination
of defined contribution plans or defined benefit plans
described in paragraph (1) or through a combination of
both such types of plans.
``(D) Plans must meet requirements without taking
into account social security and similar contributions
and benefits.--A rule similar to the rule of section
416(e) shall apply.
``(d) Qualified Wages and Compensation.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified wages' means wages
(as defined in section 51(c), determined without regard to
paragraph (4) thereof) paid or incurred by the Patriot employer
during the taxable year to employees--
``(A) who perform substantially all of their
services for such Patriot employer inside the United
States, and
``(B) with respect to whom--
``(i) in the case of a Patriot employer
which employs an average of more than 50
employees on business days during the taxable
year, the requirements of subclauses (I) and
(II) of subsection (b)(1)(D)(i) are met, and
``(ii) in the case of any other Patriot
employer, the requirements of either subclause
(I) or (II) of subsection (b)(1)(D)(i) are met.
``(2) Special rules for agricultural labor and railway
labor.--Rules similar to the rules of section 51(h) shall
apply.
``(3) Compensation.--For purposes of subsections
(b)(1)(D)(i)(I) and (c), the term `compensation' has the same
meaning as qualified wages, except that section 51(c)(2) shall
be disregarded in determining the amount of such wages.
``(e) Aggregation Rules.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--All persons treated as a single employer
under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 shall be treated as a
single taxpayer.
``(2) Special rules for certain requirements.--For purposes
of applying paragraphs (1)(A) and (2)(A) of subsection (b)--
``(A) the determination under subsections (a) and
(b) of section 52 for purposes of paragraph (1) shall
be made without regard to section 1563(b)(2)(C)
(relating to exclusion of foreign corporations), and
``(B) if any person treated as a single taxpayer
under this subsection (after application of
subparagraph (A)), or any predecessor of such person,
was an expatriated entity (as defined in section
7874(a)(2)) for any taxable year ending after March 4,
2003, then all persons treated as a single taxpayer
with such person shall be treated as expatriated
entities.
``(f) Election To Have Credit Not Apply.--
``(1) In general.--A taxpayer may elect to have this
section not apply for any taxable year.
``(2) Time for making election.--An election under
paragraph (1) for any taxable year may be made (or revoked) at
any time before the expiration of the 3-year period beginning
on the last date prescribed by law for filing the return for
such taxable year (determined without regard to extensions).
``(3) Manner of making election.--An election under
paragraph (1) (or revocation thereof) shall be made in such
manner as the Secretary may by regulations prescribe.''.
(b) Allowance as General Business Credit.--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 paragraph
(36) and inserting ``, plus'', and by adding at the end the following:
``(37) in the case of a Patriot employer (as defined in
section 45S(b)) for any taxable year, the Patriot employer
credit determined under section 45S(a).''.
(c) Denial of Double Benefit.--Subsection (a) of section 280C of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting ``45S(a),''
after ``45P(a)''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.
|
Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a Patriot employer a business-related tax credit equal to 10% of up to $15,000 of wages paid to any employee in a taxable year. The bill sets forth criteria for designation as a Patriot employer, including requirements that such employer: (1) maintains its headquarters in the United States and does not expatriate to avoid payment of U.S. income taxes, (2) complies with the employer mandate to provide minimum essential health care coverage to its employees under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, (3) provides employees with paid sick leave or paid family and medical leave, (4) compensates at least 90% of its employees at an hourly rate that is at least 218% of the federal poverty level for an individual for the calendar year divided by 1,750 and provides at least 90% of its employees with a basic level of retirement benefits, (5) provides for differential wage payments to its employees who are members of the Uniformed Services, (6) has a written policy in place for the recruitment of employees who have served in the Uniformed Services or who are disabled, and (7) increases the number of its employees performing substantially all of their services inside the United States to offset the number of employees who work outside the United States.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Patriot Employer Tax Credit Act"}
| 3,143 | 268 | 0.582903 | 1.710414 | 0.773839 | 2.627907 | 11.193798 | 0.844961 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``United States-Israel Trade and
Commercial Enhancement Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Israel is America's dependable, democratic ally in the
Middle East--an area of paramount strategic importance to the
United States.
(2) The United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement formed
the modern foundation of the bilateral commercial relationship
between the two countries and was the first such agreement
signed by the United States with a foreign country.
(3) The United States-Israel Free Trade Agreement has been
instrumental in expanding commerce and the strategic
relationship between the United States and Israel.
(4) More than $45 billion in goods and services is traded
annually between the two countries in addition to roughly $10
billion in United States foreign direct investment in Israel.
(5) The United States continues to look for and find new
opportunities to enhance cooperation with Israel, including
through the enactment of the United States-Israel Enhanced
Security Cooperation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-150) and the
United States-Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (Public
Law 113-296).
(6) It has been the policy of the United States Government
to combat all elements of the Arab League Boycott of Israel
by--
(A) public statements of Administration officials;
(B) enactment of relevant sections of the Export
Administration Act of 1979 (as continued in effect
pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers
Act), including sections to ensure foreign persons
comply with applicable reporting requirements relating
to the boycott;
(C) enactment of the 1976 Tax Reform Act (Public
Law 94-455) that denies certain tax benefits to
entities abiding by the boycott;
(D) ensuring through free trade agreements with
Bahrain and Oman that such countries no longer
participate in the boycott; and
(E) ensuring as a condition of membership in the
World Trade Organization that Saudi Arabia no longer
enforces the secondary or tertiary elements of the
boycott.
SEC. 3. STATEMENTS OF POLICY.
Congress--
(1) supports the strengthening of United States-Israel
economic cooperation and recognizes the tremendous strategic,
economic, and technological value of cooperation with Israel;
(2) recognizes the benefit of cooperation with Israel to
United States companies, including by improving American
competitiveness in global markets;
(3) recognizes the importance of trade and commercial
relations to the pursuit and sustainability of peace, and
supports efforts to bring together the United States, Israel,
the Palestinian territories, and others in enhanced commerce;
(4) opposes politically motivated actions that penalize or
otherwise limit commercial relations specifically with Israel
such as boycotts, divestment or sanctions;
(5) notes that the boycott, divestment, and sanctioning of
Israel by governments, governmental bodies, quasi-governmental
bodies, international organizations, and other such entities is
contrary to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
principle of non-discrimination;
(6) encourages the inclusion of politically motivated
actions that penalize or otherwise limit commercial relations
specifically with Israel such as boycotts, divestment from, or
sanctions against Israel as a topic of discussion at the U.S.-
Israel Joint Economic Development Group (JEDG) and other areas
to support the strengthening of the United States-Israel
commercial relationship and combat any commercial
discrimination against Israel;
(7) supports efforts to prevent investigations or
prosecutions by governments or international organizations of
United States persons on the sole basis of such persons doing
business with Israel, with Israeli entities, or in Israeli-
controlled territories; and
(8) supports American States examining a company's
promotion or compliance with unsanctioned boycotts, divestment
from, or sanctions against Israel as part of its consideration
in awarding grants and contracts and supports the divestment of
State assets from companies that support or promote actions to
boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel.
SEC. 4. PRINCIPAL TRADE NEGOTIATING OBJECTIVES OF THE UNITED STATES.
(a) Commercial Partnerships.--Among the principal trade negotiating
objectives of the United States for proposed trade agreements with
foreign countries regarding commercial partnerships are the following:
(1) To discourage actions by potential trading partners
that directly or indirectly prejudice or otherwise discourage
commercial activity solely between the United States and
Israel.
(2) To discourage politically motivated actions to boycott,
divest from, or sanction Israel and to seek the elimination of
politically motivated non-tariff barriers on Israeli goods,
services, or other commerce imposed on the State of Israel.
(3) To seek the elimination of state-sponsored unsanctioned
foreign boycotts against Israel or compliance with the Arab
League Boycott of Israel by prospective trading partners.
(b) Effective Date.--This section takes effect on the date of the
enactment of this Act and applies with respect to negotiations
commenced before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. REPORT ON POLITICALLY MOTIVATED ACTS OF BOYCOTT, DIVESTMENT
FROM, AND SANCTIONS AGAINST ISRAEL.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the President shall
submit to Congress a report on politically motivated acts of boycott,
divestment from, and sanctions against Israel.
(b) Matters To Be Included.--The report required by subsection (a)
shall include the following:
(1) A description of the establishment of barriers to
trade, including non-tariff barriers, investment, or commerce
by foreign countries or international organizations against
United States persons operating or doing business in Israel,
with Israeli entities, or in Israeli-controlled territories.
(2) A description of specific steps being taken by the
United States to encourage foreign countries and international
organizations to cease creating such barriers and to dismantle
measures already in place and an assessment of the
effectiveness of such steps.
(3) A description of specific steps being taken by the
United States to prevent investigations or prosecutions by
governments or international organizations of United States
persons on the sole basis of such persons doing business with
Israel, with Israeli entities, or in Israeli-controlled
territories.
(4) Decisions by foreign persons, including corporate
entities and state-affiliated financial institutions, that
limit or prohibit economic relations with Israel or persons
doing business in Israel or in Israeli controlled territories.
SEC. 6. ISRAEL TRADE AND COMMERCE BOYCOTT REPORTING.
Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(s) Israel Trade and Commerce Boycott Reporting.--
``(1) In general.--Each foreign issuer required to file an
annual or quarterly report under subsection (a) shall disclose
in that report--
``(A) whether the issuer has discriminated against
doing business with Israel in the last calendar year
and in such cases an issuer shall provide a description
of the discrimination.
``(B) whether the issuer has been advised by a
foreign government or a non-member state of the United
Nations to discriminate against doing business with
Israel, entities owned or controlled by the government
of Israel, or entities operating in Israel or Israeli-
controlled territory; and
``(C) any instances where the issuer has learned
that a person, foreign government, or a non-member
state of the United Nations is boycotting the issuer,
divesting themselves of an ownership interest in the
issuer, or placing sanctions on the issuer because of
the issuer's relationship with Israel, entities owned
or controlled by the government of Israel, or entities
operating in Israel or Israeli-controlled territory.
``(2) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection:
``(A) Foreign issuer.--The term `foreign issuer'
means an issuer that is not incorporated in the United
States.
``(B) Non-member states of the united nations.--The
term `non-member states of the United Nations' has the
meaning given such term by the United Nations.''.
SEC. 7. FOREIGN JUDGMENTS AGAINST UNITED STATES PERSONS.
No court in the United States may recognize or enforce any judgment
which is entered by a foreign court against a United States person
carrying out business operations in Israel or in any territory
controlled by Israel and on which is based a determination by the
foreign court that the location in Israel, or in any territory
controlled by Israel, of the facilities at which the business
operations are carried out is sufficient to constitute a violation of
law.
SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Boycott, divestment from, and sanctions against
israel.--The term ``boycott, divestment from, and sanctions
against Israel'' means actions by states, non-member states of
the United Nations, international organizations, or affiliated
agencies of international organizations that are politically
motivated and are intended to penalize or otherwise limit
commercial relations specifically with Israel or persons doing
business in Israel or in Israeli-controlled territories.
(2) Foreign person.--The term ``foreign person'' means--
(A) any natural person who is not lawfully admitted
for permanent residence (as defined in section
101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1101(a)(20)) or who is not a protected
individual (as defined in section 274B(a)(3) of such
Act (8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); and
(B) any foreign corporation, business association,
partnership, trust, society or any other entity or
group that is not incorporated or organized to do
business in the United States, as well as any
international organization, foreign government and any
agency or subdivision of foreign government, including
a diplomatic mission.
(3) Person.--
(A) In general.--The term ``person'' means--
(i) a natural person;
(ii) a corporation, business association,
partnership, society, trust, financial
institution, insurer, underwriter, guarantor,
and any other business organization, any other
nongovernmental entity, organization, or group,
and any governmental entity operating as a
business enterprise; and
(iii) any successor to any entity described
in clause (ii).
(B) Application to governmental entities.--The term
``person'' does not include a government or
governmental entity that is not operating as a business
enterprise.
(4) United states person.--The term ``United States
person'' means--
(A) a natural person who is a national of the
United States (as defined in section 101(a)(22) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22));
and
(B) a corporation or other legal entity which is
organized under the laws of the United States, any
State or territory thereof, or the District of
Columbia, if natural persons described in subparagraph
(A) own, directly or indirectly, more than 50 percent
of the outstanding capital stock or other beneficial
interest in such legal entity.
|
United States-Israel Trade and Commercial Enhancement Act This bill states that among the principal U.S. trade negotiating objectives for trade agreements with foreign countries regarding commercial partnerships are to: discourage actions by potential trading partners that discourage commercial activity solely between the United States and Israel; discourage politically motivated actions to boycott, divest from, or sanction Israel and to seek the elimination of politically motivated non-tariff barriers on Israeli commerce; and seek the elimination of state-sponsored unsanctioned foreign boycotts against Israel or compliance with the Arab League Boycott of Israel. The President is directed to report annually to Congress on politically motivated acts of boycott, divestment from, and sanctions against Israel. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is amended to require a foreign issuer traded on the U.S. stock market to disclose in its quarterly or annual report: whether the issuer has discriminated against doing business with Israel in the last calendar year; whether the issuer has been advised by a foreign government or a non-member state of the United Nations (U.N.) to discriminate against doing business with Israel, entities owned or controlled by Israel, or entities operating in Israel or Israeli-controlled territory; and any instances where the issuer has learned that a person, foreign government, or a non-member state of the U.N. is boycotting the issuer, divesting itself of an ownership interest in the issuer, or placing sanctions on the issuer because of the issuer's relationship with Israel. No U.S. court may recognize or enforce any judgment by a foreign court against a U.S. person carrying out business operations in Israel or in any territory controlled by Israel, and on which is based a determination by the foreign court that the location in Israel, or in any territory controlled by Israel, of the facilities at which the business operations are carried out is sufficient to constitute a violation of law.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "United States-Israel Trade and Commercial Enhancement Act"}
| 2,418 | 406 | 0.51176 | 1.627175 | 0.689766 | 6.596639 | 6.341737 | 0.943978 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Local Government Internet Tobacco
Sales Enforcement Act of 2004''.
SEC. 2. REVISION OF ACT OF OCTOBER 19, 1949.
The Act of October 19, 1949, entitled ``An Act to assist States in
collecting sales and use taxes on cigarettes'' (15 U.S.C. 375 et seq.)
is amended by striking ``That for the purposes of this Act'' and all
that follows through the end of the Act and inserting the following:
``SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
``This Act may be cited as the `Jenkins Act'.
``SEC. 2. INTERSTATE SALES OF CIGARETTES AND SMOKELESS TOBACCO.
``(a) Compliance With Laws.--
``(1) Each person who engages in an interstate sale of
cigarettes or smokeless tobacco or in an interstate
distribution of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco shall comply
with all the excise, sales, and use tax laws applicable to the
sale or other transfer of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in
the State and place in which the cigarettes or smokeless
tobacco are delivered as though the person were physically
located in that State or place.
``(2) Unless State law requires otherwise, no cigarettes or
smokeless tobacco may be delivered pursuant to an interstate
sale unless in advance of delivery--
``(A) any cigarette or smokeless tobacco excise tax
that is imposed by the State in which the cigarettes or
smokeless tobacco are to be delivered has been paid to
the State;
``(B) any cigarette or smokeless tobacco excise tax
imposed by the local government of the place in which
the cigarettes or smokeless tobacco are to be delivered
has been paid to the local or tribal government; and
``(C) any required stamps or other indicia that the
excise tax has been paid are properly affixed or
applied to the cigarettes or smokeless tobacco.
``(3) The provisions of paragraph (2) do not apply to an
interstate sale or distribution of smokeless tobacco when the
law of the State or place where the smokeless tobacco is to be
delivered requires or otherwise provides that interstate
sellers of smokeless tobacco collect the excise tax from the
consumer and remit the excise tax to the State or place, and
the interstate seller complies with such requirement.
``(4)(A) Each State may compile a list of interstate
sellers of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco who are in
compliance with this Act with respect to that State. If a State
posts a list pursuant to this subsection that specifically
refers to this subsection, no person may knowingly make an
interstate distribution of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco into
that State other than to a person licensed or otherwise
authorized by the State to engage in the business of
manufacturing, distributing or selling cigarettes or smokeless
tobacco unless the person initiating or ordering the delivery
is on the list at the time of delivery.
``(B) Each State may also compile a list of interstate
sellers of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco who are not in
compliance with this Act with respect to that State. A State
may provide such a list to a common carrier, the United States
Postal Service, or to any other person, and make public the
availability of the list to any person engaged in the delivery
business in or into the State or who delivers cigarettes or
smokeless tobacco in or into the State. Such list shall be
confidential, and any person receiving such a list from a State
shall maintain the confidentiality of the list. If a State,
pursuant to this subsection, provides such a list to any person
and makes public its availability to persons who deliver
cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in or into the State, no person
who receives the list and no person who delivers cigarettes or
smokeless tobacco in or into the State may knowingly make an
interstate distribution of any item in or into that State for a
person on the list unless--
``(i) the person in good faith determines that the
item does not include cigarettes or smokeless tobacco;
or
``(ii) the delivery is made to a person licensed or
otherwise authorized by the State to engage in the
business of manufacturing, distributing or selling
cigarettes or smokeless tobacco.
``(b) Recordkeeping and Reporting.--Each person who engages in an
interstate sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco, or who advertises,
or offers to engage in, such a sale, shall--
``(1) first file with the tobacco tax administrator of the
State and place in which the cigarettes or smokeless tobacco
are to be offered, advertised, or delivered, a statement
setting forth the person's name and trade name (if any), and
the address of that person's principal place of business and
any other place of business, as well as telephone numbers for
each place of business, a principal electronic mail address,
any website addresses, and the name, address and telephone
number of an agent authorized to accept service in the State on
behalf of that person;
``(2) not later than the 10th day of each calendar month,
file with that tobacco tax administrator a memorandum or copy
of the invoice covering each and every interstate sale of
cigarettes or smokeless tobacco by the filer into that State or
place, and each interstate distribution of cigarettes or
smokeless tobacco pursuant to that sale, during the previous
calendar month, and such memorandum or invoice shall include
the name and address of the person to whom the cigarettes or
smokeless tobacco are delivered, the brand, and the type, the
quantity delivered, and the name, address, and phone number of
the person delivering; and
``(3) maintain records, including the information specified
in paragraph (2), for not less than 5 years after the date of
an interstate sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco and of
each interstate distribution of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco
pursuant to that sale, and make those records available for
inspection upon the lawful demand of the Attorney General of
the United States, an attorney general of a State, the
Commissioner of Internal Revenue, or the chief tax collection
official of a State or place that levies an excise tax on
cigarettes or smokeless tobacco.
``(c) Personally identifiable information--
``(1) relating to an individual to whom cirgarettes or
smokeless tobacco are delivered; and
``(2) filed, or maintained in records, under paragraph (2)
or (3) of subsection (b);
shall not be made available to the public and shall be used solely for
the purposes of tax collection or law enforcement.
``(d) Deeming Rule.--For the purposes of this section--
``(1) an interstate sale or delivery of cigarettes or
smokeless tobacco shall be deemed to have occurred in the State
and place where the buyer obtains personal possession of the
cigarettes or smokeless tobacco; and
``(2) a delivery pursuant to an interstate sale is deemed
to have been initiated or ordered by the seller.
``SEC. 3. CIVIL ACTION.
``(a) In General.--In addition to any other remedies available
under other Federal or State or local law, the attorney general of a
State or the chief law enforcement officer of a local government that
imposes an excise tax on cigarettes or smokeless tobacco may in a civil
action obtain any appropriate relief, including money damages, civil
penalties, and injunctive or other equitable relief where appropriate,
against--
``(1) any person who violates, or is about to engage in a
violation of, section 2; or
``(2) any person who knowingly assists or participates, or
knowingly is about to engage, in such a violation.
``(b) Notice.--No attorney general of a State or chief law
enforcement officer of a local government may commence an action
pursuant to subsection (a) prior to 60 days after the State attorney
general has given notice of his intent to commence the action to the
Attorney General of the United States. If the Attorney General of the
United States has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a civil
action against the persons named in the notice for the violation
described in the notice, then the State attorney general may not
commence an action against that defendant for that violation but may
join the United States Attorney General's action solely for the purpose
of establishing and collecting State damages.
``(c) Limitations on Civil Actions by Local Governments.--The chief
law enforcement officer of a local government may not bring any
unconsented suit pursuant to this Act against any Federal, State,
local, or tribal governmental entity.
``(d) Referrals of Local Violations for Enforcement.--The chief law
enforcement officer of a local government may provide evidence of a
violation of its excise tax on cigarettes or smokeless tobacco under
section 2(a) of this Act to the Attorney General of the United States,
the United States Attorney with jurisdiction over the locality, or the
attorney general of the State in which the local government is located.
Upon referral, the Attorney General of the United States or the United
States Attorney shall take appropriate actions to enforce this Act.
``(e) Availability of Information.--The Attorney General of the
United States shall make information about Federal, State, and other
efforts to enforce this Act publicly available, through posting the
information on the Internet and through other means.
``SEC. 4. CIVIL PENALTY.
``Whoever violates section 2 is subject to a civil penalty not to
exceed $5,000 in the case of a first violation, and, in any other case,
not to exceed $10,000 or, if it is higher, 5 percent of the gross
revenue from interstate sales or distributions of cigarettes or
smokeless tobacco by such person during the 1-year period ending on the
date of the violation.
``SEC. 5. CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
``(a) Section 2(a) Violations.--Whoever violates section 2(a) shall
be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not more
than 3 years, or both.
``(b) Section 2(b) Violations.--Whoever violates section 2(b) shall
be guilty, fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned not
more than 6 months, or both.
``SEC. 6. NONPREEMPTION.
``This Act does not limit the remedies provided by State, tribal,
Federal, or other law with respect to alleged violations of State,
tribal, Federal, or other law relating to a sale or distribution of
cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in connection with an interstate sale
or distribution of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. Nothing in this Act
shall be construed to prohibit an authorized State or local government
official from proceeding in State court or taking other enforcement
actions on the basis of alleged violations of State or other law, or an
authorized tribal government official from proceeding in tribal court
or taking other enforcement action, on the basis of alleged violations
of tribal or other law.
``SEC. 7. EXCLUSIONS REGARDING INDIAN TRIBES AND TRIBAL MATTERS.
``(a) Indian Country.--The provisions of this Act relating to State
tax collection do not apply to a sale of cigarettes or smokeless
tobacco that occurs exclusively in Indian country (as defined in
section 1151 of title 18, United States Code) owned or occupied by an
Indian tribe to a consumer located in that Indian Country who is an
individual member of the same Indian tribe.
``(b) Intergovernmental Arrangements.--Nothing in this Act is
intended nor shall be construed to affect, amend, or modify--
``(1) any agreement, compact, or other intergovernmental
arrangement between any State or local government and any
Indian tribe relating to the collection of taxes on cigarettes
or smokeless tobacco sold on tribal lands; or
``(2) any State law that pertains to any such
intergovernmental arrangement or creates special rules or
procedures for the collection of State, local, or tribal taxes
on cigarettes or smokeless tobacco sold on tribal lands.
``(c) Coordinated Law Enforcement Efforts.--Nothing in this Act
shall be construed to inhibit or otherwise affect any coordinated law
enforcement effort by one or more States or other jurisdictions,
including Indian tribes, through interstate compact or otherwise,
that--
``(1) provides for the administration of tobacco product
laws or laws pertaining to interstate sales or other sales of
tobacco products;
``(2) provides for the seizure of tobacco products or other
property related to a violation of such laws; or
``(3) establishes cooperative programs for the
administration of such laws.
``SEC. 8. DEFINITIONS.
``As used in this Act--
``(1) the term `attorney general', with respect to a State,
means the chief law enforcement officer of that State, or the
designee of that officer;
``(2) the term `cigarette' means--
``(A) any roll of tobacco wrapped in paper or in
any substance not containing tobacco which is to be
heated or burned;
``(B) any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance
containing tobacco that, because of its appearance, the
type of tobacco used in the filler, or its packaging or
labeling is likely to be offered to, or purchased by
consumers as a cigarette described in subparagraph (A);
``(C) any roll of tobacco wrapped in any substance
that because of its appearance, the type of tobacco
used in the filler, or its packaging or labeling is
likely to be offered to, or purchased by consumers as a
cigarette; or
``(D) loose rolling tobacco that, because of its
appearance, type, packaging, or labeling, is likely to
be offered to, or purchased by, consumers as tobacco
for making cigarettes;
``(3) the term `smokeless tobacco' means any product
intended or marketed for human consumption containing finely
cut, ground, powdered, leaf, or other tobacco that is intended
to be placed in the oral or nasal cavity or otherwise consumed
without being combusted;
``(4) the term `interstate sale of cigarettes or smokeless
tobacco' means any sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in
interstate or foreign commerce to a person, other than a person
licensed or otherwise authorized as a distributor, wholesaler,
or retailer in the State where the cigarettes or smokeless
tobacco is delivered, in which--
``(A) the buyer submits the order for such sale by
means of a telephone or other method of voice
transmission, the mails, or the Internet or other
online service, or the seller is not in the physical
presence of the buyer when the request for purchase or
order is made; or
``(B) the cigarettes or smokeless tobacco are
delivered by use of a common carrier, private delivery
service, or the mails, or the seller is not in the
physical presence of the buyer when the buyer obtains
physical possession of the delivered cigarettes or
smokeless tobacco;
``(5) the term `interstate or foreign commerce' means
commerce between a State and any place outside that State,
commerce between a State and any Indian lands in that State, or
commerce between points in the same State but through any place
outside that State;
``(6) the term `interstate distribution of cigarettes or
smokeless tobacco' means a delivery or other distribution of
cigarettes or smokeless tobacco pursuant to an interstate sale
of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco;
``(7) the term `State' means a State of the United States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or
any territory or possession of the United States;
``(8) the term `person' means an individual, a corporation,
company, association, firm, partnership, society, joint stock
company, an Indian tribal organization, or an Indian tribal
government;
``(9) the term `tribal organization' has the meaning given
that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b); and
``(10) the term `Indian lands' has the meaning given that
term in section 3 of the Archaeological Resources Protection
Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470bb).''.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING THE PRECEDENTIAL EFFECT OF THIS
ACT.
It is the sense of Congress that unique harms are associated with
the remote interstate sales of cigarette and smokeless tobacco,
including problems associated with verifying the legal age of consumers
and long-term negative health effects associated with the continued use
of these products. This Act further affirms Congress' longstanding
interest in encouraging compliance and enforcement of State laws that
relate to the remote sales, including internet sales, of these specific
harmful products. Enacted more than 50 years ago, the Jenkins Act
established reporting requirements for remote interstate sellers of
cigarettes in order to reduce incentives for smuggling and to help
states enforce tobacco taxes. In light of the unique federal policy and
historic distinctions between cigarettes and smokeless tobacco and
other products, the requirements of this Act are in no way meant to
create, and ought not be considered, precedent regarding the collection
of State sales or use taxes by out-of-state entities that lack a
physical presence within the taxing State.
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendment made by this Act shall take effect on the first day
of the first month beginning on or after 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
|
Local Government Internet Tobacco Sales Enforcement Act of 2004 - Amends the Jenkins Act to require each person who engages in an interstate sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco or in an interstate distribution of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to comply with all applicable excise, sales, and use tax laws in the State and place in which the cigarettes or smokeless tobacco are delivered.
Prohibits the cigarettes or smokeless tobacco from being delivered to the buyer unless in advance of the delivery the excise tax has been paid and any required stamps or other indicia that such tax has been paid are properly affixed or applied, with an exception.
Authorizes a State attorney general or the chief law enforcement officer of a local government that imposes an excise tax on cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to bring a civil action to obtain appropriate relief against anyone who violates such prohibition or who knowingly assists or participates in such a violation. Declares that the Act does not prohibit an authorized State, local, or tribal government official from proceeding in State or tribal court. Makes the Act's provisions regarding State tax collection inapplicable to certain sales that occur exclusively in Indian country. Expresses the sense of Congress that unique harms are associated with the remote interstate sales of cigarette and smokeless tobacco. Affirms Congress' longstanding interest in encouraging compliance and enforcement of State laws that relate to remote (including Internet) sales of such products.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To revise and reform the Act commonly called the Jenkins Act, and for other purposes."}
| 3,837 | 316 | 0.693792 | 2.041262 | 0.849086 | 5.019305 | 13.992278 | 0.949807 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th
Commemoration Commission Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) The first European exploration of the Hudson River and
Lake Champlain and the introduction of steam navigation to
maritime commerce were events of major historical importance,
both in the United States and internationally.
(2) In 1609, Englishman Henry Hudson, acting in service of
the Dutch East India Company, was the first European to sail up
the river later named for him in the vessel HALF MOON, and
French explorer Samuel de Champlain was the first European to
see the lake later named for him.
(3) These voyages were 2 of the most significant passages
in the European exploration and discovery of America, and began
2 of the earliest contacts in the New World between Native
Americans and Europeans.
(4) These explorations led to the establishment of Fort
Orange, Dutch and later English settlement of what is now the
capital city of the State of New York, and settlement of French
Quebec settlements as far south as Lake George. From these
early settlements came an influence on our history, culture,
law, commerce, and traditions of liberty which extends to the
present day, and which is constantly reflected in the position
of the United States as the leader of the nations of the free
world.
(5) In 1807, Robert Fulton navigated the Hudson River from
the city of New York to Albany in the steamboat CLERMONT,
successfully inaugurating steam navigation on a commercial
basis. This event is one of the most important events in the
history of navigation. It revolutionized waterborne commerce on
the great rivers of the United States, transformed naval
warfare, and fostered international relations through
transoceanic travel and trade.
(6) The National Park Service owns and operates significant
resources in New York related to the early history of the
nation and the Hudson River Valley.
(7) In 2002 the State of New York enacted legislation
establishing a State Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Commission.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish the Hudson-
Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission to--
(1) ensure a suitable national observance of the Henry
Hudson, Robert Fulton, and Samuel de Champlain 2009
anniversaries through cooperation with and assistance to the
programs and activities of New York, New Jersey, and Vermont;
(2) assist in ensuring that Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009
observances provide an excellent visitor experience and
beneficial interaction between visitors and the natural and
cultural resources of the New York, New Jersey, and Vermont
sites;
(3) assist in ensuring that Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009
observances are inclusive and appropriately recognize the
diverse Hudson River and Lake Champlain communities that
developed over 4 centuries;
(4) facilitate international involvement in the Hudson-
Fulton-Champlain 2009 observances;
(5) support and facilitate marketing efforts for a
commemorative coin, a commemorative stamp, and related
activities for the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009 observances;
and
(6) assist in the appropriate development of heritage
tourism and economic benefits to the United States.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Commemoration.--The term ``commemoration'' means the
commemoration of--
(A) the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton's voyage
in the CLERMONT;
(B) the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage
in the HALF MOON; and
(C) the 400th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's
voyage.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the Hudson-
Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission established by
section 4(a).
(3) Governors.--The term ``Governors'' means the Governors
of the States of New York, New Jersey, and Vermont.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(5) States.--The term ``States''--
(A) means the States of New York, New Jersey, and
Vermont; and
(B) includes agencies and entities of each such
State.
SEC. 4. HUDSON-FULTON-CHAMPLAIN 400TH COMMEMORATION COMMISSION.
(a) In General.--There is established a commission to be known as
the ``Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission''.
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 31
members, of whom--
(A) 3 members shall be appointed by the Secretary,
after consideration of the recommendations of the
Governors;
(B) 14 members shall be appointed by the Secretary,
after consideration of the recommendations from the
Members of the House of Representatives whose districts
encompass the Hudson River Valley and Champlain Valley;
(C) 6 members shall be appointed by the Secretary,
after consideration of the recommendations from the
Members of the Senate from New York, New Jersey, and
Vermont;
(D) 2 members shall be employees of the National
Park Service, of whom--
(i) one shall be the Director of the
National Park Service (or a designee); and
(ii) one shall be an employee of the
National Park Service having experience
relevant to the commemoration, who shall be
appointed by the Secretary;
(E) one member shall be appointed by the Secretary,
and shall be an individual knowledgeable of the Hudson
River Valley National Heritage Area; and
(F) 5 members shall be appointed by the Secretary,
and shall be individuals that have an interest in,
support for, and expertise appropriate to, the
commemoration.
(2) Term; vacancies.--
(A) Term.--Each member of the Commission shall be
appointed for the life of the Commission.
(B) Vacancies.--
(i) In general.--A vacancy on the
Commission shall be filled in the same manner
in which the original appointment was made.
(ii) Partial term.--A member appointed to
fill a vacancy on the Commission shall serve
for the remainder of the term for which the
predecessor of the member was appointed.
(3) Meetings.--
(A) In general.--The Commission shall meet--
(i) at least twice each year; or
(ii) at the call of the Chairperson or the
majority of the members of the Commission.
(B) Initial meeting.--Not later than 30 days after
the date on which all members of the Commission have
been appointed, the Commission shall hold the initial
meeting of the Commission.
(4) Voting.--
(A) In general.--The Commission shall act only on
an affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the
Commission.
(B) Quorum.--A majority of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum.
(5) Chairperson and vice chairperson.--(A) The Commission
shall elect the chairperson and the vice chairperson of the
Commission on an annual basis.
(B) The vice chairperson shall serve as the chairperson in
the absence of the chairperson.
(c) Duties.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall--
(A) plan, develop, and execute programs and
activities appropriate to commemorate the 400th
anniversary of the voyage of Henry Hudson, the first
European to sail up the Hudson River, the 200th
anniversary of the voyage of Robert Fulton, the first
person to use steam navigation on a commercial basis,
the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Samuel de
Champlain, the first European to discover and explore
Lake Champlain;
(B) facilitate Hudson-Fulton-Champlain-related
activities throughout the United States;
(C) coordinate its activities with State
commemoration commissions and appropriate Federal
Government agencies, including the Departments of
Agriculture, Defense, State, and Transportation, the
National Park Service with respect to the Hudson River
Valley National Heritage Area, and the American
Heritage Rivers Initiative Interagency Committee
established by Executive Order 13061, dated September
11, 1997;
(D) encourage civic, patriotic, historical,
educational, religious, economic, and other
organizations throughout the United States to organize
and participate in anniversary activities to expand the
understanding and appreciation of the significance of
the voyages of Henry Hudson, Robert Fulton, and Samuel
de Champlain;
(E) provide technical assistance to States,
localities, and nonprofit organizations to further the
commemoration;
(F) coordinate and facilitate for the public
scholarly research on, publication about, and
interpretation of, the voyages of Henry Hudson, Robert
Fulton, and Samuel de Champlain; and
(G) ensure that the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 2009
anniversaries provide a lasting legacy and long-term
public benefit by assisting in the development of
appropriate programs and facilities.
(2) Plans; reports.--
(A) Strategic plan; annual performance plans.--The
Commission shall prepare a strategic plan in accordance
with section 306 of title 5, United States Code, and
annual performance plans in accordance with section
1115 of title 31, United States Code, for the
activities of the Commission carried out under this
Act.
(B) Final report.--Not later than September 30,
2010, the Commission shall submit to the Secretary a
final report that contains--
(i) a summary of the activities of the
Commission;
(ii) a final accounting of funds received
and expended by the Commission; and
(iii) the findings and recommendations of
the Commission.
(d) Powers of the Commission.--The Commission may--
(1) disperse funds, and accept donations of personal
services and real and personal property related to Hudson-
Fulton-Champlain 2009 and of the significance of Hudson,
Fulton, and Champlain in the history of the United States;
(2) appoint such advisory committees as the Commission
determines to be necessary to carry out this Act;
(3) authorize any member or employee of the Commission to
take any action that the Commission is authorized to take by
this Act;
(4) procure supplies, services, and property, and make or
enter into contracts, leases, or other legal agreements, to
carry out this Act (except that any contracts, leases, or other
legal agreements made or entered into by the Commission shall
not extend beyond the date of termination of the Commission);
(5) use the United States mails in the same manner and
under the same conditions as other Federal agencies;
(6) subject to approval by the Commission, make grants in
amounts not to exceed $20,000 to communities and nonprofit
organizations to develop programs to assist in the
commemoration; and
(7) make grants to research and scholarly organizations to
research, publish, or distribute information relating to the
early history of the voyages of Hudson, Fulton, and Champlain.
(e) Commission Personnel Matters.--
(1) Compensation of members of the commission.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), a member of the Commission shall serve without
compensation.
(B) Federal employees.--A member of the Commission
who is an officer or employee of the Federal Government
shall serve without compensation in addition to the
compensation received for the services of the member as
an officer or employee of the Federal Government.
(C) Travel expenses.--A member of the Commission
shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in
lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for an
employee of an agency under subchapter I of chapter 57
of title 5, United States Code, while away from the
home or regular place of business of the member in the
performance of the duties of the Commission.
(2) Staff.--
(A) In general.--The Chairperson of the Commission
may, without regard to the civil service laws
(including regulations), appoint and terminate an
executive director and such other additional personnel
as are necessary to enable the Commission to perform
the duties of the Commission.
(B) Confirmation of executive director.--The
employment of an executive director shall be subject to
confirmation by the Commission.
(3) Compensation.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), the Chairperson of the Commission may fix the
compensation of the executive director and other
personnel without regard to the provisions of chapter
51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United
States Code, relating to classification of positions
and General Schedule pay rates.
(B) Maximum rate of pay.--The rate of pay for the
executive director and other personnel shall not exceed
the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule
under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.
(4) Detail of government employees.--
(A) Federal employees.--
(i) In general.--At the request of the
Commission, the head of any Federal agency may
detail, on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable
basis, any of the personnel of the agency to
the Commission to assist the Commission in
carrying out the duties of the Commission under
this Act.
(ii) Civil service status.--The detail of
an employee under clause (i) shall be without
interruption or loss of civil service status or
privilege.
(B) State employees.--The Commission may--
(i) accept the services of personnel
detailed from States (including subdivisions of
States); and
(ii) reimburse States for services of
detailed personnel.
(5) Volunteer and uncompensated services.--Notwithstanding
section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, the Commission
may accept and use voluntary and uncompensated services as the
Commission determines necessary.
(6) Support services.--The Director of the National Park
Service shall provide to the Commission, on a reimbursable
basis, such administrative support services as the Commission
may request.
(f) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--The
Chairperson of the Commission may procure temporary and intermittent
services in accordance with section 3109(b) of title 5, United States
Code, at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent
of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive
Schedule under section 5316 of that title.
(g) FACA Nonapplicability.--Section 14(b) of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Commission.
(h) No Effect on Authority.--Nothing in this section supersedes the
authority of the States or the National Park Service concerning the
commemoration.
(i) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate on December 31,
2010.
|
Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission Act of 2002 - Establishes the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission to plan, develop, and execute programs and activities appropriate to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Henry Hudson (the first European to sail up the Hudson River in the vessel Half Moon), the 200th anniversary of the voyage of Robert Fulton (navigated the Hudson River in the steamboat Clermont, becoming the first person to use steam navigation on a commercial basis), and the 400th anniversary of the voyage of Samuel de Champlain (the first European to discover and explore Lake Champlain).
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish the Hudson-Fulton-Champlain 400th Commemoration Commission, and for other purposes."}
| 3,169 | 146 | 0.572512 | 1.807704 | 0.74279 | 5.478632 | 25.153846 | 0.982906 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Working Families
Child Care Act of 1997''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Authorization of appropriations for child care for low-income
working families and for child care supply
shortages.
Sec. 4. Expenditures for child care service for low-income working
families and for child care supply
shortages.
Sec. 5. Report on access to child care by low-income working families.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Availability and affordability of quality child care is
a major obstacle for working parents who struggle to remain
self-sufficient.
(A) Compared to all other income groups, the
working poor are the least likely to receive assistance
with their child care costs.
(B) Low-income families spend 24 percent of their
household income on child care, whereas middle-income
families spend 6 percent of their household income on
child care.
(C) 38 States have waiting lists for child care for
the working poor. Among those States, Georgia has
41,000 individuals on its waiting list, Texas has
36,000 individuals on its waiting list, and Illinois
and Alabama each have 20,000 individuals on their
waiting lists.
(D) One survey of low-income families on a waiting
list for subsidized child care found that of those
families paying for child care out of their own funds,
71 percent faced serious debt or bankruptcy.
(E) Half of the States and the District of
Columbia, even before the enactment of the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
of 1996 (Public Law 104-193, 110 Stat. 2105) during the
104th Congress, increased the proportion of child care
slots or dollars going to families on welfare, rather
than to working poor families.
(2) The Congressional Budget Office estimates that there
will be $1,400,000,000 less expenditures of child care funds
for working poor families as a result of the States
implementing the work requirements imposed under the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
(Public Law 104-193, 110 Stat. 2105).
(3) Important types of child care are not available in
certain States including infant care, school-age care, care for
children with disabilities and special health care needs, and
child care for parents with unconventional or shifting work
hours.
(A) A 1995 State study by the Comptroller General
of the United States found a shortage of child care for
infants and children with special needs in inner
cities, and a shortage of all types of child care in
rural areas.
(B) Only one-third of the schools in low-income
neighborhoods offer school-age child care, compared
with 52 percent of schools in more affluent areas
offering such care.
(C) Eighth-graders who are left home alone for 11
or more hours a week report significantly greater use
of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana than eighth-
graders who are not left home alone.
(D) Existing child care arrangements do not
accommodate the work schedules of many working women.
According to a 1995 statistic published by the
Department of Labor, 14,300,000 workers, nearly 1 in 5
full-time workers work nonstandard hours, and more than
1 in 3 of those workers are women.
(E) Only 10 percent of child care centers and 6
percent of family day care providers offer child care
on weekends. Yet one-third of working mothers with
annual incomes below the poverty level and one-quarter
of mothers with annual incomes above the poverty level
but below $25,000 work on weekends.
(F) Less than 30 percent of Head Start programs
operate on a full-time, full-year basis.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR CHILD CARE FOR LOW-INCOME
WORKING FAMILIES AND FOR CHILD CARE SUPPLY SHORTAGES.
Section 658B of the Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990
(42 U.S.C. 9858) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(excluding subparagraphs (E) and (F) of
section 658E(c)(3))'' after ``subchapter'',
(2) by inserting ``(a)'' before ``There'', and
(3) and by adding at the end the following:
``(b) There is authorized to be appropriated to provide child care
services under this chapter to satisfy the requirement specified in
section 658E(c)(3)(E) $1,400,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1997
through 2002.
``(c) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out child
care activities under this chapter to satisfy the requirement specified
in section 658E(c)(3)(F) $500,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1997
through 2002.''.
SEC. 4. EXPENDITURES FOR CHILD SERVICES CARE FOR LOW-INCOME WORKING
FAMILIES AND FOR CHILD CARE SUPPLY SHORTAGES.
(a) Required State Expenditures.--Section 658E(c)(3) of the Child
Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858c(c)(3)) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(E) Child care for certain low-income working
families.--A State shall ensure that 100 percent of
amounts paid to the State out of funds appropriated
under section 658B(b) with respect to each of the
fiscal years 1997 through 2002 shall be used to provide
child care services for families who have left the
State program of assistance under part A of title IV of
the Social Security Act because of employment, families
that are at risk of becoming dependent on such
assistance program, and low-income working families
described in section subparagraph (D).
``(F) Child care supply shortages.--
``(i) In general.--A State shall ensure
that 100 percent of amounts paid to the State
out of funds appropriated under section 658B(c)
with respect to each of the fiscal years 1997
through 2002 shall be used to carry out child
care activities described in clause (ii) in
geographic areas within the State that have a
shortage, as determined by the State, in
consultation with localities, of child care
services.
``(ii) Child care activities described.--
The child care activities described in this
clause include the following:
``(I) Infant care programs.
``(II) Before- and after-school
child care programs.
``(III) Resource and referral
programs.
``(IV) Nontraditional work hours
child care programs.
``(V) Extending the hours of
prekindergarten programs to provide
full-day services.
``(VI) Any other child care
programs that the Secretary determines
are appropriate.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 658E(c)(3)(A) of the Child Care
Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858c(c)(3)(A)) is
amended by striking ``(D)'' and inserting ``(F)''.
SEC. 5. REPORT ON ACCESS TO CHILD CARE BY LOW-INCOME WORKING FAMILIES.
(a) State Reporting Requirement.--Section 658K(a)(2) of the Child
Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858i(a)(2)) is
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (E), the following:
``(F) the total number of families described in
section 658B(b) that were eligible for but did not
receive assistance under this subchapter or under
section 418 of the Social Security Act and a
description of the obstacles to providing such
assistance; and
``(G) the total number of families described in
section 658B(b) that received assistance provided under
this subchapter or under section 418 of the Social
Security Act and a description of the manner in which
that assistance was provided;''.
(b) Secretarial Reporting Requirement.--Section 658L of the Child
Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858j) is amended
by inserting ``, with particular emphasis on access of low-income
working families,'' after ``public''.
|
Working Families Child Care Act of 1997 - Amends the Child Care Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to authorize appropriations for grants to States for child care for: (1) low-income working families; and (2) areas with child care shortages.
Requires States to use certain of such funds to provide child care services for: (1) families who have left the State program of assistance under title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)) of the Social Security Act because of employment; (2) families that are at risk of becoming dependent on such assistance program; and (3) low-income working families meeting specified criteria.
Requires States to use certain of such funds for child care activities in areas of the State that have child care supply shortages. Includes among such child care activities programs for: (1) infant care; (2) before- and after-school; (3) resources and referrals; (4) nontraditional work hours; (5) extending the hours of pre-kindergarten programs to provide full-day services; and (6) any other program the Secretary deems appropriate.
Requires State reports to include information on access to child care by low-income working families. Requires reports of the Secretary to place particular emphasis on such access.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Working Families Child Care Act of 1997"}
| 1,905 | 266 | 0.588704 | 1.626733 | 0.794489 | 3.360465 | 6.624031 | 0.903101 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Near East and South Central Asia
Religious Freedom Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. SPECIAL ENVOY TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM OF RELIGIOUS
MINORITIES IN THE NEAR EAST AND SOUTH CENTRAL ASIA.
(a) Appointment.--The President may appoint a Special Envoy To
Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and
South Central Asia (in this Act referred to as the ``Special Envoy'')
within the Department of State. The Special Envoy shall have the rank
of ambassador and shall hold the office at the pleasure of the
President.
(b) Qualifications.--The Special Envoy should be a person of
recognized distinction in the field of human rights and religious
freedom.
SEC. 3. DUTIES.
(a) In General.--The Special Envoy shall carry out the following
duties:
(1) Promoting the right of religious freedom of religious
minorities in the countries of the Near East and the countries
of South Central Asia, denouncing the violation of such right,
and recommending appropriate responses by the United States
Government when such right is violated.
(2) Monitoring and combating acts of religious intolerance
and incitement targeted against religious minorities in the
countries of the Near East and the countries of South Central
Asia.
(3) Working to ensure that the unique needs of religious
minority communities in the countries of the Near East and the
countries of South Central Asia are addressed, including the
economic and security needs of such communities.
(4) Working with foreign governments of the countries of
the Near East and the countries of South Central Asia to
address laws that are discriminatory toward religious minority
communities in such countries.
(5) Coordinating and assisting in the preparation of that
portion of the report required by sections 116(d) and 502B(b)
of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151n(d) and
2304(b)) relating to the nature and extent of religious freedom
of religious minorities in the countries of the Near East and
the countries of South Central Asia.
(6) Coordinating and assisting in the preparation of that
portion of the report required by section 102(b) of the
International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (22 U.S.C. 6412(b))
relating to the nature and extent of religious freedom of
religious minorities in the countries of the Near East and the
countries of South Central Asia.
(b) Coordination.--In carrying out the duties under subsection (a),
the Special Envoy shall, to the maximum extent practicable, coordinate
with the Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and
Migration, the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom,
the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, and
other relevant Federal agencies and officials.
SEC. 4. DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION.
Subject to the direction of the President and the Secretary of
State, the Special Envoy is authorized to represent the United States
in matters and cases relevant to religious freedom in the countries of
the Near East and the countries of South Central Asia in--
(1) contacts with foreign governments, intergovernmental
organizations, and specialized agencies of the United Nations,
the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, and
other international organizations of which the United States is
a member; and
(2) multilateral conferences and meetings relevant to
religious freedom in the countries of the Near East and the
countries of South Central Asia.
SEC. 5. CONSULTATIONS.
The Special Envoy shall consult with domestic and international
nongovernmental organizations and multilateral organizations and
institutions, as the Special Envoy considers appropriate to fulfill the
purposes of this Act.
SEC. 6. FUNDING.
Of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the
Secretary of State for ``Diplomatic and Consular Programs'' for fiscal
years 2011 through 2015, the Secretary of State is authorized to
provide to the Special Envoy $1,000,000 for each such fiscal year for
the hiring of staff, the conduct of investigations, and necessary
travel to carry out the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the term ``countries of the Near East''--
(A) means Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq,
Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman,
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab
Emirates, and Yemen; and
(B) includes the West Bank and Gaza; and
(2) the term ``countries of South Central Asia'' means
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan,
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,
and Uzbekistan.
|
Near East and South Central Asia Religious Freedom Act of 2011 - Authorizes the President to appoint a Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia within the Department of State.
Authorizes the Special Envoy, subject to direction by the President and the Secretary of State, to represent the United States in matters and cases relevant to religious freedom in: (1) contacts with foreign governments, intergovernmental organizations, and specialized agencies of the United Nations (U.N.), the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, and other international organizations; and (2) multilateral conferences and meetings relevant to religious freedom.
Defines "countries of the Near East" as Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and including the West Bank and Gaza. Defines "countries of South Central Asia" as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote Religious Freedom of Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia."}
| 1,029 | 255 | 0.595204 | 1.850057 | 0.873288 | 7.387097 | 4.368664 | 0.953917 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Crime Victim Restitution and Court
Fee Intercept Act''.
SEC. 2. OFFSET OF STATE JUDICIAL DEBTS AGAINST INCOME TAX REFUND.
(a) In General.--Section 6402 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to authority to make credits or refunds) is amended by
redesignating subsections (g) through (l) as subsections (h) through
(m), respectively, and by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
``(g) Collection of Past-Due, Legally Enforceable State Judicial
Debts.--
``(1) In general.--Upon receiving notice from any State
judicial branch or State agency designated by the chief justice
of the State's highest court that a named person owes a past-
due, legally enforceable State judicial debt to or in such
State, the Secretary shall, under such conditions as may be
prescribed by the Secretary--
``(A) reduce the amount of any overpayment payable
to such person by the amount of such State judicial
debt;
``(B) pay the amount by which such overpayment is
reduced under subparagraph (A) to such State judicial
branch or State agency and notify such State judicial
branch or State agency of such person's name, taxpayer
identification number, address, and the amount
collected; and
``(C) notify the person making such overpayment
that the overpayment has been reduced by an amount
necessary to satisfy a past-due, legally enforceable
State judicial debt.
If an offset is made pursuant to a joint return, the notice
under subparagraph (B) shall include the names, taxpayer
identification numbers, and addresses of each person filing
such return.
``(2) Priorities for offset.--Any overpayment by a person
shall be reduced pursuant to this subsection--
``(A) after such overpayment is reduced pursuant
to--
``(i) subsection (a) with respect to any
liability for any internal revenue tax on the
part of the person who made the overpayment;
``(ii) subsection (c) with respect to past-
due support;
``(iii) subsection (d) with respect to any
past-due, legally enforceable debt owed to a
Federal agency;
``(iv) subsection (e) with respect to any
past-due, legally enforceable State income tax
obligations; and
``(v) subsection (f) with respect to any
covered unemployment compensation debt; and
``(B) before such overpayment is credited to the
future liability for any Federal internal revenue tax
of such person pursuant to subsection (b).
If the Secretary receives notice from 1 or more State agencies,
or from 1 or more State agencies and the State judicial branch,
of more than 1 debt subject to paragraph (1) that is owed by
such person to such State agency or State judicial branch, any
overpayment by such person shall be applied against such debts
in the order in which such debts accrued.
``(3) Notice; consideration of evidence.--Rules similar to
the rules of subsection (e)(4) shall apply with respect to
debts under this subsection.
``(4) Past-due, legally enforceable state judicial debt.--
``(A) In general.--For purposes of this subsection,
the term `past-due, legally enforceable State judicial
debt' means a debt--
``(i) which resulted from a judgment or
sentence rendered by any court or tribunal of
competent jurisdiction which--
``(I) handles criminal or traffic
cases in the State; and
``(II) has determined an amount of
State judicial debt to be due; and
``(ii) which resulted from a State judicial
debt which has been assessed and is past-due
but not collected.
``(B) State judicial debt.--For purposes of this
paragraph, the term `State judicial debt' includes
court costs, fees, fines, assessments, restitution to
victims of crime, and other monies resulting from a
judgment or sentence rendered by any court or tribunal
of competent jurisdiction handling criminal or traffic
cases in the State.
``(5) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue regulations
prescribing the time and manner in which State judicial
branches and State agencies must submit notices of past-due,
legally enforceable State judicial debts and the necessary
information that must be contained in or accompany such
notices. The regulations shall specify the types of State
judicial monies and the minimum amount of debt to which the
reduction procedure established by paragraph (1) may be
applied. The regulations may require State judicial branches
and State agencies to pay a fee to reimburse the Secretary for
the cost of applying such procedure. Any fee paid to the
Secretary pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be used to
reimburse appropriations which bore all or part of the cost of
applying such procedure.
``(6) Erroneous payment to state.--Any State judicial
branch or State agency receiving notice from the Secretary that
an erroneous payment has been made to such State judicial
branch or State agency under paragraph (1) shall pay promptly
to the Secretary, in accordance with such regulations as the
Secretary may prescribe, an amount equal to the amount of such
erroneous payment (without regard to whether any other amounts
payable to such State judicial branch or State agency under
such paragraph have been paid to such State judicial branch or
State agency).''.
(b) Disclosure of Return Information.--Section 6103(l)(10) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to disclosure of certain
information to agencies requesting a reduction under subsection (c),
(d), (e), or (f) of section 6402) is amended by striking ``or (f)''
each place it appears in the text and heading and inserting ``(f), or
(g)''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 6402(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is
amended by striking ``and (f)'' and inserting ``(f), and (g)''.
(2) Paragraph (2) of section 6402(d) of such Code is
amended by striking ``and (f)'' and inserting ``(f), and (g)''.
(3) Paragraph (3)(B) of section 6402(e) of such Code is
amended to read as follows:
``(B) before such overpayment is--
``(i) reduced pursuant to subsection (g)
with respect to past-due, legally enforceable
State judicial debts, and
``(ii) credited to the future liability for
any Federal internal revenue tax of such person
pursuant to subsection (b).''.
(4) Paragraph (2)(B) of section 6402(f) of such Code is
amended to read as follows:
``(B) before such overpayment is--
``(i) reduced pursuant to subsection (g)
with respect to past-due, legally enforceable
State judicial debts, and
``(ii) credited to the future liability for
any Federal internal revenue tax of such person
pursuant to subsection (b).''.
(5) Section 6402(h) of such Code, as so redesignated, is
amended by striking ``or (f)'' and inserting ``(f), or (g)''.
(6) Section 6402(j) of such Code, as so redesignated, is
amended by striking ``or (f)'' and inserting ``(f), or (g)''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this Act shall apply to
refunds payable for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.
|
Crime Victim Restitution and Court Fee Intercept Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to direct the Secretary of the Treasury, upon receiving notice from a state judicial agency that a named person owes a past-due, legally enforceable state judicial debt, to pay such debt from any tax refund due to such person. Defines "state judicial debt" to include court costs, fees, fines, assessments, restitution to victims of crime, and other monies resulting from a judgment or sentence rendered by any court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction handling criminal or traffic cases in the state.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow an offset against income tax refunds to pay for State judicial debts that are past-due."}
| 1,727 | 135 | 0.55733 | 1.569324 | 0.681985 | 5.449541 | 14.706422 | 0.93578 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``NICS Reporting Improvement Act of
2013''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS RELATING TO MENTAL HEALTH.
(a) Title 18 Definitions.--Chapter 44 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in section 921(a), by adding at the end the following:
``(36)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the term `has been
adjudicated mentally incompetent or has been committed to a psychiatric
hospital', with respect to a person--
``(i) means the person is the subject of an order or
finding by a judicial officer, court, board, commission, or
other adjudicative body--
``(I) that was issued after a hearing--
``(aa) of which the person received actual
notice; and
``(bb) at which the person had an
opportunity to participate with counsel; and
``(II) that found that the person, as a result of
marked subnormal intelligence, mental impairment, or
mental illness--
``(aa) was an imminent danger to himself or
to others;
``(bb) was guilty but mentally ill in a
criminal case;
``(cc) was not guilty in a criminal case by
reason of insanity or mental disease or defect;
``(dd) was incompetent to stand trial in a
criminal case;
``(ee) was not guilty only by reason of
lack of mental responsibility under section
850a of title 10 (article 50a of the Uniform
Code of Military Justice);
``(ff) required involuntary inpatient
treatment by a psychiatric hospital;
``(gg) required involuntary outpatient
treatment by a psychiatric hospital based on a
finding that the person is an imminent danger
to himself or to others; or
``(hh) required involuntary commitment to a
psychiatric hospital for any reason, including
drug use; and
``(ii) does not include--
``(I) a person who is in a psychiatric hospital for
observation; or
``(II) a voluntary admission to a psychiatric
hospital.
``(B) In this paragraph, the term `order or finding' does not
include--
``(i) an order or finding that--
``(I) has expired or has been set aside or
expunged; or
``(II) requires treatment, supervision, or
monitoring of a person, from which treatment,
supervision, or monitoring the person has been fully
released or discharged;
``(ii) an order or finding that is no longer applicable
because a judicial officer, court, board, commission, or other
adjudicative body has found that the person who is the subject
of the order or finding--
``(I) does not present a danger to himself or to
others;
``(II) has been restored to sanity or cured of
mental disease or defect;
``(III) has been restored to competency; or
``(IV) no longer requires involuntary inpatient or
outpatient treatment by, or involuntary commitment to,
a psychiatric hospital; or
``(iii) an order or finding with respect to which the
person who is subject to the order or finding has been found to
be rehabilitated or has been granted relief from disabilities
through any procedure available under the law of the
jurisdiction in which the order or finding was issued.
``(37) The term `psychiatric hospital' includes a mental health
facility, a mental hospital, a sanitarium, a psychiatric facility, and
any other facility that provides diagnoses by licensed professionals of
mental retardation or mental illness, including a psychiatric ward in a
general hospital.''; and
(2) in section 922--
(A) in subsection (d)(4)--
(i) by striking ``as a mental defective''
and inserting ``mentally incompetent''; and
(ii) by striking ``any mental institution''
and inserting ``a psychiatric hospital''; and
(B) in subsection (g)(4)--
(i) by striking ``as a mental defective or
who has'' and inserting ``mentally incompetent
or has''; and
(ii) by striking ``mental institution'' and
inserting ``psychiatric hospital''.
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The NICS Improvement
Amendments Act of 2007 (18 U.S.C. 922 note) is amended--
(1) by striking ``as a mental defective'' each place that
term appears and inserting ``mentally incompetent'';
(2) by striking ``mental institution'' each place that term
appears and inserting ``psychiatric hospital''; and
(3) in section 102(c)(3)--
(A) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``as a
mental defective or committed to a mental institution''
and inserting ``mentally incompetent or committed to a
psychiatric hospital''; and
(B) by striking ``mental institutions'' and
inserting ``psychiatric hospitals''.
|
NICS Reporting Improvement Act of 2013 - Amends federal firearms provisions to define a person who has been adjudicated mentally incompetent or who has been committed to a psychiatric hospital as a person who is the subject of an order or finding issued by a court, board, commission, or other adjudicative body (after a hearing of which the person received actual notice and at which the person had an opportunity to participate with counsel) that found that the person, as a result of marked subnormal intelligence, mental impairment, or mental illness: (1) was an imminent danger to himself or others, (2) was guilty but mentally ill in a criminal case, (3) was not guilty in a criminal case by reason of insanity or mental disease or defect, (4) was incompetent to stand trial in a criminal case, (5) was not guilty only by reason of lack of mental responsibility under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, (6) required involuntary inpatient treatment by a psychiatric hospital, (7) required involuntary outpatient treatment by a psychiatric hospital based on a finding that the person was an imminent danger to himself or others, or (8) required involuntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital for any reason, including drug use. Excludes: (1) a person who is in a psychiatric hospital for observation or due to a voluntary admission, and (2) an order or finding that has expired, that has been set aside or expunged, or that is no longer applicable. Defines "psychiatric hospital" to include a mental health facility, mental hospital, sanitarium, psychiatric facility, and any other facility that provides diagnoses by licensed professionals of mental retardation or mental illness, including a psychiatric ward in a general hospital. Prohibits: (1) the sale or other disposition of a firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person has been adjudicated mentally incompetent (currently, mental defective) or has been committed to a psychiatric hospital (currently, to any mental institution); and (2) the shipment, transport, or possession in interstate or foreign commerce of a firearm or ammunition by, or the receipt of a firearm or ammunition which has been shipped or transported in such commerce by, any such person. Makes conforming amendments to the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "NICS Reporting Improvement Act of 2013"}
| 1,234 | 554 | 0.732547 | 2.412769 | 0.713417 | 4.272931 | 2.35123 | 0.89038 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``The White House Conference on Food
and Nutrition''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Hunger and undernutrition are political conditions that
can be solved.
(2) Access to healthy food and good nutrition should be a
fundamental right of all Americans.
(3) Nearly 40 years have passed since the United States
convened a White House conference to comprehensively address
the issues of food, hunger, health, and nutrition in America.
(4) More than 35,500,000 Americans live in households that
face a constant struggle against hunger, 12,600,000 of whom are
children and 5,000,000 of whom are seniors, the disabled, and
the critically ill.
(5) The Government spends more than $55,000,000,000 every
year responding to the concurrent epidemics of hunger and
undernutrition, yet the number of Americans facing hunger
continues to grow and our Nation's nutritional health is
declining.
(6) Conservative cost estimates show that the true cost of
hunger and illness related to undernutrition in America is at
least $90,000,000,000 a year, more than half of which is paid
by Medicare and Medicaid.
(7) Appropriate food and nutrition can save the United
States billions of dollars in health care costs by preventing
or delaying the progression to late-stage disease for tens of
millions of Americans who live with chronic diseases, such as
diabetes, HIV, AIDS, and heart disease. The costs of the
effects and treatments of those diseases are significantly
exacerbated by hunger, food insecurity, and undernutrition.
(8) A national discussion of the root causes of hunger,
food insecurity, and undernutrition, as well as identification
of solutions to these epidemics, can lead to action to
implement such solutions and to end hunger in America.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF THE CONFERENCE.
(a) Authority To Call Conference.--Not later than December 31,
2010, the President shall call the White House Conference on Food and
Nutrition (in this Act referred to as the ``Conference'') to be
convened not later than 18 months after the selection of the Policy
Committee established in section 4, in order to make fundamental policy
recommendations on ways to end hunger and to improve nutrition in the
United States and to implement the purposes set forth in subsection
(c).
(b) Planning and Direction.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the
Treasury (in this Act referred to as the ``Cochairs'') shall plan,
conduct, and convene the Conference, in consultation with the Surgeon
General.
(c) Purposes of the Conference.--The purposes of the Conference are
to--
(1) identify viable solutions for ending hunger in the
United States;
(2) review the current structure, scope, and effectiveness
of existing legislation and programs at the Federal, State, and
local levels that provide for the nutritional needs of food-
insecure people living in the United States;
(3) determine the extent to which current Federal, State,
and local programs that provide for the nutritional health of
Americans can better use available resources and ensure greater
coordination among such programs;
(4) identify new ways to utilize the abundant agricultural
resources of the United States to meet the nutritional needs of
all Americans;
(5) highlight emerging and innovative programs from the
public and private sectors, including community-based and
faith-based organizations that effectively address the
nutrition needs of vulnerable Americans and recommend such
programs as can be reasonably and cost-effectively replicated;
(6) identify opportunities for effective partnerships
between the Government, industry, labor, healthcare, and the
nonprofit sectors to fight hunger in the United States;
(7) explore the possibility of creating a Federal office
within the Department of Agriculture to oversee the Nation's
response to persistent and widespread hunger and food
insecurity, to include the oversight and coordination of all
Federal, State, and local antihunger programs;
(8) bring public attention to the more than 35,500,000
people living in the United States that face a constant
struggle against hunger, food insecurity, and inadequate
nutrition;
(9) illustrate the medical, developmental, and educational
impact of hunger, food insecurity, and inadequate nutrition,
and the potential savings to the United States health care
system, educational system, and other sectors when appropriate
food is available to the critically and chronically ill;
(10) build understanding of the true cost of hunger in the
United States, to include lost wages, diminished stamina,
reduced capacity to learn, and the impact of despair; and
(11) build understanding that the ever-burgeoning dual
epidemic of hunger and undernutrition is a matter of national
security.
SEC. 4. POLICY COMMITTEE; RELATED COMMITTEES.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than June 30, 2009, there is
established a Policy Committee comprising of 17 members to be selected
as follows:
(1) Presidential appointees.--Nine members shall be
selected by the President and shall include--
(A) 3 members who are officers or employees of the
United States, including the Surgeon General; and
(B) 6 members with experience in addressing the
needs of food-insecure and undernourished people in the
United States.
(2) House appointees.--
(A) Two members shall be selected by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives after consultation with
the chairperson of the Committee on Education and
Labor, the chairperson of the Committee on Ways and
Means, and the chairperson of the Committee on
Agriculture, of the House of Representatives.
(B) Two members shall be selected by the minority
leader of the House of Representatives, after
consultation with the ranking minority members of such
committees.
(3) Senate appointees.--
(A) Two members shall be selected by the majority
leader of the Senate, after consultation with members
of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions, the Committee on Agriculture, and the
Committee on Finance, and the Appropriations
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and
Related Agencies, of the Senate.
(B) Two members shall be selected by the minority
leader of the Senate, after consultation with members
of such committees.
(b) Voting; Chairperson.--
(1) The Policy Committee shall act by the vote of a
majority of the members present. A quorum of Committee members
shall not be required to conduct Committee business.
(2) The Surgeon General shall serve as the chairperson of
the Policy Committee. The chairperson may vote only to break a
tie vote of the other members of the Policy Committee.
(c) Duties of the Policy Committee.--The Policy Committee shall
initially meet at the call of the Cochairs, not later than 30 days
after the last member is selected under subsection (a). Subsequent
meetings of the Policy Committee shall be held at the call of the
chairperson. Through meetings, hearings, and working sessions, the
Policy Committee shall--
(1) make recommendations to the Cochairs to facilitate the
timely convening of the Conference;
(2) submit to the Cochairs a proposed agenda for the
Conference not later than 90 days after the first meeting of
the Policy Committee;
(3) make recommendations for the delegates of the
Conference;
(4) establish the number of delegates to be selected under
section 5; and
(5) establish an executive committee consisting of 3
members of the Policy Committee to work with delegates of the
Conference.
SEC. 5. CONFERENCE DELEGATES.
To carry out the purposes of the Conference, the Cochairs shall
bring together delegates representative of the spectrum of thought in
the field of food and nutrition, without regard to political
affiliation or past partisan activity, who shall include--
(1) representatives of Federal, State, and local
governments;
(2) professional people and laypeople who are working in
the field of food, health, nutrition, and economic security;
and
(3) representatives of the general public who are affected
by hunger in the United States.
SEC. 6. CONFERENCE ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Administration.--In administering this section, the Cochairs
shall--
(1) provide written notice to all members of the Policy
Committee of each meeting, hearing, or working session of such
Committee not later than 48 hours before the occurrence of such
meeting, hearing, or working session;
(2) request the cooperation and assistance of the heads of
such other Federal departments and agencies as may be
appropriate, including the detailing of personnel;
(3) make available for public comment a proposed agenda
prepared by the Policy Committee, which will reflect to the
greatest extent possible the major issues facing the field of
food and nutrition consistent with the purposes of the
Conference set forth in section 3(c);
(4) prepare and make available background materials that
the Cochairs deem necessary for the use of delegates to the
Conference; and
(5) employ such additional personnel as may be necessary to
carry out the provisions of this Act without regard to
provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing
appointments in the competitive service, and without regard to
chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title
relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.
(b) Duties.--In carrying out the Cochairs's responsibilities and
functions under this section, the Cochairs shall ensure that--
(1) the proposed agenda prepared under subsection (a)(3) is
published in the Federal Register not later than 30 days after
such agenda is approved by the Policy Committee;
(2) the personnel employed under subsection (a)(5) are
fairly balanced in terms of points of views represented and are
appointed without regard to political affiliation or previous
partisan activities;
(3) the recommendations of the Conference are not
inappropriately influenced by any public official or by any
special interest, but instead are the result of the independent
and collective judgment of the delegates of the Conference; and
(4) before the Conference is convened--
(A) current and adequate statistical data
(including decennial census data) and other information
on food and nutrition in the United States; and
(B) such information as may be necessary to
evaluate Federal programs and policies relating to food
and nutrition;
which the Cochairs may obtain by making grants to or entering
into an agreement with, public agencies or nonprofit
organizations, are readily available in advance of the
Conference to the delegates.
(c) Gifts.--The Cochairs may accept, on behalf of the United
States, gifts (in cash or in kind, including voluntary and
uncompensated services), which shall be available to carry out this
Act. Gifts of cash shall be available in addition to amounts
appropriated to carry out this title. Gifts may be earmarked by the
donor or the executive committee for a specific purpose.
(d) Records.--The Cochairs shall maintain records regarding--
(1) the sources, amounts, and uses of gifts accepted under
subsection (c); and
(2) the identity of each person receiving assistance to
carry out this Act, and the amount of such assistance received
by each such person.
SEC. 7. REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE.
(a) Preliminary Report.--Not later than 100 days after the
Conference adjourns, the Policy Committee shall prepare a preliminary
report on the Conference which shall be published in the Federal
Register and submitted to the chief executive officers of the States.
The Policy Committee shall request that the chief executive officers of
the States submit to the Policy Committee, not later than 45 days after
receiving such report, their views and findings on such report.
(b) Final Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date on which
the Conference adjourns, the Policy Committee shall--
(1) prepare a final report of the Conference which shall
include a compilation of the views and findings of the chief
executive officers of the States received under subsection (a);
and
(2) publish in the Federal Register, and transmit to the
President and to Congress, the recommendations for the
administrative action and the legislation necessary to
implement the recommendations contained in such report.
SEC. 8. STATUS REPORTS.
(a) Initial Status Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date
on which the Conference adjourns, the Surgeon General shall--
(1) prepare a status report documenting the implementation
of the recommendations contained in the final report described
in section 7(b)(1); and
(2) publish in the Federal Register, and transmit to the
President and to Congress, such status report.
(b) Subsequent Status Reports.--Not later than 5 years after the
date on which the Conference adjourns, and every 5 years thereafter
until all recommendations in the final report described in section
7(b)(1) are achieved, the Comptroller General shall--
(1) prepare a status report documenting the implementation
of the recommendations contained in such final report; and
(2) publish in the Federal Register, and transmit to the
President and to Congress, such status report.
SEC. 9. DEFINITION OF STATE.
For the purposes of this Act, the term ``State'' means any of the
several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands of the United States, or
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Authorization.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
carry out this Act--
(A) such sums as may be necessary for the first
fiscal year in which the Policy Committee plans the
Conference and for the following fiscal year; and
(B) such sums as may be necessary for the fiscal
year in which the Conference is held.
(2) Limitation.--Any new spending authority or new
authority to enter into contracts under this Act, and under
which the United States is obligated to make outlays, shall be
effective only to the extent, and in such amounts, as are
provided in advance in appropriations Acts.
(b) Availability of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (3), funds
appropriated to carry out this Act and funds received as gifts
under section 6(c) shall remain available for obligation or
expenditure until the expiration of the 1-year period beginning
on the date the Conference adjourns.
(2) Unobligated funds.--Except as provided in paragraph
(3), any such funds neither expended nor obligated before the
expiration of the 1-year period beginning on the date the
Conference adjourns shall be returned to the United States
Treasury.
(3) Conference not convened.--If the Conference is not
convened before December 31, 2010, a trust fund shall be
established and such funds shall only be available for a future
Conference on Food and Nutrition.
|
The White House Conference on Food and Nutrition - Directs: (1) the President to call the White House Conference on Food and Nutrition to be convened in order to make fundamental policy recommendations on ways to end hunger and to improve nutrition in the United States; and (2) the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the Secretary of the Treasury to plan and conduct the Conference.
Sets forth Conference provisions.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to require the President to call a White House Conference on Food and Nutrition."}
| 3,121 | 87 | 0.542026 | 1.443739 | 0.729645 | 6.139535 | 35.511628 | 0.976744 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Congressional Contractor Health
Insurance Equity Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Contract.--The term ``contract'' means any contract for
items or services or any lease of Government property
(including any subcontract of such contract or any sublease of
such lease)--
(A) the consideration with respect to which is
greater than $75,000 per year,
``(B) with respect to a contract for services,
requires at least 1000 hours of services, and
(B) entered into between any entity or
instrumentality of the legislative branch of the
Federal Government and any individual or entity
employing at least 15 full-time employees.
(2) Employee.--The term ``employee'' has the meaning given
such term under section 3(6) of the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1002(6)).
(3) Entity of the legislative branch.--The term ``entity of
the legislative branch'' includes the following:
(A) The House of Representatives.
(B) The Senate.
(C) The Capitol Guide Service.
(D) The Capitol Police.
(E) The Congressional Budget Office.
(F) The Office of the Architect of the Capitol.
(G) The Office of the Attending Physician.
(H) The Office of Compliance.
(4) Group health plan.--The term ``group health plan''
means any plan or arrangement which provides, or pays the cost
of, health benefits that are actuarially equivalent to the
benefits provided under the standard option service benefit
plan offered under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.
(5) Instrumentality of the legislative branch.--The term
``instrumentality of the legislative branch'' means the
following:
(A) The General Accounting Office.
(B) The Government Printing Office.
(C) The Library of Congress.
SEC. 3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING CONTRACTS COVERED UNDER THIS
ACT.
(a) In General.--Any contract made or entered into by any entity or
instrumentality of the legislative branch of the Federal Government
shall contain provisions that require that--
(1) all persons employed by the contractor in the
performance of the contract or at the location of the leasehold
be offered health insurance coverage under a group health plan;
and
(2) with respect to the premiums for such plan with respect
to each employee--
(A) the contractor pay a percentage equal to the
average Government contribution required under section
8906 of title 5, United States Code, for health
insurance coverage provided under chapter 89 of such
title; and
(B) the employee pay the remainder of such
premiums.
(b) Option To Purchase.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding section 8914 of title 5,
United States Code, a contractor to which subsection (a)
applies that does not offer health insurance coverage under a
group health plan to its employees on the date on which the
contract is to take effect, may obtain any health benefits plan
offered under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, for
all persons employed by the contractor in the performance of
the contract or at the location of the leasehold. Any
contractor that exercises the option to purchase such coverage
shall make any Government contributions required for such
coverage under section 8906 of title 5, United States Code,
with the employee paying the contribution required for such
coverage for Federal employees.
(2) Calculation of amount of premiums.--Subject to
paragraph (3)(B), the Director of the Office of Personnel
Management shall calculate the amount of premiums for health
benefits plans made available to contractor employees under
paragraph (1) separately from Federal employees and annuitants
enrolled in such plans.
(3) Review by office of personnel management.--
(A) Annual review.--The Director of the Office of
Personnel Management shall review at the end of each
calendar year whether the nonapplication of paragraph
(2) would result in higher adverse selection, risk
segmentation in, or a substantial increase in premiums
for such health benefits plans. Such review shall
include a study by the Director of the health care
utilization and risks of contractor employees. The
Director shall submit a report to the President, the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the
President pro tempore of the Senate which shall contain
the results of such review.
(B) Nonapplication of paragraph (2).--Beginning in
the calendar year following a certification by the
Director of the Office of Personnel Management under
subparagraph (A) that the nonapplication of paragraph
(2) will not result in higher adverse selection, risk
segmentation in, or a substantial increase in premiums
for such health benefits plans, paragraph (2) shall not
apply.
(4) Requirement of opm.--The Director of the Office of
Personnel Management shall take such actions as are appropriate
to enable a contractor described in paragraph (1) to obtain the
health insurance described in such paragraph.
(c) Administrative Functions.--
(1) In general.--The office within the entity or
instrumentality of the legislative branch of the Federal
Government which administers the health benefits plans for
Federal employees of such entity or instrumentality shall
perform such tasks with respect to plan coverage purchased
under subsection (b) by contractors with contracts with such
entity or instrumentality.
(2) Waiver authority.--Waiver of the requirements of this
Act may be made by such office upon application.
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) In General.--This Act shall apply with respect to contracts
executed, modified, or renewed on or after January 1, 1998.
(b) Termination.--
(1) In general.--This Act shall not apply on and after
October 1, 2002.
(2) Transition rule.--In the case of any contract under
which, pursuant to this Act, health insurance coverage is
provided for calendar year 2002, the contractor and the
employees shall, notwithstanding section 3(a)(2), pay 1\1/3\ of
the otherwise required monthly premium for such coverage in
monthly installments during the period beginning on January 1,
2002, and ending before October 1, 2002.
|
Congressional Contractor Health Insurance Equity Act - Requires contracts made or entered into by any entity or instrumentality of the legislative branch of the Federal Government to require that employees of certain contractors be offered group health insurance coverage.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Congressional Contractor Health Insurance Equity Act"}
| 1,312 | 47 | 0.53878 | 1.283593 | 0.884763 | 4.675 | 31.525 | 0.975 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Merchant Mariners of World War II
Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) 2015 marked the 70th anniversary of the Allied victory
in World War II and the restoration of peacetime across the
European and Pacific theaters.
(2) The United States Merchant Marine (in this section
referred to as the ``Merchant Marine'') was integral in
providing the link between domestic production and the fighting
forces overseas, providing combat equipment, fuel, food,
commodities, and raw materials to troops stationed abroad.
(3) Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King acknowledged the
indispensability of the Merchant Marine to the victory in a
1945 letter stating that, without the support of the Merchant
Marine, ``the Navy could not have accomplished its mission''.
(4) President, and former Supreme Commander of the Allied
Forces, Dwight D. Eisenhower acknowledged that ``through the
prompt delivery of supplies and equipment to our armed forces
overseas, and of cargoes representing economic and military aid
to friendly nations, the American Merchant Marine has
effectively helped to strengthen the forces of freedom
throughout the world''.
(5) Military missions and war planning were contingent upon
the availability of resources and the Merchant Marine played a
vital role in this regard, ensuring the efficient and reliable
transoceanic transport of military equipment and both military
and civilian personnel.
(6) The Merchant Marine provided for the successful
transport of resources and personnel despite consistent and
ongoing exposure to enemy combatants from both the air and the
sea, including from enemy bomber squadrons, submarines, and
mines.
(7) The efforts of the Merchant Marine were not without
sacrifices as the Merchant Marine bore a higher per-capita
casualty rate than any other branch of the military during the
war.
(8) The Merchant Marine proved to be an instrumental asset
on an untold number of occasions, participating in every
landing operation by the United States Marine Corps, from
Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima.
(9) The Merchant Marine provided the bulk tonnage of
material necessary for the invasion of Normandy, an invasion
which, according to a 1944 New York Times article, ``would not
have been possible without the Merchant Marine''.
(10) In assessing the performance of the Merchant Marine,
General Eisenhower stated, ``every man in this Allied command
is quick to express his admiration for the loyalty, courage,
and fortitude of the officers and men of the Merchant Marine.
We count upon their efficiency and their utter devotion to duty
as we do our own; they have never failed us''.
(11) During a September 1944 speech, President Franklin D.
Roosevelt stated that the Merchant Marine had ``delivered the
goods when and where needed in every theater of operations and
across every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult, and
dangerous transportation job ever undertaken. As time goes on,
there will be greater public understanding of our merchant
fleet's record during this war.''.
(12) The feats and accomplishments of the Merchant Marine
are deserving of broader public recognition.
(13) The United States will be forever grateful and
indebted to these merchant mariners for their effective,
reliable, and courageous transport of goods and resources in
enemy territory throughout theaters of every variety in World
War II.
(14) The goods and resources transported by the Merchant
Marine saved thousands of lives and enabled the Allied Powers
to claim victory in World War II.
(15) The Congressional Gold Medal would be an appropriate
way to shed further light on the service of the merchant
mariners in World War II and the instrumental role they played
in winning that war.
SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Award Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives
and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate
arrangements for the award, on behalf of Congress, of a single gold
medal of appropriate design to the United States merchant mariners of
World War II, in recognition of their dedicated and vital service
during World War II.
(b) Design and Striking.--For the purposes of the award described
in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (in this Act referred
to as the ``Secretary'') shall strike the gold medal with suitable
emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the Secretary.
(c) American Merchant Marine Museum.--
(1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal
under subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to the
American Merchant Marine Museum, where it will be available for
display as appropriate and available for research.
(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the American Merchant Marine Museum should make the gold medal
given to the Museum under paragraph (1) available for display
elsewhere, particularly at appropriate locations associated
with the United States Merchant Marine and that preference
should be given to locations affiliated with the United States
Merchant Marine.
SEC. 4. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the
Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal
struck under section 3, at a price sufficient to cover the costs of the
medals, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and
overhead expenses.
SEC. 5. STATUS OF MEDALS.
(a) National Medals.--Medals struck under this Act are national
medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.
(b) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31,
United States Code, all medals struck under this Act shall be
considered to be numismatic items.
|
Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2016 This bill directs the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the U.S. merchant mariners of World War II in recognition of their dedicated and vital service during World War II. Expresses the sense of Congress that the American Merchant Marine Museum should make the medal available for display elsewhere, particularly at appropriate locations associated with the U.S. Merchant Marine, giving preference to locations affiliated with it.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2016"}
| 1,239 | 116 | 0.430866 | 1.126245 | 0.530096 | 5.103093 | 12.216495 | 0.938144 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Native American Economic Development
and Infrastructure for Housing Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM FOR GUARANTEED LOANS TO FINANCE TRIBAL
COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES.
(a) Authority.--To the extent or in such amounts as are provided in
appropriation Acts, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (in
this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') may, subject to the
limitations of this section and upon such terms and conditions as the
Secretary may prescribe, guarantee and make commitments to guarantee,
the notes and obligations issued by Indian tribes or tribally
designated housing entities (as such term is defined in section 4 of
the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of
1996 (25 U.S.C. 4103)) with tribal approval, for the purposes of
financing activities, carried out on Indian reservations and in other
Indian areas, that under the first sentence of section 108(a) of the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 are eligible for
financing with notes and other obligations guaranteed pursuant to such
section 108.
(b) Low-Income Benefit Requirement.--Not less than 70 percent of
the aggregate funds received by an Indian tribe or tribally designated
housing entity as a result of a guarantee under this section shall be
used for the support of activities that benefit low-income Indian
families (as such term is defined for purposes of the Native American
Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996) on Indian
reservations and other Indian areas.
(c) Financial Soundness.--The Secretary shall establish
underwriting criteria for guarantees under this section, including fees
for such guarantees, as may be necessary to ensure that the program
under this section for such guarantees is financially sound. Such fees
shall be established in amounts that are sufficient, but do not exceed
the minimum amounts necessary, to maintain a negative credit subsidy
for such program, as determined based upon risk to the Federal
Government under such underwriting requirements.
(d) Terms of Obligations.--Notes or other obligations guaranteed
pursuant to this section shall be in such form and denominations, have
such maturities, and be subject to such conditions as may be prescribed
by regulations issued by the Secretary. The Secretary may not deny a
guarantee under this section on the basis of the proposed repayment
period for the note or other obligation, unless the period is more than
20 years or the Secretary determines that the period causes the
guarantee to constitute an unacceptable financial risk.
(e) Limitation on Percentage.--A guarantee made under this section
shall guarantee repayment of 95 percent of the unpaid principal and
interest due on the notes or other obligations guaranteed.
(f) Security and Repayment.--
(1) Requirements on issuer.--To ensure the repayment of
notes or other obligations and charges incurred under this
section and as a condition for receiving such guarantees, the
Secretary shall require the Indian tribe or housing entity
issuing such notes or obligations to--
(A) enter into a contract, in a form acceptable to
the Secretary, for repayment of notes or other
obligations guaranteed under this section;
(B) demonstrate that the extent of such issuance
and guarantee under this section is within the
financial capacity of the tribe; and
(C) furnish, at the discretion of the Secretary,
such security as may be deemed appropriate by the
Secretary in making such guarantees, including
increments in local tax receipts generated by the
activities assisted by a guarantee under this section
or disposition proceeds from the sale of land or
rehabilitated property, except that such security may
not include any grant amounts received or for which the
issuer may be eligible under title I of the Native
American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act
of 1996.
(2) Full faith and credit.--The full faith and credit of
the United States is pledged to the payment of all guarantees
made under this section. Any such guarantee made by the
Secretary shall be conclusive evidence of the eligibility of
the obligations for such guarantee with respect to principal
and interest, and the validity of any such guarantee so made
shall be incontestable in the hands of a holder of the
guaranteed obligations.
(g) Training and Information.--The Secretary, in cooperation with
Indian tribes and tribally designated housing entities, shall carry out
training and information activities with respect to the guarantee
program under this section.
(h) Limitations on Amount of Guarantees.--
(1) Aggregate fiscal year limitation.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law and subject only to the absence of
qualified applicants or proposed activities and to the
authority provided in this section, to the extent approved or
provided in appropriations Acts, the Secretary may enter into
commitments to guarantee notes and obligations under this
section with an aggregate principal amount not to exceed
$200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.
(2) Authorization of appropriations for credit subsidy.--
There are authorized to be appropriated to cover the costs (as
such term is defined in section 502 of the Congressional Budget
Act of 1974) of guarantees under this section such sums as may
be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012. No
funds appropriated under this Act shall be expended for the
benefit of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma until the Secretary
shall have certified to the Congress that the Cherokee Nation
of Oklahoma is in compliance with the Treaty of 1866 and fully
recognizes all Cherokee Freedmen and their descendants as
citizens of the Cherokee Nation.
(3) Aggregate outstanding limitation.--The total amount of
outstanding obligations guaranteed on a cumulative basis by the
Secretary pursuant to this section shall not at any time exceed
$1,000,000,000 or such higher amount as may be authorized to be
appropriated for this section for any fiscal year.
(4) Fiscal year limitations on tribes.--The Secretary shall
monitor the use of guarantees under this section by Indian
tribes. If the Secretary finds that 50 percent of the aggregate
guarantee authority under paragraph (3) has been committed, the
Secretary may--
(A) impose limitations on the amount of guarantees
pursuant to this section that any one Indian tribe may
receive in any fiscal year of $25,000,000; or
(B) request the enactment of legislation increasing
the aggregate outstanding limitation on guarantees
under this section.
(i) Report.--Not later than the expiration of the 4-year period
beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
submit a report to the Congress regarding the utilization of the
authority under this section by Indian tribes and tribally designated
housing entities, identifying the extent of such utilization and the
types of projects and activities financed using such authority and
analyzing the effectiveness of such utilization in carrying out the
purposes of this section.
(j) Termination.--The authority of the Secretary under this section
to make new guarantees for notes and obligations shall terminate on
October 1, 2012.
|
Native American Economic Development and Infrastructure for Housing Act of 2007 - (Sec. 2) Authorizes the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to guarantee notes and obligations issued by Indian tribes or tribally designated housing entities, with tribal approval, to finance community and economic development activities on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas.
Requires the use of at least 70% of the aggregate funds received as a result of such guarantee to support activities that benefit low-income Indian families.
Directs the Secretary to establish underwriting criteria for such guarantees, including necessary fees, to ensure that the guarantee program is financially sound.
Prohibits the Secretary from denying a guarantee on the basis of the proposed repayment period for the note or other obligation, unless the period is more than 20 years or he determines that the period causes the guarantee to constitute an unacceptable financial risk.
Limits a guarantee to repayment of 95% of the unpaid principal and interest due.
Requires the Secretary, in cooperation with Indian tribes and tribally designated housing entities, to carry out training and information activities with respect to the guarantee program.
Authorizes the Secretary to enter into guarantee commitments with an aggregate principal amount of up to $200 million for each of FY2008-FY2012.
Authorizes appropriations for such fiscal years. Prohibits the expenditure of funds appropriated under this Act for the benefit of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma until the Secretary certifies to Congress that it is in compliance with the Treaty of 1866 and fully recognizes all Cherokee Freedmen and their descendants as citizens of the Cherokee Nation.
Limits to $1 billion, or any authorized higher amount, the total aggregate outstanding obligations guaranteed on a cumulative basis by the Secretary for any fiscal year.
Requires the Secretary to monitor the use of such guarantees by Indian tribes. Authorizes the Secretary, upon finding that 50% of such aggregate guarantee authority has been committed, to: (1) limit to $25 million the amount of guarantees that any one Indian tribe may receive in any fiscal year; or (2) request the enactment of legislation increasing the aggregate outstanding limitation.
Terminates on October 1, 2012, the Secretary's authority to make new guarantees for notes and obligations.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish a demonstration program to authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to guarantee obligations issued by Indian tribes to finance community and economic development activities."}
| 1,485 | 464 | 0.702861 | 2.433775 | 0.79707 | 4.438389 | 3.2891 | 0.917062 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Bipartisan Commission on Campaign
Practices Act of 1996''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) for Congress to address the existing problems in the
Federal election laws, Congress must act in a nonpartisan
manner and engage in a debate based on academic studies and
empirical findings instead of partisan rhetoric;
(2) when addressing Federal election laws, Congress must be
cognizant of the freedoms of speech and association protected
under the Constitution; and
(3) the current Federal election laws unduly favor
incumbent Members of Congress, and, in previous years, Congress
has not been able to eliminate this bias when addressing the
reform of the Federal election laws.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT AND PURPOSE OF COMMISSION.
There is established a commission to be known as the ``Bipartisan
Commission on Campaign Practices'' (referred to in this Act as the
``Commission''). The purposes of the Commission are to study the laws
relating to elections for Federal office and to report and recommend
legislation to reform those laws.
SEC. 4. MEMBERSHIP OF COMMISSION.
(a) Appointment.--The Commission shall be composed of 12 members
appointed within 15 days after the date of the enactment of this Act by
the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, from
among individuals who are not incumbent Members of Congress and who are
specially qualified to serve on the Commission by reason of education,
training, or experience. In making appointments, the President shall
consult--
(1) the Speaker of the House of Representatives with
respect to the appointment of 3 members, one of whom is not
affiliated with either the Republican Party or the Democratic
Party;
(2) the majority leader of the Senate with respect to the
appointment of 3 members, one of whom is not affiliated with
either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party;
(3) the minority leader of the House of Representatives
with respect to the appointment of 2 members, one of whom is
not affiliated with either the Republican Party or the
Democratic Party; and
(4) the minority leader of the Senate with respect to the
appointment of 2 members, one of whom is not affiliated with
either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party.
(b) Chairman.--At the time of the appointment, the President shall
designate one member of the Commission as Chairman of the Commission.
The Chairman may not be affiliated with either the Republican Party or
the Democratic Party.
(c) Terms.--The members of the Commission shall serve for the life
of the Commission.
(d) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission shall be filled in the
manner in which the original appointment was made.
(e) Political Affiliation.--Not more than 4 members of the
Commission may be of the same political party.
SEC. 5. POWERS OF COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings.--The Commission may, for the purpose of carrying out
this Act, hold hearings, sit and act at times and places, take
testimony, and receive evidence as the Commission considers
appropriate.
(b) Quorum.--Seven members of the Commission shall constitute a
quorum, but a lesser number may hold hearings. A majority of the full
Commission is required when approving all or a portion of the
recommended legislation. Any member of the Commission may, if
authorized by the Commission, take any action which the Commission is
authorized to take under this section.
SEC. 6. ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS.
(a) Pay and Travel Expenses of Members.--(1) Each member of the
Commission, other than the Chairman, shall be paid at a rate equal to
the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay payable for level
IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United
States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the
member is engaged in the actual performance of duties vested in the
Commission. The Chairman shall be paid for each day referred to in the
preceding sentence at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the
annual rate of basic pay payable for level III of the Executive
Schedule under section 5314 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Members of the Commission shall receive travel expenses,
including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections
5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Staff Director.--The Commission shall, without regard to
section 5311(b) of title 5, United States Code, appoint a staff
director, who shall be paid at the rate of basic pay payable for level
IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United
States Code.
(c) Staff of Commission; Services.--
(1) In general.--Subject to such rules as may be adopted by
the Commission, the Chair, 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, may
appoint such personnel as the chair considers necessary, except that an
individual so appointed may not receive pay in excess of the maximum
annual rate of basic pay payable for grade GS-15 of the General
Schedule under section 5332 of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Temporary and intermittent services.--The Chair may
procure temporary and intermittent services to the same extent
as is authorized by section 3109(b) of title 5, United States
Code.
SEC. 7. REPORT AND RECOMMENDED LEGISLATION.
(a) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the selection of the
Chair of the Commission, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a
report of the activities of the Commission.
(b) Recommendations.--The report under subsection (a) shall include
any recommendations for changes in the laws (including regulations)
governing the conducting and financing of Federal campaigns, including
any changes in the rules of the Senate or the House of Representatives,
to which 7 or more members of the Commission may agree.
(c) Preparation of Legislation.--If 7 or more members concur on a
recommendation submitted under subsection (b), those members shall
prepare and submit with the report under subsection (a) legislation to
implement the recommendation.
(d) Expedited Congressional Consideration of Legislation.--
(1) In general.--If any legislation is introduced the
substance of which implements a recommendation of the
Commission submitted under subsection (b), subject to paragraph
(2), the provisions of section 2908 (other than subsection (a))
of the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 shall
apply to the consideration of the legislation in the same
manner as such provisions apply to a joint resolution described
in section 2908(a) of such Act.
(2) Special rules.--For purposes of applying paragraph (1)
with respect to such provisions, the following rules shall
apply:
(A) Any reference to the Committee on Armed
Services of the House of Representatives shall be
deemed a reference to the Committee on House Oversight
of the House of Representatives and any reference to
the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate shall be
deemed a reference to the Committee on Rules and
Administration of the Senate.
(B) Any reference to the date on which the
President transmits a report shall be deemed a
reference to the date on which the recommendation
involved is submitted under subsection (b).
(C) Notwithstanding subsection (d)(2) of section
2908 of such Act--
(i) it shall be in order to consider an
amendment in the nature of a substitute to the
legislation offered by the majority leader of
the House of Representatives or the Senate (as
the case may be);
(ii) it shall be in order to consider an
amendment in the nature of a substitute to the
legislation offered by the minority leader of
the House of Representatives or the Senate (as
the case may be);
(iii) a separate vote shall be taken in
each House on adoption of each of the
amendments offered and on the legislation as
introduced; and
(iv) if more than one version of the
legislation is adopted by a House pursuant to
clause (iii), the version receiving the
greatest number of votes in favor of adoption
shall be deemed to be legislation passed by
that House.
SEC. 8. PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE COMMISSION.
In formulating its draft of legislation under section 7, the
Commission shall consider the following to be its primary objectives:
(1) Encouraging fair and open Federal elections that
provide voters with meaningful information about candidates and
issues.
(2) Eliminating the disproportionate influence of special
interest financing of Federal elections.
(3) Creating a system in which incumbent Members of
Congress do not possess an inherent advantage over challengers.
SEC. 9. TERMINATION.
The Commission shall cease to exist 60 days after the date of the
submission of its report under section 7.
SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Commission such sums
as are necessary to carry out its duties under this Act.
|
Bipartisan Commission on Campaign Practices Act of 1996 - Establishes the Bipartisan Commission on Campaign Practices. Directs the Commission to study the laws relating to elections for Federal office and to report and recommend legislation to reform those laws.
(Sec. 7) Requires the Commission to report on its activities to the Congress not later than 90 days after the selection of the Chair of the Commission. Directs that if seven or more members concur on a recommendation, those members shall prepare and submit with the report legislation to implement the recommendation. Provides for expedited congressional consideration of any legislation the substance of which implements a recommendation of the Commission. (Sec. 8) Sets forth the primary objectives of the Commission.
(Sec. 9) Terminates the Commission 60 days after the submission of its report.
(Sec. 10) Authorizes to be appropriated to the Commission such sums as are necessary to carry out its duties.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Bipartisan Commission on Campaign Practices Act of 1996"}
| 1,985 | 206 | 0.57907 | 1.599169 | 0.778634 | 4.460674 | 10.55618 | 0.910112 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Anti-Pyramid Promotional Scheme Act
of 2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Pyramid promotional schemes, chain letters, and related
schemes are enterprises--
(A) that finance returns to participants through
sums taken from newly attracted participants;
(B) in which new participants are promised large
returns for their investments; and
(C) involve unfair and deceptive sales tactics, and
lead to the victimization of unwitting individuals.
(2) Pyramid promotional schemes, chain letters, and related
schemes constitute a threat in interstate commerce and to the
financial well-being of the citizens of the United States.
(3) The advent of the global Internet makes pyramid
promotional schemes international threats.
(4) The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals erred in defining a
pyramid promotional scheme in Webster v. Omnitrition Int'l,
Inc. (79 F.3d 776; 9th Cir. 1996).
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Appropriate inventory repurchase program.--The term
``appropriate inventory repurchase program'' means a program by
which a plan or operation repurchases, upon request at the
termination of a participant's business relationship with the
plan or operation and based upon commercially reasonable terms,
current and marketable inventory purchased and maintained by
the participant for resale, use, or consumption, and such plan
or operation clearly describes the program in its recruiting
literature, sales manual, or contracts with participants,
including the manner in which the repurchase is exercised, and
disclosure of any inventory that is not eligible for repurchase
under the program.
(2) Commercially reasonable terms.--The term ``commercially
reasonable terms'' means the repurchase of current and
marketable inventory within 12 months from date of purchase at
not less than 90 percent of the original net cost to the
participant, less appropriate set-offs and legal claims,if any.
In the case of service products, the repurchase of such service
products must be on a pro rata basis (unless clearly disclosed
otherwise to the participant) to be within the meaning of
``commercially reasonable terms''.
(3) Compensation.--The term ``compensation'' means a
payment of any money, thing of value, or financial benefit.
(4) Consideration.--The term ``consideration'' means the
payment of cash or the purchase of goods, services, or
intangible property, and does not include--
(A) the purchase of goods or services furnished at
cost to be used in making sales and not for resale; or
(B) time and effort spent in pursuit of sales or
recruiting activities.
(5) Current and marketable.--
(A) The term ``current and marketable'' includes
inventory that--
(i) in the case of consumable or durable
goods, is unopened, unused, and within its
commercially reasonable use or shelf-life
period; and
(ii) in the case of services and intangible
property, including Internet sites, represents
the unexpired portion of any contract or
agreement.
(B) The term ``current and marketable'' does not
include inventory that has been clearly described to
the participant prior to purchase as seasonal,
discontinued, or special promotion products not subject
to the plan or operation's inventory repurchase
program.
(6) Inventory.--The term ``inventory'' includes both goods
and services, including company-produced promotional materials,
sales aids, and sales kits that the plan or operation requires
independent salespersons to purchase.
(7) Inventory loading.--The term ``inventory loading''
means that the plan or operation requires or encourages its
independent salespersons to purchase inventory in an amount
that unreasonably exceeds that which the salesperson can expect
to resell for ultimate consumption, or to use or consume, in a
reasonable time period.
(8) Participant.--The term ``participant'' means a person
who joins a plan or operation.
(9) Person.--The term ``person'' means an individual, a
corporation, a partnership, or any association or
unincorporated organization.
(10) Promote.--The term ``promote'' means to contrive,
prepare, establish, plan, operate, advertise, or to otherwise
induce or attempt to induce another person to be a participant.
(11) Pyramid promotional scheme.--The term ``pyramid
promotional scheme'' means any plan or operation in which a
participant gives consideration for the right to receive
compensation that is derived primarily from the recruitment of
other persons as participants in the plan or operation, rather
than from the sales of goods, services, or intangible property
to participants or by participants to others.
SEC. 4. RULES TO PROHIBIT OPERATING PYRAMID PROMOTIONAL SCHEME.
(a) In General.-- Not later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Federal Trade Commission shall promulgate a
rule under section 18(a) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C.
57a(a)) providing that it shall be an unfair or deceptive act or
practice under section 5 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 45) for any person, by
the use of any means or instrumentality of transportation or
communication in interstate or foreign commerce, to promote, offer,
sell, or attempt to sell a participation or the right to participate in
a pyramid promotional scheme.
(b) Limitation.--Nothing in this Act or in the rule to be
promulgated pursuant to this section shall be construed to prohibit a
plan or operation, or to define such plan or operation as a ``pyramid
promotional scheme'', based upon the fact that participants in the plan
or operation give consideration in return for the right to receive
compensation based upon purchases of goods, services, or intangible
property by participants for personal use, consumption, or resale, and
the plan or operation does not promote inventory loading and implements
an appropriate inventory repurchase program.
SEC. 5. STATE ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Actions Under State Law.--Nothing in this Act or the Federal
Trade Commission Act prohibits an authorized State official from
proceeding in State court on the basis of an alleged violation of any
civil or criminal statute of such State.
(b) Actions Under Federal Law.--The attorney general of any State
or territory of the United States may, upon finding any person is
engaged or is about to engage in any act or practice that constitutes a
pyramid promotional scheme in violation of the rule promulgated under
section 4, bring an action in the appropriate district court of the
United States to enjoin such act or practice and to obtain other
appropriate relief. The attorney general of a State or territory of the
United States may seek such relief on behalf of residents of such State
or territory, and an authorized Federal official may seek such relief
on behalf of residents of all such States and territories. Such court
may grant a temporary restraining order, or a preliminary or permanent
injunction, or other appropriate relief.
SEC. 6. NO LIMITATION ON OTHER FEDERAL CLAIMS.
Nothing in this Act or the rule promulgated under it shall limit
the authority of any Federal official from proceeding against pyramid
promotional schemes for other violations of Federal law.
|
Anti-Pyramid Promotional Scheme Act of 2003 - Directs the Federal Trade Commission to promulgate a rule declaring that it is an unfair or deceptive act or practice for any person to use any means or instrumentality of transportation or communication in interstate or foreign commerce in order to promote, offer, sell, or attempt to sell a participation or the right to participate in a pyramid promotional scheme.Provides for Federal and State enforcement.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To prohibit pyramid promotional schemes, and for other purposes."}
| 1,647 | 100 | 0.447506 | 1.25404 | 0.556903 | 5.7875 | 18.375 | 0.9625 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Congressional Commission on
Expanding Social Service Delivery Options Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a Congressional Commission
on Expanding Social Service Delivery Options (referred to in this Act
as the ``Commission'').
(b) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 10
members, of whom--
(A) 3 shall be appointed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives;
(B) 3 shall be appointed by the majority leader of
the Senate;
(C) 2 shall be appointed by the minority leader of
the House of Representatives; and
(D) 2 shall be appointed by the minority leader of
the Senate.
(2) Qualifications.--Members of the Commission shall be
appointed from among individuals with demonstrated expertise
and experience in social service delivery, including, to the
extent practicable, in the area of reform of such delivery.
(3) Date.--The appointments of the members of the
Commission shall be made not later than 30 days after the date
of enactment of this Act.
(c) Period of Appointment; Vacancies.--Members shall be appointed
for the life of the Commission. Any vacancy in the Commission shall not
affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the
original appointment.
(d) Co-Chairpersons.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives
shall designate 1 of the members appointed under subsection (b)(1)(A)
as a co-Chairperson of the Commission. The majority leader of the
Senate shall designate 1 of the members appointed under subsection
(b)(1)(B) as a co-Chairperson of the Commission.
(e) Initial Meeting.--Not later than 60 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Commission shall hold its first meeting.
(f) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of either co-
Chairperson.
(g) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
SEC. 3. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall conduct a thorough
and thoughtful study of all matters relating to increasing
beneficiary-selected or beneficiary-directed options for social
service delivery in Federal social service programs, including
certificate, scholarship, voucher, or other forms of indirect
delivery. The Commission shall review all relevant Federal
social service programs in existence on the date of the
beginning of the study, including the initiatives of the
Corporation for National and Community Service. The Commission
shall determine program areas, among the Federal programs, for
which it is appropriate and feasible to implement full or
partial beneficiary-selected or beneficiary-directed options
for the delivery of the social services.
(2) Goals.--In making determinations under paragraph (1),
the Commission shall seek to promote goals of--
(A) expanding consumer and beneficiary choice in
Federal social service programs;
(B) maximizing the use of governmental resources in
the Federal programs; and
(C) minimizing concerns relating to any precedent
under the Constitution regarding the participation of
faith-based providers in the Federal programs.
(b) Recommendations.--The Commission shall develop recommendations
on program areas, among the Federal social service programs, for which
it is appropriate and feasible to implement full or partial
beneficiary-selected or beneficiary-directed options for the delivery
of the social services.
(c) Report.--Not later than 11 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Commission shall submit a report to the Speaker and
minority leader of the House of Representatives and the majority leader
and minority leader of the Senate, which shall contain a detailed
statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission, together
with its recommendations for such legislation and administrative
actions as it considers appropriate.
SEC. 4. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings.--The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act
at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such
evidence as the Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act.
(b) Information From Federal Agencies.--The Commission may secure
directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the
Commission considers necessary to carry out this Act. Upon request of
either co-Chairperson of the Commission, the head of such department or
agency shall furnish such information to the Commission.
(c) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
SEC. 5. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.
(a) Compensation of Members.--Each member of the Commission who is
not an officer or employee of the Federal Government shall be
compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate
of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including
travel time) during which such member is engaged in the performance of
the duties of the Commission. All members of the Commission who are
officers or employees of the United States shall serve without
compensation in addition to that received for their services as
officers or employees of the United States.
(b) Travel Expenses.--The members of the Commission shall be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at
rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of
chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes
or regular places of business in the performance of services for the
Commission.
(c) Staff.--
(1) In general.--The co-Chairpersons of the Commission,
acting jointly, may, without regard to the civil service laws
and regulations, appoint and terminate an executive director
and such other additional personnel as may be necessary to
enable the Commission to perform its duties. The employment of
an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by the
Commission.
(2) Compensation.--The co-Chairpersons of the Commission,
acting jointly, may fix the compensation of the executive
director and other personnel without regard to chapter 51 and
subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code,
relating to classification of positions and General Schedule
pay rates, except that the rate of pay for the executive
director and other personnel may not exceed the rate payable
for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of
such title.
(d) Detail of Government Employees.--Any Federal Government
employee may be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement, and
such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service
status or privilege.
(e) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--The co-
Chairpersons of the Commission, acting jointly, may procure temporary
and intermittent services under section 3109(b) of title 5, United
States Code, at rates for individuals which do not exceed the daily
equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of
the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title.
SEC. 6. TERMINATION OF THE COMMISSION.
The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the date on which the
Commission submits its report under section 3.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Commission for fiscal year 2006 such sums as may be necessary to carry
out this Act.
(b) Availability.--Any sums appropriated under the authorization
contained in this section shall remain available, without fiscal year
limitation, until expended.
|
Congressional Commission on Expanding Social Service Delivery Options Act - Establishes a Congressional Commission on Expanding Social Service Delivery Options.
Directs the Commission to: (1) study all matters relating to increasing beneficiary-selected or beneficiary-directed options for social service delivery (delivery options) in federal social service programs, including certificate, scholarship, voucher, or other forms of indirect delivery; (2) review all relevant existing programs, including initiatives of the Corporation for National and Community Service; and (3) determine and recommend program areas for which it is appropriate and feasible to implement such delivery options fully or partially. Requires the Commission to promote goals of: (1) expanding consumer and beneficiary choice in such programs; (2) maximizing use of governmental resources in them; and (3) minimizing concerns relating to any precedent under the Constitution regarding participation in them of faith-based providers.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to establish a Congressional Commission on Expanding Social Service Delivery Options."}
| 1,671 | 178 | 0.591056 | 1.614371 | 0.825007 | 4.362573 | 8.953216 | 0.935673 |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The national security of the United States is
threatened by the possibility of terrorist attacks against
American citizens, military personnel, institutions, landmarks,
infrastructure, and industry.
(2) The intelligence community is responsible for
collecting and disseminating intelligence on known and
suspected terrorists, and known and suspected international
terrorist organizations. This information is vital to United
States efforts to prevent terrorist attacks, and capture and
mete out justice to those who plan or commit such acts.
(3) Previous terrorist attacks against United States
interests and the subsequent investigations into these
incidents, including the current investigation into the
terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, have highlighted
deficiencies in how intelligence on known or suspected
terrorists, and known or suspected terrorist organizations, is
stored and retrieved, and in how this information is
disseminated to Federal Government agencies, State and local
government agencies, and entities of foreign governments and
international organizations responsible for the prevention of
and investigation into terrorist attacks.
(4) It is essential to the prevention of future terrorist
attacks that the agencies and personnel responsible for
protecting our citizenry and Nation have appropriate and
effective access to the intelligence collected on known or
suspected terrorists, and known or suspected terrorist
organizations, in a timely manner.
(b) Purposes.--The purpose of this Act are--
(1) to provide for establishment and maintenance of an
interoperable counterterrorism intelligence data system to both
store and retrieve the identities of and biographic information
on known or suspected terrorists, and known or suspected
terrorist organizations; and
(2) to ensure the timely and thorough availability of such
information to those responsible for protecting our citizenry
and Nation against the threat of terrorism at the Federal,
State, and local level.
SEC. 2. TERRORIST IDENTIFICATION CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.
(a) Requirement.--(1) The Director of Central Intelligence, acting
as head of the Intelligence Community, shall--
(A) establish and maintain a list of individuals who are
known or suspected international terrorists, and of
organizations that are known or suspected international
terrorist organizations; and
(B) ensure that pertinent information on the list is shared
with the departments, agencies, and organizations described by
subsection (c).
(2) The list under paragraph (1), and the mechanisms for sharing
information on the list, shall be known as the ``Terrorist
Identification Classification System''.
(b) Administration.--(1) The Director shall prescribe requirements
for the inclusion of an individual or organization on the list required
by subsection (a), and for the omission from the list of an individual
or organization currently on the list.
(2) The Director shall ensure that the information utilized to
determine the inclusion or omission of an individual or organization on
or from the list is derived from all-source intelligence.
(3) The Director shall ensure that the list is maintained in
accordance with existing law and regulations governing the collection,
storage, and dissemination of intelligence concerning United States
persons.
(c) Information Sharing.--Subject to section 103(c)(6) of the
National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 403-3(c)(6)), relating to the
protection of intelligence sources and methods, the Director shall
provide for the sharing of the list, and information on the list, with
such departments and agencies of the Federal Government, State and
local government agencies, and entities of foreign governments and
international organizations as the Director considers appropriate.
(d) Reporting and Certification.--(1) The Director shall review on
an annual basis the information provided by various departments and
agencies for purposes of the list under subsection (a) in order to
determine whether or not the information so provided is derived from
the widest possible range of intelligence available to such departments
and agencies.
(2) The Director shall, as a result of each review under paragraph
(1), certify whether or not the elements of the intelligence community
responsible for the collection of intelligence related to the list have
provided information for purposes of the list that is derived from the
widest possible range of intelligence available to such department and
agencies.
(e) Report on Criteria for Information Sharing.--(1) Not later then
March 1, 2003, the Director shall submit to the congressional
intelligence committees a report describing the criteria used to
determine which information on the list required by subsection (a) is
to be shared, and which information is not to be shared, with various
departments and agencies of the Federal Government, State and local
government agencies, and entities of foreign governments and
international organizations.
(2) The report shall include a description of the circumstances in
which the Director has determined that sharing information on the list
with the departments and agencies of the Federal Government, and of
State and local governments, described by subsection (c) would be
inappropriate due to the concerns addressed by section 103(c)(6) of the
National Security Act of 1947, relating to the protection of sources
and methods, and any instance in which the sharing on information on
the list has been inappropriate in light of such concerns.
(f) System Administration Requirements.--(1) The Director shall, to
the maximum extent practicable, ensure the interoperability of the
Terrorist Identification Classification System with relevant
information systems of the departments and agencies of the Federal
Government, and of State and local governments, described by subsection
(c).
(2) The Director shall ensure that the System utilizes technologies
that are effective in aiding the identification of individuals in the
field.
(g) Report on Status of System.--(1) Not later than one year after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of Homeland
Security in consultation with the Director of Central Intelligence,
shall submit to the congressional intelligence committees a report on
the status of the Terrorist Identification Classification System. The
report shall contain a certification on the following:
(A) Whether or not the System contains the intelligence
information necessary to facilitate the contribution of the
System to the domestic security of the United States.
(B) Whether or not the departments and agencies having
access to the System have access in a manner that permits such
departments and agencies to carry out appropriately their
domestic security responsibilities.
(C) Whether or not the System is operating in a manner that
maximizes its contribution to the domestic security of the
United States.
(D) If a certification under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C)
is in the negative, the modifications or enhancements of the
System necessary to ensure a future certification in the
positive.
(2) The report shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may
include a classified annex.
(h) Congressional Intelligence Committees Defined.--In this
section, the term ``congressional intelligence committees'' means--
(1) the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate; and
(2) the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the
House of Representatives.
|
Requires the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) to: (1) establish and maintain a list of individuals and organizations that are known or suspected to be international terrorists or terrorist organizations; and (2) ensure that pertinent information on such list is shared with such Federal, State, and local departments and such agencies and entities of foreign governments and international organizations as the DCI considers appropriate. Designates such list as the Terrorist Identification Classification System. Requires the DCI to: (1) review and update the System; (2) report to the congressional intelligence committees on the criteria used to determine which System information is shared; and (3) ensure the interoperability of the System with relevant information systems of appropriate departments, agencies, and foreign and international governments and organizations.Requires the Director of Homeland Security, in consultation with the DCI, to report to the intelligence committees on the status of the System, together with specified certifications.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to provide for a terrorist identification classification system, and for other purposes."}
| 1,462 | 198 | 0.607911 | 1.616677 | 0.902919 | 2.96648 | 8.027933 | 0.932961 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Physician Availability Act of
1997''.
SEC. 2. REQUIREMENT FOR PHYSICIAN AVAILABILITY IN ACUTE CARE HOSPITALS.
(a) In General.--Each covered hospital shall have a qualified
physician available in the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week
to attend to the needs of inpatients of the hospital.
(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) Covered hospital.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
term ``covered hospital'' means a subsection (d)
hospital (as defined in section 1886(d)(1)(B) of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395ww(d)(1)(B)) that
has a participation agreement in effect under section
1866 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1395cc), is participating
in the program under title XIX of such Act, or is
receiving a Federal funds under a grant or cooperative
agreement.
(B) Exclusion for federal facilities and small
hospitals.--Such term does not include a hospital
that--
(i) is a facility of the Federal
Government, or
(ii) the Secretary of Health and Human
Services determines has fewer than 100 licensed
beds (as defined by the Secretary).
(2) Physician; qualified physician.--(A) The term
``physician'' means, with respect to a hospital, an individual
who is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy legally authorized
under State law to practice medicine and surgery in that
hospital.
(B) The term ``qualified physician'' means, with respect to
a hospital, an individual who is a physician and whose
credentials as such a physician have been verified by the
administration of the hospital (before providing any services
at the hospital) through appropriate means, including
verification through the National Practitioner Databank.
(3) Physician availability.--A physician is considered to
be ``available'' in a hospital if--
(A) the physician is physically present in the
hospital other than in the hospital's emergency room or
emergency department;
(B) the physician's primary responsibility is to be
in attendance to serve the needs of the hospital's
inpatients without delay; and
(C) the physician is not physically present in,
assigned to, serving in, or expected to cover, the
hospital's emergency room or emergency department.
(c) Enforcement.--
(1) Warning.--If the Secretary of Health and Human Services
(in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') determines
that a hospital has violated subsection (a), in the first
instance the Secretary shall provide a written warning
regarding such violation to the hospital and shall notify the
Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human
Services (in this section referred to as the ``HHS Inspector
General'') of such violation. Subsequently, the HHS Inspector
General shall monitor the compliance of the hospital with the
requirement of subsection (a).
(2) Second violation.--After providing a warning to a
hospital under paragraph (1), if the Secretary determines that
the hospital subsequently and knowingly violates subsection
(a)--
(A) the hospital is subject to a civil money
penalty in an amount not to exceed $100,000, and
(B) the hospital shall submit to the HHS Inspector
General, by not later than 30 days after the date of
such a determination, a remedial plan to prevent future
violations of the requirement of such subsection.
The provisions of section 1128A of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1320a-7a), other than subsections (a) and (b) of such
section, shall apply to civil money penalties under
subparagraph (A) in the same manner as they apply to a penalty
or proceeding under subsection (a) of such section.
(3) Subsequent violations.--After imposing a civil money
penalty under paragraph (2) against a hospital, if the
Secretary determines that the hospital subsequently and
knowingly violates subsection (a), the Secretary may issue an
order disqualifying the hospital from participation in the
programs under titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act
and from receipt of Federal funds under any grant or
cooperative agreement for such period as the Secretary
specifies and until the Secretary receives satisfactory
assurances that the hospital will be in substantial compliance
with the requirement of subsection (a).
(4) Failure to submit or comply with remedial plan.--If the
Secretary determines, after consultation with the HHS Inspector
General, that a hospital has failed to submit a satisfactory
remedial plan required under paragraph (2)(B) or is failing to
substantially carry out such a plan, the Secretary may suspend
payment of funds to the hospital under titles XVIII and XIX of
the Social Security Act and under Federal grants or cooperative
agreements until the Secretary receives satisfactory assurances
that such failures will not continue.
(d) Effective Date.--This section shall take effect on the date
that is 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
|
Physician Availability Act of 1997 - Requires each non-Federal hospital with at least 100 licensed beds and meeting other criteria to have a qualified physician available in the hospital (other than in the emergency department) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to attend to the hospital's inpatients. Provides for enforcement, including through civil penalities and suspension or disqualification regarding titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Physician Availability Act of 1997"}
| 1,143 | 112 | 0.547967 | 1.40063 | 0.88895 | 2.674419 | 11.767442 | 0.813953 |
SECTION 1. CONTINUITY OF MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE FOR FULL-
BENEFIT DUAL ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
(a) In General.--Section 1860D-2(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395w-102(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``subject to paragraph
(6),'' after ``part C''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) Continuation of medicare coverage for certain
prescriptions for full-benefit dual eligible individuals.--In
the case of an individual who, as of the date the individual is
first enrolled under a prescription drug plan under this part
(or an MA-PD plan under part C), is a full-benefit dual
eligible individual and is being provided medical assistance
for a covered part D drug under title XIX, qualified
prescription drug coverage must include coverage for such drug
unless a prescribing physician certifies that the coverage of
such drug is not medically necessary, regardless of whether the
individual subsequently remains a full-benefit dual eligible
individual.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall be
effective as if included in the enactment of Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173).
SEC. 2. MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE OF BENZODIAZEPINES.
(a) In General.--Section 1860D-2(e)(2)(A) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w-112(e)(2)(A)) is amended by inserting after
``agents)'' the following: ``and other than subparagraph (J) of such
section (relating to benzodiazepines)''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall be
effective as if included in the enactment of Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173).
SEC. 3. PERMITTING STATE MEDICAID PROGRAMS TO COVER MEDICARE
PRESCRIPTION DRUG COPAYMENTS FOR FULL-BENEFIT DUAL
ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.
(a) In General.--Section 1935(d) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1396u-5(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) Optional coverage of medicare prescription drug cost-
sharing.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a State may, at its
option, provide medical assistance under the plan under this
title for the deductible and cost-sharing imposed under a
prescription drug plan (or an MA-PD plan) for full-benefit dual
eligible individuals and payment shall be available under
section 1903(a) with respect to such assistance provided.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall be
effective as if included in the enactment of Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173).
SEC. 4. MEDICARE COVERAGE OF OFF-LABEL USES OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND
BIOLOGICALS.
(a) In General.--Section 1860D-2(e) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395w-102(e)) is amended at the end by adding the following new
paragraph:
``(4) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be
construed as excluding from the definition of the term `covered part D
drug'--
``(A) a drug described in paragraph (1)(A) on the sole
basis that such drug is prescribed by a physician for a use
other than a use included in the labeling of such drug pursuant
to the approval of the safety and effectiveness of such drug as
a prescription drug under section 505 or 507 of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or approval of such drug under
section 505(j) of such Act; or
``(B) a biological product described in paragraph (1)(B) on
the sole basis that such product is prescribed by a physician
for a use other than a use included in the labeling of such
product pursuant to the licensure of such product under section
351 of the Public Health Service Act;
even if the unlabeled use of the drug or product is not included in a
standard clinical reference compendia used by clinicians for purposes
of providing guidance to such clinicians with respect to unlabeled uses
of such a drug or product.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall be
effective as if included in the enactment of Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173).
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION FOR SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO
WAIVE DENIAL OF PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE.
(a) In General.--Section 1860D-4(h) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395w-104(h)) is amended at the end by adding the following new
paragraph:
``(4) Authorization for Secretary To Waive Denial of Prescription
Drug Coverage.--After a part D eligible individual has exhausted all
rights of such individual under this subsection and subsection (g),
with respect to a determination made under this subsection or
subsection (g) for a prescription drug plan not to provide for coverage
of a covered part D drug (or a determination related to the application
of tiered cost-sharing described in subsection (g)(2)), the individual
may apply to the Secretary for a waiver that requires the prescription
drug plan to provide for such coverage (or provide for an exception to
the structure of such tiered cost-sharing). Upon receipt of such
application, the Secretary may grant such waiver if the prescribing
physician certifies that the coverage of such prescription drug is
medically necessary with respect to the individual.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to determinations made on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
|
Amends part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program ) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to provide for continuity of coverage of prescription drugs under Medicare prescription drug plans for full-benefit dual eligible individuals.
Provides for Medicare prescription drug coverage of benzodiazepines and of off-label uses of prescription drugs and biologicals.
Amends SSA title XIX (Medicaid) to permit state Medicaid programs to cover Medicare prescription drug copayments for full-benefit dual eligible individuals.
Amends SSA title XVIII to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive denial of Medicare prescription drug coverage.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to provide for continuity of Medicare prescription drug coverage for full-benefit dual eligible individuals, for Medicare prescription drug coverage of benzodiazepines and off-label uses of certain prescription drugs and biological products, for optional Medicaid coverage of Medicare prescription drug cost-sharing for full-benefit dual eligible individuals, and for authorization to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to waive certain determinations denying Medicare prescription drug coverage."}
| 1,457 | 151 | 0.56349 | 1.394513 | 0.657396 | 3.837607 | 9.820513 | 0.880342 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``School Bus Safety Act''.
TITLE I--KADYN'S ACT
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as ``Kadyn's Act''.
SEC. 102. WITHHOLDING APPORTIONMENTS FOR NONCOMPLIANCE WITH SCHOOL BUS
PASSINGS.
(a) Withholding Apportionments.--Chapter 1 of title 23, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 171. Withholding apportionments for noncompliance with school
bus passings
``(a) Withholding of Apportionments for Noncompliance.--
``(1) Withholding.--The Secretary shall withhold 10 percent
of the amount required to be apportioned to any State under
paragraphs (1), (3), and (4) of section 104(b) on October 1,
2015, and on each October 1 thereafter if the State does not
meet the requirements of paragraph (2).
``(2) Requirement.--A State meets the requirements of this
paragraph if the State has enacted and is enforcing a law that
imposes the following penalties to a motorist who is found
guilty of illegally passing a stopped school bus:
``(A) First offense.--For a first offense, a fine
of not less than $250 with the possibility of jail time
and license suspension.
``(B) Second offense within a 5-year period of a
first offense.--For a second offense within a 5-year
period of a first offense, a fine of not less than $315
with the possibility of jail time and license
suspension.
``(b) Period of Availability of Apportioned Funds.--Funds withheld
after the date specified in subsection (a)(1) from apportionments to
any State shall not be available for apportionment to that State and
such funds will lapse.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``171. Withholding apportionments for noncompliance with school bus
passings''.
TITLE II--GRANTS FOR MOTION-ACTIVATED DETECTION SYSTEM ON SCHOOL BUSES
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as ``Grants for Motion-Activated Detection
System on School Buses Act''.
SEC. 202. GRANTS FOR MOTION-ACTIVATED DETECTION SYSTEM ON SCHOOL BUSES.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation may provide grants
to States to equip school buses with motion-activated detection system.
(b) Application.--In order to qualify for a grant under this
section, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as
the Secretary may require, including--
(1) an assurance that the State will use grant funds to
purchase motion-activated detection systems for school buses;
and
(2) an assurance that the State is in compliance with
sections 171 and 172 of title 23, United States Code.
(c) Grant Amounts.--Before awarding a grant under this section, the
Secretary shall ensure that each grant award is of sufficient size and
scope to carry out the requirements of this section.
(d) Funding.--In order to fund grant awards under this section, the
Secretary shall use funds not apportioned pursuant to sections 171 and
172 of title 23, United States Code.
(e) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the State shall submit a report to the Secretary regarding
the effectiveness of the motion-activated detection system in any local
educational agency using grant funds under this section, including--
(1) whether or not the detection system has prevented
children from being hit by a school bus; and
(2) a cost benefit analysis of using these detection
systems on school buses.
(f) Definition.--For purposes of this Act, the term ``motion-
activated detection system'' means a sensor system that uses radio
signals or radar waves to detect a moving target near the front, rear,
and sides of a school bus. The system sounds an alarm to alert the
driver when a moving target is detected within the specified danger
zones of the bus.
TITLE III--SCHOOL BUS DRIVER SAFETY ENFORCEMENT
SEC. 301. WITHHOLDING FOR NONCOMPLIANCE OF BACKGROUND CHECKS OF SCHOOL
BUS DRIVERS.
(a) Withholding Apportionments.--Chapter 1 of title 23, United
States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 172. Withholding apportionments for noncompliance of background
checks of school bus drivers
``(a) Withholding.--The Secretary shall withhold 10 percent of the
amount required to be apportioned to any State under paragraphs (1),
(3), and (4) of section 104(b) on October 1, 2015, and on each October
1 thereafter if the State does not meet the requirements of paragraph
(2).
``(b) Requirement.--A State meets the requirements of this
paragraph if the State has enacted a law that requires the employer to
conduct a background check before hiring a school bus driver. Such
background check shall include--
``(1) a review of State and local court information on
arrests, charges, convictions;
``(2) a review of any sex offender registry; and
``(3) a review of any child abuse or dependent adult abuse
registry.
``(c) Period of Availability of Apportioned Funds.--Funds withheld
after the date specified in subsection (a)(1) from apportionments to
any State shall not be available for apportionment to that State and
such funds will lapse.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 1 of title 23,
United States Code, is further amended by adding at the end the
following:
``172. Withholding apportionments for noncompliance of background
checks of school bus drivers''.
TITLE IV--SCHOOL BUS SEAT BELT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM
SEC. 401. SCHOOL BUS SEAT BELT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation may award grants
to States to develop a school bus seat belt program to purchase type 1
school buses equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts or equip existing
type 1 school buses with lap/shoulder seat belts.
(b) Application.--In order to qualify for a grant under this
section, a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information and assurances as
the Secretary may require, including--
(1) an assurance that the State will use grant funds to
purchase type I school buses with lap/shoulder seat belts or
equip existing type 1 school buses with such seat belts;
(2) an assurance that the State is in compliance with
sections 171 and 172 of title 23, United States Code; and
(3) a list of the local educational agencies which the
State selects to receive the seat belt equipped buses,
including the reasons why each agency should receive school
buses with seat belts.
(c) Local Educational Agency Requirements.--The State shall require
that any local educational agency that receives grant funds pursuant to
this Act shall develop--
(1) a plan to ensure that all students riding the school
buses with lap/shoulder belts are using them; and
(2) an educational program regarding seat belt safety.
(d) Grant Amounts.--Before awarding a grant under this section, the
Secretary shall ensure that each grant award is of sufficient size and
scope to carry out the requirements of this section.
(e) Funding.--In order to fund grant awards under this section, the
Secretary shall use funds not apportioned pursuant to sections 171 and
172 of title 23, United States Code.
(f) Definition.--In this section, the term ``type 1 school bus''
means a school bus weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
(g) Reporting.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the State shall submit a report to the Secretary regarding
the effectiveness of the lap/shoulder seat belt program in any local
educational agency using grant funds under this section, including--
(1) student usage of seat belts; and
(2) the impact on school bus seating capacity.
TITLE V--NHTSA STUDY
SEC. 501. NHTSA STUDY.
(a) In General.--The National Highway Traffic Safety Board shall
conduct a comprehensive study regarding the effects of illegal passing
of school buses.
(b) Study and Pilot Program.--The study shall include--
(1) a pilot program demonstrating the effectiveness of
additional technologies and equipment on school buses,
including additional front and rear stop arms, driver alert
devices, secondary warning signs and aids to general visibility
of buses;
(2) enforcement schemes, including camera systems and
increased fines on preventing, mitigating, and enforcing
against illegal passing of school buses;
(3) establishment and comparison of baseline performance
standards for existing school buses and operations that can be
measured and validated with school buses with additional
equipment, over a set period of time, in a broad geographic
area; and
(4) consideration of the impact of additional driver
training and a targeted public awareness and education campaign
on the prevention, mitigation, and enforcement of illegal
passing of school buses.
(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Board shall submit a report to Congress with
the results of the study and make recommendations for changes to
Federal, State, and local laws and regulations to prevent, mitigate,
and better enforce illegal school bus passing laws.
|
School Bus Safety Act - Kadyn's Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to withhold 10% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds if the state has not enacted and is not enforcing a law that imposes specified first offense and second offense civil and criminal penalties for motorists found guilty of illegally passing a stopped school bus. Grants for Motion-Activated Detection System on School Buses Act - Authorizes the Secretary to provide grants to states to equip school buses with motion-activated detection systems. Directs the Secretary to withhold 10% of a state's apportionment of certain federal-aid highway funds if the state has not enacted a law that requires the employer to conduct background checks before hiring school bus drivers. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to states to develop a school bus seat belt demonstration program to purchase type 1 school buses (weighing more than 10,000 pounds) equipped with lap/shoulder seat belts or equip such existing buses with such belts. Directs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to study the effects of illegal passing of school buses, including a pilot program demonstrating the effectiveness of additional technologies and equipment on the buses.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "School Bus Safety Act"}
| 2,273 | 279 | 0.558156 | 1.616998 | 0.731257 | 4.18552 | 8.791855 | 0.927602 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Senior Citizen Protection Act of
1993''.
SEC. 2. IMPROVEMENT AND CLARIFICATION OF PROVISIONS PROHIBITING MISUSE
OF SYMBOLS, EMBLEMS, OR NAMES IN REFERENCE TO SOCIAL
SECURITY PROGRAMS AND AGENCIES.
(a) Addition to Prohibited Words, Letters, Symbols, and Emblems.--
Section 1140(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-10(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``Administration', the
letters `SSA' or `HCFA','' and inserting ``Administration',
`Department of Health and Human Services', `Health and Human
Services', `Supplemental Security Income Program', or
`Medicaid', the letters `SSA', `HCFA', `DHHS', `HHS', or
`SSI',''; and
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``Social Security
Administration'' each place it appears and inserting ``Social
Security Administration, Health Care Financing Administration,
or Department of Health and Human Services'', and by striking
``or of the Health Care Financing Administration''.
(b) Exemption for Use of Words, Letters, Symbols, and Emblems of
State and Local Government Agencies by Such Agencies.--Section 1140(a)
of such Act is further amended by adding at the end the following new
sentence: ``The preceding provisions of this subsection shall not apply
with respect to the use by any agency or instrumentality of a State or
political subdivision of a State of any words or letters which identify
an agency or instrumentality of such State or of a political
subdivision of such State or the use by any such agency or
instrumentality of any symbol or emblem of an agency or instrumentality
of such State or a political subdivision of such State.''.
(c) Inclusion of Reasonableness Standard.--Section 1140(a) of such
Act (as amended by the preceding provisions of this section) is further
amended, in the matter following paragraph (2), by striking ``convey''
and inserting ``convey, or in a manner which reasonably could be
interpreted or construed as conveying,''.
(d) Ineffectiveness of Disclaimers.--Subsection (a) of section 1140
of such Act (as amended by the preceding provisions of this section) is
further amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively;
(2) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(a)''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Any determination of whether the use of one or more words,
letters, symbols, or emblems (or any combination or variation thereof)
in connection with an item described in paragraph (1) or the
reproduction, reprinting, or distribution of an item described in
paragraph (2) is a violation of this subsection shall be made without
regard to any inclusion in such item (or any so reproduced, reprinted,
or distributed copy thereof) of a disclaimer of affiliation with the
United States Government or any particular agency or instrumentality
thereof.''.
(e) Violations with Respect to Individual Items.--Section
1140(b)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-10(b)(1)) is amended by adding
at the end the following new sentence: ``In the case of any items
referred to in subsection (a)(1) consisting of pieces of mail, each
such piece of mail which contains one or more words, letters, symbols,
or emblems in violation of subsection (a) shall represent a separate
violation.''.
(f) Elimination of Cap on Aggregate Liability Amount.--
(1) Repeal.--Paragraph (2) of section 1140(b) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 1320b-10(b)(2)) is repealed.
(2) Conforming amendments.--Section 1140(b) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 1320b-10(b)) is further amended--
(A) by striking ``(1) Subject to paragraph (2),
the'' and inserting ``The'';
(B) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as
paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively; and
(C) in paragraph (1) (as redesignated), by striking
``subparagraph (B)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)''.
(g) Removal of Formal Declination Requirement.--Section 1140(c)(1)
of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-10(c)(1)) is amended by inserting ``and
the first sentence of subsection (c)'' after ``and (i)''.
(h) Penalties Relating to Social Security Administration Deposited
in OASI Trust Fund.--Section 1140(c)(2) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-
10(c)(2)) is amended in the second sentence by striking ``United
States.'' and inserting ``United States, except that, to the extent
that such amounts are recovered under this section as penalties imposed
for misuse of words, letters, symbols, or emblems relating to the
Social Security Administration, such amounts shall be deposited into
the Federal Old-Age and Survivor's Insurance Trust Fund.''.
(i) Annual Reports.--Section 1140 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b-10)
is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) The Secretary shall include in the annual report submitted
pursuant to section 704 a report on the operation of this section
during the year covered by such annual report. Such report shall
specify--
``(1) the number of complaints of violations of this
section received by the Social Security Administration during
the year,
``(2) the number of cases in which a notice of violation of
this section was sent by the Social Security Administration
during the year requesting that an individual cease activities
in violation of this section,
``(3) the number of complaints of violations of this
section referred by the Social Security Administration to the
Inspector General in the Department of Health and Human
Services during the year,
``(4) the number of investigations of violations of this
section undertaken by the Inspector General during the year,
``(5) the number of cases in which a demand letter was sent
during the year assessing a civil money penalty under this
section,
``(6) the total amount of civil money penalties assessed
under this section during the year,
``(7) the number of requests for hearings filed during the
year pursuant to sections 1140(c)(1) and 1128A(c)(2),
``(8) the disposition during such year of hearings filed
pursuant to sections 1140(c)(1) and 1128A(c)(2), and
``(9) the total amount of civil money penalties under this
section deposited into the Federal Old-Age and Survivors
Insurance Trust Fund during the year.''.
(j) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to violations occurring after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
|
Senior Citizen Protection Act of 1993 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act to revise the prohibitions and penalties against misleading mailings.
Requires penalties relating to misleading mailings to be deposited in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.
Requires annual reports to the Congress with respect to prohibition violations and associated penalties.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Senior Citizen Protection Act of 1993"}
| 1,697 | 84 | 0.415175 | 0.933505 | 0.313137 | 2.349206 | 22.761905 | 0.761905 |
.
Subsection (a) of section 300112 of title 36, United States Code,
is amended to read as follows:
``(a) Establishment.--The corporation shall establish an Office of
the Ombudsman to enhance dispute resolution regarding concerns raised
to the Office of the Ombudsman by internal and external stakeholders
regarding the corporation, regularly report to the board of governors
information on trends and patterns on concerns communicated to the
Office of the Ombudsman regarding the corporation, and carry out such
other duties and responsibilities as may be provided in the bylaws or a
resolution of the board of governors.''.
SEC. 4. INSPECTORS GENERAL OVERSIGHT.
(a) In General.--Chapter 3001 of title 36, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new sections:
``Sec. 300114. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration audit
``Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
section, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration shall
conduct an audit of the corporation's revenues, expenditures, and
governance not less often than once every three years. Such audit shall
be posted on the website of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration. In carrying out this section, the Treasury Inspector
General for Tax Administration shall coordinate activities to maximize
the effectiveness of oversight activities, avoid unnecessary
duplication of efforts, and minimize administrative burdens on the
corporation.
``Sec. 300115. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General audit
``Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this
section, the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security
shall evaluate the performance of the corporation's disaster assistance
services pursuant to paragraph (4) of section 300102, including
services provided in connection with the national preparedness system
established under section 644 of the Department of Homeland Security
Appropriations Act, 2007 (6 U.S.C. 744), or any successor system, not
less often than once every three years. Such audit shall be posted on
the website of the Inspector General. In carrying out this section, the
Inspector General shall coordinate activities to maximize the
effectiveness of oversight activities, avoid unnecessary duplication of
efforts, and minimize administrative burdens on the corporation.
``Sec. 300116. United States Agency for International Development
Inspector General audit
``Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of
this section, the Inspector General of the United States Agency for
International Development shall evaluate the performance of the
corporation's international activities not less often than once every
three years. Such audit shall be posted on the website of the Inspector
General. In carrying out this section, the Inspector General shall
coordinate activities to maximize the effectiveness of oversight
activities, avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts, and minimize
administrative burdens on the corporation.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of chapter 3001 of
title 36 is amended by adding at the end the following new items:
``300114. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
``300115. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General audit.
``300116. United States Agency for International Development Inspector
General audit.''.
SEC. 5. ACCESSING THE OMBUDSMAN.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the American National Red Cross shall make prominent on its website
information on how to submit to the Office of the Ombudsman of the
American National Red Cross concerns about the organization, including
concerns related to the administration of its programs, policies,
fundraising activities, advertising messages, and employment practices.
SEC. 6. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through
the Under Secretary for Science and Technology of the Department of
Homeland Security, shall conduct a one-year pilot program with the
American National Red Cross to research and develop mechanisms for the
Department to better leverage social media to improve preparedness and
response capabilities, including the following:
(1) The timely dissemination of public preparedness
information for terrorist attacks and other disasters.
(2) The delivery of response supplies to affected areas.
(b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after completion of the pilot
program required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Homeland
Security shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the lessons learned from
such pilot program and any plan to integrate such lessons into
operations of the Department of Homeland Security.
SEC. 7. ANNUAL REPORT.
On an annual basis, together with the President's submission of a
budget request under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the Committee on
Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on
the extent to which the Department of Homeland Security partnered with
the American National Red Cross in furtherance of preparedness and
response capabilities in the previous year.
SEC. 8. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act may be
construed as hindering, reducing, impeding, or otherwise impacting the
ability of a State to conduct oversight or investigations of the
American National Red Cross.
|
American Red Cross Sunshine Act This bill authorizes the Comptroller General to review the involvement of the American National Red Cross (the corporation) in any federal program or activity the corporation carries out (current law), including in connection with events for which the government provides leadership or support under the national preparedness system. For purposes of such review, the Comptroller General shall have: (1) access to and the right to examine and copy all corporation records the Comptroller General deems relevant, and (2) access to and the right to interview any corporation employee or volunteer the Comptroller General believes to have relevant knowledge. The Comptroller General may: (1) subpoena a record or employee of the corporation, and (2) bring a civil action in U.S. district court for the District of Columbia to enforce compliance with such subpoena. The corporation's Office of the Ombudsman must enhance dispute resolution regarding concerns raised by stakeholders regarding the corporation and regularly report to the corporation's board of governors information on trends and patterns on concerns communicated to the Office regarding the corporation. The Office must make information available on its website on how to submit concerns about the organization. The bill requires audits, every three years, by: (1) the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration of the corporation's revenues, expenditures, and governance; (2) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General of the corporation's disaster assistance services; and (3) the U.S. Agency for International Development Inspector General of the corporation's international activities. DHS must: (1) conduct a one-year pilot program with the corporation to develop mechanisms for DHS to better leverage social media to improve preparedness and response capabilities, and (2) annually report on the extent to which DHS partnered with the corporation in furtherance of preparedness and response capabilities.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "American Red Cross Sunshine Act"}
| 1,138 | 388 | 0.614382 | 2.150908 | 0.612486 | 2.808571 | 3.085714 | 0.797143 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business Investment Company
Amendments Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. SUBSIDY FEES.
(a) In General.--Section 303 of the Small Business Investment Act
of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 683) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) by striking ``of not more than 1 percent per year'';
(B) by inserting ``which amount may not exceed 1.38 percent
per year, and'' before ``which shall be paid''; and
(C) by striking ``September 30, 2000'' and inserting
``September 30, 2001''; and
(2) in subsection (g)(2)--
(A) by striking ``of not more than 1 percent per year'';
(B) by inserting ``which amount may not exceed 1.38 percent
per year, and'' before ``which shall be paid''; and
(C) by striking ``September 30, 2000'' and inserting
``September 30, 2001''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
become effective on October 1, 2001.
SEC. 3. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.
Section 312 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C.
687d) is amended by striking ``(including disclosure in the locality
most directly affected by the transaction)''.
SEC. 4. PENALTIES FOR FALSE STATEMENTS.
(a) Criminal Penalties.--Section 1014 of title 18, United States
Code, is amended by inserting ``, as defined in section 103 of the
Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 662), or the Small
Business Administration in connection with any provision of that Act''
after ``small business investment company''.
(b) Civil Penalties.--Section 951 of the Financial Institutions
Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (12 U.S.C. 1833a) is
amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (d) through (g) as subsections
(e) through (h), respectively; and
(2) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) by striking ``1341;'' and inserting ``1341''; and
(ii) by striking ``institution.'' and inserting
``institution; or'';
(C) by inserting immediately after paragraph (2) the
following:
``(3) section 16(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
645(a)).''; and
(D) by striking ``This section shall'' and inserting the
following:
``(d) Effective Date.--This section shall''.
SEC. 5. REMOVAL OR SUSPENSION OF MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS.
Section 313 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C.
687e) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 313. REMOVAL OR SUSPENSION OF MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS.
``(a) Definition of `Management Official'.--In this section, the
term `management official' means an officer, director, general partner,
manager, employee, agent, or other participant in the management or
conduct of the affairs of a licensee.
``(b) Removal of Management Officials.--
``(1) Notice of removal.--The Administrator may serve upon any
management official a written notice of its intention to remove
that management official whenever, in the opinion of the
Administrator--
``(A) such management official--
``(i) has willfully and knowingly committed any
substantial violation of--
``(I) this Act;
``(II) any regulation issued under this Act; or
``(III) a cease-and-desist order which has become
final; or
``(ii) has willfully and knowingly committed or engaged
in any act, omission, or practice which constitutes a
substantial breach of a fiduciary duty of that person as a
management official; and
``(B) the violation or breach of fiduciary duty is one
involving personal dishonesty on the part of such management
official.
``(2) Contents of notice.--A notice of intention to remove a
management official, as provided in paragraph (1), shall contain a
statement of the facts constituting grounds therefor, and shall fix
a time and place at which a hearing will be held thereon.
``(3) Hearings.--
``(A) Timing.--A hearing described in paragraph (2) shall
be fixed for a date not earlier than 30 days nor later than 60
days after the date of service of notice of the hearing, unless
an earlier or a later date is set by the Administrator at the
request of--
``(i) the management official, and for good cause
shown; or
``(ii) the Attorney General of the United States.
``(B) Consent.--Unless the management official shall appear
at a hearing described in this paragraph in person or by a duly
authorized representative, that management official shall be
deemed to have consented to the issuance of an order of removal
under paragraph (1).
``(4) Issuance of order of removal.--
``(A) In general.--In the event of consent under paragraph
(3)(B), or if upon the record made at a hearing described in
this subsection, the Administrator finds that any of the
grounds specified in the notice of removal has been
established, the Administrator may issue such orders of removal
from office as the Administrator deems appropriate.
``(B) Effectiveness.--An order under subparagraph (A)
shall--
``(i) become effective at the expiration of 30 days
after the date of service upon the subject licensee and the
management official concerned (except in the case of an
order issued upon consent as described in paragraph (3)(B),
which shall become effective at the time specified in such
order); and
``(ii) remain effective and enforceable, except to such
extent as it is stayed, modified, terminated, or set aside
by action of the Administrator or a reviewing court in
accordance with this section.
``(c) Authority to Suspend or Prohibit Participation.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator may, if the Administrator
deems it necessary for the protection of the licensee or the
interests of the Administration, suspend from office or prohibit
from further participation in any manner in the management or
conduct of the affairs of the licensee, or both, any management
official referred to in subsection (b)(1), by written notice to
such effect served upon the management official.
``(2) Effectiveness.--A suspension or prohibition under
paragraph (1)--
``(A) shall become effective upon service of notice under
paragraph (1); and
``(B) unless stayed by a court in proceedings authorized by
paragraph (3), shall remain in effect--
``(i) pending the completion of the administrative
proceedings pursuant to a notice of intention to remove
served under subsection (b); and
``(ii) until such time as the Administrator shall
dismiss the charges specified in the notice, or, if an
order of removal or prohibition is issued against the
management official, until the effective date of any such
order.
``(3) Judicial review.--Not later than 10 days after any
management official has been suspended from office or prohibited
from participation in the management or conduct of the affairs of a
licensee, or both, under paragraph (1), that management official
may apply to the United States district court for the judicial
district in which the home office of the licensee is located, or
the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, for
a stay of the suspension or prohibition pending the completion of
the administrative proceedings pursuant to a notice of intent to
remove served upon the management official under subsection (b),
and such court shall have jurisdiction to stay such action.
``(d) Authority To Suspend on Criminal Charges.--
``(1) In general.--Whenever a management official is
charged in any information, indictment, or complaint authorized
by a United States attorney, with the commission of or
participation in a felony involving dishonesty or breach of
trust, the Administrator may, by written notice served upon
that management official, suspend that management official from
office or prohibit that management official from further
participation in any manner in the management or conduct of the
affairs of the licensee, or both.
``(2) Effectiveness.--A suspension or prohibition under
paragraph (1) shall remain in effect until the subject
information, indictment, or complaint is finally disposed of,
or until terminated by the Administrator.
``(3) Authority upon conviction.--If a judgment of
conviction with respect to an offense described in paragraph
(1) is entered against a management official, then at such time
as the judgment is not subject to further appellate review, the
Administrator may issue and serve upon the management official
an order removing that management official, which removal shall
become effective upon service of a copy of the order upon the
licensee.
``(4) Authority upon dismissal or other disposition.--A
finding of not guilty or other disposition of charges described
in paragraph (1) shall not preclude the Administrator from
thereafter instituting proceedings to suspend or remove the
management official from office, or to prohibit the management
official from participation in the management or conduct of the
affairs of the licensee, or both, pursuant to subsection (b) or
(c).
``(e) Notification to Licensees.--Copies of each notice required to
be served on a management official under this section shall also be
served upon the interested licensee.
``(f) Procedural Provisions; Judicial Review.--
``(1) Hearing venue.--Any hearing provided for in this section
shall be--
``(A) held in the Federal judicial district or in the
territory in which the principal office of the licensee is
located, unless the party afforded the hearing consents to
another place; and
``(B) conducted in accordance with the provisions of
chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code.
``(2) Issuance of orders.--After a hearing provided for in this
section, and not later than 90 days after the Administrator has
notified the parties that the case has been submitted for final
decision, the Administrator shall render a decision in the matter
(which shall include findings of fact upon which its decision is
predicated), and shall issue and cause to be served upon each party
to the proceeding an order or orders consistent with the provisions
of this section.
``(3) Authority to modify orders.--The Administrator may
modify, terminate, or set aside any order issued under this
section--
``(A) at any time, upon such notice, and in such manner as
the Administrator deems proper, unless a petition for review is
timely filed in a court of appeals of the United States, as
provided in paragraph (4)(B), and thereafter until the record
in the proceeding has been filed in accordance with paragraph
(4)(C); and
``(B) upon such filing of the record, with permission of
the court.
``(4) Judicial review.--
``(A) In general.--Judicial review of an order issued under
this section shall be exclusively as provided in this
subsection.
``(B) Petition for review.--Any party to a hearing provided
for in this section may obtain a review of any order issued
pursuant to paragraph (2) (other than an order issued with the
consent of the management official concerned, or an order
issued under subsection (d)), by filing in the court of appeals
of the United States for the circuit in which the principal
office of the licensee is located, or in the United States
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, not
later than 30 days after the date of service of such order, a
written petition praying that the order of the Administrator be
modified, terminated, or set aside.
``(C) Notification to administration.--A copy of a petition
filed under subparagraph (B) shall be forthwith transmitted by
the clerk of the court to the Administrator, and thereupon the
Administrator shall file in the court the record in the
proceeding, as provided in section 2112 of title 28, United
States Code.
``(D) Court jurisdiction.--Upon the filing of a petition
under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) the court shall have jurisdiction, which, upon
the filing of the record under subparagraph (C), shall be
exclusive, to affirm, modify, terminate, or set aside, in
whole or in part, the order of the Administrator, except as
provided in the last sentence of paragraph (3)(B);
``(ii) review of such proceedings shall be had as
provided in chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code; and
``(iii) the judgment and decree of the court shall be
final, except that the judgment and decree shall be subject
to review by the Supreme Court of the United States upon
certiorari, as provided in section 1254 of title 28, United
States Code.
``(E) Judicial review not a stay.--The commencement of
proceedings for judicial review under this paragraph shall not,
unless specifically ordered by the court, operate as a stay of
any order issued by the Administrator under this section.''.
SEC. 6. REDUCTION OF FEES.
(a) Two-Year Reduction of Section 7(a) Fees.--
(1) Guarantee fees.--Section 7(a)(18) of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 636(a)(18)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(C) Two-year reduction in fees.--With respect to loans
approved during the 2-year period beginning on October 1, 2002,
the guarantee fee under subparagraph (A) shall be as follows:
``(i) A guarantee fee equal to 1 percent of the
deferred participation share of a total loan amount that is
not more than $150,000.
``(ii) A guarantee fee equal to 2.5 percent of the
deferred participation share of a total loan amount that is
more than $150,000, but not more than $700,000.
``(iii) A guarantee fee equal to 3.5 percent of the
deferred participation share of a total loan amount that is
more than $700,000.''.
(2) Annual fees.--Section 7(a)(23)(A) of the Small Business Act
(15 U.S.C. 636(a)(23)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the
following: ``With respect to loans approved during the 2-year
period beginning on October 1, 2002, the annual fee assessed and
collected under the preceding sentence shall be in an amount equal
to 0.25 percent of the outstanding balance of the deferred
participation share of the loan.''.
(b) Reduction of Section 504 Fees.--Section 503 of the Small
Business Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 697) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)(7)(A)--
(A) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subclauses (I)
and (II), respectively, and moving the margins 2 ems to the
right;
(B) by striking ``not exceed the lesser'' and inserting
``not exceed--
``(i) the lesser''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) 50 percent of the amount established under
clause (i) in the case of a loan made during the 2-year
period beginning on October 1, 2002, for the life of the
loan; and''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Two-Year Waiver of Fees.--The Administration may not assess
or collect any up front guarantee fee with respect to loans made under
this title during the 2-year period beginning on October 1, 2002.''.
(c) Budgetary Treatment of Loans and Financings.--Assistance made
available under any loan made or approved by the Small Business
Administration under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)) or financings made under title V of the Small Business
Investment Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. 695 et seq.), during the 2-year
period beginning on October 1, 2002, shall be treated as separate
programs of the Small Business Administration for purposes of the
Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 only.
(d) Use of Funds.--The amendments made by this section to section
503 of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, shall be effective
only to the extent that funds are made available under appropriations
Acts, which funds shall be utilized by the Administrator to offset the
cost (as such term is defined in section 502 of the Federal Credit
Reform Act of 1990) of such amendments.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
become effective on October 1, 2002.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
|
Small Business Investment Company Amendments Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to: (1) increase the amount that the Small Business Administration (SBA) may charge as a subsidy fee for guaranteeing the payment of a debenture from 1.0 to 1.38 percent of the debenture amount; and (2) extend through FY 2001 the debenture maturity period.(Sec. 4) Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 to provide civil penalties for false statements or representations of securities for purposes of influencing SBA actions.(Sec. 5) Authorizes the SBA Administrator to serve upon any management official (currently, only upon a director or officer of a licensee) a written notice of the SBA's intention to remove such official for violations of SBIA or for breach of duty. Revises removal requirements, including provisions concerning hearings, issuance of an order of removal, the authority to suspend or prohibit the business participation of a management official, judicial review of suspensions, and the authority to suspend a management official due to the commission of or participation in a felony involving dishonesty or a breach of trust.(Sec. 6) Reduces, for a two-year period beginning on October 1, 2002: (1) the guarantee fee for SBA-guaranteed loans to small businesses; (2) the annual fee charged for such loans; and (3) the fee charged for the SBA guaranty of the payment of principal and interest on debentures issued by a qualified State or local development company. Prohibits the SBA, with respect to the latter fee, from charging any up-front fee with respect to such loans during such two-year period. Provides for the budgetary treatment of loans and financings made to small businesses during such period. Makes this section effective only upon the availability of appropriated funds to offset the cost of such amendments.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, and for other purposes."}
| 3,847 | 432 | 0.528858 | 1.714354 | 0.684274 | 2.329513 | 10.140401 | 0.839542 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Renewable Schools Energy Act of
2006''.
SEC. 2. QUALIFIED RENEWABLE SCHOOL ENERGY BONDS.
(a) In General.--Subchapter U of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (relating to incentives for education zones) is amended by
redesignating section 1397F as section 1397G and by adding at the end
of part IV of such subchapter the following new section:
``SEC. 1397F. QUALIFIED RENEWABLE SCHOOL ENERGY BONDS.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--If a taxpayer holds a qualified
renewable school energy bond on 1 or more credit allowance dates of the
bond occurring during any taxable year, there shall be allowed as a
credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an
amount equal to the sum of the credits determined under subsection (b)
with respect to such dates.
``(b) Amount of Credit.--
``(1) In general.--The amount of the credit determined
under this subsection with respect to any credit allowance date
for a qualified renewable school energy bond is 25 percent of
the annual credit determined with respect to such bond.
``(2) Annual credit.--The annual credit determined with
respect to any qualified renewable school energy bond is the
product of--
``(A) the credit rate determined by the Secretary
under paragraph (3) for the day on which such bond was
sold, multiplied by
``(B) the outstanding face amount of the bond.
``(3) Determination.--For purposes of paragraph (2), with
respect to any qualified renewable school energy bond, the
Secretary shall determine daily or cause to be determined daily
a credit rate which shall apply to the first day on which there
is a binding, written contract for the sale or exchange of the
bond. The credit rate for any day is the credit rate which the
Secretary or the Secretary's designee estimates will permit the
issuance of qualified renewable school energy bonds with a
specified maturity or redemption date without discount and
without interest cost to the qualified issuer.
``(4) Credit allowance date.--For purposes of this section,
the term `credit allowance date' means--
``(A) March 15,
``(B) June 15,
``(C) September 15, and
``(D) December 15.
Such term also includes the last day on which the bond is
outstanding.
``(5) Special rule for issuance and redemption.--In the
case of a bond which is issued during the 3-month period ending
on a credit allowance date, the amount of the credit determined
under this subsection with respect to such credit allowance
date shall be a ratable portion of the credit otherwise
determined based on the portion of the 3-month period during
which the bond is outstanding. A similar rule shall apply when
the bond is redeemed or matures.
``(c) Limitation Based on Amount of Tax.--The credit allowed under
subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess of--
``(1) the sum of the regular tax liability (as defined in
section 26(b)) plus the tax imposed by section 55, over
``(2) the sum of the credits allowable under part IV of
subchapter A (other than subpart C thereof, relating to
refundable credits, subpart H thereof, section 1400N(l), and
this section).
``(d) Qualified Renewable School Energy Bond.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) In general.--The term `renewable school energy bond'
means any bond issued as part of an issue if--
``(A) 95 percent or more of the proceeds of such
issue are to be used for a qualified purpose with
respect to a qualified school operated by an eligible
local education agency,
``(B) the bond is issued by a State or local
government of an eligible State within the jurisdiction
of which such school is located,
``(C) the issuer--
``(i) designates such bond for purposes of
this section, and
``(ii) certifies that it has the written
approval of the eligible local education agency
for such bond issuance, and
``(D) the term of each bond which is part of such
issue is 20 years.
``(2) Qualified school.--The term `qualified school' means
any public school or public school system administrative
building which is owned by or operated by an eligible local
education agency.
``(3) Eligible local education agency.--The term `eligible
local education agency' means any local educational agency as
defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965.
``(4) Eligible state.--The term `eligible State' means,
with respect to any calendar year--
``(A) one of the five States with the greatest
percentage population growth for the most recent
preceding year for which data is available as
determined by the Bureau of the Census, and
``(B) the State with a total percentage population
growth greater than 9 percent but less than 13.9
percent and a total population under the age of 19 of
less than 300,000 as determined under the 2000 Census.
``(5) Qualified purpose.--The term `qualified purpose'
means, with respect to any qualified school, the purchase and
installation of renewable energy products.
``(e) Limitation on Amount of Bonds Designated.--
``(1) National limitation.--There is a national renewable
school energy bond limitation for each calendar year. Such
limitation is $50,000,000 for 2007, $100,000,000 for 2008,
$150,000,000 for 2009, and, except as provided in paragraph
(4), zero thereafter.
``(2) Allocation of limitation.--The national renewable
school energy bond limitation for a calendar year shall be
allocated by the Secretary--
``(A) among the eligible States described in
subsection (d)(4)(A), 30 percent to the State with the
greatest percentage population growth, 20 percent to
each of second and third ranked States, and 10 percent
to each of the fourth and fifth ranked States, and
``(B) to the State described in subsection
(d)(4)(B), 10 percent.
The limitation amount allocated to an eligible State under the
preceding sentence shall be allocated by the State education
agency to qualified schools within such State.
``(3) Designation subject to limitation amount.--The
maximum aggregate face amount of bonds issued during any
calendar year which may be designated under subsection (d)(1)
with respect to any qualified school shall not exceed the
limitation amount allocated to such school under paragraph (2)
for such calendar year.
``(4) Carryover of unused limitation.--If for any calendar
year--
``(A) the limitation amount for any eligible State,
exceeds
``(B) the amount of bonds issued during such year
which are designated under subsection (d)(1) with
respect to qualified schools within such State,
the limitation amount for such State for the following calendar
year shall be increased by the amount of such excess. Any
carryforward of a limitation amount may be carried only to the
first 2 years following the unused limitation year. For
purposes of the preceding sentence, a limitation amount shall
be treated as used on a first-in first-out basis.
``(f) Other Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Bond.--The term `bond' includes any obligation.
``(2) State.--The term `State' includes the District of
Columbia and any possession of the United States.
``(g) Credit Included in Gross Income.--Gross income includes the
amount of the credit allowed to the taxpayer under this section
(determined without regard to subsection (c)).
``(h) Credits May Be Stripped.--Under regulations prescribed by the
Secretary--
``(1) In general.--There may be a separation (including at
issuance) of the ownership of a qualified renewable school
energy bond and the entitlement to the credit under this
section with respect to such bond. In case of any such
separation, the credit under this section shall be allowed to
the person which, on the credit allowance date, holds the
instrument evidencing the entitlement to the credit and not to
the holder of the bond.
``(2) Certain rules to apply.--In the case of a separation
described in paragraph (1), the rules of section 1286 shall
apply to the qualified renewable school energy bond as if it
were a stripped bond and to the credit under this section as if
it were a stripped coupon.
``(i) Credit Treated as Nonrefundable Bondholder Credit.--For
purposes of this title, the credit allowed by this section shall be
treated as a credit allowable under subpart H of part IV of subchapter
A of this chapter.
``(j) Special Rules.--For purposes of this section, rules similar
to the rules under paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 54(l) shall
apply.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--The table of sections for part V of
such subchapter is amended by redesignating section 1397F as section
1397G and by adding at the end of the table of sections for part IV of
such subchapter the following new item:
``Sec. 1397F. Credit for holders of qualified renewable school energy
bonds.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to bonds issued after December 31, 2006.
|
Renewable Schools Energy Act of 2006 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for investment in qualified renewable school energy bonds. Defines "qualified renewable school energy bond" as a bond with a 20-year term, 95% of the proceeds of which are used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy products for public school and school district administrative buildings in states with a specified percentage of population growth.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow public school districts to receive no interest loans for the purchase of renewable energy systems, and for other purposes."}
| 2,087 | 90 | 0.550111 | 1.327869 | 0.277743 | 2.525 | 24.4625 | 0.9 |
That section 404 of the
Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-
624; 7 U.S.C. 1444f(q)) is amended by adding at the end thereof the
following new paragraph:
``(3) Reduced quality of high moisture recourse loan.--(A)
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, effective for the
1992 through 1995 crops of feed grains, the Secretary shall
make available recourse loans to producers on a farm who do not
normally harvest their crop of feed grains in a high moisture
state (or on that portion of the crop which is not normally
harvested in a high moisture state). Such recourse loans shall
be made available whenever the crop (or the portion of the crop
not normally harvested in a high moisture state) is harvested
with a moisture content in excess of Commodity Credit
Corporation standards for loans made under paragraphs (1) and
(6) of subsection (a) of this section, or whenever the crop has
a test weight below the minimum weight required for Commodity
Credit Corporation nonrecourse loans made under such
paragraphs.
``(B) Recourse loans under this paragraph shall be made to
producers on a farm who--
``(i) present certified scale tickets from an
inspected, certified commercial scale, including
licensed warehouses, feedlots, feed mills,
distilleries, or other similar entities approved by the
Secretary; or
``(ii) present field or other physical measurements
of the standing or stored feed grain crop in regions of
the country that do not have certified commercial
scales from which certified scale tickets may be
obtained within reasonable proximity of harvest
operation; and
``(iii) certify that the quantity of feed grain to
be placed under loan was in fact harvested on the farm;
and
``(iv) participate in an acreage limitation program
for the crop of feed grains established by the
Secretary.
``(C) A producer shall not be eligible for a loan under
this paragraph unless any prior loans made under the authority
of this paragraph have been fully repaid.
``(D) Loans made under this paragraph shall bear interest
at a rate determined by the Secretary, but in no event shall
the rate exceed the rate of interest charged for loans made
under paragraphs (1) and (6) of subsection (a) of this section.
``(E) Loans under this paragraph shall be made in an amount
as determined by the Secretary equal to at least eighty
percent, but not greater than ninety percent, of the lowest
county adjusted nondiscounted loan rate for the appropriate
crop year for loans made to producers of feed grains meeting
the Commodity Credit Corporation standards for nonrecourse
loans under paragraphs (1) and (6) of subsection (a) of this
section.
``(F) Loans made under this paragraph shall be repaid in
three equal annual installments, with the first such
installment being due and payable 365 days following the
advance of the loan funds to the producer and consisting of
one-third of the principal amount of the outstanding loan and
100 percent of the accrued interest thereon. The second
installment shall consist of one-half of the principal amount
of the outstanding loan balance and 100 percent of the accrued
interest thereon, and the third installment shall consist of
the remaining principal of the loan and 100 percent of the
accrued interest thereon. In the event any installment is not
made within 60 days following the date upon which it becomes
due and payable, the Secretary shall have the right without
further notice to offset the entire balance of the amount owed
on the loan, including interest thereon, against any other
payments the producer may be entitled to receive under one or
more of the annual programs established under the Agricultural
Act of 1949 (7 U.S.C. 1421 et seq.) for wheat, feed grains,
upland cotton, rice, and oilseeds.
``(G) The Secretary may permit a producer who has obtained
a loan under this paragraph to repay a part or all of any
annual installment required under subparagraph (F) by tendering
to the Commodity Credit Corporation a quantity of feed grain
which is of acceptable quality to meet the standards for a
nonrecourse loan under paragraphs (1) and (6) of subsection (a)
of this section. Such tender shall be made by the producer at
any facility approved for storage of commodities owned by the
Corporation which facility is situated in the same county (or a
county adjacent to the county) in which the producer's farm is
located, and the producer's loan installment payment shall be
credited with an amount equal to the per bushel county adjusted
loan rate for the grade and quality of grain tendered times the
total number of bushels tendered in payment by the producer as
approved by the Secretary.
|
Amends the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to provide recourse loans for the 1992 through 1995 crops of high moisture feed grains.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide assistance to certain producers of high-moisture feed grains through a recourse loan program; establishing a period to allow for the orderly repayment of such loans; and for other purposes."}
| 1,018 | 33 | 0.557705 | 1.420369 | 0.274711 | 5.689655 | 34.137931 | 0.931034 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Library of Congress Bicentennial
Commemorative Coin Act of 1997''.
SEC. 2. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) Denominations.--The Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in
this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall mint and issue the
following coins:
(1) $5 gold coins.--Not more than 100,000 $5 coins, which
shall--
(A) weigh 8.359 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and
(C) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy.
(2) $1 silver coins.--Not more than 500,000 $1 coins, which
shall--
(A) weigh 26.73 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and
(C) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent
copper.
(b) Platinum Coins.--The Secretary may mint and issue not more than
100,000 $5 platinum coins instead of the gold coins required under
subsection (a)(1) in accordance with such specifications as the
Secretary determines to be appropriate.
(c) Legal Tender.--The coins minted under this Act shall be legal
tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.
(d) Numismatic Items.--For purposes of section 5134 of title 31,
United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered
to be numismatic items.
SEC. 3. SOURCES OF BULLION.
(a) Gold.--The Secretary shall obtain gold for minting coins under
this Act pursuant to the authority of the Secretary under other
provisions of law.
(b) Silver.--The Secretary shall obtain silver for minting coins
under this Act only from stockpiles established under the Strategic and
Critical Materials Stock Piling Act.
SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS.
(a) Design Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The design of the coins minted under this
Act shall be emblematic of the Library of Congress.
(2) Designation and inscriptions.--On each coin minted
under this Act there shall be--
(A) a designation of the value of the coin;
(B) an inscription of the year ``2000''; and
(C) inscriptions of the words ``Liberty'', ``In God
We Trust'', ``United States of America'', and ``E
Pluribus Unum''.
(b) Selection.--The design for the coins minted under this Act
shall be--
(1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the
Library of Congress and the Commission of Fine Arts; and
(2) reviewed by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory
Committee.
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.
(a) Quality of Coins.--Coins minted under this Act shall be issued
in uncirculated and proof qualities.
(b) Mint Facility.--Only 1 facility of the United States Mint may
be used to strike any particular combination of denomination and
quality of the coins minted under this Act.
(c) Period for Issuance.--The Secretary may issue coins minted
under this Act only during the period beginning on January 1, 2000, and
ending on December 31, 2000.
(d) Promotion Consultation.--The Secretary shall--
(1) consult with the Library of Congress in order to
establish a role for the Library of Congress in the promotion,
advertising, and marketing of the coins minted under this Act;
and
(2) if the Secretary determines that such action would be
beneficial to the sale of coins minted under this Act, enter
into a contract with the Library of Congress to carry out the
role established under paragraph (1).
SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS.
(a) Sale Price.--The coins issued under this Act shall be sold by
the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of--
(1) the face value of the coins;
(2) the surcharge provided in subsection (d) with respect
to such coins; and
(3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including
labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses,
marketing, and shipping).
(b) Bulk Sales.--The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins
issued under this Act at a reasonable discount.
(c) Prepaid Orders.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders
for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of such
coins.
(2) Discount.--Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders
under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount.
(d) Surcharges.--All sales shall include a surcharge established by
the Secretary, in an amount equal to not more than--
(1) $35 per coin for the $5 coin; and
(2) $5 per coin for the $1 coin.
SEC. 7. GENERAL WAIVER OF PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), no provision
of law governing procurement or public contracts shall be applicable to
the procurement of goods and services necessary for carrying out the
provisions of this Act.
(b) Equal Employment Opportunity.--Subsection (a) shall not relieve
any person entering into a contract under the authority of this Act
from complying with any law relating to equal employment opportunity.
SEC. 8. DISTRIBUTION OF SURCHARGES.
(a) In General.--All surcharges received by the Secretary from the
sale of coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the
Secretary to the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board, to be used for
the purpose of supporting bicentennial programs, educational outreach
activities (including schools and libraries), and other activities of
the Library of Congress.
(b) Audits.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
have the right to examine such books, records, documents, and other
data of the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board as may be related to
the expenditures of amounts paid under subsection (a).
SEC. 9. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES.
(a) No Net Cost to the Government.--The Secretary shall take such
actions as may be necessary to ensure that minting and issuing coins
under this Act will not result in any net cost to the United States
Government.
(b) Payment for Coins.--A coin shall not be issued under this Act
unless the Secretary has received--
(1) full payment for the coin;
(2) security satisfactory to the Secretary to indemnify the
United States for full payment; or
(3) a guarantee of full payment satisfactory to the
Secretary from a depository institution whose deposits are
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or the
National Credit Union Administration Board.
|
Library of Congress Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act of 1997 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue five-dollar gold coins and one-dollar silver coins emblematic of the Library of Congress. Authorizes the Secretary to mint and issue $5 platinum coins in lieu of the gold coins.
Requires payment of coin sale surcharges to the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board to support Library activities.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Library of Congress Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act of 1997"}
| 1,486 | 90 | 0.531754 | 1.185495 | 0.943585 | 3.194805 | 17.311688 | 0.831169 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Arizona Land Preservation and
Management Act of 1996''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds the following:
(1) As Arizona growth patterns have emerged and various
public uses of unique land resource values have been
established, the existing Federal and State land ownership
patterns present the Federal Government and the government of
Arizona with difficult land management situations.
(2) Federal land management programs in Arizona require the
use of State trust lands in many areas, and there are Federal
lands in other areas in Arizona that are suitable for the
revenue generation mission of the State trust lands.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to assist implementation
of the Arizona Preserve Initiative plan and improve manageability of
Federal public lands and State trust lands in Arizona, by--
(1) directing the Secretary of the Interior to acquire
certain State trust lands in Arizona by eminent domain, with
the consent of the State, and to compensate the State for the
State trust lands so acquired with certain Federal public lands
of equal value which are acceptable to the State; and
(2) providing for management of the acquired lands as part
of other existing areas of Federal lands.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Arizona preserve initiative plan.--The term ``Arizona
Preserve Initiative plan'' means the project undertaken by the
State of Arizona in 1995 to find ways to preserve and protect
environmentally sensitive State trust lands through
conservation leases and sales to State and local governments
and conservation organizations and through eminent domain
transfers to the Federal Government.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(3) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Arizona.
(4) State trust lands.--The term ``State trust lands''
means lands granted to the State of Arizona under sections 24
and 25 of the Act of June 20, 1910 (chapter 310; 36 Stat. 572
et seq.).
SEC. 4. ACQUISITION OF STATE TRUST LANDS IN ARIZONA BY EMINENT DOMAIN.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall--
(1) by eminent domain, with the consent of the State,
acquire the State trust lands described in subsection (b); and
(2) manage the lands acquired from the State of Arizona in
accordance with this Act.
(b) State Trust Lands Described.--The State trust lands referred to
in subsection (a) are the following, as generally depicted on the map
described in subsection (c):
(1) All State trust lands in the Lake Mead National
Recreation Area, Saguaro National Park, and Organ Pipe Cactus
National Monument, which shall be managed by the National Park
Service.
(2) All State trust lands and reserved mineral estate in
designated Wilderness Areas, which shall be managed by the
Bureau of Land Management.
(3) All State trust lands in the Buenos Aires National
Wildlife Refuge, which shall be managed by the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service.
(4) State trust lands in the McDowell Mountains in Maricopa
County, Arizona, which shall be managed under programs of the
Bureau of Land Management.
(5) State trust lands in the vicinity of the Petrified
Forest National Park, if the Congress authorizes the expansion
of the Petrified Forest National Park to include these State
trust lands.
(6) State trust lands in the Coconino National Forest and
in the vicinity of the Walnut Canyon National Monument that are
suitable for management by the Forest Service.
(7) State trust lands in the Baboquivari Mountain-Coyote
Mountains area in Pima County, Arizona, which shall be managed
by the Bureau of Land Management.
(8) State trust lands in the Lake Pleasant-Black Canyon
City-Wickenburg area in Maricopa County and Yavapai County,
Arizona, which shall be managed by the Bureau of Land
Management.
(9) State trust lands in the Empire Cienega Resource
Conservation Area and Mustang Mountains in Pima County and
Santa Cruz County, Arizona, which shall be managed by the
Bureau of Land Management.
(10) State trust lands in the Newman Peak area in Pinal
County, Arizona, which shall be managed by the Bureau of Land
Management.
(11) State trust lands in the Burro Creek area in Yavapai
County, Arizona, which shall be managed by the Bureau of Land
Management.
(12) State trust lands in the Larned Landing and Parker
Strip areas in Mohave County and La Paz County, Arizona, which
shall be managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
(13) State trust lands in the Gila Box and San Pedro
Riparian National Conservation Areas, which shall be managed by
the Bureau of Land Management.
(14) State trust lands in the Mohave Mountains area in
Mohave County, Arizona, which shall be managed by the Bureau of
Land Management.
(15) State trust lands in the Arizona Strip in Mohave
County and Coconino County, Arizona, which shall be managed by
the Bureau of Land Management.
(16) State trust lands in the Aguila area of Maricopa
County and La Paz County, Arizona, which shall be managed by
the Bureau of Land Management.
(17) State trust lands in the Rogers Lake area in the
Coconino National Forest, which shall be managed by the Forest
Service in accordance with section 9(a).
(18) State trust lands in the Superstition Mountain area of
Pinal County, Arizona, if the Congress authorizes the expansion
of the Tonto National Forest to include these State trust
lands.
(19) State trust lands needed for the existing facilities
at the Arizona National Memorial Cemetery, which shall be
managed by the Veterans Administration in accordance with
section 10.
(20) State trust lands needed for the Kingman Burro Corral
in Mohave County, Arizona, which shall be managed by the Bureau
of Land Management.
(21) Any other State trust lands the acquisition of which
by the Secretary will--
(A) improve government land management by both the
Federal Government and the State of Arizona; and
(B) be consistent with Federal land management
planning and the mission of the State trust lands.
(c) Map Described.--The map referred to in subsection (b) is the
map entitled ``Arizona Land Management Improvement'', dated February
1996. The Secretary shall keep such map on file and available for
public inspection in the offices of the Arizona State Bureau of Land
Management in Phoenix, Arizona, and of the Bureau of Land Management in
the District of Columbia.
SEC. 5. COMPENSATION.
(a) In General.--As compensation for State trust lands acquired
under this Act, the Secretary shall transfer to the State such areas of
Federal lands described in subsection (b) as may be agreed to by the
State and which are of equal value to the State trust lands acquired.
(b) Federal Lands Described.--The Federal lands referred to in
subsection (a) are the following, as generally depicted in the map
described in subsection (d):
(1) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in the Bullhead City, Mohave Valley, Larned
Landing, Havasu Springs, Kingman, Golden Valley, and Colorado
City areas and the Interstate 40 and Interstate 5 corridors, in
Mohave County, Arizona.
(2) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in the Butler Valley and Parker Strip areas and
the Interstate 10 corridor, in La Paz County, Arizona.
(3) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in the Interstate 8 corridor in Yuma County,
Arizona.
(4) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in the Phoenix, Buckeye, Rainbow Valley, Lake
Pleasant, New River, and Wickenburg areas and the Interstate 8,
10, and 17 corridors, in Maricopa County, Arizona.
(5) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in the Lake Pleasant, Black Canyon City, and
Prescott areas and Interstate 17 corridor, in Yavapai County,
Arizona.
(6) Federal lands in the Coconino National Forest under the
administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary of Agriculture, in
Coconino County, Arizona.
(7) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in the checkerboard land area of Navajo County,
Arizona.
(8) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in checkerboard land area of Apache County,
Arizona.
(9) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in the Tucson and Sasabe areas of Pima County,
Arizona.
(10) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in the Sonoita area of Santa Cruz County,
Arizona.
(11) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in the Interstate 8 corridor and other lands in
Pinal County, Arizona.
(12) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in the Safford area of Graham County, Arizona.
(13) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary in the Clifton, Morenci, and Duncan areas of
Greenlee County, Arizona.
(14) Federal lands under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Secretary south of Interstate 10 in Cochise County,
Arizona.
(15) Any other Federal lands under the jurisdiction of the
Secretary, the transfer of which to the State will--
(A) improve government land management by both the
Federal Government and the State of Arizona; and
(B) be consistent with Federal land management
planning and the mission of the State trust lands.
(c) Map Described.--The map referred to in subsection (b) is the
map entitled ``Arizona Land Management Improvement--Possible Areas for
Consideration'', dated February 1996. The Secretary shall keep such map
on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the
Arizona State Bureau of Land Management and of the Bureau of Land
Management in the District of Columbia.
(d) Value of Compensation.--
(1) In general.--The total value of Federal lands
transferred to the State by the Secretary in acquiring lands
from the State under this Act may not exceed the fair market
value of the lands acquired.
(2) Appraisals.--Notwithstanding any other law, the value
of lands shall be determined for purposes of this Act in
accordance with the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal
Land Acquisitions, as published by the Department of Justice in
1992.
SEC. 6. MANAGEMENT OF ACQUIRED LANDS BY BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT.
Lands acquired by the Secretary under this Act that are required by
this Act to be managed by the Bureau of Land Management shall be
managed in accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act
of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).
SEC. 7. ADDITION OF LANDS TO NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM.
Lands acquired by the Secretary under this Act within the Saguaro
National Park, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and Lake Mead
National Recreation Area that are required by this Act to be managed by
the National Park Service shall be added to the National Park System
and managed in accordance with the Act of August 25, 1916 (chapter 408;
16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.), popularly known as the National Park Service
Organic Act, and other laws and regulations applicable to the National
Park System.
SEC. 8. ADDITION OF LANDS TO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM.
Lands acquired by the Secretary under this Act that are required by
this Act to be managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service
shall be added to the National Wildlife Refuge System and managed in
accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act
of 1966.
SEC. 9. ADDITION OF LANDS TO NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM.
Lands acquired by the Secretary under this Act that are in the
Rogers Lake area shall be--
(1) transferred to the administrative jurisdiction of the
Secretary of Agriculture; and
(2) added to the Coconino National Forest and managed by
the Secretary of Agriculture under the laws and regulations
applicable to National Forest System lands.
SEC. 10. ADDITION OF LANDS TO ARIZONA NATIONAL MEMORIAL CEMETERY.
Lands acquired by the Secretary under this Act under section
4(b)(19) shall be--
(1) transferred to the administrative jurisdiction of the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs;
(2) added to the Arizona National Memorial Cemetery,
located in Phoenix, Arizona; and
(3) managed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in
accordance with chapter 24 of title 38, United States Code, and
other laws and regulations applicable to national cemeteries.
SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION FOR EXISTING USES OF ACQUIRED LANDS TO CONTINUE.
Any use of lands acquired by the United States under this Act that
was authorized to occur immediately before the enactment of this Act
may continue until such time as the use is determined to be
incompatible with the purposes for which the lands are required to be
used under this Act.
SEC. 12. REVOCATION OF RECLAMATION WITHDRAWALS WITH RESPECT TO BULLHEAD
CITY PARCEL.
(a) In General.--The order of the Secretary dated October 16, 1931,
withdrawing lands for the Colorado River Storage Project, and the order
of the Secretary dated May 29, 1933, withdrawing lands for Power Site
Classification 272, are hereby revoked on the following lands under the
administration of the National Park Service in Arizona in Township 21
North, Range 21 West, Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian:
(1) In section 19, lot 4, SESW, S2SE.
(2) In section 20, that portion of the S2 lying south of
the centerline of State Highway 68.
(3) In section 30, lots 1-3, W2NE, E2NW, NESW, NWSE.
(b) Effective Date.--The revocation under subsection (a) shall take
effect for a parcel of land on the date on which the parcel is
transferred to the State under this Act.
SEC. 13. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF TRANSFER OF LANDS ON LOWER COLORADO
RIVER AND LAKE HAVASU.
In transferring to the State under this Act lands that front on the
Lower Colorado River or Lake Havasu (or both), the Secretary shall
include such terms and conditions as are necessary to protect the needs
of the Bureau of Reclamation to have access to those lands for flowage
easements and bank line protection.
|
Arizona Land Preservation and Management Act of 1996 - Directs the Secretary of the Interior: (1) by eminent domain, with the consent of the State of Arizona, to acquire certain State trust lands and to manage such lands in accordance with this Act; and (2) as compensation for State trust lands acquired under this Act, to transfer to the State specified Federal lands of equal value as may be agreed to by the State.
Specifies that the total value of Federal lands transferred to the State by the Secretary in acquiring State lands under this Act may not exceed the fair market value of the lands acquired. Sets forth provisions regarding land appraisals and management of lands acquired by the Bureau of Land Management.
Provides for the addition of specified acquired lands to the National Park System, the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Forest System, and the Arizona National Memorial Cemetery.
Authorizes the continuation for existing uses of acquired lands until such time as the use is determined to be incompatible with the purposes for which the lands are required to be used under this Act.
Revokes the orders of the Secretary withdrawing lands for the Colorado River Storage Project and for Power Site Classification 272 on specified National Park Service-administered lands in Arizona.
Directs the Secretary, in transferring to the State lands that front on the Lower Colorado River, Lake Havasu, or both, to include terms and conditions as necessary to protect the needs of the Bureau of Reclamation to have access to those lands for flowage easements and bank line protection.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Arizona Land Preservation and Management Act of 1996"}
| 3,208 | 333 | 0.622958 | 1.794215 | 0.746989 | 5.189189 | 9.932432 | 0.939189 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Syria Accountability Act of 2002''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) On September 20, 2001, President George Bush stated at
a joint session of Congress that ``[e]very nation, in every
region, now has a decision to make . . . [e]ither you are with
us, or you are with the terrorists . . . [f]rom this day
forward, any nation that continues to harbor or support
terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile
regime''.
(2) United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373
(September 28, 2001) mandates that all states ``refrain from
providing any form of support, active or passive, to entities
or persons involved in terrorist acts'', take ``the necessary
steps to prevent the commission of terrorist acts'', and ``deny
safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit
terrorist acts''.
(3) The Government of Syria is currently prohibited by
United States law from receiving United States assistance
because it is listed as state sponsor of terrorism.
(4) Although the Department of State lists Syria as a state
sponsor of terrorism and reports that Syria provides ``safe
haven and support to several terrorist groups'', fewer United
States sanctions apply with respect to Syria than with respect
to any other country that is listed as a state sponsor of
terrorism.
(5) Terrorist groups, including Hizballah, Hamas, the
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Popular
Front for the Liberation of Palestine--General Command maintain
offices, training camps, and other facilities on Syrian
territory and operate in areas of Lebanon occupied by the
Syrian armed forces and receive supplies from Iran through
Syria.
(6) United Nations Security Council Resolution 520
(September 17, 1982) calls for ``strict respect of the
sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political
independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive authority
of the Government of Lebanon through the Lebanese Army
throughout Lebanon''.
(7) More than 20,000 Syrian troops and security personnel
occupy much of the sovereign territory of Lebanon exerting
undue influence upon its government and undermining its
political independence.
(8) Since 1990 the Senate and House of Representatives have
passed seven bills and resolutions which call for the
withdrawal of Syrian armed forces from Lebanon.
(9) Large and increasing numbers of the Lebanese people
from across the political spectrum in Lebanon have mounted
peaceful and democratic calls for the withdrawal of the Syrian
Army from Lebanese soil.
(10) Israel has withdrawn all of its armed forces from
Lebanon in accordance with United Nations Security Council
Resolution 425 (March 19, 1978), as certified by the United
Nations Secretary General.
(11) Even in the face of this United Nations certification
that acknowledged Israel's full compliance with Resolution 425,
Syria permits attacks by Hizballah and other militant
organizations on Israeli outposts at Shebaa Farms, under the
false guise that it remains Lebanese land, and is also
permitting attacks on civilian targets in Israel.
(12) Syria will not allow Lebanon--a sovereign country--to
fulfill its obligation in accordance with Security Council
Resolution 425 to deploy its troops to southern Lebanon.
(13) As a result, the Israeli-Lebanese border and much of
southern Lebanon is under the control of Hizballah which
continues to attack Israeli positions and allows Iranian
Revolutionary Guards and other militant groups to operate
freely in the area, destabilizing the entire region.
(14) The United States provides $40,000,000 in assistance
to the Lebanese people through private nongovernmental
organizations, $7,900,000 of which is provided to Lebanese-
American educational institutions.
(15) In the State of the Union address on January 29, 2002,
President Bush declared that the United States will ``work
closely with our coalition to deny terrorists and their state
sponsors the materials, technology, and expertise to make and
deliver weapons of mass destruction''.
(16) The Government of Syria continues to develop and
deploy short and medium range ballistic missiles.
(17) The Government of Syria is pursuing the development
and production of biological and chemical weapons.
(18) United Nations Security Council Resolution 661 (August
6, 1990) and subsequent relevant resolutions restrict the sale
of oil and other commodities by Iraq, except to the extent authorized
by other relevant resolutions.
(19) Syria, a non-permanent United Nations Security Council
member, is receiving between 150,000 and 200,000 barrels of oil
from Iraq in violation of Security Council Resolution 661 and
subsequent relevant resolutions.
(20) Syrian President Bashar Assad promised Secretary of
State Powell in February 2001 to end violations of Security
Council Resolution 661 but this pledge has not been fulfilled.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Government of Syria should immediately and
unconditionally halt support for terrorism, permanently and
openly declare its total renunciation of all forms of
terrorism, and close all terrorist offices and facilities in
Syria, including the offices of Hamas, Hizballah, the Popular
Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and the Popular Front
for the Liberation of Palestine--General Command;
(2) the Government of Syria should immediately declare its
commitment to completely withdraw its armed forces, including
military, paramilitary, and security forces, from Lebanon, and
set a firm timetable for such withdrawal;
(3) the Government of Lebanon should deploy the Lebanese
armed forces to all areas of Lebanon, including South Lebanon,
in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution
520 (September 17, 1982), in order to assert the sovereignty of
the Lebanese state over all of its territory, and should evict
all terrorist and foreign forces from southern Lebanon,
including Hizballah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards;
(4) the Government of Syria should halt the development and
deployment of short and medium range ballistic missiles and
cease the development and production of biological and chemical
weapons;
(5) the Government of Syria should halt illegal imports and
transshipments of Iraqi oil and come into full compliance with
United Nations Security Council Resolution 661 and subsequent
relevant resolutions;
(6) the Governments of Lebanon and Syria should enter into
serious unconditional bilateral negotiations with the
Government of Israel in order to realize a full and permanent
peace; and
(7) the United States should continue to provide
humanitarian and educational assistance to the people of
Lebanon only through appropriate private, nongovernmental
organizations and appropriate international organizations,
until such time as the Government of Lebanon asserts
sovereignty and control over all of its territory and borders
and achieves full political independence, as called for in
United Nations Security Council Resolution 520.
SEC. 4. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
It should be the policy of the United States that--
(1) the United States will continue its campaign against
international terror to all places where terrorism exists;
(2) Syria will be held responsible for all attacks
committed by Hizballah and other terrorist groups with offices
or other facilities in Syria, or bases in areas of Lebanon
occupied by Syria;
(3) the United States will work to deny Syria the ability
to support acts of international terrorism and efforts to
develop or acquire weapons of mass destruction;
(4) the Secretary of State will continue to list Syria as a
state sponsor of terrorism until Syria ends its support for
terrorism, including its support of Hizballah and other
terrorist groups in Lebanon and its hosting of terrorist groups
in Damascus, and comes into full compliance with United States
law relating to terrorism and United Nations Security Council
Resolution 1373 (September 28, 2001);
(5) the full restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty,
political independence, and territorial integrity is in the
national security interest of the United States;
(6) Syria is in violation of United Nations Security
Council Resolution 520 (September 17, 1982) through its
continued occupation of Lebanese territory and its encroachment
upon its political independence;
(7) Syria's obligation to withdraw from Lebanon is not
conditioned upon progress in the Israeli-Syrian or Israeli-
Lebanese peace process but derives from Syria's obligation
under Security Council Resolution 520;
(8) Syria's acquisition of weapons of mass destruction and
ballistic missile programs threaten the security of the Middle
East and the national security interests of the United States;
(9) Syria is in violation of United Nations Security
Council Resolution 661 (August 6, 1990) and subsequent
relevant resolutions through its continued purchase of oil from Iraq;
and
(10) the United States will not provide any assistance to
Syria and will oppose multilateral assistance for Syria until
Syria withdraws its armed forces from Lebanon, halts the
development and deployment of weapons of mass destruction and
ballistic missiles, and complies with Security Council
Resolution 661 and subsequent relevant resolutions.
SEC. 5. PENALTIES AND AUTHORIZATION.
(a) Penalties.--Until the President makes the determination that
Syria meets the requirements described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of
subsection (c) and certifies such determination to Congress in
accordance with such subsection--
(1) the President shall prohibit the export to Syria of any
item, including the issuance of a license for the export of any
item, on the United States Munitions List or Commerce Control
List of dual-use items in the Export Administration Regulations
(15 C.F.R. part 730 et seq.);
(2) the President shall prohibit United States Government
assistance, including loans, credits, or other financial
assistance, to United States businesses with respect to
investment or other activities in Syria;
(3) the President shall prohibit the conduct of programs of
the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Trade and
Development Agency in or with respect to Syria; and
(4) the President shall impose two or more of the following
sanctions:
(A) Prohibit the export of products of the United
States (other than food and medicine) to Syria.
(B) Prohibit United States businesses from
investing or operating in Syria.
(C) Restrict Syrian diplomats in Washington, D.C.,
and at the United Nations in New York City, to travel
only within a 25-mile radius of Washington, D.C., or
the United Nations headquarters building, respectively.
(D) Prohibit aircraft of any air carrier owned or
controlled by Syria to take off from, land in, or
overfly the United States.
(E) Reduce United States diplomatic contacts with
Syria (other than those contacts required to protect
United States interests or carry out the purposes of
this Act).
(F) Block transactions in any property in which the
Government of Syria has any interest, by any person, or
with respect to any property, subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States.
(b) Waiver.--The President may waive the application of either
paragraph (2) or (3) (or both) of subsection (a) if the President
determines that it is in the national security interest of the United
States to do so.
(c) Authority To Provide Assistance to Syria and Lebanon.--If the
President--
(1) makes the determination that Syria meets the
requirements described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of
subsection (d) and certifies such determination to Congress in
accordance with such subsection;
(2) determines that substantial progress has been made both
in negotiations aimed at achieving a peace agreement between
Israel and Syria and in negotiations aimed at achieving a peace
agreement between Israel and Lebanon; and
(3) determines that the Government of Syria is strictly
respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity, and
political independence of Lebanon under the sole and exclusive
authority of the Government of Lebanon through the Lebanese
army throughout Lebanon, as required under paragraph (4) of
United Nations Security Council Resolution 520 (1982), then the
President is authorized notwithstanding any other provision of
law to provide assistance to Syria and Lebanon under chapter 1
of Part I of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (relating to
development assistance).
(d) Certification.--A certification under this subsection is a
certification transmitted to the appropriate congressional committees
of a determination made by the President that--
(1) the Government of Syria does not provide support for
international terrorist groups and does not allow terrorist
groups, such as Hamas, Hizballah, the Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine, and the Popular Front for the
Liberation of Palestine--General Command to maintain facilities
in Syria;
(2) the Government of Syria has withdrawn all Syrian
military, intelligence, and other security personnel from
Lebanon;
(3) the Government of Syria has ceased the development and
deployment of ballistic missiles and has ceased the development
and production of biological and chemical weapons; and
(4) the Government of Syria is no longer in violation of
United Nations Security Council Resolution 661 and subsequent
relevant resolutions.
SEC. 6. REPORT.
(a) Report.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act, and every 12 months thereafter until the
conditions described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 5(c) are
satisfied, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a report on--
(1) Syria's progress toward meeting the conditions
described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 5(c); and
(2) connections, if any, between individual terrorists and
terrorist groups which maintain offices, training camps, or
other facilities on Syrian territory, or operate in areas of
Lebanon occupied by the Syrian armed forces, and the attacks
against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001,
and other terrorist attacks on the United States or its
citizens, installations, or allies.
(b) Form.--The report submitted under subsection (a) shall be in
unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
SEC. 7. DEFINITION OF APPROPRIATE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEES.
In this Act, the term ``appropriate congressional committees''
means the Committee on International Relations of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
|
Syria Accountability Act of 2002 - Prohibits the President from exporting any item on the United States Munitions List or Commerce Control List of dual-use items in the Export Administration Regulations, providing any U.S. assistance to U.S. businesses with respect to investment or other activities, or conducting Overseas Private Investment Corporation and Trade Development Agency programs in or with respect to Syria.Directs the President to impose two or more specified sanctions against Syria.Requires maintenance of such prohibition and sanctions until the President certifies that Syria meets specified requirements, including that it: (1) does not support international terrorist groups; (2) has withdrawn all of its military personnel from Lebanon; (3) has ceased the development and deployment of ballistic missiles and biological and chemical weapons; (4) is no longer in violation of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 661 and subsequent relevant resolutions; (5) has made substantial progress in negotiations aimed at a peace agreement with Israel and a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon; and (6) is respecting the sovereignty and political independence of Lebanon as required under UN Security Council Resolution 520. Authorizes the President to provide development assistance to Syria and Lebanon if these six requirements are met.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To halt Syrian support for terrorism, end its occupation of Lebanon, stop its development of weapons of mass destruction, cease its illegal importation of Iraqi oil, and by so doing hold Syria accountable for the serious international security problems it has caused in the Middle East, and for other purposes."}
| 2,995 | 261 | 0.559068 | 1.7003 | 0.7711 | 3.630435 | 12.734783 | 0.926087 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Dietary Supplement Information
Act''.
SEC. 2. REGISTRATION, REPORTING, AND POSTMARKET SURVEILLANCE REGARDING
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS.
(a) In General.--Chapter IV of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act (21 U.S.C. 341 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following section:
``registration, reporting, and postmarket surveillance regarding
dietary supplements
``Sec. 414. (a) Registration.--
``(1) Annual registration.--Each calendar year a person who
in any State owns or operates an establishment engaged in the
business of manufacturing, packing, or distributing a dietary
supplement shall register with the Secretary the name of the
person, places of business, and all such establishments.
``(2) Initial manufacturing.--A person, upon first engaging
in a business described in paragraph (1) in an establishment
that the person owns or operates in any State, shall
immediately register with the Secretary the name of the person,
place of business, and such establishment.
``(3) Additional establishments.--A person duly registered
in accordance with paragraph (1) or (2), upon engaging in the
business involved in any additional establishment that the
person owns or operates in any State, shall immediately
register with the Secretary the additional establishment.
``(4) Imports.--Any establishment within any foreign
country engaged in the manufacture of a dietary supplement that
is imported or offered for import into the United States shall
register with the Secretary the name and place of business of
the establishment and the name of the United States agent for
the establishment.
``(5) Product information.--
``(A) Labeling; other information.--In addition to
information that under any of paragraphs (1) through
(4) is required to be provided in a registration, the
registration shall provide the labeling of the dietary
supplements involved (except to the extent that another
registration under this subsection provides the
labeling) and such other information describing the
dietary supplements as the Secretary may by regulation
require.
``(B) Changes in underlying facts.-- With respect
to information that pursuant to subparagraph (A) is
submitted in a registration, if after submitting the
registration to the Secretary any of the underlying
facts change, the person involved shall submit revised
information to the Secretary in accordance with such
criteria and procedures as the Secretary may establish,
which may include requiring the submission of a
substitute registration. The revised information shall
be so submitted not later than 30 days after the date
on which the factual changes occur.
``(C) Premarket submission of labeling for
postenactment products.--In the case of a dietary
supplement that was not in commercial distribution as
of the day before the date of the enactment of the
Dietary Supplement Information Act, the manufacturer of
such supplement shall submit the labeling for the
supplement to the Secretary in accordance with
subparagraph (A) before introducing the supplement into
interstate commerce or delivering the supplement for
such introduction.
``(6) Fees.--The Secretary may by regulation establish a
requirement that a registration under this subsection is
subject to a fee to be assessed and collected by the Secretary.
Subject to the extent of amounts approved in advance by an
appropriation Act for the fiscal year involved, amounts
collected by the Secretary under the preceding sentence are
available to the Secretary for the purpose of carrying out the
responsibilities of the Secretary under this subsection and
subsection (b). The Secretary may waive the requirement that a
person pay such a fee if the Secretary determines that the
waiver is justified on the basis that the person is a small
business.
``(b) Reporting of Information on Adverse Experiences.--
``(1) Serious experiences.--Each person who is a
manufacturer of a dietary supplement, or a packer or
distributor of the supplement whose name appears on the
labeling of the supplement, shall--
``(A) report to the Secretary in accordance with
paragraph (2) any information received by such person
on serious adverse experiences regarding the
supplement; and
``(B) develop written procedures regarding the
submission to the Secretary of such reports, including
procedures for surveillance, receipt, and evaluation of information on
such experiences.
``(2) Reporting of serious experiences.--
``(A) Initial report.--With respect to the initial
receipt of information on a serious adverse experience,
a person with reporting responsibility under paragraph
(1) shall submit the report to the Secretary as soon as
is possible, but in no case later than 15 calendar days
after the initial receipt of the information. Such
report shall be accompanied by a copy of the current
labeling for the dietary supplement involved.
``(B) Investigation and follow-up.--A person
submitting an initial report under subparagraph (A) on
a serious adverse experience shall promptly investigate
the experience, and if additional information is
obtained, shall report the information to the Secretary
not later than 15 days after obtaining the information.
If no additional information is obtained, records of
the steps taken to seek additional information shall be
maintained by the person.
``(C) Duplicative reporting.--In order to avoid
duplicative reporting under this paragraph, the
Secretary may provide for procedures under which
persons who are packers or distributors described in
paragraph (1) submit reports under this paragraph to
the manufacturer involved rather than the Secretary,
with the manufacturers then submitting the required
reports to the Secretary, subject to the Secretary
establishing requirements to ensure that the Secretary
receives reports within the applicable period of time
specified in subparagraph (A) or (B).
``(3) Clinical evaluations by secretary.--The Secretary
shall conduct a clinical evaluation of each serious adverse
experience reported to the Secretary under paragraph (2)
(except to the extent that the patient involved or the next of
kin for the patient, as the case may be, elects not to
cooperate with the Secretary).
``(4) Additional requirements for manufacturers.--
``(A) General review regarding adverse
experiences.--A manufacturer of a dietary supplement
shall promptly review all information on adverse
experiences regarding the supplement obtained or
otherwise received by the manufacturer. The preceding
sentence applies to information without regard to the
source of the information, foreign or domestic, and
includes information derived from sources such as
commercial marketing experience, postmarketing
investigations, postmarketing surveillance, studies,
reports in the scientific literature, and unpublished
scientific papers.
``(B) Periodic reports on nonserious experiences.--
With respect to the receipt of information on adverse
experiences that are not serious, a manufacturer of the
dietary supplement involved shall submit reports to the
Secretary annually, or at such shorter intervals as the
Secretary may require. Each such report shall meet such
requirements as the Secretary may establish.
``(5) Authority of secretary.--In addition to requirements
established in this subsection, the Secretary may establish
such requirements regarding the reporting of information on
adverse experiences as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate to protect the public health. The Secretary may
establish waivers from requirements under this subsection
regarding such information if the Secretary determines that
compliance with the requirement involved is not necessary to
protect the public health regarding such supplements.
``(6) System for coordinating reports received by
secretary.--With respect to reports of adverse health
experiences submitted to the Secretary (whether required under
this subsection or otherwise), the Secretary shall establish a
system to receive the reports, refer the reports to the
appropriate officials within the Food and Drug Administration,
store and retrieve the reports, store and retrieve records of
activities carried out in response to the reports, and carry
out such other administrative functions regarding the reports
as the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
``(7) Data collection by secretary.--The Secretary shall
carry out a program to collect data on serious adverse
experiences, in addition to receiving reports required in this
subsection. In carrying out such program, the Secretary shall
seek the cooperation of appropriate public and private
entities, including entities that respond to medical
emergencies.
``(8) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(A) The term `adverse experience' means an
adverse experience regarding a dietary supplement.
``(B) The term `adverse experience regarding a
dietary supplement' means any adverse event associated
with the use of such supplement in humans, whether or
not such event is considered to be related to the
supplement by a person referred to in paragraph (1) who
obtains the information.
``(C) The term `serious', with respect to an
adverse experience, means an adverse experience to
which any of clauses (i) through (iii) applies, as
follows:
``(i) The experience is associated with any
of the following outcomes: Death; a life-
threatening condition; inpatient
hospitalization or prolongation of existing
hospitalization; a persistent or significant
disability or incapacity; or a congenital
anomaly, birth defect, or other effect
regarding pregnancy, including premature labor
or low birth weight.
``(ii) The experience requires medical or
surgical intervention to prevent one of the
outcomes specified in clause (i).
``(iii) There is reason to believe that a
factor associated with the experience is the
interaction of the dietary supplement involved
with a drug, without regard to whether clause
(i) or (ii) applies to the experience.
``(c) Postmarket Surveillance.--
``(1) Authority to require surveillance.--The Secretary may
by order require a manufacturer of a dietary supplement to
conduct postmarket surveillance for such supplement if the
Secretary determines that there is a reasonable possibility
that a use or expected use of the supplement by a significant
number of consumers may have serious adverse health
consequences.
``(2) Surveillance plan.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after
receiving from the Secretary an order under paragraph
(1) to conduct surveillance for a dietary supplement,
the manufacturer involved shall submit to the
Secretary, for the approval of the Secretary, a plan
for the required surveillance.
``(B) Qualifications regarding surveillance; data
regarding adverse experiences.--Not later than 60 days
after a plan is submitted to the Secretary under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall determine
whether--
``(i) the person designated to conduct the
surveillance has appropriate qualifications and
experience to conduct such surveillance; and
``(ii) the plan will result in the
collection of useful data that can reveal
adverse experiences or other information
necessary to protect the public health.
``(3) Surveillance period.--In consultation with a
manufacturer of a dietary supplement that is required to
conduct surveillance under paragraph (1), the Secretary may by
order require a prospective surveillance period for the
manufacturer of up to 36 months. Any determination by the
Secretary that a longer period is necessary shall be made by
mutual agreement between the Secretary and the manufacturer or,
if no agreement can be reached, after the completion of a
dispute resolution process that is established by the Secretary
by regulation.
``(d) Reporting in General.--In addition to requirements otherwise
established under this section, a manufacturer of a dietary supplement
shall establish and maintain such records, make such reports, and
provide such information as the Secretary may by regulation reasonably
require to assure that such supplement is not adulterated or
misbranded.''.
(b) Prohibited Acts.--Section 301 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 331) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(bb) The failure of a person to register, submit reports, or
comply with any other requirement under section 414.''.
SEC. 3. INSPECTION AUTHORITY REGARDING RECORDS ON DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS.
Section 704 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
374) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)--
(A) in the second sentence, by striking ``or
restricted devices'' each place such term appears and
inserting ``restricted devices, or dietary
supplements''; and
(B) in the third sentence--
(i) by striking ``and devices'' and
inserting ``devices, and dietary supplements'';
and
(ii) by striking ``section 505(i) or (k)''
and inserting ``section 414, section 505(i),
section 505(k),''; and
(2) in subsection (e), by striking ``section 519'' and
inserting ``section 414, 519,''.
SEC. 4. LABELING OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS.
Section 403(e) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21
U.S.C. 343(e)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and (2)'' and inserting the following:
``(2) the toll-free telephone number, and the address of the
Internet site, maintained by the Secretary for purposes of the
medical product reporting program (MedWatch or any successor
program); and (3) ''; and
(2) by striking ``clause (2)'' and inserting ``clause
(3)''.
SEC. 5. PUBLICATION OF PROPOSED RULE ON CURRENT GOOD MANUFACTURING
PRACTICES FOR DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall publish in the Federal
Register a proposed rule for carrying out section 402(g) of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
|
Dietary Supplement Information Act - Amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require a person owning or operating an establishment engaged in the business of manufacturing, packing, or distributing a dietary supplement to register with the Secretary of Health and Human the name of the person, places of business, and all such establishments. Requires immediate registration upon establishment of such a business and upon any additional establishments. Requires registration of dietary supplement importers. Sets forth labeling requirements and permits the Secretary to set registration fees.Requires any dietary supplement manufacturer, packer, or distributor to initially report to the Secretary any serious adverse reactions to a supplement, to investigate the reaction, and to report any additional information obtained to the Secretary. Sets forth additional requirements for manufacturers.Grants the Secretary authority to enter and inspect any factory, warehouse, or establishment in which dietary supplements are manufactured, processed, packed, or held, for introduction into interstate, or to enter and inspect any vehicle being used to transport or hold such supplements in interstate commerce.Deems a food (includes dietary supplements) misbranded if its label does not contain the toll-free telephone number, and the address of the Internet site, maintained by the Secretary for purposes of the medical product reporting program (MedWatch or any successor program).
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require that manufacturers of dietary supplements register with the Food and Drug Administration, to require the submission to such Administration of reports on adverse experiences regarding such supplements, and for other purposes."}
| 2,983 | 293 | 0.651126 | 1.849139 | 0.871896 | 3.736842 | 11.392713 | 0.854251 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of
2015''.
SEC. 2. UNIVERSAL MEAL SERVICE IN NATIVE AMERICAN AREAS.
Section 11 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42
U.S.C. 1759a) is amended by inserting after subsection (e) the
following:
``(f) Universal Meal Service in Native American Areas.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall identify, for
optional use in local educational agencies on or near Indian
reservations, alternatives to--
``(A) the daily counting by category of meals
provided by school lunch programs under this Act and
the school breakfast program established by section 4
of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1773);
``(B) the use of annual applications as the basis
for eligibility to receive free meals or reduced price
meals under this Act; and
``(C) the use of universal meal service described
in subsections (a)(1)(F) and (g).
``(2) Use of alternatives.--Alternatives described in
paragraph (1) may be--
``(A) implemented for use in schools or by school
food authorities that agree--
``(i) to serve all breakfasts and lunches
to all students at no cost;
``(ii) to pay, from sources other than
Federal funds, the costs of serving any lunches
and breakfasts that are in excess of the value
of assistance received under this Act or the
Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et
seq.), as determined by the Secretary, with
respect to the number of lunches and breakfasts
served during the applicable period; and
``(iii) not to collect applications for
free or reduced price meals; or
``(B) further tested through demonstration projects
carried out by the Secretary in accordance with
paragraph (3).
``(3) Demonstration projects.--For the purpose of carrying
out demonstration projects described in paragraph (2)(B), the
Secretary may waive any requirement of this Act relating to--
``(A) counting and claiming of meals provided by
school lunch or breakfast programs; and
``(B) determinations of eligibility for free or
reduced price meals.''.
SEC. 3. SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM AND CHILD AND ADULT CARE FOOD PROGRAM.
Section 12(d) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act
(42 U.S.C. 1760(d)) is amended by striking paragraph (8) and inserting
the following:
``(8) State.--The term `State' means--
``(A) any of the 50 States;
``(B) the District of Columbia;
``(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
``(D) the Virgin Islands;
``(E) Guam;
``(F) American Samoa;
``(G) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands; or
``(H) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)).''.
SEC. 4. SUMMER FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN.
Section 13(a)(1)(E) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch
Act (42 U.S.C. 1761(a)(1)(E)) is amended--
(1) in clause (vi), by striking ``and'';
(2) in clause (vii), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(viii) an Indian tribe (as defined in
section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)).''.
SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATIVE AND START UP FUNDS.
Section 7(c) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1776(c))
is amended--
(1) by striking ``(c) If any State agency'' and inserting
the following:
``(c) Adjustment in Administrative Funds.--
``(1) Administration by a state agency.--If any State
agency''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Administration by an indian tribe.--
``(A) In general.--If an Indian tribe agrees to
assume responsibility for the administration of the
school breakfast program under section 4 or the school
lunch program, summer food service program for
children, or child and adult care food program
established under the Richard B. Russell National
School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq.), the
Secretary shall make an appropriate adjustment in the
administrative funds paid under this section to the
Indian tribe not later than the preceding fiscal year.
``(B) Start up funds.--The adjustment in
administrative funds described in subparagraph (A)
shall consist of an amount for start up funds,
negotiated with the Indian tribe, of not less than
$10,000 nor more than $100,000 for each fiscal year.''.
SEC. 6. SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM.
Section 15 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1784) is
amended by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
``(1) State.--The term `State' means--
``(A) any of the 50 States;
``(B) the District of Columbia;
``(C) the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
``(D) the Virgin Islands;
``(E) Guam;
``(F) American Samoa;
``(G) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands; or
``(H) an Indian tribe (as defined in section 4 of
the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance
Act (25 U.S.C. 450b)).''.
|
Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2015 This bill amends the Richard B. Russell National School Act to allow an Indian tribe to assume, from a nearby local educational agency (LEA) and in lieu of a state, responsibility for administration of the school breakfast program, the school lunch program, the child and adult care food program, or the summer food service program for children. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) must identify, for optional use in LEAs on or near Indian reservations, alternatives to current program requirements related to the daily counting of meals by category, the use of annual applications to determine program eligibility, and the use of universal meal service. USDA may implement such alternatives, as limited by the bill, as well as further test them in demonstration projects. The bill also amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require USDA to increase the amount of administrative funds paid to an Indian tribe that agrees to assume responsibility for the administration of one of the aforementioned food programs.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2015"}
| 1,333 | 252 | 0.627137 | 1.632788 | 0.684864 | 2.488764 | 6.707865 | 0.814607 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Paycheck Fairness Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Women have entered the workforce in record numbers.
(2) Even in the 1990's, women earn significantly lower pay
than men for work on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and
responsibility and that are performed under similar working
conditions. These pay disparities exist in both the private and
governmental sectors. In many instances, the pay disparities
can only be due to continued intentional discrimination or the
lingering effects of past discrimination.
(3) The existence of such pay disparities--
(A) depresses the wages of working families who
rely on the wages of all members of the family to make
ends meet;
(B) prevents the optimum utilization of available
labor resources;
(C) has been spread and perpetuated, through
commerce and the channels and instrumentalities of
commerce, among the workers of the several States;
(D) burdens commerce and the free flow of goods in
commerce;
(E) constitutes an unfair method of competition in
commerce;
(F) leads to labor disputes burdening and
obstructing commerce and the free flow of goods in
commerce;
(G) interferes with the orderly and fair marketing
of goods in commerce; and
(H) in many instances, may deprive workers of equal
protection on the basis of sex in violation of the 5th
and 14th amendments.
(4)(A) Artificial barriers to the elimination of
discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex
continue to exist more than 3 decades after the enactment of
the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.)
and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000a et seq.).
(B) Elimination of such barriers would have positive
effects, including--
(i) providing a solution to problems in the economy
created by unfair pay disparities;
(ii) substantially reducing the number of working
women earning unfairly low wages, thereby reducing the
dependence on public assistance; and
(iii) promoting stable families by enabling all
family members to earn a fair rate of pay;
(iv) remedying the effects of past discrimination
on the basis of sex and ensuring that in the future
workers are afforded equal protection on the basis of
sex; and
(v) ensuring equal protection pursuant to Congress'
power to enforce the 5th and 14th amendments.
(5) With increased information about the provisions added
by the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and wage data, along with more
effective remedies, women will be better able to recognize and
enforce their rights to equal pay for work on jobs that require
equal skill, effort, and responsibility and that are performed
under similar working conditions.
(6) Certain employers have already made great strides in
eradicating unfair pay disparities in the workplace and their
achievements should be recognized.
SEC. 3. ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT OF EQUAL PAY REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Required Demonstration for Affirmative Defense.--Section
6(d)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(d)(1))
is amended by striking ``(iv) a differential'' and all that follows
through the period and inserting the following: ``(iv) a differential
based on a bona fide factor other than sex, such as education, training
or experience, except that this clause shall apply only if--
``(I) the employer demonstrates that--
``(aa) such factor--
``(AA) is job-related with
respect to the position in
question; or
``(BB) furthers a
legitimate business purpose,
except that this item shall not
apply where the employee
demonstrates that an
alternative employment practice
exists that would serve the
same business purpose without
producing such differential and
that the employer has refused
to adopt such alternative
practice; and
``(bb) such factor was actually
applied and used reasonably in light of
the asserted justification; and
``(II) upon the employer succeeding under
subclause I, the employee fails to demonstrate
that the differential produced by the reliance
of the employer on such factor is itself the
result of discrimination on the basis of sex by
the employer.
``An employer that is not otherwise in compliance with this
paragraph may not reduce the wages of any employee in order to
achieve such compliance.''.
(b) Application of Provisions.--Section 6(d)(1) of the Fair Labor
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(d)(1)) is amended by adding at the
end the following: ``The provisions of this subsection shall apply to
applicants for employment if such applicants, upon employment by the
employer, would be subject to any provisions of this section.''.
(c) Elimination of Establishment Requirement.--Section 6(d) of the
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``, within any establishment in which such
employees are employed,''; and
(2) by striking ``in such establishment'' each place it
appears.
(d) Nonretaliation Provision.--Section 15(a)(3) of the Fair Labor
Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 215(a)(3)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or has'' each place it appears and
inserting ``has''; and
(2) by inserting before the semicolon the following: ``, or
has inquired about, discussed, or otherwise disclosed the wages
of the employee or another employee, or because the employee
(or applicant) has made a charge, testified, assisted, or
participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding,
hearing, or action under section 6(d)''.
(e) Enhanced Penalties.--Section 16(b) of the Fair Labor Standards
Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 216(b)) is amended--
(1) by inserting after the first sentence the following:
``Any employer who violates section 6(d) shall additionally be
liable for such compensatory or punitive damages as may be
appropriate, except that the United States shall not be liable
for punitive damages.'';
(2) in the sentence beginning ``An action to'', by striking
``either of the preceding sentences'' and inserting ``any of
the preceding sentences of this subsection'';
(3) in the sentence beginning ``No employees shall'', by
striking ``No employees'' and inserting ``Except with respect
to class actions brought to enforce section 6(d), no
employee'';
(4) by inserting after the sentence referred to in
paragraph (3), the following: ``Notwithstanding any other
provision of Federal law, any action brought to enforce section
6(d) may be maintained as a class action as provided by the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.''; and
(5) in the sentence beginning ``The court in''--
(A) by striking ``in such action'' and inserting
``in any action brought to recover the liability
prescribed in any of the preceding sentences of this
subsection''; and
(B) by inserting before the period the following:
``, including expert fees''.
(f) Action by Secretary.--Section 16(c) of the Fair Labor Standards
Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 216(c)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence--
(A) by inserting ``or, in the case of a violation
of section 6(d), additional compensatory or punitive
damages,'' before ``and the agreement''; and
(B) by inserting before the period the following:
``, or such compensatory or punitive damages, as
appropriate'';
(2) in the second sentence, by inserting before the period
the following: ``and, in the case of a violation of section
6(d), additional compensatory or punitive damages'';
(3) in the third sentence, by striking ``the first
sentence'' and inserting ``the first or second sentence''; and
(4) in the last sentence--
(A) by striking ``commenced in the case'' and
inserting ``commenced--
``(1) in the case'';
(B) by striking the period and inserting
``; or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) in the case of a class action brought to enforce
section 6(d), on the date on which the individual becomes a
party plaintiff to the class action''.
SEC. 4. TRAINING.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Office of
Federal Contract Compliance Programs, subject to the availability of
funds appropriated under section 9(b), shall provide training to
Commission employees and affected individuals and entities on matters
involving discrimination in the payment of wages.
SEC. 5. RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND OUTREACH.
The Secretary of Labor shall conduct studies and provide
information to employers, labor organizations, and the general public
concerning the means available to eliminate pay disparities between men
and women, including--
(1) conducting and promoting research to develop the means
to correct expeditiously the conditions leading to the pay
disparities;
(2) publishing and otherwise making available to employers,
labor organizations, professional associations, educational
institutions, the media, and the general public the findings
resulting from studies and other materials, relating to eliminating the
pay disparities;
(3) sponsoring and assisting State and community
informational and educational programs;
(4) providing information to employers, labor
organizations, professional associations, and other interested
persons on the means of eliminating the pay disparities;
(5) recognizing and promoting the achievements of
employers, labor organizations, and professional associations
that have worked to eliminate the pay disparities; and
(6) convening a national summit to discuss, and consider
approaches for rectifying, the pay disparities.
SEC. 6. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND EMPLOYER RECOGNITION PROGRAM.
(a) Guidelines.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Labor shall develop
guidelines to enable employers to evaluate job categories based
on objective criteria such as educational requirements, skill
requirements, independence, working conditions, and responsibility,
including decisionmaking responsibility and de facto supervisory
responsibility.
(2) Use.--The guidelines developed under paragraph (1)
shall be designed to enable employers voluntarily to compare
wages paid for different jobs to determine if the pay scales
involved adequately and fairly reflect the educational
requirements, skill requirements, independence, working
conditions, and responsibility for each such job with the goal
of eliminating unfair pay disparities between occupations
traditionally dominated by men or women.
(3) Publication.--The guidelines shall be developed under
paragraph (1) and published in the Federal Register not later
than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
(b) Employer Recognition.--
(1) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this subsection to
emphasize the importance of, encourage the improvement of, and
recognize the excellence of employer efforts to pay wages to
women that reflect the real value of the contributions of such
women to the workplace.
(2) In general.--To carry out the purpose of this
subsection, the Secretary of Labor shall establish a program
under which the Secretary shall provide for the recognition of
employers who, pursuant to a voluntary job evaluation conducted
by the employer, adjust their wage scales (such adjustments
shall not include the lowering of wages paid to men) using the
guidelines developed under subsection (a) to ensure that women
are paid fairly in comparison to men.
(3) Technical assistance.--The Secretary of Labor may
provide technical assistance to assist an employer in carrying
out an evaluation under paragraph (2).
(c) Regulations.--The Secretary of Labor shall promulgate such
rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. 7. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR PAY EQUITY IN THE
WORKPLACE.
(a) In General.--There is established the Robert Reich National
Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace, which shall be evidenced by a
medal bearing the inscription ``Robert Reich National Award for Pay
Equity in the Workplace''. The medal shall be of such design and
materials, and bear such additional inscriptions, as the Secretary of
Labor may prescribe.
(b) Criteria for Qualification.--To qualify to receive an award
under this section a business shall--
(1) submit a written application to the Secretary of Labor,
at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Secretary may require, including at a minimum
information that demonstrates that the business has made
substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between men and
women, and deserves special recognition as a consequence; and
(2) meet such additional requirements and specifications as
the Secretary of Labor determines to be appropriate.
(c) Making and Presentation of Award.--
(1) Award.--After receiving recommendations from the
Secretary of Labor, the President or the designated
representative of the President shall annually present the
award described in subsection (a) to businesses that meet the
qualifications described in subsection (b).
(2) Presentation.--The President or the designated
representative of the President shall present the award under
this section with such ceremonies as the President or the
designated representative of the President may determine to be
appropriate.
(d) Business.--In this section, the term ``business'' includes--
(1)(A) a corporation, including a nonprofit corporation;
(B) a partnership;
(C) a professional association;
(D) a labor organization; and
(E) a business entity similar to an entity described in any
of subparagraphs (A) through (D);
(2) an entity carrying out an education referral program, a
training program, such as an apprenticeship or management
training program, or a similar program; and
(3) an entity carrying out a joint program, formed by a
combination of any entities described in paragraph (1) or (2).
SEC. 8. COLLECTION OF PAY INFORMATION BY THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION.
Section 709 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e-8) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f)(1) Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of
this subsection, the Commission shall--
``(A) complete a survey of the data that is currently
available to the Federal Government relating to employee pay
information for use in the enforcement of Federal laws
prohibiting pay discrimination and, in consultation with other
relevant Federal agencies, identify additional data collections
that will enhance the enforcement of such laws; and
``(B) based on the results of the survey and consultations
under subparagraph (A), issue regulations to provide for the
collection of pay information data from employers as described
by the sex, race, and national origin of employees.
``(2) In implementing paragraph (1), the Commission shall have as
its primary consideration the most effective and efficient means for
enhancing the enforcement of Federal laws prohibiting pay
discrimination. For this purpose, the Commission shall consider factors
including the imposition of burdens on employers, the frequency of
required reports (including which employers should be required to
prepare reports), appropriate protections for maintaining data
confidentiality, and the most effective format for the data collection
reports.''.
SEC. 9. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be
necessary to carry out this Act.
|
Paycheck Fairness Act - Amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) to revise remedies for and enforcement of prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages (such FLSA prohibitions are also known as the Equal Pay Act).
(Sec. 3) Amends FLSA to provide for enhanced enforcement of equal pay requirements, adding a nonretaliation requirement. Increases penalties for such violations. Provides for the Secretary of Labor to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages in such cases.
(Sec. 4) Requires the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to train EEOC employees and affected individuals and entities on matters involving wage discrimination.
(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary to conduct studies and provide information to employers, labor organizations, and the general public concerning the means available to eliminate pay disparities between men and women, including convening a national summit and carrying out other specified activities.
(Sec. 6) Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop guidelines for employer evaluations of job categories based on objective criteria, to be used voluntarily by employers to compare wages for different jobs to determine if pay scales adequately and fairly reflect each job's educational and skill requirements, independence, working conditions, and responsibility, in order to eliminate unfair pay disparities between occupations traditionally dominated by men or women; and (2) establish a program to recognize employers who use such guidelines to ensure that women are paid fairly in comparison to men without lowering men's wages. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical assistance for employers to carry out such evaluations.
(Sec. 7) Establishes the Robert Reich National Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace, which shall be evidenced by a medal. Sets forth criteria for specified types of entities to receive such an award.
(Sec. 8) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the President should: (1) take appropriate steps to increase the amount of information available with respect to wage disparities; and (2) consider ways to collect such information that maximize its utility, protect individual privacy, and minimize reporting burdens.
(Sec. 9) Authorizes appropriations.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Paycheck Fairness Act"}
| 3,448 | 484 | 0.511641 | 1.675435 | 0.713493 | 3.332536 | 7.655502 | 0.868421 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Environmental Health Workforce Act
of 2017''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) The environmental health workforce is vital to
protecting the health and safety of the public.
(2) For years, State and local governmental public health
agencies have reported substantial workforce losses and other
challenges to the environmental health workforce.
(3) According to the Association of State and Territorial
Health Officials (ASTHO) and the National Association of County
and City Health Officials (NACCHO), more than 50,600 State and
local environmental health workforce jobs have been lost since
2008. This represents approximately 22 percent of the total
State and local environmental health workforce.
(4) In the coming years, the retiring Baby Boomer
Generation will lead to a further decrease in the environmental
health workforce.
(5) Currently, only 28 States require a credential for
environmental health workers that is an impartial, third-party
endorsement of an individual's professional knowledge and
experience.
(6) Educating and training existing and new environmental
health professionals should be a national public health goal.
SEC. 3. MODEL STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR CREDENTIALING ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH WORKERS.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in
coordination with appropriate national professional organizations,
Federal, State, local, and tribal governmental agencies, and private-
sector and nongovernmental entities, shall develop model standards and
guidelines for credentialing environmental health workers.
(b) Provision of Standards and Technical Assistance.--The Secretary
of Health and Human Services shall provide to State, local, and tribal
governments--
(1) the model standards and guidelines developed under
subsection (a); and
(2) technical assistance in credentialing environmental
health workers.
SEC. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
(a) In General.--To ensure that programs and activities (including
education, training, and payment programs) of the Department of Health
and Human Services for developing the environmental health workforce
meet national needs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan for such programs and
activities that--
(1) includes performance measures to more clearly determine
the extent to which these programs and activities are meeting
the Department's strategic goal of strengthening the
environmental health workforce;
(2) identifies and communicates to stakeholders any gaps
between existing programs and activities and future
environmental health workforce needs identified in workforce
projections of the Health Resources and Services
Administration;
(3) identifies actions needed to address such identified
gaps; and
(4) identifies any additional statutory authority that is
needed by the Department to implement such identified actions.
(b) Submission to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
of the Senate, and to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and
Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives, the plan
developed under subsection (a).
SEC. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT REPORT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall examine
and identify best practices in 6 States (as described in subsection
(b)) related to training and credentialing requirements for
environmental health workers and submit to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report that
includes information concerning--
(1) types of environmental health workers employed at
State, local, and city health departments and independent
environmental health agencies;
(2) educational backgrounds of environmental health
workers;
(3) whether environmental health workers are credentialed
or registered, and what type of credential or registration each
worker has received;
(4) State requirements for continuing education for
environmental health workers;
(5) whether State, local, and city health departments and
independent environmental health agencies track continuing
education units for their environmental health workers; and
(6) how frequently any exam required to qualify
environmental health workers is updated and reviewed to ensure
that the exam is consistent with current law.
(b) Selection of States.--The report described in subsection (a)
shall be based upon the examination of such best practices with respect
to 3 States that have credentialing requirements for environmental
health workers (such as Maryland, Ohio, and Washington) and 3 States
that do not have such requirements (such as Indiana, Michigan, and
Pennsylvania).
SEC. 6. PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS.
Section 455(m) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1087e(m)) is amended in paragraph (3)(B)--
(1) in clause (i), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in clause (ii), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) a full-time job as an environmental
health worker (as defined in section 7 of the
Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2017) who
is accredited, certified, or licensed in
accordance with applicable law.''.
SEC. 7. DEFINITION.
In this Act, the terms ``environmental health worker'' and
``environmental health workforce'' refer to public health workers who
investigate and assess hazardous environmental agents in various
environmental settings and develop, promote, and enforce guidelines,
policies, and interventions to control such hazards.
|
Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2017 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop model standards and guidelines for credentialing environmental health workers. HHS must develop a comprehensive and coordinated plan for the environmental health workforce that includes performance measures and identifies: (1) any gaps between existing programs and future environmental health workforce needs, (2) actions needed to address any identified gaps, and (3) any additional statutory authority required by HHS to implement identified actions. The Government Accountability Office must identify best practices related to training and credentialing environmental health professionals in six states, based on the examination of three states that have credentialing requirements for environmental health workers and three that do not. The bill also amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to specify that environmental health workers are eligible for public service loan forgiveness.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Environmental Health Workforce Act of 2017"}
| 1,230 | 185 | 0.616412 | 1.897214 | 0.86954 | 3.286624 | 7.541401 | 0.866242 |
short title
Section 1. This Act may be referred to as the ``Federal Oil and Gas
Lease Management Improvement Act of 1998''.
findings and purposes
Sec. 2. (a) Congress finds that--
(1) State governments have a long and successful history of
regulation of operations to explore for and produce oil and
gas. The special role of the States was recognized by Congress
in 1935 through its ratification under the Constitution of the
Interstate Compact to Conserve Oil and Gas.
(2) Under the guidance of the Interstate Oil and Gas
Compact Commission, States have established effective
regulation of the oil and natural gas industry and subject
their programs to periodic peer review through the Commission.
(3) It is significantly less expensive for State
governments than for the Federal Government, through its Bureau
of Land Management, to regulate oil and gas lease operations on
Federal lands.
(4) Significant cost savings could be achieved, with no
reduction in environmental protection or in the conservation of
oil and gas resources, by having the Federal Government defer
to State regulation of oil and gas lease operations on Federal
lands.
(5) State governments carry out regulatory oversight on
State, private, and Federal lands. Oil and gas companies
operating on federal lands are burdened with the additional
cost and time of duplicative oversight by both State and
Federal conservation authorities. Additional cost savings could
be achieved within the private sector by having the Bureau of
Land Management defer to State regulation.
(6) The Federal Government is presently cast in dual
opposing roles as a mineral owner and regulator. State
regulation of oil and gas operations on Federal lands would
eliminate this conflict of interest.
(7) It remains the responsibility of the Secretary of the
Interior to carry out the Federal policy set forth in the
Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. Sec. 21a) to
foster and encourage private sector enterprise in the
development of economically sound and stable domestic mineral
industries, and the orderly and economic development of
domestic mineral resources and reserves, including oil and gas
resources.
(8) Resource management analyses and surveys conducted
under the conservation laws of the United States benefit the
public at large and are an expense properly borne by the
Federal Government.
(b) The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to transfer from the Bureau of Land Management to each
State in which the Federal lands are present authority to
regulate oil and gas operations on leased tracts and related
operations as fully as if the operations were occurring on
privately owned land,
(2) to share the costs saved through more efficient State
enforcement among State governments and the Federal treasury,
(3) to prevent the imposition of unwarranted delays and
recoupments of Federal administrative costs on Federal oil and
gas lessees,
(4) to effect no change in the administration of Indian
lands, and
(5) to ensure that those funds deducted from the States'
net receipt share are directly tied to administrative costs
related to oil and gas on Federal lands.
definitions
Sec. 3. For purposes of this Act--
(1) The term ``Federal lands'' means all lands and
interests in lands owned by the United States which are subject
to the mineral leasing laws, including mineral resources or
mineral estates reserved to the United States in the conveyance
of a surface or nonmineral estate. The term excludes ``Indian
lands'' as that term is defined in 30 U.S.C. Sec. 1702(3) and
submerged lands on the ``Outer Continental Shelf'' as that term
is defined in the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, 43 U.S.C.
Sec. Sec. 1331 et seq., other than submerged lands subject to
section 8(g) of that Act, 43 U.S.C. Sec. 1337(g).
(2) The term ``oil and gas conservation authority'' means
the agency or agencies in each State responsible for regulating
for conservation purposes operations to explore for and produce
oil and natural gas.
application of act
Sec. 4. For the purposes of this Act, Federal lands subject to
section 8(g) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act are deemed to be
within the state with which revenues from those lands are shared.
However, nothing in this Act shall be construed to give a State a
property right or interest in any Federal lease or land.
TITLE I--DEFERRAL TO STATE REGULATION OF OIL AND GAS LEASE OPERATIONS
ON FEDERAL LANDS
Sec. 101. (a) No sooner than 6 months from the date of enactment of
this Act, a State may notify the Secretary of the Interior of its
intent to accept authority for regulation of operations, as described
in paragraphs (1) through (11) of this subsection, under oil and gas
leases on Federal lands within the State. Effective 6 months after the
Secretary receives the state's notice, the authority is transferred
from the Bureau of Land Management to the State. This authority
includes--
(1) processing and approving Applications for Permits to
Drill, subject to surface use agreements and other terms and
conditions determined by the Secretary;
(2) production operations;
(3) well testing;
(4) well completion;
(5) well spacing;
(6) communization;
(7) conversion of a producing well to a water well;
(8) well abandonment procedures;
(9) inspections;
(10) enforcement activities; and
(11) site security.
(b) Effective on the date of transfer, the Bureau of Land
Management shall no longer include the charges associated with
performing those authorities transferred in subsection (a) in costs
charged against the State under section 35(b) of the Mineral Leasing
Act (30 U.S.C. Sec. 191(b)).
(c) The Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service shall
retain authority over the issuance of leases and the approval of
surface use plans, and shall spend appropriated funds to assure that
the agency is making timely decisions respecting oil and gas leasing,
taking into consideration multiple uses of Federal lands, socioeconomic
and environmental impacts, and the results of consultations with state
and local government officials.
Sec. 102. (a) Following the transfer of authority, no Federal
agency shall exercise the authority formerly held by the Bureau of Land
Management as to oil and gas lease operations and related operations on
Federal lands.
(b) Following the transfer of authority, each State shall enforce
its own laws, regulations, and requirements pertaining to oil and gas
lease operations and related operations with due regard to the national
interest in the expedited, environmentally sound development of oil and
gas resources in a manner consistent with oil and gas conservation
principles.
(c) The Bureau of Land Management may continue to enforce any
pending actions respecting acts committed prior to the date authority
is transferred to a State under section 101(a) until those proceedings
are concluded.
(d) All applications respecting oil and gas lease operations and
related operations on federal lands pending before the Bureau of Land
Management on the date authority is transferred shall be immediately
transferred to the oil and gas conservation authority of the State in
which the given lease is located. The oil and gas conservation
authority shall act on the application in accordance with its own laws,
regulations, and requirements.
TITLE II--USE OF COST SAVINGS FROM STATE REGULATION
Sec. 201. Subject to available appropriations, the Secretary of the
Interior shall compensate any State for those costs incurred to carry
out the authorities transferred under section 101(a). Payment shall be
made not less than every quarter during the fiscal year. Each State
seeking compensation shall report to the Secretary a cost breakdown for
the authorities transferred. Compensation to a State may not exceed 50
percent of the Bureau of Land Management's allocated cost, under
section 35(b) of the Mineral Leasing Act, for that State for the fiscal
year ending September 30, 1997. The Secretary will adjust the maximum
level of cost compensation at least once every two years to reflect any
increases in the Consumer Price Index (all items, United States city
average) as prepared by the Department of Labor, using 1997 as the
baseline year.
Sec. 202. Section 35 of the Mineral Leasing Act (30 U.S.C.
Sec. 191) is amended by adding at the end of subsection (b) the
following:
``(6) The Secretary shall not include, for the purpose of
calculating the deduction under paragraph (1), costs of
preparing resource management planning documents and analyses
for areas in which oil and gas leasing is excluded or areas in
which the primary activity under review is not oil and gas
leasing and development.''.
TITLE III--STREAMLINING AND COST REDUCTION
Sec. 301. (a) Notwithstanding sections 304 and 504 of Public Law
94-579 (43 U.S.C. Sec. Sec. 1734 and 1764) and section 9701 of title
31, United States Code, the Department of the Interior may not recover
its costs with respect to applications and other documents relating to
oil and gas leases.
(b) The Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service shall
complete any resource management planning documents and analyses within
90 days of the agency's receipt of any offer, application, or request
for which planning document or analysis must be prepared. If the agency
is unable to complete the document or analysis within that time, it
shall notify the applicant or lessee of the opportunity to prepare the
required document or analysis for the agency's review and use in
decision making. The agency for which the document or analysis is
prepared shall reimburse the applicant or lessee for costs directly
associated with the preparation of the document or analysis.
Sec. 302. (a) The Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service
shall assure the timely issuance of Federal agency decisions respecting
oil and gas leasing and operations on federal lands.
(b) The Bureau of Land Management shall accept or reject an offer
to lease within 90 days of the filing of the offer. If an offer is not
acted upon within that time, the offer is deemed accepted.
(c) The Bureau of Land Management and a State that has accepted
transfer under section 101(a) shall approve or disapprove an
Application for Permit to Drill within 30 days of receipt of a complete
application. If the application is not acted upon within that time, the
application is deemed approved.
(d) The Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service, as the
case may be, shall approve or disapprove a surface use plan within 30
days of receipt of a complete plan.
(e) From the time that a Federal oil and gas lessee or operator
files a notice of administrative appeal of a decision or order of an
officer or employee of the Department of the Interior or the Forest
Service respecting a Federal oil and gas Federal lease, the Department
or Service shall have two years to issue a final decision in that
appeal. If no final decision has been issued within that time, the
appeal is deemed granted.
Sec. 303. (a) The Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service
shall assure that unwarranted denials and stays of lease issuance and
unwarranted restrictions on lease operations are eliminated from the
administration of oil and as leasing on Federal lands.
(b) Lands designated as available for multiple use under Bureau of
Land Management resource management plans and Forest Service leasing
analyses shall be available for oil and gas leasing without lease
stipulations more stringent than restrictions on surface use and
operations imposed under the laws and regulations of the relevant State
oil and gas conservation authority unless the Bureau or Service
includes in its decision approving the management plan or leasing
analysis a written explanation of why more stringent stipulations are
warranted. Any decision to require a more stringent stipulation shall
be administratively appealable and, following a final agency decision,
judicially reviewable under the Administrative Procedure Act.
(c) If the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service rejects
an offer to lease on the ground that the land is unavailable for
leasing, the respective agency shall provide a written, detailed
explanation of the reasons the land is unavailable for leasing. Where
the determination of unavailability is based on a previous resource
management decision, the explanation shall include a careful assessment
of whether the reasons underlying the previous decision are still
persuasive. The agency may not reject an offer to lease lands available
for leasing on the ground that the offer includes lands unavailable for
leasing, and it must segregate lands available from those unavailable,
upon the offeror's request following notice by the agency, before
acting on the offer to lease.
(d) The Bureau of Land Management or the Forest Service shall
provide a written, detailed explanation of the reasons for disapproving
or requiring modifications of any surface use plan or Application for
Permit to Drill.
(e) A decision of the Bureau of Land Management or the Forest
Service respecting an oil and gas lease shall be effective pending
administrative appeal to the appropriate office within the Department
of the Interior or the Department of Agriculture unless that office
grants a stay in response to a petition satisfying the criteria for a
stay established by 43 CFR Sec. 4.21(b)(1) (1997).
Sec. 304. By March 31, 1999, the Secretary of the Interior and the
Secretary of Agriculture will jointly submit a report to the President
of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives
explaining the most efficient means of eliminating overlapping
jurisdiction, duplication of effort, and inconsistent policymaking and
policy implementation as between the Bureau of Land Management and the
Forest Service. The report will include recommendations on changes in
statute needed to implement the report's conclusions.
Sec. 305. (a) By March 31, 1999, the Secretary of the Interior will
publish, through notice in the Federal Register, a national inventory
of the oil and gas reserves and potential resources underlying Federal
lands (other than lands governed by section 8(g) of the Outer
Continental Shelf Lands Act). The inventory will indicate what
percentage of those reserves and resources is currently available for
leasing and development. The inventory will further detail what
percentage of the reserves and resources are on--
(1) lands now open for leasing but which have never been
leased;
(2) lands open for leasing or development subject to no
surface occupancy stipulations; and
(3) lands open for leasing or development subject to other
lease stipulations which have significantly impeded or
prevented, or are likely to significantly impede or prevent,
development.
(b) By September 30, 1999, public comments on the inventory will be
filed. The Secretary of the Interior shall specifically invite comments
on the effect of Bureau of Land Management resource management
decisions on past and future oil and gas development.
(c) By March 31, 2000, the Secretary of the Interior will file a
report with the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives to be comprised of his revised inventory and other
responses to the public comments. The report will specifically indicate
what steps the Bureau of Land Management will take to increase the
percentage of lands open for development of oil and gas resources.
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: Deferral to State Regulation of Oil and Gas Lease
Operations on Federal Lands
Title II: Use of Cost Savings from State Regulation
Title III: Streamlining and Cost Reduction
Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Act of 1998 -
Title I: Deferral to State Regulation of Oil and Gas Lease Operations on Federal Lands
- Authorizes a State to notify the Secretary of the Interior of its intent to accept authority for oil and gas lease operations on Federal lands within such State. Transfers such authority by operation of law from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to a State six months after the Secretary receives the State's notice.
Title II: Use of Cost Savings from State Regulation
- Instructs the Secretary to compensate any State for costs incurred to implement the transferred authorities.
Amends the Mineral Leasing Act to direct the Secretary to exclude from the 50 percent deduction from oil, gas, and geothermal revenues, with respect to calculation of specified Federal payments to States, the costs of preparing resource management planning documents and analyses for areas in which oil and gas leasing is excluded, or areas in which the primary activity under review is not oil and gas leasing and development.
Title III: Streamlining and Cost Reduction
- Prohibits the Department of the Interior from recovering its costs with respect to applications and other documents relating to oil and gas leases.
Prescribes guidelines for the decision-making process of the BLM and the Forest Service affecting oil and gas leases and operations.
Directs the BLM and the Forest Service to assure that unwarranted denials and stays of lease issuance and unwarranted restrictions on lease operations are eliminated from the administration of oil and gas leasing on Federal lands.
Sets forth a timetable for the Secretary of the Interior to: (1) report jointly with the Secretary of Agriculture to the Congress on the most efficient means of eliminating overlap and duplication between the BLM and the Forest Service; (2) publish notice in the Federal Register of a national inventory of oil and gas reserves and potential resources underlying Federal lands; and (3) report to the Congress a revised inventory of such reserves and resources as a result of public comment, and specifically indicate BLM steps to increase the percentage of lands open for oil and gas development.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Federal Oil and Gas Lease Management Improvement Act of 1998"}
| 3,173 | 495 | 0.606776 | 1.895405 | 0.812781 | 3.98 | 6.922222 | 0.891111 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Sugar Policy Modernization Act of
2017''.
SEC. 2. SUGAR PROGRAM.
(a) Loan Rates.--Section 156 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement
and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272) is amended by striking
subsections (a) and (b) and inserting the following new subsections:
``(a) Sugarcane.--The Secretary shall make loans available to
processors of domestically grown sugarcane at a rate equal to--
``(1) 18.75 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for the 2018
crop year;
``(2) 18.50 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for the 2019
crop year;
``(3) 18.25 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for the 2020
crop year; and
``(4) 18.00 cents per pound for raw cane sugar for the 2021
through 2023 crop years.
``(b) Sugar Beets.--The Secretary shall make loans available to
processors of domestically grown sugar beets at a rate equal to 128.5
percent of the loan rate per pound of raw cane sugar for the applicable
crop year under subsection (a) for each of the 2018 through 2023 crop
years.''.
(b) Avoiding Forfeitures While Ensuring Adequate Supplies at
Reasonable Prices.--Section 156(f) of the Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(f)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``While
Ensuring Adequate Supplies at Reasonable Prices'' after
``Forfeitures''; and
(2) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``ensure adequate
supplies of sugar at reasonable prices and'' after ``shall''.
(c) Assurance of No Net Cost and Means for Recovery of Net Costs.--
Section 156(f) of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of
1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(f)) is further amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(3) Assurance of no net cost; recovery of net costs.--
``(A) Recovery required.--Whenever the Secretary
finds that, notwithstanding paragraph (1), the program
established under this section has resulted in a net
cost to the Federal Government, the Secretary shall
recover, in a manner determined by the Secretary in
regulations prescribed under subparagraph (C), such net
cost from processors of domestically grown sugarcane
and sugar beets.
``(B) Recovery method.--The Secretary may provide
for single or multiple payments by each processor of
domestically grown sugarcane or sugar beets for the
recovery of such net cost under this paragraph.
``(C) Net cost defined.--In this paragraph, the
term `net cost' refers to a situation in which Federal
expenditures (including disbursement of loan proceeds)
for a fiscal year pursuant to the program established
under this section exceed receipts under such program
(including loan repayments) for the same fiscal year.
``(D) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue
regulations to carry out this paragraph.
``(E) Application.--This paragraph shall apply
beginning with the 2019 crop year.''.
(d) Effective Period.--Section 156(i) of the Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (7 U.S.C. 7272(i)) is amended by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2023''.
SEC. 3. ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF FEEDSTOCK FLEXIBILITY PROGRAM FOR
BIOENERGY PRODUCERS AND SUBSEQUENT TERMINATION.
(a) Extension.--Section 9010(b) of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8110(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2019''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``2018'' and inserting
``2019''.
(b) Termination.--Section 9010 of the Farm Security and Rural
Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8110) is amended by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(c) Termination.--The Secretary may not carry out the feedstock
flexibility program under subsection (b) for the 2020 or subsequent
crops of eligible commodities.''.
SEC. 4. TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF MARKETING ALLOTMENTS FOR SUGAR AND
SUBSEQUENT ADMINISTRATION OF TARIFF-RATE QUOTAS.
(a) Flexible Marketing Allotments for Sugar.--
(1) Sugar estimates.--Section 359b(a)(1) of the
Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359bb(a)(1)) is
amended by striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2020''.
(2) Effective period.--Section 359l(a) of the Agricultural
Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359ll(a)) is amended by
striking ``2018'' and inserting ``2020''.
(3) Transition to final stocks to use ratio.--Section
359k(b) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C.
1359kk(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3) Stocks-to-use ratio.--Notwithstanding paragraphs (1)
and (2), the Secretary shall adjust tariff-rate quotas
established under subsection (a) in such a manner as to ensure,
to the maximum extent practicable, that--
``(A) the final ratio of sugar stocks to total
sugar use at the end of a crop year will be
approximately--
``(i) 14.5 percent for fiscal year 2019;
and
``(ii) 15 percent for fiscal year 2020; and
``(B) stocks of raw cane and refined beet sugar are
adequate throughout the crop year to meet the needs of
the marketplace, including the efficient utilization of
cane refining capacity.''.
(b) Repeal and Replacement.--
(1) In general.--Effective October 1, 2020, part VII of
subtitle B of title III of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of
1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359aa et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``PART VII--SUGAR
``SEC. 359. ADMINISTRATION OF TARIFF-RATE QUOTAS.
``(a) Establishment.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law,
at the beginning of fiscal year 2021 and each fiscal year thereafter
through the end of the effective period, the Secretary shall establish
the tariff-rate quotas for raw cane sugar and refined sugar to provide
adequate supplies of sugar at reasonable prices, but at no less than
the minimum level necessary to comply with obligations under
international trade agreements that have been approved by Congress.
``(b) Adjustment Authority.--The Secretary shall adjust tariff-rate
quotas established under subsection (a) in such a manner as to ensure,
to the maximum extent practicable, that--
``(1) the final ratio of sugar stocks to total sugar use at
the end of a fiscal year will be approximately 15.5 percent for
fiscal year 2021 and each fiscal year thereafter through the
end of the effective period; and
``(2) stocks of raw cane and refined beet sugar are
adequate throughout the crop year to meet the needs of the
marketplace, including the efficient utilization of cane
refining capacity.
``(c) Transfer of Quota Shares.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall promulgate
regulations that--
``(A) promote full use of the tariff-rate quotas
for raw cane sugar and refined sugar and ensure
adequate supplies for cane refiners in the United
States;
``(B) provide that any country that has been
allocated a share of the quotas may temporarily
transfer all or part of the share to any other country
that has also been allocated a share of the quotas.
``(2) Transfers voluntary.--Any transfer under this
subsection shall be valid only pursuant to a voluntary
agreement between the transferor and the transferee, consistent
with procedures established by the Secretary.
``(3) Limitations on transfers with respect to fiscal
year.--
``(A) In general.--Any transfer under this
subsection shall be valid only for the duration of the
fiscal year during which the transfer is made.
``(B) Following fiscal year.--No transfer under
this subsection shall affect the share of the quota
allocated to the transferor or transferee for the
following fiscal year.
``(d) Effective Period.--This section shall be effective for fiscal
years only through the 2023 crop year for sugar.''.
(2) Continued application of prior law to certain sugar
crops.--Part VII of subtitle B of title III of the Agricultural
Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1359aa et seq.), as in effect
on the day before the date specified in paragraph (1), shall
continue to apply to the 2019 and 2020 crop years for sugar.
SEC. 5. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that the President should establish, as
major goals of the United States trade policy, the following:
(1) The elimination of all direct and indirect subsidies
benefitting the production or export of sugar by any
government.
(2) The enforcement, negotiation, and implementation of
trade agreements that provide commercially meaningful sugar
trade liberalization globally and enhance trade opportunities
for United States agriculture and all sectors of the United
States economy.
|
Sugar Policy Modernization Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 and other agricultural laws to modify the Department of Agriculture (USDA) sugar program. The bill modifies the sugar program to: reduce the rates for price support loans to processors of domestically grown sugarcane and sugar beets; require USDA to recover the net cost of the program from domestic sugar processors; extend through 2019 and then terminate the Feedstock Flexibility Program under which USDA purchases surplus sugar from domestic processors for resale to ethanol producers; extend through 2020 and then repeal the flexible marketing allotments which limit the amount of sugar that domestic processing companies may sell for domestic human use; require USDA to administer the program to provide adequate supplies of sugar at reasonable prices; require USDA to adjust sugar tariff-rate quota imports to achieve specified ratios of sugar stocks to total sugar use; and allow the transfer of quotas between countries.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Sugar Policy Modernization Act of 2017"}
| 2,211 | 205 | 0.505095 | 1.387517 | 0.785536 | 1.961538 | 10.214286 | 0.708791 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Albert Einstein Distinguished
Educator Fellowship Act of 1994''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) the Department of Energy has unique mathematics and
science capabilities that contribute to mathematics and science
education through existing programs within the Department;
(2) a need exists to increase understanding, communication,
and cooperation between the Department of Energy, other Federal
agencies, and the mathematics and science education community;
(3) the mathematics and science education community
includes a cadre of nationally recognized outstanding
elementary and secondary school mathematics and science
teachers;
(4) elementary and secondary school mathematics and science
teachers can provide insight into effective education programs;
and
(5) a pilot program has confirmed the effectiveness of
outstanding elementary and secondary school mathematics and
science teachers serving in professional staff capacities in
the Senate and the House of Representatives.
SEC. 3. PURPOSE; DESIGNATION.
(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this Act to establish a national
fellowship program for outstanding elementary and secondary mathematics
and science teachers.
(b) Designation.--A recipient of a fellowship under this Act shall
be known as an ``Albert Einstein Fellow''.
SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act--
(1) the term ``contractor'' means a nonprofit educational
organization selected by the Secretary to administer the
fellowship program authorized under this Act;
(2) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Energy;
(3) the term ``elementary school'' has the meaning provided
by section 1471(8) of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965;
(4) the term ``local educational agency'' has the meaning
provided by section 1471(12) of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965;
(5) the term ``outstanding'', used with respect to an
elementary or secondary school mathematics or science teacher,
means such a teacher who--
(A)(i) is a State or national winner of the
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and
Science Teaching;
(ii) has participated in the Woodrow Wilson
Fellowship Program; or
(iii) has been a recipient of national or State
recognition comparable to the recognition described in
subparagraph (A) or (B); and
(B) has received a sabbatical leave from teaching
in order to participate in the fellowship program under
this Act, which leave shall provide for the return to a
teaching position in the school district in which such
individual taught in the academic year preceding such
leave; and
(6) the term ``secondary school'' has the meaning provided
by section 1471(21) of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965.
SEC. 5. FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
(a) In General.--
(1) In general.--(A) Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), the Secretary is authorized to establish the Albert
Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program to provide
10 outstanding elementary or secondary school mathematics or
science teachers with fellowships in each fiscal year in
accordance with this Act.
(B)(i) The Secretary may reduce the number of fellowships
awarded under this Act in any fiscal year if the amount
appropriated pursuant to the authority of section 7 for such
year is less than the amount authorized to be appropriated
pursuant to such authority for such year.
(ii) If the number of fellowships awarded under this Act is
reduced pursuant to clause (i) for a fiscal year then the
Secretary shall ensure that priority is given to awarding
fellowships for such year to individuals selected pursuant to
clauses (i) and (ii) of subsection (d)(2)(B).
(2) Number of fellowships.--The Secretary shall provide--
(A) 2 outstanding elementary or secondary school
mathematics or science teachers with fellowships in the
Senate;
(B) 2 such teachers with fellowships in the House
of Representatives; and
(C) 1 such teacher with a fellowship in each of the
following:
(i) The Department of Energy.
(ii) The Department of Education.
(iii) The National Institutes of Health.
(iv) The National Science Foundation.
(v) The Office of Science and Technology
Policy.
(vi) The National Aeronautics and Space
Administration.
(3) Term of fellowships.--Fellowships under this Act shall
be awarded for a period of 10 months that, to the extent
possible, coincide with the academic year.
(b) Program Administration.--
(1) Contract.--The Secretary is authorized to enter into a
contract with a contractor to enable such contractor to
administer the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator
Fellowship Program.
(2) Requirements.--The contractors shall provide for--
(A) the development and administration of an
application process for the awarding of fellowships
under this Act;
(B) publication on the fellowship program in
appropriate professional publications and invite
applications from teachers listed in the directories of
the Presidential Awardees, the Woodrow Wilson Fellows,
and other national and State recognition programs;
(C) the development and administration of an
initial screening process of applicants for the Albert
Einstein Fellowship Program to narrow the pool of such
applicants to 10 outstanding elementary and secondary
school mathematics teachers and 10 outstanding
elementary and secondary school science teachers;
(D) the development and administration of the
process whereby final selections of fellowship
recipients are made in accordance with subsection
(d)(2);
(E) the development of a program of orientation for
fellowship recipients under this Act;
(F) the establishment and administration of a
reporting and evaluation program for each year
fellowships are awarded under this Act;
(G) submission of an annual report and evaluation
of the fellowship program under this Act to the
Secretary not later than August 31, 1995, and each year
thereafter; and
(H) the administration of all funds received under
this Act, including salaries and expenses incurred in
conducting the selection process, and agreements with
the local educational agencies or school districts
serving the schools at which the outstanding elementary
or secondary school mathematics or science teachers
taught prior to the award of fellowships under this Act
regarding the disbursement of funds to such teachers.
(c) Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--The contractor shall only use funds under
this Act for fellowship recipient salaries, the contractor's
Federal insurance contributions under chapter 21 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, administrative expenses
(including information dissemination, direct mailing,
advertising, direct staff costs for coordination and accounting
services), expenses of conducting an orientation program,
relocation expenses, and the expenses of conducting the final
selection interviews described in subsection (d)(1).
(2) Special rule.--The contractor may seek funding from
non-Federal sources to establish an account from which
fellowship recipients may be reimbursed for travel,
professional meetings, and other appropriate expenses.
(d) Selection.--
(1) In general.--The contractor shall invite the 20
semifinalists to Washington, D.C., to participate in interviews
after the initial screening process described in subparagraph
(C) of subsection (b)(2) is completed.
(2) Final selection.--(A) The final selections shall be
made in accordance with subparagraph (B) and announced prior to
May 1 preceding each fellowship term.
(B) The contractor shall develop and conduct a process
whereby final selections of fellowship recipients under this
Act are made as follows:
(i) The Speaker of the House of Representatives and
the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, or
their designees, shall each select a fellowship
recipient who shall be assigned to the House of
Representatives.
(ii) The Majority Leader of the Senate and the
Minority Leader of the Senate, or their designees,
shall each select a fellowship recipient who will be
assigned to the Senate.
(iii) The Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of
Education, the Director of the National Institutes of
Health, the Director of the National Science
Foundation, the Assistant to the President for Science
and Technology Policy, and the Administrator of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or their
designees, shall each select 1 fellowship recipient who
shall be assigned within the department, agency,
institute, or office that such individual administers.
(e) Final Placement.--
(1) In general.--Each individual selected to receive a
fellowship pursuant to subsection (d) shall interview in the
various sections, offices, or divisions within the department,
agency, institute, or office in which such individual is to be
placed.
(2) Date.--The final placement described in paragraph (1)
shall take place on or before the first day of the fellowship
period.
SEC. 6. FELLOWSHIP AWARDS.
Each recipient of a fellowship under this Act shall be paid during
the fellowship period at a rate of pay that shall not exceed the
minimum annual rate payable for a position under GS-13 of the General
Schedule.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated $550,000 for fiscal year
1995, and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years
1996 through 2001, to carry out this Act.
|
Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act of 1994 - Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to establish the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program to provide fellowships to ten outstanding elementary or secondary school teachers of mathematics or science in each fiscal year.
Provides for assignment of fellowship recipients to the Senate, House of Representatives, Department of Energy, Department of Education, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Office of Science and Technology, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Authorizes the Secretary to contract with a contractor to administer the Program. Authorizes appropriations.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act of 1994"}
| 1,967 | 130 | 0.619971 | 1.558904 | 0.63539 | 3.40566 | 17.801887 | 0.933962 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Domestic Partnership Benefits and
Obligations Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. BENEFITS TO DOMESTIC PARTNERS OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.
(a) In General.--A domestic partner of an employee shall be
entitled to benefits available to and obligations imposed upon a spouse
of an employee.
(b) Certification of Eligibility.--In order to obtain benefits
under this Act, an employee shall file an affidavit of eligibility for
benefits with the Office of Personnel Management certifying that the
employee and the domestic partner of the employee--
(1) are each other's sole domestic partner and intend to
remain so indefinitely;
(2) have a common residence, and intend to continue the
arrangement;
(3) are at least 18 years of age and mentally competent to
consent to contract;
(4) share responsibility for a significant measure of each
other's common welfare and financial obligations;
(5) are not married to or domestic partners with anyone
else;
(6) understand that willful falsification of information
within the affidavit may lead to disciplinary action and the
recovery of the cost of benefits received related to such
falsification; and
(7)(A) are same sex domestic partners, and not related in a
way that, if the 2 were of opposite sex, would prohibit legal
marriage in the state in which they reside; or
(B) are opposite sex domestic partners, and are not related
in a way that would prohibit legal marriage in the state in
which they reside.
(c) Dissolution of Partnership.--
(1) In general.--An employee or domestic partner of an
employee who obtains benefits under this Act shall file a
statement of dissolution of the domestic partnership with the
Office of Personnel Management not later than 30 days after the
death of the employee or the domestic partner or the date of
dissolution of the domestic partnership.
(2) Death of employee.--In a case in which an employee
dies, the domestic partner of the employee at the time of death
shall be deemed a spouse of the employee for the purpose of
receiving benefits under this Act.
(3) Other dissolution of partnership.--
(A) In general.--In a case in which a domestic
partnership dissolves by a method other than death of
the employee or domestic partner of the employee, any
benefits received by the domestic partner as a result
of this Act shall terminate.
(B) Exception.--In a case in which a domestic
partnership dissolves by a method other than death of
the employee or domestic partner of the employee, any
health benefits received by the domestic partner as a
result of this Act shall continue for a period of 60
days after the date of the dissolution of the
partnership. The domestic partner shall pay for such
benefits in the same manner that a former spouse would
pay for such benefits under applicable provisions of
chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code.
(d) Confidentiality.--Any information submitted to the Office of
Personnel Management under subsection (b) shall be used solely for the
purpose of certifying an individual's eligibility for benefits under
subsection (a).
(e) Definitions.--For purposes of this Act:
(1) Domestic partner.--The term ``domestic partner'' means
an adult person living with, but not married to, another adult
person in a committed, intimate relationship.
(2) Benefits.--The term ``benefits'' means--
(A) Civil Service Retirement, as provided in title
5, chapter 83, of the United States Code;
(B) Federal Employees' Retirement, as provided in
title 5, chapter 84, of the United States Code;
(C) life insurance, as provided in title 5, chapter
87, of the United States Code;
(D) health insurance, as provided in title 5,
chapter 89, of the United States Code; and
(E) compensation for work injuries, as provided in
title 5, chapter 81, of the United States Code.
(3) Employee.--
(A) With respect to Civil Service Retirement, the
term ``employee'' shall have the meaning given such
term in section 8331(1) of title 5, United States Code.
(B) With respect to Federal Employees' Retirement,
the term ``employee'' shall have the meaning given such
term in section 8401(11) of title 5, United States
Code.
(C) With respect to life insurance, the term
``employee'' shall have the meaning given such term in
section 8701(a) of title 5, United States Code.
(D) With respect to health insurance, the term
``employee'' shall have the meaning given such term in
section 8901 of title 5, United States Code.
(E) With respect to compensation for work injuries,
the term ``employee'' shall have the meaning given such
term in section 8101(1) of title 5, United States Code.
(4) Obligations.--The term ``obligations'' means any duties
or responsibilities that would be incurred by the spouse of an
employee.
SEC. 3. EXEMPTION FROM TAX FOR EMPLOYER-PROVIDED FRINGE BENEFITS TO
DOMESTIC PARTNERS.
Section 106 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to
contributions by employer to accident and health plans) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) Treatment of Domestic Partners.--The provisions of section 2
of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2001 shall
apply to employees and domestic partners of employees for purposes of
this section and any other benefit which is not includible in the gross
income of employees by reason of an express provision of this
chapter.''.
|
Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2001 - Entitles domestic partners of Federal employees to benefits available to spouses of Federal employees. Specifies certifications required for benefit eligibility, filing requirements regarding partnership dissolution, and confidentiality requirements. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend the tax exemption for employer contributions to accident and health plans to domestic partners under this Act.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees."}
| 1,284 | 80 | 0.524606 | 1.220097 | 0.663277 | 3.151515 | 17.666667 | 0.818182 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Obesity Prevention Act of
2008''.
SEC. 2. FEDERAL TASK FORCE ON OBESITY; ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON OBESITY.
Part P of title III of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
280g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 399S. OBESITY INITIATIVES.
``(a) Office of the National Coordinator of Obesity Initiatives.--
``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the
office of the Secretary the Office of the National Coordinator
of Obesity Initiatives, to be headed by the National
Coordinator of Obesity Initiatives. The National Coordinator
shall be appointed by the Secretary and shall report directly
to the Secretary.
``(2) Duties.--The duties of the National Coordinator of
Obesity Initiatives shall include implementing and coordinating
a national strategy to eliminate the occurrence of obesity in
the United States.
``(b) Federal Task Force on Obesity.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall convene a Task
Force on Obesity (referred to in this section as the `Task
Force') to--
``(A) establish a governmentwide strategy for
preventing and reducing the rate of occurrence of
obesity that includes defining clear roles,
responsibilities, and accountability for all agencies
of the Federal Government and determining what
resources are necessary for preventing and reducing
such rate of occurrence;
``(B) coordinate effective interagency actions and
priorities for action among Federal agencies, including
short-term and long-term goals for childhood and adult
obesity rates; and
``(C) implement and evaluate the effectiveness of
such strategy.
``(2) Membership.--
``(A) In general.--The Task Force shall be composed
of--
``(i) the Secretary (or his or her
designee) of--
``(I) the Department of Health and
Human Services;
``(II) the Department of
Agriculture;
``(III) the Department of
Education;
``(IV) the Federal Trade
Commission;
``(V) the Department of
Transportation;
``(VI) the Department of Defense;
``(VII) the Department of Veterans
Affairs;
``(VIII) the Department of
Interior;
``(IX) the Department of Labor;
``(X) the Department of Housing and
Urban Development; and
``(XI) any other Federal agency
that the chairperson determines
appropriate;
``(ii) the Chairman (or his or her
designee) of the Federal Communications
Commission; and
``(iii) the National Coordinator of Obesity
Initiatives.
``(B) Chairperson.--The chairperson of the Task
Force shall be the National Coordinator of Obesity
Initiatives.
``(3) Meetings.--The Task Force shall meet at the call of
the chairperson.
``(4) Report.--Not later than January 1, 2010, and on an
annual basis thereafter through January 1, 2015, the Task Force
shall submit to the President and to the relevant committees of
Congress, a report that--
``(A) describes the activities and efforts to
prevent and reduce the rate of occurrence of obesity
conducted by the Task Force during the year to which
the report relates; and
``(B) evaluates the effectiveness of such
activities and efforts to prevent and reduce the rate
of occurrence of obesity.
``(c) Advisory Committee on Obesity.--
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary may establish an
advisory committee to be known as the Advisory Committee on
Obesity to provide recommendations to the Task Force for
purposes of establishing the governmentwide strategy under
subsection (a)(1).
``(2) Membership.--
``(A) In general.--In the case the Secretary
established the Advisory Committee on Obesity, such
committee shall be composed of 7 members, to be
appointed by the Secretary, of whom there shall be one
representative from each of the following communities:
``(i) State and local governments.
``(ii) Schools.
``(iii) Community and religious groups.
``(iv) The business community, including
the food and beverage industry and farmers.
``(v) Insurance companies.
``(vi) Researchers and scientists.
``(B) Terms.--The members of the Advisory Committee
shall serve for such term as the Secretary may specify.
``(C) Chairperson.--The Chairperson of the Advisory
Committee shall be the National Coordinator of Obesity
Initiatives.
``(3) Meetings.--The Advisory Committee shall meet once per
year and at such other times as the Advisory Committee may
provide.
``(4) Advisory panels.--Each member of the Advisory
Committee may consult with an advisory panel composed of
persons from the community of such member, with respect to
recommendations for a national strategy to combat obesity.
``(d) Obesity Defined.--For purposes of this section, the term
`obesity' shall have the meaning given such term by the Centers of
Disease Control and Prevention.''.
SEC. 3. FEDERAL AGENCY REVIEWS TO COMBAT OBESITY.
(a) Reviews and Reports by Federal Agencies Required.--
(1) Reviews.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the
enactment of this Act and on an annual basis thereafter, the
head of each Federal agency shall conduct a review of the
programs and budgets of such agency to determine how such
programs and budgets impact physical activity, nutrition, and
the rate of occurrence of obesity (as defined in section
399S(c) of the Public Health Service Act, as added by section
2) among people in the United States. Based on the findings of
each such review of a Federal agency, the head of such agency
shall determine ways in which the agency should adopt aspects
of the governmentwide strategy established under section
399S(a)(1) of the Public Health Service Act, as added by
section 2, and implement such aspects as appropriate.
(2) Reports.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
the completion of a review under paragraph (1) by a Federal
agency, the head of the agency shall submit to Congress a
report on the results of such review, including any aspects of
the governmentwide strategy described in such paragraph that
are determined should be adopted by the agency and any such
aspects that have been implemented by the agency since the
previous review conducted by the agency under this subsection.
(b) GAO Report.--Not later than 12 months and annually thereafter,
the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report that contains
the results of a review conducted by the Comptroller General of the
programs and budgets of each Federal agency to determine how such
programs and budgets impact physical activity, nutrition, and the rate
of occurrence of obesity (as so defined) among people in the United
States.
|
National Obesity Prevention Act of 2008 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish the Office of the National Coordinator of Obesity Initiatives. Requires the National Coordinator to implement and coordinate a national strategy to eliminate the occurrence of obesity in the United States.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a take force on obesity to: (1) establish and implement a government-wide strategy for preventing and reducing obesity; and (2) coordinate effective interagency actions and priority for action among federal agencies.
Allows the Secretary to establish the Advisory Committee on Obesity to provide recommendations to the task force for purposes of establishing such a strategy.
Directs the head of each federal agency to: (1) conduct a review to determine how agency programs and budgets impact physical activity, nutrition, and obesity in the United States; and (2) determine ways in which the agency should adopt aspects of the strategy established under this Act.
Requires the Comptroller General to review the programs and budgets of each federal agency to determine how programs and budgets impact physical activity, nutrition, and obesity in the United States.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide coordinated leadership in Federal efforts to prevent and reduce obesity and to promote sound health and nutrition among Americans, and for other purposes."}
| 1,570 | 247 | 0.695652 | 1.703596 | 0.980883 | 4.623256 | 6.623256 | 0.95814 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``International Protecting Girls by
Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Child marriage, also known as ``forced marriage'' or
``early marriage'', is a harmful traditional practice that
deprives girls of their dignity and human rights.
(2) Child marriage as a traditional practice, as well as
through coercion or force, is a violation of Article 16 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states, ``Marriage
shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of
intending spouses.''.
(3) An estimated 51 million girls in developing countries
now ages 20-24 were married under the age of 18, and if present
trends continue more than 100 million more girls in developing
countries will be married as children over the next decade.
(4) In developing countries, other than China,
approximately one in seven girls marry before the age of 15 and
one in three girls are married before the age of 18.
(5) Child marriage ``treats young girls as property'' and
``poses grave risks not only to women's basic rights but also
their health, economic independence, education, and status in
society'', according to the Department of State.
(6) In 2005, the Department of State conducted a world-wide
survey and found child marriage to be a concern in 64 out of
182 countries surveyed, with child marriage most common in sub-
Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia as well as the Middle
East
(7) In Ethiopia's Amhara region, about half of all girls
are married by age 14 with 95 percent not knowing their
husbands before marriage, 85 percent unaware they were to be
married, and 70 percent reporting their first sexual initiation
within marriage taking place before their first menstrual
period, according to a 2004 survey.
(8) In Afghanistan, where the legal age of marriage for
girls is 16 years, 57 percent of marriages involve girls below
the age of 16, including girls younger than 10 years, according
to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
(9) In some areas of northern Nigeria, 45 percent of girls
are married by age 15 and 73 percent by age 18, with age gaps
between girls and the husbands averaging between 12 and 18
years.
(10) Between half and three-quarters of all girls are
married before the age of 18 in the following countries: Niger,
Chad, Bangladesh, Mali, Guinea, the Central African Republic,
Nepal, Mozambique, Uganda, Burkina Faso, and India, according
to Demographic Health Survey data.
(11) Factors perpetuating child marriage include poverty, a
lack of educational or employment opportunities for girls,
parental concerns to ensure sexual relations within marriage,
the dowry system, and the perceived lack of value of girls.
(12) Child marriage has negative effects on girls' health,
including significantly increased risk of maternal death and
morbidity, infant mortality, obstetric fistula, and sexually
transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS.
(13) In developing countries, girls ages 10 to 14 who
become pregnant are five times more likely to die during a
pregnancy or in childbirth than women ages 20 to 24.
(14) Child marriage can result in bonded labor or
enslavement, commercial sexual exploitation, and violence
against the victims, according to UNICEF.
(15) Out-of-school or unschooled girls are at greater risk
of child marriage while girls in school face pressure to
withdraw from school when secondary school requires monetary
costs, travel, or other social costs, including lack of
lavatories and supplies for menstruating girls and increased
risk of sexual violence.
(16) The World Bank reports in 2006 that it is estimated
that ``about half of girls in Sub-Saharan Africa who drop out
of primary school do so because of poor water and sanitation
facilities''.
(17) UNICEF reports that investments in improving school
sanitation resulted in a 17 percent increase in school
enrollment for girls in Guinea and an 11 percent increase for
girls in Bangladesh.
(18) Investments in girls' schooling, creating safe
community spaces for girls, and programs for skills building
for out-of-school girls are all effective and demonstrated
strategies for preventing child marriage and creating a pathway
to empower girls by addressing conditions of poverty, low
status, and norms that contribute to child marriage.
(19) Most countries with high rates of child marriage have
a legally-established minimum age of marriage, yet child
marriage persists due to strong traditional norms and the
failure to enforce existing laws.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) child marriage is a violation of human rights and the
prevention and elimination of child marriage should be a
foreign policy goal of the United States;
(2) the practice of child marriage undermines United States
investments in foreign assistance to promote education and
skills building for girls, reduce maternal and child mortality,
reduce maternal illness, halt the transmission of HIV/AIDS,
prevent gender-based violence, and reduce poverty; and
(3) expanding educational opportunities for girls, economic
opportunities for women, and reducing maternal and child
mortality are critical to achieving the Millennium Development
Goals and the global health and development objectives of the
United States, including efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS.
SEC. 4. ASSISTANCE TO PREVENT THE INCIDENCE OF CHILDHOOD MARRIAGE IN
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
(a) Assistance Authorized.--The President is authorized to provide
assistance, including through multilateral, nongovernmental, and faith-
based organizations, to prevent the incidence of child marriage in
developing countries and to promote the educational, health, economic,
social, and legal empowerment of girls and women as part of the
strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries established
pursuant to section 5.
(b) Priority.--In providing assistance authorized under subsection
(a), the President shall give priority to--
(1) areas or regions in developing countries in which 15
percent of girls under the age of 15 are married or 40 percent
of girls under the age of 18 are married; and
(2) activities to--
(A) expand and replicate existing community-based
programs that are successful in preventing the
incidence of child marriage;
(B) establish pilot projects to prevent child
marriage; and
(C) share evaluations of successful programs,
program designs, experiences, and lessons.
(c) Coordination.--Assistance authorized under subsection (a) shall
be integrated with existing United States programs for advancing
appropriate age and grade-level basic and secondary education through
adolescence, ensure school enrollment and completion for girls, health,
income generation, agriculture development, legal rights, and democracy
building and human rights, including--
(1) support for community-based activities that encourage
community members to address beliefs or practices that promote
child marriage and to educate parents, community leaders,
religious leaders, and adolescents of the health risks
associated with child marriage and the benefits for
adolescents, especially girls, of access to education, health
care, livelihood skills, microfinance, and savings programs;
(2) enrolling girls in primary and secondary school at the
appropriate age and keeping them in age-appropriate grade
levels through adolescence;
(3) reducing education fees, and enhancing safe and
supportive conditions in primary and secondary schools to meet
the needs of girls, including--
(A) access to water and suitable hygiene
facilities, including separate lavatories and latrines
for girls;
(B) assignment of female teachers;
(C) safe routes to and from school; and
(D) eliminating sexual harassment and other forms
of violence and coercion;
(4) ensuring access to health care services and proper
nutrition for adolescent girls, which is essential to both
their school performance and their economic productivity;
(5) increasing training for adolescent girls and their
parents in financial literacy and access to economic
opportunities, including livelihood skills, savings,
microfinance, and small-enterprise development;
(6) supporting education, including through community and
faith-based organizations and youth programs, that helps remove
gender stereotypes and the bias against girls used to justify
child marriage, especially efforts targeted at men and boys,
promotes zero tolerance for violence, and promotes gender
equality, which in turn help to increase the perceived value of
girls;
(7) creating peer support and female mentoring networks and
safe social spaces specifically for girls; and
(8) supporting local advocacy work to ensure that
governments and law enforcement officials are meeting their
obligations to prevent child and forced marriage as well as
legal literacy programs at the community level.
SEC. 5. STRATEGY TO PREVENT CHILD MARRIAGE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
(a) Strategy Required.--The President, acting through the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development, shall establish a multi-year strategy to prevent child
marriage in developing countries and promote the empowerment of girls
at risk of child marriage in developing countries, including by
addressing the unique needs, vulnerabilities, and potential of girls
ages eight to 18 in developing countries.
(b) Consultation.--In establishing the strategy required by
subsection (a), the President shall consult with Congress, relevant
Federal departments and agencies, multilateral organizations, and
representatives of civil society.
(c) Elements.--The strategy required by subsection (a) shall--
(1) focus on areas in developing countries with high
prevalence of child marriage; and
(2) encompass diplomatic initiatives between the United
States and governments of developing countries, with attention
to human rights, legal reforms and the rule of law, and
programmatic initiatives in the areas of education, health,
income generation, changing social norms, human rights, and
democracy building.
(d) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the President shall transmit to Congress a
report that includes--
(1) the strategy required by subsection (a);
(2) an assessment, including data disaggregated by age and
gender to the extent possible, of current United States-funded
efforts to specifically assist girls in developing countries;
and
(3) examples of best practices or programs to prevent child
marriage in developing countries that could be replicated.
SEC. 6. DEPARTMENT OF STATE'S COUNTRY REPORTS ON HUMAN RIGHTS
PRACTICES.
The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is amended--
(1) in section 116 (22 U.S.C. 2151n), by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(g) The report required by subsection (d) shall include for each
country in which child marriage is prevalent at rates at or above 40
percent in at least one sub-national region, a description on the
status of the practice of child marriage (as defined in section 7 of
the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of
2007) in the country.''; and
(2) in section 502B (22 U.S.C. 2304), by adding at the end
the following new subsection:
``(i) The report required by subsection (b) shall include for each
country in which child marriage is prevalent at rates at or above 40
percent in at least one sub-national region, a description on the
status of the practice of child marriage (as defined in section 7 of
the International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of
2007) in the country.''.
SEC. 7. DEFINITION.
In this Act, the term ``child marriage'' means the marriage of a
girl or boy, not yet the minimum age for marriage stipulated in law in
the country in which the girl or boy is a resident.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
To carry out this Act and the amendments made by this Act, there
are authorized to be appropriated $25,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2008 through 2012.
|
International Protecting Girls by Preventing Child Marriage Act of 2007 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance, including through multilateral, nongovernmental, and faith-based organizations, to prevent child marriage in developing countries and to promote the educational, health, economic, social, and legal empowerment of girls and women. Sets forth priority assistance criteria.
Directs the President, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to establish a multi-year strategy to prevent child marriage in developing countries and to promote the empowerment of girls at risk of child marriage, including by addressing the unique needs and potentials of eight to 18 year old girls.
Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require that Department of State country reports on human rights practices include a description of the status of child marriage for countries with specified rates of child marriage.
Defines "child marriage."
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To protect girls in developing countries through the prevention of child marriage, and for other purposes."}
| 2,552 | 183 | 0.467174 | 1.410732 | 0.63832 | 4.559524 | 14.815476 | 0.916667 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited to as the ``Renewable Energy Jobs Act''.
SEC. 2. ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Pilot Program.--The Secretary of Labor shall carry out a pilot
program to award competitive grants to States to train individuals for
careers in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.
(b) Grant Awards.--The Secretary shall award grants under the pilot
program to the five States with the highest installed alternative
energy power capacity.
(c) Application.--
(1) In general.--A State that desires a grant under the
pilot program shall submit an application to the Secretary at
such time, in such manner, and accompanied by such information
as the Secretary may reasonably require.
(2) Contents.--A grant application under the pilot program
shall include the following:
(A) Evidence of the installed alternative energy
power capacity for wind, solar, and geothermal
facilities in that State.
(B) A description of how the funds will be used to
establish and administer a program designed to provide
skills training or on-the-job training for a
significant number of individuals and ensure lasting
and sustainable employment in the renewable energy and
energy efficiency industries.
(C) A description of the State's option to
coordinate with its State and local workforce
investment boards and Energy Efficiency Industry
Councils in carrying out a program funded by a grant
under this Act, including through partnerships of local
boards with renewable energy and energy efficiency
employers and other appropriate providers of training
services.
(D) A description of the skills training, on-the-
job training, or both that may be offered to
individuals by grant recipients, and how this training
will lead to an industry-recognized certificate or
similar credential.
(E) A description of how the State plans to
prioritize grants among grant recipients.
(F) A description of how the grant may be used to
support existing programs focused on renewable energy
job creation.
(d) Grant Amount.--The Secretary shall ensure that grants are of
sufficient size to enable States to carry out all required activities.
(e) Duration of Grant.--A grant under this section shall be for a
period of 3 years.
(f) Use of Funds.--A State receiving a grant under this section
shall use the grant funds to--
(1) reimburse a renewable energy and energy efficiency
employer for the cost of providing on-the-job training;
(2) reimburse any of the following entities for the cost of
providing skills training (or on-the-job training if in
partnership with an energy efficient employer)--
(A) a labor organization;
(B) a postsecondary educational institution; or
(C) nonprofit organizations; and
(3) conduct outreach to inform renewable energy and energy
efficiency employers, labor organizations, postsecondary
educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and the
general public, including individuals in rural areas and Indian
tribes, of their eligibility or potential eligibility for
participation in the program.
(g) Conditions.--Under the pilot program, a grant to a State shall
be subject to the following conditions:
(1) The State shall repay to the Secretary, on such date as
shall be determined by the Secretary, any amount received under
the pilot program that is not used for the purposes described
in subsection (f).
(2) The State shall submit to the Secretary, at such times
and containing such information as the Secretary shall require,
reports on the use of grant funds.
(h) Requirements of Grant Recipients.--In order to receive a grant
made by a State under the pilot program, an entity described in
subsection (f) shall--
(1) submit an application to the State that includes such
other information and assurances as the State may require; and
(2) agree to submit to the State, for each quarter, a
report containing such information as the Secretary may
specify.
(i) Limitation on Administrative Costs.--
(1) Federal administration.--Of the amounts appropriated
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under
subsection (l), 2 percent shall be made available to the
Secretary for administrative costs associated with implementing
and evaluating the pilot program under this section and for
preparing and submitting the report required under subsection
(j).
(2) State administration.--The Secretary shall determine
the appropriate maximum amount of each grant awarded under this
section that may be used by the recipient for administrative
and reporting costs.
(j) Report to Congress.--The Secretary shall submit to Congress an
annual report on the pilot program for each year of the grant period.
The report on the pilot program shall include a detailed description of
activities carried out under this section and an evaluation of the
program, and how many participants were employed by renewable energy
and energy efficiency employers within 6 months of completing the
training.
(k) Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2015 through 2017, for
the purpose of carrying out the pilot program.
(l) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
(1) The term ``Indian tribe'' has the meaning given that
term in section 102 of the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe
List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a).
(2) The term ``installed alternative energy power
capacity'' means the amount of wind, solar, and geothermal
power generation, expressed in megawatts, installed in a State.
(3) The term ``labor organization'' has the meaning given
such term in section 2 of the National Labor Relations Act.
(4) The term ``on-the-job training'' means training by
renewable energy and energy efficiency employers, a labor
organization, a postsecondary educational institution, or a
nonprofit organization that is provided to a paid participant
while engaged in productive work that--
(A) provides knowledge or skills essential to the
full and adequate performance of the job;
(B) provides reimbursement to the employer for the
costs of providing the training and additional
supervision related to the training; and
(C) is limited in duration as appropriate to the
occupation for which the participant is being trained,
taking into account the content of the training, the
prior work experience of the participant, and the
service strategy of the participant, as appropriate.
(5) The term ``postsecondary educational institution'' has
the meaning given such term in section 101 of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801).
(6) The term ``renewable energy and energy efficiency
employer'' means an entity that employs individuals in a trade
or business in the renewable energy and energy efficiency
industries.
(7) The term ``renewable energy and energy efficiency
industries'' means any of the following industries:
(A) The energy-efficient building, construction, or
retrofits industry.
(B) The renewable electric power industry,
including the wind, solar, and geothermal energy
industries.
(C) The energy efficiency assessment industry that
serves the residential, commercial, or industrial
sectors.
(8) The term ``skills training'' means training by a labor
organization, a postsecondary educational institution, or a
nonprofit organization that provides the knowledge and skills
essential to specific jobs in the renewable energy and energy
efficiency industries.
(9) The term ``State'' includes each of the several States,
the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of
the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the
territories and possessions of the United States.
(10) The term ``workforce investment board'' refers to a
State or local workforce investment board established pursuant
to the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (20 U.S.C. 2801 et
seq.) that coordinates job training programs for that State or
local area under that Act.
|
Renewable Energy Jobs Act - Requires the Secretary of Labor to carry out a pilot program to train individuals for careers in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries and award grants under the program to the five states with the highest installed alternative energy power capacity. Defines "renewable energy and energy efficiency industries" as the following industries: the energy-efficient building, construction, or retrofits industry; the renewable electric power industry, including the wind, solar, and geothermal energy industries; and the energy efficiency assessment industry that serves the residential, commercial, or industrial sectors.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Renewable Energy Jobs Act"}
| 1,691 | 127 | 0.581098 | 1.61468 | 0.599237 | 5.468468 | 14.81982 | 0.927928 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Strong Visa Integrity Secures
America Act''.
SEC. 2. VISA SECURITY.
(a) Visa Security Units at High Risk Posts.--Paragraph (1) of
section 428(e) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 236(e))
is amended--
(1) by striking ``The Secretary'' and inserting the
following:
``(A) Authorization.--The Secretary''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) Risk-based assignments.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
assign, in a risk-based manner, and based on
the criteria described in clause (ii),
employees of the Department to not fewer than
30 diplomatic and consular posts at which visas
are issued.
``(ii) Criteria described.--The criteria
referred to in clause (i) are the following:
``(I) The number of nationals of a
country in which any of the diplomatic
and consular posts referred to in
clause (i) are located who were
identified in United States Government
databases related to the identities of
known or suspected terrorists during
the previous year.
``(II) The level of cooperation of
such country with the counterterrorism
efforts of the United States.
``(III) Information analyzing the
presence, activity, or movement of
terrorist organizations (as such term
is defined in section 212(a)(3)(B)(vi)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)(B)(vi))) within or
through such country.
``(IV) The number of derogatory
Security Advisory Opinions issued by
the Visa Security Advisory Opinion Unit
pursuant to paragraph (10) regarding
nationals of a country in which any of
the diplomatic and consular posts
referred to in clause (i) are located.
``(V) The adequacy of the border
and immigration control of such
country.
``(VI) Any other criteria the
Secretary determines appropriate.
``(iii) Rule of construction.--The
assignment of employees of the Department
pursuant to this subparagraph is solely the
authority of the Secretary and may not be
altered or rejected by the Secretary of
State.''.
(b) Counterterror Vetting and Screening.--Paragraph (2) of section
428(e) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
and
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new
subparagraph:
``(C) Screen any such applications against the
appropriate criminal, national security, and terrorism
databases maintained by the Federal Government.''.
(c) Training and Hiring.--Subparagraph (A) of section 428(e)(6) of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by--
(1) striking ``The Secretary shall ensure, to the extent
possible, that any employees'' and inserting ``The Secretary,
acting through the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection and the Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement, shall provide training to any employees''; and
(2) striking ``shall be provided the necessary training''.
(d) Pre-Adjudicated Visa Security Assistance and Visa Security
Advisory Opinion Unit.--Subsection (e) of section 428 of the Homeland
Security Act of 2002 is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraphs:
``(9) Remote pre-adjudicated visa security assistance.--At
the visa-issuing posts at which employees of the Department are
not assigned pursuant to paragraph (1), the Secretary shall, to
the greatest extent possible, in a risk-based manner, and in
consultation, where appropriate, with the Secretary of State,
assign employees of the Department to remotely perform the
functions required under paragraph (2) for such posts.
``(10) Visa security advisory opinion unit.--The Secretary
shall establish within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
a Visa Security Advisory Opinion Unit to respond to requests
from the Secretary of State to conduct a visa security review
using information maintained by the Department on visa
applicants, including terrorism association, criminal history,
and other relevant factors, as determined by the Secretary.''.
SEC. 3. ELECTRONIC PASSPORT SCREENING AND BIOMETRIC MATCHING.
(a) In General.--Subtitle C of title IV of the Homeland Security
Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 231 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following new sections:
``SEC. 434. ELECTRONIC PASSPORT SCREENING AND BIOMETRIC MATCHING.
``(a) In General.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this section, the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection shall--
``(1) screen electronic passports at airports of entry by
reading each such passport's embedded chip; and
``(2) to the greatest extent practicable, utilize facial
recognition technology or other biometric technology, as
determined by the Commissioner, to screen travelers at United
States airports of entry.
``(b) Applicability.--
``(1) Electronic passport screening.--Paragraph (1) of
subsection (a) shall apply to passports belonging to
individuals who are United States citizens, individuals who are
nationals of a program country pursuant to section 217 of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1187), and
individuals who are nationals of any other foreign country that
issues electronic passports.
``(2) Facial recognition matching.--Paragraph (2) of
subsection (a) shall apply to individuals who are nationals of
a program country pursuant to section 217 of the Immigration
and Nationality Act.
``SEC. 435. CONTINUOUS SCREENING BY U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION.
``The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall, in
a risk based manner, continuously screen individuals issued any visa,
and individuals who are nationals of a program country pursuant to
section 217 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, who are present, or
will soon be arriving, in the United States, against the appropriate
criminal, national security, and terrorism databases maintained by the
Federal Government.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 433 the following new items:
``Sec. 434. Electronic passport screening and biometric matching.
``Sec. 435. Continuous screening by U.S. Customs and Border
Protection.''.
SEC. 4. REPORTING OF VISA OVERSTAYS.
Section 2 of Public Law 105-173 (8 U.S.C. 1376) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Attorney General'' and inserting
``Secretary of Homeland Security''; and
(B) by inserting before the period at the end the
following: ``, and any additional information that the
Secretary determines necessary for purposes of the
report under subsection (b)''; and
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Annual Report.--Not later than June 30, 2017, and not later
than June 30 of each year thereafter, the Secretary of Homeland
Security shall submit a report to the Committee on Homeland Security
and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and
to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the
Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate providing, for the preceding
fiscal year, numerical estimates of--
``(1) for each country, the number of aliens from the
country who are described in subsection (a), including--
``(A) the total number of such aliens within all
classes of nonimmigrant aliens described in section
101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)); and
``(B) the number of such aliens within each of the
classes of nonimmigrant aliens, as well as the number
of such aliens within each of the subclasses of such
classes of nonimmigrant aliens, as applicable;
``(2) for each country, the percentage of the total number
of aliens from the country who were present in the United
States and were admitted to the United States as nonimmigrants
who are described in subsection (a);
``(3) the number of aliens described in subsection (a) who
arrived by land at a port of entry into the United States; and
``(4) the number of aliens described in subsection (a) who
entered the United States using a border crossing
identification card (as such term is defined in section
101(a)(6) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1101(a)(6))).''.
SEC. 5. STUDENT AND EXCHANGE VISITOR INFORMATION SYSTEM VERIFICATION.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of Homeland Security shall ensure that the information
collected under the program established under section 641 of the
Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8
U.S.C. 1372) is available to officers of U.S. Customs and Border
Protection conducting primary inspections of aliens seeking admission
to the United States at each port of entry of the United States.
|
Strong Visa Integrity Secures America Act This bill amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Department of State to assign, in a risk-based manner, State Department employees to at least 50 visa-issuing diplomatic and consular posts based upon the following criteria: the number of nationals of a country in which such posts are located who were identified in U.S. terrorist databases, such a country's counterterrorism cooperation with the United States, the adequacy of border and immigration control of such country, terrorist organization activity in such country, and the number of negative security advisory opinions regarding nationals of such country. Such employees shall, in addition to other duties, screen admissions applications against federal criminal, national security, and terrorism databases. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall: establish within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement a visa security advisory opinion unit to respond to State Department requests for visa security reviews; and provide, in a risk-based manner, for remote pre-adjudicated visa security assistance at at least 50 posts that are not assigned such employees. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shall, within one year after enactment of this bill: screen electronic passports at U.S. entry airports by reading each passport's embedded chip, and utilize facial recognition or other biometric technology to screen travelers at such airports. Electronic passport screening shall apply to U.S. citizens, nationals of a visa waiver program country, and nationals of any other foreign country that issues electronic passports. Facial recognition or other biometric technology screening shall apply to nationals of a visa waiver program country. The CBP shall, in a risk-based manner, continuously screen individuals issued any visa and individuals who are visa waiver program nationals against criminal, national security, and terrorism databases. The annual visa overstay report is revised. DHS shall: (1) ensure that certain foreign student information is available at each U.S. port of entry to CBP officers who conduct primary inspections of aliens seeking U.S. admission; (2) review the social media accounts of visa applicants who are citizens of, or who reside in, high-risk countries; and (3) review open source information of visa applicants.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Strong Visa Integrity Secures America Act"}
| 2,166 | 483 | 0.635591 | 2.097374 | 0.786731 | 3.065728 | 4.431925 | 0.892019 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Justice for Former American Hostages
in Iran Act of 2013''.
SEC. 2. AMERICAN HOSTAGES IN IRAN COMPENSATION FUND.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury a fund, to
be known as the ``American Hostages in Iran Compensation Fund'' (in
this section referred to as the ``Fund'') for the purpose of making
payments to the Americans held hostage in the United States Embassy in
Tehran, Iran, in the Iranian Foreign Ministry in Tehran, Iran, and in
other locations throughout the nation of Iran, between November 3,
1979, and January 20, 1981, and to members of their families, who are
identified as members of the proposed class in case number 1:08-CV-
00487 (EGS) of the United States District Court for the District of
Columbia.
(b) Funding.--
(1) Imposition of surcharge.--
(A) In general.--There is imposed a surcharge equal
to 30 percent of the amount of--
(i) any fine or monetary penalty assessed,
in whole or in part, on a person for a
violation of a law or regulation specified in
subparagraph (B) related to any conduct which
occurs or continues after the date of the
enactment of this Act, even if commenced before
such date of enactment; or
(ii) the monetary amount of a settlement
entered into by a person with respect to a
suspected violation of a law or regulation
specified in subparagraph (B) agreed to by the
United States after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
The amount referred to in clause (ii) shall not include
any amount of judgment or settlement in any action
brought or which could be brought pursuant to section
1605A of title 28, United States Code, or section
1605(a)(7) of title 28, United States Code (as such
section 1605(a)(7) was in effect on the day before the
date of the enactment of National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181)).
(B) Laws and regulations specified.--A law or
regulation specified in this subparagraph is any law or
regulation that provides for a civil or criminal fine
or other monetary penalty for any economic activity
relating to Iran that is administered by the Department
of the Treasury, the Department of Justice, or the
Department of Commerce.
(C) Termination of deposits.--The imposition of the
surcharge under subparagraph (A) shall terminate on the
date on which all amounts described in subsection
(c)(2) have been distributed to all recipients
described in that subsection.
(2) Deposits into fund; availability of amounts.--
(A) Deposits.--All surcharges collected pursuant to
paragraph (1)(A) shall be deposited into the Fund.
(B) Payment of surcharge.--A person on whom a
surcharge is imposed under paragraph (1)(A) shall pay
the surcharge to the Fund without regard to whether the
fine, penalty, or settlement to which the surcharge
applies--
(i) is paid directly to the Federal agency
that administers the relevant law or regulation
specified in paragraph (1)(B); or
(ii) is deemed satisfied by a payment to
another Federal agency.
(C) Contributions.--The Secretary of State is
authorized to accept such amounts as may be contributed
by individuals, business concerns, foreign governments,
or other entities for payments under this Act. Such
amounts shall be deposited directly into the Fund.
(D) Availability of amounts in fund.--Amounts in
the Fund shall be available, without further
appropriation, to make payments under subsection (c).
(c) Distribution of Funds.--
(1) Administration of fund.--Payments from the Fund shall
be administered by the Secretary of State, pursuant to such
rules and processes as the Secretary, in the Secretary's sole
discretion, may establish.
(2) Payments.--Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4), payments
shall be made from the Fund to the following recipients in the
following amounts:
(A) To each living former hostage, $150,000, plus
$10,000 for each day of captivity of the former
hostage.
(B) To the estate of each deceased former hostage,
$150,000, plus $10,000 for each day of captivity of the
former hostage.
(C) To each spouse or child of a former hostage
identified as a member of the proposed class described
in subsection (a) if the spouse or child is identified
as a member of that proposed class, $5,000 for each day
of captivity of the former hostage.
(3) Priority.--Payments from the Fund shall be distributed
under paragraph (2) in the following order:
(A) First, to each living former hostage described
in paragraph (2)(A).
(B) Second, to the estate of each deceased former
hostage described in paragraph (2)(B).
(C) Third, to each spouse or child of a former
hostage described in paragraph (2)(C).
(4) Consent of recipient.--A payment to a recipient from
the Fund under paragraph (2) shall be made only after receiving
the consent of the recipient.
(d) Waiver.--A recipient of a payment under subsection (c) shall
waive and forever release all existing claims against Iran and the
United States arising out of the events described in subsection (a).
(e) Notification of Claimants; Limitation on Review.--
(1) Notification.--The Secretary of State shall notify, in
a reasonable manner, each individual qualified to receive a
payment under subsection (c) of the status of the individual's
claim for such a payment.
(2) Submission of additional information.--If the claim of
an individual to receive a payment under subsection (c) is
denied, or is approved for payment of less than the full amount
of the claim, the individual shall be entitled to submit to the
Secretary additional information with respect to the claim.
Upon receipt and consideration of that information, the
Secretary may affirm, modify, or revise the former action of
the Secretary with respect to the claim.
(3) Limitation on review.--The actions of the Secretary in
identifying qualifying claimants and in disbursing amounts from
the Fund shall be final and conclusive on all questions of law
and fact and shall not be subject to review by any other
official, agency, or establishment of the United States or by
any court by mandamus or otherwise.
(f) Deposit of Remaining Funds Into the Treasury.--
(1) In general.--Any amounts remaining in the Fund after
the date specified in paragraph (2) shall be deposited in the
general fund of the Treasury.
(2) Date specified.--The date specified in this paragraph
is the later of--
(A) the date on which all amounts described in
subsection (c)(2) have been made to all recipients
described in that subsection; or
(B) the date that is 5 years after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(g) Report to Congress.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the date
specified in subsection (f)(2), the Secretary of State shall submit to
the appropriate congressional committees a report on the status of the
Fund, including--
(1) the amounts and sources of money deposited into the
Fund;
(2) the rules and processes established to administer the
Fund; and
(3) the distribution of payments from the Fund.
(h) Satisfaction of Claims.--Payments to the Fund shall be made
until the amounts described in subsection (c)(2) are satisfied in full.
In the event that the President determines that--
(1) any of the laws and regulations referenced in
subsection (b)(1)(B) are reduced in scope or effect, or
(2) the amounts described in subsection (c)(2) cannot be
fully satisfied within 2 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act from funds deposited into the Fund,
the President shall propose to Congress a program, either employing
existing authorities or through new legislative initiatives, to ensure
the amounts are satisfied in full within the next 12 months.
(i) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
(A) the Committee on Foreign Relations and the
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the
Senate; and
(B) the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the
Committee on Financial Services of the House of
Representatives.
(2) Person.--The term ``person'' includes any individual or
entity subject to the civil or criminal jurisdiction of the
United States.
|
Justice for Former American Hostages in Iran Act of 2013 - Establishes in the Treasury the American Hostages in Iran Compensation Fund for the purpose of making payments to: (1) the Americans held hostage in the U.S. embassy in Tehran, Iran, and in other locations in Iran, from November 3, 1979, to January 20, 1981; and (2) certain family members. Imposes a surcharge, to be deposited into the Fund, of 30% on any fine or penalty imposed, or settlement entered into, for a violation of any law or regulation for any economic activity regarding Iran that is administered by specified federal departments. Requires Fund payments of: (1) $150,000 plus $10,000 for each day of captivity first to each living former hostage and then to the estate of each deceased former hostage, and (2) $5,000 to each eligible spouse or child of a former hostage for each day of the such hostage's captivity. Requires a payment recipient to waive and forever release all existing claims against Iran and the United States arising out of the hostage events. Directs the Secretary of State to notify each individual qualified to receive a payment of the individual's claim status. States that: (1) if a claim is denied or approved for less than the full amount, the individual shall be entitled to submit additional information; (2) the Secretary may affirm, modify, or revise the former action; and (3) the Secretary's actions in identifying claimants and in disbursing Fund amounts shall be final on all questions of law and fact, and shall not be subject to review by any other U.S. official, agency, or court.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Justice for Former American Hostages in Iran Act of 2013"}
| 1,897 | 355 | 0.586021 | 2.030564 | 0.759518 | 4.18323 | 5.503106 | 0.947205 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Lebanon Reconstruction and
Stabilization Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) On July 25, 2006, United States Ambassador to Lebanon
Jeffrey Feltman declared a humanitarian emergency in Lebanon
due to ongoing insecurity and humanitarian needs.
(2) On August 11, 2006, the United Nations Security Council
adopted Security Council Resolution 1701, calling for an end to
hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, and stating that
``the situation in Lebanon constitutes a threat to
international peace and security''.
(3) United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701,
``Stresses the importance of, and the need to achieve, a
comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.''.
(4) On August 14, 2006, the United Nations brokered a
ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.
(5) United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701,
``Welcom[es] the efforts of the Lebanese Prime Minister and the
commitment of the Government of Lebanon, in its seven-point
plan, to extend its authority over its territory, through its
own legitimate armed forces, such that there will be no weapons
without the consent of the Government of Lebanon and no
authority other than that of the Government of Lebanon.''.
(6) United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701,
``Calls on the international community to take immediate steps
to extend its financial and humanitarian assistance to the
Lebanese people, including through facilitating the safe return
of displaced persons and, under the authority of the Government
of Lebanon, reopening airports and harbors, consistent with
paragraphs 14 and 15, and calls on it also to consider further
assistance in the future to contribute to the reconstruction
and development of Lebanon.''.
(7) It is estimated that there are approximately 8,500
unexploded ordnance in the region.
(8) The Lebanese Government estimates that Lebanon suffered
approximately $3.6 billion in damages to physical
infrastructure.
(9) Lebanon's economy has been severely impacted by the
violence, especially in the tourism sector, which compromises
15 percent of its GDP.
(10) It is in the national security interests of the United
States, Israel and the region to have a functioning Lebanese
central government that is able to protect its borders and
provide municipal services to all its citizens and a strong
economy able to generate jobs and foster economic growth.
SEC. 3. DECLARATIONS OF POLICY.
Congress makes the following declarations of policy:
(1) Assisting failed states emerging from violent conflict
is a complex and long-term task, as demonstrated by the
experience that 50 percent of such states emerging from
conditions of violent conflict slip back into violence within
five years.
(2) The United States Government recognizes the threat to
United States national security posed by failed and failing
states by adopting Directive 3000.05 for the Department of
Defense that places stabilization and reconstruction operations
on par with traditional war fighting and National Security
Policy Directive 45 for the Department of State that makes the
State Office of Coordinator for Reconstruction and
Stabilization, S/CRS, the government-wide coordinating and
planning entity for stabilization and reconstruction
operations.
(3) Therefore, it is in the best interests of the United
States Government to assist the Lebanese Government with long-
term reconstruction and stabilization to further peace and
stability within Lebanon and the greater Middle East region.
(4) United States assistance to Lebanon shall be
implemented in accordance with section 102(b) of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151-1(b)) that makes
building the capacity of local communities and institutional
capabilities of the government and people a primary goal and
``should focus on establishing and upgrading the institutional
capacities of developing countries in order to promote long-
term development''.
SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION AND
STABILIZATION OF LEBANON.
(a) Authorization of Assistance.--The President is authorized to
provide assistance for the reconstruction and stabilization of Lebanon.
Assistance authorized under this subsection shall be planned,
coordinated, and implemented through the Department of State's Office
of Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization, S/CRS, and in
strict compliance with all provisions of law that prevent United States
assistance from being provided to foreign terrorists organizations.
(b) Activities Supported.--Assistance provided under subsection (a)
shall be used to carry out the following activities:
(1) Rebuild the economic and social infrastructure of
Lebanon, including roads, bridges, telecommunication systems,
water treatment plants, schools, airports and hospitals.
(2) Encourage the World Bank and International Monetary
Fund to provide housing and economic assistance in the form of
grants and micro-lending plans aimed at providing the Lebanese
people with the means to resuscitate small businesses in
Lebanon.
(3) Establish peace, reconciliation and coexistence
programs and conflict resolution programs within Lebanon and
between Lebanon and Israel.
(4) Encourage civic engagement, democratization, rule of
law, and political party strengthening activities.
(5) Support efforts to address post-traumatic stress
disorders through funding counseling services to civilians.
Special efforts should be made to provide funding to Lebanese
nongovernmental organizations specializing in such efforts.
(6) Improve education systems, with emphasis on improving
cross-sectarian educational experiences of Lebanese youth.
(7) Increase assistance under chapter 5 of part II of the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2347 et seq.;
relating to International Military Education and Training) for
Lebanon.
(8) Support demining and mine awareness campaigns in
Lebanon.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the President to carry out this section such sums as may be
necessary for each of the fiscal years 2007 through 2011.
(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that at
least $15,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2007 through
2011 should be made available to carry out subsection (b)(4).
|
Lebanon Reconstruction and Stabilization Act of 2006 - Authorizes the President to provide assistance for Lebanon's reconstruction and stabilization.
States that such assistance shall be implemented through the Department of State's Office of Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization and in strict compliance with all provisions of law that prevent U.S. assistance from being provided to foreign terrorist organizations.
Expresses the sense of Congress that at least $15 million for each of FY2007-FY2011 should be made available to encourage civic engagement, democratization, rule of law, and political party strengthening activities.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To authorize assistance for the reconstruction and stabilization of Lebanon."}
| 1,327 | 122 | 0.461384 | 1.504226 | 0.420083 | 4.892157 | 12.166667 | 0.931373 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``James Boulet National Language Act
of 2014''.
SEC. 2. ENGLISH AS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE.
(a) In General.--Title 4, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 6--LANGUAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT
``Sec.
``161. Declaration of official language.
``162. Official Government activities in English.
``163. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language.
``164. Exceptions.
``Sec. 161. Declaration of official language
``English shall be the official language of the Government of the
United States.
``Sec. 162. Official Government activities in English
``The Government of the United States shall conduct its official
business in English, including publications, income tax forms, and
informational materials.
``Sec. 163. Preserving and enhancing the role of the official language
``The Government of the United States shall preserve and enhance
the role of English as the official language of the United States of
America. Unless specifically stated in applicable law, no person has a
right, entitlement, or claim to have the Government of the United
States or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate,
perform or provide services, or provide materials in any language other
than English. If exceptions are made, that does not create a legal
entitlement to additional services in that language or any language
other than English. If any forms are issued by the Federal Government
in a language other than English (or such forms are completed in a
language other than English), the English language version of the form
is the sole authority for all legal purposes.
``Sec. 164. Exceptions
``This chapter does not apply to the use of a language other than
English--
``(1) for religious purposes;
``(2) for training in foreign languages for international
communication; or
``(3) to programs in schools designed to encourage students
to learn foreign languages.
This chapter does not prevent the Government of the United States from
providing interpreters for persons over 62 years of age.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of chapters for title 4,
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new
item:
``6. Language of the Government............................. 161''.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF BILINGUAL VOTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Bilingual election requirements.--Section 203 of the
Voting Rights Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973aa-1a) is repealed.
(2) Voting rights.--Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act of
1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973b) is amended by striking subsection (f).
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) References to section 203.--The Voting Rights Act of
1965 (42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.) is amended--
(A) in section 204, by striking ``or 203,''; and
(B) in the first sentence of section 205, by
striking ``, 202, or 203'' and inserting ``or 202''.
(2) References to section 4.--The Voting Rights Act of 1965
(42 U.S.C. 1973 et seq.), as amended by the Fannie Lou Hamer,
Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act
Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-
246), is amended--
(A) in sections 2(a), 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 4(d), 5, 6,
8(a)(2)(A), and 13(a)(1), by striking ``, or in
contravention of the guarantees set forth in section
4(f)(2)'';
(B) in paragraphs (1)(A) and (3) of section 4(a),
by striking ``or (in the case of a State or subdivision
seeking a declaratory judgment under the second
sentence of this subsection) in contravention of the
guarantees of subsection (f)(2)''; and
(C) in paragraphs (1)(B) and (5) of section 4(a),
by striking ``or (in the case of a State or subdivision
which sought a declaratory judgment under the second
sentence of this subsection) that denials or
abridgments of the right to vote in contravention of
the guarantees of subsection (f)(2) have occurred
anywhere in the territory of such State or
subdivision''.
SEC. 4. ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT FOR CEREMONIES FOR ADMISSION OF
NEW CITIZENS.
Section 337(d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1448(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence:
``All public ceremonies in which the oath of allegiance is administered
pursuant to this section shall be conducted solely in the English
language.''.
SEC. 5. NONPREEMPTION.
This Act (and the amendments made by this Act) shall not preempt
any law of any State.
|
James Boulet National Language Act of 2014 - Amends federal law to: (1) make English the official language of the United States, (2) require that official U.S. government functions be conducted in English, and (3) require the U.S. government to preserve and enhance the role of English as the official language of the United States. Declares that, unless specifically stated in applicable law, no person has a right, entitlement, or claim to have the U.S. government or any of its officials or representatives act, communicate, perform or provide services, or materials in any language other than English. Makes exceptions to these requirements the use of a language other than English for: (1) religious purposes, (2) language training for international communication, or (3) school programs designed to encourage students to learn foreign languages. Amends the the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to repeal bilingual voting and related voting qualification requirements. Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require that all public naturalization ceremonies in which the oath of allegiance is administered be conducted solely in the English language.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "James Boulet National Language Act of 2014"}
| 1,176 | 229 | 0.655472 | 2.034533 | 0.874378 | 4.899038 | 4.918269 | 0.908654 |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) It is in the interest of the United States that the
precarious peace process now underway in Northern Ireland and
the Republic of Ireland succeed, both to ensure stability for
important allies and friends of the United States and to assure
a mutually beneficial flow of trade and commerce.
(2) Locally sustainable economic development within
Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of
Ireland creates the basis for political stability and enhances
the likelihood of peace.
(3)(A) The granting of reasonable tariff concessions for
products and goods originating in Northern Ireland and the
border counties of the Republic of Ireland will provide an
incentive for such development.
(B) Because both the United Kingdom and the Republic of
Ireland are members of the European Union (hereafter in this
Act referred to as the ``EU''), tariff issues relating to
Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of
Ireland are subject to the common commercial policy provided
for in Article 113 of the Treaty of Rome, and any negotiations
concerning them must conform to EU law and Paragraphs 5, 6, 7,
and 8 of Article XXIV of the GATT 1994.
(C) While there is no precedent in EU practice for the free
trade agreement contemplated in this Act, the effect of such an
agreement will be to support important on-going efforts by the
EU to achieve greater social cohesion in a unique and
disadvantaged region, to the long-term benefit of the EU, the
United States, and the larger international community.
(4) The President should be authorized to negotiate such
concessions in accordance with the terms and conditions set
forth in the Act.
SEC. 2. FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH NORTHERN IRELAND.
(a) Negotiations.--
(1) In general.--The President may enter into a trade
agreement with respect to qualified areas of Northern Ireland
and the Republic of Ireland which provides for--
(A) the harmonization, reduction, and elimination
of trade barriers;
(B) the prohibition of or limitations on the
imposition of trade barriers; and
(C) the elimination or reduction of any duty
imposed by the United States.
(2) Agreement limited to qualified areas of northern
ireland and the republic of ireland.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, no trade benefit shall be extended to any
country by reason of the extension of any trade benefit to
another country under a trade agreement entered into under paragraph
(1) with such other country.
(b) Limitations and Staging.--
(1) In general.--No proclamation may be made under
subsection (a) that--
(A) reduces any rate of duty (other than a rate of
duty that does not exceed 5 percent ad valorem on the
date of enactment of this Act) to a rate of duty which
is less than 5 percent of the rate of duty that applies
on such a date of enactment;
(B) reduces the rate of duty on an article over a
period greater than 10 years after the first reduction
that is proclaimed to carry out a trade agreement with
respect to such article; or
(C) increase any rate of duty above the rate that
applies on the date of enactment of this Act.
(2) Limitation on aggregate reduction.--The aggregate
reduction in the rate of duty on any article which is in effect
on any day pursuant to a trade agreement entered into under
subsection (a) shall not exceed the aggregate reduction which
would have been in effect on such a day if a reduction of 3
percent ad valorem per year or a reduction of 10 percent per
year of the total reduction, whichever is greater, had taken
effect on the effective date of the first reduction proclaimed
pursuant to subsection (a).
(3) Exemption from staging.--No staging is required under
paragraph (2) with respect to a duty reduction that is
proclaimed under subsection (a) for an article of a kind that
is not produced in the United States. The United States
International Trade Commission shall advise the President of
the identity of articles that may be exempted from staging
under this paragraph.
(4) Rounding.--If the President determines that such action
will simplify the computation of reductions under paragraph (1)
or (2), the President may round an annual reduction by an
amount equal to the lesser of--
(A) the difference between the reduction without
regard to this paragraph and the next lower whole
number; or
(B) one-half of 1 percent ad valorem.
(5) Other limitations.--A rate of duty reduction or
increase that may not be proclaimed by reason of paragraph (1)
may take effect only if a provision authorizing such reduction
is included within an implementing bill provided for in connection with
the agreement authorized by this Act and that bill is enacted into law.
SEC. 3. CRITERIA FOR DUTY-FREE TREATMENT OF ARTICLES.
(a) In General.--
(1) Article must be growth, product, or manufacture of
qualified area of northern ireland or the republic of
ireland.--The reduction or elimination of any duty imposed on
any article by the United States provided for in a trade
agreement entered into with a qualified area of Northern
Ireland or the Republic of Ireland under this Act shall apply
only if--
(A) that article is the growth, product, or
manufacture of a qualified area of Northern Ireland or
the Republic of Ireland or is a new or different
article of commerce that has been grown, produced, or
manufactured in a qualified area of Northern Ireland or
the Republic of Ireland;
(B) that article is imported directly from a
qualified area of Northern Ireland or the Republic of
Ireland into the customs territory of the United
States; and
(C) the sum of--
(i) the cost of value of the materials
produced in a qualified area of Northern
Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, plus
(ii) the direct costs of processing
operations performed in a qualified area of
Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland,
is not less than 35 percent of the appraised value of
such article at the time it is entered.
If the cost or value of materials produced in the customs
territory of the United States is included with respect to an
article to which this subsection applies, an amount not to
exceed 15 percent of the appraised value of the article at the
time it is entered that is attributable to such United States
cost or value may be applied toward determining the percentage
referred to in subparagraph (C).
(2) Other requirements.--No article may be considered to
meet the requirements of paragraph (1)(A) by virtue of having
merely undergone--
(A) simple combining or packaging operations; or
(B) mere dilution with water or mere dilution with
another substance that does not materially alter the
characteristics of the article.
(b) Direct Costs.--As used in this section, the term ``direct costs
of processing operations''--
(1) includes, but is not limited to--
(A) all actual labor costs involved in the growth,
production, manufacture, or assembly of the specific
merchandise, including fringe benefits, on-the-job
training, and the cost of engineering, supervisory,
quality control, and similar personnel; and
(B) dies, molds, tooling, and depreciation on
machinery and equipment which are allocable to the
specific merchandise; and
(2) does not include costs which are not directly
attributable to the merchandise concerned, or are not costs of
manufacturing the product, such as--
(A) profit; and
(B) general expenses of doing business which are
either not allocable to the specific merchandise or are
not related to the growth, production, manufacture, or
assembly of the merchandise, such as administrative
salaries, casualty and liability insurance,
advertising, and salesmen's salaries, commissions, or
expenses.
(c) Regulations.--The Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation
with the United States Trade Representative, shall prescribe such
regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section.
SEC. 4. ITC REPORTS.
Before any reduction or elimination of any duty is proclaimed with
respect to any article under this Act, the United States International
Trade Commission shall advise the President regarding the probable
economic effect of providing duty-free treatment for such article that
is a product of a qualified area of Northern Ireland or the Republic of
Ireland on industries in the United States producing like or directly
competitive articles and on consumers.
SEC. 5. CONSULTATION WITH CONGRESS BEFORE AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO.
(a) Consultation.--Before entering into any trade agreement under
this Act, the President shall consult with--
(1) the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate; and
(2) each other committee of the House of Representatives
and the Senate, and each joint committee of the Congress, which
has jurisdiction over legislation involving subject matters
which would be affected by the trade agreement.
(b) Scope.--The consultation described in subsection (a) shall
include consultation with respect to--
(1) the nature of the agreement;
(2) how the agreement related to the obligations of the
parties; and
(3) all matters relating to the implementation of the
agreement, including whether the agreement includes subject
matter for which supplemental implementing legislation may be
required.
SEC. 6. IMPLEMENTATION OF TRADE AGREEMENTS.
(a) Notification and Submission.--Any agreement entered into under
this Act shall enter into force with respect to the United States if
(and only if)--
(1) the President, at least 90 calendar days before the day
on which the President enters into the trade agreement,
notifies the House of Representatives and the Senate of the
President's intention to enter into the agreement, and promptly
thereafter publishes notice of such intention in the Federal
Register;
(2) within 60 days after entering into the agreement, the
President submits to Congress a description of those changes to
existing laws that the President considers would be required in
order to bring the United States into compliance with the
agreement;
(3) after entering into the agreement, the President
submits a copy of the final text of the agreement, together
with--
(A) a draft of an implementing bill, if necessary;
(B) a statement of any administrative action
proposed to implement the trade agreement; and
(C) the supporting information described in
paragraph (2); and
(4) the implementing bill, if necessary, is enacted into
law.
(b) Supporting Information.--The supporting information required
under subsection (a)(3)(C) consists of--
(1) an explanation as to how the implementing bill and
proposed administrative action will change or affect existing
law; and
(2) a statement setting forth the reasons of the President
regarding how the agreement serves the interest of United
States commerce.
SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this Act:
(1) Qualifying area.--
(A) In general.--The term ``qualifying area'' means
a county that--
(i) is contiguous to Northern Ireland;
(ii) suffers from the severest form of
economic deprivation, as defined by the United
Kingdom's report, Relative Deprivation in
Northern Ireland, Occasional Paper Number 28,
Policy Planning and Research Unit, September,
and the European Union's report, Special
Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation
1995-1999, including--
(I) in Northern Ireland, the
counties of Derry, Limavady, Strabane,
Magherafelt, Omagh, Cookstown,
Dungannon, Fermanagh, Moyle, Newry and
Mourne, Armagh, and those parts of
Belfast Urban area known as ``Making
Belfast Work'' designated areas; and
(II) in the Republic of Ireland,
the border counties of Donegal, Sligo,
Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth;
(iii) has a rate of unemployment higher
than the local or urban average of unemployment
in Northern Ireland; and
(iv) in the case of county in which there
is a history of workplace discrimination, meets
the requirements of subparagraph (B).
(B) Requirements.--A county meets the requirements
of this subparagraph if the employers in that county
are in compliance with the principles of economic
justice known as the ``MacBride Principles'', which
are--
(i) increasing the representation of
individuals from underrepresented religious
groups in the workforce, including managerial,
supervisory, administrative, clerical, and
technical jobs;
(ii) providing adequate security for the
protection of minority employees at the
workplace;
(iii) banning provocative sectarian or
political emblems from the workplace;
(iv) providing that all job openings be
advertised publicly and providing that special
recruitment efforts be made to attract
applicants from underrepresented religious
groups;
(v) providing that layoff, recall, and
termination procedures do not favor a
particular religious group;
(vi) abolishing job reservations,
apprenticeship restrictions, and differential
employment criteria which discriminate on the
basis of religion;
(vii) providing for the development of
training programs that will prepare substantial
numbers of minority employees for skilled jobs,
including the expansion of existing programs
and the creation of new programs to train,
upgrade, and improve the skills of minority
employees;
(viii) establishing procedures to assess,
identify, and actively recruit minority
employees with the potential for further
advancement; and
(ix) providing for the appointment of a
senior management staff member to be
responsible for the employment efforts of the
entity and, within a reasonable period of time,
the implementation of the principles described
in clauses (i) through (viii).
(2) GATT 1994.--The term ``GATT 1994'' has the meaning
given that term in section 2(1)(B) of the Uruguay Round
Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3501(1)(B)).
|
Authorizes the President to enter into a free trade agreement with qualified areas of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland that provides for: (1) harmonization, reduction and elimination of trade barriers; (2) prohibition of or limitations on the imposition of such barriers; and (3) elimination or reduction of duties imposed by the United States. Sets forth criteria for the duty-free treatment of qualified area products. Limits such qualified areas to areas of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland contiguous to Northern Ireland suffering from the severest form of economic deprivation, with a higher than average unemployment. Requires employers to comply with the MacBride Principles of economic justice.
Requires the International Trade Commission, before any reduction or elimination of duty is proclaimed with respect to an article, to advise the President of the probable economic effect of duty-free treatment on U.S. industries producing like or directly competitive articles, and on consumers.
Requires the President to consult with the Congress, according to a specified procedure, before entering into, or implementing, any free trade agreement under this Act.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to authorize the President to enter into a trade agreement concerning Northern Ireland and certain border counties of the Republic of Ireland, and for other purposes."}
| 3,014 | 236 | 0.568482 | 1.741417 | 0.90643 | 2.890995 | 13.606635 | 0.919431 |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The historic significance of the 52-mile Going-to-the-
Sun Road is recognized by its listing on the National Register
of Historic Places in 1983, designation as a National Historic
Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers
in 1985, and designation as a National Historic Landmark in
1997.
(2) A contracted engineering study and Federal Highway
Administration recommendations in 1997 of the Going-to-the-Sun
Road verified significant structural damage to the road that
has occurred since it opened in 1932.
(3) Infrastructure at most of the developed areas is
inadequate for cold-season (fall, winter, and spring)
operation, and maintenance backlog needs exist for normal
summer operation.
(4) The Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge are on
the National Register of Historic Places and are National
Historic Landmarks. Other accommodations operated by the
concessioner with possessory interest and listed on the
National Register of Historic Places are the Rising Sun Motor
Inn and Swiftcurrent Motel.
(5) The historic hotels in Glacier National Park, operated
under concession agreements with the National Park Service, are
essential for public use and enjoyment of the Park.
(6) Public consumers deserve safe hotels in Glacier
National Park that can meet their basic needs and expectations.
(7) The historic hotels in Glacier National Park are
significantly deteriorated and need substantial repair.
(8) Repairs of the hotels in Glacier National Park have
been deferred for so long that, absent any changes to Federal
law and the availability of historic tax credits, the
remodeling costs for the hotels may exceed the capacity of an
investor to finance them solely out of hotel revenues.
(9) The current season of operation for hotels is
approximately 4 months because the developed areas lack water,
sewer, and fire protection systems that can operate in freezing
conditions, lack building insulation, and lack heating systems.
(10) The National Park Service Concessions Management
Improvement Act of 1998 is based upon sound principles and is
achieving its basic purposes, but there appear to be selected
instances where the National Park Service may need additional
authority to conduct demonstration projects.
(11) A demonstration project is needed for the repair of
the historic hotels in Glacier National Park.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Advisory committee.--The term ``Advisory Committee''
means the Going-to-the-Sun Road Citizens Advisory Committee.
(2) Park.--The term ``Park'' means Glacier National Park.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 3. GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD STUDY.
(a) Feasibility Study.--Not later than December 31, 2001, the
Secretary, in consultation with Advisory Committee, shall complete a
feasibility study for rehabilitation of Going-to-the-Sun Road located
in the Park. The study shall include--
(1) alternatives for rehabilitation of Going-to-the-Sun
Road and a ranking of the feasibility of each alternative;
(2) an estimate of the length of time necessary to complete
each alternative;
(3) a description of what mitigation efforts would be used
to preserve resources and minimize adverse economic effects of
each alternative;
(4) an analysis of the costs and benefits of each
alternative;
(5) an estimate of the cost of each alternative;
(6) an analysis of the economic impact of each alternative;
(7) an analysis of long-term maintenance needs, standards,
and schedules for the road, alternatives to accomplish the
rehabilitation, maintenance staff needs, and associated cost
estimates;
(8) a draft of the environmental impact statement required
under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)); and
(9) an analysis of improvements to any transportation
system relating to the Park that are needed inside or outside
the Park.
(b) Continuation Maintenance.--Nothing in this section shall affect
the duty of the Secretary to continue the program in effect on the day
before the date of the enactment of this Act to preserve, maintain, and
address safety concerns related to Going-to-the-Sun Road.
(c) Implementation of Plan.--As soon as practicable after
completing the study required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall--
(1) consider the recommendations of the Advisory Committee;
(2) choose an alternative for rehabilitation of the Going-
to-the-Sun Road from the alternatives included in the study
based upon the final environmental impact statement required
under section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)); and
(3) begin implementation of a plan based on that choice.
Implementation actions that are authorized include rehabilitation of
Going-to-the-Sun Road and expenditure of funds inside or outside the
Park for transportation system improvements related to the Park and
impact mitigation if recommended by the study and the Advisory
Committee. The Secretary shall also seek funding for the long-term
maintenance needs that the study identifies.
(d) Report.--Not later than 30 days after completion of the study
required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit a copy of the
study to--
(1) the Committee on Resources and the Committee on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives; and
(2) the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the
Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated $200,000,000 to the Secretary to carry out this section,
including--
(1) implementation of the plan under subsection (c); and
(2) the cost of any necessary environmental or cultural
documentation and monitoring, including the draft environmental
impact statement required under subsection (a)(8).
SEC. 4. MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADE OF UTILITY SYSTEMS.
(a) In General.--As soon as practicable after funds are made
available under this section, the Secretary shall begin the upgrade and
continue the maintenance of utility systems which service the Park and
facilities related to the Park.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section, $20,000,000.
SEC. 5. VISITOR FACILITIES PLAN.
(a) Plan for Visitor Facilities.--Not later than December 31, 2001,
the Secretary shall complete a comprehensive plan for visitor
facilities in the Park. The comprehensive plan shall include the
following:
(1) A completed commercial services plan, as called for in
the Park General Management Plan.
(2) A plan for private financing of rehabilitation of
lodging facilities and associated property that are listed on
the National Register of Historic Places or are part of a
district listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
which may include historic tax credits, hotel revenue, and
other financing alternatives as deemed appropriate by the
Secretary, and which may include options such as extending the
Park's visitor season, additional visitor facilities, and other
options as deemed appropriate by the Secretary in order to
recover the rehabilitation costs.
(3) A financial analysis of the plan under paragraph (2).
(4) A plan by the Secretary to provide necessary assistance
to appropriate interested entities for the restoration or
comparable replacement of tour buses for use in the Park.
(5) A plan for a new visitors center at the west side of
the Park, including an appropriate location and design for the
center and suitable housing and display facilities for museum
objects of the Park as set forth in the Park General Management
Plan, including any studies required to be carried out under
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321
et seq.) and other applicable laws.
(6) A parkwide natural and cultural resources assessment,
in accordance with sections 203 and 204 of the National Parks
Omnibus Management Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-391; 112 Stat.
3497), including a comprehensive inventory of resources of the
Park.
(7) A description of any additional authority requested by
the Secretary to implement the comprehensive plan.
(b) Submission of Plan.--The Secretary shall submit copies of the
comprehensive plan to the Committee on Resources of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of
the Senate.
(c) Implementation of Plan.--As soon as practicable after
completion of the comprehensive plan, the Secretary shall implement the
comprehensive plan, including construct the visitors center pursuant to
the plan required by subsection (a)(5).
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary $1,000,000 to complete the comprehensive
plan.
Passed the House of Representatives October 17, 2000.
Attest:
Clerk.
|
Directs the Secretary to upgrade and continue the maintenance of utility systems which service the Park and its related facilities. Authorizes appropriations.
Requires the Secretary to complete a comprehensive plan for visitor facilities in the Park by a specified deadline. Prescribes plan contents, including a plan for private financing of rehabilitation of lodging facilities and associated property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which may include historic tax credits, hotel revenue, and other financing alternatives. Requires a report on the plan to specified congressional committees. Authorizes appropriations.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To direct the Secretary of the Interior to authorize and provide funding for rehabilitation of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, to authorize funds for maintenance of utilities related to the Park, and for other purposes."}
| 1,849 | 123 | 0.375304 | 1.096553 | 0.408233 | 5.15 | 18.07 | 0.87 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Great Lakes Nutrient Removal
Assistance Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) ineffective wastewater treatment is one of the most
common sources of water pollution;
(2) nutrient pollution, particularly phosphorus loading,
continues to be one of the most significant water quality
issues facing the Great Lakes System;
(3) limiting phosphorus loads is key to controlling
excessive algal growth, and a coordinated Great Lakes System-
wide strategy to change how nutrients are discharged is urgent;
and
(4) nutrient removal technology is one of the most
reliable, cost effective, and direct methods for reducing the
flow of phosphorus and other harmful nutrients from point
sources in the Great Lakes System.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to authorize the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency to provide financial assistance to Great
Lakes States and municipalities for use in upgrading publically
owned wastewater treatment plants in the Great Lakes System
with nutrient removal technologies; and
(2) to further the goal of restoring the water of the Great
Lakes System to conditions that are protective of human health
and aquatic life.
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) Grant Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--Not later than 1 year after the date
of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish
a program within the Environmental Protection Agency to provide
grants to Great Lakes States, and municipalities thereof, to
upgrade eligible facilities with nutrient removal technologies.
``(2) Priority.--In providing a grant under paragraph (1),
the Administrator shall--
``(A) consult with the Program Office; and
``(B) give priority to eligible facilities at which
nutrient removal technology upgrades would--
``(i) produce the greatest nutrient load
reductions at points of discharge;
``(ii) result in the greatest environmental
benefits to the Great Lakes System; and
``(iii) help meet the objectives related to
nutrients outlined in Annex 4 of the 2012 Great
Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
``(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 determined
necessary by the Administrator, in consultation with
the Program Office, to carry out the facility upgrades
that are the subject of the application.
``(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 nutrients in discharged wastewater.
``(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 water pollution control revolving
fund established under title VI); or
``(ii) any other Federal or State law.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) 2012 great lakes water quality agreement.--The term
`2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement' means the Great
Lakes Water Quality Protocol of 2012, signed at Washington on
September 7, 2012 (further amending the Agreement between the
United States of America and Canada on Great Lakes Water
Quality, 1978, signed at Ottawa on November 22, 1978).
``(2) Eligible facility.--The term `eligible facility'
means a municipal wastewater treatment plant that--
``(A) as of the date of enactment of this section,
has a permitted design capacity to treat an annual
average of at least 500,000 gallons of wastewater per
day; and
``(B) is located within the Great Lakes System in
any of the Great Lakes States.
``(3) Great lakes states; great lakes system.--The terms
`Great Lakes States' and `Great Lakes System' have the meanings
given those terms in section 118.
``(4) Program office.--The term `Program Office' means the
Great Lakes National Program Office established by section
118(b).
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated
to carry out this section $100,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2013 through 2017. Such sums shall 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.''.
|
Great Lakes Nutrient Removal Assistance Act - Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (commonly known as the Clean Water Act) to require the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a program to provide grants to Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin and municipalities in such states to upgrade eligible municipal wastewater treatment plants with nutrient removal technologies. Requires the Administrator to give priority to plants at which nutrient removal technology upgrades would: (1) produce the greatest nutrient load reductions at points of discharge, (2) result in the greatest environmental benefits to the Great Lakes System, and (3) help meet the objectives related to nutrients outlined in Annex four of the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Defines as "eligible" a plant that: (1) 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 Great Lakes System in any of such states. Prohibits the federal share from exceeding 55% of the total cost of upgrading such plants.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Great Lakes Nutrient Removal Assistance Act"}
| 1,250 | 245 | 0.692119 | 1.97876 | 0.852803 | 3.5 | 5.382075 | 0.886792 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Teacher Incentive Fund Act''.
SEC. 2. TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND PROGRAM.
Part C of title II of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 is amended by adding at the end the following:
``Subpart 6--Teacher Incentive Fund Program
``SEC. 2371. PURPOSES; DEFINITIONS.
``(a) Purposes.--The purposes of this subpart are--
``(1) to assist States, local educational agencies, and
nonprofit organizations to develop, implement, or improve
comprehensive performance-based compensation systems for
teachers and principals, especially for teachers and principals
in high-need schools, who raise student academic achievement
and close the achievement gap; and
``(2) to study and review performance-based compensation
systems for teachers and principals to evaluate their
effectiveness, fairness, quality, consistency, and reliability.
``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this subpart:
``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) a local educational agency (including a
charter school that is a local educational agency), or
a consortium of such agencies;
``(B) a State educational agency, or other State
agency designated by the chief executive of the State
to participate under this subpart; or
``(C) a partnership of--
``(i) one or more agencies described in
subparagraph (A) or (B), or both; and
``(ii) at least one nonprofit organization.
``(2) High-need local educational agency.--The term `high-
need local educational agency' has the meaning given the term
in section 2102.
``(3) High-need school.--The term `high-need school' has
the meaning given the term in section 2312.
``(4) Performance-based compensation system.--The term
`performance-based compensation system' means a system of
compensation for teachers and principals that--
``(A) differentiates levels of compensation
primarily on the basis of measurable increases in
student academic achievement; and
``(B) may include--
``(i) differentiated levels of compensation
on the basis of high-quality teachers' and
principals' employment and success in hard-to-
staff schools or high-need subject areas; and
``(ii) recognition of the skills and
knowledge of teachers and principals as
demonstrated through--
``(I) successful fulfillment of
additional responsibilities or job
functions; and
``(II) evidence of high achievement
and mastery of content knowledge and
superior teaching skills.
``SEC. 2372. TEACHER INCENTIVE FUND GRANTS.
``(a) In General.--From the amounts appropriated to carry out this
subpart, the Secretary is authorized to make grants on a competitive
basis to eligible entities to develop, implement, or improve
performance-based compensation systems in participating schools.
``(b) Priority.--In making such a grant, the Secretary shall give
priority to an eligible entity that concentrates its proposed
activities on teachers and principals serving in high-need schools.
``(c) Applications.--To be eligible to receive a grant under this
subpart, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the
Secretary, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may
reasonably require, that includes--
``(1) a description of the performance-based compensation
system that the applicant proposes to develop and implement or
improve;
``(2) a description and demonstration of the support and
commitment from teachers and principals in the targeted
schools, the community, and local educational agency or
agencies for the performance-based compensation system,
including demonstration of consultation with teachers and
principals on the development and implementation of the
performance-based compensation system;
``(3) a description of how the eligible entity will develop
and implement a fair, rigorous, and objective process to
evaluate teacher, principal, and student performance, including
the baseline performance against which evaluations of improved
performance will be made;
``(4) a description and demonstration of how teacher and
principal views were included in the development of the
performance-based compensation system;
``(5) a description of the local educational agency or
local educational agencies to be served by the project,
including such demographic information about students in the
schools to be served by the project as the Secretary may
request;
``(6) information on student academic achievement, the
quality of the teachers and principals, and existing
compensation, bonuses, and incentive systems for teachers and
principals in the schools to be served by the project;
``(7) a description of how the applicant will use grant
funds under this subpart in each year of the grant;
``(8) a description of the comprehensive, focused
professional development that is aligned with student content
and achievement standards that the applicant will implement to
support the performance-based compensation system;
``(9) an explanation of how the grantee will continue its
performance-based compensation system after the grant ends;
``(10) a description, if applicable, of how the applicant
will define the term `high-quality' for the purposes of section
2371(b)(4)(B)(i), through the use of measurable indicators;
``(11) a description of the State, local, or philanthropic
funds that will be used to supplement the grant and sustain the
activities at the end of the grant period; and
``(12) A description of how the applicant will evaluate the
project annually, including any objective measures that are
clearly related to the goals for the project and information on
how the evaluation will produce quantitative and qualitative
data.
``(d) Use of Funds.--
``(1) In general.--A grantee shall use grant funds provided
under this subpart only to develop, implement, or improve, in
collaboration with teachers, principals, other school
administrators, and members of the public, a performance-based
compensation system consistent with the requirements of this
subpart.
``(2) Authorized activities.--Authorized activities under
this subpart may include the following:
``(A) Developing appraisal systems that reflect
clear and fair measures of student academic
achievement.
``(B) Developing appraisal systems that reflect
clear and fair measures of teacher and principal
performance based on demonstrated improvements in
student academic achievement.
``(C) Conducting outreach within the local
educational agency (or agencies) or the State to gain
input on how to construct the appraisal system and to
develop support for it.
``(D) Paying, as part of a comprehensive
performance-based compensation system, bonuses and
increased salaries to teachers and principals who raise
student academic achievement, so long as the grantee
uses an increasing share of non-Federal funds to pay
these monetary rewards each year of the grant.
``(E) Paying, as part of a comprehensive
performance-based compensation system, additional
bonuses to teachers who both raise student academic
achievement and either teach in high-need schools or
teach subjects that are difficult to staff, or both, so
long as the grantee uses an increasing share of non-
Federal funds to pay these monetary rewards each year
of the grant.
``(F) Paying, as part of a comprehensive
performance-based compensation system, additional
bonuses to principals who both raise student academic
achievement and serve in high-need schools, so long as
the grantee uses an increasing share of non-Federal
funds to pay these monetary rewards each year of the
grant.
``(e) Duration of Grants.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may make grants under this
section for periods of up to 5 years.
``(2) Limitation.--An agency described in subparagraph (A)
of section 2371(b)(1) may receive (whether individually or as
part of a consortium or partnership) a grant under this subpart
only once. Such an agency may continue to receive that grant
for the period of that grant, but shall not receive (whether
individually or as part of a consortium or partnership) any
other grant under this subpart.
``(f) Equitable Distribution.--To the extent practicable, the
Secretary shall ensure an equitable geographic distribution of grants
under this section.
``(g) Matching Requirement.--
``(1) Each eligible entity that receives a grant under this
section shall provide, from non-Federal sources, an amount
(which may be provided in cash or in kind) to carry out the
activities supported by the grant equal to--
``(A) for the first year of the grant, 25 percent
of the amount received for that year under the grant;
``(B) for the second year, 30 percent;
``(C) for the third year, 35 percent;
``(D) for the fourth year, 40 percent; and
``(E) for the fifth year, 50 percent.
``(2) The Secretary may waive all or part of the matching
requirement described in paragraph (1) for any fiscal year for
an eligible entity described in section 2371(b)(1)(A) if that
eligible entity is a high-need local educational agency, a
consortium of high-need local educational agencies, or a
charter school that is a high-need local educational agency and
the Secretary determines that applying the matching requirement
to such eligible entity would result in serious hardship or an
inability to carry out the activities described in subsection
(d).
``(h) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Grant funds provided under this
section shall be used to supplement, not supplant, other Federal or
State funds.
``SEC. 2373. REPORT AND EVALUATION.
``(a) Report.--The Secretary shall provide an annual report on the
implementation of the program to the Congress.
``(b) Evaluation.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, through grant or
contract, carry out an independent evaluation of the program
under this subpart.
``(2) Content.--The evaluation shall measure--
``(A) the effectiveness of the program in improving
student academic achievement;
``(B) the satisfaction of the participating
teachers or principals; and
``(C) the extent to which the program assisted the
eligible entities in recruiting and retaining high-
quality teachers and principals, especially in hard-to-
staff subject areas.
``SEC. 2374. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry
out this subpart such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008 and
each of the succeeding 5 fiscal years.
``(b) Reservation.--The Secretary may reserve not more than 3
percent of the funds appropriated to carry out this subpart for any one
fiscal year for the cost of the evaluation under section 2373(b) and
for technical assistance and program outreach.''.
|
Teacher Incentive Fund Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create a Teacher Incentive Fund program of competitive grants to assist states, local educational agencies (LEAs), and nonprofit organizations to develop and implement, or improve, appraisal and performance-based compensation systems to reward teachers and principals who raise student academic achievement and close the achievement gap, especially in the highest-need LEAs.
Increases required non-federal contributions to the program, on a graduated basis, from an amount equal 25% of the grant amount received in the first year to 50% of the grant amount received in the grant's fifth and final year. Allows the Secretary of Education to waive such matching requirement for high-need LEAs.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish the Teacher Incentive Fund Program, and for other purposes."}
| 2,394 | 160 | 0.549445 | 1.386385 | 0.787207 | 2.723404 | 16.22695 | 0.893617 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans Education Survey Act of
2014''.
SEC. 2. SURVEY OF INDIVIDUALS USING THEIR ENTITLEMENT TO EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE UNDER THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
ADMINISTERED BY THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
(a) Survey Required.--By not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
enter into a contract with a non-government entity for the conduct of a
survey of a statistically valid sample of individuals who have used or
are using their entitlement to educational assistance under chapters
30, 32, 33, and 35 of title 38, United States Code, to pursue a program
of education or training. The contract shall provide that--
(1) not later than one month before the collection of data
under the survey begins, the survey shall be submitted to the
Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives;
(2) the non-government entity shall complete the survey and
submit to the Secretary the results of the survey by not later
than 180 days after entering into the contract; and
(3) the survey shall be conducted by electronic means and
by any other means the non-government entity determines
appropriate.
(b) Information To Be Collected.--The contract under subsection (a)
shall provide that the survey shall be designed to collect the
following types of information about each individual surveyed, where
applicable:
(1) Demographic information, including the highest level of
education completed by the individual, the military
occupational specialty or specialties of the individual while
serving on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces or as a
member of the National Guard or of a Reserve Component of the
Armed Forces, and whether the individual has a service-
connected disability.
(2) The opinion of the individual regarding participation
in the transition assistance program under section 1144 of
title 10, United States Code, and the effectiveness of the
program, including instruction on the use of the benefits under
laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(3) The resources the individual used to help the
individual--
(A) decide to use the individual's entitlement to
educational assistance to enroll in a program of
education or training; and
(B) choose the program of education or training the
individual pursued.
(4) The individual's goal when the individual enrolled in
the program of education or training.
(5) The nature of the individual's experience with the
education benefits processing system of the Department of
Veterans Affairs.
(6) The nature of the individual's experience with the
school certifying official of the educational institution where
the individual pursued the program of education or training who
processed the individual's claim.
(7) Any services or benefits the educational institution or
program of education or training provided to veterans while the
individual pursued the program of education or training.
(8) The type of educational institution at which the
individual pursued the program of education or training.
(9) Whether the individual completed the program of
education or training or the number of credit hours completed
by the individual as of the time of the survey, and, if
applicable, any degree or certificate obtained by the
individual for completing the program.
(10) The employment status of the individual and whether
such employment status differs from the employment status of
the individual prior to enrolling in the program of education
or training.
(11) Whether the individual is or was enrolled in a program
of education on a full-time or part-time basis.
(12) The opinion of the individual on the effectiveness of
the educational assistance program of the Department of
Veterans Affairs under which the individual was entitled to
educational assistance.
(13) Whether the individual was ever entitled to a
rehabilitation under chapter 31 of title 38, United States
Code, and whether the individual participated in such a
program.
(14) Such other matters as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after receiving the results of
the survey required under this section, the Secretary shall submit to
the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report on the results of the survey and any
recommendations of the Secretary relating to such results. Such report
shall also include an unedited version of the results of the survey
submitted by the non-government entity that conducted the study.
|
Veterans Education Survey Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into a contract with a non-government entity to conduct a survey of a statistically valid sample of individuals who have used or are using their entitlement to veterans educational assistance to pursue a program of education or training. Requires: (1) the survey to be submitted to the Senate and House Veterans' Affairs Committees not later than one month before the collection of data begins, and (2) the entity to conduct the survey electronically or by other appropriate means and to complete the survey and submit the results to the Secretary not later than 180 days after entering into the contract. Requires the survey to be designed to collect specified types of information about each individual surveyed, including: (1) demographic information, including the highest level of education completed, military occupational specialties while serving in the Armed Forces, National Guard, or Reserves, and whether the individual has a service-connected disability; (2) the individual's opinion regarding participation in the transition assistance program and the effectiveness of the program; (3) the nature of the individual's experience with the VA's education benefits processing system; and (4) the individual's employment status and whether such status differs from the individual's status prior to enrolling in the program of education or training. Directs the Secretary to report to the Committees on the results of the survey, including an unedited version of the results submitted, and any recommendations.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Veterans Education Survey Act of 2014"}
| 942 | 309 | 0.797131 | 2.47518 | 0.870689 | 4.630662 | 3.216028 | 0.965157 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment
Implementation Act of 2009''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds and declares the following:
(1) The Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas are becoming
increasingly accessible to shipping, due to thinning ice cover,
technological improvements allowing greater efficiencies in the
operation of ice-breakers and ice-strengthened cargo and
passenger vessels, satellite support for navigation and real-
time ice-charting, and growing demand for Arctic tourism and
natural resources.
(2) It is in the interests of the United States to work
with the State of Alaska and our neighbors in the Arctic Region
to ensure that shipping in the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas
is safe for mariners, protective of the natural environment,
including the air, land, water, and wildlife of the Arctic, and
mindful of the needs of longstanding subsistence users of
Arctic resources.
(3) It is further in the interests of the United States to
ensure that shipping in the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas is
secure, and that United States sovereign and security
interests, including the rights of United States vessels to
innocent passage through international straits, are respected
and protected, that access is provided throughout the Arctic
Ocean for legitimate research vessels of all nations, and that
peaceful relations are maintained in the Arctic region.
(4) It is further in the interests of the United States to
see that a system of international cooperation is established
to support reliable shipping, with methods for joint investment
in providing mariners aids to navigation, ports of refuge,
vessel-to-shore communication, hydrographic mapping, and search
and rescue capability.
(5) For nearly 500 years, mariners and sea-faring nations
have sought national and global benefits from sea routes in the
Arctic similar to those provided now by the Panama and Suez
canals, but as those benefits may finally be realized, expanded
shipping will present risks to residents of the Arctic, and
coordinated shipping regulations are needed to protect United
States interests even from shipping that may occur in the
Arctic region outside United States territorial waters.
(6) Proven models for international cooperation in
management of regional waterways exist, including United States
joint administration of the St. Lawrence Seaway with Canada,
and existing cooperation between the Coast Guard and its
Russian Federation counterpart for fisheries enforcement in the
Bering Sea and North Pacific regions.
(7) The United States has continuing research, security,
environmental, and commercial interests in the Arctic region
that rely on the availability of icebreaker platforms of the
Coast Guard. The Polar Class icebreakers commissioned in the
1970s are in need of replacement.
(8) Sovereign interests of the United States in the Arctic
Ocean and Bering Sea regions may grow with submission of a
United States claim for an extended continental shelf.
(9) Building new icebreakers, mustering international plans
for aids to navigation and other facilities, and establishing
coordinated shipping regulations and oil spill prevention and
response capability through international cooperation,
including the approval of the International Maritime
Organization, requires long lead times. Beginning those efforts
now, with the completion of an Arctic Marine Shipping
Assessment by the eight-nation Arctic Council, is essential to
protect United States interests given the extensive current use
of the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas by vessels of many
nations.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to ensure safe, secure,
and reliable maritime shipping in the Arctic including the availability
of aids to navigation, vessel escorts, spill response capability, and
maritime search and rescue in the Arctic.
SEC. 3. INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION AGREEMENTS.
To carry out the purpose of this Act, the Secretary of the
department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall work through the
International Maritime Organization to establish agreements to promote
coordinated action among the United States, Russia, Canada, Iceland,
Norway, and Denmark and other seafaring and Arctic nations to ensure,
in the Arctic--
(1) placement and maintenance of aids to navigation;
(2) appropriate icebreaking escort, tug, and salvage
capabilities;
(3) oil spill prevention and response capability;
(4) maritime domain awareness, including long-range vessel
tracking; and
(5) search and rescue.
SEC. 4. COORDINATION BY COMMITTEE ON THE MARITIME TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEM.
The Committee on the Maritime Transportation System established
under a directive of the President in the Ocean Action Plan, issued
December 17, 2004, shall coordinate the establishment of domestic
transportation policies in the Arctic necessary to carry out the
purpose of the Act.
SEC. 5. AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS.
The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating may, subject to the availability of appropriations, enter
into cooperative agreements, contracts, or other agreements with, or
make grants to individuals and governments to carry out the purpose of
this Act or any agreements established under section 3.
SEC. 6. ICEBREAKING.
The Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is
operating shall promote safe maritime navigation by means of
icebreaking where needed to assure the reasonable demands of commerce.
SEC. 7. DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.
The Secretary of Transportation may enter into cooperative
agreements, contracts, or other agreements with, or make grants to,
individuals to conduct demonstration projects to reduce emissions or
discharges from vessels operating in the Arctic.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated--
(1) to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast
Guard is operating--
(A) $750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011 and
2012 for the construction of two polar capable
icebreakers;
(B) $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2011
through 2015 for seasonal operations in the Arctic; and
(C) $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2012
through 2015 to carry out agreements established under
section 5; and
(2) to the Secretary of Transportation $5,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 to conduct demonstration
projects under section 7.
SEC. 9. ARCTIC DEFINITION.
In this Act the term ``Arctic'' has the same meaning as in section
112 of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984 (15 U.S.C. 4111).
|
Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment Implementation Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating to work through the International Maritime Organization to establish agreements to promote coordinated action among the United States, Russia, Canada, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark and other seafaring and Arctic nations to ensure in the Arctic: (1) placement and maintenance of aids to navigation; (2) appropriate icebreaking escort, tug, and salvage capabilities; (3) oil spill prevention and response capability; (4) maritime domain awareness, including long-range vessel tracking; and (5) search and rescue.
Directs the Committee on the Maritime Transportation System to coordinate the establishment of domestic transportation policies in the Arctic necessary to carry out this Act.
Authorizes the Secretary, subject to the availability of appropriations, to enter into cooperative agreements, contracts, or other agreements with, or make grants to, individuals and governments to carry out this Act or any agreements.
Directs the Secretary to promote safe commercial maritime navigation by means of icebreaking when necessary.
Authorizes the Secretary to enter into such agreements or contracts with, or make such grants to, individuals to conduct demonstration projects to reduce emissions or discharges from vessels operating in the Arctic.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To ensure safe, secure, and reliable marine shipping in the Arctic including the availability of aids to navigation, vessel escorts, spill response capability, and maritime search and rescue in the Arctic, and for other purposes."}
| 1,343 | 254 | 0.5945 | 1.809727 | 0.763659 | 7.630705 | 5.394191 | 0.966805 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Humane Care for Primates Act of
2013''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Nonhuman primates, such as chimpanzees, gorillas,
orangutans, macaques, and numerous other species, often face
abusive and cruel captive conditions in other countries.
(2) There is growing evidence that, absent a suitable
humane alternative, these primates will remain or be placed in
other cruel captive conditions and face inhumane deaths in
areas outside the United States.
(3) Regulations of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention allow importation of nonhuman primates only for
scientific, educational, or exhibition purposes and not for
humane lifetime shelter and care in appropriate primate
sanctuaries.
(4) Many of these animals could be obtained by certified
primate sanctuaries in the United States and provided with
shelter and care for the remainder of their natural lives in a
species-appropriate, humane environment if allowed by law to be
imported for such purpose.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) The term ``certified primate sanctuary'' means a
primate sanctuary that has been certified by the Secretary
pursuant to section 4.
(2) The term ``nonhuman primates'' means the species
included in the biological order Primates, except Homo sapiens.
(3) The term ``primate sanctuary'' means a facility that--
(A) rescues and provides lifetime shelter and care
for animals that have been abused, injured, or
abandoned, or are otherwise in need;
(B) is an organization described in section
501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code;
(C) does not commercially trade in any animals,
including animal parts, animal byproducts, and animal
offspring;
(D) does not intentionally breed or propagate
nonhuman primates;
(E) does not allow direct contact between the
public and nonhuman primates;
(F) does not allow unescorted public visitation at
the facility, except for discrete, nonintrusive
observation by individuals approved by the sanctuary;
(G) does not allow animals to be removed from the
facility, or from the animals' enclosures, for
exhibition or education; and
(H) does not conduct research on animals, except
where the facility determines that--
(i) the health and welfare of the animal
involved is best served by participating in a
treatment study; and
(ii) the facility reasonably believes that
the outcome of the study will provide a
tangible benefit to the animal involved.
(4) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Health
and Human Services.
SEC. 4. IMPORTATION OF NONHUMAN PRIMATES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 12 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary, consistent with section 361 of
the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 264; relating to control of
communicable diseases), shall promulgate a final rule revising section
71.53(c) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations, to expand the
categories of uses for which nonhuman primates may be imported and
distributed to include live nonhuman primates imported into the United
States by a certified primate sanctuary for purposes of providing
lifetime shelter and care.
(b) Certification Process.--
(1) Establishment.--The rule required by subsection (a)
shall establish a process under which the Secretary certifies
facilities as primate sanctuaries for purposes of the
importation, shelter, and care of nonhuman primates, as
described in subsection (a).
(2) Criteria.--The Secretary shall require, as a condition
of such certification, that a facility--
(A) is a primate sanctuary, as defined in section
3; and
(B) satisfies any other criteria that--
(i) are determined to be appropriate by the
Secretary; and
(ii) are consistent with the criteria
specified in the definition of a primate
sanctuary in section 3.
(3) Applications.--To seek certification under this Act, a
primate sanctuary shall submit an application in such form, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require. Any information in an application for
certification under this Act shall be protected from disclosure
as provided in section 552(b)(4) of title 5, United States
Code.
|
Humane Care for Primates Act of 2013 - Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to promulgate a final rule revising federal regulations regarding the importation of nonhuman primates (i.e. chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, macaques, and numerous other species) to expand the categories of uses for which nonhuman primates may be imported and distributed to include live nonhuman primates imported into the United States by a certified primate sanctuary for purposes of providing lifetime shelter and care. Requires such rule to establish a process for the certification of facilities as primate sanctuaries for purposes of the importation, shelter, and care of nonhuman primates.
|
{"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Humane Care for Primates Act of 2013"}
| 982 | 161 | 0.603729 | 1.73708 | 0.729909 | 6.146552 | 7.75 | 0.956897 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.