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SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Veterans' Education, Transition, and
Opportunity Prioritization Plan Act of 2018'' or the ``VET OPP Act of
2018''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF VETERANS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND TRANSITION
ADMINISTRATION.
(a) Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration.--
(1) In general.--Part V of title 38, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 80--VETERANS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND TRANSITION
ADMINISTRATION
``Sec.
``8001. Organization of Administration.
``8002. Functions of Administration.
``Sec. 8001. Organization of Administration
``(a) Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition
Administration.--(1) There is in the Department of Veterans Affairs a
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration.
``(2) The primary function of the Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition Administration is the administration of the programs of the
Department that provide assistance related to economic opportunity to
veterans and their dependents and survivors.
``(b) Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity and Transition.--The
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration is under
the Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,
who is directly responsible to the Secretary for the operations of the
Administration.
``Sec. 8002. Functions of Administration
``The Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration
is responsible for the administration of the following programs of the
Department:
``(1) Vocational rehabilitation and employment programs.
``(2) Educational assistance programs.
``(3) Veterans' housing loan and related programs.
``(4) The verification of small businesses owned and
controlled by veterans pursuant to subsection (f) of section
8127 of this title, including the administration of the
database of veteran-owned businesses described in such
subsection.
``(5) The Transition Assistance Program under section 1144
of title 10.
``(6) Any other program of the Department that the
Secretary determines appropriate.''.
(2) Clerical amendments.--The tables of chapters at the
beginning of title 38, United States Code, and of part V of
title 38, United States Code, are each amended by inserting
after the item relating to chapter 79 the following new item:
``80. Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition 8001''.
Administration.
(b) Effective Date.--Chapter 80 of title 38, United States Code, as
added by subsection (a), shall take effect on October 1, 2019.
(c) Full-Time Employees.--For fiscal years 2019 and 2020, the total
number of full-time equivalent employees authorized for the Veterans
Benefits Administration and the Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition Administration, as established under chapter 80 of title 38,
United States Code, as added by subsection (a), may not exceed 21,543.
SEC. 3. UNDER SECRETARY FOR VETERANS ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY AND
TRANSITION.
(a) Under Secretary.--
(1) In general.--Chapter 3 of title 38, United States Code,
is amended by inserting after section 306 the following new
section:
``Sec. 306A. Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition
``(a) Under Secretary.--(1) There is in the Department an Under
Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition, who is
appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate.
``(2) The Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition shall be appointed without regard to political affiliation
or activity and solely on the basis of demonstrated ability in--
``(A) information technology; and
``(B) the administration of programs within the Veterans
Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration or programs
of similar content and scope.
``(b) Responsibilities.--The Under Secretary for Veterans Economic
Opportunity and Transition is the head of, and is directly responsible
to the Secretary for the operations of, the Veterans Economic
Opportunity and Transition Administration.
``(c) Vacancies.--(1) Whenever a vacancy in the position of Under
Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition occurs or is
anticipated, the Secretary shall establish a commission to recommend
individuals to the President for appointment to the position.
``(2) A commission established under this subsection shall be
composed of the following members appointed by the Secretary:
``(A) Three persons representing education and training,
vocational rehabilitation, employment, real estate, mortgage
finance and related industries, and survivor benefits
activities affected by the Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition Administration.
``(B) Two persons representing veterans served by the
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration.
``(C) Two persons who have experience in the management of
private sector benefits programs of similar content and scope
to the economic opportunity and transition programs of the
Department.
``(D) The Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
``(E) The chairman of the Veterans' Advisory Committee on
Education formed under section 3692 of this title.
``(F) One person who has held the position of Under
Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition, if
the Secretary determines that it is desirable for such person
to be a member of the commission.
``(3)(A) A commission established under this subsection shall
recommend at least three individuals for appointment to the position of
Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition.
``(B) The commission shall submit all recommendations to the
Secretary.
``(C) The Secretary shall forward the recommendations to the
President and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the Senate and
Committee on Veterans' Affairs of the House of Representatives with any
comments the Secretary considers appropriate.
``(D) After receiving recommendations under subparagraph (C), the
President may request the commission to recommend additional
individuals for appointment.
``(4) The Assistant Secretary or Deputy Assistant Secretary of
Veterans Affairs who performs personnel management and labor relations
functions shall serve as the executive secretary of a commission
established under this subsection.''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of sections at the
beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the
item relating to section 306 the following new item:
``306A. Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and
Transition.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--Title 38, United States Code, is
further amended--
(1) in section 306(c)(2), by striking subparagraphs (A) and
(E) and redesignating subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (F), as
subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively;
(2) in section 317(d)(2), by inserting after ``Under
Secretary for Benefits,'' the following: ``the Under Secretary
for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,'';
(3) in section 318(d)(2), by inserting after ``Under
Secretary for Benefits,'' the following: ``the Under Secretary
for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,'';
(4) in section 516(e)(2)(C), by striking ``Health and the
Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health, the
Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition'';
(5) in section 541(a)(2)(B), by striking ``Health and the
Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health, the
Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition'';
(6) in section 542(a)(2)(B)(iii), by striking ``Health and
the Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health, the
Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition'';
(7) in section 544(a)(2)(B)(vi), by striking ``Health and
the Under Secretary for Benefits'' and inserting ``Health, the
Under Secretary for Benefits, and the Under Secretary for
Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition'';
(8) in section 709(c)(2)(A), by inserting after ``Under
Secretary for Benefits,'' the following: ``the Under Secretary
for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition,'';
(9) in section 7701(a), by inserting after ``assistance''
the following: ``, other than assistance related to Economic
Opportunity and Transition,''; and
(10) in section 7703, by striking paragraphs (2) and (3)
and redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (2) and
(3), respectively.
(c) Effective Date.--Section 306A of title 38, United States Code,
as added by subsection (a), and the amendments made by this section,
shall take effect on October 1, 2019. | Veterans' Education, Transition, and Opportunity Prioritization Plan Act of 2018 or the VET OPP Act of 2018 This bill establishes in the Department of Veterans Affairs: (1) the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration to administer economic opportunity assistance programs for veterans and their dependents and survivors, and (2) the position of Under Secretary for Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition to head such administration. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Veterans' Education, Transition, and Opportunity Prioritization Plan Act of 2018"} | 1,897 | 78 | 0.662082 | 1.534431 | 0.791894 | 4.364865 | 24.364865 | 0.959459 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Taxpayer Relief
Act of 1999''.
(b) Section 15 Not To Apply.--No amendment made by section 2 shall
be treated as a change in a rate of tax for purposes of section 15 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 .
SEC. 2. 10 PERCENT REDUCTION IN INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RATES.
(a) General Rule.--Section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to tax imposed) is amended by striking subsections (a)
through (e) and inserting the following:
``(a) Married Individuals Filing Joint Returns and Surviving
Spouses.--There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of--
``(1) every married individual (as defined in section 7703)
who makes a single return jointly with his spouse under section
6013, and
``(2) every surviving spouse (as defined in section 2(a)),
a tax determined in accordance with the following table:
``If taxable income is: The tax is:
Not over $43,050...............
13.5% of taxable income.
Over $43,050 but not over
$104,050.
$5,811.75, plus 25.2% of the
excess over $43,050.
Over $104,050 but not over
$158,550.
$21,183.75, plus 27.9% of the
excess over $104,050.
Over $158,550 but not over
$283,150.
$36,389.25, plus 32.4% of the
excess over $158,550.
Over $283,150..................
$76,759.65, plus 35.64% of the
excess over $283,150.
``(b) Heads of Households.--There is hereby imposed on the taxable
income of every head of a household (as defined in section 2(b)) a tax
determined in accordance with the following table:
``If taxable income is: The tax is:
Not over $34,550...............
13.5% of taxable income.
Over $34,550 but not over
$89,150.
$4,664.25, plus 25.2% of the
excess over $34,550.
Over $89,150 but not over
$144,400.
$18,423.45, plus 27.9% of the
excess over $89,150.
Over $144,400 but not over
$283,150.
$33,838.20, plus 32.4% of the
excess over $144,400.
Over $283,150..................
$78,793.20, plus 35.64% of the
excess over $283,150.
``(c) Unmarried Individuals (Other Than Surviving Spouses and Heads
of Households).--There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of every
individual (other than a surviving spouse as defined in section 2(a) or
the head of a household as defined in section 2(b)) who is not a
married individual (as defined in section 7703) a tax determined in
accordance with the following table:
``If taxable income is: The tax is:
Not over $25,750...............
13.5% of taxable income.
Over $25,750 but not over
$62,450.
$3,476.25, plus 25.2% of the
excess over $25,750.
Over $62,450 but not over
$130,250.
$12,724.65, plus 27.9% of the
excess over $62,450.
Over $130,250 but not over
$283,150.
$31,640.85, plus 32.4% of the
excess over $130,250.
Over $283,150..................
$81,180.45, plus 35.64% of the
excess over $283,150.
``(d) Married Individuals Filing Separate Returns.--There is hereby
imposed on the taxable income of every married individual (as defined
in section 7703) who does not make a single return jointly with his
spouse under section 6013, a tax determined in accordance with the
following table:
``If taxable income is: The tax is:
Not over $21,525...............
13.5% of taxable income.
Over $21,525 but not over
$52,025.
$2,905.87, plus 25.2% of the
excess over $21,525.
Over $52,025 but not over
$79,275.
$10,591.87, plus 27.9% of the
excess over $52,025.
Over $79,275 but not over
$141,575.
$18,194.62, plus 32.4% of the
excess over $79,275.
Over $141,575..................
$38,379.82, plus 35.64% of the
excess over $141,575
``(e) Estates and Trusts.--There is hereby imposed on the taxable
income of--
``(1) every estate, and
``(2) every trust,
taxable under this subsection a tax determined in accordance with the
following table:
``If taxable income is: The tax is:
Not over $1,750................
13.5% of taxable income.
Over $1,750 but not over $4,050
$236.25, plus 25.2% of the
excess over $1,750.
Over $4,050 but not over $6,200
$815.85, plus 27.9% of the
excess over $4,050.
Over $6,200 but not over $8,450
$1,415.70, plus 32.4% of the
excess over $6,200.
Over $8,450....................
$2,144.70, plus 35.64% of the
excess over $8,450.''
(b) Alternative Minimum Tax Rates.--Clause (i) of section
55(b)(1)(A) of such Code (relating to alternative minimum tax imposed)
is amended--
(1) by striking ``26 percent'' and inserting ``23.4
percent'', and
(2) by striking ``28 percent'' and inserting ``25.2
percent''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subsection (f) of section 1 of such Code is amended--
(A) by striking ``1993'' in paragraph (1) and
inserting ``1999'',
(B) by striking ``1992'' in paragraph (3)(B) and
inserting ``1998'', and
(C) by striking paragraph (7).
(2) The following provisions of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986 are each amended by striking ``1992'' and inserting
``1998'' each place it appears:
(A) Section 25A(h).
(B) Section 32(j)(1)(B).
(C) Section 41(e)(5)(C).
(D) Section 59(j)(2)(B).
(E) Section 63(c)(4)(B).
(F) Section 68(b)(2)(B).
(G) Section 135(b)(2)(B)(ii).
(H) Section 151(d)(4).
(I) Section 220(g)(2).
(J) Section 221(g)(1)(B).
(K) Section 512(d)(2)(B).
(L) Section 513(h)(2)(C)(ii).
(M) Section 685(c)(3)(B).
(N) Section 877(a)(2).
(O) Section 911(b)(2)(D)(ii)(II).
(P) Section 2032A(a)(3)(B).
(Q) Section 2503(b)(2)(B).
(R) Section 2631(c)(1)(B).
(S) Section 4001(e)(1)(B).
(T) Section 4261(e)(4)(A)(ii).
(U) Section 6039F(d).
(V) Section 6323(i)(4)(B).
(W) Section 6601(j)(3)(B).
(X) Section 7430(c)(1).
(3) Subclause (II) of section 42(h)(6)(G)(i) of such Code
is amended by striking ``1987'' and inserting ``1998''.
(4) Subparagraph (B) of section 132(f)(6) of such Code is
amended by inserting before the period ``, determined by
substituting `calendar year 1992' for `calendar year 1998' in
subparagraph (B) thereof''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998. | Taxpayer Relief Act of 1999 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce individual income tax rates by ten percent. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Taxpayer Relief Act of 1999"} | 1,919 | 28 | 0.372168 | 0.848477 | 0.3748 | 2.333333 | 73.142857 | 0.809524 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Flexibility for Displaced Workers
Act''.
SEC. 2. SPECIAL RULES FOR NATIONAL EMERGENCY GRANTS RELATED TO
HURRICANE KATRINA.
(a) Use of Grants for Projects Outside Disaster Area.--Funds
provided to States that submit applications for assistance described in
section 173(a)(2) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C.
2918(a)(2)) to address the effects of Hurricane Katrina may be used to
provide disaster relief employment and other assistance under section
173(d)(1) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 2918(d)(1)) on projects that provide
assistance in areas outside of the disaster area (as such term is
defined in section 173(a)(2) of such Act).
(b) Expanded Eligibility for Disaster Relief Employment.--Funds
provided to States that submit applications for assistance described
under section 173(a)(2) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29
U.S.C. 2918(a)(2)) to address the effects of Hurricane Katrina may be
used to provide disaster relief employment and other assistance under
section 173(d)(1) of such Act, or public sector employment authorized
under subsection (c) of this Act, to individuals affected by Hurricane
Katrina, including those who have relocated from States in which a
major disaster was declared under section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122) due to
the effects of Hurricane Katrina, who were unemployed at the time of
the disaster or who are without employment history, in addition to
individuals who are eligible for such employment under section
173(d)(2) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.
(c) Authorization for General Public Sector Employment.--Funds
provided to States that submit applications for assistance described in
section 173(a)(2) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to address
the effects of Hurricane Katrina may be used to provide to eligible
individuals temporary employment by public sector entities for a period
not to exceed 6 months in addition to disaster relief employment
described in section 173(d)(1) of such Act.
(d) Extension of the Duration of Disaster Relief Employment.--The
Secretary of Labor may extend the 6-month maximum duration of
employment under this Act and under section 173(d) of the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918(d)) for not more than an
additional 6 months due to extraordinary circumstances.
(e) Priority for Disaster Relief Employment Funds.--In awarding
national emergency grants to States under section 173(a)(2) of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918(a)(2)) to address the
effects of Hurricane Katrina by providing disaster relief employment,
the Secretary of Labor shall--
(1) first, give priority to States in which areas that have
suffered major disasters (as defined in section 102 of the Robert
T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
5122)) are located; and
(2) second, give priority to the remaining States that have
been most heavily impacted by the demand for services by workers
affected by Hurricane Katrina.
(f) Eligibility for Needs-Related Payments.--Funds provided to
States that submit applications for assistance described in section
173(a)(2) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C.
2918(a)(2)) to address the effects of Hurricane Katrina may be used to
provide needs-related payments (described in section 134(e)(3) of such
Act (29 U.S.C. 2864(e)(3))) to individuals described in subsection (b)
who do not qualify for (or have ceased to qualify for) unemployment
compensation, and who are not employed on a project described under
section 173(d) of such Act, for the purpose of enabling such
individuals to participate in activities described in paragraphs (2),
(3), or (4) of section 134(d) of such Act.
(g) Use of Available Funds.--With the approval of the Secretary of
Labor, any State may use funds that remain available for expenditure
under any grants awarded to the State under section 173 of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2918) or under this
section, to provide any assistance authorized under such section 173 or
this section, or personal protective equipment not otherwise available
through public funds or private contributions, to assist workers
affected by Hurricane Katrina, including workers who have relocated
from areas for which an emergency or major disaster (as defined in
section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)) was declared, due to the effects of
Hurricane Katrina.
(h) Expanded Eligibility for Employment and Training Activities.--
(1) In general.--In awarding national emergency grants under
section 173(a)(1) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29
U.S.C. 2918(a)(1)), the Secretary may award such a grant to an
entity to provide employment and training assistance available
under section 173(a)(1) of such Act to workers affected by
Hurricane Katrina, including workers who have relocated from areas
for which an emergency or major disaster (as defined in section 102
of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)) was declared, due to the effects of Hurricane
Katrina.
(2) Eligible entity.--In this subsection, the term ``entity''
means a State, a local board (as defined in section 101 of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801)), or an entity
described in section 166(c) of such Act (29 U.S.C. 2911(c)), that
submits an application for assistance described in section
173(a)(1) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to address the
effects of Hurricane Katrina.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
(a) Mobile One-Stop Centers.--It is the sense of Congress that
States that operate mobile one-stop centers, established as part of
one-stop delivery systems authorized under subtitle B of title I of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2811 et seq.) should, where
possible, make such centers available for use in the areas affected by
Hurricane Katrina, and areas where large numbers of workers affected by
Hurricane Katrina have been relocated.
(b) Expanded Operational Hours.--It is the sense of Congress that
one-stop operators (as such term is defined in section 101 of the
Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801) should increase
access for workers affected by Hurricane Katrina to the one-stop
delivery systems authorized under subtitle B of title I of such Act,
including through the implementation of expanded operational hours at
one-stop centers and on-site services for individuals in temporary
housing locations.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Flexibility for Displaced Workers Act - (Sec. 2) Allows national emergency grant funds to states under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) for addressing the effects of Hurricane Katrina (Katrina) to be used to provide disaster relief employment on projects that provide assistance in areas outside of the Katrina-disaster area.
Allows such funds to be used to provide disaster relief employment and other WIA assistance, or temporary general public sector employment, to Katrina-affected individuals, including those who have relocated from states in the disaster area, who were unemployed at the time of the disaster, or who are without employment history, in addition those who meet WIA eligibility requirements.
Limits such general public sector employment to not more than six months in addition to such disaster relief employment. Authorizes the Secretary of Labor, however, to extend the duration of employment under this Act and WIA for up to an additional six months due to extraordinary circumstances.
Directs the Secretary, in awarding WIA national emergency grants for disaster relief employment, to give priority: (1) first, to states with major disaster areas; and (2) second, to the remaining states that have been most heavily impacted by the demand for services by Katrina-affected workers.
Allows any state, with the Secretary's approval, to use available WIA national emergency grant funds to assist Katrina-affected workers, including those who have relocated from states in the Katrina-disaster area.
Authorizes the Secretary to award a WIA national emergency grant for employment and training assistance (ETA) for dislocated workers to an eligible entity to provide ETA to Katrina-affected workers, including workers who have relocated from Katrina-disaster areas.
(Sec. 3) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) states operating one-stop centers should make them available for use in Katrina-affected areas and areas where large numbers of Katrina's victims have been relocated; and (2) one-stop operators should increase access for Katrina-affected individuals, including through expanded operational hours and on-site services for those in temporary housing. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide special rules for disaster relief employment under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 for individuals displaced by Hurricane Katrina."} | 1,634 | 484 | 0.625316 | 1.986392 | 0.795521 | 3.382716 | 3.306173 | 0.91358 |
SECTION 1. PARTICIPATION OF PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, MEMBERS OF
CONGRESS, POLITICAL APPOINTEES, AND CONGRESSIONAL STAFF
IN THE EXCHANGE.
(a) In General.--Section 1312(d)(3)(D) of the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18032(d)(3)(D)) is amended to read
as follows:
``(D) President, vice president, political
appointees, members of congress, and congressional
staff in the exchange.--
``(i) In general.--Notwithstanding chapter
89 of title 5, United States Code, or any
provision of this title--
``(I) the President, the Vice
President, each political appointee,
each Member of Congress, and each
Congressional employee shall be treated
as a qualified individual entitled to
the right under this paragraph to
enroll in a qualified health plan in
the individual market offered through
an Exchange in the State in which the
individual resides; and
``(II) any employer contribution
under such chapter on behalf of the
President, the Vice President, any
political appointee, any Member of
Congress, and any Congressional
employee may be paid only to the issuer
of a qualified health plan in which the
individual enrolled through such
Exchange and not to the issuer of a
plan offered through the Federal
employees health benefit program under
such chapter.
``(ii) Payments by federal government.--The
Secretary, in consultation with the Director of
the Office of Personnel Management, shall
establish procedures under which--
``(I) the employer contributions
under such chapter on behalf of the
President, the Vice President, each
political appointee, each Member of
Congress, and each Congressional
employee are determined and actuarially
adjusted for individual or family
coverage, rating areas, and age (in
accordance with clauses (i) through
(iii) of section 2701(a)(1)(A) of the
Public Health Service Act); and
``(II) the employer contributions
may be made directly to an Exchange for
payment to an issuer.
``(iii) Political appointee.--In this
subparagraph, the term `political appointee'
means any individual who--
``(I) is employed in a position
described under sections 5312 through
5316 of title 5, United States Code,
(relating to the Executive Schedule);
``(II) is a limited term appointee,
limited emergency appointee, or
noncareer appointee in the Senior
Executive Service, as defined under
paragraphs (5), (6), and (7),
respectively, of section 3132(a) of
title 5, United States Code; or
``(III) is employed in a position
in the executive branch of the
Government of a confidential or policy-
determining character under schedule C
of subpart C of part 213 of title 5 of
the Code of Federal Regulations.
``(iv) Congressional employee.--In this
subparagraph, the term `Congressional employee'
means an employee whose pay is disbursed by the
Secretary of the Senate or the Chief
Administrative Officer of the House of
Representatives.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take
effect as if included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care
Act. | Amends the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) to require any employer contribution made on behalf of the President, Vice President, or any political appointee to be paid only to the issuer of a plan through an American Health Benefit Exchange (a state health insurance exchange created under PPACA), and not through the federal employees health benefit program. (Currently, this requirement applies to Members of Congress and congressional staff.) | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to provide for participation in the Exchange of the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, political appointees, and congressional staff."} | 751 | 92 | 0.534769 | 1.285326 | 0.74958 | 2.428571 | 7.833333 | 0.857143 |
SECTION 1. SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH AND STUDENT SERVICE PROVIDERS.
(a) In General.--Subpart 14 of title V of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7269 et seq.) is amended--
(1) by inserting after the subpart heading the following:
``CHAPTER A--SYSTEMS INTEGRATION; PROMOTION OF SCHOOL READINESS'';
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``CHAPTER B--SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH AND STUDENT SERVICE PROVIDERS
``SEC. 5545. FINDINGS.
``Congress finds the following:
``(1) The Surgeon General of the Public Health Service has
found that although 1 in 10 children and adolescents suffer
from mental illness severe enough to cause some level of
impairment, in any given year fewer than 1 in 5 of these
children receives needed treatment. The short- and long-term
consequences of untreated childhood mental disorders are
costly, in both human and fiscal terms.
``(2) School counselors, school social workers, and school
psychologists are needed to help these children and to provide
a variety of crucial support services.
``(3) Across the United States, there are insufficient
resources for school-based counseling professionals, and often
students do not get the help they need. The current national
average ratio of students to school counselors in elementary
and secondary schools is 561 to 1.
``(4) United States schools need more mental health
professionals, and they need the flexibility to hire the
professionals that will best serve their students.
``(5) According to the Institute of Medicine of the
National Academy of Sciences, the maximum recommended ratio
of--
``(A) students to school counselors is 250 to 1;
``(B) students to school psychologists is 1,000 to
1; and
``(C) students to school social workers is 800 to
1.
``(6) In some States, 1 school counselor typically serves
over 1,000 students. Ratios for school psychologists and school
social workers are also extremely high. In some schools, no
school-based mental health and student service provider is
available to assist students in times of crisis, or at any
other time.
``(7) The number of students is expected to grow
significantly over the next few years. During this time, many
school-based mental health professionals who currently serve
the Nation's youth will retire.
``(8) Model programs using school-based mental health and
student service providers have reduced school suspensions,
reduced referrals to the principal's office, reduced the use of
weapons, force, and threats, and increased students' feelings
of safety.
``SEC. 5546. PURPOSES.
``The purposes of this chapter are to assist States and local
educational agencies in hiring additional school-based mental health
providers, including additional school counselors, school
psychologists, and school social workers to achieve each of the
following:
``(1) To reduce the ratios of school-based mental health
and student service providers to students in elementary and
secondary schools in the United States to the following minimum
ratios recommended by the Institute of Medicine of the National
Academy of Sciences in its 1997 report `Schools and Health: Our
Nation's Investment':
``(A) 1 school counselor for every 250 students;
``(B) 1 school psychologist for every 1,000
students; and
``(C) 1 school social worker for every 800
students.
``(2) To provide school-based mental health and student
services.
``(3) To remove emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial
barriers to learning so as to enhance students classroom
preparedness and ability to learn.
``(4) To support school staff and teachers in improving
classroom management, conducting behavioral interventions to
improve school discipline, and developing the awareness and
skills to identify early warning signs of violence and the need
for mental health services.
``(5) To support parental involvement in improving the
school behavior and academic success of their children.
``SEC. 5547. DEFINITIONS.
``In this chapter, the following definitions apply:
``(1) Child.--The term `child' means an individual who is
not less than 5 years old and not more than 17 years old.
``(2) Child in poverty.--The term `child in poverty' means
a child from a family with an income below the poverty line.
``(3) Mental health and student service provider.--The term
`mental health and student service provider' means a qualified
individual who provides mental health and student services,
including any individual who is a qualified school counselor, a
qualified school psychologist, or a qualified school social
worker.
``(4) Mental health and student services.--The term `mental
health and student services' includes direct, individual, and
group services provided to students, parents, and school
personnel by mental health and student service providers, and
the coordination of prevention strategies in schools or
community-based programs.
``(5) Poverty line.--The term `poverty line' means the
poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and
Budget, and revised annually in accordance with section 673(2)
of the Community Services Block Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9902(2))
applicable to a family of the size involved.
``(6) School counselor.--The term `school counselor' means
an individual who has documented competence in counseling
children and adolescents in a school setting and who--
``(A) possesses State licensure or certification
granted by an independent professional regulatory
authority;
``(B) possesses national certification in school
counseling or a specialty of counseling granted by an
independent professional organization; or
``(C) holds a minimum of a master's degree in
school counseling from a program accredited by the
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related
Educational Programs or the equivalent.
``(7) School psychologist.--The term `school psychologist'
means an individual who--
``(A) possesses a minimum of 60 graduate semester
hours in school psychology from an institution of
higher education and has completed 1,200 clock hours in
a supervised school psychology internship, of which 600
hours shall be in a school setting;
``(B) possesses State licensure or certification in
school psychology in the State in which the individual
works; or
``(C) possesses national certification by the
National School Psychology Certification Board.
``(8) School social worker.--The term `school social
worker' means an individual who--
``(A) holds a master's degree in social work from a
program accredited by the Council on Social Work
Education;
``(B) is licensed or certified by the State in
which services are provided; or
``(C) possesses a national credential or national
certification as a school social work specialist
granted by an independent professional organization.
``(9) State.--The term `State' means each of the several
States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico.
``SEC. 5548. SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH AND STUDENT SERVICE PROVIDER
GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--In accordance with this chapter, the Secretary
shall make grants to eligible States to assist local educational
agencies in those States in hiring additional school-based mental
health and student service providers.
``(b) Allocation of Funds.--From the total amount appropriated for
a fiscal year to carry out this chapter, the Secretary shall--
``(1) make available 1 percent of such amount to the
Secretary of the Interior (on behalf of the Bureau of Indian
Affairs) and the outlying areas for activities that carry out
the purposes of this chapter; and
``(2) make available in the form of grants to each eligible
State an amount equal to the sum of--
``(A) an amount that bears the same relationship to
50 percent of such total amount as the number of
children in poverty who reside in the State bears to
the number of such children in all States; and
``(B) an amount that bears the same relationship to
50 percent of such total amount as the number of
children enrolled in public and private nonprofit
elementary schools and secondary schools in the State
bears to the number of children enrolled in all such
schools in all States.
``(c) Minimum Grant.--Notwithstanding subsection (b), no grant
under this section shall be for an amount less than $1,000,000.
``(d) Reallocation.--The Secretary shall reallocate to States that
have received approval under subsection (e)(2) any funds allocated
under subsection (b) to a State that fails to submit an application
that is approved by the Secretary.
``(e) Application by State.--
``(1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under
this chapter, a State shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require.
``(2) Approval.--The Secretary may not approve an
application under this subsection unless the State submitting
the application--
``(A) presents a plan, which the Secretary
considers to be reasonable, under which the State will
make grants, in accordance with the purposes of this
chapter, to local educational agencies to fund the
hiring of additional school counselors, school
psychologists, and school social workers; and
``(B) provides an assurance that the State will
provide the matching amount required under subsection
(g).
``(f) Use of Funds by State.--
``(1) In general.--In accordance with this subsection, the
total of the amounts made available to a State under this
section and the amounts of the non-Federal match required under
subsection (g) may only be used by a State to make grants to
local educational agencies to assist such agencies in hiring
additional school-based mental health and student service
providers.
``(2) Administrative costs.--In each fiscal year, a State
may use not more than 5 percent of the assistance made
available to it under this chapter for the administrative costs
of the State in carrying out the State's responsibilities under
this chapter.
``(3) Allocation of funds.--In making grants in accordance
with this subsection, the State shall allocate from the total
described in paragraph (1) to each local educational agency an
amount equal to the sum of--
``(A) an amount that bears the same relationship to
50 percent of such total as the number of children in
poverty who reside in the school district served by the
local educational agency bears to the number of such
children who reside in all the school districts in the
State; and
``(B) an amount that bears the same relationship to
50 percent of such total as the number of children
enrolled in public and private nonprofit elementary
schools and secondary schools in the school district
served by the local educational agency bears to the
number of children enrolled in all such schools in the
State.
``(4) Minimum grant.--Notwithstanding paragraph (3), no
grant made by a State in accordance with this subsection shall
be for an amount less than $50,000.
``(5) Source of data.--For purposes of paragraph (3), the
State shall use data from the most recent fiscal year for which
satisfactory data are available, except that the State may
adjust such data, or use alternative child poverty data, if the
State demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that such
adjusted or alternative data more accurately reflect the
relative incidence of children who are living in poverty and
who reside in the school districts in the State.
``(6) Application by local educational agencies.--A State
may require that, in order to be eligible for a grant made by
the State in accordance with this subsection, a local
educational agency shall submit an application to the State at
such time, in such manner, and containing such information as
the State may require.
``(g) Matching Funds.--
``(1) In general.--As a condition of receiving a grant
under this section, the Secretary shall require that a State
provide from non-Federal sources an amount equal to the amount
of the grant.
``(2) Local contribution.--In making grants to local
educational agencies in accordance with this subsection, a
State may require that a local educational agency match a
portion of the amount of the grant made to the agency.
``(3) Form.--The non-Federal share required by this
subsection may be provided in cash or in kind, fairly
evaluated, and may include facilities, equipment, or services.
``(h) Funds To Be Supplementary.--Assistance made available under
this chapter shall be used to supplement, and may not supplant,
Federal, State, or local funds used for employing school-based mental
health and student service providers.
``(i) Data Collection and Report.--
``(1) In general.--For each fiscal year for which it
receives assistance under this chapter, a State shall collect
data describing how the assistance is used.
``(2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after assistance is
made available to a State under this chapter, the State shall
transmit to the Secretary a report on the data described in
paragraph (1), including information with respect to each local
educational agency to which the State made a grant with
assistance made available under this chapter--
``(A) the number of school counselors, school
psychologists, and school social workers employed by
local educational agency; and
``(B) the ratio of students to school counselors,
the ratio of students to school psychologists, and the
ratio of students to school social workers.
``(3) Source of funds.--A State may use a portion of the
assistance permitted to be used for administrative costs to
carry out its responsibilities under this subsection.
``(4) Publication.--The Secretary shall make data received
under this subsection publicly available on an annual basis.
``SEC. 5549. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter
$100,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2004 through 2008.''.
(b) Clerical Amendments.--The table of contents for the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended
by amending the items relating to subpart 14 of title V to read as
follows:
``Subpart 14--Grants to Improve the Mental Health of Children
``CHAPTER A--SYSTEMS INTEGRATION; PROMOTION OF SCHOOL READINESS
``Sec. 5541. Grants for the integration of schools and mental health
systems.
``Sec. 5542. Promotion of school readiness through early childhood
emotional and social development.
``CHAPTER B--SCHOOL-BASED MENTAL HEALTH AND STUDENT SERVICE PROVIDERS
``Sec. 5545. Findings.
``Sec. 5546. Purposes.
``Sec. 5547. Definitions.
``Sec. 5548. School-based mental health and student service provider
grant program.
``Sec. 5549. Authorization of appropriations.''. | Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a program to assist States and local educational agencies (LEAs) to recruit, train, and hire additional school-based mental health and student service providers, including additional school counselors, psychologists, and social workers (in order to reduce the student-to-counselor ratios nationally, in elementary and secondary schools, to an average of one school counselor for every 250 students, one psychologist for every 1,000 students, and one social worker for every 800 students, as recommended in a report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences relating to schools and health).
Directs the Secretary of Education, after reserving certain funds for schools in outlying areas and schools run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, to make program allotments to States according to a specified formula. Requires States to allocate funds from Federal and State shares of program costs to LEAs according to specified formulae. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make grants to States for assistance in hiring additional school-based mental health and student service providers."} | 3,309 | 208 | 0.478419 | 1.465474 | 0.842863 | 2.872222 | 17.577778 | 0.883333 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Infrastructure Improvement
Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Acquisition.--The term ``acquisition'' includes any
necessary activities for siting a facility, equipment,
structures, or rolling stock by purchase, lease-purchase,
trade, or donation.
(2) Commission.--The term ``Commission'' means the National
Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States
established by section 3(a).
(3) Construction.--The term ``construction'' means--
(A) the design, planning, and erection of new
infrastructure;
(B) the expansion of existing infrastructure;
(C) the reconstruction of an infrastructure project
at an existing site; and
(D) the installation of initial or replacement
infrastructure equipment.
(4) Infrastructure.--
(A) In general.--The term ``infrastructure'' means
a nonmilitary structure or facility, and any equipment
and any nonstructural elements associated with such a
structure or facility.
(B) Inclusions.--The term ``infrastructure''
includes--
(i) a surface transportation facility (such
as a road, bridge, highway, public
transportation facility, and freight and
passenger rail), as the Commission, in
consultation with the National Surface
Transportation Policy and Revenue Study
Commission established by section 1909(b)(1) of
the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient
Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users
(Public Law 109-59; 119 Stat. 1471), determines
to be appropriate;
(ii) a mass transit facility;
(iii) an airport or airway facility;
(iv) a resource recovery facility;
(v) a water supply and distribution system;
(vi) a wastewater collection, conveyance,
or treatment system, and related facilities;
(vii) a stormwater treatment system to
manage, reduce, treat, or reuse municipal
stormwater;
(viii) waterways, locks, dams, and
associated facilities;
(ix) a levee and any related flood damage
reduction facility;
(x) a dock or port; and
(xi) a solid waste disposal facility.
(5) Nonstructural elements.--The term ``nonstructural
elements'' includes --
(A) any feature that preserves and restores a
natural process, a landform (including a floodplain), a
natural vegetated stream side buffer, wetland, or any
other topographical feature that can slow, filter, and
naturally store storm water runoff and flood waters;
(B) any natural design technique that percolates,
filters, stores, evaporates, and detains water close to
the source of the water; and
(C) any feature that minimizes or disconnects
impervious surfaces to slow runoff or allow
precipitation to percolate.
(6) Maintenance.--The term ``maintenance'' means any
regularly scheduled activity, such as a routine repair,
intended to ensure that infrastructure continues to operate
efficiently and as intended.
(7) Rehabilitation.--The term ``rehabilitation'' means an
action to extend the useful life or improve the effectiveness
of existing infrastructure, including--
(A) the correction of a deficiency;
(B) the modernization or replacement of equipment;
(C) the modernization of, or replacement of parts
for, rolling stock relating to infrastructure;
(D) the use of nonstructural elements; and
(E) the removal of infrastructure that is
deteriorated or no longer useful.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION.
(a) Establishment.--There is established a commission to be known
as the ``National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United
States'' to ensure that the infrastructure of the United States--
(1) meets current and future demand;
(2) facilitates economic growth;
(3) is maintained in a manner that ensures public safety;
and
(4) is developed or modified in a sustainable manner.
(b) Membership.--
(1) Composition.--The Commission shall be composed of 8
members, of whom--
(A) 2 members shall be appointed by the President;
(B) 2 members shall be appointed by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives;
(C) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority
leader of the House of Representatives;
(D) 2 members shall be appointed by the majority
leader of the Senate; and
(E) 1 member shall be appointed by the minority
leader of the Senate.
(2) Qualifications.--Each member of the Commission shall--
(A) have experience in 1 or more of the fields of
economics, public administration, civil engineering,
public works, construction, and related design
professions, planning, public investment financing,
environmental engineering, or water resources
engineering; and
(B) represent a cross-section of geographical
regions of the United States.
(3) Date of appointments.--The members of the Commission
shall be appointed under paragraph (1) not later than 90 days
after the enactment of this Act.
(c) Term; Vacancies.--
(1) Term.--A member shall be appointed for the life of the
Commission.
(2) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the Commission--
(A) shall not affect the powers of the Commission;
and
(B) shall be filled, not later than 30 days after
the date on which the vacancy occurs, in the same
manner as the original appointment was made.
(d) 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.
(e) Meetings.--The Commission shall meet at the call of the
Chairperson or the request of the majority of the Commission members.
(f) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Commission shall
constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings.
(g) Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.--The Commission shall select
a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among the members of the
Commission.
SEC. 4. DUTIES.
(a) Study.--
(1) In general.--Not later than February 15, 2009, the
Commission shall complete a study of all matters relating to
the state of the infrastructure of the United States.
(2) Matters to be studied.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
the Commission shall study matters such as--
(A) the capacity of infrastructure to sustain
current and anticipated economic development and
competitiveness, including long-term economic growth,
including the potential return to the United States
economy on investments in new infrastructure as opposed
to investments in existing infrastructure;
(B) the age and condition of public infrastructure
(including congestion and changes in the condition of
that infrastructure as compared with preceding years);
(C) the methods used to finance the construction,
acquisition, rehabilitation, and maintenance of
infrastructure (including general obligation bonds,
tax-credit bonds, revenue bonds, user fees, excise
taxes, direct governmental assistance, and private
investment);
(D) any trends or innovations in methods used to
finance the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation,
and maintenance of infrastructure;
(E) investment requirements, by type of
infrastructure, that are necessary to maintain the
current condition and performance of the infrastructure
and the investment needed (adjusted for inflation and
expressed in real dollars) to improve infrastructure in
the future;
(F) based on the current level of expenditure
(calculated as a percentage of total expenditure and in
constant dollars) by Federal, State, and local
governments--
(i) the projected amount of need the
expenditures will meet 5, 15, 30, and 50 years
after the date of enactment of this Act; and
(ii) the levels of investment requirements,
as identified under subparagraph (E);
(G) any trends or innovations in infrastructure
procurement methods;
(H) any trends or innovations in construction
methods or materials for infrastructure;
(I) the impact of local development patterns on
demand for Federal funding of infrastructure;
(J) the impact of deferred maintenance; and
(K) the collateral impact of deteriorated
infrastructure.
(b) Recommendations.--The Commission shall develop
recommendations--
(1) on a Federal infrastructure plan that will detail
national infrastructure program priorities, including
alternative methods of meeting national infrastructure
investment needs to effectuate balanced economic development;
(2) on infrastructure improvements and methods of
delivering and providing for infrastructure facilities;
(3) for analysis or criteria and procedures that may be
used by Federal agencies and State and local governments in--
(A) inventorying existing and needed infrastructure
improvements;
(B) assessing the condition of infrastructure
improvements;
(C) developing uniform criteria and procedures for
use in conducting the inventories and assessments; and
(D) maintaining publicly accessible data; and
(4) for proposed guidelines for the uniform reporting, by
Federal agencies, of construction, acquisition, rehabilitation,
and maintenance data with respect to infrastructure
improvements.
(c) Statement and Recommendations.--Not later than February 15,
2010, the Commission shall submit to Congress--
(1) a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of
the Commission; and
(2) the recommendations of the Commission under subsection
(b), including recommendations for such legislation and
administrative actions for 5-, 15-, 30-, and 50-year time
periods as the Commission considers to be appropriate.
SEC. 5. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.
(a) Hearings.--The Commission shall hold such hearings, meet and
act at such times and places, take such testimony, administer such
oaths, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable
to carry out this Act.
(b) Information From Federal Agencies.--
(1) In general.--The Commission may secure directly from a
Federal agency such information as the Commission considers
necessary to carry out this Act.
(2) Provision of information.--On request of the
Chairperson of the Commission, the head of the Federal agency
shall provide the information to the Commission.
(c) Gifts.--The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or
donations of services or property.
(d) Contracts.--The Commission may enter into contracts with other
entities, including contracts under which 1 or more entities, with the
guidance of the Commission, conduct the study required under section
4(a).
(e) Postal Services.--The Commission may use the United States
mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other
agencies of the Federal Government.
SEC. 6. COMMISSION PERSONNEL MATTERS.
(a) Compensation of Members.--A member of the Commission shall
serve without pay, but shall be allowed a per diem allowance for travel
expenses, 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.
(b) Staff.--
(1) 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.
(2) Confirmation of executive director.--The employment of
an executive director shall be subject to confirmation by a
majority of the members of 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.--In no event shall any
employee of the Commission (other than the executive
director) receive as compensation an amount in excess
of the maximum rate of pay for Executive Level IV under
section 5315 of title 5, United States Code.
(c) Detail of Federal Government Employees.--
(1) In general.--An employee of the Federal Government may
be detailed to the Commission without reimbursement.
(2) Civil service status.--The detail of a Federal employee
shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status
or privilege.
(d) Procurement of Temporary and Intermittent Services.--On request
of the Commission, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief
of Engineers, shall provide, on a reimbursable basis, such office
space, supplies, equipment, and other support services to the
Commission and staff of the Commission as are necessary for the
Commission to carry out the duties of the Commission under this Act.
SEC. 7. REPORTS.
(a) Interim Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the
initial meeting of the Commission, the Commission shall submit an
interim report containing a detailed summary of the progress of the
Commission, including meetings and hearings conducted during the
interim period, to--
(1) the President;
(2) the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and
Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and
(3) the Committees on Environment and Public Works, Energy
and Natural Resources, and Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
(b) Final Report.--On termination of the Commission under section
9, the Commission shall submit a final report containing a detailed
statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission and
recommendations for legislation and other policies to implement those
findings and conclusions, to--
(1) the President;
(2) the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and
Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and
(3) the Committees on Environment and Public Works, Energy
and Natural Resources, and Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
(c) Transparency.--A report submitted under subsection (a) or (b)
shall be made available to the public electronically, in a user-
friendly format, including on the Internet.
SEC. 8. FUNDING.
For each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010, upon request by the
Commission--
(1) using amounts made available to the Secretary of
Transportation from any source or account other than the
Highway Trust Fund, the Secretary of Transportation shall
transfer to the Commission $750,000 for use in carrying out
this Act;
(2) using amounts from the General Expenses account of the
Corps of Engineers (other than amounts in that account made
available through the Department of Defense), the Secretary of
the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, shall transfer
to the Commission $250,000 for use in carrying out this Act;
and
(3) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency shall transfer to the Commission $250,000 for use in
carrying out this Act.
SEC. 9. TERMINATION OF COMMISSION.
The Commission shall terminate on September 30, 2010.
Passed the Senate August 2, 2007.
Attest:
NANCY ERICKSON,
Secretary. | National Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Establishes the National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States to ensure that U.S. infrastructure meets current and future demand, facilitates economic growth, is maintained in a manner that ensures public safety, and is developed or modified in a sustainable manner.
(Sec. 4) Requires the Commission to study the state of U.S. infrastructure, including: (1) the capacity of infrastructure to sustain economic development and competitiveness; (2) the age and condition of public infrastructure; (3) the methods used to finance the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, and maintenance of infrastructure; (4) investment requirements needed to maintain and to improve infrastructure and the projected need of investment requirements and expenditures by federal, state, and local governments; (5) the impact of local development patterns on demand for federal funding of infrastructure; (6) the impact of deferred maintenance; and (7) the collateral impact of deteriorated infrastructure.
Directs the Commission to develop recommendations regarding: (1) a federal infrastructure plan that will detail national infrastructure program priorities; (2) infrastructure improvements and methods of delivering and providing for infrastructure facilities; (3) analysis or criteria and procedures that may be used by federal agencies and state and local governments in inventorying existing and needed infrastructure improvements, assessing the condition of improvements, developing uniform criteria and procedures, and maintaining publicly accessible data; and (4) proposed guidelines for the uniform reporting by federal agencies of data regarding infrastructure improvements.
(Sec. 7) Requires the Commission to submit an interim report and a final report to the President and to specified congressional committees.
(Sec. 8) Makes funds available for each of FY2008-FY2010, at the Commission's request, from sums made available to the Secretary of Transportation (from any source other than the Highway Trust Fund), from the Corps of Engineers' General Expenses account, and from the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
(Sec. 9) Terminates the Commission on September 30, 2010. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to establish a National Commission on the Infrastructure of the United States."} | 3,200 | 430 | 0.542751 | 1.642074 | 0.702697 | 4.025 | 7.6825 | 0.95 |
290 (106 Congress) is repealed.
(d) Expiration.--
(1) Gramm-rudman-hollings.--Section 275(b) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 900
note) is amended--
(A) by striking ``2002'' and inserting ``2007'';
and
(B) by striking ``2006'' and inserting ``2011''.
(2) Congressional budget act.--Section 904(e) of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C. 621 note) is amended
by striking ``2002'' and inserting ``2007''.
SEC. 3. EXTENSION OF PAY-AS-YOU-GO REQUIREMENT.
Section 252 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control
Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 902) is amended --
(1) in subsections (a) and (b)(1), by striking ``enacted
before October 1, 2002,'' and inserting ``enacted before
October 1, 2007''; and
(2) in subsection (b) by inserting at the end thereof the
following:
``(3) Exception.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, there shall be no sequestration under this section for any
fiscal year in which a surplus exists (as measured in
conformance with section 13301 of the Budget Enforcement Act of
1990).''.
SEC. 4. POINT OF ORDER TO REQUIRE COMPLIANCE WITH THE DISCRETIONARY
SPENDING LIMITS AND PAY-AS-YOU-GO.
Section 312(b) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (2 U.S.C.
643(b)) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Discretionary Spending Limit And Pay-As-You-Go Point of Order
in the Senate.--
``(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in
paragraph (6), it shall not be in order in the Senate to
consider any bill or resolution or any separate provision of a
bill or resolution (or amendment, motion, or conference report
on that bill or resolution) that would--
``(A) exceed any of the discretionary spending
limits set forth in section 251(c) of the Balanced
Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 or any
suballocation of such limits among subcommittees under
section 302(b); or
``(B) for direct spending or revenue legislation,
would cause or increase a deficit (as measured in
conformance with section 13301 of the Budget
Enforcement Act of 1990) for any one of the following
three applicable time periods:
``(i) the first year covered by the most
recently adopted concurrent resolution on the
budget;
``(ii) the period of the first 5 fiscal
years covered by the most recently adopted
concurrent resolution on the budget; or
``(iii) the period of the 5 fiscal years
following the first five fiscal years covered
in the most recently adopted concurrent
resolution on the budget.
``(2) Budget resolutions.--Except as otherwise provided in
paragraph (6), it shall not be in order in the Senate to
consider any concurrent resolution on the budget (or amendment,
motion, or conference report on that concurrent resolution)
that would exceed any of the discretionary spending limits set
forth in section 251(c) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985.
``(3) Point of order against a specific provision.--If the
Presiding Officer sustains a point of order under paragraph (1)
with respect to any separate provision of a bill or resolution,
that provision shall be stricken from the measure and may not
be offered as an amendment from the floor.
``(4) Form of the point of order.--A point of order under
this section may be raised by a Senator as provided in section
313(e).
``(5) Conference reports.--If a point of order is sustained
under this section against a conference report the report shall
be disposed of as provided in section 313(d).
``(6) Exceptions.--This subsection shall not apply if a
declaration of war by the Congress is in effect or if a joint
resolution pursuant to section 258 of the Balanced Budget and
Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 has been enacted.''.
SEC. 5. ENFORCEMENT AGAINST BUDGET EVASION.
(a) In General.--Title III of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974
is amended by inserting at the end the following:
``budget evasion point of order
``Sec. 316. (a) Discretionary Spending Limits.--It shall not be in
order to consider any bill or resolution (or amendment, motion, or
conference report on that bill or resolution) that waives or suspends
the enforcement of section 251 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency
Deficit Control Act of 1985 or otherwise would alter the spending
limits set forth in that section.
``(b) Pay-As-You-Go.--It shall not be in order to consider any bill
or resolution (or amendment, motion, or conference report on that bill
or resolution) that waives or suspends the enforcement of section 252
of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 or
otherwise would alter the balances of the pay-as-you-go scorecard
pursuant to that section.
``(c) Directed Scoring.--It shall not be in order in the Senate to
consider any bill or resolution (or amendment, motion, or conference
report on that bill or resolution) that directs the scorekeeping of any
bill or resolution.
``(d) Waiver and Appeal.--This section may be waived or suspended
in the Senate only by an affirmative vote of three-fifths of the
Members, duly chosen and sworn. An affirmative vote of three-fifths of
the Members of the Senate, duly chosen and sworn, shall be required in
the Senate to sustain an appeal of the ruling of the Chair on a point
of order raised under this section.''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for the Congressional
Budget Act of 1974 is amended by inserting after the item for section
315 the following:
``316. Budget evasion point of order.''. | Budget Enforcement Act of 2002 - Amends the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 to extend through FY 2007 the discretionary spending limits (spending caps) for specified nondefense categories in new budget authority and outlays.Extends the provisions of such Act for an additional five years, including the pay-as-you-go requirement. Prohibits sequestration in any surplus year.Amends the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 concerning budget evasion points of order against legislation which evades specified budget enforcement mechanisms such as the discretionary spending limits, pay-as-you-go, and directed scoring. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to extend and strengthen procedures to maintain fiscal accountability and responsibility."} | 1,433 | 140 | 0.543902 | 1.342024 | 0.641561 | 3.225225 | 11.207207 | 0.792793 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Investing in Our Children's Health
Act of 1998''.
SEC. 2. EXCLUSION FROM GROSS INCOME FOR DIVIDENDS FROM TOBACCO
COMPANIES WHICH MEET YOUTH SMOKING REDUCTION TARGETS.
(a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to items specifically excluded
from gross income) is amended by inserting after section 115 the
following new section:
``SEC. 116. DIVIDENDS FROM TOBACCO COMPANIES WHICH ACHIEVE YOUTH
SMOKING REDUCTION TARGETS.
``(a) In General.--In the case of an individual, gross income does
not include any dividend paid by a corporation to the extent such
dividend is attributable to qualifying earnings and profits.
``(b) Qualifying Earnings and Profits.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of this section, the term
`qualifying earnings and profits' means earnings and profits--
``(A) which are from the manufacture in, or the
importation into, the United States of any tobacco
product, and
``(B) which are for any taxable year beginning in a
calendar year with respect to which there has been a
reduction in the underage use of such product of not
less than the applicable percentage of the baseline
level.
``(2) Applicable percentage.--For purposes of subparagraph
(A), the applicable percentage for any taxable year is the
applicable percentage determined under the following table for
the calendar year in which such taxable year begins.
Applicable
Calendar year: percentage:
2002.......................................... 10
2003.......................................... 20
2004.......................................... 30
2005.......................................... 40
2006.......................................... 50
2007.......................................... 60
2008.......................................... 70
2009.......................................... 80
2010 or thereafter............................ 90.
``(c) Youth Smoking Reduction Target.--For purposes of this
section, the baseline level for any tobacco product manufactured or
imported by any corporation, and whether the requirement of subsection
(b)(2) has been met, shall be determined by the Secretary of Health and
Human Services in accordance with section 3 of the Investing in Our
Children's Health Act of 1998.
``(d) Special Rules.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) A dividend from a regulated investment company shall
be subject to the limitation prescribed in section 854(c).
``(2) The amount of dividends properly allocable to a
beneficiary under section 652 or 662 shall be deemed to have
been received by the beneficiary ratably on the same date that
the dividends were received by the estate or trust.
``(e) Certain Nonresident Aliens Ineligible for Exclusion.--In the
case of a nonresident alien individual, subsection (a) shall apply
only--
``(1) in determining the tax imposed for the taxable year
pursuant to section 871(b)(1) and only in respect of dividends
which are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or
business within the United States, or
``(2) in determining the tax imposed for the taxable year
pursuant to section 877(b).''
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subsection (c) of section 584 of such Code is amended
by adding at the end the following new sentence:
``The proportionate share of each participant in the amount of
dividends received by the common trust fund and to which section 116
applies shall be considered for purposes of such section as having been
received by such participant.''
(2) Subsection (a) of section 643 of such Code is amended
by inserting after paragraph (7) the following new paragraph:
``(8) Dividends.--There shall be included the amount of any
dividends excluded from gross income pursuant to section 116.''
(3) Section 854 of such Code is amended by adding at the
end the following new subsection:
``(c) Treatment Under Section 116.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of section 116, in the case
of any dividend (other than a dividend described in subsection
(a)) received from a regulated investment company which meets
the requirements of section 852 for the taxable year in which
it paid the dividend, a portion of such dividend shall be
treated as excludable under section 116 based on the portion of
the company's gross income (determined without regard to gain
from the sale or other disposition of stock or securities)
which consists of dividends which are so excludable.
``(2) Notice to shareholders.--The amount of any
distribution by a regulated investment company which may be
taken into account as a dividend for purposes of the exclusion
under section 116 shall not exceed the amount so designated by
the company in a written notice to its shareholders mailed not
later than 45 days after the close of its taxable year.''
(4) The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of
chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 115 the following new item:
``Sec. 116. Dividends from tobacco
companies which achieve youth
smoking reduction targets.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to taxable years beginning after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. CHILD TOBACCO USE SURVEYS.
(a) Annual Performance Survey.--Not later than October 1, 1999, and
annually thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
(hereafter in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall
conduct a survey to determine--
(1) the percentage of all young individuals who used a type
of tobacco product within the 30-day period prior to the
conduct of the survey; and
(2) the percentage of young individuals who identify each
brand of each type of tobacco product as the usual brand smoked
or used within such 30-day period.
(b) Young Individuals.--For the purposes of this section, the term
``young individuals'' means individuals who are under 18 years of age.
(c) Baseline Level.--
(1) In general.--For the purposes of this section, the term
``baseline level'' means, with respect to each type of tobacco
product, the percentage of young individuals determined to have
used such tobacco products in the annual performance survey
described in subsection (a) completed by October 1, 1999.
(2) Manufacturer's baseline level.--For the purposes of
this section, the term ``manufacturer's baseline level'' means,
with respect to each type of tobacco product, the percentage of
young individuals determined to have identified a brand of each
such tobacco product of such manufacturer as the usual brand
smoked or used in the annual performance survey described in
subsection (a) completed by October 1, 1999.
(3) Use of certain data or methodology.--
(A) In general.--For purposes of determining the
percentages under paragraphs (1) and (2), the Secretary
may use the data collected through national surveys of
young individuals. Such surveys shall--
(i) be based on a nationally representative
sample of at least 20,000 completed interviews
of young individuals;
(ii) be on a household-based in person
survey;
(iii) measure the use of tobacco product
within the past 30 days;
(iv) identify the usual brand of each type
of tobacco product used within the past 30
days; and
(v) calculate the actual percentage
reductions in the underage use of a type of
tobacco product (or, in the case of the
manufacturer-specific surcharge, the use of a
type of tobacco product of a manufacturer)
based on the point estimates from the annual
performance survey.
For purposes of clause (iv), point estimates shall be
deemed acceptable for measuring compliance with
percentage reduction targets and for calculating
surcharges if the precision of estimates of the
proportion of young individuals reporting the use of a
type of tobacco product (or, in the case of the
manufacturer-specific surcharge, the use of a type of
tobacco product of a manufacturer) for the purpose of
measuring compliance with percentage reduction targets and calculating
surcharges without regard to the 95 percent confidence interval around
such point estimates if the precision of estimates of the percentage of
young individuals reporting use of a type of tobacco product (or, in
the case of the manufacturer-specific surcharge, the use of a type of
tobacco product of a manufacturer) is such that the 95 percent
confidence interval around such point estimates is no more than plus or
minus 1 percent.
(B) Conclusive accurateness.--A survey using the
methodology described in subparagraph (A) shall be
deemed conclusively proper, correct, and accurate for
purposes of this Act. The Secretary may, by notice and
comment rulemaking, subsequently adopt a different
survey methodology.
(C) Final determination.--The determination of the
Secretary as to the amount and allocation of the
surcharge under this section shall be final and the
manufacturer shall pay such surcharge within 30 days of
the date on which the manufacturer is assessed. Such
payment shall be retained by the Secretary pending
final judicial review of what, if any, change in the
surcharge is appropriate.
(D) Review.--The amount of any surcharge paid under
this section shall be subject to judicial review by the
United States Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia Circuit, based on the arbitrary and capricious
standard of section 706 of title 5, United States Code.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no court
shall have the authority to stay any surcharge payment
due to the Secretary under this section pending
judicial review until the Secretary has made or failed
to make a compliance determination, as described under
this section, that has adversely affected the person
seeking the review.
(E) Nonapplicability.--Chapter 35 of title 44,
United States Code, shall not apply to information
required for the purposes of carrying out this
subsection.
(F) Amendment to public health service act.--
Section 308(d) of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 242m(d)) is amended--
(i) by inserting after ``or 307'' the
following: ``, or a survey conducted under
section 132 of the KIDS Act,''; and
(ii) by inserting after ``or 306'' the
following: ``, or in the course of a survey
conducted under section 132 of the KIDS Act,''.
(d) Administration.--
(1) Technical adjustments.--The Secretary may make
technical changes in the manner in which the surveys are
conducted under this section to reflect improved methodology so
long as adjustments are made to ensure that the results of the
surveys are comparable from year to year.
(2) Participation in survey.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, the Secretary may conduct a survey under this
section involving minors if the results of such survey with
respect to such minors are kept confidential and not disclosed.
(e) Tobacco Product.--For the purposes of this section, cigarettes,
cigars, little cigars, snuff, chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, and roll-
your-own tobacco shall each be considered as a separate type of tobacco
product. | Investing in Our Children's Health Act of 1998 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from an individual's gross income any income from dividends paid by a tobacco company which meets specified youth smoking reduction targets.
Provides for annual child tobacco use surveys. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Investing in Our Children's Health Act of 1998"} | 2,513 | 59 | 0.523831 | 1.139599 | 1.033533 | 3 | 46.591837 | 0.918367 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Antitrust Health Care Advancement
Act of 1996''.
SEC. 2. APPLICATION OF ANTITRUST RULE OF REASON TO HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
NETWORKS.
(a) Rule of Reason Standard.--In any action under the antitrust
laws, or under any State law similar to the antitrust laws--
(1) the conduct of a health care provider in exchanging
with 1 or more other health care providers information relating
to costs, sales, profitability, marketing, prices, or fees of
any health care service if--
(A) the exchange of such information is solely for
the purpose of establishing a health care provider
network and is reasonably required for such purpose,
and
(B) such information is not used for any other
purpose,
(2) the conduct of a health care provider network
(including any health care provider who is a member of such
network and who is acting on behalf of such network) in
negotiating, making, or performing a contract (including the
establishment and modification of a fee schedule and the
development of a panel of physicians), to the extent such
contract is for the purpose of providing health care services
to individuals under the terms of a health benefit plan, and
(3) the conduct of any member of such network for the
purpose of providing such health care services under such
contract to such extent,
shall not be deemed illegal per se. Such conduct shall be judged on the
basis of its reasonableness, taking into account all relevant factors
affecting competition, including the effects on competition in properly
defined markets.
(b) Definitions.--For purposes of subsection (a):
(1) Antitrust laws.--The term ``antitrust laws'' has the
meaning given it in subsection (a) of the first section of the
Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 12), except that such term includes
section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) to
the extent that such section 5 applies to unfair methods of
competition.
(2) Health benefit plan.--The term ``health benefit plan''
means--
(A) a hospital or medical expense-incurred policy
or certificate,
(B) a hospital or medical service plan contract,
(C) a health maintenance subscriber contract, or
(D) a multiple employer welfare arrangement or
employee benefit plan (as defined under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974).
Such term includes a contract to provide health care services
under section 1876 or 1903(m) of the Social Security Act.
(3) Health care provider.--The term ``health care
provider'' means any individual or entity that is engaged in
the delivery of health care services in a State and that is
required by State law or regulation to be licensed or certified
by the State to engage in the delivery of such services in the
State.
(4) Health care service.--The term ``health care service''
means any health care service for which payment may be made
under a health benefit plan, including services related to the
delivery or administration of such service.
(5) Health care provider network.--The term ``health care
provider network'' means an organization that--
(A) is organized by, operated by, and composed of
members who are health care providers and for purposes
that include providing health care services,
(B) is funded in part by capital contributions made
by the members of such organization,
(C) with respect to each contract made by such
organization for the purpose of providing a type of
health care service to individuals under the terms of a
health benefit plan--
(i) requires all members of such
organization who engage in providing such type
of health care service to agree to provide
health care services of such type under such
contract,
(ii) receives the compensation paid for the
health care services of such type provided
under such contract by such members, and
(iii) provides for the distribution of such
compensation,
(D) has established a program to review, pursuant
to written guidelines, the quality, efficiency, and
appropriateness of treatment methods and setting of
services for all health care providers and all patients
participating in such health benefit plan, along with
internal procedures to correct identified deficiencies
relating to such methods and such services,
(E) has established a program to monitor and
control utilization of health care services provided
under such health benefit plan, for the purpose of
improving efficient, appropriate care and eliminating
the provision of unnecessary health care services,
(F) has established a management program to
coordinate the delivery of health care services for all
health care providers and all patients participating in
such health benefit plan, for the purpose of achieving
efficiencies and enhancing the quality of health care
services provided, and
(G) has established a grievance and appeal process
for such organization designed to review and promptly
resolve beneficiary or patient grievances and
complaints.
(6) State.--The term ``State'' has the meaning given it in
section 4G(2) of the Clayton Act (15 U.S.C. 15g(2)).
SEC. 3. ISSUANCE OF GUIDELINES.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission jointly
shall issue guidelines specifying the enforcement policies and
analytical principles that will be applied by the Department of Justice
and the Commission with respect to the operation of section 2. | Antitrust Health Care Advancement Act of 1996 - Provides that the following activities shall not be deemed illegal per se in any action under the Federal antitrust laws or similar State law, but shall be judged based on reasonableness: (1) the exchange of information relating to costs, sales, profitability, marketing, prices, or fees of any health care service health care providers solely for, and reasonably required for, establishing a health care provider network (HCPN); (2) the conduct of an HCPN in negotiating, making, or performing a contract for providing health care services to individuals under the terms of a health benefit plan; and (3) the conduct of any HCPN member for the purpose of providing such services under such contract.
Directs the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission to jointly issue guidelines specifying the enforcement policies and analytical principles that will be applied by the Department of Justice and the Commission with respect to the operation of this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Antitrust Health Care Advancement Act of 1996"} | 1,150 | 200 | 0.616137 | 1.893077 | 1.024582 | 5.627027 | 6.07027 | 0.935135 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria
Education Relief Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. ALLOCATION AND USE OF CAMPUS-BASED HIGHER EDUCATION ASSISTANCE.
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Affected area.--The term ``affected area'' means an area
for which the President declared a major disaster or an emergency
under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford
Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 and
5191) as a result of Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane
Maria, Tropical Storm Harvey, Tropical Storm Irma, or Tropical
Storm Maria.
(2) Affected student.--The term ``affected student'' means an
individual who has applied for or received student financial
assistance under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1070 et seq.), and who--
(A) was enrolled or accepted for enrollment on August 25,
2017, at an institution of higher education that is located in
an affected area;
(B) is a dependent student who was enrolled or accepted for
enrollment on August 25, 2017, at an institution of higher
education that is not located in an affected area, but whose
parent or parents resided or was employed on August 25, 2017,
in an affected area; or
(C) suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of
Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria, Tropical
Storm Harvey, Tropical Storm Irma, or Tropical Storm Maria, as
determined by the Secretary.
(3) Institution of higher education.--The term ``institution of
higher education'' has the meaning given the term in section 102 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Education.
(b) Waivers.--
(1) Waiver of non-federal share requirement.--Notwithstanding
sections 413C(a)(2) and 443(b)(5) of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070b-2(a)(2) and 1087-53(b)(5)), with respect to
funds made available for award years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018--
(A) in the case of an institution of higher education that
is located in an affected area, the Secretary shall waive the
requirement that a participating institution of higher
education provide a non-Federal share to match Federal funds
provided to the institution for the programs authorized
pursuant to subpart 3 of part A and part C of title IV of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070b et seq. and 1087-
51 et seq.); and
(B) in the case of an institution of higher education that
is not located in an affected area but has enrolled or accepted
for enrollment any affected students, the Secretary may waive
the non-Federal share requirement described in subparagraph (A)
after considering the institution's student population and
existing resources.
(2) Waiver of reallocation rules.--
(A) Authority to reallocate.--Notwithstanding sections
413D(d) and 442(d) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1070b-3(d) and 1087-52(d)), the Secretary shall--
(i) reallocate any funds returned under such section
413D or 442 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 that were
allocated to institutions of higher education for award
year 2016-2017 to an institution of higher education that
is eligible under subparagraph (B); and
(ii) waive the allocation reduction for award year
2018-2019 for an institution of higher education that is
eligible under subparagraph (B) returning more than 10
percent of its allocation under such section 413D or 442 of
the Higher Education Act of 1965 for award year 2017-2018.
(B) Institutions eligible for reallocation.--An institution
of higher education is eligible under this subparagraph if the
institution--
(i) participates in the program for which excess
allocations are being reallocated; and
(ii)(I) is located in an affected area; or
(II) has enrolled or accepted for enrollment any
affected students in award year 2017-2018.
(C) Basis of reallocation.--The Secretary shall--
(i) determine the manner in which excess allocations
will be reallocated pursuant to this paragraph; and
(ii) give preference in making reallocations to the
needs of institutions of higher education located in an
affected area.
(D) Additional waiver authority.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, in order to carry out this paragraph, the
Secretary may waive or modify any statutory or regulatory
provision relating to the reallocation of excess allocations
under subpart 3 of part A or part C of title IV of the Higher
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070b et seq. and 1087-51 et
seq.) in order to ensure that assistance is received by
institutions of higher education that are eligible under
subparagraph (B).
(3) Availability of funds date extension.--Notwithstanding any
other provision of law--
(A) any funds available to the Secretary under sections
413A and 441 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1070b and 1087-51) for which the period of availability would
otherwise expire on September 30, 2017, shall be available for
obligation by the Secretary until September 30, 2018, for the
purposes of the programs authorized pursuant to subpart 3 of
part A and part C of title IV of the Higher Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070b et seq. and 1087-51 et seq.); and
(B) the Secretary may recall any funds allocated to an
institution of higher education for award year 2016-2017 under
section 413D or 442 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1070b-3 and 1087-52), that, if not returned to the
Secretary as excess allocations pursuant to either of those
sections, would otherwise lapse on September 30, 2017, and
reallocate those funds in accordance with paragraph (2)(A).
(c) Emergency Requirement.--This section is designated as an
emergency requirement pursuant to section 4(g) of the Statutory Pay-As-
You-Go Act of 2010 (title I of Public Law 111-139; 2 U.S.C. 933(g)).
(d) Report.--Not later than October 1, 2018, the Secretary shall
submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the
House of Representatives information on--
(1) the total volume of assistance received by each eligible
institution of higher education under subsection (b)(2); and
(2) the total volume of the non-Federal share waived for each
institution of higher education under subsection (b)(1).
(e) Sunset.--The provisions of subsection (b) shall cease to be
effective on September 30, 2018.
SEC. 3. PROJECT SERV AND EQUITABLE SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND TEACHERS
IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
Section 8501(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7881(b)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'';
(2) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) section 4631, with regard to Project SERV.''.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | . The expanded summary of the Senate passed version is repeated here.) Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Education Relief Act of 2017 (Sec. 2) This bill provides educational relief in areas for which the President has declared a major disaster or an emergency as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, or Maria or Tropical Storms Harvey, Irma, or Maria (affected areas). In the case of an institution of higher education (IHE) that is located in an affected area, the Department of Education (ED) must waive matching fund requirements under the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG) or the Federal Work-Study Program (FWS). In the case of an IHE that is not located in an affected area but has enrolled or accepted for enrollment students affected by the hurricanes or tropical storms, ED may waive the matching fund requirements under FSEOG or FWS. The waivers apply to funds made available for award years 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. Affected students are individuals who have applied for or received student financial assistance under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and: (1) who were enrolled or accepted for enrollment on August 25, 2017, at IHEs that are located in affected areas; (2) who are dependent students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment on that date at IHEs that are not located in affected areas, but whose parents resided or were employed on that date in affected areas; or (3) who suffered direct economic hardship as a direct result of the hurricanes or tropical storms. If IHEs return FSEOG and FWS funds that were allocated for award year 2016-2017, then ED must reallocate the remaining funds to affected IHEs. The bill extends until September 30, 2018, the deadline for ED to obligate funds for FSEOG or FWS. The bill terminates ED's waiver authority on September 30, 2018. (Sec. 3) In addition, the bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require Project School Emergency Response to Violence grants to be distributed to private schools on an equitable basis. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria Education Relief Act of 2017"} | 1,745 | 461 | 0.607114 | 1.956335 | 0.714787 | 3.329238 | 3.727273 | 0.818182 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Private Activity Renewable Energy
Bonds Act''.
SEC. 2. TREATMENT OF BONDS ISSUED TO FINANCE RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCE
FACILITIES AND CONSERVATION AND EFFICIENCY FACILITIES AND
OTHER SPECIFIED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION TECHNOLOGIES.
(a) In General.--Section 142(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of paragraph (14), by
striking the period at the end of paragraph (15) and inserting a comma,
and by inserting after paragraph (15) the following new paragraphs:
``(16) renewable energy resource facilities,
``(17) conservation and efficiency facilities and projects,
or
``(18) high efficiency vehicles and related facilities or
projects.''.
(b) Renewable Energy Resource Facility.--Section 142 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(n) Renewable Energy Resource Facilities.--For purposes of
subsection (a)(16)--
``(1) In general.--The term `renewable energy resource
facility' means--
``(A) any facility used to produce electric or
thermal energy (including a distributed generation
facility) from--
``(i) solar, wind, or geothermal energy,
``(ii) marine and hydrokinetic renewable
energy,
``(iii) incremental hydropower,
``(iv) biogas and solids produced in the
wastewater treatment process, or
``(v) biomass (as defined in section
203(b)(1) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 15852(b)(1))),
``(B) any facility used to produce biogas, or
``(C) any facility or project used for the
manufacture of facilities referred to in subparagraph
(A) or (B).
``(2) Special requirements for facilities producing
biogas.--
``(A) In general.--A facility shall not be treated
as described in paragraph (1)(B), unless the biogas
produced--
``(i) is of pipeline quality and
distributed into a vehicle for transportation
or into an intrastate, interstate, or LDC
pipeline system, or
``(ii) is used to produce onsite
electricity or hydrogen fuel for use in
vehicular or stationary fuel cell applications
and has a British thermal unit content of at
least 500 per cubic foot.
``(B) Pipeline quality.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A)(i), with respect to biogas, the term
`pipeline quality' means biogas with a British thermal
unit content of at least 930 per cubic foot.
``(3) Definitions.--For purposes of this subsection--
``(A) Geothermal energy.--The term `geothermal
energy' means energy derived from a geothermal deposit
(within the meaning of section 613(e)(2)) or from
geothermal heat pumps.
``(B) Marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy.--
The term `marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy' has
the meaning given such term in section 45(c)(10).
``(C) Incremental hydropower.--The term
`incremental hydropower' means additional energy
generated as a result of efficiency improvements or
capacity additions to existing hydropower facilities
made on or after the date of enactment of this
subsection. The term `incremental hydropower' does not
include additional energy generated as a result of
operational changes not directly associated with
efficiency improvements or capacity additions.
``(D) Biogas.--The term `biogas' means a gaseous
fuel derived from landfill, municipal solid waste, food
waste, wastewater or biosolids, or biomass (as defined
in section 203(b)(1) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
(42 U.S.C. 15852(b))).
``(4) Special rules for energy loan tax assessment
financing.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of any renewable
recovery energy resource facility provided from the
proceeds of a bond secured by any tax assessment loan
upon real property, the term `facility' in paragraph
(1) includes--
``(i) a prepayment for the principal
purpose of purchasing electricity from
renewable energy resource property, and
``(ii) a prepayment of a lease or license
of such property, but only if the prepayment
agreement provides that it shall not be
canceled prior to the expiration of the tax
assessment loan.
``(B) Tax assessment loan.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), the term `tax assessment loan' shall
mean a governmental assessment, special tax, or similar
charge upon real property.''.
(c) Conservation and Efficiency Facility or Project.--Section 142
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by subsection (b), is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(o) Conservation and Efficiency Facilities and Projects.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of subsection (a)(17), the
term `conservation and efficiency facility or project' means--
``(A) any facility used for the conservation or the
efficient use of energy, including energy efficient
retrofitting of existing buildings, or for the
efficient storage, transmission, or distribution of
energy, including any facility or project designed to
implement smart grid technologies (as described in
title XIII of the Energy Independence and Security Act
of 2007, or individual components of such technologies
as listed in section 1301 of such Act),
``(B) any facility used for the conservation of or
the efficient use of water, including--
``(i) any facility or project designed to--
``(I) reduce the demand for water,
``(II) improve efficiency in use
and reduce losses and waste of water,
including water reuse, and
``(III) improve land management
practices to conserve water, or
``(ii) any individual component of a
facility or project referred to in clause (i),
or
``(C) any facility or project used for the
manufacture of facilities referred to in subparagraphs
(A) and (B).
For purposes of subparagraph (B)(i), facility or project does
not include any facility or project that stores water.
``(2) Special rules for energy loan tax assessment
financing.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of any conservation
and efficiency facility or project provided from the
proceeds of a bond secured by any tax assessment loan
upon real property, the term `facility' in paragraph
(1)(A) includes--
``(i) a prepayment for the principal
purpose of purchasing electricity from
conservation and efficiency property, and
``(ii) a prepayment of a lease or license
of such property, but only if the prepayment
agreement provides that it shall not be
canceled prior to the expiration of the tax
assessment loan.
``(B) Tax assessment loan.--For purposes of
subparagraph (A), the term `tax assessment loan' shall
mean a governmental assessment, special tax or similar
charge upon real property.''.
(d) High Efficiency Vehicles and Related Facilities or Projects.--
Section 142 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by
subsections (b) and (c), is amended by adding at the end the following
new subsection:
``(p) High Efficiency Vehicles and Related Facilities or
Projects.--For purposes of subsection (a)(18)--
``(1) High efficiency vehicles.--The term `high efficiency
vehicle' means any vehicle that will exceed by at least 150
percent the average combined fuel economy for vehicles with
substantially similar attributes in the model year in which the
production of such vehicle is expected to begin at the
facility.
``(2) Facilities related to high efficiency vehicles.--A
facility or project is related to a high efficiency vehicle if
the facility is any real or personal property to be used in the
design, technology transfer, manufacture, production, assembly,
distribution, recharging or refueling, or service of high
efficiency vehicles.''.
(e) National Limitation on Amount of Renewable Energy Bonds.--
Section 142 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended by
subsections (b), (c), and (d), is amended by adding at the end the
following new subsection:
``(q) National Limitation on Amount of Renewable Energy Bonds.--
``(1) In general.--An issue shall not be treated as an
issue described in paragraph (16), (17), or (18) of subsection
(a) if the aggregate face amount of bonds issued by the State
pursuant thereto (when added to the aggregate face amount of
bonds previously so issued during the calendar year) exceeds
the amount allocated to the State by the Secretary under
paragraph (2) for such calendar year.
``(2) Allocation rules.--
``(A) Allocation among states by population.--The
Secretary shall allocate authority to issue bonds
described in paragraph (16), (17), or (18) of
subsection (a) to each State by population for each
calendar year in an aggregate amount to all States not
to exceed $2,500,000,000.
``(B) State allocation.--The State may allocate the
amount allocated to the State under subparagraph (A)
for any calendar year among facilities or projects
described in paragraphs (16), (17), and (18) of
subsection (a) in such manner as the State determines
appropriate.
``(C) Unused renewable energy bond carryover to be
allocated among qualified states.--
``(i) In general.--Any unused bond
allocation for any State for any calendar year
under subparagraph (A) shall carryover to the
succeeding calendar year and be assigned to the
Secretary for allocation among qualified States
for the succeeding calendar year.
``(ii) Unused bond allocation carryover.--
For purposes of this subparagraph, unused bond
allocations are bond allocations described in
subparagraph (A) of any State which remain
unused by November 1 of any calendar year.
``(iii) Formula for allocation of unused
bond allocation carryovers among qualified
states.--The amount allocated under this
subparagraph to a qualified State for any
calendar year shall bear the same ratio to all
States from the preceding calendar year under
subparagraph (A), excluding States which are
not a qualified State.
``(iv) Timing of allocation.--The Secretary
shall allocate the unused bond allocation
carried over from the preceding year among
qualified States not later than March 1 of the
succeeding year.
``(v) Qualified state.--For purposes of
this subparagraph, the term `qualified State'
means, with respect to a calendar year, any
State--
``(I) which allocated its entire
bond allocation under subparagraph (A)
for the preceding calendar year, and
``(II) for which a request is made
(not later than August 1 of the
calendar year) to receive an allocation
under clause (iii).
``(vi) Reporting.--States shall report
annually to the Secretary on their use of bonds
described in paragraph (16), (17), and (18) of
subsection (a), including description of
projects, amount spent per project, total
amount of unused bonds, and expected greenhouse
gas or water savings per project with a
description of how such savings were
calculated. Such reporting shall be submitted
not later than November 1 of any calendar
year.''.
(f) Coordination With Section 45.--Paragraph (3) of section 45(b)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
the following new sentence: ``Clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) shall not
apply with respect to any facility described in paragraph (16), (17),
or (18) of section 142(a).''.
(g) Coordination With Section 45K.--Subparagraph (A) of section
45K(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at
the end the following flush sentence:
``Subclause (II) of clause (i) shall not apply with
respect to any facility described in paragraph (16),
(17), or (18) of section 142(a).''.
(h) Coordination With Section 48.--Subparagraph (A) of section
48(a)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at
the end the following flush sentence:
``Clause (ii) shall not apply with respect to any
facility described in paragraph (16), (17), or (18) of
section 142(a).''.
(i) Coordination With Section 146(g)(3).--Section 146(g)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``or (15)'' and
inserting ``(15), (16), (17), or (18)''.
(j) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to obligations issued after the date of the enactment of this
Act. | Private Activity Renewable Energy Bonds Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to expand the purposes for which tax-exempt facility bonds may be issued to include renewable energy resource facilities, conservation and efficiency facilities and projects, and high efficiency vehicles and related facilities or projects. Limits the allocation of such bonds to all states by population to not more than $2.5 billion annually. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the treatment of bonds issued to finance renewable energy resources facilities, conservation and efficiency facilities, and other specified greenhouse gas emission technologies."} | 2,937 | 77 | 0.509928 | 1.228206 | 0.748445 | 2.985714 | 38.2 | 0.871429 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Wasteful EPA Programs Elimination
Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF EPA GRANT PROGRAMS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law--
(1) all grant programs of the Environmental Protection
Agency that are in effect as of the date of enactment of this
Act are hereby terminated; and
(2) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency may not establish or implement any grant program.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR NEW OZONE STANDARDS.
No funds made available under any Act may be used by the
Environmental Protection Agency to implement any ozone standard
promulgated after the date of enactment of this Act, including any
national primary or secondary ambient air quality standard for ozone
promulgated (or revised) under section 109 of the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. 7409).
SEC. 4. ELIMINATION OF FUNDING FOR CERTAIN REGULATIONS AND PROGRAMS.
(a) In General.--No Federal funds may be used by the Environmental
Protection Agency--
(1) to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from mobile
sources (including cars, trains, airplanes, and non-road
equipment);
(2) to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-
fired electric utility generating units under the Clean Air Act
(42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.);
(3) for the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program or any similar
or successor program;
(4) for the Global Methane Initiative or any similar or
successor initiative;
(5) for the Climate Resilience Fund or any similar or
successor fund;
(6) for the Climate Resilience Evaluation Awareness Tool or
any similar or successor tool;
(7) for the Green Infrastructure Program or any similar or
successor program;
(8) for the Climate Ready Water Utilities Initiative or any
similar or successor initiative; or
(9) for climate research at the Office of Research and
Development of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(b) Definition of Greenhouse Gas.--In this Act, the term
``greenhouse gas'' means any of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide,
sulfur hexafluoride, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.
SEC. 5. TERMINATION OF CERTAIN EPA PROGRAMS.
(a) National Clean Diesel Campaign.--The Environmental Protection
Agency's National Clean Diesel Campaign is hereby terminated.
(b) Environmental Justice Programs.--The Environmental Protection
Agency's environmental justice programs are hereby terminated.
SEC. 6. ELIMINATION OF EPA REGIONAL OFFICES.
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall
discontinue operation and maintenance of the Environmental Protection
Agency's State, regional, district, local, and other field offices, and
activities carried out through those offices.
SEC. 7. DISPOSAL OR LEASING OF UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTY REQUIRED.
(a) Disposal or Leasing Required.--The Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency shall dispose of or lease any property
determined by the Office of Inspector General of the Environmental
Protection Agency to be underutilized in the report entitled ``EPA Can
Further Reduce Space in Under-Utilized Facilities'' dated February 20,
2013.
(b) Fair Market Value Requirement.--Real property sold pursuant to
this section shall be sold at not less than the fair market value as
determined by the Administrator. Costs associated with disposal may not
exceed the fair market value of the property unless the Administrator
approves incurring such costs.
(c) Monetary Proceeds Requirement.--Real property may be sold
pursuant to this section only if the property will generate monetary
proceeds to the Federal Government, as provided in subsection (b).
Disposal of real property pursuant to this section may not include any
exchange, trade, transfer, acquisition of like-kind property, or other
non-cash transaction as part of the disposal.
(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as terminating or in any way limiting authorities that are
otherwise available to agencies under other provisions of law to
dispose of Federal real property, except as provided in subsection (e).
(e) Exemption From Certain Requirements.--Any expedited disposal of
a real property conducted pursuant to this section shall not be subject
to--
(1) subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 40, United States
Code;
(2) sections 550 and 553 of title 40, United States Code;
(3) section 501 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
Act (42 U.S.C. 11411);
(4) any other provision of law authorizing the no-cost
conveyance of real property owned by the Federal Government; or
(5) any congressional notification requirement other than
that in section 545 of title 40, United States Code. | Wasteful EPA Programs Elimination Act of 2015 This bill terminates all existing grant programs of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), its National Clean Diesel Campaign, and its environmental justice programs. The EPA may not establish new grant programs. Federal funds may not be used by the EPA: to implement any ozone standard promulgated after this bill's enactment date; to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from mobile sources, or from fossil fuel-fired electric utility generating units; for the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program; for the Global Methane Initiative; for the Climate Resilience Fund; for the Climate Resilience Evaluation Awareness Tool; for the Green Infrastructure Program; for the Climate Ready Water Utilities Initiative; or for climate research at the EPA's Office of Research and Development. The EPA must: (1) discontinue operation and maintenance of its field offices and activities carried out through those offices, and (2) dispose of or lease any underutilized property. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Wasteful EPA Programs Elimination Act of 2015"} | 1,086 | 208 | 0.656597 | 1.975547 | 0.89053 | 3.481081 | 5.064865 | 0.897297 |
SECTION 1. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS.
The Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C.
3121 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new title:
``TITLE XI--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
``SEC. 1101. FISCAL YEAR 1993.
``There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out titles I, II,
III, VII, IX, and X $200,000,000 for fiscal year 1993.''.
SEC. 2. INCREASE IN SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 1993 PROGRAM LEVELS.
Section 20(g) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 note) is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(5) Effective beginning on the date of the enactment of
this paragraph, each program level authorized by this
subsection is increased by 50 percent.''.
SEC. 3. TAX CREDIT TO EMPLOYERS FOR WAGES PAID TO INDIVIDUALS HIRED
WITHIN 1 YEAR AFTER ENACTMENT.
(a) In General.--Section 51 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to targeted jobs credit) is amended by adding at the end
thereof the following new subsection:
``(l) Economic Recovery Hiring Incentives.--
``(1) In general.--Every individual hired within 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this subsection shall be
treated as a member of a targeted group.
``(2) Increased credit.--In the case of individuals hired
within 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
subsection--
``(A) subsection (a) shall be applied by
substituting `50 percent' for `40 percent',
``(B) subsections (b)(3) and (h)(1)(A) shall be
applied by substituting `$10,000' for `$6,000', and
``(C) subsection (h)(1)(B) shall be applied by
substituting `$833.33' for `$500'.''
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to individuals who begin work for the employer after the date of
the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. TAX-FREE WITHDRAWALS FROM INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS TO
PURCHASE OR REFINANCE A HOME.
(a) In General.--Subsection (d) of section 408 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to tax treatment of distributions from
individual retirement accounts and annuities) is amended by adding at
the end thereof the following new paragraph:
``(8) Distributions to purchase or refinance a home.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of a qualified
residence distribution--
``(i) the amount of such distribution shall
not be includible in gross income, and
``(ii) section 72(t) shall not apply.
``(B) Qualified residence distribution.--For
purposes of this paragraph--
``(i) In general.--The term `qualified
residence distribution' means any payment or
distribution during the 1-year period beginning
on the date of the enactment of this paragraph
from an individual retirement plan to an
individual to the extent that the amount
thereof is used within a reasonable period to
pay qualified acquisition or refinancing costs
with respect to a principal residence for such
individual.
``(ii) Qualified acquisition or refinancing
costs.--The term `qualified acquisition costs'
means the costs of acquiring, constructing, or
reconstructing a residence. Such term includes
any usual or reasonable settlement, financing
or refinancing, or other closing costs.
``(iii) Principal residence.--The term
`principal residence' has the same meaning as
when used in section 1034.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to payments and distributions made after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. DELAY IN OBLIGATIONS OF CERTAIN DEFENSE, FOREIGN ASSISTANCE,
SPACE, AND ENERGY RESEARCH PROGRAMS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no funds may be
obligated--
(1) during fiscal year 1993--
(A) in excess of $100,000,000 for any contract to
carry out the M1 Abrams Tank program;
(B) in excess of $4,157,075,000 to carry out the
space flight, spacecraft control, and communications
activities of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration;
(C) in excess of $988,789,000 to carry out the
general science and research activities of the
Department of Energy in accordance with the Department
of Energy Organization Act; and
(D) in excess of $900,000,000 to carry out the
provisions of chapter 10 of part I of the Foreign
Assistance Act of 1961; and
(2) during the period beginning on the date of the
enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 1993--
(A) for any contract to carry out the V-22 aircraft
Osprey program; and
(B) to carry out the functions of the Inter-
American Foundation in accordance with section 401 of
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1969 and section 9104 of
title 31, United States Code. | Amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations to carry out certain economic development programs for FY 1993.
Amends the Small Business Act to increase the program levels of the Small Business Administration for FY 1993.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow the targeted jobs credit for every individual hired within one year after the date of enactment of this Act. Increases the amount of such credit.
Excludes from gross income distributions from individual retirement accounts used to purchase or refinance a principal residence. Exempts such distributions from the penalty tax on early distributions from retirement plans.
Provides for the delay or suspension of obligations for certain defense, foreign assistance, space, and energy research programs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish a program to stimulate the United States economy."} | 1,232 | 155 | 0.505722 | 1.313434 | 0.744117 | 3.021898 | 7.416058 | 0.861314 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Sacramento River
National Recreation Area Establishment Act of 2006''.
(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. Definitions.
Sec. 4. Sacramento River National Recreation Area, California.
Sec. 5. Purpose and management of recreation area.
Sec. 6. Sacramento River National Recreation Area Advisory Council.
Sec. 7. Recreational facilities.
Sec. 8. Hunting and fishing.
Sec. 9. Use of motorized vehicles.
Sec. 10. Water rights exclusion.
Sec. 11. Private property.
Sec. 12. Grazing.
Sec. 13. State and local jurisdiction.
Sec. 14. Limitation on fees.
Sec. 15. Activities outside recreation area.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) Outdoors recreational opportunities available on public
lands at the Sacramento River Bend Area in Northern California
are abundant and diverse and have made these lands a
destination point for the recreating public.
(2) Statutory protection of the use and enjoyment of these
lands is needed to ensure that they continue to be a source of
enjoyment and inspiration for all Americans.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Recreation area.--The term ``recreation area'' means
the Sacramento River National Recreation Area established by
this Act.
(2) Advisory council.--The term ``advisory council'' means
the Sacramento River National Recreation Area Advisory Council
established by this Act.
(3) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means
the management plan for the recreation area, as developed and
implemented pursuant to this Act.
(4) Public lands.--The term ``public lands'' has the
meaning given that term in section 103(e) of the Federal Land
Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1702(e)).
(5) Redding field office.--The term ``Redding Field
Office'' means the Redding, California, Field Office of the
Bureau of Land Management.
(6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 4. SACRAMENTO RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA, CALIFORNIA.
(a) Establishment.--In order to preserve and enhance recreational
opportunities on public lands described in subsection (b) and to
promote local economic development through recreation involving these
lands, there is hereby established the Sacramento River National
Recreation Area.
(b) Area.--The recreation area consists of approximately 17,000
acres of public lands adjacent to the Sacramento River, and between its
tributaries of Battle Creek and Seven Mile Creek, in Tehama and Shasta
Counties, California, as generally depicted on the map entitled
``Tehama County, California, Board of Supervisors Proposed Sacramento
River NRA Boundary Map'' and dated December 1, 2006.
(c) Legal Descriptions; Correction of Errors.--
(1) Preparation.--The Secretary of the Interior, in
consultation with the advisory council, shall prepare a final
map and legal descriptions of the boundaries of the recreation
area.
(2) Submission.--The map and legal descriptions shall be
submitted to the Committee on Resources of the House of
Representatives and to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate as soon as practicable, but in no event
later than two years after the date of the enactment of this
Act.
(3) Legal effect.--The map and legal descriptions of the
recreation area shall have the same force and effect as if
included in this Act, except that the Secretary may correct
clerical and typographical errors in the map and legal
descriptions. The map shall be on file and available for public
inspection in appropriate offices of the Bureau of Land
Management.
SEC. 5. PURPOSE AND MANAGEMENT OF RECREATION AREA.
(a) Management Purposes.--The Secretary, acting through the Redding
Field Office, shall manage the recreation area for the following
purposes:
(1) To enhance managed recreational opportunities,
including hiking, camping, equestrian activities, mountain
biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing, hunting, fishing, geo-
caching, marksmanship, swimming, archery, rafting, canoeing,
kayaking, and boating.
(2) To promote local economic development through
recreation.
(b) Management Plan.--
(1) Development.--Not later than three years after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete a
management plan for the recreation area to further the
management purposes specified in subsection (a). As provided in
section 6, the Secretary shall utilize the Sacramento River
National Recreation Area Advisory Council in the development of
the management plan and in making any amendment to the
management plan under paragraph (3).
(2) Reporting requirement.--On an annual basis, the
Secretary shall submit to the advisory council a report on the
implementation of the management plan. As part of the report,
the Secretary may suggest such amendments to the management
plan as the Secretary considers necessary to further the
management purposes.
(3) Amendments.--The Secretary may make such amendments to
the management plan as the Secretary considers necessary to
further the management purposes.
(c) Public Participation.--In the development and amendment of the
management plan, the Secretary shall encourage and solicit
participation of the public at large, including landowners in the
vicinity of the recreation area, interested individuals, organizations,
elected officials of local jurisdictions, and government agencies.
SEC. 6. SACRAMENTO RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ADVISORY COUNCIL.
(a) Establishment and Purpose.--There is established an advisory
committee to be known as the ``Sacramento River National Recreation
Area Advisory Council'' for the purpose of--
(1) ensuring public involvement in the management of the
recreation area;
(2) providing advice, guidance, and recommendations to the
Secretary pertaining to the development, implementation, and
amendment of the management plan; and
(3) improving collaborative relationships among persons and
entities interested in the management of the recreation area.
(b) Composition of Council.--The advisory council shall consist of
the following members:
(1) The Governor of California or the designee of the
Governor.
(2) Three individuals who represent Tehama County,
California, appointed by the Board of Supervisors of Tehama
County.
(3) One individual who represents Shasta County,
California, appointed by the Board of Supervisors of Shasta
County.
(4) Five individuals who reside within the jurisdictional
boundaries of the Redding Field Office and represent the
recreation community, appointed as provided in paragraph (2).
(5) One individual who represents the interests of private
landowners in Bend, California, appointed as provided in
paragraph (2).
(6) One individual who represents the interests of
agriculture in Tehama County, California, appointed as provided
in paragraph (2).
(7) One individual who resides within the jurisdictional
boundaries of the Redding Field Office and represents the
conservation community, appointed as provided in paragraph (2).
(c) Terms.--Members of the advisory council appointed under
subsection (b) shall serve a term of three 3 years and may be
reappointed, except that--
(1) one-third of the members initially appointed shall be
appointed for a term of one year; and
(2) one-third of the members initially appointed shall be
appointed for a term of two years.
(d) Chairperson.--The members of the advisory council shall elect a
chairperson. The chairperson shall serve a term of one year and may be
reelected.
(e) Consultation.--The Secretary shall consult with the advisory
council on a periodic basis to discuss matters relating to the
development and implementation of the management plan for the
recreation area.
(f) Meetings.--The advisory council shall meet at the pleasure of
the Secretary, though it shall meet no fewer than four times annually
while the management plan is being developed, unless such meetings are
determined by a majority of members of the advisory council to be
unnecessary. Meetings of the advisory council shall be open to the
public, and the advisory council shall provide interested persons a
reasonable opportunity at a meeting to comment on the management of the
recreation area. The Secretary shall provide appropriate notice of the
time, date, and location of each meeting of the advisory council.
(g) Compensation.--Members of the advisory council shall serve
without pay.
(h) Exemption From FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5
U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the advisory council.
SEC. 7. RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
The Secretary may develop public recreational facilities to further
the management purposes of the recreation area specified in section
5(a). Such facilities may include trails, restrooms, parking areas,
road pullouts, signs, campgrounds, stream crossings, interpretive
centers, and administrative facilities reasonably appurtenant to
recreational facilities.
SEC. 8. HUNTING AND FISHING.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed--
(1) to require or authorize the Secretary to diminish or
prohibit hunting and fishing in the recreation area; or
(2) to authorize the Secretary to supercede State law as it
pertains to hunting and fishing.
SEC. 9. USE OF MOTORIZED VEHICLES.
(a) Limited to Designated Roadways.--Except as provided in
subsection (b), motorized vehicle use on lands within the boundaries of
the recreation area shall be permitted only on designated roadways.
(b) Exception.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to the use of
motorized vehicles in the recreation area authorized by the Secretary--
(1) for maintenance or construction undertaken to further
the management purposes of the recreation area specified in
section 5(a); or
(2) for emergency or other authorized administrative
purposes.
SEC. 10. WATER RIGHTS EXCLUSION.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as authorizing the Secretary
to acquire water rights to further the purposes of this Act.
SEC. 11. PRIVATE PROPERTY.
(a) Access to Private Property.--The Secretary shall provide any
owner of private property within the boundaries of the recreation area
access to the property to ensure the use and enjoyment of the property
by the owner.
(b) Improvements to Private Property.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed as limiting or diminishing the rights of any owner of private
property within or adjacent to the recreation area, or any owner of an
easement or right of way over public lands included in the recreation
area that is used to provide access to privately held land located
within or adjacent to the boundaries of the recreation area, to
undertake improvements or enhancements to such property to ensure the
continued use and enjoyment thereof.
SEC. 12. GRAZING.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit, limit, or
restrict the grazing of livestock within the recreation area.
SEC. 13. STATE AND LOCAL JURISDICTION.
Nothing in this Act shall be construed to diminish, enlarge, or
modify any right of the State of California or any political
subdivision of the State, to carry out State or local laws, rules, and
regulations within the boundaries of the recreation area for the
purposes of ensuring public safety and the general welfare of the
public.
SEC. 14. LIMITATION ON FEES.
The Secretary shall not charge any fee for same-day access to, or
use of, the recreation area, unless a significant service is provided,
as required by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C.
6801 et seq.).
SEC. 15. ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE RECREATION AREA.
The establishment of the recreation area shall not be construed
to--
(1) create a protective perimeter or buffer zone around the
recreation area; or
(2) preclude uses or activities outside the recreation area
that are permitted under other applicable laws, even if the
uses or activities are prohibited within the recreation area. | Sacramento River National Recreation Area Act of 2006 - Establishes the Sacramento River National Recreation Area in California, consisting of specified public land in Tehama and Shasta Counties. Requires the development of a a management plan for such Area to: (1) enhance managed recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, mountain biking, picnicking, wildlife viewing hunting, fishing, swimming, and boating; and (2) promote local economic development through recreation. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish the Sacramento River National Recreation Area consisting of certain public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management in Tehama and Shasta Counties, California, and for other purposes."} | 2,637 | 96 | 0.556002 | 1.361125 | 0.723879 | 3.542169 | 29.385542 | 0.963855 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Integrated Electronic Health Records
(iEHR) for Military and Veterans Act''.
SEC. 2. PRIZE PROGRAM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FULLY-INTEGRATED
ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS PROGRAM FOR USE BY THE
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(a) Prize Authority.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs shall jointly carry out a program to award
a cash prize in the amount of $50,000,000 and contract to an
entity that develops a fully-integrated electronic health
records program for national use by the Department of Defense
and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2) Advertising and solicitation of competitors.--
(A) Advertising.--The Secretaries shall widely
advertise prize competitions under this section to
encourage broad participation by researchers, large and
small businesses, institutions of higher education, and
any other qualified applicants, including veterans.
(B) Announcement through federal register notice.--
The Secretaries shall announce each prize competition
under this section by publishing a notice in the
Federal Register. This notice shall include essential
elements of the competition such as the subject of the
competition, the duration of the competition, the
eligibility requirements for participation in the
competition, the process for participants to register
for the competition, the amount of the prize, and the
criteria for awarding the prize and contract.
(3) Announcement of prizes.--The Secretary may not issue a
notice required by paragraph (2)(B) until all the funds needed
to pay out the announced amount of the prize have been
appropriated.
(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible to win a prize under this section,
an individual or entity--
(1) shall have complied with all the requirements in
accordance with the Federal Register notice required under
subsection (a)(2)(B);
(2) in the case of a private entity, shall be incorporated
in and maintain a primary place of business in the United
States, and in the case of an individual, whether participating
singly or in a group, shall be a citizen of, or an alien
lawfully admitted for permanent residence in, the United
States; and
(3) shall not be a Federal entity, a Federal employee
acting within the scope of his employment, or an employee of a
national laboratory acting within the scope of his employment.
(c) Joint Panel.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall establish a joint panel to
establish the criteria for the development of a fully-
integrated electronic health records program eligible for an
award and contract under this section to ensure that the
program meets the requirements of the Department of Defense and
the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2) Membership.--
(A) In general.--The members of the joint panel
shall be--
(i) one physician from each of the military
departments, to be appointed by the Secretary
of the military department concerned;
(ii) two physicians employed by the
Department of Veterans Affairs, to be appointed
by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
(iii) two representatives of the Veterans
Benefits Administration of the Department of
Veterans Affairs, to be appointed by the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(B) Deadline for appointment.--Members of the joint
panel shall be appointed by not later than 14 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act. Any member
who is not appointed by such deadline shall not be
appointed to the panel.
(3) Deadline for criteria.--The joint panel shall establish
criteria with sufficient specificity for development, taking
best practices of private and public electronic health records
under consideration. If the panel fails to agree on such
criteria or if an insufficient number of members are appointed
to the panel before the deadline under paragraph (2)(B), the
National Health Information Technology Coordinator shall
determine such criteria, taking best practices of private and
public electronic health record systems into consideration.
(d) Deadline for Submissions.--The deadline for the submission of
an application to participate in the competition under this section is
the date that is one year after the date on which the criteria are
established under subsection (c), or if such date falls on a weekend,
the next weekday following such date.
(e) Award Selection.--The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall award prizes under this section on the basis of
the criteria published in the notice required under subsection
(a)(2)(B).
(f) Contract.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the
entity that is awarded a prize under this section shall be awarded a
contract with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans
Affairs to provide the fully-integrated electronic health records
program for which the prize is awarded to the Departments and to
provide maintenance and support for such program for a five-year period
and under such contract shall be compensated in an amount of
$25,000,000 for each year.
(g) Intellectual Property.--
(1) Treatment of winning intellectual property.--Upon the
expiration of the contract referred to in subsection (e) the
intellectual property rights in the fully-integrated electronic
health records program for which a prize is awarded under this
section shall revert to the Federal Government. The entity that
is awarded a prize under this section shall retain the
intellectual property rights in any upgrades to the program
developed by the entity.
(2) Other intellectual property.--Except as provided in
paragraph (1), the Federal Government shall not, by virtue of
offering or awarding a prize under this section, be entitled to
any intellectual property rights derived as a consequence of,
or direct relation to, the participation by a registered
participant in a competition authorized by this section. This
subsection shall not be construed to prevent the Federal
Government from negotiating a license for the use of
intellectual property developed for a prize competition under
this section.
(h) Liability.--
(1) Waiver of liability.--The Secretary of Defense and the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs may require registered
participants to waive claims against the Federal Government
(except claims for willful misconduct) for any injury, death,
damage, or loss of property, revenue, or profits arising from
the registered participants' participation in a competition
under this section. The Secretary shall give notice of any
waiver required under this paragraph in the notice required by
subsection (a)(2)(B).
(2) Liability insurance.--
(A) Requirements.--Registered participants in a
prize competition under this section shall be required
to obtain liability insurance or demonstrate financial
responsibility, in amounts determined by the Secretary,
for claims by--
(i) a third party for death, bodily injury,
or property damage or loss resulting from an
activity carried out in connection with
participation in a competition under this
section; and
(ii) the Federal Government for damage or
loss to Government property resulting from such
an activity.
(B) Federal government insured.--The Federal
Government shall be named as an additional insured
under a registered participant's insurance policy
required under subparagraph (A) with respect to claims
described in clause (i) of that subparagraph, and
registered participants shall be required to agree to
indemnify the Federal Government against third party
claims for damages arising from or related to
competition activities under this section.
(i) Nonsubstitution.--The programs created under this section shall
not be considered a substitute for Federal research and development
programs.
(j) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated $50,000,000 to carry out this section. | Integrated Electronic Health Records (iEHR) for Military and Veterans Act - Directs the Secretaries of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) to jointly carry out a program to award a cash prize ($50 million) and contract to an entity that develops a fully-integrated electronic health records program for national use by DOD and VA. Directs the Secretaries to: (1) widely advertise the prize competitions and announce each one in the Federal Register, and (2) create a joint panel to establish criteria for the program's development. Requires the prize recipient to be awarded a contract with DOD and VA to provide the program, including maintenance and support, and to be compensated at $25 million per year for five years. Reverts to the federal government, after such period, any intellectual property developed under the contract. Authorizes the Secretaries to require competition participants to waive claims against the federal government (except for willful conduct) arising from such participation, and requires participants to obtain liability insurance therefor. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Integrated Electronic Health Records (iEHR) for Military and Veterans Act"} | 1,630 | 221 | 0.614303 | 1.987137 | 0.872973 | 2.927835 | 7.917526 | 0.876289 |
SECTION 1. ELIMINATION OF THE NATIONAL EDUCATION STANDARDS AND
IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL AND OPPORTUNITY-TO-LEARN STANDARDS.
The Goals 2000: Educate America Act (20 U.S.C. 5801 et seq.) is
amended--
(1) by repealing part B of title II (20 U.S.C. 5841 et
seq.);
(2) by redesignating parts C and D of title II (20 U.S.C.
5861 et seq. and 5871 et seq.) as parts B and C, respectively,
of title II; and
(3) in section 241 (20 U.S.C. 5871)--
(A) in subsection (a), by striking ``(a) National
Education Goals Panel.--''; and
(B) by striking subsections (b) through (d).
SEC. 2. STATE AND LOCAL EDUCATION SYSTEMIC IMPROVEMENT.
(a) Panel Composition; Opportunity-To-Learn Standards; and
Submission of Plan to the Secretary for Approval.--
(1) State improvement plan.--Section 306 of the Goals 2000:
Educate America Act (20 U.S.C. 5886) is amended--
(A) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Plan Development.--A State improvement plan under this title
shall be developed by a broad-based State panel in cooperation with the
State educational agency and the Governor.'';
(B) by striking subsection (d);
(C) by striking subsection (n);
(D) by amending subsection (p) to read as follows:
``(p) Amendments to Plan.--Each State educational agency shall
periodically review its State improvement plan and revise such plan, as
appropriate.''; and
(E) by striking subsection (q).
(2) Secretary's review of applications.--Section 307 of
such Act (20 U.S.C. 5887) is amended--
(A) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
``(a) First Year.--The Secretary shall approve the State
educational agency's first year application under section 305(b) if the
Secretary determines that such application meets the requirements of
this title.''; and
(B) in subsection (b), by striking ``(1)(A)'' and
all that follows through ``(B) the Secretary'' and
inserting ``(1) the Secretary''.
(b) Local Panel Composition.--Section 309(a)(3)(A) of such Act (20
U.S.C. 5889(a)(3)(A)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking
``that--'' and inserting a semicolon; and
(2) by striking clauses (i) and (ii).
(c) Local Bypass.--Section 304 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5884) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(e) Local Bypass.--
``(1) Local grants authorized.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of law, if a State does not participate in the
program authorized under this title, the Secretary is
authorized to use the allotment such State would have received
under this section to award grants, through a competitive
process, to local educational agencies in such State that have
applications approved under paragraph (2).
``(2) Application required.--Each local educational agency
described in paragraph (1) desiring a grant under such
paragraph shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner and accompanied by such information, as
the Secretary may require. Each such application shall contain
assurances that the local educational agency will develop a
local improvement plan that meets such requirements applicable
to a State educational agency under section 306, and will meet
such other requirements applicable to a State educational
agency under this title, as the Secretary determines are
appropriately applied to a local educational agency under this
subsection.''.
SEC. 3. TECHNICAL AND CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.
(a) Goals 2000: Educate America Act.--
(1) The table of contents for the Goals 2000: Educate
America Act is amended, in the items relating to title II--
(A) by striking the items relating to part B;
(B) by striking ``Part C'' and inserting ``Part
B''; and
(C) by striking ``Part D'' and inserting ``Part
C''.
(2) Section 2 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5801) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (4)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by inserting
``and'' after the semicolon;
(ii) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(iii) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (C); and
(B) in paragraph (6)--
(i) by striking subparagraph (C); and
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (D)
through (F) as subparagraphs (C) through (E),
respectively.
(3) Section 3(a) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5802) is amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (7); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (14) as
paragraphs (7) through (13), respectively.
(4) Section 201(3) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5821(3)) is
amended by striking ``, voluntary national student
performance'' and all that follows through ``such Council'' and
inserting ``and voluntary national student performance
standards''.
(5) Section 202(j) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5822(j)) is
amended by striking ``, student performance, or opportunity-to-
learn'' and inserting ``or student performance''.
(6) Section 203 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5823) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3);
(ii) by redesignating paragraphs (4)
through (6) as paragraphs (2) through (4),
respectively; and
(iii) by amending paragraph (2) (as
redesignated by clause (ii)) to read as
follows:
``(2) review voluntary national content standards and
voluntary national student performance standards;''; and
(B) in subsection (b)(1)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting
``and'' after the semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``;
and'' and inserting a period; and
(iii) by striking subparagraph (C).
(7) Section 204(a)(2) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5824(a)(2)) is
amended--
(A) by striking ``voluntary national opportunity-
to-learn standards,''; and
(B) by striking ``described in section 213(f)''.
(8) Section 304(a)(2) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5884(a)(2)) is
amended--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``and'' after
the semicolon;
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a period; and
(C) by striking subparagraph (C).
(9) Section 306(o) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5886(o)) is
amended by striking ``State opportunity-to-learn standards or
strategies,''.
(10) Section 308 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5888) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(2)--
(i) in the matter preceding clause (i) of
subparagraph (A), by striking ``State
opportunity-to-learn standards,''; and
(ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking
``including--'' and all that follows through
``part B of title II;'' and inserting
``including through consortia of States;''; and
(B) in subsection (c), by striking ``306(b)(1)''
and inserting ``306(b)''.
(11) Section 312(b) of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5892(b)) is
amended--
(A) by striking paragraph (1); and
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as
paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively.
(12) Section 314(a)(6)(A) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
5894(a)(6)(A)) is amended by striking ``certified by the
National Education Standards and Improvement Council and''.
(13) Section 315 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5895) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ``,
including the requirements for timetables for
opportunity-to-learn standards,'';
(ii) by striking paragraph (2);
(iii) by redesignating paragraphs (3)
through (5) as paragraphs (2) through (4),
respectively;
(iv) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking
``paragraph (4) of this subsection'' and
inserting ``paragraph (3)'';
(v) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by
clause (iii))--
(I) by striking subparagraph (A);
(II) by redesignating subparagraphs
(B) and (C) as subparagraphs (A) and
(B), respectively; and
(III) in subparagraph (A) (as
redesignated by subclause (II)) by
striking ``, voluntary natural student
performance standards, and voluntary
natural opportunity-to-learn standards
developed under part B of title II of
this Act'' and inserting ``and
voluntary national student performance
standards'';
(vi) in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3)
(as redesignated by clause (iii)), by striking
``paragraph (5),'' and inserting ``paragraph
(4),''; and
(vii) in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by
clause (ii)), by striking ``paragraph (4)''
each place it appears and inserting ``paragraph
(3)'';
(B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) of
subsection (c)(2)--
(i) by striking ``subsection (b)(4)'' and
inserting ``subsection (b)(3)''; and
(ii) by striking ``and to provide a
framework for the implementation of
opportunity-to-learn standards or strategies'';
and
(C) in subsection (f), by striking ``subsection
(b)(4)'' each place it appears and inserting
``subsection (b)(3)''.
(14)(A) Section 316 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5896) is
repealed.
(B) The table of contents for such Act is amended by
striking the item relating to section 316.
(15) Section 317 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5897) is amended--
(A) in subsection (d)(4), by striking ``promote the
standards and strategies described in section
306(d),''; and
(B) in subsection (e)--
(i) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``and''
after the semicolon;
(ii) by striking paragraph (3); and
(iii) by redesignating paragraph (4) as
paragraph (3).
(16) Section 503 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5933) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (1)--
(I) in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by striking ``28''
and inserting ``27'';
(II) by striking subparagraph (D);
and
(III) by redesignating
subparagraphs (E) through (G) as
subparagraphs (D) through (F),
respectively;
(ii) in paragraphs (2), (3), and (5), by
striking ``subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G)''
each place it appears and inserting
``subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F)'';
(iii) in paragraph (2), by striking
``subparagraph (G)'' and inserting
``subparagraph (F)'';
(iv) in paragraph (4), by striking ``(C),
and (D)'' and inserting ``and (C)''; and
(v) in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A) of paragraph (5), by striking
``subparagraph (E), (F), or (G)'' and inserting
``subparagraph (D), (E), or (F)''; and
(B) in subsection (c)--
(i) in paragraph (1)(B), by striking
``subparagraph (E)'' and inserting
``subparagraph (D)''; and
(ii) in paragraph (2), by striking
``subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G)'' and
inserting ``subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F)''.
(17) Section 504 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 5934) is amended--
(A) by striking subsection (f); and
(B) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection
(f).
(b) Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.--
(1) Section 1111 of the Elementary and Secondary Education
Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b)(8)(B), by striking ``(which
may include opportunity-to-learn standards or
strategies developed under the Goals 2000: Educate
America Act)'';
(B) in subsection (f), by striking ``opportunity-
to-learn standards or strategies,'';
(C) by striking subsection (g); and
(D) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection
(g).
(2) Section 1116 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 6317) is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)--
(i) in paragraph (2)(A)(i), by striking all
beginning with ``, which may'' through ``Act'';
and
(ii) in paragraph (5)(B)(i)--
(I) in subclause (VI), by inserting
``and'' after the semicolon;
(II) in subclause (VII), by
striking ``; and'' and inserting a
period; and
(III) by striking subclause (VIII);
and
(B) in subsection (d)--
(i) in paragraph (4)(B), by striking all
beginning with ``, and may'' through ``Act'';
and
(ii) in paragraph (6)(B)(i)--
(I) by striking subclause (IV); and
(II) by redesignating subclauses
(V) through (VIII) as subclauses (IV)
through (VII), respectively.
(3) Section 1501(a)(2)(B) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
6491(a)(2)(B)) is amended--
(A) by striking clause (v); and
(B) by redesignating clauses (vi) through (x) as
clauses (v) through (ix), respectively.
(4) Section 10101(b)(1)(A)(i) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
8001(b)(1)(A)(i)) is amended by striking ``and opportunity-to-
learn standards or strategies for student learning''.
(5) Section 14701(b)(1)(B)(v) of such Act (20 U.S.C.
8941(b)(1)(B)(v)) is amended by striking ``the National
Education Goals Panel,'' and all that follows through
``assessments)'' and inserting ``and the National Education
Goals Panel''.
(c) General Education Provisions Act.--Section 428 of the General
Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1228b), as amended by section 237
of the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382), is
amended by striking ``the National Education Standards and Improvement
Council,''.
(d) Education Amendments of 1978.--Section 1121(b) of the Education
Amendments of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 2001(b)), as amended by section 381 of
the Improving America's Schools Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-382), is
amended by striking ``213(a)'' and inserting ``203(a)(2)''. | Amends the Goals 2000: Educate America Act (Goals 2000) to eliminate the National Education Standards and Improvement Council (the Council).
Eliminates the requirement that the National Education Goals Panel review and approve model or national content standards, national student performance standards, or national opportunity-to-learn standards. Terminates funding for: (1) the Council; (2) opportunity-to-learn development grants; and (3) assessment development and evaluation grants.
Revises Goals 2000 provisions for State improvement plans to eliminate Federal requirements with respect to: (1) the composition, duties, and procedures of the broad-based State panel which is to develop such plans in cooperation with the State educational agency and the Governor; (2) establishment of opportunity-to-learn standards and strategies; and (3) peer review and approval by the Secretary of Education of such plans and their amendments. Revises provisions for the Secretary's review of State educational agency applications for Goals 2000 funds to eliminate certain conditions of approval.
Revises provisions for Goals 2000 subgrants for local reform and professional development to eliminate certain requirements with respect to local panel appointments, composition, and procedures in developing local plans.
Authorizes the Secretary to bypass any State that does not participate in the Goals 2000 program and use its allotment to award competitive grants to local educational agencies in such State with applications approved by the Secretary.
Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the General Education Provisions Act, and the Education Amendments of 1978. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Goals 2000: Educate America Act to eliminate the National Education Standards and Improvement Council and requirements concerning opportunity-to-learn standards, to limit the authority of the Secretary of Education to review and approve State plans, to permit certain local educational agencies to receive funding directly from the Secretary of Education, and for other purposes."} | 3,894 | 323 | 0.569821 | 1.727748 | 0.751641 | 2.388158 | 11.036184 | 0.835526 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Self-Sufficiency Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) A principal objective of programs under the Personal
Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
(PRWORA) is to move economically disadvantaged adults toward
self-sufficiency through employment that pays a wage and
benefits at a level that will allow these adults to support
themselves and their dependents without public assistance.
(2) While there is evidence that PRWORA has been successful
in moving people off welfare and into jobs, it is not known
whether these individuals are on the path to economic
independence. There is no standardized method for measuring the
extent to which PRWORA is meeting the objective of moving
families toward self-sufficiency or the impact of public work
supports. There is no requirement that States, Congress, or the
Administration ascertain the point at which individual families
living in specific locations will reach self-sufficiency.
(3) At the same time, there is no way of determining what
programs have been successful in preparing individuals for the
workforce, helping them retain jobs, and moving them in the
direction of economic independence.
(4) Absent this information, the Congress cannot fully
evaluate the success of welfare reform or ensure that state and
federal funds are being allocated where they will do the most
good.
(5) States should understand when families reach self-
sufficiency, what programmatic investments help families toward
economic independence, and should be rewarded for putting
programs in place that will ensure the long-term success of
welfare leavers by helping them move toward economic
independence.
SEC. 3. SELF-SUFFICIENCY STANDARDS.
(a) In General.--Section 402 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
602) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``, subject to
subsection (b),'' after ``the Secretary has found''; and
(2) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections
(c) and (d), respectively, and by inserting after subsection
(a) the following:
``(b) Self-Sufficiency Standards.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may not find that a State
plan includes the material described in subsection (a) unless
the plan includes a specification of the income needs of
families (in this part referred to as `self-sufficiency
standards'), adopted or developed by the State, based on family
size, the number and ages of children in the family, and sub-
State geographical considerations.
``(2) Criteria.--The State self-sufficiency standards shall
separately specify the monthly costs of housing, food, child
care, transportation, health care, other basic needs, and taxes
(including tax benefits), and shall be determined using
national, State, and local data on the cost of purchasing goods
and services in the marketplace.
``(3) Categories of families.--The State self-sufficiency
standards shall categorize families--
``(A) by whether there are 1 or 2 adults in the
family;
``(B) by whether there are 0, 1, 2, 3, or more than
3 children in the family; and
``(C) by the age of each child in the family,
according to whether a child is an infant, of pre-
school age, of school age, or a teenager.
``(4) Regulations.--The Secretary shall prescribe the
protocols, criteria, cost categories, definitions, and means of
making inflation adjustments to be used in developing self-
sufficiency standards pursuant to this subsection, which shall
be based on commonly accepted definitions of adequacy, such as
those used for establishing fair market rents, and that
reflect, to the extent possible, consensus and use among those
calculating family budgets and self-sufficiency standards.
``(5) Recency of data.--The self-sufficiency standards
developed pursuant to this subsection shall--
``(A) be recalculated on adoption if the data on
which the standards are based is more than 3 years old;
``(B) be recalculated every 5 years after adoption;
and
``(C) be updated for inflation each year after
adoption in which the standards are not being
recalculated pursuant to subparagraph (B).''.
(b) Reports.--Section 411 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 611) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(c) Self-Sufficiency Reports.--
``(1) Collection of information on income of persons
leaving tanf.--With respect to each family whose participation
in the State program funded under this part ends during a
calendar quarter in a fiscal year, the State shall collect
information on the monthly income of the family as of the time
the participation ends and during the same quarter in each of
the next 2 fiscal years, based on data of the State
unemployment insurance program and benefit programs whose
assistance, subsidies, and services provided to the family by
any agency of government has the effect of reducing the cost of
living of the family.
``(2) Annual reports.--Each eligible State shall submit to
the Secretary annually a report that contains the following
information for the fiscal year most recently ending before the
date the report is submitted:
``(A) Income information.--The information
collected pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection
during the fiscal year as compared with the State self-
sufficiency standards developed pursuant to section
402(b) for the families involved.
``(B) Information on programs and services leading
to self-sufficiency.--A description of the ways in
which, during the fiscal year, the State program funded
under this part and support services provided by the
State to recipients of assistance from the
program moved families toward self-sufficiency, which shall highlight
programs and services that appeared to have a particularly positive
effect on achieving self-sufficiency.
``(C) Uses of self-sufficiency standards.--A
description of how the State used the self-sufficiency
standards during the fiscal year, including whether the
standards were used--
``(i) in counseling recipients of
assistance from the State program funded under
this part about their income needs and career
options;
``(ii) as a benchmark for program
evaluation;
``(iii) to identify opportunities to
improve program performance, including
identifying sub-groups or geographic areas in
need of enhanced services;
``(iv) to assess need of recipients of
assistance for vocational training, pre-
apprenticeship and apprenticeship activities,
post-secondary education, and basic literacy,
English-as-a-second-language, mental health,
substance abuse, domestic violence, and
homelessness services; and
``(v) to identify programs or strategies
which are most promising in assisting those who
participate in the State program to achieve
self-sufficiency.
``(3) Summaries of state reports.--The Secretary shall
annually submit to the Congress a report that summarizes the
reports submitted pursuant to paragraph (2), and shall make the
reports available electronically to the general public in a
timely manner.''.
(c) Funding.--Section 413 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 613) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(k) Technical Assistance in Developing Self-Sufficiency
Standards.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary may provide financial or
technical assistance to an eligible State to enable the State
to develop or improve the State self-sufficiency standards and
produce State reports required by section 402(b). The Secretary
shall carry out this paragraph by making a grant to or entering
into a contract with an organization or institution with
substantial experience in calculating and implementing on the
State level family budgets and self-sufficiency standards. An
organization or institution desiring to provide technical
assistance described in this paragraph shall submit to the
Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and
accompanied by such information as the Secretary may reasonably
require.
``(2) Limitations on authorization of appropriations.--For
the cost of carrying out paragraph (1), there are authorized to
be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $1,000,000 for
each fiscal year.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall take
effect 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. SELF-SUFFICIENCY BONUS.
(a) In General.--Section 403(a) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 603(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(6) Bonus to encourage states to move families to self-
sufficiency.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall make a grant
pursuant to this paragraph to an eligible State for
each fiscal year specified in subparagraph (G) for
which the State is a self-sufficiency improvement
State.
``(B) Amount of grant.--
``(i) In general.--The amount of the grant
payable under this paragraph to a self-
sufficiency improvement State for a fiscal year
shall, subject to clause (ii), be an amount
equal to 1 percent of the State family
assistance grant.
``(ii) Pro rata increase.--If the dollar
amount specified in subparagraph (G) for a
fiscal year exceeds the total amount otherwise
payable under this paragraph for a fiscal year,
the Secretary shall increase the amount of the
grant otherwise payable to each State by such
equal percentage as is necessary to ensure that
such dollar amount equals the total amount so
payable.
``(C) Self-sufficiency improvement state.--A State
is a self-sufficiency improvement State for a fiscal
year for purposes of this paragraph if the self-
sufficiency score of the State for the fiscal year is
greater than the self-sufficiency score of the State
for the preceding fiscal year.
``(D) State self-sufficiency score.--The self-
sufficiency score of a State for a fiscal year for
purposes of this paragraph shall be an amount equal to
the average of the self-sufficiency scores of the
qualified leaver families in the State for the fiscal
year.
``(E) Family self-sufficiency score.--
``(i) In general.--The self-sufficiency
score of a family for a fiscal year for
purposes of this paragraph shall be an amount
equal to the income of the family for the
fiscal year divided by the State self-
sufficiency standard for the family for the
fiscal year.
``(ii) Determination of income.--In
determining the income of a family, the State
shall take into account as income earnings,
child support, and the value of benefits,
assistance, subsidies, and services of any kind
that are provided to the family by any agency
of government and the receipt of which has the
effect of reducing the cost of living of the
family, net of any premium, copayment, or fee
required to obtain the benefit, assistance, or
service.
``(F) Definitions.--In this paragraph:
``(i) Qualified leaver families.--The term
`qualified leaver families' means, with respect
to a State, the leaver families in the State.
``(ii) Leaver families.--The term `leaver
families' means, with respect to a State and a
particular fiscal year, all families that whose
participation in the State program funded under
this part ended during the period that begins
with October 1 of the fiscal year in which this
paragraph is enacted, and ends with the end of
the particular fiscal year.
``(G) Appropriation.--Out of any money in the
Treasury of the United States not otherwise
appropriated, there are appropriated for each of fiscal
years 2002 through 2006 $200,000,000 for grants under
this paragraph.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on October 1, 2002. | Self-Sufficiency Act - Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of title IV of the Social Security Act (SSA) to require State TANF plans to include a specification of the income needs of families adequate for attaining self-sufficiency.Requires the State to: (1) collect information on the monthly income of the family as of the time participation in the State TANF program ends and during the same quarter in each of the next two fiscal years; and (2) submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services annually a report that among other things describes the ways in which, during the fiscal year, the State program funded under this part and support services provided by the State to TANF recipients moved families toward self-sufficiency.Authorizes the Secretary to provide financial or technical assistance to enable an eligible State to develop or improve the State self-sufficiency standards and produce required State reports.Amends SSA title IV part A to direct the Secretary to make a grant for each specified fiscal year for which the self-sufficiency score of a State is greater than its self-sufficiency score for the preceding fiscal year. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To measure the self-sufficiency of families leaving State programs providing temporary assistance to needy families, and to provide an incentive for States to help move families toward self-sufficiency."} | 2,695 | 265 | 0.510296 | 1.49939 | 0.716793 | 4.411765 | 11.180995 | 0.900452 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Chapter 12 Extension and Bankruptcy
Judgeship Act of 2000''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS.
(a) Extension of Chapter 12.--Section 149 of title I of division C
of Public Law 105-277, as amended by Public Law 106-5 and Public Law
106-70, is amended--
(1) by striking ``July 1, 2000'' each place it appears and
inserting ``June 1, 2001''; and
(2) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``September 30, 1999'' and
inserting ``June 30, 2000''; and
(B) by striking ``October 1, 1999'' and inserting
``July 1, 2000''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on July 1, 2000.
SEC. 3. BANKRUPTCY JUDGESHIPS.
(a) Temporary Judgeships.--
(1) Appointments.--The following bankruptcy judges shall be
appointed in the manner prescribed in section 152(a)(1) of
title 28, United States Code, for the appointment of bankruptcy
judges provided for in section 152(a)(2) of such title:
(A) One additional bankruptcy judge for the eastern
district of California.
(B) Four additional bankruptcy judges for the
central district of California.
(C) One additional bankruptcy judge for the
district of Delaware.
(D) Two additional bankruptcy judges for the
southern district of Florida.
(E) One additional bankruptcy judge for the
southern district of Georgia.
(F) Two additional bankruptcy judges for the
district of Maryland.
(G) One additional bankruptcy judge for the eastern
district of Michigan.
(H) One additional bankruptcy judge for the
southern district of Mississippi.
(I) One additional bankruptcy judge for the
district of New Jersey.
(J) One additional bankruptcy judge for the eastern
district of New York.
(K) One additional bankruptcy judge for the
northern district of New York.
(L) One additional bankruptcy judge for the
southern district of New York.
(M) One additional bankruptcy judge for the eastern
district of North Carolina.
(N) One additional bankruptcy judge for the eastern
district of Pennsylvania.
(O) One additional bankruptcy judge for the middle
district of Pennsylvania.
(P) One additional bankruptcy judge for the
district of Puerto Rico.
(Q) One additional bankruptcy judge for the western
district of Tennessee.
(R) One additional bankruptcy judge for the eastern
district of Virginia.
(2) Vacancies.--The first vacancy occurring in the office
of a bankruptcy judge in each of the judicial districts set
forth in paragraph (1) shall not be filled if the vacancy--
(A) results from the death, retirement,
resignation, or removal of a bankruptcy judge; and
(B) occurs 5 years or more after the appointment
date of a bankruptcy judge appointed under paragraph
(1).
(b) Extensions.--
(1) In general.--The temporary office of bankruptcy judges
authorized for the northern district of Alabama, the district
of Delaware, the district of Puerto Rico, the district of South
Carolina, and the eastern district of Tennessee under
paragraphs (1), (3), (7), (8), and (9) of section 3(a) of the
Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 1992 (28 U.S.C. 152 note) are
extended until the first vacancy occurring in the office of a
bankruptcy judge in the applicable district resulting from the
death, retirement, resignation, or removal of a bankruptcy
judge and occurring--
(A) 8 years or more after November 8, 1993, with
respect to the northern district of Alabama;
(B) 10 years or more after October 28, 1993, with
respect to the district of Delaware;
(C) 8 years or more after August 29, 1994, with
respect to the district of Puerto Rico;
(D) 8 years or more after June 27, 1994, with
respect to the district of South Carolina; and
(E) 8 years or more after November 23, 1993, with
respect to the eastern district of Tennessee.
(2) Applicability of other provisions.--Except as provided
in paragraph (1), section 3 of the Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of
1992 (28 U.S.C. 152 note) shall continue to apply to the
temporary office of bankruptcy judges referred to in such
paragraph.
(c) Technical Amendments.--Section 152(a) of title 28, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking the first sentence and
inserting the following:
``Each bankruptcy judge authorized to be appointed for a judicial
district as provided in paragraph (2) shall be appointed by the United
States court of appeals for the circuit in which such district is
located.''; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in the item relating to the middle district of
Georgia, by striking ``2'' and inserting ``3''; and
(B) in the collective item relating to the middle
and southern districts of Georgia, by striking ``Middle
and Southern . . . . . . 1''.
Passed the House of Representatives October 31, 2000.
Attest:
Clerk.
106th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 5540
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To extend for 11 additional months the period for which chapter 12 of
title 11 of the United States Code is reenacted; to provide for
additional temporary bankruptcy judges; and for other purposes. | Makes this amendment effective as of July 1, 2000 (the previous expiration date).
Amends the Federal judicial code to mandate appointments for additional temporary bankruptcy judgeships in California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, and Virginia. Provides that the first vacancy occurring in such district five years or more after a judge is appointed under this Act shall not be filled.
Extends temporary bankruptcy judgeship positions authorized for the northern district of Alabama, and the districts of Delaware, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina, and the eastern district of Tennessee. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Chapter 12 Extension and Bankruptcy Judgeship Act of 2000"} | 1,191 | 136 | 0.648893 | 1.768911 | 0.609239 | 2.544 | 9.776 | 0.896 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Jobs, On-the-Job `Earn While You
Learn' Training, and Apprenticeships for African-American Young Men
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) African-American young men ages 18 to 39 are the
hardest hit in unemployment, with an unemployment rate of 41
percent nationally, and in some States and cities, especially
inner cities, higher than 50 percent;
(2) this extraordinarily high unemployment rate has a
terrible rippling impact on the breakdown of the family
structure, as men in this age group are in the primary child-
producing ages; and
(3) an unemployment rate of 40 to 50 percent among African-
American young men, many of who are fathers who, without jobs,
and are unable to provide for their families, is not only a
national crisis but a national tragedy.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to secure jobs, on-the-job
training, and apprenticeships for African-American young men ages 18 to
39 with the labor unions, general contractors, and businesses who will
rebuild the Nation's crumbling infrastructure in cities and communities
throughout the Nation.
SEC. 3. URGING EMPLOYMENT, ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, AND APPRENTICESHIPS FOR
UNEMPLOYED AFRICAN-AMERICAN YOUNG MEN IN REBUILDING THE
NATION'S CRUMBLING INFRASTRUCTURE.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Labor shall strongly and urgently
request those labor unions, general contractors, and businesses, who
will rebuild the Nation's crumbling infrastructure, transportation
systems, technology and computer networks, and energy distribution
systems, to actively recruit, hire, and provide on-the-job training to
African-American young men ages 18 to 39 through their existing jobs,
apprenticeships, and ``earn while you learn'' programs. The Secretary
shall provide assistance to such labor unions, general contractors, and
businesses through every means available to help coordinate the
recruitment of such individuals for such jobs, on-the-job training, and
apprenticeships.
(b) Coordination.--The jobs, on-the-job training, and
apprenticeships made available by labor unions, general contractors,
and businesses described in subsection (a) shall be conducted in
conjunction with the Secretary of Labor and the labor unions and other
associations which have been identified as those primarily involved in
the infrastructure rebuilding described in such subsection, including
the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the United
Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe
Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, the International
Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron
Workers Union, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the National
Electrical Contractors Association, the International Association of
Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), the
Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), the
International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), and the United
Steelworkers (USW). Such coordination shall also be done in conjunction
with the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, which
allows apprentices to earn while they learn.
(c) Recruitment.--The labor unions, general contractors, and
businesses described in subsections (a) and (b) shall recruit African-
American young men for the jobs, on-the-job training, and
apprenticeships described in subsection (a) by reaching out and seeking
assistance from within the African-American community, churches, the
National Urban League, the NAACP, 100 Black Men of America, high school
and college job placement offices, media outlets, and other African-
American organizations that can offer valuable assistance to the
Secretary of Labor, the labor unions, general contractors, and
businesses with identifying, locating, and contacting unemployed
African-American young men who want jobs, on-the-job training, and
apprenticeships. These African-American organizations have a long and
rich history of working to improve the lives of African-Americans, and
can be very helpful in successfully reaching, contacting, and
recruiting unemployed African-American young men.
SEC. 4. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that this Act--
(1) while rebuilding the crumbling infrastructure of this
great Nation, will simultaneously help create good paying jobs
and job training that will provide African-American young men
ages 18 to 39 with the technical skills, computer capabilities,
and other skills necessary in this high technology-driven job
market, thus providing African-American young men with highly
developed skills that will make them very competitive and
attractive to many employers; and
(2) greatly exemplifies and strengthens the high nobility
of purpose that is the founding grace of this great Nation. | Jobs, On-the-Job "Earn While You Learn" Training, and Apprenticeships for African-American Young Men Act This bill requires the Department of Labor to request labor unions, general contractors, and businesses that will rebuild infrastructure, transportation systems, technology and computer networks, and energy distribution systems to actively recruit, hire, and provide on-the-job training to African American men ages 18 to 39 through existing jobs, apprenticeships, and "earn while you learn" programs. Labor must help coordinate such recruitment. The jobs, training, and apprenticeships must be conducted in conjunction with Labor, labor unions and associations involved in infrastructure rebuilding, and the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee. Labor unions, contractors, and businesses involved with such infrastructure or systems must recruit by seeking assistance from the African American community, churches, the National Urban League, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, 100 Black Men of America, high school and college job placement offices, and media outlets. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Jobs, On-the-Job Earn While You Learn Training, and Apprenticeships for African-American Young Men Act"} | 1,071 | 213 | 0.65338 | 2.204268 | 1.012148 | 5.128205 | 5.015385 | 0.923077 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Defend the American Dream Act of
2007''.
SEC. 2. WAGE DETERMINATION.
(a) Change in Minimum Wages.--Section 212(n)(1)(A) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(A)) is amended to
read as follows:
``(A) The employer--
``(i) is offering and will offer during the period
of authorized employment to aliens admitted or provided
status as an H-1B nonimmigrant wages that are at
least--
``(I) the locally determined prevailing
wage level for the occupational classification
in the area of employment;
``(II) the median average wage for all
workers in the occupational classification in
the area of employment; or
``(III) the median wage for skill level two
in the occupational classification found in the
most recent Occupational Employment Statistics
survey;
whichever is greatest, based on the best information
available as of the time of filing of the application;
and
``(ii) will provide working conditions for such
nonimmigrant that will not adversely affect the working
conditions of workers similarly employed.
The wage determination methodology used under clause (i) shall
be submitted with the application.''.
(b) Provision of W-2 Forms.--Section 212(n)(1) of such Act (8
U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)) is amended by inserting after subparagraph (G) the
following new subparagraph:
``(H) If the employer employed, in such previous period as
the Secretary shall specify, one or more H-1B nonimmigrants,
the application shall be accompanied by the Internal Revenue
Service Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement filed by the employer
with respect to such nonimmigrants for such period.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to applications filed on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 3. GOOD FAITH RECRUITMENT REQUIREMENT.
(a) Extending Time Period for No Displacement.--Section 212(n) of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(E)(i), by striking ``90 days'' and
inserting ``180 days'' each place it appears; and
(2) in paragraph (2)(C)(iii), in the matter before
subclause (I), by striking ``90 days'' and inserting ``180
days'' each place it appears.
(b) Requiring Active Recruitment.--Section 212(n)(1)(G)(i)(I) of
such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(G)(i)(I)) is amended by inserting
``actively'' before ``recruit''.
(c) Prohibition of Outplacement.--Section 212(n) of such Act (8
U.S.C. 1182(n)) is amended--
(1) by amending subparagraph (F) of paragraph (1) to read
as follows:
``(F) The employer shall not place, out-source, lease, or
otherwise contract for the placement of an alien admitted or
provided status as an H-1B nonimmigrant with another employer,
regardless of whether or not such other employer is an H-1B-
dependent employer.''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (E) of paragraph (2).
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to applications filed on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act, except that the amendments made by subsection (a) shall not
apply to displacements for periods occurring more than 90 days before
such date.
SEC. 4. H-1B EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Public Listing of Available Positions.--
(1) Listing of available positions.--Section 212(n)(1)(C)
of such Act is amended--
(A) in clause (i), by striking ``(i) has provided''
and inserting the following:
``(ii)(I) has provided'';
(B) by redesignating clause (ii) as subclause (II);
and
(C) by inserting before clause (ii), as
redesignated, the following:
``(i) has advertised the job availability on the
list described in paragraph (6), for at least 30
calendar days; and''.
(2) List maintained by the department of labor.--Section
212(n) of such Act, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(6)(A) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of
this paragraph, the Secretary of Labor shall establish a list of
available jobs, which shall be publicly accessible without charge--
``(i) on a website maintained by the Department of Labor,
which website shall be searchable by--
``(I) the name, city, State, and zip code of the
employer;
``(II) the date on which the job is expected to
begin;
``(III) the title and description of the job; and
``(IV) the State and city (or county) at which the
work will be performed; and
``(ii) at each 1-stop center created under the Workforce
Investment Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-220).
``(B) Each available job advertised on the list shall include--
``(i) the employer's full legal name;
``(ii) the address of the employer's principal place of
business;
``(iii) the employer's city, State and zip code;
``(iv) the employer's Federal Employer Identification
Number;
``(v) the phone number, including area code and extension,
as appropriate, of the hiring official or other designated
official of the employer;
``(vi) the e-mail address, if available, of the hiring
official or other designated official of the employer;
``(vii) the wage rate to be paid for the position and, if
the wage rate in the offer is expressed as a range, the bottom
of the wage range;
``(viii) whether the rate of pay is expressed on an annual,
monthly, biweekly, weekly, or hourly basis;
``(ix) a statement of the expected hours per week that the
job will require;
``(x) the date on which the job is expected to begin;
``(xi) the date on which the job is expected to end, if
applicable;
``(xii) the number of persons expected to be employed for
the job;
``(xiii) the job title;
``(xiv) the job description;
``(xv) the city and State of the physical location at which
the work will be performed; and
``(xvi) a description of a process by which a United States
worker may submit an application to be considered for the job.
``(C) The Secretary of Labor may charge a nominal filing fee to
employers who advertise available jobs on the list established under
this paragraph to cover expenses for establishing and administering the
requirements under this paragraph.
``(D) The Secretary may promulgate rules, after notice and a period
for comment--
``(i) to carry out the requirements of this paragraph; and
``(ii) that require employers to provide other information
in order to advertise available jobs on the list.''.
(3) Effective date.--Paragraph (1) shall take effect for
applications filed at least 30 days after the creation of the
list described in paragraph (2).
(b) H-1B Nonimmigrants Not Admitted for Jobs Advertised or Offered
Only to H-1B Nonimmigrants.--Section 212(n)(1) of such Act, as amended
by this Act, is further amended--
(1) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following:
``(I)(i) The employer has not advertised the available jobs
specified in the application in an advertisement that states or
indicates that--
``(I) the job or jobs are only available to persons
who are or who may become H-1B nonimmigrants; or
``(II) persons who are or who may become H-1B
nonimmigrants shall receive priority or a preference in
the hiring process.
``(ii) The employer has not only recruited persons who are,
or who may become, H-1B nonimmigrants to fill the job or
jobs.''; and
(2) in the undesignated paragraph at the end, by striking
``The employer'' and inserting the following:
``(J) The employer''.
(c) Limit on Percentage of H-1B Employees.--Section 212(n)(1) of
such Act, as amended by this section, is further amended by inserting
after subparagraph (J) the following:
``(K) If the employer employs not less than 50 employees in
the United States, not more than 50 percent of such employees
are H-1B nonimmigrants.''.
(d) Immigration Documents.--Section 204 of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1154)
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Employer To Share All Immigration Paperwork Exchanged With
Federal Agencies.--Not later than 10 working days after receiving a
written request from a former, current, or future employee or
beneficiary, an employer shall provide the employee or beneficiary with
the original (or a certified copy of the original) of all petitions,
notices, and other written communication exchanged between the employer
and the Department of Labor, the Department of Homeland Security, or
any other Federal agency that is related to an immigrant or
nonimmigrant petition filed by the employer for the employee or
beneficiary.''.
SEC. 5. REMOVAL OF EXEMPTION FROM H-1B NUMERICAL LIMITATION FOR CERTAIN
ALIENS.
(a) In General.--Section 214(g)(5) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(5)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``or'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; or'' and inserting
a period; and
(3) by striking subparagraph (C).
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to the issuance of a visa (or other provision of status) under
section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(B)) on or after the first day of the first
fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 6. REQUIREMENT OF A DEGREE FROM CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS FOR H-1B
SPECIALITY OCCUPATION NONIMMIGRANTS.
(a) In General.--Section 214(i)(2) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(i)(2)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by adding ``or'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``, from a bona fide
educational institution in the United States or from an
educational institution that is at least equivalent to such an
institution in the United States,'' after ``paragraph (1)(B)'';
(3) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``, or'' and inserting
a period; and
(4) by striking subparagraph (C).
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply to applications filed on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 7. LABOR ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Centralization of Administrative and Enforcement Functions.--
Section 212(n)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1182(n)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(J) The Secretary shall be responsible under this paragraph for
investigations of wage complaints, as well as investigations of
allegations of fraud in the filing of applications under this
subsection.''.
(b) Audits.--Section 212(n)(2)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C.
1182(n)(2)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``In
addition, the Secretary may conduct surveys of the level of compliance
by employers with the provisions and requirements of this subsection
and may conduct annual compliance audits in the case of employers that
employ H-1B nonimmigrants. In the case of an employer that employs H-1B
nonimmigrants that represent 15 percent or more of the total number of
individuals employed by the employer, the Secretary shall conduct
annual compliance audits of such employer.''.
(c) Penalties.--Section 212(n)(2)(C) of such Act is amended--
(1) in clause (i)(I), by striking ``$1,000'' and inserting
``$2,000'';
(2) in clause (ii)(I), by striking ``$5,000'' and inserting
``$10,000''; and
(3) in clause (vi)(III), by striking ``$1,000'' and
inserting ``$2,000''.
SEC. 8. WHISTLEBLOWER PROTECTIONS.
Section 212(n)(2)(C)(iv) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1182(n)(2)(C)(iv)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``take, fail to take, or threaten to take
or fail to take, a personnel action, or'' before ``to
intimidate''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``An employer that
violates this clause shall be liable to the employees harmed by
such violation for lost wages and benefits.''.
SEC. 9. APPLICATION OF NONDISPLACEMENT REQUIREMENT TO ALL H-1B
EMPLOYERS.
(a) In General.--Section 212(n)(1)(E)(ii) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(n)(1)(E)(ii)) is amended by striking
``an H-1B dependent employer (as defined in paragraph (3))'' and
inserting ``an employer that employs H-1B nonimmigrants''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to applications filed on or after the date of the enactment of
this Act. | Defend the American Dream Act of 2007 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to require employers of H-1B (specialty occupations) nonimmigrants to use one of three specified methods (whichever results in the highest wages) to determine wages for purposes of required wage attestations. Requires such employers who previously employed one or more H-1B nonimmigrants to submit with their labor condition application (LCA) a copy of the W-2 Wage and Tax Statement filed with respect to those nonimmigrants.
Extends to 180 days the period during which certain H-1B employers must show nondisplacement of U.S. workers. Requires such employers to actively engage in recruitment efforts. Prohibits such employers from outsourcing or otherwise contracting for the placement of an H-1B nonimmigrant with another employer, regardless of whether the other employer is H-1B dependent employer.
Revises H-1B employer requirements with respect to: (1) job advertising on a free Department of Labor website (as required under this Act); (2) information sharing; (3) prohibiting H-1B-exclusive employment advertising; and (4) prohibiting an employer of not less than 50 employees in the United States from having more than 50% H-1B nonimmigrant employees.
Eliminates the exemption from H-1B numerical admission limitations for certain aliens with a US master's or higher degree.
Revises the H-1B definition of "specialty occupation."
Requires the Secretary of Labor to be responsible for investigations of wage complaints and allegations of fraud in the filing of LCAs. Increases monetary penalties for LCA violations.
Applies the nondisplacement requirement to all H-1B employers.
Provides H-1B alien whistleblower protections. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide greater protections to domestic and foreign workers under the H-1B nonimmigrant worker program."} | 3,374 | 388 | 0.534421 | 1.61805 | 0.74301 | 2.208754 | 9.481481 | 0.801347 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Congressional
Hunger Fellows Act of 2001''.
(b) Findings.--The Congress finds as follows:
(1) There is a critical need for compassionate individuals
who are committed to assisting people who suffer from hunger as
well as a need for such individuals to initiate and administer
solutions to the hunger problem.
(2) Bill Emerson, the distinguished late Representative
from the 8th District of Missouri, demonstrated his commitment
to solving the problem of hunger in a bipartisan manner, his
commitment to public service, and his great affection for the
institution and the ideals of the United States Congress.
(3) George T. (Mickey) Leland, the distinguished late
Representative from the 18th District of Texas, demonstrated
his compassion for those in need, his high regard for public
service, and his lively exercise of political talents.
(4) The special concern that Mr. Emerson and Mr. Leland
demonstrated during their lives for the hungry and poor was an
inspiration for others to work toward the goals of equality and
justice for all.
(5) These two outstanding leaders maintained a special bond
of friendship regardless of political affiliation and worked
together to encourage future leaders to recognize and provide
service to others, and therefore it is especially appropriate
to honor the memory of Mr. Emerson and Mr. Leland by creating a
fellowship program to develop and train the future leaders of
the United States to pursue careers in humanitarian service.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT; BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
(a) In General.--There is established as an independent entity of
the legislative branch of the United States Government the
Congressional Hunger Fellows Program (hereinafter in this Act referred
to as the ``Program'').
(b) Board of Trustees.--The Program shall be subject to the
supervision and direction of a Board of Trustees.
(1) Appointment.--The Board shall be composed of 6 voting
members appointed under subparagraph (A) and 1 nonvoting ex
officio member designated in subparagraph (B) as follows:
(A) Voting members.--(i) The Speaker of the House
of Representatives shall appoint 2 members.
(ii) The minority leader of the House of
Representatives shall appoint 1 member.
(iii) The majority leader of the Senate shall
appoint 2 members.
(iv) The minority leader of the Senate shall
appoint 1 member.
(B) Nonvoting member.--The Executive Director of
the Program shall serve as a nonvoting ex officio
member of the Board.
(2) Terms.--Members of the Board shall serve a term of 4
years.
(3) Vacancy.--
(A) Authority of board.--A vacancy in the
membership of the Board does not affect the power of
the remaining members to carry out this Act.
(B) Appointment of successors.--A vacancy in the
membership of the Board shall be filled in the manner
in which the original appointment was made.
(C) Incomplete term.--If a member of the Board does
not serve the full term applicable to the member, the
individual appointed to fill the resulting vacancy
shall be appointed for the remainder of the term of the
predecessor of the individual.
(4) Chairperson.--As the first order of business of the
first meeting of the Board, the members shall elect a
Chairperson.
(5) Compensation.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B),
members of the Board may not receive compensation for
service on the Board.
(B) Travel.--Members of the Board may be reimbursed
for travel, subsistence, and other necessary expenses
incurred in carrying out the duties of the Program.
SEC. 3. PURPOSES; AUTHORITY OF PROGRAM.
(a) Purposes.--The purposes of the Program are--
(1) to encourage future leaders of the United States to
pursue careers in humanitarian service, to recognize the needs
of people who are hungry and poor, and to provide assistance
and compassion for those in need;
(2) to increase awareness of the importance of public
service; and
(3) to provide training and development opportunities for
such leaders.
(b) Authority.--The Program is authorized to develop such
fellowships, activities, and services to carry out the purposes of this
Act, including the fellowships described in subsection (c).
(c) Fellowships.--
(1) In general.--The Program shall establish and carry out
the Bill Emerson Hunger Fellowship and the Mickey Leland Hunger
Fellowship.
(2) Curriculum.--
(A) In general.--The fellowships established under
paragraph (1) shall provide education and training to
develop the skills and understanding necessary to
improve the humanitarian conditions and the lives of
individuals who suffer from hunger, including--
(i) training in direct service to the
hungry in conjunction with community-based
organizations through a program of field
placement; and
(ii) experience in policy development
through placement in a governmental entity or
nonprofit organization.
(B) Focus of bill emerson hunger fellowship.--The
Bill Emerson Hunger Fellowship shall address hunger and
other humanitarian needs in the United States.
(C) Focus of mickey leland hunger fellowship.--The
Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowship shall address
international hunger and other humanitarian needs.
(3) Period of fellowship.--A fellowship awarded under this
subsection shall be for a period of not less than 12 months and
not more than 24 months.
(4) Selection of fellows.--
(A) In general.--A fellowship shall be awarded
pursuant to a nationwide competition established by the
Program.
(B) Qualification.--A successful applicant shall be
an individual who has demonstrated both a desire to
pursue a career in humanitarian service and outstanding
potential for such a career.
(C) Amount of award.--Each individual awarded a
fellowship under this subsection shall receive an
educational award and living allowance as determined by
the Program.
(D) Recognition of fellowship award.--
(i) Emerson fellow.--An individual awarded
a fellowship from the Bill Emerson Hunger
Fellowship shall be known as an ``Emerson
Fellow''.
(ii) Leland fellow.--An individual awarded
a fellowship from the Mickey Leland Hunger
Fellowship shall be known as a ``Leland
Fellow''.
(d) Evaluation.--The Program shall conduct periodic evaluations of
the Bill Emerson and Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowships.
SEC. 4. TRUST FUND.
(a) Establishment.--There is established the Congressional Hunger
Fellows Trust Fund (hereinafter in this Act referred to as the
``Fund'') in the Treasury of the United States, consisting of amounts
appropriated to the Fund under section 7(a), amounts credited to it
under subsection (c), and amounts received under section 6(c)(2).
(b) Investment of Funds.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall
invest the full amount of the Fund. Each investment shall be made in an
interest bearing obligation of the United States or an obligation
guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States that, as
determined by the Secretary in consultation with the Board, has a
maturity suitable for the Fund.
(c) Return on Investment.--Except as provided in section 5(a), the
Secretary of the Treasury shall credit to the Fund the interest on, and
the proceeds from sale or redemption of, obligations held in the Fund.
SEC. 5. EXPENDITURES; AUDITS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of the Treasury shall transfer to
the Program from the amounts described in section 4(c) and section
6(c)(2) such sums as the Board determines are necessary to enable the
Program to carry out the provisions of this Act.
(b) Limitation.--The Secretary may not transfer to the Program the
amounts appropriated to the Fund under section 7(a).
(c) Audit by GAO.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct an annual audit of the accounts of the
Program.
(2) Books.--The Program shall make available to the
Comptroller General all books, accounts, financial records,
reports, files, and all other papers, things, or property
belonging to or in use by the Program and necessary to
facilitate such audit.
(3) Report to congress.--The Comptroller General shall
submit a copy of the results of each such audit to the
Congress.
SEC. 6. STAFF; POWERS OF PROGRAM.
(a) Executive Director.--
(1) In general.--The Board shall appoint an Executive
Director of the Program who shall administer the Program. The
Executive Director shall carry out such other functions
consistent with the provisions of this Act as the Board shall
prescribe.
(2) Restriction.--The Executive Director may not serve as
Chairperson of the Board.
(3) Compensation.--The Executive Director shall be paid at
a rate not to exceed the rate of basic pay payable for level
III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of title 5,
United States Code.
(b) Staff.--
(1) In general.--With the approval of a majority of the
Board, the Executive Director may appoint and fix the pay of
additional personnel as the Executive Director considers
necessary and appropriate to carry out the functions of the
provisions of this Act.
(2) Compensation.--An individual appointed under paragraph
(1) shall be paid at a rate not to exceed the rate of basic pay
payable for level GS-15 of the General Schedule.
(c) Powers.--In order to carry out the provisions of this Act, the
Program may perform the following functions:
(1) Gifts.--The Program may accept, use, and dispose of
gifts, bequests, or devises of services or property, both real
and personal, for the purpose of aiding or facilitating the
work of the Program. Gifts, bequests, or devises of money and
proceeds from sales of other property received as gifts,
bequests, or devises shall be deposited in the Fund and shall
be available for disbursement upon order of the Board.
(2) Experts and consultants.--The Program may procure
temporary and intermittent services under section 3109 of title
5, United States Code, but at rates for individuals not to
exceed the daily equivalent of the maximum annual rate of basic
pay payable for GS-15 of the General Schedule.
(3) Contract authority.--The Program may contract with and
compensate government and private agencies or persons without
regard to section 3709 of the Revised Statutes (41 U.S.C. 5).
(4) Other necessary expenditures.--The Program shall make
such other expenditures which the Program considers necessary
to carry out the provisions of this Act.
SEC. 7. REPORT.
Not later than December 31 of each year, the Board shall submit to
Secretary of Agriculture and to Congress a report on the activities of
the Program carried out during the previous fiscal year.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated $18,000,000 to carry out
the provisions of this Act. | Congressional Hunger Fellows Act of 2001 - Establishes the Congressional Hunger Fellows Program and the Congressional Hunger Fellows Trust Fund in order to establish Bill Emerson and Mickey Leland Hunger Fellowships, respectively, to address hunger and other humanitarian needs in the United States and internationally. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish the Bill Emerson and Mickey Leland memorial fellowship programs, and for other purposes."} | 2,436 | 62 | 0.54514 | 1.525028 | 0.804467 | 3.520833 | 45.708333 | 0.9375 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Jumpstart VA Construction Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The buildings of the Department of Veterans Affairs
have an average age of 60 years.
(2) Since 2004, use of Department facilities has grown from
80 percent to 120 percent, while the condition of these
facilities has eroded from 81 percent to 71 percent over that
same period of time.
(3) The Department currently manages and maintains more
than 5,600 buildings and almost 34,000 acres of land.
(4) More than 3,900 infrastructure gaps remain that will
cost between $54,000,000,000 and $66,000,000,000 to close,
including $10,000,000,000 in activation costs.
(5) The Veterans Health Administration has 21 major
construction projects dating to 2007 that have been only
partially funded.
(6) The total unobligated amount for all currently budgeted
major construction projects exceeds $2,900,000,000.
(7) To finish existing projects and to close current and
future gaps, the Department will need to invest at least
$23,200,000,000 over the next 10 years.
(8) At current requested funding levels, it will take more
than 67 years to complete the 10-year capital investment plan
of the Department.
SEC. 3. PROGRAM FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
MAJOR MEDICAL FACILITY PROJECTS BY NON-FEDERAL ENTITIES
UNDER PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out
a program under which the Secretary shall enter into partnership
agreements on a competitive basis with appropriate non-Federal entities
for the construction of major construction projects authorized by law.
(b) Selection of Projects.--The Secretary shall select major
construction projects for completion by non-Federal entities under the
program. Each project selected shall be a major medical facility
project authorized by law for the construction of a new facility for
which--
(1) Congress has appropriated any funds;
(2) the design and development phase is complete; and
(3) construction has not begun, as of the date of the
enactment of this Act.
(c) Agreements.--Each partnership agreement for a construction
project under the program shall provide that--
(1) the non-Federal entity shall obtain any permits
required pursuant to Federal and State laws before beginning to
carry out construction; and
(2) if requested by the non-Federal entity, the Secretary
shall provide technical assistance for obtaining any necessary
permits for the construction project.
(d) Application.--To be eligible to participate in the program
established under subsection (a), a non-Federal entity shall submit to
the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require, including the
following:
(1) A description of the project manager of each major
construction project for which the Secretary enters into a
partnership agreement under the program.
(2) A description of the non-Federal contributions to the
project and how future funding will be secured.
(3) A description of the project management plan that the
non-Federal entity will use to ensure concise and consistent
communication of all parties involved in the project.
(4) A description of metrics to monitor change order
process times, with the intent of expediting any change order.
(5) Expected costs associated with the project.
(6) A description of construction timelines and milestones
association with the project.
(7) Such other information as the Secretary may require.
(e) Matching Funds.--The Department of Veterans Affairs shall
provide matching funds under this program--
(1) In general.--For any fiscal year, the Secretary shall
provide to a non-Federal entity that enters into a partnership
agreement with the Secretary under the program established
under subsection (a) matching funds in an amount that does not
exceed 50 percent of the amount expended by the non-Federal
entity.
(2) Rule of construction.--Paragraph one shall not be
construed as a limitation on the amount that may be expended by
a non-Federal entity for a fiscal year for a construction
project covered by a partnership agreement under the program.
(f) Comptroller General Report.--The Comptroller General of the
United States shall submit to Congress a biennial report on the
partnership agreements entered into under the program.
(g) Deadline for Implementation.--The Secretary shall begin
implementing the program under this section by not later than 180 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act. | Jumpstart VA Construction Act This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to enter into partnership agreements with non-federal entities for the construction of major medical construction projects authorized by law. Each selected project shall be for construction of a new facility for which: (1) Congress has appropriated funds, (2) the design and development phase is complete, and (3) construction has not begun as of the date of enactment of this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Jumpstart VA Construction Act"} | 1,001 | 91 | 0.577782 | 1.567974 | 1.503873 | 4.764045 | 10.370787 | 0.966292 |
SECTION 1. CONSENT OF CONGRESS.
(a) In General.--The consent and approval of Congress is given to
an interstate forest fire protection compact, as set out in subsection
(b).
(b) Compact.--The compact reads substantially as follows:
``THE NORTHWEST WILDLAND FIRE PROTECTION AGREEMENT
``THIS AGREEMENT is entered into by and between the State,
Provincial, and Territorial wildland fire protection agencies signatory
hereto, hereinafter referred to as ``Members''.
``FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION OF the following terms and conditions,
the Members agree:
``Article I
``1.1 The purpose of this Agreement is to promote effective
prevention, presuppression and control of forest fires in the Northwest
wildland region of the United States and adjacent areas of Canada (by
the Members) by providing mutual aid in prevention, presuppression and
control of wildland fires, and by establishing procedures in operating
plans that will facilitate such aid.
``Article II
``2.1 The agreement shall become effective for those Members
ratifying it whenever any two or more Members, the States of Oregon,
Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, or the Yukon Territory, or the
Province of British Columbia, or the Province of Alberta have ratified
it.
``2.2 Any State, Province, or Territory not mentioned in this
Article which is contiguous to any Member may become a party to this
Agreement subject to unanimous approval of the Members.
``Article III
``3.1 The role of the Members is to determine from time to time
such methods, practices, circumstances and conditions as may be found
for enhancing the prevention, presuppression, and control of forest
fires in the area comprising the Member's territory; to coordinate the
plans and the work of the appropriate agencies of the Members; and to
coordinate the rendering of aid by the Members to each other in
fighting wildland fires.
``3.2 The Members may develop cooperative operating plans for
the programs covered by this Agreement. Operating plans shall include
definition of terms, fiscal procedures, personnel contacts, resources
available, and standards applicable to the program. Other sections may
be added as necessary.
``Article IV
``4.1 A majority of Members shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of its general business. Motions of Members present shall
be carried by a simple majority except as stated in Article II. Each
Member will have one vote on motions brought before them.
``Article V
``5.1 Whenever a Member requests aid from any other Member in
controlling or preventing wildland fires, the Members agree, to the
extent they possibly can, to render all possible aid.
``Article VI
``6.1 Whenever the forces of any Member are aiding another
Member under this Agreement, the employees of such Member shall operate
under the direction of the officers of the Member to which they are
rendering aid and be considered agents of the Member they are rendering
aid to and, therefore, have the same privileges and immunities as
comparable employees of the Member to which the are rendering aid.
``6.2 No Member or its officers or employees rendering aid
within another State, Territory, or Province, pursuant to this
Agreement shall be liable on account of any act or omission on the part
of such forces while so engaged, or on account of the maintenance or
use of any equipment or supplies in connection therewith to the extent
authorized by the laws of the Member receiving the assistance. The
receiving Member, to the extent authorized by the laws of the State,
Territory, or Province, agrees to indemnify and save-harmless the
assisting Member from any such liability.
``6.3 Any Member rendering outside aid pursuant to this
Agreement shall be reimbursed by the Member receiving such aid for any
loss or damage to, or expense incurred in the operation of any
equipment and for the cost of all materials, transportation, wages,
salaries and maintenance of personnel and equipment incurred in
connection with such request in accordance with the provisions of the
previous section. Nothing contained herein shall prevent any assisting
Member from assuming such loss, damage, expense or other cost or from
loaning such equipment or from donating such services to the receiving
Member without charge or cost.
``6.4 For purposes of the Agreement, personnel shall be
considered employees of each sending Member for the payment of
compensation to injured employees and death benefits to the
representatives of deceased employees injured or killed while rendering
aid to another Member pursuant to this Agreement.
``6.5 The Members shall formulate procedures for claims and
reimbursement under the provisions of this Article.
``Article VII
``7.1 When appropriations for support of this agreement, or for
the support of common services in executing this agreement, are needed,
costs will be allocated equally among the Members.
``7.2 As necessary, Members shall keep accurate books of
account, showing in full, its receipts and disbursements, and the books
of account shall be open at any reasonable time to the inspection of
representatives of the Members.
``7.3 The Members may accept any and all donations, gifts, and
grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services from the
Federal or any local government, or any agency thereof and from any
person, firm or corporation, for any of its purposes and functions
under this Agreement, and may receive and use the same subject to the
terms, conditions, and regulations governing such donations, gifts, and
grants.
``Article VIII
``8.1 Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to limit or
restrict the powers of any Member to provide for the prevention,
control, and extinguishment of wildland fires or to prohibit the
enactment of enforcement of State, Territorial, or Provincial laws,
rules or regulations intended to aid in such prevention, control and
extinguishment of wildland fires in such State, Territory, or Province.
``8.2 Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to affect any
existing or future Cooperative Agreement between Members and/or their
respective Federal agencies.
``Article IX
``9.1 The Members may request the United States Forest Service
to act as the coordinating agency of the Northwest Wildland Fire
Protection Agreement in cooperation with the appropriate agencies for
each Member.
``9.2 The Members will hold an annual meeting to review the
terms of this Agreement, any applicable Operating Plans, and make
necessary modifications.
``9.3 Amendments to this Agreement can be made by simple
majority vote of the Members and will take effect immediately upon
passage.
``Article X
``10.1 This Agreement shall continue in force on each Member
until such Member takes action to withdraw therefrom. Such action shall
not be effective until 60 days after notice thereof has been sent to
all other Members.
``Article XI
``11.1 Nothing is this Agreement shall obligate the funds of any
Member beyond those approved by appropriate legislative action.''.
SEC. 2. OTHER STATES.
Without further submission of the compact, the consent of Congress
is given to any State to become a party to it in accordance with its
terms.
SEC. 3. RIGHTS RESERVED.
The right to alter, amend, or repeal this Act is expressly
reserved.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Interstate Compact - Grants the consent of the Congress to the Northwestern Wildland Fire Protection Agreement to promote effective prevention, presuppression, and control of forest fires in the Northwestern wildland region of the United States and adjacent areas of Canada. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill granting the consent and approval of Congress to an interstate forest fire protection compact."} | 1,575 | 54 | 0.576254 | 1.495747 | 0.592555 | 5.55814 | 35.55814 | 0.953488 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Security and Freedom Through
Encryption (SAFE) Act''.
SEC. 2. SALE AND USE OF ENCRYPTION.
(a) In General.--Part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended
by inserting after chapter 121 the following new chapter:
``CHAPTER 122--ENCRYPTED WIRE AND ELECTRONIC INFORMATION
``2801. Definitions.
``2802. Freedom to use encryption.
``2803. Freedom to sell encryption.
``2804. Prohibition on mandatory key escrow.
``2805. Unlawful use of encryption in furtherance of a criminal act.
``Sec. 2801. Definitions
``As used in this chapter--
``(1) the terms `person', `State', `wire communication',
`electronic communication', `investigative or law enforcement
officer', `judge of competent jurisdiction', and `electronic
storage' have the meanings given those terms in section 2510 of
this title;
``(2) the terms `encrypt' and `encryption' refer to the
scrambling of wire or electronic information using mathematical
formulas or algorithms in order to preserve the
confidentiality, integrity, or authenticity of, and prevent
unauthorized recipients from accessing or altering, such
information;
``(3) the term `key' means the variable information used in
a mathematical formula, code, or algorithm, or any component
thereof, used to decrypt wire or electronic information that
has been encrypted; and
``(4) the term `United States person' means--
``(A) any United States citizen;
``(B) any other person organized under the laws of
any State, the District of Columbia, or any
commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United
States; and
``(C) any person organized under the laws of any
foreign country who is owned or controlled by
individuals or persons described in subparagraphs (A)
and (B).
``Sec. 2802. Freedom to use encryption
``Subject to section 2805, it shall be lawful for any person within
any State, and for any United States person in a foreign country, to
use any encryption, regardless of the encryption algorithm selected,
encryption key length chosen, or implementation technique or medium
used.
``Sec. 2803. Freedom to sell encryption
``Subject to section 2805, it shall be lawful for any person within
any State to sell in interstate commerce any encryption, regardless of
the encryption algorithm selected, encryption key length chosen, or
implementation technique or medium used.
``Sec. 2804. Prohibition on mandatory key escrow
``(a) Prohibition.--No person in lawful possession of a key to
encrypted information may be required by Federal or State law to
relinquish to another person control of that key.
``(b) Exception for Access for Law Enforcement Purposes.--
Subsection (a) shall not affect the authority of any investigative or
law enforcement officer, acting under any law in effect on the
effective date of this chapter, to gain access to encrypted
information.
``Sec. 2805. Unlawful use of encryption in furtherance of a criminal
act
``Any person who willfully uses encryption in furtherance of the
commission of a criminal offense for which the person may be prosecuted
in a court of competent jurisdiction--
``(1) in the case of a first offense under this section,
shall be imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or fined in the
amount set forth in this title, or both; and
``(2) in the case of a second or subsequent offense under
this section, shall be imprisoned for not more than 10 years,
or fined in the amount set forth in this title, or both.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of chapters for part I of
title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item
relating to chapter 33 the following new item:
``122. Encrypted wire and electronic information............ 2801''.
SEC. 3. EXPORTS OF ENCRYPTION.
(a) Amendment to Export Administration Act of 1979.--Section 17 of
the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 2416) is amended
by adding at the end thereof the following new subsection:
``(g) Computers and Related Equipment.--
``(1) General rule.--Subject to paragraphs (2), (3), and
(4), the Secretary shall have exclusive authority to control
exports of all computer hardware, software, and technology for
information security (including encryption), except that which
is specifically designed or modified for military use,
including command, control, and intelligence applications.
``(2) Items not requiring licenses.--No validated license
may be required, except pursuant to the Trading With The Enemy
Act or the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (but
only to the estent that the authority of such Act is not
exercised to extend controls imposed under this Act), for the
export or reexport of--
``(A) any software, including software with
encryption capabilities--
``(i) that is generally available, as is,
and is designed for installation by the
purchaser; or
``(ii) that is in the public domain for
which copyright or other protection is not
available under title 17, United States Code,
or that is available to the public because it
is generally accessible to the interested
public in any form; or
``(B) any computing device solely because it
incorporates or employs in any form software (including
software with encryption capabilities) exempted from
any requirement for a validated license under
subparagraph (A).
``(3) Software with encryption capabilities.--The Secretary
shall authorize the export or reexport of software with
encryption capabilities for nonmilitary end-uses in any country
to which exports of software of similar capability are
permitted for use by financial institutions not controlled in
fact by United States persons, unless there is substantial
evidence that such software will be--
``(A) diverted to a military end-use or an end-use
supporting international terrorism;
``(B) modified for military or terrorist end-use;
or
``(C) reexported without any authorization by the
United States that may be required under this Act.
``(4) Hardware with encryption capabilities.--The Secretary
shall authorize the export or reexport of computer hardware
with encryption capabilities if the Secretary determines that a
product offering comparable security is commercially available
outside the United States from a foreign supplier, without
effective restrictions.
``(5) Definitions.--As used in this subsection--
``(A) the term `encryption' means the scrambling of
wire or electronic information using mathematical
formulas or algorithms in order to preserve the
confidentiality, integrity, or authenticity of, and
prevent unauthorized recipients from accessing or
altering, such information;
``(B) the term `generally available' means, in the
case of software (including software with encryption
capabilities), software that is offered for sale,
license, or transfer to any person without restriction,
whether or not for consideration, including, but not
limited to, over-the-counter retail sales, mail order
transactions, phone order transactions, electronic
distribution, or sale on approval;
``(C) the term `as is' means, in the case of
software (including software with encryption
capabilities), a software program that is not designed,
developed, or tailored by the software publisher for
specific purchasers, except that such purchasers may
supply certain installation parameters needed by the
software program to function properly with the
purchaser's system and may customize the software
program by choosing among options contained in the
software program;
``(D) the term `is designed for installation by the
purchaser' means, in the case of software (including
software with encryption capabilities) that--
``(i) the software publisher intends for
the purchaser (including any licensee or
transferee), who may not be the actual program
user, to install the software program on a
computing device and has supplied the necessary
instructions to do so, except that the
publisher may also provide telephone help line
services for software installation, electronic
transmission, or basic operations; and
``(ii) the software program is designed for
installation by the purchaser without further
substantial support by the supplier;
``(E) the term `computing device' means a device
which incorporates one or more microprocessor-based
central processing units that can accept, store,
process, or provide output of data; and
``(F) the term `computer hardware', when used in
conjunction with information security, includes, but is
not limited to, computer systems, equipment,
application-specific assemblies, modules, and
integrated circuits.''.
(b) Continuation of Export Administration Act.--For purposes of
carrying out the amendment made by subsection (a), the Export
Administration Act of 1979 shall be deemed to be in effect. | Security and Freedom Through Encryption (SAFE) Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to permit any person within any State, and any U.S. person in a foreign country, to use any encryption regardless of the encryption algorithm selected, encryption key length chosen, or implementation technique or medium used, with an exception for the unlawful use of encryption in furtherance of a criminal act.
Allows any person within any State to sell in interstate commerce any encryption.
Specifies that no person in lawful possession of a key to encrypted information may be required by Federal or State law to relinquish to another person control of that key, with an exception for access for law enforcement purposes.
Sets penalties for the willful use of encryption in furtherance of the commission of a criminal offense.
(Sec. 3) Amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to grant the Secretary of Commerce exclusive authority to control exports of all hardware, software, and technology for information security (including encryption), except that which is specifically designed or modified for military use.
Prohibits requiring any validated license (with limited exceptions pursuant to the Trading With The Enemy Act or the International Emergency Economic Powers Act) for the export or reexport of any: (1) software, including software with encryption capabilities that is generally available as is and that is designed for installation by the purchaser, or that is in the public domain for which copyright or other protection is not available or is available to the public because it is generally accessible to the public in any form; or (2) computing device solely because it incorporates or employs in any form software (including software with encryption capabilities) exempted from any requirement for a validated license under this section.
Directs the Secretary to authorize the export or reexport of: (1) software with encryption capabilities for nonmilitary end-uses in any country to which exports of software of similar capability are permitted for use by financial institutions not controlled in fact by U.S. persons, unless there is substantial evidence that such software will be diverted to a military end-use or an end-use supporting international terrorism, modified for military or terrorist end-use, or reexported without any U.S. authorization that may be required under the Act; and (2) computer hardware with encryption capabilities if the Secretary determines that a product offering comparable security is commercially available outside the United States from a foreign supplier without effective restrictions. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Security and Freedom Through Encryption (SAFE) Act"} | 2,006 | 527 | 0.549335 | 1.719799 | 0.795691 | 5.820734 | 4.095032 | 0.961123 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Social Security Disability Fairness
Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. PHASED-IN PAYMENT OF SSDI BENEFITS DURING THE WAITING PERIOD
FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL.
(a) In General.--Section 223 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
423) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1), in the matter following
subparagraph (E), by striking ``or (ii)'' and inserting
``(ii) subject to paragraph (2)(B), for each month
beginning with the first month during all of which the
individual is determined under subparagraph (D) of
subsection (d)(2) to be under a disability and in which
he becomes so entitled to such insurance benefits, or
(iii)'';
(B) in paragraph (2)--
(i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``or''
at the end;
(ii) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as
subparagraph (C);
(iii) in subparagraph (C), as so
redesignated, by striking ``(ii)'' and
inserting ``(iii)''; and
(iv) by inserting after subparagraph (A)
the following new subparagraph:
``(B) in any case in which clause (ii) of paragraph (1) of
this subsection is applicable, the first month for which the
individual becomes entitled to such disability insurance
benefits, subject to the phase-in percentage period described
in paragraph (3)(A), or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(3)(A) For purposes of paragraph (2)(B), in any case in which
clause (ii) of paragraph (1) of this subsection is applicable, an
individual's disability insurance benefit for the earliest period of
consecutive calendar months throughout which the individual has been
entitled to such insurance benefits shall be equal to the product of
the benefit amount determined under paragraph (2)(B) (as determined
before application of this paragraph) and--
``(i) for the first calendar month, 50 percent;
``(ii) for the second calendar month, 75 percent; and
``(iii) for each subsequent calendar month through the
twelfth calendar month, 100 percent.
``(B) If an individual who has been determined under subparagraph
(D) of subsection (d)(2) to be under a disability has been entitled to
a disability insurance benefit on such basis for 12 consecutive
calendar months, the individual's disability insurance benefit for any
month during the subsequent period of 12 consecutive calendar months
shall be equal to--
``(i) the benefit amount determined under paragraph (2)(B)
(as determined before application of subparagraph (A)); minus
``(ii) the quotient obtained by dividing the total amount
of disability insurance benefits provided to the individual
during the earliest period of five consecutive calendar months
for which the individual was entitled to such benefits on such
basis by 12.
``(C) If an individual who has been determined under subparagraph
(D) of subsection (d)(2) to be under a disability has been entitled to
a disability insurance benefit on such basis for 24 consecutive
calendar months, the individual's disability insurance benefit for any
subsequent month shall be equal to 95 percent of the benefit amount
determined under paragraph (2)(B) (as determined before application of
subparagraphs (A) and (B)).''; and
(2) in subsection (d)(2), by adding at the end the
following:
``(D) For purposes of clause (ii) of paragraph (1) of
subsection (a), an individual shall be determined to be under a
disability upon submission of a diagnosis of a terminal illness
(as defined in section 1861(dd)(3)(A)) that has been certified
by not less than 2 physicians (as defined in section
1861(r)(1)) who are not related (as defined in section
267(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code) and are not in the same
physician group practice.''.
(b) Reports to Congress.--
(1) Report by social security administration.--Not later
than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, and
each year thereafter, the Commissioner of Social Security, in
coordination with the Inspector General of the Social Security
Administration, shall submit to the relevant committees of
Congress a report that evaluates the provision of disability
insurance benefits to terminally ill individuals, including--
(A) the total number of individuals who--
(i) filed applications for disability
insurance benefits (as determined under section
223(a)(3) of the Social Security Act) based on
a diagnosis of a terminal illness;
(ii) receive such benefits;
(iii) die within 6 months of first
receiving such benefits;
(iv) die within 12 months of first
receiving such benefits;
(v) receive such benefits during the period
described in section 223(a)(3)(B) of the Social
Security Act; and
(vi) receive such benefits during the
period described in section 223(a)(3)(C) of the
Social Security Act;
(B) the total amount expended, including related
administrative expenses, for the provision of
disability insurance benefits under section 223(a)(3)
of the Social Security Act to individuals diagnosed
with a terminal illness; and
(C) recommendations for such legislation and
administrative actions as are determined appropriate
for preventing fraud, waste, and abuse related to such
benefits.
(2) Report by government accountability office.--Not later
than 4 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall submit a report
to the relevant committees of Congress that evaluates the
provision of disability insurance benefits to terminally ill
individuals and provides recommendations for such legislation
and administrative actions as are determined appropriate to
improve the provision of such benefits to such individuals.
(c) Effective Date; Sunset.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the amendments
made by this section shall apply to benefits payable for months
beginning after December 31, 2016.
(2) Sunset.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
cease to have effect on January 1, 2022, and upon such date,
section 223 of the Social Security Act shall read as if such
amendments had not been enacted. | Social Security Disability Fairness Act of 2016 This bill amends title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act to prescribe formulae for payment of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits over a period of 24 consecutive calendar months for individuals determined to be under a disability upon submission of a diagnosis of a terminal illness. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Social Security Disability Fairness Act of 2016"} | 1,419 | 75 | 0.524122 | 1.184779 | 0.159037 | 3.609375 | 20.703125 | 0.859375 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Department of Homeland Security
Support to Fusion Centers Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. FUSION CENTER PERSONNEL NEEDS ASSESSMENT.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an
assessment of Department of Homeland Security personnel assigned to
fusion centers pursuant to subsection (c) of section 210A of the
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 124h), including an assessment
of whether deploying additional Department personnel to such fusion
centers would enhance the Department's mission under section 101(b) of
such Act and the National Network of Fusion Centers. The assessment
required under this subsection shall include the following:
(1) Information on the current deployment of the
Department's personnel to each fusion center.
(2) Information on the roles and responsibilities of the
Department's Office of Intelligence and Analysis' intelligence
officers, intelligence analysts, senior reports officers,
reports officers, and regional directors deployed to fusion
centers.
(3) Information on Federal resources, in addition to
personnel, provided to each fusion center.
(4) An analysis of the optimal number of personnel the
Office of Intelligence and Analysis should deploy to fusion
centers, including a cost-benefit analysis comparing deployed
personnel with technological solutions to support information
sharing.
(5) An assessment of fusion centers located in
jurisdictions along land and maritime borders of the United
States, and the degree to which deploying personnel, as
appropriate, from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Coast Guard to
such fusion centers would enhance the integrity and security at
such borders by helping Federal, State, local, and tribal law
enforcement authorities to identify, investigate, and interdict
persons, weapons, and related contraband that pose a threat to
homeland security.
(6) An assessment of fusion centers located in
jurisdictions with large and medium hub airports, and the
degree to which deploying, as appropriate, personnel from the
Transportation Security Administration to such fusion centers
would enhance the integrity and security of aviation security.
SEC. 3. PROGRAM FOR STATE AND LOCAL ANALYST CLEARANCES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that any
program established by the Under Secretary for Intelligence and
Analysis of the Department of Homeland Security to provide eligibility
for access to information classified as Top Secret for State and local
analysts located in fusion centers shall be consistent with the need to
know requirements pursuant to Executive Order No. 13526 (50 U.S.C. 3161
note).
(b) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Under Secretary of Intelligence and Analysis of the
Department of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Director of
National Intelligence, shall submit to the Committee on Homeland
Security and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the
Senate a report on the following:
(1) The process by which the Under Secretary of
Intelligence and Analysis determines a need to know pursuant to
Executive Order No. 13526 to sponsor Top Secret clearances for
appropriate State and local analysts located in fusion centers.
(2) The effects of such Top Secret clearances on enhancing
information sharing with State, local, tribal, and territorial
partners.
(3) The cost for providing such Top Secret clearances for
State and local analysts located in fusion centers, including
training and background investigations.
(4) The operational security protocols, training,
management, and risks associated with providing such Top Secret
clearances for State and local analysts located in fusion
centers.
SEC. 4. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT.
The Under Secretary of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department
of Homeland Security, in collaboration with the Chief Information
Officer of the Department and representatives from the National Network
of Fusion Centers, shall conduct an assessment of information systems
(as such term is defined in section 3502 of title 44, United States
Code) used to share homeland security information between the
Department and fusion centers in the National Network of Fusion Centers
and make upgrades to such systems, as appropriate. Such assessment
shall include the following:
(1) An evaluation of the accessibility and ease of use of
such systems by fusion centers in the National Network of
Fusion Centers.
(2) A review to determine how to establish improved
interoperability of departmental information systems with
existing information systems used by fusion centers in the
National Network of Fusion Centers.
(3) An evaluation of participation levels of departmental
components and offices of information systems used to share
homeland security information with fusion centers in the
National Network of Fusion Centers.
SEC. 5. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Under Secretary of Intelligence and Analysis of the Department of
Homeland Security shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with
each fusion center in the National Network of Fusion Centers regarding
the type of information fusion centers will provide to the Department
and whether such information may be subject to public disclosure.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Fusion center.--The term ``fusion center'' has the
meaning given such term in subsection (j) of section 210A of
the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 124h).
(2) National network of fusion centers.--The term
``National Network of Fusion Centers'' means a decentralized
arrangement of fusion centers intended to enhance individual
State and urban area fusion centers' ability to leverage the
capabilities and expertise of all such fusion centers for the
purpose of enhancing analysis and homeland security information
sharing nationally.
Passed the House of Representatives November 2, 2015.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | Department of Homeland Security Support to Fusion Centers Act of 2015 (Sec. 2) This bill directs the Comptroller General to conduct an assessment of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) personnel assigned to fusion centers established under the Homeland Security Act of 2002. (A fusion center serves as a focal point within the state and local environment for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and sharing of threat-related information between the federal government and state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners.) The assessment must include information on: the current deployment of such personnel to each fusion center; the roles and responsibilities of DHS's Office of Intelligence and Analysis intelligence officers and analysts, reports officers, and regional directors deployed to such centers; federal resources, in addition to personnel, provided to each center; an analysis of the optimal number of personnel the Office of Intelligence and Analysis should deploy to such centers, including a cost-benefit analysis comparing deployed personnel with technological solutions to support information sharing; fusion centers located in jurisdictions along land and maritime borders of the United States and the degree to which deploying personnel from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Coast Guard to such centers would enhance the integrity and security at such borders; and fusion centers located in jurisdictions with large and medium hub airports and the degree to which deploying personnel from the Transportation Security Administration to such centers would enhance aviation security. (Sec. 3) The bill expresses the sense of Congress that any program established by DHS's Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis to provide eligibility for access to information classified as Top Secret for state and local analysts located in fusion centers shall be consistent with the need-to-know requirements pursuant to Executive Order No. 13526. The Under Secretary must submit to specified congressional committees a report on: the process by which the Under Secretary determines a need to know to sponsor Top Secret clearances for appropriate state and local analysts located in fusion centers; the effects of such Top Secret clearances on enhancing information sharing with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners; the cost for providing such Top Secret clearances for such analysts, including training and background investigations; and the operational security protocols, training, management, and risks associated with providing such Top Secret clearances. (Sec. 4) The Under Secretary, in collaboration with the Chief Information Officer of DHS and representatives from the National Network of Fusion Centers, shall conduct an assessment of information systems used to share homeland security information between DHS and fusion centers in the Network and make appropriate upgrades to such systems. Such assessment shall include: an evaluation of the accessibility and ease of use of such systems by Network fusion centers; a review to determine how to establish improved interoperability of departmental information systems with existing information systems used by Network fusion centers; and an evaluation of participation levels of departmental components and offices of information systems used to share homeland security information with Network fusion centers. (Sec. 5) The Under Secretary shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with each Network fusion centers regarding the type of information fusion centers will provide to DHS and whether such information may be subject to public disclosure. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Department of Homeland Security Support to Fusion Centers Act of 2015"} | 1,287 | 694 | 0.83394 | 2.848363 | 0.828768 | 5.670436 | 1.95315 | 0.930533 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Comprehensive Arson Deterrence and
Fire Containment Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. MODULAR AIRBORNE FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM.
There are authorized to be appropriated $15,000,000 for the
modernization or replacement of the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting
System used by the United States Forest Service.
SEC. 3. IMPROVEMENT OF FIRE FIGHTING RESPONSE TIME.
The Forest Service in the Department of Agriculture, in
consultation with local fire chiefs, and other fire and arson experts,
shall prepare of study of additional means of improving airborne fire
fighting response time, including whether there are any legal
impediments that (such as private contracting requirements) which
materially delay fire fighting response reaction time. The Forest
Service shall report the results of such study to Congress not later
than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 4. INCREASED CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR ARSONISTS.
(a) Malicious Use of Fire or Explosive.--
(1) Federal property.--Subsection (f) of section 844 of
title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(f)''; and
(B) by striking ``shall be imprisoned for not more
than ten years'' and all that follows through the end
of the subsection and inserting the following:
``shall, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, be
fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
``(2) If a circumstance exists that is listed below, the punishment
for an offense under this subsection shall be as follows:
``(A) If the damage caused by the offense exceeds
$1,000,000, the offender shall be subject to a fine under this
title and imprisoned for not less than 5 nor more than 20
years.
``(B) If the life of any person (other than the offender)
is placed in jeopardy as a result of the offense, or the damage
caused by the offense exceeds $10,000,000, the offender shall
be subject to a fine under this title and imprisoned for not
less than 8 nor more than 30 years.
``(C) If personal injury results to any person (other than
the offender) or the damage caused by the offense exceeds
$25,000,000, the offender shall be subject to a fine under this
title and imprisoned for not less than 10 nor more than 40
years.
``(D) If the death of any person results the offender
shall--
``(i) be subject to a fine under this title and
imprisoned for any term of years greater than 25 (or
imprisonment for life); and
``(ii) also be subject to the death penalty as
provided in section 34 of this title.''.
(2) Interstate commerce.--Subsection (i) of section 844 of
title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(A) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(i)''; and
(B) by striking ``shall be imprisoned for not more
than ten years'' and all that follows through the end
of the subsection and inserting the following:
``shall, except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, be
fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.
``(2) If a circumstance exists that is listed below, the punishment
for an offense under this subsection shall be as follows:
``(A) If the damage caused by the offense exceeds
$1,000,000, the offender shall be subject to a fine under this
title and imprisoned for not less than 5 nor more than 20
years.
``(B) If the life of any person (other than the offender)
is placed in jeopardy as a result of the offense, or the damage
caused by the offense exceeds $10,000,000, the offender shall
be subject to a fine under this title and imprisoned for not
less than 8 nor more than 30 years.
``(C) If personal injury results to any person (other than
the offender) or the damage caused by the offense exceeds
$25,000,000, the offender shall be subject to a fine under this
title and imprisoned for not less than 10 nor more than 40
years.
``(D) If the death of any person results the offender
shall--
``(i) be subject to a fine under this title and
imprisoned for any term of years greater than 25 (or
imprisonment for life); and
``(ii) also be subject to the death penalty as
provided in section 34 of this title.''.
(b) Reckless or Negligent Use of Fire or Explosive.--Section 844 of
title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(k)(1) Whoever recklessly engages in conduct that would be
prohibited by subsection (f) or (i) of this section if such conduct
were engaged in maliciously, and as a result a dwelling (other than
that of the offender) is destroyed or a person (other than the
offender) is injured, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not
more than one year, or both. If the court does not sentence a person
convicted under this section to imprisonment, the court shall as a
minimum sentence such person to probation with a condition that such
person perform not less than 400 nor more than 2000 hours of community
service. In any juvenile proceeding, a juvenile who has been
adjudicated a juvenile delinquent for conduct which if committed by an
adult would be a violation of this subsection shall be required to
spend at least one week in an residential institution for the
confinement of juvenile delinquents and to perform not less than 400
nor more than 2000 hours of community service.
``(2) Whoever negligently engages in conduct that would be
prohibited by subsection (f) or (i) of this section if such conduct
were engaged in maliciously shall be fined under this title or
imprisoned not more than one month, or both. If the court does not
sentence a person convicted under this section to imprisonment, the
court shall as a minimum sentence such person to probation with a
condition that such person perform not less than 100 nor more than 1000
hours of community service. In any juvenile proceeding, a juvenile who
has been adjudicated a juvenile delinquent for conduct which if
committed by an adult would be a violation of this subsection shall be
required to spend at least two days in an residential institution for
the confinement of juvenile delinquents and to perform not less than
100 nor more than 1000 hours of community service.''.
SEC. 5. ELIMINATION OF FIRE HAZARDS.
The Forest Service in the Department of Agriculture, in
consultation with local fire chiefs, and other fire and arson experts,
shall prepare a study of whether there are any Federal legal
impediments that prevent homeowners, local governments, and other
interested parties from clearing highly flammable fire hazards,
including brush weeds that may provide fuel for dangerous fires. The
Forest Service shall report the results of such study to Congress not
later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 6. DEFENSE CONVERSION FOR STRENGTHENING PRIVATE FIRE FIGHTING
CAPABILITIES.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Federal
Aviation Administration, shall report to Congress on--
(1) how more use could be made of excess military cargo,
other planes available to the Forest Service, and private fire
fighting contractors; and
(2) how to reform Federal aviation regulations to allow
full effective use of such planes for fire fighting purposes.
SEC. 7. INSURING FIRE FIGHTING WATER SUPPLY AND BACKUP POWER.
The Forest Service in the Department of Agriculture, in
consultation with local fire chiefs, and other fire and arson experts,
shall prepare a study of the potential feasibility of building
additional roads and backup power supplies for assuring water pressure
and water availability in national forest areas to increase fire
fighting effectiveness. The Forest Service shall report the results of
such study to Congress not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 8. REVENUE OFFSET.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of
Agriculture shall reduce by 5 percent the below-cost direct loans of
the Farmers Home Administration for each of fiscal years 1994 through
1998. | Comprehensive Arson Deterrence and Fire Containment Act of 1993 - Authorizes appropriations for the modernization or replacement of the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System used by the United States Forest Service.
Directs the Forest Service to study and report to the Congress on additional means of improving airborne fire fighting response time, including whether there are any legal impediments which materially delay fire fighting response reaction time.
Increases penalties for the malicious use of fire or an explosive if: (1) the damage caused by the offense exceeds $1 million (between five and 20 years' imprisonment); (2) the life of any person is placed in jeopardy as a result of the offense or the damage caused exceeds $10 million (between eight and 30 years' imprisonment); (3) personal injury results to any person or the damage caused exceeds $25 million (between ten and 40 years' imprisonment); and (4) death of any person results (over 25 years' imprisonment, life imprisonment, or the death penalty).
Sets forth: (1) analogous provisions regarding malicious use of fire or an explosive to damage or destroy any building, vehicle, or other property used in interstate or foreign commerce or in any activity affecting such commerce; and (2) penalties for reckless or negligent use of fire or an explosive.
Directs the Forest Service to study and report to the Congress on whether there are any Federal legal impediments that prevent homeowners, local governments, and other interested parties from clearing highly flammable fire hazards, including brush weeds, that may provide fuel for dangerous fires.
Requires the Secretary of Defense to report to the Congress on: (1) how greater use could be made of excess military cargo planes, other plans available to the Forest Service, and private fire fighting contractors; and (2) how to reform Federal aviation regulations to allow full effective use of such planes for fire fighting purposes. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Comprehensive Arson Deterrence and Fire Containment Act of 1993"} | 1,925 | 394 | 0.681616 | 2.176152 | 0.799324 | 4.58871 | 4.723118 | 0.889785 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Transparent Recognition of
Unjustified Tax Hoarding in Government Act of 2016'' or as the ``TRUTH
in Government Act of 2016''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) At the onset of the Civil War, Congress passed the
Revenue Act of 1861, which imposed a tax on personal incomes
and to assure timely collection, taxes were ``withheld at the
source'' by employers.
(2) The need for Federal revenue declined sharply after the
war and in 1872, the income tax was abolished and along with
it, the Federal withholding mandate.
(3) With passage of the 16th amendment to the Constitution,
Congress swiftly passed legislation creating a Federal income
tax, withheld before employee salaries were paid.
(4) In response to growing taxpayer criticism of the
withholding mandate, Treasury Secretary William G. McAdoo
stated that ``it would be very advantageous to . . . do away
with the withholding of income tax at the source'' because it
would ``eliminate a great deal of criticism which has been
directed against the law''; a statement reflecting the
sentiment which ultimately led to the repeal of Federal
withholding authority in 1917.
(5) In the 1920s and 1930s, income taxes were due on March
15 following the end of the tax year and could be paid either
in one lump sum on that date or in quarterly installments.
(6) With the onset of World War II, fearing that taxpayers
might refuse to pay the higher tax rates and surcharges
associated with funding the war effort, Federal officials,
lawmakers, and political leaders such as President Franklin D.
Roosevelt used the military crisis to draw on Americans' sense
of patriotism and resurrect the Federal withholding authority
as a ``temporary wartime measure''.
(7) The campaign to reinstitute a permanent system of
withholding overcame public hostility with the passage of the
Withholding Tax Act of 1943 which incorporated suggestions
proffered by Beardsley Ruml to eliminate individuals' 1942 tax
liabilities by counting amounts paid or withheld in 1943 as tax
payments for that year.
(8) Since that time, Congress has stubbornly refused to
repeal the Federal withholding mandate contained in the
Withholding Tax Act.
(9) In fiscal year 2014, the Internal Revenue Service
refunded overpayments amounting to over $330,561,145,000 more
than actual individual income tax liabilities, effectively
denying interest payments otherwise owed to taxpayers and
amounting to a hidden tax.
(10) These overpayments are returned annually in the form
of tax refunds to taxpayers who often confuse the payments as a
reward.
(11) According to the Tax Foundation, in 2010, there were
58,416,118 tax returns with zero or negative income tax
liability, or 41 percent of the 142,892,051 returns filed.
(12) The absence of the Federal withholding mandate leaves
employers and employees free to negotiate alternative, private
means of collecting and paying Federal income taxes, thereby
allowing individuals to voluntarily earn interest on their
withhholdings.
(13) The Federal withholding mandate allows the Federal
Government to disguise tax increases and hampers Federal
accountability and transparency by requiring the assistance of
an intermediary tax collector.
(14) Complying with the Federal withholding mandate imposes
costly burdens and legal liabilities on employers forced to act
as de facto IRS agents, without compensation for lost time and
resources.
(15) Referring to the Federal withholding mandate in his
work Public Finance in Democratic Process: Fiscal Institutions
and Individual Choice, 1986 Nobel Prize winning economist James
Buchanan stated that ``The individual who does not have
possession of income before paying it out cannot'' sense ``the
real cost of public services in a manner comparable to that
experienced in a genuine act of outpayment''.
(16) In a CATO Institute study, Charlotte Twight has noted
that ``[W]ithholding is the paramount administrative mechanism
enabling the Federal Government to collect, without significant
protest, sufficient private resources to fund a vastly expanded
welfare state.''
(17) The National Taxpayers Union notes that the
incremental nature of withholding masks the true cost of
Federal income taxes, which would be much more apparent if
individuals had to write monthly, quarterly, or annual checks
to the Federal Government.
SEC. 3. PURPOSE.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to increase transparency and accountability in the
Federal tax system by providing the public with a more accurate
account of--
(A) the annual tax burden; and
(B) the Federal budget deficit;
(2) to decrease the overall tax burden and increase the
personal wealth of taxpayers by allowing for the personal
collection of interest during the fiscal year on overpayments
that are otherwise used by the Federal Government to partly
avoid interest payments;
(3) to decrease the burden on employers by freeing them
from the task of collecting income tax withholding from their
employees; and
(4) to end the deceptive practice of masking higher tax
rates from taxpayers.
SEC. 4. REPEAL OF FEDERAL INCOME AND SOCIAL SECURITY TAX WITHHOLDING
MANDATE.
(a) In General.--The following provisions of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 are hereby repealed:
(1) Section 3102 (relating to deduction of social security
tax from wages).
(2) Section 3202 (relating to deduction of railroad
retirement tax from compensation).
(3) Chapter 24 (relating to income tax withholding).
(b) Requirement of Estimated Tax Payments for Employee Social
Security Taxes.--Subsection (f) of section 6654 of such Code is amended
by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (4) and (5),
respectively, and by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraph:
``(3) the taxes imposed by section 3101(a) and 3201(a),
plus''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to amounts paid on or after the first January 1 occurring after 1
year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 5. CONTINUED VOLUNTARY TAX WITHHOLDING.
(a) Authority of the IRS.--Nothing in this Act may be construed to
limit the authority of the Internal Revenue Service to accept voluntary
tax payments from employers electing to continue collecting Federal
income taxes from employees.
(b) Voluntary Employer Participation.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed to prevent voluntary employer sponsored withholding of
Federal income taxes on behalf of employees.
(c) Voluntary Employee Participation.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed--
(1) to require any employee to participate in an employer
Federal income tax withholding system; or
(2) to prevent any election of an employee to opt in to an
employer Federal income tax withholding system, with all terms
and conditions for participation being negotiable between the
employee and employer. | Transparent Recognition of Unjustified Tax Hoarding in Government Act of 2016 or the TRUTH in Government Act of 2016 This bill repeals provisions of the Internal Revenue Code requiring the withholding of income, Social Security, and railroad retirement taxes from wages. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "TRUTH in Government Act of 2016"} | 1,526 | 55 | 0.454497 | 1.323161 | 0.378048 | 3.511111 | 31.333333 | 0.933333 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Arts, Humanities, and Museums
Amendments of 1993''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE NATIONAL FOUNDATION ON THE ARTS AND THE
HUMANITIES ACT OF 1965.
(a) Modification of Limitation on Use of Federal Funds.--Section
5(g) of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 954(g)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4)(C)--
(A) by inserting ``(i)'' after ``(C)'', and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(ii) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, the
amount allotted to a State for the current fiscal year under this
subsection may not be greater than the amount so allotted to such State
for the preceding fiscal year if--
``(I) the amount of State funds to be expended for such
current fiscal year to carry out this subsection is less than
the average annual amount expended by such State during the
most recent preceding period of 3 fiscal years to carry out
this subsection; and
``(II) the rate of the reduction in the amount of State
funds exceeds the rate of reduction in the aggregate of all
general fund expenditures to be made by the State in such
current fiscal year.'', and
(2) in paragraph (5)--
(A) by striking ``(5) All'' and inserting ``(5)(A)
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), all'', and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) All amounts allotted under paragraph (3) that are not made
available to a State as a result of the operation of subsection
(g)(4)(C)(ii) shall be allotted to the remaining States in equal
amounts.''.
(b) Funds Authorized for Program Grants.--Section 11(a)(1) of the
National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 960(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in clause (i) by striking ``$125,800,000'' and
all that follows through ``1993'', and inserting
``$119,985,000 for fiscal year 1994 and such sums as
may be necessary for fiscal year 1995'',
(ii) by amending clause (ii) to read as follows:
``(ii) Not less than 27.5 percent of the amount appropriated under
clause (i) for each of the fiscal years 1994 and 1995 shall be for
carrying out section 5(g).'', and
(iii) in the first sentence of clause (iii) by
striking ``For'' and all that follows through ``year;''
the last place it appears, and inserting ``Not less
than 7.5 percent of the amount appropriated under
clause (i) for each of the fiscal years 1994 and
1995'', and
(2) in the first sentence of subparagraph (B) by striking
``$119,900,000'' and all that follows through ``1993'', and
inserting ``$130,573,000 for fiscal year 1994 and such sums as
may be necessary for fiscal year 1995''.
(c) Funds Authorized To Match Non-Federal Funds Received.--Section
11(a) of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 960(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``1993'' the first place it
appears and inserting ``1995'', and
(ii) by striking ``$13,000,000'' and all
that follows through ``1993'', and inserting
``$16,955,000 for fiscal year 1994 and such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year
1995'', and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``1993'' the first place it
appears and inserting ``1995'', and
(ii) by striking ``$12,000,000'' and all
that follows through ``1993'', and inserting
``$11,963,000 for fiscal year 1994 and such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year
1995'',
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``1993'' the first place it
appears and inserting ``1995'', and
(ii) by striking ``$15,000,000'' and all
that follows through ``1993'', and inserting
``$13,187,000 for fiscal year 1994 and such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year
1995'', and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``1993'' the first place it
appears and inserting ``1995'', and
(ii) by striking ``$15,150,000'' and all
that follows through ``1993'', and inserting
``$14,228,000 for fiscal year 1994 and such
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year
1995'', and
(3) in the last sentence of paragraph (4) by striking
``section 5(l)(2)'' and inserting ``section 5(p)(2)''.
(d) Funds Authorized for Administration of Programs of the National
Endowments.--Section 11(c) of the National Foundation on the Arts and
the Humanities Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 960(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``$21,200,000'' and all
that follows through ``1993'', and inserting ``$24,466,000 for
fiscal year 1994 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal
year 1995'', and
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``$17,950,000'' and all
that follows through ``1993'', and inserting ``$20,727,000 for
fiscal year 1994 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal
year 1995''.
(e) Limitations on Total Appropriations Authorized.--Section 11(d)
of the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 960(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by striking ``exceed'' and all that
follows through the period at the end, and inserting ``exceed
$174,593,000 for fiscal year 1994.'', and
(2) in paragraph (2) by striking ``exceed'' and all that
follows through the period at the end, and inserting ``exceed
$177,491,000 for fiscal year 1994.''.
(f) Investigation and Report.--Not later than September 30, 1995,
the Chairperson of the National Endowment for the Arts shall--
(1) conduct an investigation of State compliance with
section 5(g)(4)(C)(i) of the National Foundation on the Arts
and the Humanities Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 954(g)(4)(C)(i)), and
(2) submit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives
and the President pro tempore, a report containing--
(A) the results of such investigation, and
(B) any information and recommendations as the
Chairperson considers to be appropriate.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENTS TO THE MUSEUM SERVICES ACT.
Section 209 of the Museum Services Act (20 U.S.C. 967) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a) by striking ``$24,000,000'' and all
that follows through ``1993'', and inserting ``$28,777,000 for
fiscal year 1994 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal
year 1995'', and
(2) in subsection (d) by striking ``1993'' and inserting
``1995''.
Passed the House of Representatives October 14, 1993.
Attest:
DONNALD K. ANDERSON,
Clerk. | Arts, Humanities, and Museums Amendments of 1993 - Amends the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities Act of 1965 to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations to carry out such Act, including funds for: (1) program grants and other assistance by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH); (2) matching non-Federal funds received; and (3) administration of NEA and NEH programs. Sets limitations on total appropriations authorized for the NEA and the NEH in FY 1994. Limits a State's current NEA allotment to not more than the preceding year's level if: (1) the State's current year funding for the arts is less than the average annual amount expended by the State during the most recent preceding period of three fiscal years; and (2) the rate of reduction in its arts spending exceeds that for the aggregate of the State's general fund reductions for the current fiscal year. Amends the Museum Services Act to extend through FY 1995 the authorization of appropriations, including funds for: (1) grants to museums to increase and improve services; and (2) functions of the Institute of Museum Services (which is within the National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities). | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Arts, Humanities, and Museums Amendments of 1993"} | 1,851 | 284 | 0.681679 | 1.855109 | 0.718356 | 2.808765 | 6.25498 | 0.808765 |
SECTION 1. EXCLUSION OF NET CAPITAL GAIN OF TAXPAYERS OTHER THAN
CORPORATIONS.
(a) In General.--Part I of subchapter P of chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to treatment of capital gains)
is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 1203. EXCLUSION OF NET CAPITAL GAIN OF TAXPAYERS OTHER THAN
CORPORATIONS.
``In the case of a taxpayer other than a corporation, gross income
shall not include an amount equal to the net capital gain of the
taxpayer for the taxable year.''
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 1 of such Code is amended by striking
subsection (h).
(2) Subsection (b) of section 55 of such Code is amended by
striking paragraph (3).
(3) Section 1222 of such Code is amended by adding at the
end the following new sentence:
``Determinations under this section shall be made before the
application of section 1203.''
(4) The table of sections for part I of subchapter P of
chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the
following new item:
``Sec. 1203. Exclusion of net capital
gain of taxpayers other than
corporations.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002.
SEC. 2. EXCLUSION INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME FROM TAX.
(a) In General.--Part III of subchapter B of chapter 1 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to amounts specifically
excluded from gross income) is amended by inserting after section 115
the following new section:
``SEC. 116. EXCLUSION OF DIVIDENDS AND INTEREST RECEIVED BY
INDIVIDUALS.
``(a) Exclusion From Gross Income.--Gross income does not include
dividends and interest otherwise includible in gross income which are
received during the taxable year by an individual.
``(b) Certain Dividends Excluded.--Subsection (a) shall not apply
to any dividend from a corporation which for the taxable year of the
corporation in which the distribution is made is a corporation exempt
from tax under section 521 (relating to farmers' cooperative
associations).
``(c) Special Rules.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Exclusion not to apply to capital gain dividends from
regulated investment companies and real estate investment
trusts.--
``For treatment of capital gain
dividends, see sections 854(a) and 857(c).
``(2) Certain nonresident aliens ineligible for
exclusion.--In the case of a nonresident alien individual,
subsection (a) shall apply only in determining the taxes
imposed for the taxable year pursuant to sections 871(b)(1) and
877(b).
``(3) Dividends from employee stock ownership plans.--
Subsection (a) shall not apply to any dividend described in
section 404(k).''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subparagraph (C) of section 32(c)(5) of such Code is
amended by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (i), by
striking the period at the end of clause (ii) and inserting ``;
or'', and by inserting after clause (ii) the following new
clause:
``(iii) interest and dividends received
during the taxable year which are excluded from
gross income under section 116.''.
(2) Subparagraph (A) of section 32(i)(2) of such Code is
amended by inserting ``(determined without regard to section
116)'' before the comma.
(3) Subparagraph (B) of section 86(b)(2) of such Code is
amended to read as follows:
``(B) increased by the sum of--
``(i) the amount of interest received or
accrued by the taxpayer during the taxable year
which is exempt from tax, and
``(ii) the amount of interest and dividends
received during the taxable year which are
excluded from gross income under section
116.''.
(4) Subsection (d) of section 135 of such Code is amended
by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5) and by
inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:
``(4) Coordination with section 116.--This section shall be
applied before section 116.''.
(5) Paragraph (2) of section 265(a) of such Code is amended
by inserting before the period ``, or to purchase or carry
obligations or shares, or to make deposits, to the extent the
interest thereon is excludable from gross income under section
116''.
(6) Subsection (c) of section 584 of such Code is amended
by adding at the end the following new flush sentence:
``The proportionate share of each participant in the amount of
dividends or interest received by the common trust fund and to which
section 116 applies shall be considered for purposes of such section as
having been received by such participant.''.
(7) Subsection (a) of section 643 of such Code is amended
by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8) and by
inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph:
``(7) Dividends or interest.--There shall be included the
amount of any dividends or interest excluded from gross income
pursuant to section 116.''.
(8) Section 854(a) of such Code is amended by inserting
``section 116 (relating to exclusion of dividends and interest
received by individuals) and'' after ``For purposes of''.
(9) Section 857(c) of such Code is amended to read as
follows:
``(c) Restrictions Applicable to Dividends Received From Real
Estate Investment Trusts.--
``(1) Treatment for section 116.--For purposes of section
116 (relating to exclusion of dividends and interest received
by individuals), a capital gain dividend (as defined in
subsection (b)(3)(C)) received from a real estate investment
trust which meets the requirements of this part shall not be
considered as a dividend.
``(2) Treatment for section 243.--For purposes of section
243 (relating to deductions for dividends received by
corporations), a dividend received from a real estate
investment trust which meets the requirements of this part
shall not be considered as a dividend.''.
(10) The table of sections for part III of subchapter B of
chapter 1 of such Code is amended by inserting after the item
relating to section 115 the following new item:
``Sec. 116. Exclusion of dividends and
interest received by
individuals.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF 1993 INCOME TAX INCREASE ON SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.
(a) Restoration of Prior Law Formula.--Subsection (a) of section 86
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended to read as follows:
``(a) In General.--Gross income for the taxable year of any
taxpayer described in subsection (b) (notwithstanding section 207 of
the Social Security Act) includes Social Security benefits in an amount
equal to the lesser of--
``(1) one-half of the Social Security benefits received
during the taxable year, or
``(2) one-half of the excess described in subsection
(b)(1).''
(b) Repeal of Adjusted Base Amount.--Subsection (c) of section 86
of such Code is amended to read as follows:
``(c) Base Amount.--For purposes of this section, the term `base
amount' means--
``(1) except as otherwise provided in this subsection,
$25,000,
``(2) $32,000 in the case of a joint return, and
``(3) zero in the case of a taxpayer who--
``(A) is married as of the close of the taxable
year (within the meaning of section 7703) but does not
file a joint return for such year, and
``(B) does not live apart from his spouse at all
times during the taxable year.''
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Subparagraph (A) of section 871(a)(3) of such Code is
amended by striking ``85 percent'' and inserting ``50
percent''.
(2)(A) Subparagraph (A) of section 121(e)(1) of the Social
Security Amendments of 1983 (Public Law 98-21) is amended--
(i) by striking ``(A) There'' and inserting
``There'';
(ii) by striking ``(i)'' immediately following
``amounts equivalent to''; and
(iii) by striking ``, less (ii)'' and all that
follows and inserting a period.
(B) Paragraph (1) of section 121(e) of such Act is amended
by striking subparagraph (B).
(C) Paragraph (3) of section 121(e) of such Act is amended
by striking subparagraph (B) and by redesignating subparagraph
(C) as subparagraph (B).
(D) Paragraph (2) of section 121(e) of such Act is amended
in the first sentence by striking ``paragraph (1)(A)'' and
inserting ``paragraph (1)''.
(d) Effective Dates.--
(1) In general.--Except as otherwise provided in this
subsection, the amendments made by this section shall apply to
taxable years beginning after December 31, 2002.
(2) Subsection (c)(1).--The amendment made by subsection
(c)(1) shall apply to benefits paid after December 31, 2002.
(3) Subsection (c)(2).--The amendments made by subsection
(c)(2) shall apply to tax liabilities for taxable years
beginning after December 31, 2002.
(e) Maintenance of Transfers to Hospital Insurance Trust Fund.--
(1) In general.--There are hereby appropriated to the
Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under section 1817 of
the Social Security Act amounts equal to the reduction in
revenues to the Treasury by reason of the enactment of this
section. Amounts appropriated by the preceding sentence shall
be transferred from the general fund at such times and in such
manner as to replicate to the extent possible the transfers
which would have occurred to such Trust Fund had this Act not
been enacted.
(2) Reports.--The Secretary of the Treasury or the
Secretary's delegate shall annually report to the Committee on
Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Finance of the Senate the amounts and timing of
the transfers under this section. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from individual gross income: (1) net capital gains; and (2) interest and dividends, not including dividends from farmers' cooperative associations, regulated investment companies and real estate investment trusts, and employee stock ownership plans.Repeals the 85 percent (second tier) taxation of Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits. Transfers from the general fund in the Treasury to the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund amounts equal to the resultant reduction in revenues. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to eliminate the tax on the net capital gain of taxpayers other than corporations, to exclude interest and dividends from gross income, and to repeal the 1993 income tax increase on Social Security benefits."} | 2,428 | 100 | 0.520531 | 1.196391 | 0.282852 | 2.428571 | 23.769231 | 0.868132 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Colusa Basin Watershed Integrated
Resources Management Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) District.--The term ``District'' means the Colusa Basin
Drainage District, California.
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(3) State statute.--The term ``State statute'' means
section 413 of the California Statutes 1987, chapter 1399
(commonly known as the ``Colusa Basin Drainage Act''), as in
effect on the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF ASSISTANCE.
The Secretary may provide financial assistance to the District for
use by the District or by local agencies acting under the State
statute, for planning, design, environmental compliance, and
construction required in carrying out eligible projects in the Colusa
Basin Watershed--
(1) to--
(A) reduce the risk of damage to urban and
agricultural areas from flooding or the discharge of
drainage water or tailwater;
(B) assist in groundwater recharge efforts to
alleviate overdraft and land subsidence; or
(C) construct, restore, or preserve wetland and
riparian habitat; and
(2) to capture, as an incidental purpose of any of the
purposes described in paragraph (1), surface water or
stormwater for conservation, conjunctive use, and increased
water supplies.
SEC. 4. PROJECT SELECTION.
(a) Eligible Projects.--A project shall be an eligible project for
purposes of section 3 if the project is--
(1) identified in the document entitled ``Colusa Basin
Water Management Program'', dated February 1995; and
(2) carried out in accordance with that document and all
environmental documentation requirements that apply to the
project under the laws of the United States and the State of
California.
(b) Compatibility Requirement.--The Secretary shall ensure that
projects for which assistance is provided under this Act are not
inconsistent with watershed protection and environmental restoration
efforts being carried out under the Central Valley Project Improvement
Act (106 Stat. 4706 et seq.) or the CALFED Bay-Delta Program.
SEC. 5. COST SHARING.
(a) Non-Federal Share.--The Secretary shall require that the
District and cooperating non-Federal agencies or organizations pay--
(1) 25 percent of the costs associated with construction of
any project carried out with assistance provided under this
Act; and
(2) 100 percent of any operation, maintenance, and
replacement and rehabilitation costs with respect to such a
project.
(b) Planning, Design, and Compliance Assistance.--Funds made
available under this Act may be used to fund all costs incurred for
planning, design, and environmental compliance activities by the
District or by local agencies acting under the State statute, in
accordance with agreements with the Secretary.
(c) Treatment of Contributions.--For purposes of this section, the
Secretary shall treat the value of land, interests in land (including
rights-of-way and other easements), and necessary relocations
contributed by the District to a project as payment by the District of
the costs of the project.
SEC. 6. NONREIMBURSABILITY OF COSTS.
Amounts expended under this Act shall be considered nonreimbursable
for purposes of the Act of June 17, 1902 (32 Stat. 388, chapter 1093),
and Acts amendatory of and supplemental to that Act.
SEC. 7. AGREEMENTS.
Funds made available under this Act may be made available to the
District or a local agency only if the District or local agency, as
applicable, enters into a binding agreement with the Secretary that--
(1) provides that the District or the local agency shall
pay the non-Federal share of the costs of construction required
by section 5(a); and
(2) governs the funding of planning, design, and compliance
activities costs under section 5(b).
SEC. 8. REIMBURSEMENT.
For project work (including work associated with studies, planning,
design, and construction) carried out by the District or by a local
agency acting under the State statute before the date on which amounts
are provided for the project under this Act, the Secretary shall,
subject to amounts being made available in advance in appropriations
Acts, reimburse the District or the local agency, without interest, an
amount equal to the estimated Federal share of the cost of such work
under section 5.
SEC. 9. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary may enter into cooperative
agreements and contracts with the District to assist the Secretary in
carrying out this Act.
(b) Subcontracting.--Under a cooperative agreement or contract, the
Secretary may authorize the District to enter into contracts and
receive reimbursements, subject to amounts being made available in
advance in appropriations Acts, for work carried out under the contract
or subcontract.
SEC. 10. RELATIONSHIP TO RECLAMATION REFORM ACT OF 1982.
Activities carried out, and financial assistance provided, under
this Act shall not be considered a supplemental or additional benefit
for purposes of the Reclamation Reform Act of 1982 (43 U.S.C. 390aa et
seq.).
SEC. 11. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry
out this Act $25,000,000, plus such additional amount, if any, as may
be required by reason of changes in costs of services of the types
involved in the District's projects as shown by engineering and other
relevant indexes, to remain available until expended. | Directs the Secretary to require that the District and cooperating non-Federal agencies or organizations pay: (1) 25 percent of project construction costs; and (2) 100 percent of project operation, maintenance, and replacement and rehabilitation costs. Permits funds made available under this Act to: (1) be used to fund all costs incurred for planning, design, and environmental compliance activities by the District or by local agencies; and (2) be made available only to a District or a local agency that enters into a binding agreement with the Secretary that provides that the District or local agency shall pay the non-Federal share of construction costs and that governs the funding of planning, design, and compliance activities costs.
Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Colusa Basin Watershed Integrated Resources Management Act"} | 1,265 | 155 | 0.512128 | 1.351621 | 0.701977 | 5.412587 | 7.902098 | 0.979021 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Broadcast Ownership for the 21st
Century Act''.
SEC. 2. CROSS-OWNERSHIP LIMITATIONS.
(a) Rule Changes Required.--The Federal Communications Commission
shall modify section 73.3555 of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.3555) by
eliminating any provisions limiting the granting or renewal of an AM,
FM, or TV broadcast station license to any party (including parties
under common control) on the basis of the ownership, operation, or
control by such party of a daily newspaper.
(b) Cable Cross-Ownership Limitations.--Section 613(c) of the
Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 533(c)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1)'' after ``(c)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Commission may not
prohibit or limit a person or entity from holding any form of ownership
or other interest in a broadcasting station and a cable system serving
the same community.''.
(c) Dual-Network Rules.--The Federal Communications Commission
shall revise section 73.658(g) of its regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.658(g))
to permit a television broadcast station to affiliate with--
(1) a person or entity that maintains two or more networks
of television broadcast stations unless such dual or multiple
networks are composed of two or more persons or entities that,
on February 8, 1996, offered an interconnected program service
on a regular basis for 15 hours or more per week to at least 25
affiliated television licensees in 10 or more States; or
(2) any person or entity controlling, controlled by, or
under common control with such a person or entity described in
paragraph (1).
(d) Deadline for Actions.--The Federal Communications Commission
shall complete all actions necessary to complete the modifications
required by this section within 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act.
SEC. 3. TELEVISION MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP.
Section 310 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 310) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(f) National Audience Reach Calculation.--In calculating the
national audience reach limitations for television stations under the
Commission's regulations, UHF television stations shall be attributed
with no more than 50 percent of the television households in their
market.''.
SEC. 4. LIMITATION ON FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AUTHORITY.
(a) Amendment.--Section 202(c)(1)(B) of the Telecommunications Act
of 1996 is amended by striking ``35 percent'' and inserting ``45
percent''.
(b) Deadline for Implementation.--The Federal Communications
Commission shall amend its regulations to implement the amendment made
by subsection (a) within 90 days after the date of enactment of this
Act. In amending such regulations, the Commission shall not revise
section 73.3555(e)(2)(i) of its regulations (47 C.F.R.
73.3555(e)(2)(i)).
SEC. 5. RECIPROCAL TREATMENT OF FOREIGN OWNERSHIP RESTRICTIONS.
Subsection (b) of section 310 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 310(b)) is amended to read as follows:
``(b) Foreign Ownership Limitations.--
``(1) In general.--No broadcast or common carrier or
aeronautical en route or aeronautical fixed radio station
license shall be granted to or held by--
``(A) any alien or the representative of any alien;
``(B) any corporation organized under the laws of
any foreign country;
``(C) any corporation of which more than one-fifth
of any class of the capital stock is owned of record or
voted by aliens or their representatives or by a
foreign government or representative thereof or by any
corporation organized under the laws of a foreign
country;
``(D) any corporation directly or indirectly
controlled by any other corporation of which more than
one-fourth of any class of the capital stock is owned
of record or voted by aliens, their representatives, or
by a foreign government or representative thereof, or
by any corporation organized under the laws of a
foreign country, if the Commission finds that the
public interest will be served by the refusal or
revocation of such license.
``(2) Reciprocal treatment for broadcast stations.--In the
case of a broadcast station license, if the foreign country or
foreign government referred to in subparagraph (C) or (D) of
paragraph of (1) regularly permits broadcast station licenses
to be granted to or held by--
``(A) any corporation of which more than one-fifth
of the capital stock is owned of record or voted by one
or more United States persons;
``(B) any corporation directly or indirectly
controlled by any other corporation of which more than
one-fourth of the capital stock is owned of record or
voted by one or more United States persons;
then the Commission shall apply such subparagraphs (C) and (D)
by permitting an alien, corporation, government, or
representative from such foreign country to own a portion of
the class of the capital stock of the corporation seeking or
holding the broadcast station license equal to the portion of
the corresponding class of the capital stock of a corporation
holding a broadcast station license in such foreign country
that are permitted by such foreign country or foreign
government to be held by an individual citizen, corporation,
government, or representative from the United States, except
that the Commission shall not be required by this paragraph to
permit a portion of such capital stock ownership representing
voting stock higher than 40 percent.
``(3) Definition of united states persons.--For purposes of
paragraph (2), the term `United States person' means--
``(A) any corporation organized under the laws of a
State;
``(B) an individual who is a citizen of the United
States;
``(C) a government of the United States or any
State; or
``(D) a representative of any of the individuals or
entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of
this paragraph.''. | Provides that, in calculating the national audience reach limitations, UHF stations shall be attributed with no more than 50 percent of the TV households in their market.
Amends the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to direct the FCC to modify its rules for multiple ownership of TV broadcast stations to increase to 45 (currently 35) percent the national audience reach limitations for TV stations owned by the same entity or person.
Revises provisions prohibiting the granting of radio station licenses to aliens or foreign entities to allow the granting of such a license to the same manner and extent to which such alien's or entity's country allows the granting of such a license to a U.S. person or entity. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Broadcast Ownership for the 21st Century Act"} | 1,426 | 154 | 0.57639 | 1.591677 | 0.565556 | 2.100775 | 9.75969 | 0.891473 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of
1999''.
SEC. 2. SOFT MONEY OF POLITICAL PARTIES.
Title III of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C.
431 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 323. SOFT MONEY OF POLITICAL PARTIES.
``(a) National Committees.--
``(1) In general.--A national committee of a political
party (including a national congressional campaign committee of
a political party) and any officers or agents of such party
committees, shall not solicit, receive, or direct to another
person a contribution, donation, or transfer of funds, or spend
any funds, that are not subject to the limitations,
prohibitions, and reporting requirements of this Act.
``(2) Applicability.--This subsection shall apply to an
entity that is directly or indirectly established, financed,
maintained, or controlled by a national committee of a
political party (including a national congressional campaign
committee of a political party), or an entity acting on behalf
of a national committee, and an officer or agent acting on
behalf of any such committee or entity.
``(b) State, District, and Local Committees.--
``(1) In general.--An amount that is expended or disbursed
by a State, district, or local committee of a political party
(including an entity that is directly or indirectly
established, financed, maintained, or controlled by a State,
district, or local committee of a political party and an
officer or agent acting on behalf of such committee or entity)
for Federal election activity shall be made from funds subject
to the limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements of
this Act.
``(2) Federal election activity.--
``(A) In general.--The term `Federal election
activity' means--
``(i) voter registration activity during
the period that begins on the date that is 120
days before the date a regularly scheduled
Federal election is held and ends on the date
of the election;
``(ii) voter identification, get-out-the-
vote activity, or generic campaign activity
conducted in connection with an election in
which a candidate for Federal office appears on
the ballot (regardless of whether a candidate
for State or local office also appears on the
ballot); and
``(iii) a communication that refers to a
clearly identified candidate for Federal office
(regardless of whether a candidate for State or
local office is also mentioned or identified)
and is made for the purpose of influencing a
Federal election (regardless of whether the
communication is express advocacy).
``(B) Excluded activity.--The term `Federal
election activity' does not include an amount expended
or disbursed by a State, district, or local committee
of a political party for--
``(i) campaign activity conducted solely on
behalf of a clearly identified candidate for
State or local office, provided the campaign
activity is not a Federal election activity
described in subparagraph (A);
``(ii) a contribution to a candidate for
State or local office, provided the
contribution is not designated or used to pay
for a Federal election activity described in
subparagraph (A);
``(iii) the costs of a State, district, or
local political convention;
``(iv) the costs of grassroots campaign
materials, including buttons, bumper stickers,
and yard signs, that name or depict only a
candidate for State or local office;
``(v) the non-Federal share of a State,
district, or local party committee's
administrative and overhead expenses (but not
including the compensation in any month of an individual who spends
more than 20 percent of the individual's time on Federal election
activity) as determined by a regulation promulgated by the Commission
to determine the non-Federal share of a State, district, or local party
committee's administrative and overhead expenses; and
``(vi) the cost of constructing or
purchasing an office facility or equipment for
a State, district or local committee.
``(C) Generic campaign activity.--The term `generic
campaign activity' means an activity that promotes a
political party and does not promote a candidate or
non-Federal candidate.
``(c) Fundraising Costs.--An amount spent by a national, State,
district, or local committee of a political party, by an entity that is
established, financed, maintained, or controlled by a national, State,
district, or local committee of a political party, or by an agent or
officer of any such committee or entity, to raise funds that are used,
in whole or in part, to pay the costs of a Federal election activity
shall be made from funds subject to the limitations, prohibitions, and
reporting requirements of this Act.
``(d) Tax-Exempt Organizations.--A national, State, district, or
local committee of a political party (including a national
congressional campaign committee of a political party), an entity that
is directly or indirectly established, financed, maintained, or
controlled by any such national, State, district, or local committee or
its agent, and an officer or agent acting on behalf of any such party
committee or entity, shall not solicit any funds for, or make or direct
any donations to, an organization that is described in section 501(c)
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under
section 501(a) of such Code (or has submitted an application for
determination of tax exempt status under such section).
``(e) Candidates.--
``(1) In general.--A candidate, individual holding Federal
office, agent of a candidate or individual holding Federal
office, or an entity directly or indirectly established,
financed, maintained or controlled by or acting on behalf of
one or more candidates or individuals holding Federal office,
shall not--
``(A) solicit, receive, direct, transfer, or spend
funds in connection with an election for Federal
office, including funds for any Federal election
activity, unless the funds are subject to the
limitations, prohibitions, and reporting requirements
of this Act; or
``(B) solicit, receive, direct, transfer, or spend
funds in connection with any election other than an
election for Federal office or disburse funds in
connection with such an election unless the funds--
``(i) are not in excess of the amounts
permitted with respect to contributions to
candidates and political committees under
paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 315(a); and
``(ii) are not from sources prohibited by
this Act from making contributions with respect
to an election for Federal office.
``(2) State law.--Paragraph (1) does not apply to the
solicitation, receipt, or spending of funds by an individual
who is a candidate for a State or local office in connection with such
election for State or local office if the solicitation, receipt, or
spending of funds is permitted under State law for any activity other
than a Federal election activity.
``(3) Fundraising events.--Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a
candidate may attend, speak, or be a featured guest at a
fundraising event for a State, district, or local committee of
a political party.''.
SEC. 3. INCREASED CONTRIBUTION LIMITS FOR STATE COMMITTEES OF POLITICAL
PARTIES AND AGGREGATE CONTRIBUTION LIMIT FOR INDIVIDUALS.
(a) Contribution Limit for State Committees of Political Parties.--
Section 315(a)(1) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2
U.S.C. 441a(a)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (C)--
(A) by inserting ``(other than a committee
described in subparagraph (D))'' after ``committee'';
and
(B) by striking the period at the end and inserting
``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) to a political committee established and maintained
by a State committee of a political party in any calendar year
which, in the aggregate, exceed $10,000.''.
(b) Aggregate Contribution Limit for Individual.--Section 315(a)(3)
of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 441a(a)(3)) is
amended by striking ``$25,000'' and inserting ``$30,000''.
SEC. 4. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Reporting Requirements.--Section 304 of the Federal Election
Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(d) Political Committees.--
``(1) National and congressional political committees.--The
national committee of a political party, any national
congressional campaign committee of a political party, and any
subordinate committee of either, shall report all receipts and
disbursements during the reporting period.
``(2) Other political committees to which section 323
applies.--In addition to any other reporting requirements
applicable under this Act, a political committee (not described
in paragraph (1)) to which section 323(b)(1) applies shall
report all receipts and disbursements made for activities
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B)(v) of section 323(b)(2).
``(3) Itemization.--If a political committee has receipts
or disbursements to which this subsection applies from any
person aggregating in excess of $200 for any calendar year, the
political committee shall separately itemize its reporting for
such person in the same manner as required in paragraphs
(3)(A), (5), and (6) of subsection (b).
``(4) Reporting periods.--Reports required to be filed
under this subsection shall be filed for the same time periods
required for political committees under subsection (a).''.
(b) Building Fund Exception to the Definition of Contribution.--
Section 301(8)(B) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2
U.S.C. 431(8)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking clause (viii); and
(2) by redesignating clauses (ix) through (xiv) as clauses
(viii) through (xiii), respectively.
SEC. 5. CODIFICATION OF BECK DECISION.
Section 8 of the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. 158) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Nonunion Member Payments to Labor Organization.--
``(1) In general.--It shall be an unfair labor practice for
any labor organization which receives a payment from an
employee pursuant to an agreement that requires employees who
are not members of the organization to make payments to such
organization in lieu of organization dues or fees not to
establish and implement the objection procedure described in
paragraph (2).
``(2) Objection procedure.--The objection procedure
required under paragraph (1) shall meet the following
requirements:
``(A) The labor organization shall annually provide
to employees who are covered by such agreement but are
not members of the organization--
``(i) reasonable personal notice of the
objection procedure, the employees eligible to
invoke the procedure, and the time, place, and
manner for filing an objection; and
``(ii) reasonable opportunity to file an
objection to paying for organization
expenditures supporting political activities
unrelated to collective bargaining, including
but not limited to the opportunity to file such
objection by mail.
``(B) If an employee who is not a member of the
labor organization files an objection under the
procedure in subparagraph (A), such organization
shall--
``(i) reduce the payments in lieu of
organization dues or fees by such employee by
an amount which reasonably reflects the ratio
that the organization's expenditures supporting
political activities unrelated to collective
bargaining bears to such organization's total
expenditures; and
``(ii) provide such employee with a
reasonable explanation of the organization's
calculation of such reduction, including
calculating the amount of organization
expenditures supporting political activities
unrelated to collective bargaining.
``(3) Definition.--In this subsection, the term
`expenditures supporting political activities unrelated to
collective bargaining' means expenditures in connection with a
Federal, State, or local election or in connection with efforts
to influence legislation unrelated to collective bargaining.''. | Establishes an individual annual limit of $10,000 for State committee contributions. Increases the aggregate individual contribution limit to $30,000.
Requires national and State committees to report all receipts and disbursements. Repeals the building fund exception to the definition of contribution.
Amends the National Labor Relations Act to declare it to be an unfair labor practice for a labor organization to receive payments from an employee pursuant to an agreement requiring such non-member employee to make payments in lieu of organization dues or fees without establishing a specified objection procedure under which the non-member's fees are reduced by the percentage that would be used to support political activities (thus codifying the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Communications Workers of America et al. v. Beck et al). | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 1999"} | 2,800 | 171 | 0.425772 | 1.215731 | 0.713208 | 2.295775 | 18.049296 | 0.816901 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; FINDINGS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``American
Metalworking Manufacturers Support Act''.
(b) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) There are roughly 35,000 metalworking companies with
approximately 2 million employees throughout the country who
manufacture critical products for the defense, aerospace,
medical, automotive, agriculture, and construction industries,
among many others.
(2) Uncertainty surrounding the timeliness of paid
receivables, and a need for steady cash flow for day-to-day
operations and investments creates challenges for small middle
market manufactures who are a critical part of the industrial
supply chain.
(3) In the current financial environment, most lending
institutions will not provide loans to metalworking companies.
(4) The U.S. Government should help foster an environment
that encourages metalworking in America by supporting small
middle market manufacturers.
(5) The Federal Government currently incentivizes larger
businesses and private contractors to use small businesses and
tax credits are important criteria to foster growth among small
middle market manufacturers.
TITLE I--SMALL METALWORKING BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
SEC. 101. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this subtitle:
(1) Cost.--The term ``cost'' has the same meaning as is
given the term ``cost'' in section 502(5) of the Federal Credit
Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a(5)).
(2) Small metalworking business.--The term ``small
metalworking business'' means a small business concern, as
defined under section 3(a) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
632(a)), whose primary purpose is the domestic manufacturing
and production of parts, components, or assemblies by using
metalworking and forming technologies, including metal
stamping, fabricating, slide forming, fine blanking, laser
cutting, punching, deep drawing, swaging, roll forming,
spinning, machining, grinding, rotary machining, cold heading,
forging, casting, wire electrical discharge machining,
conventional electrical discharge machining, and computer
numerical control machining.
(3) Guarantee.--The term ``guarantee'' has the same meaning
as is given the term ``loan guarantee'' in section 502(3) of
the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a(3)).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Treasury.
SEC. 102. LOANS AUTHORIZATION.
(a) Loans Authorized.--Funding as may be necessary, not to exceed
$10,000,000,000 for costs under this section shall be available to the
Secretary, without further appropriation or fiscal year limitation, for
the costs of such program. All funds received by the Secretary in
connection with loans made pursuant to paragraph (b) shall be paid into
the general fund of the Treasury for reduction of the public debt.
(b) Terms and Conditions of Loans.--
(1) In general.--A loan made pursuant to this section--
(A) shall be for a maximum amount of $3,000,000;
(B) shall be for a maximum period of 18 months,
after which the Secretary shall require any small
metalworking business receiving a loan to repay the
loan in full; and
(C) shall not obligate the recipient of such loan
to pay any interest.
(2) Additional terms and conditions.--The Secretary may
establish additional terms and conditions with respect to loans
made under this section.
(c) Application.--An eligible small metalworking business that
seeks a loan under this section shall submit an application to the
Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Secretary may require.
SEC. 103. SMALL METALWORKING BUSINESS STABILIZATION PROGRAM.
(a) Definitions.--In this section--
(1) the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of
the Small Business Administration;
(2) the term ``qualifying small business loan'' means a
loan made under section 7(a) of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 636(a)) to a small metalworking business before the date
of enactment of this Act;
(3) the term ``small metalworking business'' means a small
business concern, as defined under section 3(a) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)), whose primary purpose is the
domestic manufacturing and production of parts, components, or
assemblies by using metalworking and forming technologies,
including metal stamping, fabricating, slide forming, fine
blanking, laser cutting, punching, deep drawing, swaging, roll
forming, spinning, machining, grinding, rotary machining, cold
heading, forging, casting, wire electrical discharge machining,
conventional electrical discharge machining, and computer
numerical control machining; and
(4) the term ``stabilization loan'' means a loan under the
program established under subsection (b) made by the
Administrator either in cooperation with a bank or other
financial institution through an agreement to participate on a
deferred (or guaranteed) basis or directly.
(b) Establishment of a Loan Program.--Subject to the availability
of appropriations, the Administrator shall carry out a program to
provide stabilization loans to viable (as such term is defined pursuant
to regulations prescribed by the Administrator) small metalworking
businesses that have a qualifying small business loan and are
experiencing immediate financial hardship.
(c) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator shall establish a
technical assistance program to assist a bank or other financial
institution that has an agreement with the Administrator to provide
stabilization loans.
(d) Application.--To be eligible for a stabilization loan, a small
metalworking business shall submit to the Administrator an application
at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the
Administrator may require.
(e) Use of Funds.--A stabilization loan shall be used to make
periodic payments of principal and interest, either in full or in part,
on a qualifying small business loan for--
(1) amounts payable during a period of time not to exceed 6
months; or
(2) a period of time during which the total amount of such
periodic payments does not exceed $50,000,
whichever is less.
(f) Loan Terms.--A stabilization loan shall--
(1) carry a 100 percent guaranty; and
(2) have interest fully subsidized for the period of
repayment.
(g) Repayment.--Repayment of a stabilization loan shall--
(1) be amortized over a period of time not to exceed 5
years; and
(2) begin not later than 12 months after the end of the
month or other period for which the last periodic payment (as
referred to in subsection (d)) is made.
(h) Collateral.--The Administrator may accept any available
collateral, including subordinated liens, to secure a stabilization
loan.
(i) Fees.--The Administrator may not charge any processing fees,
origination fees, application fees, points, brokerage fees, bonus
points, prepayment penalties, or other fees for a stabilization loan.
(j) Sunset.--An application submitted under subsection (c) for a
stabilization loan may not be accepted after December 31, 2010.
TITLE II--REVENUE PROVISION
SEC. 201. SMALL BUSINESS METALWORKING 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. 45R. SMALL METALWORKING BUSINESS CREDIT.
``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 38, the small
metalworking business credit for any taxable year is an amount equal to
30 percent of the amounts paid or incurred for metal parts, components,
or assemblies produced for the taxpayer under a contract between the
taxpayer and an eligible small metalworking business.
``(b) Eligible Small Metalworking Business.--For purposes of this
section, the term `eligible small metalworking business' means any
person--
``(1) who is unrelated to the taxpayer,
``(2) who is engaged in the trade or business of
metalworking in the United States, and
``(3) who is a small business as defined under section 3(a)
of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(a)).
``(c) Definition and Special Rule.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Metalworking.--For purposes of this section, the term
`metalworking' means the production of parts, components, or
assemblies by using metalworking and forming technologies,
including metal stamping, fabricating, slide forming, fine
blanking, laser cutting, punching, deep drawing, swaging, roll
forming, spinning, machining, grinding, rotary machining, cold
heading, forging, casting, wire electrical discharge machining,
conventional electrical discharge machining, and computer
numerical control machining.
``(2) Related person.--A person shall be treated as related
to another person if they bear a relationship to such other
person described in section 267(b) or 707(b).
``(3) Election not to take credit.--No credit shall be
determined under subsection (a) for any amount if the taxpayer
elects not to have this section apply to such amount.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 38(b) of such Code is amended by striking
``plus'' at the end of paragraph (34), by striking the period
at the end of paragraph (35) and inserting ``, plus'', and by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(36) the small metalworking business credit determined
under section 45R(a).''.
(2) The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at
the end the following new item:
``Sec. 45R. Small metalworking business credit.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act. | American Metalworking Manufacturers Support Act - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to: (1) carry out a program to provide business stabilization loans to viable small metalworking businesses that have a qualifying SBA small business loan and are experiencing immediate financial hardship; and (2) establish a technical assistance program to assist a bank or other financial institution to provide such loans to such businesses. Prohibits the Administrator from charging any loan fees.
Makes specified funds available to the Secretary of the Treasury for the loan program. Limits each loan to a maximum of $3 million and 18 months, without interest.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide a small metalworking business tax credit of 30% of the amount paid or incurred for metal parts, components, or assemblies produced for the taxpayer under a contract between the taxpayer and a small metalworking business. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish small metalworking business financial assistance programs, and for other purposes."} | 2,279 | 184 | 0.488395 | 1.500262 | 0.694584 | 3.860606 | 12.139394 | 0.927273 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``State Witness Protection Act of
2013''.
SEC. 2. PROTECTION OF STATE AND LOCAL WITNESSES.
(a) In General.--Chapter 73 of title 18, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 1522. State and local witness tampering and retaliation
``(a) Definitions.--In this section--
``(1) the term `State official proceeding' means a
proceeding before a judge or court of a State or political
subdivision thereof; and
``(2) the term `physical force' has the meaning given the
term in section 1515.
``(b) Tampering and Retaliation.--It shall be unlawful, in a
circumstance described in subsection (c), for a person to kill, attempt
to kill, use physical force or the threat of physical force against,
harass, intimidate or attempt to intimidate, or offer anything of value
to, another individual, with the intent to--
``(1) influence, delay, or prevent the testimony or
attendance of any person in a State official proceeding;
``(2) prevent the production of a record, document, or
other object, in a State official proceeding;
``(3) cause or induce any person to--
``(A) withhold testimony, or withhold a record,
document, or other object from a State official
proceeding;
``(B) alter, destroy, mutilate, or conceal an
object with intent to impair the integrity or
availability of the object for use in a State official
proceeding;
``(C) evade legal process summoning that person to
appear as a witness, or to produce a record, document
or other object in a State official proceeding; or
``(D) be absent from a State official proceeding to
which that person has been summoned by legal process;
``(4) hinder, delay, or prevent the communication by any
person to a law enforcement officer or judge of a State, or
political subdivision thereof, of information relating to the
violation or possible violation of a law of a State or
political subdivision thereof, or a violation of conditions of
probation, parole, or release pending judicial proceedings; or
``(5) retaliate against any person for--
``(A) the attendance of a witness or party at a
State official proceeding, or any testimony given or
any record, document, or other object produced by a
witness in a State official proceeding; or
``(B) providing to a law enforcement officer any
information relating to the violation or possible
violation of a law of a State or political subdivision
thereof, or a violation of conditions of probation,
supervised release, parole, or release pending judicial
proceedings.
``(c) Circumstances.--A circumstance described in this subsection
is that--
``(1) any communication involved in or made in furtherance
of the offense is communicated or transported by the mail, or
in interstate or foreign commerce by any means, including by
computer, or any means or instrumentality of interstate or
foreign commerce is otherwise used in committing or in
furtherance of the commission of the offense;
``(2) any person travels or is transported in interstate or
foreign commerce in the course of the commission of or in
furtherance of the commission of the offense; or
``(3) any weapon, including a firearm, shipped or
transported across State lines or in interstate or foreign
commerce is used in committing or in furtherance of the
commission of the offense.
``(d) Penalties.--
``(1) In general.--Any person that violates this section--
``(A) in the case of a killing, shall be punished
as provided under sections 1111 and 1112;
``(B) in the case of an attempt to murder, or the
use or attempted use of physical force against any
person, shall be fined under this title, or imprisoned
for not more than 30 years, or both; and
``(C) in the case of any other violation of this
section, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned
for not more than 20 years, or both.
``(2) Exception.--If the offense under this section occurs
in connection with a trial of a criminal case, the maximum term
of imprisonment that may be imposed for the offense shall be
the higher of--
``(A) the penalty described in paragraph (1); or
``(B) the maximum term that could have been imposed
for any offense charged in the criminal case.
``(3) Attempt and conspiracy.--Any person who attempts or
conspires to commit any offense under this section shall be
subject to the same penalties as those prescribed for the
offense, the commission of which was the object of the attempt
or conspiracy.
``(e) Affirmative Defense.--It is an affirmative defense to a
prosecution under this section, which the defendant shall prove by a
preponderance of the evidence, that the conduct committed by the
defendant--
``(1) consisted solely of lawful conduct; and
``(2) that the sole intention of the defendant was to
encourage, induce, or cause the other person to testify
truthfully.
``(f) Pending Proceeding; Evidentiary Value.--For the purposes of
this section--
``(1) a State official proceeding need not be pending or
about to be instituted at the time of the offense; and
``(2) the testimony, or the record, document, or other
object obstructed, tampered, or retaliated against by the
defendant need not be admissible in evidence or free of a claim
of privilege.
``(g) Intent.--In a prosecution for an offense under this section,
the state of mind need not be proved with respect to--
``(1) a State official proceeding before a judge, court,
magistrate judge, or grand jury being before a judge or court
of a State or political subdivision thereof;
``(2) a judge being a judge of a State or political
subdivision thereof; or
``(3) a law enforcement officer being an officer or
employee of the State or political subdivision thereof.
``(h) Venue.--A prosecution brought under this section may be
brought--
``(1) in the district in which the State official
proceeding (whether or not pending or about to be instituted)
was intended to be affected; or
``(2) in the district which the conduct constituting the
alleged offense occurred.''.
(b) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents for
chapter 73 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``1522. State and local witness tampering and retaliation.''.
SEC. 3. SENTENCING GUIDELINES ENHANCEMENT.
Pursuant to its authority under section 994 of title 28, United
States Code, and in accordance with this section, the United States
Sentencing Commission shall amend the Federal Sentencing Guidelines to
increase the guideline range for Obstruction of Justice, Sec. 2J1.2, as
follows--
(1) by 2 levels if the defendant threatened or harmed 1 or
more individuals on more than 1 occasion;
(2) by 2 levels if the defendant accepted or paid a bribe
or payoff as part of a scheme to obstruct justice;
(3) by 2 levels if the defendant destroyed or caused the
destruction of documents on a computer; and
(4) by 6 levels if the offense resulted in substantial
interference with the administration of justice.
SEC. 4. WITNESS PROTECTION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Subject to subsection (b), the Attorney General
shall make competitive grants to eligible State, tribal, and local
governments to establish or maintain programs that--
(1) provide protection or assistance to witnesses in--
(A) court proceedings involving homicide, or
involving a serious violent felony or serious drug
offense as defined in section 3559(c)(2) of title 18,
United States Code; and
(B) court proceedings involving gangs or organized
crime; and
(2) provide information and outreach to the public about
witness intimidation.
(b) Criteria.--In making grants under subsection (a), the Attorney
General shall evaluate applicants based upon--
(1) the extent to which the applicant has a lack of
infrastructure to support a witness assistance program;
(2) the extent to which witness intimidation is present
with respect to the applicant;
(3) the level of cases not prosecuted by the applicant due
to witness intimidation;
(4) the number of homicides per capita committed in the
jurisdiction of the applicant;
(5) the number of serious violent felonies or serious drug
offenses, as defined in section 3559(c)(2) of title 18, United
States Code, per capita committed in the jurisdiction of the
applicant;
(6) the extent to which organized crime is present in the
jurisdiction of the applicant; and
(7) any other appropriate criteria as determined by the
Attorney General.
(c) Federal Share.--
(1) In general.--The Federal share of the cost of a project
carried out using a grant made under this section shall be not
more than 75 percent.
(2) In-kind contributions.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
non-Federal share for a project carried out using a
grant made under this section may be made in the form
of in-kind contributions that are directly related to
the purpose for which the grant was made.
(B) Maximum percentage.--Not more than 50 percent
of the non-Federal share for a project carried out
using a grant made under this section may be in the
form of in-kind contributions.
(d) Administrative Expenses.--Federal administrative costs to carry
out this section for a fiscal year shall not exceed 5 percent of the
funds appropriated pursuant to subsection (e) for such fiscal year.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. | State Witness Protection Act of 2013 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose criminal penalties on any person who kills, or attempts to kill, a witness in a state or local judicial proceeding, who uses physical force or the threat of force against such a witness, or who offers such witness anything of value with the intent to: (1) influence, delay, or prevent the testimony or attendance of such witness at a state or local judicial proceeding; (2) prevent the production of a record or document in a state or local judicial proceeding; (3) cause or induce any person to withhold testimony or evidence, destroy evidence, evade legal process, or be absent from a state or local judicial proceeding; (4) hinder, delay, or prevent any person from providing information to a state or local law enforcement officer or judge; or (5) retaliate against any person for attending a state or local judicial proceeding or providing information to a law enforcement officer. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend guidelines to increase the sentencing range for obstruction of justice if such crime involved threatening, harming, or bribing a witness or the destruction of evidence. Directs the Attorney General to make competitive grants to eligible state, tribal, and local governments to establish or maintain programs that provide: (1) protection or assistance to witnesses in court proceedings involving homicide, a serious violent felony or drug offense, gangs, or organized crime; and (2) information and outreach to the public about witness intimidation. Sets forth criteria by which the Attorney General shall evaluate applicants, including the extent to which: (1) an applicant has a lack of infrastructure to support a witness assistance program, and (2) witness intimidation is present with respect to the applicant. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "State Witness Protection Act of 2013"} | 2,251 | 380 | 0.643385 | 2.038414 | 0.871604 | 3.958824 | 6.176471 | 0.958824 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fragile X Research Breakthrough Act
of 1999''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Fragile X is the most common inherited cause of mental
retardation. It affects 1 in every 2,000 boys and 1 in every
4,000 girls. One in 260 women is a carrier.
(2) Most children with Fragile X require a lifetime of
special care at a cost of over $2,000,000 per child.
(3) Relatively newly-discovered and relatively unknown,
even in the medical profession, Fragile X is caused by the
absence of a single protein that can be produced synthetically
but that cannot yet be effectively assimilated.
(4) Fragile X research, both basic and applied, is vastly
underfunded in view of its prevalence, the potential for the
development of a cure, the established benefits of currently
available interventions, and the significance that Fragile X
research has for related disorders.
(5) Fragile X is a powerful research model for other forms
of X-linked mental retardation, as well as neuropsychiatric
disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and
pervasive developmental disorder. Individuals with Fragile X
are a homogeneous study population for advancing understanding
of these disorders.
SEC. 3. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT;
RESEARCH ON FRAGILE X.
Subpart 7 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 285g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 452E. FRAGILE X.
``(a) Expansion and Coordination of Research Activities.--The
Director of the Institute, after consultation with the advisory council
for the Institute, shall expand, intensify, and coordinate the
activities of the Institute with respect to research on the disease
known as Fragile X.
``(b) Research Centers.--
``(1) In general.--The Director of the Institute, after
consultation with the advisory council for the Institute, shall
make grants to, or enter into contracts with, public or
nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of
centers to conduct research for the purposes of improving the
diagnosis and treatment of, and finding the cure for, Fragile
X.
``(2) Number of centers.--In carrying out paragraph (1),
the Director of the Institute shall, to the extent that amounts
are appropriated, provide for the establishment of at least 3
Fragile X research centers.
``(3) Activities.--
``(A) In general.--Each center assisted under
paragraph (1) shall, with respect to Fragile X--
``(i) conduct basic and clinical research,
which may include clinical trials of--
``(I) new or improved diagnostic
methods; and
``(II) drugs or other treatment
approaches; and
``(ii) conduct research to find a cure.
``(B) Fees.--A center may use funds provided under
paragraph (1) to provide fees to individuals serving as
subjects in clinical trials conducted under
subparagraph (A).
``(4) Coordination among centers.--The Director of the
Institute shall, as appropriate, provide for the coordination
of the activities of the centers assisted under this section,
including providing for the exchange of information among the
centers.
``(5) Certain administrative requirements.--Each center
assisted under paragraph (1) shall use the facilities of a
single institution, or be formed from a consortium of cooperating
institutions, meeting such requirements as may be prescribed by the
Director of the Institute.
``(6) Duration of support.--Support may be provided to a
center under paragraph (1) for a period of not to exceed 5
years. Such period may be extended for 1 or more additional
periods, each of which may not exceed 5 years, if the
operations of such center have been reviewed by an appropriate
technical and scientific peer review group established by the
Director and if such group has recommended to the Director that
such period be extended.
``(7) Authorization of appropriations.--For the purpose of
carrying out this subsection, there are authorized to be
appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2000, and such sums as
may be necessary for each subsequent fiscal year.''.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT; LOAN
REPAYMENT PROGRAM REGARDING RESEARCH ON FRAGILE X.
Part G of title IV of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 288
et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 487E the following:
``SEC. 487F. LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM REGARDING RESEARCH ON FRAGILE X.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Director
of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, shall
establish a program under which the Federal Government enters into
contracts with qualified health professionals (including graduate
students) who agree to conduct research regarding Fragile X in
consideration of the Federal Government's agreement to repay, for each
year of such service, not more than $35,000 of the principal and
interest of the educational loans owed by such health professionals.
``(b) Applicability of Certain Provisions.--With respect to the
National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program established in
subpart III of part D of title III, the provisions of such subpart
(including section 338B(g)(3)) shall, except as inconsistent with
subsection (a) of this section, apply to the program established in
such subsection in the same manner and to the same extent as such
provisions apply to the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment
Program established in such subpart.
``(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--For the purpose of carrying
out this section, there are authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000
for fiscal year 2000, and such sums as may be necessary for each
subsequent fiscal year. Amounts appropriated for a fiscal year under
the preceding sentence shall remain available until the expiration of
the second fiscal year beginning after the fiscal year for which the
amounts were appropriated.''. | Fragile X Research Breakthrough Act of 1999 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to: (1) expand, intensify, and coordinate the Institute's activities respecting research on the disease known as Fragile X; and (2) make grants to, and enter into contracts with, public or nonprofit private entities for the development and operation of at least three centers to conduct research for improving the diagnosis and treatment of, and finding the cure for, Fragile X. Requires each such center assisted to conduct basic and clinical research, which may include clinical trials of new or improved diagnostic methods and drugs or other treatment approaches. Allows such centers to use grant funds provided under this Act to provide fees to individuals serving as subjects in clinical trials.
Requires the Director to provide for the coordination of the centers' activities, including the exchange of information. Requires each center to use the facilities of a single institution, or be formed from a consortium of cooperating institutions.
Allows support to be provided to a center for a period not exceeding five years with authorized extensions.
Authorizes appropriations.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a program under which the Federal Government enters into contracts with qualified health professionals who agree to conduct research on Fragile X in consideration of the Government's agreement to repay, for each year of such service, no more than $35,000 of the principal and interest of the educational loans owed by such health professionals. Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Fragile X Research Breakthrough Act of 1999"} | 1,407 | 336 | 0.619145 | 2.012345 | 0.873646 | 4.824916 | 4.158249 | 0.919192 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Complex Expansion and Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
Expansion Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The western basin of Lake Erie, as part of the Great
Lakes ecosystem, the largest freshwater ecosystem on the face
of the Earth, is vitally important to the economic and
environmental future of the United States.
(2) Over the past three decades, the citizens and
governmental institutions of both the United States and Canada
have devoted increasing attention and resources to the
restoration of the water quality and fisheries of the Great
Lakes, including the western basin. This increased awareness
has been accompanied by a gradual shift to a holistic
``ecosystem approach'' that highlights a growing recognition
that shoreline areas--the nearshore terrestrial ecosystems--are
an integral part of the western basin and the Great Lakes
ecosystem as a whole.
(3) The Great Lakes account for more than 90 percent of the
surface freshwater in the nation. The western basin receives
approximately 90 percent of its flow from the Detroit River and
only approximately 10 percent from tributaries.
(4) The western basin of Lake Erie is an important
ecosystem that includes a number of distinct islands, channels,
rivers, and shoals that support dense populations of fish,
wildlife, and aquatic plants.
(5) The coastal wetlands of Lake Erie support the largest
diversity of plant and wildlife species in the Great Lakes. The
moderate climate of Lake Erie and its more southern latitude
allow for many species that are not found in or along the
northern Great Lakes. More than 300 species of plants,
including 37 significant species, have been identified in the
aquatic and wetland habitats of the western basin.
(6) The shallow western basin of Lake Erie, from the Lower
Detroit River to Sandusky Bay, is home to the largest
concentration of marshes in Lake Erie, including Mouille,
Metzger, and Magee marshes, the Maumee Bay wetland complex, the
wetland complexes flanking Locust Point, and the wetlands in
Sandusky Bay. The larger United States islands in western Lake
Erie have wetlands in their small embayments.
(7) The wetlands in the western basin of Lake Erie comprise
as some of the most important waterfowl habitat in the Great
Lakes. Waterfowl, wading birds, shore birds, gulls and terns,
raptors, and perching birds all use the western basin wetlands
for migration, nesting, and feeding. Hundreds of thousands of
diving ducks stop to rest in the Lake Erie area on their fall
migration from Canada to the east and south. The wetlands of
the western basin of Lake Erie provide a major stopover for
ducks such as migrating bufflehead, common goldeneye, common
mergansers, and ruddy duck.
(8) The international importance of Lake Erie is manifested
in the United States congressional designation of the Ottawa
and Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuges.
(9) Lake Erie has an international reputation for walleye,
perch, and bass fishing, recreational boating, birding,
photography, and duck hunting. On an economic basis, Lake Erie
tourism accounts for an estimated $1,500,000,000 in retail
sales and more than 50,000 jobs.
(10) Many of the 417,000 boats that are registered in Ohio
are used in the western basin of Lake Erie, in part to fish for
the estimated 10,000,000 walleye that migrate from other areas
of the lake to spawn. This internationally renowned walleye
fishery drives much of Ohio's $2,000,000,000 sport fishing
industry.
(11) Coastal wetlands in the western basin of Lake Erie
have been subjected to intense pressure for 150 years. Prior to
1850, the western basin was part of an extensive coastal marsh
and swamp system of approximately 122,000 hectares that
comprised a portion of the Great Black Swamp. By 1951, only
12,407 wetland hectares remained in the western basin. Half of
that acreage was destroyed between 1972 and 1987. Therefore,
today only approximately 5,000 hectares remain. Along the
Michigan shoreline, coastal wetlands were reduced by 62 percent
between 1916 and the early 1970s. The development of the city
of Monroe, Michigan, has had a particularly significant impact
on the coastal wetlands at the mouth of the Raisin River: only
approximately 100 hectares remain physically unaltered today in
an area where 70 years ago marshes were 10 times more
extensive. In addition to the actual loss of coastal wetland
acreage along the shores of Lake Erie, the quality of many
remaining diked wetlands has been degraded by numerous
stressors, especially excessive loadings of sediments and
nutrients, contaminants, shoreline modification, exotic
species, and the diking of wetlands. Protective peninsula beach
systems, such as the former Bay Point and Woodtick, at the
border of Ohio and Michigan near the mouth of the Ottawa River
and Maumee Bay, have been eroded over the years, exacerbating
erosion along the shorelines and impacting the breeding and
spawning grounds.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) The term ``Refuge Complex'' means the Ottawa National
Wildlife Refuge Complex and the lands and waters therein, as
described in the document entitled ``The Comprehensive
Conservation Plan for the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
Complex'' and dated September 22, 2000, including Ottawa
National Wildlife Refuge, West Sister Island National Wildlife
Refuge, and Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge.
(2) The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the
Interior.
(3) The term ``International Refuge'' means the Detroit
River International Wildlife Refuge established by the Detroit
River International Wildlife Refuge Establishment Act (Public
Law 107-91).
SEC. 4. EXPANSION OF BOUNDARIES.
(a) Refuge Complex Boundaries.--
(1) Expansion.--The boundaries of the Refuge Complex are
expanded to include lands and waters in the State of Ohio from
the eastern boundary of Maumee Bay State Park to the eastern
boundary of the Darby Unit, including the Bass Island
archipelago, as depicted on the map entitled ``Ottawa National
Wildlife Refuge Complex Expansion and Detroit River
International Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act'', dated September
6, 2002.
(2) Boundary revisions.--The Secretary may make such
revisions to the boundaries of the Refuge Complex as may be
appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Refuge Complex or
to facilitate the acquisition of property within the Refuge
Complex.
(b) International Refuge Boundaries.--The southern boundary of the
International Refuge is extended south to include additional lands and
waters in the State of Michigan east of Interstate Highway 75 from the
southern boundary of Sterling State Park to the Ohio State boundary, as
depicted on the map referred to in subsection (a)(1).
(c) Availability of Map.--The Secretary shall keep the map referred
to in subsection (a)(1) available for inspection in appropriate offices
of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
SEC. 5. ACQUISITION AND TRANSFER OF LANDS FOR REFUGE COMPLEX.
(a) Acquisitions.--The Secretary may acquire by donation, purchase
with donated or appropriated funds, or exchange the lands and waters,
or interests therein (including conservation easements), within the
boundaries of the Refuge Complex as expanded by this title. No such
lands, waters, or interests therein may be acquired without the consent
of the owner thereof.
(b) Transfers From Other Agencies.--Any Federal property located
within the boundaries of the Refuge Complex, as expanded by this title,
that is under the administrative jurisdiction of a department or agency
of the United States other than the Department of the Interior may,
with the concurrence of the head of administering department or agency,
be transferred without consideration to the administrative jurisdiction
of the Secretary for the purposes of this title.
SEC. 6. ADMINISTRATION OF REFUGE COMPLEX.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer all federally owned
lands, waters, and interests therein that are within the boundaries of
the Refuge Complex, as expanded by this title, in accordance with the
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C.
668dd et seq.) and this title. The Secretary may use such additional
statutory authority as may be available for the conservation of fish
and wildlife, and the provision of fish and wildlife dependent
recreational opportunities as the Secretary considers appropriate to
implement this title.
(b) Additional Purposes.--In addition to the purposes of the Refuge
Complex under other laws, regulations, executive orders, and
comprehensive conservation plans, the Refuge Complex shall be managed
for the following purposes:
(1) To strengthen and complement existing resource
management, conservation, and education programs and activities
at the Refuge Complex in a manner consistent with the primary
purpose of the Refuge Complex to provide major resting,
feeding, and wintering habitats for migratory birds and other
wildlife, and to enhance national resource conservation and
management in the western basin of Lake Erie.
(2) To conserve, enhance, and restore the native aquatic
and terrestrial community characteristics of the western basin
of Lake Erie (including associated fish, wildlife, and plant
species), both in the United States and Canada in partnership
with nongovernmental and private organizations, as well as
private individuals dedicated to habitat enhancement.
(3) To facilitate partnerships among the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service, Canadian national and provincial
authorities, State and local governments, local communities in
the United States and in Canada, conservation organizations,
and other non-Federal entities to promote public awareness of
the resources of the western basin of Lake Erie.
(4) To advance the collective goals and priorities
established in the ``Great Lakes Strategy 2002--A Plan for the
New Millennium'', by the United States Policy Committee
comprised of various Federal agencies, including the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration, the United States Geological
Survey, the Forest Service, and the Great Lakes Fishery
Commission, as well as the State governments and tribal
governments in the Great Lakes. These goals, broadly stated,
include working together to protect and restore the chemical,
physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes basin
ecosystem.
(c) Priority Uses.--In providing opportunities for compatible fish
and wildlife dependent recreation, the Secretary, in accordance with
paragraphs (3) and (4) of section 4(a) of the National Wildlife Refuge
System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd(a)), shall ensure
that hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and
environmental education and interpretation are the priority public uses
of the Refuge Complex.
(d) Cooperative Agreements Regarding Non-Federal Lands.--The
Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements with the State of Ohio
or the State of Michigan, or any political subdivision thereof, and
with any other person or entity for the management in a manner
consistent with this title of lands that are owned by such State,
subdivision, or other person or entity and located within the
boundaries of the Refuge Complex and to promote public awareness of the
resources of the western basin of Lake Erie and encourage public
participation in the conservation of those resources.
(e) Use of Existing Greenway Authority.--The Secretary shall
encourage the State of Ohio to use existing authorities under the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century to provide funding for
acquisition and development of trails within the boundaries of the
Refuge Complex.
SEC. 7. STUDY OF ASSOCIATED AREA.
(a) In General.--The Secretary, acting through the Director of the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, shall conduct a study of fish
and wildlife habitat and aquatic and terrestrial communities of the 2
dredge spoil disposal sites referred to by the Toledo-Lucas County Port
Authority as Port Authority Facility Number Three and Grassy Island,
located within Toledo Harbor near the mouth of the Maumee River.
(b) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the
enactment of the Act, the Secretary shall complete such study and
submit a report containing the results thereof to the Congress.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the
Interior--
(1) such sums as may be necessary for the acquisition of
lands and waters within the Refuge Complex;
(2) such sums as may be necessary for the development,
operation, and maintenance of the Refuge Complex; and
(3) such sums as may be necessary to carry out the study
under section 7. | Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex Expansion and Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act - Expands the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex to include specified land and water in the State of Ohio. Permits the Secretary of the Interior to acquire by donation, purchase, or exchange the land and water and interests in land and water within the boundaries of the Complex.Expands the southern boundary of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (the Refuge) to include additional land and water located in the State of Michigan east of Interstate Route 75.Prescribes requirements for administration of the Complex.Directs the Secretary to ensure that hunting, trapping, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation shall be the priority public uses of the Complex.Requires the Secretary to encourage the State of Ohio to use authority under the recreational trails program under Federal law to provide funding for the acquisition and development of trails within the boundaries of the Complex.Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, study and report to Congress on fish and wildlife habitat and aquatic and terrestrial communities in and around two specified dredge spoil disposal sites in Toledo Harbor. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To expand the boundaries of the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Complex and of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge."} | 2,756 | 243 | 0.478043 | 1.526473 | 0.674533 | 3.890411 | 11.584475 | 0.913242 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``50 States Commemorative Coin Program
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress hereby finds the following:
(1) It is appropriate and timely to--
(A) honor the unique Federal republic of 50 States
that comprise the United States; and
(B) promote the diffusion of knowledge among the
youth of the United States about the individual States,
their history and geography, and the rich diversity of
the national heritage.
(2) The circulating coinage of the United States has not
been modernized within the past 25 years.
(3) A circulating commemorative 25-cent coin program could
produce earnings of $110,000,000 from the sale of silver proof
coins and sets over the 10-year period of issuance and would
produce indirect earnings of an estimated $2,600,000,000 to
$5,100,000,000 to the United States Treasury, money that will
replace borrowing to fund the national debt to at least that
extent.
(4) It is appropriate to launch a commemorative circulating
coin program that encourages young people and their families to
collect memorable tokens of all the States for the face value
of the coins.
SEC. 3. ISSUANCE OF REDESIGNED QUARTER DOLLARS OVER 10-YEAR PERIOD
COMMEMORATING EACH OF THE 50 STATES.
Section 5112 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Redesign and Issuance of Quarter Dollar in Commemoration of
Each of the 50 States.--
``(1) Redesign beginning in 1999.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding the 4th sentence
of subsection (d)(1) and subsection (d)(2), quarter
dollar coins issued during the 10-year period beginning
in 1999, shall have designs on the reverse side
selected in accordance with this subsection which are
emblematic of the 50 States.
``(B) Transition provision.--Notwithstanding
subparagraph (A), the Secretary may continue to mint
and issue quarter dollars in 1999 which bear the design
in effect before the redesign required under this
subsection and an inscription of the year `1998' as
required to ensure a smooth transition into the 10-year
program under this subsection.
``(2) Single state designs.--The design on the reverse side
of each quarter dollar issued during the 10-year period
referred to in paragraph (1) shall be emblematic of 1 of the 50
States.
``(3) Issuance of coins commemorating 5 states during each
of the 10 years.--
``(A) In general.--The designs for the quarter
dollar coins issued during each year of the 10-year
period referred to in paragraph (1) shall be emblematic
of 5 States selected in the order in which such States
ratified the Constitution of the United States or were
admitted into the Union, as the case may be.
``(B) Number of each of 5 coin designs in each
year.--Of the quarter dollar coins issued during each
year (of the 10-year period referred to in paragraph
(1)), the Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe, on
the basis of such factors as the Secretary determines
to be appropriate, the number of quarter dollars which
shall be issued with each of the 5 designs selected for
such year.
``(4) Selection of design.--
``(A) In general.--Each of the 50 designs required
under this subsection for quarter dollars shall be--
``(i) selected by the Secretary after
consultation with--
``(I) the Governor of the State
being commemorated, or such other State
officials or group as the State may
designate for such purpose; and
``(II) the Commission of Fine Arts;
and
``(ii) reviewed by the Citizens
Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee.
``(B) Selection and approval process.--Designs for
quarter dollars may be submitted in accordance with the
design selection and approval process developed by the
Secretary in the sole discretion of the Secretary.
``(C) Participation.--The Secretary may include
participation by State officials, artists from the
States, engravers of the United States Mint, and
members of the general public.
``(D) Standards.--Because it is important that the
Nation's coinage and currency bear dignified designs of
which the citizens of the United States can be proud,
the Secretary shall not select any frivolous or
inappropriate design for any quarter dollar minted
under this subsection.
``(E) Prohibition on certain representations.--No
head and shoulders portrait or bust of any person,
living or dead, and no portrait of a living person may
be included in the design of any quarter dollar under
this subsection.
``(5) Treatment as numismatic items.--For purposes of
sections 5134 and 5136, all coins minted under this subsection
shall be considered to be numismatic items.
``(6) Numismatic items.--
``(A) Quality of coins.--The Secretary may mint and
issue such number of quarter dollars of each design
selected under paragraph (4) in uncirculated and proof
qualities as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate.
``(B) Silver coins.--Notwithstanding subsection
(b), the Secretary may mint and issue such number of
quarter dollars of each design selected under paragraph
(4) as the Secretary determines to be appropriate with
a content of 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.
``(C) Sources of bullion.--The Secretary shall
obtain silver for minting coins under subparagraph (B)
from available resources, including stockpiles
established under the Strategic and Critical Materials
Stock Piling Act.
``(7) Application in event of the admission of additional
states.--If any additional State is admitted into the Union
before the end of the 10-year period referred to in paragraph
(1), the Secretary of the Treasury may issue quarter dollar
coins, in accordance with this subsection, with a design which
is emblematic of such State during any 1 year of such 10-year
period, in addition to the quarter dollar coins issued during
such year in accordance with paragraph (3)(A).''.
Passed the House of Representatives September 23, 1997.
Attest:
ROBIN H. CARLE,
Clerk.
By Jeff Trandahl,
Deputy Clerk. | 50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act - Amends Federal law to mandate redesign of quarter dollar coins issued during the ten-year period beginning 1999, with the reverse side emblematic of five of the 50 States each year during such period, selected in the order of their ratification of the U.S. Constitution or their admission to the Union. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "50 States Commemorative Coin Program Act"} | 1,368 | 75 | 0.583971 | 1.462291 | 0.602076 | 2.33871 | 20.806452 | 0.887097 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Freedom to Improve Educational
Achievement Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) the ability of the United States to declare more
effective educational services to its citizens, especially
disadvantaged citizens and traditionally underserved citizens,
is of primary importance to the national security and to the
continued role of the United States as a world leader;
(2) the ability of local school authorities to effectively
administer and improve the public schools under their
leadership is impeded by the paperwork burden and regulatory
limitations imposed by numerous education programs administered
by the Federal Government and by the States;
(3) because American society and student needs are changing
quickly, schools and schooling must be flexible and innovative
in order to sustain relevance and vitality in an increasingly
challenging world;
(4) educational funding flexibility at the State and local
level has proven to be effective means toward educational
reform in States nationwide, and this flexibility should be
expanded to cover Federal requirements that may impede
educational achievement; and
(5) real and fundamental change in the structure of schools
and education will emerge from school reform initiatives and
such change should be based on professional knowledge and a
solid foundation of research.
SEC. 3. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to allow States, local educational
agencies, and schools the flexibility to use and combine Federal,
State, and local funds to improve the educational achievement of all
elementary and secondary school students, including students with
disabilities, students who are disadvantaged, and students who are
limited English proficient, and to help schools and students meet the
National Education Goals by waiving certain statutory and regulatory
requirements (not including the appropriate protections with respect to
civil rights, discrimination, and safety).
SEC. 4. PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.
(a) Education Programs.--The Secretary of Education is authorized
to waive certain Federal statutory and regulatory requirements (except
as provided in section 6) for States, local educational agencies, and
schools that can demonstrate that such waivers are part of efforts to
achieve education reform and meet the National Education Goals for all
students, where such waivers are part of a State or local systemic
reform plan, and where such States and local educational agencies have
implemented similar waiver plans.
(b) Additional Programs.--Waivers may also be requested for
requirements regarding the following programs:
(1) The Head Start Act.
(2) The Runaway and Homeless Youth Act.
(3) The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.
(4) The National School Lunch Act.
(5) The School Breakfast Program.
(6) The Child and Adult Care Food Program.
(7) The Special School Milk Program.
(8) The Summer Food Service Program.
(9) The Community Services Block Grant Program.
If such waivers are requested, the Secretary shall consult with the
heads of other appropriate Federal agencies, if any, in determining
whether to approve a project. The Secretary shall obtain the approval
of such agency head as part of final approval of such project.
SEC. 5. APPLICATIONS.
(a) General Requirements.--A school, local educational agency, or
State that desires to receive a waiver under this Act shall--
(1) indicate which Federal requirements are to be waived
and how waiving such requirements will improve educational
achievement among all students;
(2) describe educational programs and goals being proposed
and how such programs will meet the needs of all students;
(3) identify the Federal programs to be included in the
project;
(4) indicate which State and local requirements to be
waived;
(5) describe specific, measurable educational improvement
goals and expected outcomes for all affected students;
(6) describe methods to be used to measure progress toward
meeting such goals;
(7) describe how programs will continue to focus on the
same populations served by programs for which waivers are
requested;
(8) describe how students not now eligible for programs for
which waivers are granted can be served without weakening the
program benefits for eligible populations; and
(9) describe the student population at proposed schools,
including--
(A) current data regarding the achievement levels
of students, particularly disadvantaged students;
(B) the number of students who--
(i) are of limited English proficiency, as
defined in section 7003(a)(1) of the Bilingual
Education Act;
(ii) are children with disabilities, as
defined in section 602(a)(1) of the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act;
(iii) are currently or were, within the
past 5 years, migratory;
(iv) are educationally disadvantaged for
the purposes of chapter 1 of title I of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965;
and
(v) are eligible for a free or reduced-
price lunch.
(b) Additional Requirements.--The Secretary of Education may
include additional requirements as may reasonably be required.
(c) Individual School Applications.--A local school that desires to
receive a waiver under this Act shall submit an application to the
local educational agency, which, after review, shall submit such
application to the State educational agency.
(d) Local Applications.--(1) A local educational agency that
desires to receive a waiver under this Act shall submit an application
to the State educational agency for review.
(2) A State educational agency that approves an application
submitted by a local educational agency shall forward such application
to the Secretary of Education for consideration.
(3) If an application requests a waiver for a program other than an
education program, the State educational agency shall submit such
application to the chief executive of the State for review before
forwarding such application to the Secretary of Education.
(e) State Applications.--(1) A State educational agency that
desires to receive a waiver under this Act shall submit an application
to the Secretary of Education for consideration, unless such
application requires waivers for other than education programs.
(2) Such application shall be submitted to the chief executive of
the State for review before forwarding such application to the
Secretary of Education.
SEC. 6. WAIVER RESTRICTIONS.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any changes
in, substitutions for, or lessening of the protections of Federal laws
and regulations regarding civil rights, discrimination, and safety or
to affect regulations and prohibitions concerning the diversion of
Federal funds for private use. Requirements which shall not be waived
include--
(1) requirements governing fund allocations;
(2) requirements governing privacy of pupil records;
(3) requirements under title VI of the Civil Rights Act of
1964;
(4) provisions of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973;
(5) provisions of title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act;
(6) requirements of title IX of the Education Amendments of
1972;
(7) requirements of parts A, B, and H under the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act;
(8) requirements governing--
(A) maintenance of effort;
(B) comparability; or
(C) the equitable participation of students
attending private schools; and
(9) requirements on parental participation and involvement.
SEC. 7. EVALUATIONS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.
(a) Waivers.--Three years after a waiver is provided to a school or
local educational agency, the Secretary of Education shall evaluate the
effectiveness of such waiver, based on reports and evaluations
conducted by the State educational agency, in meeting the goals
outlined in their application, in achieving educational reform, in
raising student achievement for all students, including students with
disabilities, students who are disadvantaged, and students who are
limited English proficient, and in meeting the National Education
Goals.
(b) Technical Assistance.--If the Secretary determines that
progress in achieving education reform is not satisfactory, the
Secretary may provide technical assistance to a school or local
educational agency.
(c) Termination.--If the Secretary determines that the technical
assistance does not improve education reform efforts, the Secretary may
immediately terminate any waivers previously granted.
(d) National Evaluation.--Three years after the flexibility program
is implemented and at the end of every succeeding 3-year period, the
Secretary shall evaluate the effectiveness of the flexibility program
nationwide. The findings of such evaluation shall be submitted to the
Congress not later than 120 days after such evaluation is completed.
SEC. 8. REPORTS.
(a) Local Reports.--A local educational agency or school that
participates in a flexibility project under this Act shall submit an
annual report to the State educational agency that--
(1) describes project activities;
(2) evaluates the progress in achieving the goals stated in
the application; and
(3) evaluates the effectiveness of coordinating services
for students and their families.
(b) State Reports.--(1) A State that participates in a flexibility
project under this Act shall submit an annual report to the Secretary
of Education which evaluates the progress in achieving goals stated in
the application.
(2) The State Educational Agency, upon receipt of reports of local
educational agencies or schools participating in a flexibility project,
shall review such documents and evaluate the progress of such programs
in elevating academic achievement for all students, accomplishing
education reform and meeting the National Education Goals. Such reports
and evaluations shall be submitted to the Secretary of Education on an
annual basis.
(c) Secretary Reports.--The Secretary of Education shall submit to
the Congress a biennial report, based on State reports, regarding the
national progress of flexibility programs and the effect of such
programs on improving educational achievement for all students and
meeting the National Education Goals. The Secretary shall disseminate
information on exemplary practices through the National Diffusion
Network. | Freedom to Improve Educational Achievement Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to waive certain Federal statutory and regulatory requirements, with specified exceptions, for States, local educational agencies, and schools as part of systemic educational reform and efforts to meet the national education goals for all children. Allows additional waivers for specified related programs, with the approval of the appropriate Federal agency.
Sets forth requirements for waiver applications, restrictions, evaluations, and reports. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Freedom to Improve Educational Achievement Act"} | 2,024 | 94 | 0.532847 | 1.325884 | 1.058471 | 3.294118 | 23.517647 | 0.894118 |
SECTION 1. SMALL ETHANOL PRODUCER CREDIT.
(a) Allocation of Alcohol Fuels Credit to Patrons of a
Cooperative.--Section 40(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986
(relating to alcohol used as fuel) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(6) Allocation of small ethanol producer credit to
patrons of cooperative.--
``(A) Election to allocate.--
``(i) In general.--In the case of a
cooperative organization described in section
1381(a), any portion of the credit determined
under subsection (a)(3) for the taxable year
may, at the election of the organization, be
apportioned pro rata among patrons of the
organization on the basis of the quantity or
value of business done with or for such patrons
for the taxable year.
``(ii) Form and effect of election.--An
election under clause (i) for any taxable year
shall be made on a timely filed return for such
year. Such election, once made, shall be
irrevocable for such taxable year.
``(B) Treatment of organizations and patrons.--The
amount of the credit apportioned to patrons under
subparagraph (A)--
``(i) shall not be included in the amount
determined under subsection (a) with respect to
the organization for the taxable year,
``(ii) shall be included in the amount
determined under subsection (a) for the taxable
year of each patron for which the patronage
dividends for the taxable year described in
subparagraph (A) are included in gross income,
and
``(iii) shall be included in gross income
of such patrons for the taxable year in the
manner and to the extent provided in section
87.
``(C) Special rules for decrease in credits for
taxable year.--If the amount of the credit of a
cooperative organization determined under subsection
(a)(3) for a taxable year is less than the amount of
such credit shown on the return of the cooperative
organization for such year, an amount equal to the
excess of--
``(i) such reduction, over
``(ii) the amount not apportioned to such
patrons under subparagraph (A) for the taxable
year,
shall be treated as an increase in tax imposed by this
chapter on the organization. Such increase shall not be
treated as tax imposed by this chapter for purposes of
determining the amount of any credit under this subpart
or subpart A, B, E, or G.''.
(b) Improvements to Small Ethanol Producer Credit.--
(1) Definition of small ethanol producer.--Section 40(g) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to definitions and
special rules for eligible small ethanol producer credit) is
amended by striking ``30,000,000'' each place it appears and
inserting ``60,000,000''.
(2) Small ethanol producer credit not a passive activity
credit.--Clause (i) of section 469(d)(2)(A) of such Code is
amended by striking ``subpart D'' and inserting ``subpart D,
other than section 40(a)(3),''.
(3) Allowing credit against minimum tax.--
(A) In general.--Subsection (c) of section 38 of
such Code (relating to limitation based on amount of
tax) is amended by redesignating paragraph (3) as
paragraph (4) and by inserting after paragraph (2) the
following new paragraph:
``(3) Special rules for small ethanol producer credit.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of the small ethanol
producer credit--
``(i) this section and section 39 shall be
applied separately with respect to the credit,
and
``(ii) in applying paragraph (1) to the
credit--
``(I) subparagraphs (A) and (B)
thereof shall not apply, and
``(II) the limitation under
paragraph (1) (as modified by subclause
(I)) shall be reduced by the credit
allowed under subsection (a) for the
taxable year (other than the small
ethanol producer credit).
``(B) Small ethanol producer credit.--For purposes
of this subsection, the term `small ethanol producer
credit' means the credit allowable under subsection (a)
by reason of section 40(a)(3).''.
(B) Conforming amendment.--Subclause (II) of
section 38(c)(2)(A)(ii) of such Code is amended by
striking ``(other'' and all that follows through
``credit)'' and inserting ``(other than the empowerment
zone employment credit or the small ethanol producer
credit)''.
(4) Small ethanol producer credit not added back to income
under section 87.--Section 87 of such Code (relating to income
inclusion of alcohol fuel credit) is amended to read as
follows:
``SEC. 87. ALCOHOL FUEL CREDIT.
``Gross income includes an amount equal to the sum of--
``(1) the amount of the alcohol mixture credit determined
with respect to the taxpayer for the taxable year under section
40(a)(1), and
``(2) the alcohol credit determined with respect to the
taxpayer for the taxable year under section 40(a)(2).''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 1388 of such Code (relating to
definitions and special rules for cooperative organizations) is amended
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(k) Cross Reference.--For provisions relating to the
apportionment of the alcohol fuels credit between cooperative
organizations and their patrons, see section 40(g)(6).''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of
this Act. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code respecting the small ethanol producer credit to: (1) authorize credit allocation among a cooperative's patrons; (2) increase the gallon capacity for eligible producers; (3) make the credit a non-passive income credit; and (4) remove the credit from the alcohol fuel credit gross income inclusion. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to enhance the use of the small ethanol producer credit."} | 1,317 | 69 | 0.524611 | 1.217259 | 0.752816 | 1.692308 | 17.861538 | 0.769231 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Federal Lands Transportation
Improvement Act''.
SEC. 2. COOPERATIVE FEDERAL LANDS TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Chapter 2 of title 23, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 205 the following:
``SEC. 206. COOPERATIVE FEDERAL LANDS TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM.
``(a) Findings and Purpose.--
``(1) Findings.--Congress finds that public roads owned by
States--
``(A) can provide valuable assistance to the
Federal Government in ensuring adequate and safe
transportation to, in, and across federally owned land
and Indian reservations; and
``(B) supplement the efforts of the Federal
Government in developing and maintaining roads to serve
federally owned land and Indian reservations.
``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to further
the Federal interest in State-owned or State-maintained roads
that provide transportation to, in, or across federally owned
land or Indian reservations by establishing the Cooperative
Federal Lands Transportation Program.
``(b) Program.--There is established the Cooperative Federal Lands
Transportation Program (referred to in this section as the `program').
Funds available for the program may be used for projects, or portions
of projects, on State-owned or State-maintained highways that cross,
are adjacent to, or lead to federally owned land or Indian
reservations, as determined by the State. Such projects shall be
proposed by a State and selected by the Secretary. A project proposed
by a State under this section shall be on a highway owned or maintained
by the State and may be a highway construction or maintenance project
eligible under this title or any project of a type described in section
204(h).
``(c) Distribution of Funds for Projects.--
``(1) In general.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary--
``(i) after consultation with the
Administrator of General Services, the
Secretary of the Interior, and the heads of
other agencies as appropriate, shall determine
the percentage of the total land in each State
that is owned by the Federal Government or that
is held by the Federal Government in trust;
``(ii) shall determine the sum of the
percentages determined under clause (i) for
States with respect to which the percentage is
4.5 or greater; and
``(iii) shall determine for each State
included in the determination under clause (ii)
the percentage obtained by dividing--
``(I) the percentage for the State
determined under clause (i); by
``(II) the sum determined under
clause (ii).
``(B) Adjustment.--The Secretary shall--
``(i) reduce any percentage determined
under subparagraph (A)(iii) that is greater
than 7.5 percent to 7.5 percent; and
``(ii) redistribute the percentage points
equal to any reduction under clause (i) among
other States included in the determination
under subparagraph (A)(ii) in proportion to the
percentages for those States determined under
subparagraph (A)(iii).
``(2) Availability to states.--Except as provided in
paragraph (3), for each fiscal year, the Secretary shall make
funds available to carry out eligible projects in a State in an
amount equal to the amount obtained by multiplying--
``(A) the percentage for the State, if any,
determined under paragraph (1); by
``(B) the funds made available for the program for
the fiscal year.
``(3) Selection of projects.--The Secretary may establish
deadlines for States to submit proposed projects for funding
under this section, except that in the case of fiscal year 1998
the deadline may not be earlier than January 1, 1998. For each
fiscal year, if a State does not have pending, by that
deadline, applications for projects with an estimated cost
equal to at least 3 times the amount for the State determined
under paragraph (2), the Secretary may distribute, to 1 or more
other States, at the Secretary's discretion, \1/3\ of the
amount by which the estimated cost of the State's applications
is less than 3 times the amount for the State determined under
paragraph (2).
``(d) Transfers.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, a State and the Secretary may agree to transfer amounts
made available to a State under this section for use in
carrying out projects on any Federal lands highway that is
located in the State.
``(2) Special rule.--This paragraph applies to a State that
contains a national park that was visited by more than
2,500,000 people in 1996 and comprises more than 3,000 square
miles of land area, including surface water, that is located in
the State. For such a State, 50 percent of the amount that
would otherwise be made available to the State for each fiscal
year under the program shall be made available only for
eligible highway uses in the national park and within the
borders of the State. For the purpose of making allocations
under section 202(c), the Secretary may not take into account
the past or future availability, for use on park roads and
parkways in a national park, of funds made available for use in
a national park by this paragraph.''.
(b) Definition of Federal Lands Highway Investment.--Section 101(a)
of title 23, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by adding at the end the following:
``The term `Federal lands highway investment' means funds
authorized for the Federal lands highways program or the Cooperative
Federal Lands Transportation Program under chapter 2.''; and
(2) by reordering the undesignated paragraphs so that they
are in alphabetical order.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for chapter 2 of title 23,
United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to
section 205 the following:
``206. Cooperative Federal Lands Transportation Program.''.
SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated out of the Highway Trust
Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account), for the Cooperative Federal
Lands Transportation Program under section 206 of title 23, United
States Code, $200,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 1998 through
2002. | Federal Lands Transportation Improvement Act - Establishes the Cooperative Federal Lands Transportation Program to provide funds for projects on State-owned or maintained highways that cross, are adjacent to, or lead to federally owned land or Indian reservations. Outlines provisions concerning: (1) project funds distribution; and (2) the transfer of project funds to a State to carry out projects on Federal lands highways within such State. Authorizes appropriations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Federal Lands Transportation Improvement Act"} | 1,410 | 93 | 0.593716 | 1.343867 | 0.921242 | 3.719512 | 15.926829 | 0.914634 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Cultural Conservation of the
Crossroads of Civilization Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds as follows:
(1) Afghanistan enjoys a geographical position that made it
a crossroads of civilizations. Its tumultuous history can be
traced back as early as the 4th millennium B.C. and, as a
result, it is a living tapestry of ethnic and linguistic
cultures. Historically as well as artistically, it is a major
contributor to the world community.
(2) Afghanistan, flanked by Central, West, and South Asia,
has seen waves of migrating peoples pass through what has been
referred to as the roundabout of the ancient world.
(3) Archaeologists have identified evidence of Stone Age
technology and a 20,000-year-old sculpture head in Aq Kupruk.
(4) The earliest settlers in Afghanistan, who migrated from
northern territories approximately 50,000 years ago, lived as
individual hunters in the caves of the northern Hindu Kush
mountains.
(5) Evidence has been uncovered at the foothills of the
Hindu Kush Mountains and Darra-e Dadil (near Darra-e Suf),
Hazara Sum (near Aibak), and Qara Kamar (near Khulm) indicating
that North Afghanistan was home to the earliest domestic plants
and animals.
(6) The Khyber Pass, a 33-mile passage through the Hindu
Kush mountain range and dating back to 326 B.C., connects the
northern frontier of Pakistan with Afghanistan.
(7) During the 4th century B.C., Alexander the Great
defeated Darius III. Later on, the last Achaemenid ruler took
control of Afghanistan and introduced to the region Hellenistic
civilizations as well as new coins and artistic styles.
(8) Alexander the Great and his army marched through the
Kunar Valley to reach the plains of India. The Aryan, Persian,
and Greek armies and the Scythian, White Huns, Seljuk, Tartar,
Mongol, Turk, Moghol, and Durrani armies made successful
inroads into territories beyond the Peshawar Valley and
Hindukosh Valleys.
(9) Graeco-Buddhist Gandharan culture reached its height
during the Kushan Empire of Afghanistan.
(10) During the Kushan Empire, under King Kanishka, Buddha
was for the first time represented with a human face. Centuries
later, the world's largest standing Buddha statues, between
120-175 feet tall, were carved into the Great Cliff of Bamiyan.
(11) The Silk Road passed through Afghanistan, bringing
Roman glass and Chinese lacquer ware.
(12) In 962, the rise of the Ghaznavid Dynasty ushered in
the Islamic era and gave Afghanistan a permanent political and
cultural role in Islamic civilization.
(13) In 1219, Changiz (Genghis) Khan invaded Bukhara to
avenge the looting of his caravan. Changiz eventually defeated
Khwarazn Shah and proceeded through Afghanistan in his conquest
of Asia.
(14) Most archaeological material excavated in Afghanistan
during the 20th century was housed in the National Museum in
Kabul or in regional museums.
(15) The Archaeological Institute of America has published
articles listing thousands of artifacts that are among the
stolen or imperiled treasures of the National Museum in Kabul.
(16) The nation of Afghanistan has endured a raping and
pillage of its cultural property over the past two decades,
leading Abdul Wasey Feroozi, former director of the National
Archaeological Institute in Kabul, to state, ``The catastrophe
of war annihilated seventy years of our hard work and
accomplishments. In the period from 1992 to 1994 . . . over 70
percent of the Kabul National Museum was burned and damaged and
100 percent of the objects were stolen or vandalized. Illegal
excavations and extensive clandestine digging started at most
historical sites, and thousands of valuable objects were
transported to other countries, notably through Pakistan, to
the international markets.''.
(17) It should be recognized that the cultural heritage of
Afghanistan is at extreme peril and this legislation is a
result of a profound concern for the damage to Afghan
antiquities, sites, monuments, and cultural institutions.
SEC. 3. EMERGENCY IMPLEMENTATION OF IMPORT RESTRICTIONS.
(a) Authority.--The President may exercise the authority the
President has under section 304 of the Convention on Cultural Property
Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 2603) with respect to any archaeological
or ethnological material of Afghanistan as if Afghanistan were a State
Party under that Act, except that, in exercising such authority,
subsection (c) of such section shall not apply.
(b) Definition.--In this section, the term ``archaeological or
ethnological material of Afghanistan'' means cultural property of
Afghanistan and other items of archaeological, historical, cultural,
rare scientific, or religious importance (including coins, manuscripts,
and statuary artifacts) illegally removed, after the date of the
enactment of this Act, from the National Museum in Kabul or other
locations, including archaeological sites, in Afghanistan.
SEC. 4. TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY.
The authority of the President under section 3 shall terminate upon
the earlier of--
(1) the date that is 5 years after the date on which the
President certifies to the Congress that normalization of
relations between the United States and the Government of
Afghanistan has been established; or
(2) September 30, 2010. | Cultural Conservation of the Crossroads of Civilization Act - Authorizes the President to exercise authority under the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act to implement specified emergency restrictions on imports in order to protect certain archaeological or ethnological materials of Afghanistan which are illegally removed after enactment of this Act.
Authorizes such measures as if Afghanistan were a State Party under such Act.
Terminates the President's authority under this Act upon the earlier of: (1) five years after the President certifies normalization of U.S.-Afghanistan relations; or (2) September 30, 2010. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To authorize the President to take certain actions to protect archaeological or ethnological materials of Afghanistan."} | 1,273 | 126 | 0.333451 | 1.054737 | 0.623523 | 2.640777 | 10.514563 | 0.873786 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Prescription Drug Comparative
Effectiveness Act of 2006''.
SEC. 2. RESEARCH AND STUDY ON EFFECTIVENESS OF CERTAIN PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS.
(a) In General.--
(1) Research.--The Director of the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality, in consultation with the Director of the
National Institutes of Health, shall conduct or support
research, which may include clinical research, to develop valid
scientific evidence regarding comparative clinical
effectiveness, outcomes, and appropriateness of prescription
drugs, medical devices, and procedures. In conducting or
supporting such research, particular consideration shall be
given to treatments that involve high volume, high cost, or
high risk to patients.
(2) Systematic reviews.--
(A) In general.--The Director of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality shall conduct or
support systematic reviews of existing evidence
regarding comparative clinical effectiveness, outcomes,
and appropriateness of prescription drugs, medical
devices, and procedures. In conducting or supporting
such reviews, particular consideration shall be given
to treatments that involve high volume, high cost, or
high risk to patients.
(B) Better clinician and patient information on
safety.--Within 12 months of the date of the enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human
Services, in consultation with the Director of the
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the
Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and the Director of the
National Institutes of Health, shall develop a
coordinated plan for research on the most appropriate
methods for measuring and comparing adverse events
associated with pharmaceuticals and other medical and
surgical treatments so that clinicians and patients can
evaluate the comparative safety as well as the
comparative clinical effectiveness of the alternative
treatment options.
(b) Annual Report.--Each year the Director of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality shall prepare a report on the results
of the research, studies, and analyses conducted under this section and
submit the report to the following:
(1) The Congress.
(2) The Secretary of Defense.
(3) The Secretary of Health and Human Services.
(4) The Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(5) The Administrator of the Centers for Medicare &
Medicaid Services.
(6) The Director of the Indian Health Service.
(7) The Director of the National Institutes of Health.
(8) The Director of the Office of Personnel Management.
(c) Reports for Practitioners.--As soon as possible, but not later
than a year after the completion of any systemic review conducted
pursuant to subsection (a)(2), the Director of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality shall--
(1) prepare a report on the results of such systemic review
for the purpose of informing health care practitioners; and
(2) identify treatment options for which comparative
clinical effectiveness judgments could not be reached due to
insufficient evidence and make such identifications available
to the Director of the National Institutes of Health and other
entities funding research.
(d) Information for Patients.--The Director of the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality shall create a version of each report
prepared for practitioners under subsection (c)(1) in a form that is
easily understood by the individuals receiving the treatments involved.
(e) Availability.--The Director of the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality--
(1) shall publish on the Agency's Internet site, and
through other means that will facilitate access by
practitioners, each report prepared under subsection (b), (c),
or (d); and
(2) make the information in such reports available to the
public through easily accessible and searchable electronic
mechanisms, and in hard copy formats as appropriate.
(f) Accountability.--In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary
of Health and Human Services shall implement activities in a manner
that makes publicly available all scientific evidence relied upon and
the methodologies employed, provided such evidence and method are not
protected from public disclosure by section 1905 of title 18, United
States Code, or other applicable law, so that the results of the
research, analyses, or syntheses involved can be evaluated and
replicated.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section,
there are authorized to be appropriated to the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality and the National Institutes of Health $100,000,000
for fiscal year 2007 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year
2008 and each subsequent fiscal year. | Prescription Drug Comparative Effectiveness Act of 2006 - Requires the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to conduct or support reviews of existing evidence and research to develop evidence regarding comparative clinical effectiveness, outcomes, and appropriateness of prescription drugs, medical devices, and procedures.
Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a coordinated plan for research on methods for measuring and comparing adverse events associated with pharmaceuticals and other medical and surgical treatments so that clinicians and patients can evaluate the comparative safety and clinical effectiveness of the alternative treatment options.
Provides for information developed from such reviews to be made available to practitioners and patients. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To require the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in consultation with the Director of the National Institutes of Health, to conduct research to develop valid scientific evidence regarding comparative clinical effectiveness, outcomes, and appropriateness of prescription drugs, medical devices, and procedures, and for other purposes."} | 922 | 142 | 0.596278 | 1.482808 | 0.73828 | 4.634146 | 7.341463 | 0.943089 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Clean, Learn,
Educate, Abolish, Neutralize, and Undermine Production (CLEAN-UP) of
Methamphetamines Act of 2002''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Sec. 101. Response to environmental hazards associated with illegal
manufacture of methamphetamine on
Department of Agriculture and Department of
the Interior lands.
Sec. 102. Grant program to assist State and local government and
private response to environmental hazards
associated with illegal manufacture of
methamphetamine on agricultural lands.
Sec. 103. Designation of by-products of methamphetamine laboratories as
hazardous materials and waste under
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and
Solid Waste Disposal Act.
Sec. 104. Grant program to assist local law enforcement agencies in the
safe identification, cleanup, and disposal
of methamphetamine laboratories.
Sec. 105. Grant program to assist local law enforcement agencies in
meeting the costs of complying with Federal
laws relating to methamphetamine laboratory
cleanup and disposal.
Sec. 106. Study of environmental impact.
TITLE II--EDUCATION, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT
Sec. 201. Study regarding health effects of exposure to process of
unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine.
Sec. 202. Grants for educational programs on prevention and treatment
of methamphetamine abuse.
Sec. 203. Local grants for treatment of methamphetamine abuse and
related conditions.
TITLE III--ENFORCEMENT
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations relating to methamphetamine
laboratory seizure statistics.
Sec. 302. Authorization of appropriations relating to COPS grants.
Sec. 303. Expansion of methamphetamine Hot Spots program to include
personnel and equipment for enforcement,
prosecution, and environmental cleanup.
Sec. 304. Authorization of appropriations relating to the clandestine
laboratory training.
Sec. 305. Liability of promoters of drug-oriented entertainment.
Sec. 306. Statement of Congress regarding availability and illegal
importation of pseudoephedrine from Canada.
TITLE I--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
SEC. 101. RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH ILLEGAL
MANUFACTURE OF METHAMPHETAMINE ON DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE AND DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR LANDS.
(a) Response Activities.--The Secretary of Agriculture and the
Secretary of the Interior may carry out programs for the environmental
clean up and remediation of National Forest System lands and other
lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture and
National Park System lands and other lands under the jurisdiction of
the Department of the Interior that are contaminated with any hazardous
substance or pollutant associated with the illegal manufacture of
methamphetamine.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated $15,000,000 to carry out the programs authorized in
subsection (a).
SEC. 102. GRANT PROGRAM TO ASSIST STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND
PRIVATE RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH
ILLEGAL MANUFACTURE OF METHAMPHETAMINE ON AGRICULTURAL
LANDS.
(a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Agriculture may make
grants to State and local governments and to private persons to assist
the efforts of State and local governments and private persons to clean
up and remediate agricultural lands that are contaminated with any
hazardous substance or pollutant associated with the illegal
manufacture of methamphetamine. No grant may be made under this
subsection to any person who is responsible for the contamination.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Agriculture $15,000,000 to make grants
under subsection (a).
SEC. 103. DESIGNATION OF BY-PRODUCTS OF METHAMPHETAMINE LABORATORIES AS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTE UNDER HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
TRANSPORTATION ACT AND SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL ACT.
(a) Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.--The Secretary of
Transportation shall utilize the authority provided by section 5103 of
title 49, United States Code, to designate certain by-products of the
methamphetamine production process as hazardous materials for purposes
of chapter 51 of such title to protect the environment from the
environmental harm caused by certain by-products of illegal
methamphetamine laboratories and to expand the civil and criminal
penalties available against persons who operate such laboratories.
(b) Solid Waste Disposal Act.--The Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency shall utilize the authority provided by
section 3001 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act (42 U.S.C. 6921) to
designate certain by-products of the methamphetamine production process
as hazardous waste for purposes of such Act (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.) to
protect the environment from the environmental harm caused by certain
by-products of illegal methamphetamine laboratories and to expand the
civil and criminal penalties available against persons who operate such
laboratories.
(c) Covered Materials.--Not later than 13 months after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement
Administration shall submit to the Secretary of Transportation and the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency a list of those
by-products of the methamphetamine production process that, in the
event of improper disposal and inadequate remediation, are likely to
cause long-term harm to the environment. The Administrator of the Drug
Enforcement Administration shall take into consideration the report
required by section 106 in preparing the initial list and shall revise
the list annually thereafter as necessary to reflect changes in the
methamphetamine production process.
(d) Time for Designation.--The designations required by subsections
(a) and (b) shall be completed not later than 18 months after the date
of the enactment of this Act. If the Administrator of the Drug
Enforcement Administration revises the list referred to in subsection
(c), the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the
Environmental Protection Agency shall complete additional designations
to reflect the revisions made to the list not later than 18 months
after the date of the submission of the revised list.
SEC. 104. GRANT PROGRAM TO ASSIST LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN THE
SAFE IDENTIFICATION, CLEANUP, AND DISPOSAL OF
METHAMPHETAMINE LABORATORIES.
(a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Labor, acting through the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, shall provide grants to
local law enforcement agencies for--
(1) training in safe procedures for identifying, cleaning
up, and disposing of methamphetamine laboratories, and
(2) acquisition of equipment for the safe identification,
cleanup, and disposal of methamphetamine laboratories,
including costs associated with such training and acquisition provided
by public agencies or private organizations.
(b) Rulemaking.--The Secretary of Labor may prescribe rules to
carry out this section.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for fiscal year
2003.
SEC. 105. GRANT PROGRAM TO ASSIST LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN
MEETING THE COSTS OF COMPLYING WITH FEDERAL LAWS RELATING
TO METHAMPHETAMINE LABORATORY CLEANUP AND DISPOSAL.
(a) Grants Authorized.--The Secretary of Labor shall provide grants
to local law enforcement agencies to assist such agencies in meeting
the costs of complying with Federal laws regarding the cleanup and
disposal of methamphetamine laboratories.
(b) Rulemaking.--The Secretary of Labor may prescribe rules to
carry out this section.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for fiscal year
2003.
SEC. 106. STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
(a) Study Required.--Not later than one year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency shall submit to Congress a study of the impact of the
operation of laboratories for the manufacture of methamphetamines on
the environment, including the impact on agriculture.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2003 to conduct the study required by
subsection (a).
TITLE II--EDUCATION, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT
SEC. 201. STUDY REGARDING HEALTH EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO PROCESS OF
UNLAWFUL MANUFACTURE OF METHAMPHETAMINE.
(a) In General.--With respect to the unlawful manufacturing of
methamphetamine, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall
conduct a study for the purpose of determining--
(1) to what extent food, water, air, soil, equipment, or
other matter becomes contaminated with methamphetamine or other
harmful substances as a result of the proximity of the matter
to the process of such manufacturing; and
(2) whether any adverse health conditions result from the
exposure of individuals to such process or to contaminated
matter within the meaning of paragraph (1).
(b) Report to Congress.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services
shall complete the study under subsection (a) and submit to the
Congress a report describing the findings of the study.
SEC. 202. GRANTS FOR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ON PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
OF METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE.
Part A of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.) is amended--
(1) in section 4003--
(A) at the end of paragraph (1), by striking
``and'';
(B) at the end of paragraph (2), by striking the
period and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) at the end of the section, by adding the
following:
``(3) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2003, for grants under
subpart 4.'';
(2) by redesignating subpart 4 as subpart 5; and
(3) by inserting after subpart 3 the following:
``Subpart 4--Education on Prevention and Treatment of Methamphetamine
Abuse
``SEC. 4146. GRANT PROGRAM.
``(a) Grants.--From funds made available to carry out this subpart
under section 4003(3), the Secretary may make grants on a competitive
basis to local educational agencies and nonprofit organizations to
carry out programs to educate students on prevention and treatment of
methamphetamine abuse.
``(b) Applications.--To receive a grant under this section, an
applicant shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may
require.''.
SEC. 203. LOCAL GRANTS FOR TREATMENT OF METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE AND
RELATED CONDITIONS.
Subpart 1 of part B of title V of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 290bb et seq.) is amended--
(1) by redesignating the section 514 that relates to
methamphetamine and appears after section 514A as section 514B;
and
(2) by inserting after section 514B (as so redesignated)
the following section:
``local grants for treatment of methamphetamine abuse and related
conditions
``Sec. 514C. (a) In General.--The Secretary may make grants to
political subdivisions of States and to nonprofit private entities for
the purpose of providing treatment for methamphetamine abuse, subject
to subsection (b).
``(b) Certain Services for Children.--In addition to the purpose
described in subsection (a), a grant under such subsection may be
expended to treat children for any adverse health condition resulting
from a qualifying methamphetamine-related exposure.
``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(1) The term `children' means individuals who are under
the age of 18.
``(2)(A) The term `qualifying methamphetamine-related
exposure', with respect to children, means exposure to
methamphetamine or other harmful substances as a result of the
proximity of the children to the process of manufacturing
methamphetamine or the proximity of the children to associated
contaminated matter.
``(B) The term `associated contaminated matter', with
respect to the process of manufacturing methamphetamine, means
food, water, air, soil, equipment, or other matter that is
contaminated with methamphetamine or other harmful substances
as a result of the proximity of the matter to such process.
``(d) Funding.--
``(1) Authorization of appropriations.--For the purpose of
carrying out this section, there are authorized to be
appropriated $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2003.
``(2) Allocation for children.--Of the amount appropriated
under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, not less than $2,500,000
shall be reserved for carrying out this section with respect to
children.''.
TITLE III--ENFORCEMENT
SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO METHAMPHETAMINE
LABORATORY SEIZURE STATISTICS.
In addition to any other funds authorized to be appropriated for
fiscal year 2003 for the collection, aggregation, and dissemination of
methamphetamine laboratory seizure statistics by the El Paso
Intelligence Center (EPIC) of the Department of Justice, there is
authorized to be appropriated $2,000,000 for such purpose.
SEC. 302. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO COPS GRANTS.
(a) In General.--In addition to any other funds authorized to be
appropriated for fiscal year 2003 for grants under part Q of title I of
the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C.
3796dd et seq.), known as the COPS program, there is authorized to be
appropriated $20,000,000 for such purpose to provide training to State
and local prosecutors and law enforcement agents for prosecution of
methamphetamine offenses.
(b) Rural Set-Aside.--Of amounts made available pursuant to
subsection (a), $5,000,000 shall be available only for prosecutors and
law enforcement agents for rural communities.
(c) DEA Reimbursement.--Of amounts made available pursuant to
subsection (a), $2,000,000 shall be available only to reimburse the
Drug Enforcement Administration for existing training expenses.
SEC. 303. EXPANSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE HOT SPOTS PROGRAM TO INCLUDE
PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT FOR ENFORCEMENT, PROSECUTION, AND
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANUP.
Section 1701(d) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act
of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3796dd(d)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (10) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (11) by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(12) hire personnel and purchase equipment to assist in
the enforcement and prosecution of methamphetamine offenses and
the environmental cleanup of methamphetamine-affected areas.''.
SEC. 304. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS RELATING TO THE CLANDESTINE
LABORATORY TRAINING.
In addition to any other funds authorized to be appropriated for
fiscal year 2003 for the facilities and personnel used to operate the
Clandestine Laboratory Training Facility of the Drug Enforcement
Administrated, located in Quantico, Virginia, there is authorized to be
appropriated $10,000,000 for such purpose (but to include not more than
20 additional fulltime positions) to provide training to law
enforcement personnel of all the States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories and possessions of the
United States.
SEC. 305. LIABILITY OF PROMOTERS OF DRUG-ORIENTED ENTERTAINMENT.
(a) In General.--The Controlled Substances Act is amended by
inserting after section 416 (21 U.S.C. 856) the following new section:
``SEC. 416A. PROMOTERS OF DRUG ORIENTED ENTERTAINMENT.
``Whoever knowingly promotes any rave, dance, music, or other
entertainment event, that takes place under circumstances where the
promoter knows or reasonably ought to know that a controlled substance
will be used or distributed in violation of Federal law or the law of
the place were the event is held, shall be fined under title 18, United
States Code, or imprisoned for not more than 9 years, or both.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 416 the
following new item:
``Sec. 416A. Promoters of drug oriented entertainment.''.
SEC. 306. STATEMENT OF CONGRESS REGARDING AVAILABILITY AND ILLEGAL
IMPORTATION OF PSEUDOEPHEDRINE FROM CANADA.
(a) Findings.--The Congress finds that--
(1) pseudoephedrine is one of the basic precursor chemicals
used in the manufacture of the dangerous narcotic
methamphetamine;
(2) the Federal Government, working in cooperation with
narcotics agents of State and local governments and the private
sector, has tightened the control of pseudoephedrine in the
United States in recent years;
(3) pseudoephedrine can only be purchased in the United
States in small quantity bottles or blister packs; however, the
widespread presence of large containers of pseudoephedrine from
Canada at methamphetamine laboratories and dumpsites in the
United States, despite efforts of law enforcement agencies to
stem the flow of these containers into the United States,
demonstrates the strength of the demand for, and the inherent
difficulties in stemming the flow of, these containers from
neighboring Canada; and
(4) Canada lacks a comprehensive legislative framework for
addressing the pseudoephedrine trafficking problem.
(b) Call for Action by Canada.--The Congress strongly urges the
President to seek commitments from the Government of Canada to begin
immediately to take effective measures to stem the widespread and
increasing availability in Canada and the illegal importation into the
United States of pseudoephedrine. | Clean, Learn, Educate, Abolish, Neutralize, and Undermine Production (CLEAN-UP) of Methamphetamines Act of 2002 - Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to carry out environmental cleanup and remediation programs involving specified lands that are contaminated with hazardous substances associated with illegal methamphetamine manufacture.Directs: (1) the Secretary of Transportation and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate as hazardous certain byproducts of the methamphetamine production process and expand penalties against laboratory operators; (2) the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to list byproducts likely to cause long-term environmental harm; (3) the Secretary of Labor, acting through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to provide grants to local law enforcement for specified training and equipment acquisition; (4) the EPA Administrator to study the impact of methamphetamine laboratory operation on the environment; and (5) the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study contamination issues.Amends: (1) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize grants for educational programs; (2) the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to provide treatment; (3) the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to include among permissible grant projects under the "cops on the beat" program hiring personnel and purchasing equipment; and (4) the Controlled Substances Act to set penalties for promoting an entertainment event where the promoter knows that a controlled substance will be used or distributed in violation of specified law.Urges the President to seek commitments from the Canadian Government regarding the availability of pseudoephedrine. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To respond to the illegal production, distribution, and use of methamphetamines in the United States, and for other purposes."} | 4,369 | 354 | 0.664244 | 2.265577 | 0.64358 | 3.808581 | 11.39604 | 0.917492 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Territorial TANF Equity Act of
2012''.
SEC. 2. ELIMINATION OF CAP ON CERTAIN PAYMENTS TO PUERTO RICO, THE
VIRGIN ISLANDS, GUAM, AND AMERICAN SAMOA.
(a) In General.--Section 1108 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1308) is amended by striking subsection (a).
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Redesignations.--Section 1108 of such Act (42 U.S.C.
1308) is amended by redesignating subsections (b), (c), (d),
(f), and (g) as subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e),
respectively.
(2) Additional conforming amendments.--Section 1108 of such
Act (42 U.S.C. 1308) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b), as redesignated by paragraph
(1)--
(i) by striking paragraphs (2), (4), and
(5); and
(ii) redesignating paragraph (3) as
paragraph (2);
(B) in subsection (c), as redesignated by paragraph
(1), by striking ``subsection (b)'' and inserting
``subsection (a)'';
(C) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph
(1), by striking ``subsection (g)'' and inserting
``subsection (e)''; and
(D) in subsection (e), as redesignated by paragraph
(1), by striking ``subsection (f)'' each place it
appears and inserting ``subsection (d)''.
SEC. 3. SUPPLEMENTAL GRANTS TO PUERTO RICO, THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, GUAM,
AND AMERICAN SAMOA.
Section 1108(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1308(a)), as
redesignated by section 2(b)(1) of this Act, is amended to read as
follows:
``(a) Entitlement to Supplemental Grants.--
``(1) In general.--Each territory shall be entitled to
receive from the Secretary for each fiscal year a supplemental
grant in an amount equal to--
``(A) in the case of Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, and Guam, 10 percent of the family assistance
grant payable to the territory for the fiscal year; and
``(B) in the case of American Samoa, $100,000.
``(2) Appropriation.--Out of any money in the Treasury of
the United States not otherwise appropriated, there are
appropriated for fiscal year 2012 such sums as are necessary
for grants under this subsection.''.
SEC. 4. ELIGIBILITY OF PUERTO RICO, THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, GUAM, AND
AMERICAN SAMOA FOR THE TANF CONTINGENCY FUND.
(a) Definition of State.--Section 403(b)(7) of the Social Security
Act (42 U.S.C. 603(b)(7)) is amended by striking ``and the District of
Columbia'' and inserting ``, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.''.
(b) Alternative Eligibility Criteria for Territories.--Section
403(b)(5) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 603(b)(5)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(C) in the case of Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, the State satisfies
alternative eligibility criteria established by the
Secretary in consultation with the Governor of the
State, to be submitted to the Congress not later than 1
year after the date of the enactment of this
subparagraph.''.
SEC. 5. ELIGIBILITY OF PUERTO RICO, THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, GUAM, AND
AMERICAN SAMOA FOR CHILD CARE ENTITLEMENT FUNDS.
(a) Definition of State.--Section 418(d) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 618(d)) is amended by striking ``and the District of
Columbia'' and inserting ``, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the
Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa.''.
(b) Amount of Payment.--
(1) General entitlement.--Section 418(a)(1) of such Act (42
U.S.C. 618(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``equal to the greater
of--'' and all that follows and inserting the following:
``equal to--
``(A) in the case of Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, 60 percent of the
amount required to be paid to the State for fiscal year
2010 under the Child Care and Development Block Grant
Act of 1990; or
``(B) in the case of any other State, the greater
of--
``(i) the total amount required to be paid
to the State under section 403 of this Act for
fiscal year 1994 or 1995 (whichever is greater)
with respect to expenditures for child care
under subsections (g) and (i) of section 402 of
this Act (as in effect before October 1, 1995);
or
``(ii) the average of the total amounts
required to be paid to the State for fiscal
years 1992 through 1994 under the subsections
referred to in clause (i).''.
(2) Allotment of remainder.--Section 418(a)(2)(B) of such
Act (42 U.S.C. 618(a)(2)(B)) is amended to read as follows:
``(B) Allotments to states.--Of the total amount
available for payments to States under this paragraph,
as determined under subparagraph (A)--
``(i) an amount equal to 65 percent of the
amount required to be paid to each of Puerto
Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American
Samoa for fiscal year 2010 under the Child Care
and Development Block Grant Act of 1990, shall
be allotted to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands,
Guam, and American Samoa, respectively; and
``(ii) the remainder shall be allotted
among the other States based on the formula
used for determining the amount of Federal
payments to each State under section 403(n) of
this Act (as in effect before October 1,
1995).''.
SEC. 6. INCREASE IN FEDERAL MATCHING RATE FOR FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION
ASSISTANCE IN PUERTO RICO, THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, GUAM, AND
AMERICAN SAMOA.
Section 474(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 674(a)) is
amended in each of paragraphs (1) and (2)--
(1) by striking ``in the case of a State other than the
District of Columbia, or'' and inserting ``in the case of each
of the 50 States,''; and
(2) by inserting ``, or 75 percent, in the case of Puerto
Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa'' after ``in
the case of the District of Columbia''.
SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the 1st day of
the 1st fiscal year that begins 1 year or more after the date of
enactment of this Act. | Territorial TANF Equity Act of 2012 - Amends title XI of the Social Security Act (SSA) to remove the limitation on payments by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa under grants for assistance to the aged, the blind, and the permanently and totally disabled, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under SSA title XVI, as well as for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) under SSA title IV part A and for foster care and adoption assistance under SSA title IV part E.
Replaces entitlement to a matching grant with entitlement to a supplemental grant for such territories of: (1) 10% of the payable family assistance grant to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam; and (2) $100,000 to American Samoa.
Amends part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of SSA title IV o make such territories: (1) eligible for the TANF Contingency Fund for State Welfare Programs; (2) Needy States if they satisfy alternative eligibility criteria established by the Secretary; and (3) eligible for child care entitlement funds. Prescribes a formula for allotment of child care entitlement funds to such territories.
Amends part E (Foster Care and Adoption Assistance) of SSA title IV to increase the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for foster care and adoption assistance in such territories. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Social Security Act to eliminate the cap on certain payments under the TANF program to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, and for other purposes."} | 1,799 | 320 | 0.581809 | 1.579841 | 0.621966 | 2.316176 | 5.463235 | 0.772059 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Lower Farmington River and Salmon
Brook Wild and Scenic River Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Study Act
of 2005 (Public Law 109-370) authorized the study of the
Farmington River downstream from the segment designated as a
recreational river by section 3(a)(156) of the Wild and Scenic
Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1277(a)(156)) to its confluence with the
Connecticut River, and the segment of the Salmon Brook
including its main stem and east and west branches for
potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers
System;
(2) the studied segments of the Lower Farmington River and
Salmon Brook support natural, cultural, and recreational
resources of exceptional significance to the citizens of
Connecticut and the Nation;
(3) concurrently with the preparation of the study, the
Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Study
Committee prepared the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook
Management Plan, June 2011, that establishes objectives,
standards, and action programs that will ensure the long-term
protection of the outstanding values of the river segments
without Federal management of affected lands not owned by the
United States;
(4) the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and
Scenic Study Committee has voted in favor of Wild and Scenic
River designation for the river segments, and has included this
recommendation as an integral part of the management plan;
(5) there is strong local support for the protection of the
Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook, including votes of
support for Wild and Scenic designation from the governing
bodies of all ten communities abutting the study area;
(6) the State of Connecticut General Assembly has endorsed
the designation of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook
as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System
(Public Act 08-37); and
(7) the Rainbow Dam and Reservoir are located entirely
outside of the river segment designated by section 3 of this
Act, and, based on the findings of the study of the Lower
Farmington River pursuant to Public Law 109-370, operation of
this hydroelectric project (including associated transmission
lines and other project works) is compatible with the
designation made by section 3 of this Act.
SEC. 3. DESIGNATION.
Section 3(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(a))
is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(208) Lower farmington river and salmon brook,
connecticut.--Segments of the main stem and its tributary,
Salmon Brook, totaling approximately 62 miles, to be
administered by the Secretary of the Interior as follows:
``(A) The approximately 27.2 mile segment of the
Farmington River beginning 0.2 miles below the tailrace
of the Lower Collinsville Dam and extending to the site
of the Spoonville Dam in Bloomfield and East Granby as
a recreational river.
``(B) The approximately 8.1-mile segment of the
Farmington River extending from 0.5 miles below the
Rainbow Dam to the confluence with the Connecticut
River in Windsor as a recreational river.
``(C) The approximately 2.4-mile segment of the
main stem of Salmon Brook extending from the confluence
of the East and West Branches to the confluence with
the Farmington River as a recreational river.
``(D) The approximately 12.6-mile segment of the
West Branch of Salmon Brook extending from its
headwaters in Hartland, Connecticut to its confluence
with the East Branch of Salmon Brook as a recreational
river.
``(E) The approximately 11.4-mile segment of the
East Branch of Salmon Brook extending from the
Massachusetts-Connecticut State line to the confluence
with the West Branch of Salmon Brook as a recreational
river.''.
SEC. 4. MANAGEMENT.
(a) In General.--The river segments designated by section 3 shall
be managed in accordance with the management plan and such amendments
to the management plan as the Secretary determines are consistent with
this Act. The management plan shall be deemed to satisfy the
requirements for a comprehensive management plan pursuant to section
3(d) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1274(d)).
(b) Committee.--The Secretary shall coordinate the management
responsibilities of the Secretary under this Act with the Lower
Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Committee, as
specified in the management plan.
(c) Cooperative Agreements.--
(1) In general.--In order to provide for the long-term
protection, preservation, and enhancement of the river segment
designated by section 3 of this Act, the Secretary is
authorized to enter into cooperative agreements pursuant to
sections 10(e) and 11(b)(1) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
with--
(A) the State of Connecticut;
(B) the towns of Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, East
Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, Simsbury, and
Windsor in Connecticut; and
(C) appropriate local planning and environmental
organizations.
(2) Consistency.--All cooperative agreements provided for
under this Act shall be consistent with the management plan and
may include provisions for financial or other assistance from
the United States.
(d) Land Management.--
(1) Zoning ordinances.--For the purposes of the segments
designated in section 3, the zoning ordinances adopted by the
towns in Avon, Bloomfield, Burlington, East Granby, Farmington,
Granby, Hartland, Simsbury, and Windsor in Connecticut,
including provisions for conservation of floodplains, wetlands
and watercourses associated with the segments, shall be deemed
to satisfy the standards and requirements of section 6(c) of
the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1277(c)).
(2) Acquisition of land.--The provisions of section 6(c) of
the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1277(c)) that
prohibit Federal acquisition of lands by condemnation shall
apply to the segments designated in section 3 of this Act. The
authority of the Secretary to acquire lands for the purposes of
the segments designated in section 3 of this Act shall be
limited to acquisition by donation or acquisition with the
consent of the owner of the lands, and shall be subject to the
additional criteria set forth in the management plan.
(e) Rainbow Dam.--The designation made by section 3 shall not be
construed to--
(1) prohibit the potential future licensing or relicensing
of the Rainbow Dam and Reservoir (including associated
transmission lines and other project works) by the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission as a federally licensed
hydroelectric generation project under the Federal Power Act;
or
(2) affect the operations of a hydroelectric facility at
Rainbow Dam and Reservoir.
(f) Relation to National Park System.--Notwithstanding section
10(c) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C. 1281(c)), the Lower
Farmington River shall not be administered as part of the National Park
System or be subject to regulations which govern the National Park
System.
SEC. 5. FARMINGTON RIVER, CONNECTICUT, DESIGNATION REVISION.
Section 3(a)(156) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (16 U.S.C.
1274(a)) is amended in the first sentence--
(1) by striking ``14-mile'' and inserting ``15.1-mile'';
and
(2) by striking ``to the downstream end of the New
Hartford-Canton, Connecticut town line'' and inserting ``to the
confluence with the Nepaug River''.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
For the purposes of this Act:
(1) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means
the management plan referred to in section 2(3).
(2) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior. | Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic River Act - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate specified segments of the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook in Connecticut as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to manage: (1) the river segments in accordance with the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Management Plan, dated June 2011; and (2) coordinate the management responsibilities of the Secretary under this Act relating to such segments with the Lower Farmington River and Salmon Brook Wild and Scenic Committee.
Makes the provisions of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act prohibiting federal acquisition of lands by condemnation applicable to the designated segments. Limits the authority of the Secretary to acquire lands for the purposes of such segments to acquisition by donation or with the owner's consent and subject to additional management plan criteria.
Prohibits the designation made by this Act from being construed as: (1) prohibiting the potential future licensing or re-licensing of the Rainbow Dam and Reservoir (including associated transmission lines and other project works) by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as a federally licensed hydroelectric generation project, or (2) affecting the operations of a hydroelectric facility at the Dam and Reservoir.
Bars the Lower Farmington River from being administered as part of the National Park System or being subject to System regulations.
Revises the description of a specified designated segment of the Farmington River in Connecticut. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of the Farmington River and Salmon Brook in the State of Connecticut as components of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and for other purposes."} | 1,784 | 331 | 0.705744 | 2.25846 | 0.747488 | 4.555556 | 5.666667 | 0.921147 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm
National Heritage Area Act of 2000''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm transportation
corridor is a major gateway to Alaska and includes a range of
transportation routes used first by indigenous people who were
followed by pioneers who settled the Nation's last frontier;
(2) the natural history and scenic splendor of the region
are equally outstanding; vistas of nature's power include
evidence of earthquake subsidence, recent avalanches,
retreating glaciers, and tidal action along Turnagain Arm,
which has the world's second greatest tidal range;
(3) the cultural landscape formed by indigenous people and
then by settlement, transportation, and modern resource
development in this rugged and often treacherous natural
setting stands as powerful testimony to the human fortitude,
perseverance, and resourcefulness that is America's proudest
heritage from the people who settled the frontier;
(4) there is a national interest in recognizing,
preserving, promoting, and interpreting these resources;
(5) the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm region is
geographically and culturally cohesive because it is defined by
a corridor of historical routes--trail, water, railroad, and
roadways through a distinct landscape of mountains, lakes, and
fjords;
(6) national significance of separate elements of the
region include, but are not limited to, the Iditarod National
Historic Trail, the Seward Highway National Scenic Byway, and
the Alaska Railroad National Scenic Railroad;
(7) national heritage area designation provides for the
interpretation of these routes, as well as the national
historic districts and numerous historic routes in the region
as part of the whole picture of human history in the wider
transportation corridor including early Native trade routes,
connections by waterway, mining trail, and other routes;
(8) national heritage area designation also provides
communities within the region with the motivation and means for
``grassroots'' regional coordination and partnerships with each
other and with borough, State, and Federal agencies; and
(9) national heritage area designation is supported by the
Kenai Peninsula Historical Association, the Seward Historical
Commission, the Seward City Council, the Hope and Sunrise
Historical Society, the Hope Chamber of Commerce, the Alaska
Association for Historic Preservation, the Cooper Landing
Community Club, the Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism
Association, Anchorage Historic Properties, the Anchorage
Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Cook Inlet Historical
Society, the Moose Pass Sportsman's Club, the Alaska Historical
Commission, the Gridwood Board of Supervisors, the Kenai River
Special Management Area Advisory Board, the Bird/Indian
Community Council, the Kenai Peninsula Borough Trails
Commission, the Alaska Division of Parks and Recreation, the
Kenai Peninsula Borough, the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing
Council, and the Anchorage Municipal Assembly.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to recognize, preserve, and interpret the historic and
modern resource development and cultural landscapes of the
Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm historic transportation corridor,
and to promote and facilitate the public enjoyment of these
resources; and
(2) to foster, through financial and technical assistance,
the development of cooperative planning and partnerships among
the communities and borough, State, and Federal Government
entities.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Heritage area.--The term ``Heritage Area'' means the
Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area
established by section 4(a) of this Act.
(2) Management entity.--The term ``management entity''
means the 11-member Board of Directors of the Kenai Mountains-
Turnagain Arm National Heritage Corridor Communities
Association.
(3) Management plan.--The term ``management plan'' means
the management plan for the Heritage Area.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
SEC. 4. KENAI MOUNTAINS-TURNAGAIN ARM NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.
(a) Establishment.--There is established the Kenai Mountains-
Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area.
(b) Boundaries.--The Heritage Area shall comprise the lands in the
Kenai Mountains and upper Turnagain Arm region generally depicted on
the map entitled ``Kenai Peninsula/Turnagain Arm National Heritage
Corridor'', numbered ``Map #KMTA-1'', and dated ``August 1999''. The
map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices
of the Alaska Regional Office of the National Park Service and in the
offices of the Alaska State Heritage Preservation Officer.
SEC. 5. MANAGEMENT ENTITY.
(a) The Secretary shall enter into a cooperative agreement with the
management entity to carry out the purposes of this Act. The
cooperative agreement shall include information relating to the
objectives and management of the Heritage Area, including the
following:
(1) A discussion of the goals and objectives of the
Heritage Area.
(2) An explanation of the proposed approach to conservation
and interpretation of the Heritage Area.
(3) A general outline of the protection measures, to which
the management entity commits.
(b) Nothing in this Act authorizes the management entity to assume
any management authorities or responsibilities on Federal lands.
(c) Representatives of other organizations shall be invited and
encouraged to participate with the management entity and in the
development and implementation of the management plan, including but
not limited to: The State Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation; the
State Division of Mining, Land and Water; the Forest Service; the State
Historic Preservation Office; the Kenai Peninsula Borough; the
Municipality of Anchorage; the Alaska Railroad; the Alaska Department
of Transportation; and the National Park Service.
(d) Representation of ex officio members in the nonprofit
corporation shall be established under the bylaws of the management
entity.
SEC. 6. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF MANAGEMENT ENTITY.
(a) Management Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 3 years after the Secretary
enters into a cooperative agreement with the management entity,
the management entity shall develop a management plan for the
Heritage Area, taking into consideration existing Federal,
State, borough, and local plans.
(2) Contents.--The management plan shall include, but not
be limited to--
(A) comprehensive recommendations for conservation,
funding, management, and development of the Heritage
Area;
(B) a description of agreements on actions to be
carried out by Government and private organizations to
protect the resources of the Heritage Area;
(C) a list of specific and potential sources of
funding to protect, manage, and develop the Heritage
Area;
(D) an inventory of resources contained in the
Heritage Area; and
(E) a description of the role and participation of
other Federal, State and local agencies that have
jurisdiction on lands within the Heritage Area.
(b) Priorities.--The management entity shall give priority to the
implementation of actions, goals, and policies set forth in the
cooperative agreement with the Secretary and the heritage plan,
including assisting communities within the region in--
(1) carrying out programs which recognize important
resource values in the Heritage Area;
(2) encouraging economic viability in the affected
communities;
(3) establishing and maintaining interpretive exhibits in
the Heritage Area;
(4) improving and interpreting heritage trails;
(5) increasing public awareness and appreciation for the
natural, historical, and cultural resources and modern resource
development of the Heritage Area;
(6) restoring historic buildings and structures that are
located within the boundaries of the Heritage Area; and
(7) ensuring that clear, consistent, and appropriate signs
identifying public access points and sites of interest are
placed throughout the Heritage Area.
(c) Public Meetings.--The management entity shall conduct 2 or more
public meetings each year regarding the initiation and implementation
of the management plan for the Heritage Area. The management entity
shall place a notice of each such meeting in a newspaper of general
circulation in the Heritage Area and shall make the minutes of the
meeting available to the public.
SEC. 7. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY.
(a) The Secretary, in consultation with the Governor of Alaska, or
his designee, is authorized to enter into a cooperative agreement with
the management entity. The cooperative agreement shall be prepared with
public participation.
(b) In accordance with the terms and conditions of the cooperative
agreement and upon the request of the management entity, and subject to
the availability of funds, the Secretary may provide administrative,
technical, financial, design, development, and operations assistance to
carry out the purposes of this Act.
SEC. 8. SAVINGS PROVISIONS.
(a) Regulatory Authority.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed
to grant powers of zoning or management of land use to the management
entity of the Heritage Area.
(b) Effect on Authority of Governments.--Nothing in this Act shall
be construed to modify, enlarge, or diminish any authority of the
Federal, State, or local governments to manage or regulate any use of
land as provided for by law or regulation.
(c) Effect on Business.--Nothing in this Act shall be construed to
obstruct or limit business activity on private development or resource
development activities.
SEC. 9. PROHIBITION ON THE ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY.
The management entity may not use funds appropriated to carry out
the purposes of this Act to acquire real property or interest in real
property.
SEC. 10. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) First Year.--For the first year $350,000 is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act, and is made
available upon the Secretary and the management entity completing a
cooperative agreement.
(b) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated not more
than $1,000,000 to carry out the purposes of this Act for any fiscal
year after the first year. Not more than $10,000,000, in the aggregate,
may be appropriated for the Heritage Area.
(c) Matching Funds.--Federal funding provided under this Act shall
be matched at least 25 percent by other funds or in-kind services.
(d) Sunset Provision.--The Secretary may not make any grant or
provide any assistance under this Act beyond 15 years from the date
that the Secretary and management entity complete a cooperative
agreement.
Passed the Senate September 22, 2000.
Attest:
GARY SISCO,
Secretary | Authorizes appropriations. Provide
s a 25
percent matching funds requirement. Prohibits the Secretary from making any grant or providing any assistance under this Act beyond 15 years after the Secretary and the management entity complete the cooperative agreement. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area Act of 2000"} | 2,316 | 51 | 0.255597 | 0.743767 | 0.061193 | 2.953488 | 49.674419 | 0.860465 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Access for Afghan Women Act of
2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Despite the removal of the Taliban from power, women in
Afghanistan continue to experience brutal violation of their
human rights, generally outside of Kabul where warlords are
reexerting control.
(2) Strong and continued United States support can ensure
that the advances made by Afghan women since the fall of the
Taliban will continue and grow, rather than recede.
(3) The United States has made a substantial contribution
to the emergency relief and humanitarian efforts for
Afghanistan. Completing the United States mission in
Afghanistan will also require significant and long-term
investments in development and reconstruction assistance.
(4) The maternal mortality rate in Afghanistan is the
second highest in the world, with recent reports estimating
that every 30 minutes an Afghan woman dies of pregnancy related
causes, or approximately 15,000 women every year. The estimated
maternal mortality rate of 1,600 deaths per 100,000 live births
can be significantly reduced through access to primary health
care services, including safe birthing supplies, emergency
obstetric care, prenatal and postnatal care, contraception, and
prevention and treatment for the effects of sexual coercion and
rape.
(5) Women comprise 75 percent or more of the refugees and
internally displaced in camps, urban areas, and villages in
Afghanistan.
(6) 85 percent of Afghanistan's population lives in rural
areas. The women in rural areas perform vital roles in food
production, processing, and preparation. Successful
reconstruction and development assistance must target rural
women as part of any agricultural interventions.
(7) Within Afghanistan and outside of Afghanistan, local
women's organizations are delivering critical services and have
the knowledge and experience to assist the United States in
delivering effective relief aid.
(8) The Afghan Ministry for Women's Affairs is an important
ministry that is essential for re-establishing women's human
rights, ensuring that women are included in all development
efforts, and delivering critical legal, health, education, and
economic services to women throughout Afghanistan's 30
provinces.
(9) Afghan women are taking the initiative to reach across
the conflict divide and foster peace. Women's perspectives and
experiences in seeking solutions to conflicts are necessary to
ensure lasting peace.
(10) Adequate security in both urban and rural areas is
essential if women and girls are to exercise their human
rights, work, attend school, and otherwise participate in and
benefit from humanitarian and development programs sponsored by
the United States.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF AFGHAN WOMEN'S FUND.
(a) Establishment.--The Administrator of the United States Agency
for International Development shall establish a fund for the purpose of
assisting women and girls in Afghanistan in the areas of political and
human rights, health care, education, training, security, and shelter.
(b) Activities Supported.--The fund established under subsection
(a) shall support the following activities:
(1) Direct financial and programmatic assistance to the
Ministry of Women's Affairs in Afghanistan (hereafter in this
section referred to as the ``Ministry'') to promote the
strengthening of the Ministry as the Government of Afghanistan
continues its transition to a long-term government structure
and to enable the Ministry to fulfill its mandate. The Ministry
may use such assistance to support activities such as the
following:
(A) Multiyear women-centered economic development
programs, including programs to assist widows, female
heads of household, women in rural areas, and disabled
women.
(B) Collaboration with the Ministry of Health to
construct culturally appropriate health infrastructure
and delivery of high-quality comprehensive health care
programs, including primary, maternal, child,
reproductive, and mental health care.
(C) Programs to prevent trafficking in persons,
assist victims, and apprehend and prosecute traffickers
in persons.
(2) Direct financial assistance to the National Human
Rights Commission of Afghanistan.
(3) Construction of women's educational facilities in
Afghanistan.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $22,500,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2003, 2004, and 2005 and such sums as are necessary for
each subsequent fiscal year.
SEC. 4. ASSISTANCE TO AFGHANISTAN.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, not less than 15
percent of the aggregate amount of economic and humanitarian assistance
authorized to be made available to Afghanistan for each of the fiscal
years 2003, 2004, and 2005 shall be made available for assistance
directly to Afghan-led local nongovernmental organizations, including
Afghan women-led organizations, with demonstrated experience in
delivering services to Afghan women and children to support their
programmatic activities and organizational development. In recognition
of the appreciating capacity of Afghan-led local nongovernmental
organizations, including Afghan women-led organizations, an appropriate
percentage of the aggregate amount of economic and humanitarian
assistance authorized to be made available to Afghanistan for fiscal
year 2006 and each subsequent fiscal year shall be made available for
assistance directly to Afghan-led local nongovernmental organizations,
including Afghan women-led organizations.
SEC. 5. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO UNITED STATES ACTIVITIES IN
AFGHANISTAN.
(a) In General.--Activities described in subsections (b) through
(e) that are carried out by the United States in Afghanistan shall
comply with the applicable requirements contained in such subsections.
(b) Governance of Afghanistan.--With respect to the governance of
Afghanistan, the applicable requirements are the following:
(1) Include the perspectives and advice of Afghan women's
organizations, networks, and leaders in United States
policymaking related to the governance of Afghanistan.
(2) Promote the inclusion of a significant number of women
in future legislative bodies to ensure that women's full range
of human rights are included and upheld in any constitution or
legal structures of Afghanistan.
(3) Encourage the appointment of women to high level
positions within Afghan Ministries.
(c) Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development.--With respect to
activities relating to post-conflict stability in Afghanistan, the
applicable requirements are the following:
(1) Encourage United States organizations that receive
funds authorized by this Act to partner with or create Afghan-
led counterpart organizations and provide these organizations
with significant financial resources, technical assistance, and
capacity building.
(2) Increase women's access to or ownership of productive
assets such as land, water, agricultural inputs, credit, and
property.
(3) Provide long-term financial assistance for primary,
secondary, higher, nontraditional, and vocational education for
Afghan girls, women, boys, and men.
(4) Integrate education and training programs for former
combatants with economic development programs to encourage
their reintegration into society and to promote post-conflict
stability.
(5) Provide assistance to rehabilitate children affected by
the conflict, particularly child soldiers.
(6) Support educational efforts to increase awareness with
respect to landmines, facilitate the removal of landmines, and
provide services to individuals with disabilities caused by
landmines.
(d) Afghan Military and Police.--With respect to training for
military and police forces in Afghanistan, the applicable requirements
are the following:
(1) Include training on the protection, rights, and the
particular needs of women and emphasize that violations of
women's rights are intolerable and should be prosecuted.
(2) Encourage such trainers who will carry out the
activities in paragraph (1) to consult with women's
organizations in Afghanistan to ensure that training content
and materials are adequate, appropriate, and comprehensive.
(e) Relief, Resettlement, and Repatriation of Refugees and
Internally Displaced Persons.--With respect to the relief,
resettlement, and repatriation of refugees and internally displaced
persons in Afghanistan, the applicable requirements are the following:
(1) Take all necessary steps to ensure that women refugees
and internally displaced persons in camps, urban areas, and
villages are directly receiving food aid, shelter, relief
supplies, and other services from United States-sponsored
programs.
(2) Take all necessary steps to ensure that women refugees
in camps, urban areas, and villages are accessing high-quality
health and medical services, including primary, maternal,
child, and mental health services.
(3) Take all necessary steps to ensure that women and
children in refugee camps are protected from sexual
exploitation.
(4) Take all necessary steps to ensure refugees and
internally displaced persons that seek to return to their place
of origin can do so voluntarily, safely, and with the full
protection of their rights. United States-sponsored efforts
shall not coerce refugees or internally displaced persons to
return to their places of origin.
SEC. 6. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
and annually thereafter, the President shall prepare and transmit to
Congress a report that contains documentation of the progress in
implementing the requirements of section 5. All data in the report
shall be disaggregated by gender. | Access for Afghan Women Act of 2003 - Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to establish a fund to assist women and girls in Afghanistan in the areas of political and human rights, health care, education, training, security, and shelter.
Requires the funds to support specified activities, including: (1) direct financial and programmatic assistance to the Ministry of Women's Affairs in Afghanistan to promote its strengthening and enable it to fulfill its mandate; (2) direct financial assistance to the National Human Rights Commission of Afghanistan; and (3) construction of women's educational facilities in Afghanistan.
Earmarks a minimum percentage of the economic and humanitarian assistance authorized for Afghanistan for each of FY 2003 though 2005 to be made available for assistance directly to Afghan-led local nongovernmental organizations, including Afghan women-led organizations, with demonstrated experience in delivering services to Afghan women and children to support their programmatic activities and organizational development. Requires an appropriate percentage of such assistance for FY 2006 and each subsequent fiscal year to be made available to such organizations.
Prescribes general requirements with respect to Afghanistan for: (1) its governance; (2) post-conflict stability; (3) training for military and police forces; and (4) relief, resettlement, and repatriation of refugees and internally displaced persons. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To authorize assistance for women and girls in Afghanistan, and for other purposes."} | 1,882 | 276 | 0.568739 | 1.750424 | 0.808379 | 5.786822 | 7.236434 | 0.926357 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Metropolitan Washington Airports
Amendments Act of 1995''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENT OF METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORTS ACT OF 1986.
Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to
be made to a section or other provision of the Metropolitan Washington
Airports Act of 1986 (100 Stat. 3341-376 et seq.).
SEC. 3. USE OF LEASED PROPERTY.
Section 6005(c)(2) is amended by inserting before the period at the
end of the second sentence the following: ``which are not inconsistent
with the needs of aviation''.
SEC. 4. BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
(a) Appointment of Additional Members.--Section 6007(e)(1) is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking
``11'' and inserting ``15'';
(2) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``one member'' and
inserting ``five members''.
(b) Restrictions.--Section 6007(e)(2) is amended by striking
``except that'' and all that follows through the period and inserting
``except that the members appointed by the President shall be
registered voters of States other than Maryland, Virginia, or the
District of Columbia.''.
(c) Terms.--Section 6007(e)(3) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) by the President after the date of the
enactment of this subparagraph, 2 shall be appointed
for 4 years.
A member may serve after the expiration of that member's term
until a successor has taken office.''.
(d) Vacancies.--Section 6007(e) is further amended by redesignating
paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (7) and (8), respectively, and by
inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the board of directors shall
be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was
made. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before
the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor
was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such
term.''.
(e) Political Parties of Presidential Appointees.--Section 6007(e)
is further amended by inserting after paragraph (4), as inserted by
subsection (d) of this section, the following:
``(5) Political parties of presidential appointees.--Not
more than 3 of the members of the board appointed by the
President may be of the same political party.''.
(f) Duties of Presidential Appointees.--Section 6007(e) is further
amended by inserting after paragraph (5), as inserted by subsection (e)
of this section, the following:
``(6) Duties of presidential appointees.--In carrying out
their duties on the board, members of the board appointed by
the President shall ensure that adequate consideration is given
to the national interest.''.
(g) Required Number of Votes.--Section 6007(e)(8), as redesignated
by subsection (d) of this section, is amended by striking ``Seven'' and
inserting ``Nine''.
SEC. 5. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMISSION.
(a) In General.--Section 6007(f) is amended by striking the
subsection designation, heading and paragraph (1) and inserting the
following:
``(f) Federal Advisory Commission.--
``(1) Composition.--There is established a Federal Advisory
Commission of the Airports Authority which shall represent the
interests of users of the Metropolitan Washington Airports and
shall be composed of 9 members appointed by the Secretary of
Transportation.''.
(b) References to Board of Review.--The Act is amended--
(1) in section 6007(f) by striking ``Board of Review'' each
place it appears and inserting ``Federal Advisory Commission'';
(2) in section 6007(f)(3)--
(A) in the third sentence by striking ``Board''
each place it appears and inserting ``Commission''; and
(B) in the fourth sentence by striking ``Board''
the second place it appears and inserting
``Commission'';
(3) in the second sentence of section 6007(f)(6), as
redesignated by section 8(a) of this Act, by striking ``Board''
and inserting ``Commission'';
(4) in section 6007(f)(7), as redesignated by section 8(a)
of this Act, by striking ``Board'' the second place it appears
and inserting ``Commission''; and
(5) in section 6009(b) by striking ``Board of Review'' and
inserting ``Federal Advisory Commission''.
(c) Other Conforming Amendments.--Section 6007(f)(2) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A)--
(A) by striking ``paragraphs (1)(A) and (1)(B)''
and inserting ``paragraph (1)''; and
(B) by striking the second sentence; and
(2) in subparagraph (D) by striking ``and lists have been
provided for appointments to fill such vacancies''.
SEC. 6. REVIEW PROCEDURE.
(a) Submission of Actions.--Section 6007(f)(4)(A) is amended to
read as follows:
``(A) Submission required.--
``(i) In general.--An action of the
Airports Authority described in subparagraph
(B) shall be submitted to the Federal Advisory
Commission, the Speaker of the House of
Representatives, and the President Pro Tempore
of the Senate at least 60 days before the
action is to become effective.
``(ii) Urgent and compelling
circumstances.--An action submitted to the
Federal Advisory Commission and Congress in
accordance with clause (i) may become effective
before the expiration of the 60-day period
referred to in clause (i) if the board of
directors certifies, in writing, to the
Secretary and Congress that urgent and
compelling circumstances exist that
significantly affect the interests of
the traveling public and will not permit waiting for the expiration of
such 60-day period.''.
(b) Recommendations.--Section 6007(f)(4)(C) is amended to read as
follows:
``(C) Recommendations.--The Federal Advisory
Commission may make to the board of directors and
Congress recommendations regarding an action within 30
calendar days of its submission under this paragraph.
Such recommendations may include a recommendation that
the action not take effect.''.
(c) Effect of Recommendations.--
(1) Repeal.--Section 6007(f)(4) is amended by striking
subparagraph (D) and by redesignating subparagraph (E) as
subparagraph (D).
(2) Conforming amendment.--Section 6007(f)(5)(B) is amended
by striking ``paragraph (4)(D)(ii)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(4)''.
(d) Expiration of Authority.--Section 6007(f)(4) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(E) Expiration of authority.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), the authority of the Airports
Authority to take any of the actions described
in subparagraph (B) shall expire on April 30,
1997.
``(ii) Special rule.--If on any day after
April 29, 1997, all of the members to be
appointed to the board of directors by the
President under section 6007(e)(1)(D) are
serving on the board, the authority of the
board referred to in clause (i) shall be
effective beginning on such day and shall
expire on September 30, 1998.''.
(e) Protection of Certain Actions.--Actions taken by the
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and submitted to the Board
of Review pursuant to section 6007(f)(4) of the Metropolitan Washington
Airports Act of 1986 before the date of the enactment of this Act shall
remain in effect and shall not be set aside solely by reason of a
judicial order invalidating certain functions of the Board of Review.
SEC. 7. CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL PROCEDURES.
(a) Committee Referral.--Section 6007(f)(5)(C) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Public Works and Transportation'' and
inserting ``Transportation and Infrastructure''; and
(2) by striking ``Commerce, Science and Technology'' and
inserting ``Commerce, Science, and Transportation''.
(b) House Procedure.--Section 6007(f)(5) is amended--
(1) by striking subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F);
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) and (H) as
subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively; and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) House procedure.--When the committee of the
House has reported a resolution, it is at any time in
order to move that the House resolve into the Committee
of the Whole House on the State of the Union for
consideration of the resolution. All points of order
against the resolution and against consideration of the
resolution are waived. The motion is highly privileged.
The previous question shall be considered as ordered on
that motion to its adoption without intervening motion.
A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is
agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order. Debate
thereon shall be limited to not more than 1 hour, the
time to be divided in the House equally between a
proponent and an opponent. During consideration of the
resolution in the Committee of the Whole, the first
reading of the resolution shall be dispensed with.
General debate shall proceed without intervening
motion, shall be confined to the resolution, and shall
not exceed 2 hours equally divided and controlled by a
proponent and an opponent of the resolution. After
general debate, the Committee shall rise and report the
bill to the House. The previous question shall be
considered as ordered on the resolution to final
passage without intervening motion. A motion to
reconsider the vote on passage of the resolution shall
not be in order.''.
SEC. 8. OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMISSION.
(a) Request for Consideration of Other Matters; Participation in
Meetings.--Section 6007(f) is amended by striking paragraphs (6) and
(7) and by redesignating paragraphs (8), (9), (10), and (11) as
paragraphs (6), (7), (8), and (9), respectively.
(b) Removal of Federal Advisory Commission Members.--Section
6007(f)(9), as redesignated by subsection (a) of this section, is
amended by striking ``by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors''
and inserting ``by the Secretary of Transportation''.
SEC. 9. EFFECT OF JUDICIAL ORDERS.
(a) In General.--Section 6007 is amended by striking subsection (h)
and by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (h).
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 6011 is amended by striking
``Except as provided in section 6007(h), if'' and inserting ``If''.
SEC. 10. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT.
Section 6007 is further amended by inserting after subsection (h),
as redesignated by section 9(a) of this Act, the following:
``(i) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Federal Advisory
Commission.''.
SEC. 11. USE OF DULLES ACCESS HIGHWAY.
The Act is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 6013. USE OF DULLES ACCESS HIGHWAY.
``(a) Restrictions.--The Airports Authority shall continue in
effect and enforce paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 4.2 of the
Metropolitan Washington Airports Regulations, as in effect on February
1, 1995.
``(b) Enforcement.--The district courts of the United States shall
have jurisdiction to compel the Airports Authority and its officers and
employees to comply with the requirements of this section. An action
may be brought on behalf of the United States by the Attorney General,
or by any aggrieved party.''.
SEC. 12. AMENDMENT OF LEASE.
The Secretary of Transportation shall amend the lease entered into
with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority under section
6005(a) of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Act of 1986
to secure the Airports Authority's consent to the amendments made to
such Act by this Act.
SEC. 13. AVAILABILITY OF SLOTS.
(a) In General.--Section 41714 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsections (a)(1), (b)(1), and (c)(1) by striking
``(other than Washington National Airport)''; and
(2) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i) and
by inserting after subsection (g) the following:
``(h) Limitation on Authority To Grant Exemptions.--The Secretary
shall not issue an exemption under this section to the requirements of
subparts K and S of part 93 of title 14 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (pertaining to slots at high density airports) if the grant
of such exemption would adversely affect safety.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 6009(e)(1) is amended by
striking ``The Administrator'' and inserting ``Except as provided by
section 41714 of title 49, United States Code, the Administrator''. | Metropolitan Washington Airports Amendments Act of 1995 - Amends the Metropolitan Washington Airports Act of 1986 to revise the term "airport purposes" with respect to real property of the Metropolitan Washington Airports to limit the inclusion of nonprofit, public use facilities to those which are not inconsistent with the needs of aviation.
(Sec. 4) Increases the number of persons on the board of directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority: (1) from 11 to 15 members; and (2) whom the President must appoint with the advice and consent of the Senate from one member to five members. Requires board members appointed by the President to be registered voters of States other than Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia. Requires two of the members appointed to the board by the President to serve for a term of four years. Authorizes a member to serve after the expiration of that member's term until a successor has taken office.
Requires vacancies on the board to be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made. Requires any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which the member's predecessor was appointed to be appointed only for the remainder of such term. Declares that no more than three members of the board appointed by the President may be of the same political party. Requires presidential appointees on the board to ensure that adequate consideration is given to the national interest in carrying out their duties. Requires nine votes (currently, seven) to approve bond issues and the annual budget.
(Sec. 5) Establishes the Federal Advisory Commission of the Airports Authority (thereby effectively replacing the Board of Review of the Airports Authority).
(Sec. 6) Requires Airports Authority actions to be submitted to the Federal Advisory Commission (currently, the Board of Review) for review. Requires certain Airports Authority decisions to remain in effect and not be set aside solely by reason of a judicial order invalidating certain functions of the Board of Review.
(Sec. 7) Revises requirements for congressional review of Airports Authority actions.
(Sec. 8) Provides for the removal of Federal Advisory Commission (previously, Board of Review) members by the Secretary of Transportation (currently, by a two-thirds vote of the board of directors).
(Sec. 11) Directs the Airports Authority to continue to enforce certain restrictions contained in the Metropolitan Washington Airports Regulations with respect to the use of the Dulles access highway.
(Sec. 13) Prohibits the Secretary from issuing an exemption under specified sections of title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations regarding the allocation of slots at high density airports if such exemption would adversely affect safety. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Metropolitan Washington Airports Amendments Act of 1995"} | 3,268 | 613 | 0.567696 | 1.880559 | 0.655634 | 3.914286 | 5.268571 | 0.866667 |
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-T-h-e-r-e-'-' -a-n-d -i-n-s-e-r-t-i-n-g -`-`-(-3-)
-T-h-e-r-e-'-' -a-n-d -i-n-d-e-n-t-i-n-g
-a-p-p-r-o-p-r-i-a-t-e-l-y-; -a-n-d
-(-B-) -b-y -s-t-r-i-k-i-n-g
-`-`-s-u-b-s-e-c-t-i-o-n -(-m-)-'-' -a-n-d
-i-n-s-e-r-t-i-n-g -`-`-p-a-r-a-g-r-a-p-h-s -(-1-)
-a-n-d -(-2-)-'-'-;
-(-5-) -i-n -s-u-b-s-e-c-t-i-o-n -(-m-)-, -b-y
-i-n-s-e-r-t-i-n-g -a-f-t-e-r -p-a-r-a-g-r-a-p-h -(-1-)-,
-t-h-e -f-o-l-l-o-w-i-n-g -n-e-w -p-a-r-a-g-r-a-p-h-:
-`-`-(-2-) -T-h-e -A-d-m-i-n-i-s-t-r-a-t-i-o-n -i-s
-a-u-t-h-o-r-i-z-e-d -t-o -m-a-k-e -n-o-t -m-o-r-e -t-h-a-n
-$-4-,-0-0-0-,-0-0-0-,-0-0-0 -i-n -l-o-a-n-s -o-n -a
-g-u-a-r-a-n-t-e-e-d -b-a-s-i-s-, -i-n -a-c-c-o-r-d-a-n-c-e
-w-i-t-h -s-e-c-t-i-o-n -7-(-a-)-(-2-1-)-, -s-u-c-h
-a-m-o-u-n-t -t-o -r-e-m-a-i-n -a-v-a-i-l-a-b-l-e -u-n-t-i-l
-e-x-p-e-n-d-e-d-.-'-'-;
-(-6-) -b-y -r-e-d-e-s-i-g-n-a-t-i-n-g -s-u-b-s-e-c-t-i-o-n
-(-o-) -a-s -s-u-b-s-e-c-t-i-o-n -(-n-)-; -a-n-d
-(-7-) -i-n -s-u-b-s-e-c-t-i-o-n -(-p-)---
-(-A-) -b-y -s-t-r-i-k-i-n-g -`-`-(-p-)
-T-h-e-r-e-'-' -a-n-d -i-n-s-e-r-t-i-n-g -`-`-(-2-)
-T-h-e-r-e-'-'-, -a-n-d -i-n-d-e-n-t-i-n-g
-a-p-p-r-o-p-r-i-a-t-e-l-y-; -a-n-d
-(-B-) -b-y -s-t-r-i-k-i-n-g
-`-`-s-u-b-s-e-c-t-i-o-n -(-o-)-'-' -a-n-d
-i-n-s-e-r-t-i-n-g -`-`-p-a-r-a-g-r-a-p-h -(-1-)-'-'-.
-S-E-C-. -3-. -T-E-C-H-N-I-C-A-L -C-L-A-R-I-F-I-C-A-T-I-O-N-.
-S-e-c-t-i-o-n -7-(-a-)-(-2-1-)-(-A-) -o-f -t-h-e -S-m-a-l-l
-B-u-s-i-n-e-s-s -A-c-t -(-1-5 -U-.-S-.-C-.
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-`-`-u-n-d-e-r -t-h-e-'-' -a-n-d -i-n-s-e-r-t-i-n-g -`-`-o-n -a
-g-u-a-r-a-n-t-e-e-d -b-a-s-i-s -u-n-d-e-r -t-h-e-'-'-.
-S-E-C-. -4-. -R-E-A-C-H-I-N-G -A-D-D-I-T-I-O-N-A-L -S-M-A-L-L
-B-U-S-I-N-E-S-S -C-O-N-C-E-R-N-S-.
-S-e-c-t-i-o-n -7-(-a-)-(-2-1-)-(-A-)-(-i-) -o-f -t-h-e -S-m-a-l-l
-B-u-s-i-n-e-s-s -A-c-t -(-1-5 -U-.-S-.-C-.
-6-3-6-(-a-)-(-2-1-)-(-A-)-(-i-)-) -i-s -a-m-e-n-d-e-d---
-(-1-) -i-n -s-u-b-c-l-a-u-s-e -(-I-)-, -b-y
-s-t-r-i-k-i-n-g -`-`-o-r-'-' -a-t -t-h-e -e-n-d-; -a-n-d
-(-2-) -b-y -a-d-d-i-n-g -a-f-t-e-r -s-u-b-c-l-a-u-s-e
-(-I-I-)-, -t-h-e -f-o-l-l-o-w-i-n-g -n-e-w
-s-u-b-c-l-a-u-s-e-:
-`-`-(-I-I-I-) -a -s-u-b-s-t-a-n-t-i-a-l
-r-e-d-u-c-t-i-o-n -i-n -t-h-e -r-e-v-e-n-u-e-s -o-f
-t-h-e -s-m-a-l-l -b-u-s-i-n-e-s-s -c-o-n-c-e-r-n
-d-u-e -t-o -a-n -o-v-e-r-a-l-l -r-e-d-u-c-t-i-o-n -i-n
-e-c-o-n-o-m-i-c -a-c-t-i-v-i-t-y -w-i-t-h-i-n -t-h-e
-c-o-m-m-u-n-i-t-y -f-r-o-m -w-h-i-c-h -s-u-c-h
-s-m-a-l-l -b-u-s-i-n-e-s-s -c-o-n-c-e-r-n
-d-e-r-i-v-e-s -r-e-v-e-n-u-e-s-, -i-f -s-u-c-h
-r-e-d-u-c-t-i-o-n -i-n -e-c-o-n-o-m-i-c
-a-c-t-i-v-i-t-y -i-s -a -d-i-r-e-c-t -r-e-s-u-l-t -o-f
-t-h-e -f-a-c-t-o-r-s -d-e-s-c-r-i-b-e-d -i-n
-s-u-b-c-l-a-u-s-e -(-I-) -o-r -(-I-I-)-; -o-r-'-'-.
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business
Defense Conversion Assistance Act of 1994''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents.
TITLE I--SMALL BUSINESS DEFENSE CONVERSION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM
Sec. 101. Defense conversion loan guarantee authorizations.
Sec. 102. Technical clarification.
Sec. 103. Reaching additional small business concerns.
Sec. 104. Separate appropriations requirement.
TITLE II--MISCELLANEOUS SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITIES
Sec. 201. Small business development center defense conversion
assistance program.
Sec. 202. Job creation and community benefit.
Sec. 203. Development company loan program reauthorization.
Sec. 204. Disaster loan temporary personnel.
TITLE I--SMALL BUSINESS DEFENSE CONVERSION LOAN GUARANTEE PROGRAM
SEC. 101. DEFENSE CONVERSION LOAN GUARANTEE AUTHORIZATIONS.
Section 20 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 note) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (l), as added by section 405(3) of the
Small Business Credit and Business Opportunity Enhancement Act
of 1992--
(A) by striking ``(l) There'' and inserting the
following:
``(3) There''; and
(B) by striking ``subsection (k)'', and inserting
``paragraphs (1) and (2)'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (k), as added by section
405(3) of the Small Business Credit and Business Opportunity
Act of 1992, as subsection (l);
(3) in subsection (l), as redesignated, by inserting after
paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:
``(2) The Administration is authorized to make not more
than $4,000,000,000 in loans on a guaranteed basis, in
accordance with section 7(a)(21), such amount to remain
available without fiscal year limitation.'';
(4) in subsection (n)--
(A) by striking ``(n) There'' and inserting the
following:
``(3) There''; and
(B) by striking ``subsection (m)'' and inserting
``paragraphs (1) and (2)'';
(5) in subsection (m), by inserting after paragraph (1) the
following new paragraph:
``(2) The Administration is authorized to make not more
than $4,000,000,000 in loans on a guaranteed basis, in
accordance with section 7(a)(21), such amount to remain
available without fiscal year limitation.'';
(6) by redesignating subsection (o) as subsection (n);
(7) in subsection (n), as redesignated, by inserting after
paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:
``(2) The Administration is authorized to make not more
than $4,000,000,000 in loans on a guaranteed basis, in
accordance with section 7(a)(21), such amount to remain
available without fiscal year limitation.''; and
(8) in subsection (p)--
(A) by striking ``(p) There'' and inserting the
following:
``(3) There''; and
(B) by striking ``subsection (o)'' and inserting
``paragraphs (1) and (2)''.
SEC. 102. TECHNICAL CLARIFICATION.
Section 7(a)(21)(A) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)(21)(A)) is amended by striking ``under the'' and inserting ``on
a guaranteed basis under the''.
SEC. 103. REACHING ADDITIONAL SMALL BUSINESS CONCERNS.
Section 7(a)(21)(A)(i) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)(21)(A)(i)) is amended--
(1) in subclause (I), by striking ``or'' at the end; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new subclause:
``(III) a substantial reduction in the revenues of
the small business concern due to an overall reduction
in economic activity within the community from which
such small business concern derives revenues, if such
reduction in economic activity is a direct result of
the factors described in subclause (I) or (II); or''.
SEC. 104. SEPARATE APPROPRIATIONS REQUIREMENT.
Section 7(a)(21)(C) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(a)(21)(C)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Loans
authorized under this paragraph shall be funded through appropriations
that are separate and distinct from the appropriations account that
funds general guaranteed business loans authorized under this
section.''.
TITLE II--MISCELLANEOUS
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AUTHORITIES
SEC. 201. SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER DEFENSE CONVERSION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 21(a) of the Small
Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)) is amended by adding at the end the
following new paragraph:
``(7) Authorization of appropriations for defense
conversion assistance program.--
``(A) In general.--
``(i) Authorization.--There are authorized
to be appropriated, either directly or through
transfer from another Federal department or
agency, $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years
1995, 1996, and 1997 to carry out subsection
(c)(3)(G).
``(ii) Separate funding.--Activities
carried out under subsection (c)(3)(G) shall be
funded through appropriations that are separate
and distinct from the appropriations account
that funds Small Business Development Centers
authorized under this section.
``(B) Matching requirement.--Notwithstanding
paragraph (5), the Administration shall require, as a
condition of any grant (or amendment or modification
thereof) made under subsection (c)(3)(G), that an
additional amount equal to 50 percent of such grant be
provided from sources other than the Federal
Government. Such amount may be provided in cash or by
indirect or in-kind contribution.''.
(b) Funds to Small Business Development Centers.--Section 21(a) of
the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)), as amended by subsection
(a), is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) Funds to small business development centers.--
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, amounts made
available to a Small Business Development Center to carry out
this section, either directly or through transfer from another
Federal department or agency, shall not be included in the
calculation of the amount of Administration assistance made
available to the Small Business Development Center for purposes
of paragraph (4) or (5).''.
(c) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Section 21(a) of the
Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``Except as provided in
paragraph (4)'' and inserting ``Except as provided in
paragraphs (5) and (7)''; and
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``required in paragraph
(3)'' and inserting ``required by paragraph (4)''.
SEC. 202. JOB CREATION AND COMMUNITY BENEFIT.
Section 7(a)(21) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 636(a)(21))
is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(E) Job creation and community benefit.--In
providing assistance under this paragraph, the
Administration shall develop procedures to ensure, to
the maximum extent practicable, that such assistance is
used for projects that--
``(i) have the greatest potential for--
``(I) creating new jobs for
individuals whose employment is
involuntarily terminated due to
reductions in Federal defense
expenditures; or
``(II) preventing the loss of jobs
by employees of small business concerns
described in subparagraph (A)(i); and
``(ii) have substantial potential for
stimulating new economic activity in
communities most impacted by reductions in
Federal defense expenditures.''.
SEC. 203. DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LOAN PROGRAM REAUTHORIZATION.
Section 20(i)(2)(C) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 note)
is amended by striking ``$1,200,000,000'' and inserting
``$1,500,000,000''.
SEC. 204. DISASTER LOAN TEMPORARY PERSONNEL.
Section 5(b)(8) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 634(b)(8)) is
amended by striking ``six months'' and inserting ``12 months''.
Amend the title so as to read: ``A bill to authorize
funding for the small business defense conversion programs and
the Development Company Loan Program of the Small Business
Administration, and for other purposes.''. | TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: Small Business Defense Conversion Loan Guarantee
Program
Title II: Miscellaneous Small Business Administration
Authorities
Small Business Defense Conversion Assistance Act of 1994 -
Title I: Small Business Defense Conversion Loan Guarantee Program
- Amends the Small Business Act (the Act) to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make up to $4 billion in guaranteed loans for the small business defense conversion program (a program aiding small businesses adversely affected by military base closures or defense program terminations). Adds to small businesses eligible for such loans those experiencing substantial revenue reduction because of an overall reduction in economic activity in a community due to such closures or terminations.
Requires such defense conversion loans to be funded through appropriations that are separate and distinct from funds appropriated for general business loans under the Act.
Title II: Miscellaneous Small Business Administration Authorities
- Authorizes appropriations for FY 1995 through 1997 under the Small Business Development Center Program for the defense conversion assistance program. Requires 50 percent of such grant amounts to be provided by non-Federal sources. Prohibits any such amounts from being included in the calculation of the amount of SBA assistance to the Development Center Program.
Directs the SBA to develop procedures to ensure that assistance is provided for projects that have the greatest potential for creating new jobs in areas experiencing terminations or reductions due to reductions in defense spending or for preventing job loss by small business employees, and that have substantial potential for stimulating new economic activity in communities most impacted by reductions in defense spending.
Increases the amount authorized for the Small Business Development Company loan program.
Authorizes the SBA Administrator to pay transportation expenses and per diem for up to 12 months (currently six) for SBA employees rendering temporary services in connection with disaster assistance. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Small Business Defense Conversion Assistance Act of 1994"} | 6,548 | 390 | 0.183312 | 0.416251 | 0.610085 | 2.25788 | 14.616046 | 0.819484 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Transition-to-Success Mentoring
Act''.
SEC. 2. TRANSITION-TO-SUCCESS MENTORING PROGRAM.
(a) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1002(d) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6553) is
amended to read as follows: ``There are authorized to be appropriated
to carry out the activities described in part D, $50,000,000 for fiscal
year 2018 and such sums as may be necessary for each succeeding fiscal
year.''.
(b) Transition-to-Success Mentoring Program.--Part D of title I of
such Act (20 U.S.C. 6421 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``Subpart 4--Transition-to-Success Mentoring Program
``SEC. 1441. TRANSITION-TO-SUCCESS MENTORING PROGRAM.
``(a) In General.--From the amounts appropriated to carry out this
section, the Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities to
establish, expand, or support school-based mentoring programs to assist
eligible students with the transition from middle school to high
school.
``(b) Application.--To receive a grant under this section, an
eligible entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such
time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary
may require.
``(c) Uses of Funds.--
``(1) Required uses of funds.--An eligible entity that
receives a grant under this section shall use the grant funds
to establish a mentoring program, or to expand or provide
technical support to an existing mentoring program, in all
middle schools served by the entity, under which each eligible
student is assigned to a success coach who--
``(A) creates a plan for success for the student
that--
``(i) is created with the student,
teachers, mentor, and parents of the student;
``(ii) includes, for each academic year,
the student's academic, personal, and career
exploration goals, and a strategy on how to
accomplish such goals; and
``(iii) identifies the student's strengths,
weaknesses, and academic progress;
``(B) enters into a signed, written agreement with
the parents of the student that describes how the
parents should assist the student in carrying out the
plan for success;
``(C) meets with the student at least once per
month to--
``(i) assist the student in achieving the
goals under the plan for success;
``(ii) identify the student's academic
areas of weaknesses;
``(iii) provide the student with the tools
necessary to improve the student's potential
for academic excellence, and ensure the
student's successful transition from middle
school to high school by identifying improved
attitude, behavior, coursework, and social
involvement; and
``(iv) in the case of a student with
behavioral issues, assist the student in
behavior management techniques;
``(D) at least monthly, meets with the student and
the parents, teachers, or counselors of the student
to--
``(i) evaluate the student's progress in
achieving the goals under the plan for the
current academic year; and
``(ii) revise or establish new goals for
the next academic year; and
``(E) serves as the student's advocate between the
teachers and parents of the student to ensure that the
teachers and parents understand the student's plan.
``(2) Authorized uses of funds.--An eligible entity that
receives a grant under this section may use such funds to--
``(A) develop and carry out a training program for
success coaches, including providing support to match
success coaches with eligible students;
``(B) cover the cost of any materials used by
success coaches under the mentoring program; and
``(C) hire staff to perform or support the program
objectives.
``(d) Grant Duration.--A grant under this section shall be awarded
for a period of not more than 5 years.
``(e) Reporting Requirements.--
``(1) Eligible entities.--An eligible entity receiving a
grant under this section shall submit to the Secretary, at the
end of each academic year during the grant period, a report
that includes--
``(A) the number of students who participated in
the school-based mentoring program that was funded in
whole or in part with the grant funds under this
section;
``(B) data on the academic achievement of such
students;
``(C) the number of contact hours between such
students and their success coaches; and
``(D) any other information that the Secretary may
require to evaluate the success of the school-based
mentoring program.
``(2) Secretary.--
``(A) Interim report.--At the end of the third
fiscal year for which funds are made available to carry
out this section, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress an interim report on the success of the
school-based mentoring programs funded under this
section that includes the information received under
paragraph (1).
``(B) Final report.--At the end of the fifth fiscal
year for which funds are made available to carry out
this section, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a
final report on the success of the school-based
mentoring programs funded under this section that
includes the information received under paragraph (1).
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) At-risk student.--The term `at-risk student' means a
student who has been identified as a student who has below a
2.0 grade point average or the equivalent or who has been
determined by parents, teachers, or other school officials to--
``(A) be at-risk of academic failure;
``(B) have expressed interest in dropping out of
school;
``(C) show signs of a drug or alcohol problem;
``(D) be pregnant or a parent;
``(E) have come into contact with the juvenile
justice system in the past;
``(F) have limited English proficiency;
``(G) be a gang member; or
``(H) have a high absenteeism rate at school.
``(2) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
``(A) a local educational agency that--
``(i) receives, or is eligible to receive,
funds under part A of this title; or
``(ii) is a high-need local educational
agency; or
``(B) a partnership between a local educational
agency described in subparagraph (A) and a nonprofit,
community-based organization.
``(3) Eligible student.--The term `eligible student' means
a student who--
``(A) is enrolled in a middle school served by an
eligible entity; and
``(B) is an at-risk student.
``(4) High-need local educational agency.--The term `high-
need local educational agency' means a local educational agency
that serves at least one high-need school.
``(5) High-need school.--The term `high-need school' has
the meaning given the term in section 2211(b)(2).
``(6) Middle school.--The term `middle school' means a
nonprofit institutional day or residential school, including a
public charter school, that provides middle school education,
as determined under State law, except that the term does not
include any education below grade 6 or beyond grade 9.
``(7) School-based mentoring.--The term `school-based
mentoring' refers to mentoring activities that--
``(A) are closely coordinated with a school by
involving teachers, counselors, and other school staff
who may identify and refer students for mentoring
services; and
``(B) assist at-risk students in improving academic
achievement, reducing disciplinary referrals, and
increasing positive regard for school.
``(8) Success coach.--The term `success coach' means an
individual who--
``(A) is--
``(i) an employee or volunteer of a local
educational agency in which a mentoring program
receiving support under this section is being
carried out; or
``(ii) a volunteer or employee from a
nonprofit, community-based organization that
provides volunteers for mentoring programs in
secondary schools; and
``(B) prior to becoming a success coach--
``(i) received training and support in
mentoring from an eligible entity, which, at a
minimum, was 2 hours in length and covered the
roles and responsibilities of a success coach;
and
``(ii) underwent a screening by an eligible
entity that included--
``(I) appropriate job reference
checks;
``(II) child and domestic abuse
record checks; and
``(III) criminal background
checks.''.
SEC. 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended by inserting
after the item relating to section 1432 the following:
``subpart 4--transition-to-success mentoring program
``Sec. 1441. Transition to success mentoring program.''. | Transition-to-Success Mentoring Act This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reauthorize educational programs that assist at-risk middle school students. The bill establishes a transition-to-success mentoring program requiring the Department of Education to award grants to local educational agencies or certain community-based nonprofit organizations to provide school-based mentoring programs and assist at-risk students in transitioning from middle to high school. Grantees must assign each at-risk student in his or her middle school a success coach who creates a plan of success for the student and serves as the student's advocate between the student's parents and teachers. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Transition-to-Success Mentoring Act"} | 2,104 | 150 | 0.639627 | 1.714403 | 0.697888 | 3.130081 | 16.03252 | 0.869919 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Preserving American Access to
Information Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The 1994 Joint Security Commission, convened at the
request of the Secretary of Defense and the Director of the
Central Intelligence Agency stated that ``[t]he classification
system, largely unchanged since the Eisenhower administration
has grown out of control. More information is being classified
and for extended periods of time. Security rules proliferate,
becoming more complex yet remaining unrelated to the threat. .
. . Indeed, the classification system is not trusted on the
inside any more than it is on the outside. Insiders do not
trust it to protect information that needs protection.
Outsiders do not trust it to release information that does not
need protection''.
(2) The Public Interest Declassification Board, notes in
its 2012 report that ``[a]gencies are currently creating
petabytes of classified information annually, which quickly
outpaces the amount of information the Government has
declassified in total in the previous seventeen years since
Executive Order 12958 established the policy of automatic
declassification for 25 year old records. Without dramatic
improvement in the declassification process, the rate at which
classified records are being created will drive an exponential
growth in the archival backlog of classified records awaiting
declassification, and public access to the nation's history
will deteriorate further''.
SEC. 3. ENHANCEMENT OF THE NATIONAL DECLASSIFICATION CENTER.
(a) In General.--The President shall take appropriate actions to
enhance the authority and capacity of the National Declassification
Center under Executive Order No. 13526, or any successor Executive
order, in order to facilitate, enhance, and advance a government-wide
strategy for the declassification of information.
(b) Required Actions.--The actions taken under subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) A requirement that Federal agencies complete the review
of Presidential and Federal records proposed for
declassification, in accordance with priorities established by
the National Declassification Center, within eighteen months of
the start of the declassification process, except that agencies
may complete such review within two years of the start of the
declassification process upon the written approval of the
Director of the National Declassification Center.
(2) A requirement that Federal agencies with authority to
classify information share their declassification guidance with
other such Federal agencies and with the National
Declassification Center.
SEC. 4. PUBLIC CONSULTATION WITH ADVISORY PANEL TO THE NATIONAL
DECLASSIFICATION CENTER.
(a) In General.--The Director of the National Declassification
Center shall provide for consultation between the advisory panel to the
National Declassification Center and the public.
(b) Frequency.--Consultations under subsection (a) shall occur not
less frequently than the frequency of the regular meetings of the
advisory panel to the National Declassification Center and, to the
extent practicable, shall occur concurrently with the meetings of the
advisory panel.
SEC. 5. PRESERVATION AND ACCESS TO HISTORICALLY VALUABLE RECORDS.
Federal agencies shall make every effort to identify and designate
historically valuable records during the initial classification process
in order to ensure preservation and timely access to such documents and
records following eventual declassification.
SEC. 6. REPORTS ON PILOT PROGRAMS ON IMPROVEMENTS TO THE
DECLASSIFICATION PROCESSES.
(a) Reports.--The Public Interest Declassification Board shall, in
consultation with the heads of Federal agencies that classify and
review classified information as well as the Director of the National
Declassification Center, submit to Congress reports setting forth
options for various pilot programs to assess the feasibility and
advisability of mechanisms to improve the current declassification
capabilities of such agencies, including updates of software and
procedures relating to declassification of information.
(b) Mechanisms.--In selecting mechanisms to be assessed pursuant to
the pilot programs for purposes of subsection (a), an emphasis shall be
afforded to the selection of current technologies and practices that
could improve current declassification capabilities, including
commercial, off the shelf-technologies and current best practices of
Federal agencies and the private sector.
SEC. 7. REVIEW OF DECLASSIFICATION PROCEDURES REGARDING INFORMATION
CONTROLLED BY CONGRESS.
The Public Interest Declassification Board shall review the rules
of the Senate and of the House of Representative regarding the
declassification of classified Committee records, including hearings,
meetings, and reports, and make recommendations to improve the
consistency and timeliness of declassification efforts.
SEC. 8. REPORTS.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the head of each Federal agency that classifies information shall
submit to Congress a report that sets forth the following:
(1) An assessment of feasibility and advisability of
replacing the current classification system of such agency with
a two-tiered system, including an analysis and assessment of
restructuring necessary to align the level of protection with
the level of harm anticipated in the event of unauthorized
release of sensitive information.
(2) If such agency possesses records with classified
Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), an assessment of the
feasibility and advisability of declassifying such records. | Preserving American Access to Information Act This bill directs: (1) the President to take appropriate actions to enhance the authority and capacity of the National Declassification Center under Executive Order 13526, or any successor executive order, to promote a government-wide strategy for the declassification of information; (2) the National Declassification Center to provide for consultation between the Center's advisory panel and the public on a regular basis; (3) federal agencies to make efforts to identify and designate historically valuable records during the initial classification process to ensure preservation and timely access to such records following eventual declassification; (4) the Public Interest Declassification Board to submit reports to Congress on pilot programs to assess the feasibility and advisability of mechanisms to improve the current declassification capabilities of such agencies; and (5) the Public Interest Declassification Board to review the rules of the Senate and the House of Representatives regarding the declassification of classified Committee records and make recommendations to improve declassification efforts. The bill requires federal agency heads that classify information to report to Congress on an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of: (1) replacing the agency's current classification system with a two-tiered system, and (2) declassifying records with classified Formerly Restricted Data. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Preserving American Access to Information Act"} | 1,176 | 314 | 0.611123 | 1.852264 | 0.762109 | 3.723214 | 4.575893 | 0.919643 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Afghanistan Freedom Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The rise to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan has
caused a drastic decline in the human, political, and civil
rights of the Afghan people, particularly among women, girls,
and ethnic minorities.
(2) In the year 2001, millions of Afghans are on the verge
of starvation, the largest such group in the world.
(3) The United States is the single largest donor of
humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, totaling more than
$185,000,000 in fiscal year 2001.
(4) There are approximately 2,000,000 Afghan refugees in
Pakistan, 1,500,000 Afghan refugees in Iran, and 1,000,000
internally displaced persons in Afghanistan, most fleeing
oppression, violence, and economic hardship.
(5) During the period of Taliban rule, Afghanistan has
become the world's largest source of illegal opium, and
proceeds from the sale of raw opium to drug traffickers are
used by the Taliban to finance its war on the Afghan people.
(6) Under Taliban rule, Afghanistan has become a training
ground, operational base, and safe haven for terrorists and
international terrorist organizations, many of whom gain
experience fighting alongside Taliban forces inside Afghanistan
prior to conducting terrorist operations outside Afghanistan.
(7) The Taliban have, since 1996, harbored and protected
terrorist leader Osama bin Laden and members of his terrorist
al Qaeda network.
(8) Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda associates were
indicted for the August 7, 1998, bombings of the United States
embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, as a
result of which the United Nations Security Council adopted
Resolution 1267 (1999), demanding that the Taliban surrender
Osama bin Laden for trial and determining that the Taliban's
continued provision of sanctuary to international terrorist
organizations constitutes a threat to international peace and
security.
(9) In order to compel the Taliban to surrender Osama bin
Laden and terminate support for international terrorist
organizations, the United Nations Security Council has imposed
progressively more comprehensive sanctions on the Taliban under
Resolutions 1267 (1999), 1333 (2000), and 1363 (2001), which
sanctions are binding on all members of the United Nations
under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations.
(10) As a result of the Taliban's failure to comply with
the demands of the United States and the United Nations
Security Council, Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda network were
able to orchestrate from Afghanistan the September 11, 2001,
terrorist attack on the United States in which approximately
6,000 Americans and foreign nationals were murdered.
(11) The Taliban have, since the September 11th attack on
the United States, rejected all entreaties by the United States
and other governments to surrender Osama bin Laden, close down
international terrorist operations in Afghanistan, and comply
with the other demands that have been made by the United
Nations Security Council.
(12) Afghanistan is an ethnically diverse nation that can
prosper only under a representative government that affords all
citizens of that nation their basic human rights, restores
peace and security, eradicates the drug trade, and brings all
terrorists and terrorist organizations in Afghanistan to
justice.
SEC. 3. UNITED STATES POLICY TOWARD AFGHANISTAN.
It shall be the policy of the United States to promote the removal
from power of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan so as to diminish the
risk of future terrorist attack on the United States and restore basic
human freedoms to the people of Afghanistan.
SEC. 4. MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO AFGHAN RESISTANCE ORGANIZATIONS.
(a) Authority To Provide Military Assistance.--
(1) Types of assistance.--The President is authorized to
direct the drawdown of defense articles from the stocks of the
Department of Defense, defense services of the Department of
Defense, and military education and training for eligible
Afghan resistance organizations.
(2) Amount of assistance.--The aggregate value (as defined
in section 644(m) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961) of
assistance provided under paragraph (1) may not exceed
$300,000,000.
(b) Eligible Afghan Resistance Organizations.--An Afghan resistance
organization shall be eligible to receive assistance under subsection
(a) if the President determines and reports to the appropriate
congressional committees that such organization, or coalition of
organizations, is committed to--
(1) the removal from power of the Taliban regime in
Afghanistan;
(2) preservation of the territorial integrity and political
independence of Afghanistan;
(3) respect for internationally recognized human rights;
and
(4) the suppression of terrorism in all of its forms and
the surrender to justice of all international terrorists in
Afghanistan, including perpetrators of the September 11, 2001,
attack on the United States.
(c) Reimbursement for Assistance.--
(1) In general.--Defense articles, defense services, and
military education and training provided under subsection (a)
shall be made available without reimbursement to the Department
of Defense except to the extent that funds are appropriated
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under paragraph
(2).
(2) Authorization of appropriations.--
(A) In general.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the President for fiscal year 2002 such
sums as may be necessary to reimburse the applicable
appropriation, fund, or account for the value (as
defined in section 644(m) of the Foreign Assistance Act
of 1961) of defense articles, defense services, or
military education and training provided under
subsection (a).
(B) Availability.--Amounts appropriated pursuant to
the authorization of appropriations under subparagraph
(A) are authorized to remain available until expended,
and are in addition to amounts otherwise available for
the purposes described in this section.
(e) Authority To Provide Assistance.--Activities under this section
may be undertaken notwithstanding any other provision of law.
SEC. 5. DISASTER AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE FOR THE PEOPLE OF
AFGHANISTAN.
(a) Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance.--Chapter 9 of part I of
the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2292 et seq.) is amended
by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 495L. AFGHAN RELIEF, REHABILITATION, AND RECONSTRUCTION.
``(a) Declaration of Policy.--Congress recognizes that prompt
United States assistance is necessary to alleviate the human suffering
of the people of Afghanistan from four years of extreme drought and 20
years of civil war and to restore the confidence of the people in that
country.
``(b) Assistance.--The President is authorized to furnish
assistance on such terms and conditions as the President may determine
for the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction needs of the people
of Afghanistan, including displaced persons and other needy people.
Assistance provided under this section shall be for humanitarian
purposes with emphasis on providing food, medicine and medical care,
clothing, temporary shelter, and transportation for emergency supplies
and personnel.
``(c) Policies and Authorities To Be Applied.--(1) Assistance under
this section shall be provided in accordance with the policies and
general authorities of section 491.
``(2) Assistance under this section or any other provision of law
to alleviate the human suffering caused by famine and disease in
Afghanistan shall be provided, to the maximum extent practicable,
through international agencies, private voluntary organizations, and
any eligible Afghan resistance organization.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the President to carry out this section $100,000,000
for each of the fiscal years 2002 and 2003. Amounts appropriated
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under the preceding
sentence are in addition to amounts otherwise available for such
purposes and are authorized to remain available until expended.''.
(b) Other Assistance for Afghanistan.--
(1) Assistance.--The President is authorized to provide
assistance from funds made available to carry out chapter 4 of
part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (relating to the
economic support fund) for the provision of food, medicine, or
other assistance to the Afghan people, notwithstanding any
other provision of law.
(2) Amount of assistance.--In each of fiscal years 2002 and
2003, not less than $50,000,000 of the aggregate amount of
funds made available to carry out chapter 4 of part II of the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is authorized to be made
available for assistance to the Afghan people pursuant to
paragraph (1).
SEC. 6. ESTABLISHMENT OF RADIO FREE AFGHANISTAN.
(a) Establishment.--The Broadcasting Board of Governors is
authorized to make grants for surrogate radio broadcasting by RFE/RL,
Incorporated (formerly known as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) to the
people of Afghanistan in languages spoken in Afghanistan, such
broadcasts to be designated ``Radio Free Afghanistan''.
(b) Submission of Plan to Broadcasting Board of Governors.--Not
later than 15 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, RFE/RL,
Incorporated, shall submit to the Broadcasting Board of Governors a
detailed plan for the establishment of the surrogate radio broadcasting
described in subsection (a).
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) Fiscal years 2002 and 2003.--In addition to such sums
as are authorized to be appropriated for each of the fiscal
years 2002 and 2003 for ``International Broadcasting
Operations'', $8,000,000 is authorized to be appropriated for
the fiscal year 2002 and $6,000,000 is authorized to be
appropriated for the fiscal year 2003 for ``International
Broadcasting Operations'' to be available only for the
surrogate radio broadcasting described in subsection (a).
(2) Transmitter.--Of the amounts authorized to be
appropriated by paragraph (1) for the fiscal year 2002,
$1,500,000 shall be available only for a new transmitter for
the surrogate radio broadcasting described in subsection (a).
SEC. 7. COMPLIANCE WITH MEASURES DIRECTED AGAINST THE TALIBAN BY THE
UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL.
(a) Reports to Congress.--Not later than one month after the date
of the enactment of this Act, and every three months thereafter until
the President determines and reports to the appropriate congressional
committees that the Taliban no longer exercises power in any part of
Afghanistan, the President shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a report that identifies the government of
each foreign country with respect to which there is credible
information that the government has, on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act, violated, or permitted persons subject to its
jurisdiction to violate, measures directed against the Taliban pursuant
to United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1267 (1999), 1333
(2000), or 1363 (2001), or pursuant to any other United Nations
Security Council resolution adopted under the authority of Chapter VII
of the Charter of the United Nations.
(b) Content of Reports.--Each report submitted under subsection (a)
shall detail with respect to each government of a foreign country
identified in such report the nature of the violation (other than
violations detailed in previous reports submitted pursuant to this
section), and shall evaluate--
(1) the importance of the violation to the efforts of the
Taliban to remain in power in Afghanistan;
(2) the importance of the violation to the efforts of
terrorist groups to continue operating from Afghanistan; and
(3) the risk posed by such violation to the safety of the
United States Armed Forces and the armed forces of other
countries acting in coalition with the United States.
(c) Authority To Impose United States Sanctions.--The President is
authorized to impose one or more of the United States sanctions
provided in subsection (d) if the President determines and reports to
the appropriate congressional committees that--
(1) a government of a foreign country identified in a
report submitted under subsection (a) has knowingly violated,
or knowingly permitted persons subject to its jurisdiction to
violate, measures directed against the Taliban pursuant to
United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1267 (1999), 1333
(2000), or 1363 (2001), or pursuant to any other United Nations
Security Council resolution adopted under the authority of
Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations; and
(2) such violation has put at risk the lives of members of
the United States Armed Forces, or other United States
citizens.
(d) United States Sanctions Authorized To Be Imposed.--The United
States sanctions referred to in subsection (c) are the following:
(1) No assistance may be provided to that government or
nationals under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms
Export Control Act.
(2) No license may be issued for any transfer to that
government or nationals of any goods, services, or technology
controlled under the Arms Export Control Act, the Export
Administration Act of 1979, or the Export Administration
Regulations.
(3) The restrictions of subsections (a) and (b) of section
3 of the Trading With the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. App. 3(a) and
(b)) shall apply to relations between the United States and the
government of a foreign country and all nationals of that
country with respect to which the President makes a
determination described in subsection (c).
SEC. 8. SUBMISSION OF DETERMINATIONS AND REPORTS IN CLASSIFIED FORM.
When the President considers it appropriate, determinations and
reports to the appropriate congressional committees submitted under
this Act, or appropriate parts thereof, may be submitted in classified
form.
SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee on
International Relations of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.
(2) National.--The term ``national'' means, with respect to
a foreign country, a national of the country, including a
natural person, corporation, business association, partnership,
or other entity operating as a business enterprise under the
laws of the country. | Afghanistan Freedom Act of 2001- Declares it the policy of the United States to promote the removal from power of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in order to diminish the risk of terrorist attack on the United States and to restore basic freedoms to the Afghan people.Authorizes the President to provide military assistance, including defense articles, services, and education and training, for eligible Afghan resistance organizations.Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to authorize the President to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, with emphasis on food, medicine, medical care, clothing, temporary shelter, and transportation for emergency supplies and personnel. Requires that such assistance be provided, to the extent practicable, through international agencies, private voluntary organizations, and eligible Afghan resistance organizations.Authorizes the Broadcasting Board of Governors to make grants for, and requires submission of a plan for establishing, surrogate radio broadcasting by RFE/RL, Incorporated (formerly known as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty) to the people of Afghanistan (to be designated as Radio Free Afghanistan).Requires the President to submit quarterly reports to the appropriate congressional committees on violations by foreign countries or nationals of measures directed against the Taliban pursuant to specified United Nations Security Council resolutions. Requires such reports to evaluate the seriousness of any violations and authorizes the President to impose sanctions for violations that put at risk the lives of U.S. armed forces personnel or citizens, including: (1) denying assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 or the Arms Export Control Act; (2) denying licenses for transfers of goods, services, or technology controlled under the Arms Export Control Act, the Export Administration Act of 1979, or the Export Administration Regulations; or (3) applying restrictions under the Trading With the Enemy Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To contribute to the defense of the United States against future terrorist attack by providing for the removal from power of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan."} | 3,067 | 380 | 0.493039 | 1.613156 | 0.644987 | 4.867069 | 8.592145 | 0.933535 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
The Act may be cited as the ``State and Local Funding Flexibility
Act''.
SEC. 2. FLEXIBILITY TO USE FEDERAL FUNDS.
(a) In General.--Subpart 2 of part A of title VI of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7305 et seq.) is amended
to read as follows:
``Subpart 2--Funding Flexibility for State and Local Educational
Agencies
``SEC. 6121. SHORT TITLE.
``This subpart may be cited as the `State and Local Funding
Flexibility Act'.
``SEC. 6122. PURPOSE.
``The purpose of this subpart is to allow States and local
educational agencies the flexibility to--
``(1) design flexible programs that use Federal funds to
support student achievement for all students, including
students most at risk of failing to meet the State's academic
achievement standards; and
``(2) extend and enhance the funding flexibility provided
to rural local educational agencies under section 6211 to all
State educational agencies and local educational agencies by
providing such agencies flexibility in using Federal formula
funds received to carry out authorized State or local
activities for other authorized or required State or local
activities.
``SEC. 6123. FLEXIBILITY TO USE FEDERAL FUNDS.
``(a) Alternative Uses of Federal Funds for State Educational
Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to subsections (c) and (d) and
notwithstanding any other provision of law, a State educational
agency may use the applicable funding that the agency receives
for a fiscal year to carry out any State activity authorized or
required under one or more of the following provisions:
``(A) Section 1003.
``(B) Section 1004.
``(C) Subpart 1 of part B of title I.
``(D) Part C of title I.
``(E) Part D of title I.
``(F) Part A of title II.
``(G) Part B of title II.
``(H) Title III.
``(I) Part B of title IV.
``(J) Part A of title V.
``(K) Subpart 1 of part A of title VI.
``(L) Subpart 2 of part B of title VI.
``(M) Subpart 2 of part A of title VII.
``(2) Notification.--Not later than June 1 of each year, a
State educational agency shall notify the Secretary of the
State educational agency's intention to use the applicable
funding for any of the alternative uses under paragraph (1).
``(3) Applicable funding defined.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), in this subsection, the term
`applicable funding' means funds provided to carry out
State activities under one or more of the following
provisions:
``(i) Section 1003(g)(2).
``(ii) Section 1004.
``(iii) Subpart I of Part B of title I.
``(iv) Part C of title I.
``(v) Part D of title I.
``(vi) Part A of title II.
``(vii) Part B of title II.
``(viii) Part A of title III.
``(ix) Part B of title IV.
``(x) Part A of title V.
``(xi) Title I of Public Law 111-226.
``(B) Limitation.--In this subsection, the term
`applicable funding' does not include funds provided
under any of the provisions listed in subparagraph (A)
that State educational agencies are required by this
Act--
``(i) to reserve, allocate, or spend for
required activities;
``(ii) to allot or award to local
educational agencies or other entities eligible
to receive such funds; or
``(iii) to use for technical assistance or
monitoring.
``(4) Disbursement.--The Secretary shall disburse the
applicable funding to State educational agencies for
alternative uses under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year at the
same time as the Secretary disburses the applicable funding to
State educational agencies that do not intend to use the
applicable funding for such alternative uses for the fiscal
year.
``(b) Alternative Uses of Federal Funds for Local Educational
Agencies.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to subsections (c) and (d) and
notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local educational
agency may use the applicable funding that the agency receives
for a fiscal year to carry out any local activity authorized or
required under one or more of the following provisions:
``(A) Section 1003.
``(B) Part A of title I.
``(C) Subpart 1 of part B of title I.
``(D) Part C of title I.
``(E) Part D of title I.
``(F) Part A of title II.
``(G) Part B of title II.
``(H) Part A of title III.
``(I) Part B of title IV.
``(J) Part A of title V.
``(K) Subpart 2 of part B of title VI.
``(L) Part A of title VII.
``(M) Section 613(f) of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1413(f)).
``(2) Notification.--A local educational agency shall
notify the State educational agency of the local educational
agency's intention to use the applicable funding for any of the
alternative uses under paragraph (1) by a date that is
established by the State educational agency for the
notification.
``(3) Applicable funding defined.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), in this subsection, the term
`applicable funding' means funds provided to carry out
local activities under one or more of the following
provisions:
``(i) Part A of title I.
``(ii) Part C of title I.
``(iii) Part D of title I.
``(iv) Part A of title II.
``(v) Part A of title III.
``(vi) Part A of title V.
``(vii) Part A of title VII.
``(viii) Title I of Public Law 111-226.
``(B) Limitation.--In this subsection, the term
`applicable funding' does not include funds provided
under any of the provisions listed in subparagraph (A)
that local educational agencies are required by this
Act--
``(i) to reserve, allocate, or spend for
required activities;
``(ii) to allot or award to entities
eligible to receive such funds; or
``(iii) to use for technical assistance or
monitoring.
``(4) Disbursement.--Each State educational agency that
receives applicable funding for a fiscal year shall disburse
the applicable funding to local educational agencies for
alternative uses under paragraph (1) for the fiscal year at the
same time as the State educational agency disburses the
applicable funding to local educational agencies that do not
intend to use the applicable funding for such alternative uses
for the fiscal year.
``(c) Rule for Administrative Costs.--A State educational agency or
a local educational agency may only use applicable funding (as defined
in subsection (a)(3) or (b)(3), respectively) for administrative costs
incurred in carrying out a provision listed in subsection (a)(1) or
(b)(1), respectively, to the extent that the agency, in the absence of
this section, could have used funds for administrative costs with
respect to a program listed in subsection (a)(3) or (b)(3),
respectively.
``(d) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed to relieve a State educational agency or local educational
agency of any requirements relating to--
``(1) maintenance of effort;
``(2) use of Federal funds to supplement, not supplant,
non-Federal funds;
``(3) comparability of services;
``(4) equitable participation of private school students
and teachers;
``(5) applicable civil rights requirements;
``(6) the selection of school attendance areas or schools
under subsections (a) and (b), and allocations to such areas or
schools under subsection (c), of section 1113;
``(7) section 1111;
``(8) section 1116; or
``(9) section 3122.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents of the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) is amended
by striking the items relating to subpart 2 of part A of title VI and
inserting the following:
``Subpart 2--Funding Flexibility for State and Local Educational
Agencies
``Sec. 6121. Short title.
``Sec. 6122. Purpose.
``Sec. 6123. Flexibility to use Federal funds.''. | State and Local Funding Flexibility Act - Amends part A of title IV (Flexibility and Accountability) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to replace the existing program under subpart 2 with a new Funding Flexibility for State and Local Educational Agencies program.
Allows states to use funds that they receive under certain ESEA and Education Jobs Fund programs to carry out state activities authorized or required under the following ESEA programs:
school improvement programs, under part A of title I; the Reading First program, under subpart 1 of part B of title I; the Education of Migratory Children program, under part C of title I; Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth who are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk, under part D of title I; the Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund program, under part A of title II; the Mathematics and Science Partnerships program, under part B of title II; Language Instruction for Limited English Proficient and Immigrant Students programs, under title III; the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, under part B of title IV; Innovative programs, under part A of title V; Accountability programs, under subpart 1 of part A of title VI; the Rural and Low-Income School program, under subpart 2 of part B of title VI; and Special Programs and Projects to Improve Educational Opportunities for Indian Children, under subpart 2 of part A of title VII. Lists the programs from which states may transfer funds as:
school improvement programs, under part A of title I; the Reading First program, under subpart 1 of part B of title I; the Education of Migratory Children program, under part C of title I; Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth who are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk, under part D of title I; the Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund program, under part A of title II; the Mathematics and Science Partnerships program, under part B of title II; the English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act program, under part A of title III; the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, under part B of title IV; Innovative programs, under part A of title V of the ESEA; and Education Jobs Fund programs. Allows local educational agencies (LEAs) to use funds that they receive under certain ESEA and Education Jobs Fund programs to carry out local activities authorized or required under the following programs:
school improvement programs, under part A of title I; the Reading First program, under subpart 1 of part B of title I; the Education of Migratory Children program, under part C of title I; Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth who are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk, under part D of title I; the Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund program, under part A of title II; the Mathematics and Science Partnerships program, under part B of title II; the English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act program, under part A of title III; the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, under part B of title IV; Innovative programs, under part A of title V; the Rural and Low-Income School program, under subpart 2 of part B of title VI; and Indian Education programs, under part A of title VII of the ESEA; and the Early Intervening Services program, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Lists the programs from which LEAs may transfer funds as:
school improvement programs, under part A of title I; the Education of Migratory Children program, under part C of title I; Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth who are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk, under part D of title I; the Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund program, under part A of title II; the English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement Act program, under part A of title III; Innovative programs, under part A of title V; Indian Education programs, under part A of title VII of the ESEA; and Education Jobs Fund programs. Prohibits states and LEAs from transferring the funds to such programs if the ESEA requires them to: (1) reserve, allocate, or spend the funds for required activities; (2) provide them to eligible entities; or (3) use them for technical assistance or monitoring. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide States and local educational agencies with maximum flexibility in using Federal funds provided under such Act, and for other purposes."} | 2,037 | 955 | 0.606199 | 1.738431 | 0.675957 | 2.117509 | 2.259694 | 0.787309 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Aviation Research and
Competitiveness Act of 1993''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) for every dollar increase in shipments of United States
aircraft internationally, the United States economy output
increases by an estimated $2.30;
(2) for every $1,000,000,000 of aircraft shipments
internationally, nearly 35,000 jobs are created;
(3) many of the advanced aviation technologies developed by
the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of
Defense have application in security, safety, capacity,
communications, and air traffic control;
(4) a decrease in military aviation programs will have a
negative impact on civil aviation programs;
(5) research programs at the Federal Aviation
Administration have potential applications in both civil and
military aviation;
(6) joint technology development programs among the
Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, and
industry would allow for transferring skills and technologies
from the defense to the civilian aviation sector and would
allow for the transfer back to defense, when necessary; and
(7) such joint programs could allow for the Department of
Defense contribution to the programs to be phased out over 5
years, which would allow the defense industry to make the
transfer to the civilian aviation sector and produce needed
aviation technology.
SEC. 3. JOINT AVIATION RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--The Administrator and the Secretary shall
jointly establish a program for the purpose of conducting research on
aviation technologies that have application to both military and civil
aviation vehicles and airports and that enhance United States
competitiveness. Such program shall include research on--
(1) next-generation satellite communications, including
global positioning satellites;
(2) advanced airport and airplane security;
(3) environmentally compatible technologies, including
technologies that limit or reduce noise and air pollution; and
(4) advanced aviation safety programs.
(b) Contracts and Grants.--Contracts and grants entered into under
the program established under subsection (a) shall be administered
using procedures developed jointly by the Secretary and the
Administrator. These procedures should include an integrated
acquisition policy for contract and grant requirements and for
technical data rights that are not an impediment to joint programs
among the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration,
and industry.
SEC. 4. JOINT AVIATION RESEARCH PLAN.
(a) Requirement.--Within 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator and the Secretary, in consultation with the
advisory committee, shall prepare and transmit to Congress a national
aviation research plan setting forth the research and development that
the Administrator and the Secretary consider necessary to advance
aviation technologies over the 5-year period beginning in fiscal year
1993.
(b) Objectives of Plan.--The objectives of the plan prepared under
subsection (a) shall include--
(1) selected programs that jointly enhance public and
private aviation technology development;
(2) an opportunity for private defense contractors to be
involved in transition activities to the civilian sector; and
(3) the transfer of Federal Government-developed
technologies to the private sector to promote economic strength
and competitiveness.
(c) Contents of Plan.--The plan prepared under subsection (a) shall
include--
(1) for the first year, detailed objectives and estimates
of the schedule, cost, and manpower levels for each research
project, and a description of the scope and content of each
major contract or grant;
(2) for the second through fifth years, estimates of the
total cost of each major project for such year and a list of
all major research projects which may be required to meet the
objectives;
(3) a 5-year schedule for the decrease of Federal
contribution and corresponding increase in private sector
contributions for the research and development program; and
(4) the portion of the Federal contribution that each
Federal agency will contribute.
(d) Annual Update.--The plan prepared under subsection (a) shall be
updated annually, to reflect changes in global aviation technologies
and United States competitiveness.
SEC. 5. JOINT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment.--Within 90 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Administrator and the Secretary shall establish an Joint
Aviation Research Advisory Committee.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the advisory committee shall be--
(1) to provide advice and recommendations to the
Administrator and the Secretary regarding needs, objectives,
approaches, content, and accomplishments with respect to the
aviation research program established under section 3; and
(2) to advise the Administrator and the Secretary on the
preparation of the aviation research plan under section 4,
including annual updates thereto.
(c) Membership.--The advisory committee shall be composed of not
more than 20 members, to be appointed jointly by the Administrator and
the Secretary, from among persons who are not employees of the Federal
Aviation Administration or the Department of Defense and who are
especially qualified to serve on the advisory committee by virtue of
their education, training, or experience. In appointing members of the
advisory committee, the Administrator and the Secretary shall ensure
that universities, corporations, associations, industry, and other
government agencies are represented. The majority of the members of the
advisory committee shall be representatives of industry.
(d) Chairperson.--The Administrator and the Secretary shall
designate one member of the advisory committee as the chairperson, who
shall be qualified in both military and civil aviation research, and in
the applications of such research.
(e) Subordinate Committees.--The Administrator and the Secretary,
or the advisory committee, may establish subordinate committees to the
advisory committee to provide advice and recommendations on specific
areas of research conducted under this Act.
(f) Administrative and Support Services.--The Administrator shall
provide support staff and, on the request of the advisory committee,
such information, administrative services, and supplies as the
Administrator determines are necessary for the advisory committee to
carry out its purposes.
(g) Termination.--Section 14(a)(2)(B) of the Federal Advisory
Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.; relating to the termination of advisory
committees) shall not apply to the advisory committee.
SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act--
(1) the term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of
the Federal Aviation Administration;
(2) the term ``advisory committee'' means the Joint
Aviation Research Advisory Committee established under section
5; and
(3) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of Defense. | National Aviation Research and Competitiveness Act of 1993 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Secretary of Defense (Secretary) to jointly establish a research program on aviation technologies that applies to both military and civil aviation vehicles and airports and that enhance U.S. competitiveness.
Requires the Administrator and the Secretary to transmit to the Congress a national aviation research plan that advances aviation technologies over a five-year period.
Establishes a Joint Aviation Research Advisory Committee. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "National Aviation Research and Competitiveness Act of 1993"} | 1,358 | 112 | 0.593274 | 1.512211 | 1.209557 | 2.956044 | 14.648352 | 0.912088 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``ARPA-E Reauthorization Act of
2010''.
SEC. 2. ARPA-E AMENDMENTS.
Section 5012 of the America COMPETES Act (42 U.S.C. 16538) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and
applied'' after ``advances in fundamental'';
(B) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
(B);
(C) by striking the period at the end of
subparagraph (C) and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) promoting the commercial application of
advanced energy technologies.'';
(2) in subsection (e)(3), by amending subparagraph (C) to
read as follows:
``(C) research and development of advanced
manufacturing process and technologies for the domestic
manufacturing of novel energy technologies; and'';
(3) by redesignating subsections (f) through (m) as
subsections (g), (h), (i), (j), (l), (m), (n), and (o),
respectively;
(4) by inserting after subsection (e) the following new
subsection:
``(f) Awards.--In carrying out this section, the Director shall
initiate and execute awards in the form of grants, contracts,
cooperative agreements, cash prizes, and other transactions.'';
(5) in subsection (g), as so redesignated by paragraph (3)
of this section--
(A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively;
(B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so
redesignated by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the
following new paragraph:
``(1) In general.--The Director shall establish and
maintain within ARPA-E a staff, including legal counsel,
contracting personnel, and program directors, with sufficient
qualifications and expertise to enable ARPA-E to carry out its
responsibilities under this section separate and distinct from
the operations of the rest of the Department.'';
(C) in paragraph (2)(A), as so redesignated by
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, by striking ``each
of'';
(D) in paragraph (2)(B), as so redesignated by
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph--
(i) in clause (iv), by striking ``, with
advice under subsection (j) as appropriate,'';
(ii) by redesignating clauses (v) and (vi)
as clauses (vi) and (viii), respectively;
(iii) by inserting after clause (iv) the
following new clause:
``(v) identifying innovative cost-sharing
arrangements for ARPA-E projects, including
through use of the authority under section
988(b)(3) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42
U.S.C. 16352(b)(3));'';
(iv) in clause (vi), as so redesignated by
clause (ii) of this subparagraph, by striking
``; and'' and inserting a semicolon; and
(v) by inserting after clause (vi), as so
redesignated by clause (ii) of this
subparagraph, the following new clause:
``(vii) identifying mechanisms for
commercial application of successful energy
technology development projects, including
through establishment of partnerships between
awardees and commercial entities; and'';
(E) in paragraph (2)(C), as so redesignated by
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, by inserting ``up
to'' after ``shall be'';
(F) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated by
subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, by striking
subparagraph (B) and redesignating subparagraphs (C)
and (D) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively;
(G) by striking ``program managers'' each place it
appears and inserting ``program directors'';
(H) by striking ``program manager'' each place it
appears and inserting ``program director''; and
(I) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(4) Fellowships.--The Director is authorized to select
exceptional early career and senior scientific, legal,
business, and technical personnel to serve as fellows to work
at ARPA-E for terms not to exceed two years. Responsibilities
of fellows may include--
``(A) supporting program managers in program
creation, design, implementation, and management;
``(B) exploring technical fields for future ARPA-E
program areas;
``(C) assisting the Director in the creation of the
strategic vision for ARPA-E referred to in subsection
(h)(2);
``(D) preparing energy technology and economic
analyses; and
``(E) any other appropriate responsibilities
identified by the Director.'';
(6) in subsection (h)(2), as so redesignated by paragraph
(3) of this section--
(A) by striking ``2008'' and inserting ``2010'';
and
(B) by striking ``2011'' and inserting ``2013'';
(7) by amending subsection (j), as so redesignated by
paragraph (3) of this section, to read as follows:
``(j) Federal Demonstration of Technologies.--The Director shall
seek opportunities to partner with purchasing and procurement programs
of Federal agencies to demonstrate energy technologies resulting from
activities funded through ARPA-E.'';
(8) by inserting after such subsection (j) the following
new subsection:
``(k) Events.--The Director is authorized to convene, organize, and
sponsor events that further the objectives of ARPA-E, including events
that assemble awardees, the most promising applicants for ARPA-E
funding, and a broad range of ARPA-E stakeholders (which may include
members of relevant scientific research and academic communities,
government officials, financial institutions, private investors,
entrepreneurs, and other private entities), for the purposes of--
``(1) demonstrating projects of ARPA-E awardees;
``(2) demonstrating projects of finalists for ARPA-E awards
and other energy technology projects;
``(3) facilitating discussion of the commercial application
of energy technologies developed under ARPA-E and other
government-sponsored research and development programs; or
``(4) such other purposes as the Director considers
appropriate.'';
(9) in subsection (m)(1), as so redesignated by paragraph
(3) of this section, by striking ``4 years'' and inserting ``6
years'';
(10) in section (m)(2)(B), as so redesignated by paragraph
(3) of this section, by inserting ``, and how those lessons may
apply to the operation of other programs within the Department
of Energy'' after ``ARPA-E'';
(11) by amending subsection (o)(2), as so redesignated by
paragraph (3) of this section, to read as follows:
``(2) Authorization of appropriations.--Subject to
paragraph (4), there are authorized to be appropriated to the
Director for deposit in the Fund, without fiscal year
limitation--
``(A) $300,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;
``(B) $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2012;
``(C) $700,000,000 for fiscal year 2013;
``(D) $900,000,000 for fiscal year 2014;
``(E) $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2015; and
``(F) such sums as are necessary for each of fiscal
years 2016 through 2020.''; and
(12) in subsection (o), as so redesignated by paragraph (3)
of this section, by--
(A) striking paragraph (4); and
(B) redesignated paragraph (5) as paragraph (4). | ARPA-E Reauthorization Act of 2010 - Amends the America COMPETES Act to instruct the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) of the Department of Energy (DOE) to achieve the goals of ARPA-E through energy technology projects which: (1) identify and promote revolutionary advances in applied sciences; and (2) promote the commercial application of advanced energy technologies.
Includes as a responsibility of the Director of ARPA-E the research and development of advanced manufacturing process and technologies for the domestic manufacturing of novel energy technologies.
Requires the Director to: (1) make awards through grants, contracts, cooperative agreements, cash prizes, and other transactions to carry out ARPA-E; and (2) establish within ARPA-E a staff to enable ARPA-E to carry out its responsibilities separately and distinctly from the operations of the rest of DOE.
Includes as responsibilities of program directors the identification of: (1) innovative cost-sharing arrangements for ARPA-E projects; and (2) mechanisms for commercial application of successful energy technology development projects.
Authorizes the Director to select exceptional early career and senior scientific, legal, business, and technical personnel to serve as fellows to work at ARPA-E for two-year terms.
Extends the deadlines for submission of the strategic vision roadmaps to Congress.
Instructs the Director to seek opportunities to partner with purchasing and procurement programs of federal agencies to demonstrate energy technologies resulting from activities funded through ARPA-E.
Authorizes the Director to convene events that further ARPA-E objectives, including events that facilitate discussion of the commercial application of energy technologies.
Authorizes appropriations for FY2011-FY2020 to the Director to carry out the purposes of ARPA-E. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To reauthorize the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, and for other purposes."} | 1,741 | 371 | 0.642468 | 2.115564 | 0.95572 | 3.880597 | 5.041791 | 0.895522 |
SECTION 1. CONVEYANCE OF POINT ARENA LIGHT STATION.
(a) Authority To Convey.--
(1) In general.--At such time as the Secretary determines
the Point Arena Light Station to be excess to the needs of the
Coast Guard, the Secretary shall convey to the Point Arena
Lighthouse Keepers, Inc., by an appropriate means of
conveyance, all right, title, and interest of the United States
in and to the Point Arena Light Station, located in Mendocino
County, California, except that the Coast Guard shall retain
all right, title, and interest in any historical artifact,
including any lens or lantern, on the property conveyed
pursuant to this section, or belonging to the property, whether
located on the property or elsewhere.
(2) Identification of property.--The Secretary may
identify, describe, and determine the property to be conveyed
pursuant to this section.
(3) Retention of lens in california.--The Secretary shall
retain within the boundaries of the State of California the
lens belonging to the Point Arena Light Station.
(b) Terms of Conveyance.--
(1) In general.--A conveyance of property pursuant to this
section shall be made--
(A) without the payment of consideration; and
(B) subject to such terms and conditions as the
Secretary may consider appropriate.
(2) Reversionary interest.--In addition to any term or
condition established pursuant to paragraph (1), any conveyance
of property comprising the Point Arena Light Station pursuant
to subsection (a) shall be subject to the condition that all
right, title, and interest in and to the property so conveyed
shall immediately revert to the United States if the property,
or any part thereof, ceases to be maintained as a nonprofit
center for public benefit for the interpretation and
preservation of the maritime history of Point Arena,
California.
(3) Maintenance of navigation functions.--Any conveyance of
property pursuant to this section shall be subject to such
conditions as the Secretary considers to be necessary to assure
that--
(A) the light, antennas, sound signal, and
associated lighthouse equipment located on the property
conveyed, which are active aids to navigation, shall
continue to be operated and maintained by the United
States for as long as they are needed for this purpose;
(B) the Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers, Inc., or
any successors or assigns, may not interfere or allow
interference in any manner with such aids to navigation
without express written permission from the Secretary;
(C) there is reserved to the United States the
right to relocate, replace, or add any aids to
navigation, or make any changes to the Point Arena
Light Station as may be necessary for navigation
purposes;
(D) the United States shall have the right, at any
time, to enter the property conveyed without notice for
the purpose of maintaining navigation aids;
(E) the United States shall have an easement of
access to such property for the purpose of maintaining
the navigational aids in use on the property; and
(F) the Point Arena Light Station shall revert to
the United States at the end of the 30-day period
beginning on any date on which the Secretary provides
written notice to the Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers,
Inc., that the Point Arena Light Station is needed for
national security purposes.
(4) Maintenance of property.--Any conveyance of property
under this section shall be subject to the condition that the
Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers, Inc., shall maintain the Point
Arena Light Station in accordance with the provisions of the
National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.) and
other applicable laws.
(5) Obligation limitation.--The Point Arena Lighthouse
Keepers, Inc., or any successors or assigns, shall not have any
obligation to maintain any active aid to navigation equipment
on property conveyed pursuant to this section.
(c) Maintenance Standard.--The Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers,
Inc., or any successor or assign, at its own cost and expense, shall
maintain, in a proper, substantial, and workmanlike manner, all
properties conveyed.
(d) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
(1) the term ``Point Arena Light Station'' means the Coast
Guard property and improvements located at Point Arena,
California, including the light tower building, fog signal
building, 2 small shelters, 4 residential quarters, and a
restroom facility; and
(2) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of the
department in which the Coast Guard is operating. | Mandates conveyance, when determined to be excess to Coast Guard needs, of the Point Arena Light Station, California, to the Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers, Inc. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To direct the Secretary of Transportation to convey the Point Arena Light Station to Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers, Inc., at such time as the Secretary determines the Light Station to be excess to the needs of the Coast Guard."} | 983 | 36 | 0.625267 | 1.7153 | 0.528825 | 3.633333 | 30.633333 | 0.9 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Child Protection
Improvement Act''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL CENTER ON VOLUNTEER AND PROVIDER
SCREENING.
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (42
U.S.C. 5601 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``TITLE VI--NATIONAL CENTER ON VOLUNTEER AND PROVIDER SCREENING
``SEC. 601. SHORT TITLE.
``This title may be cited as the `National Child Protection
Improvement Act'.
``SEC. 602. FINDINGS.
``Congress finds the following:
``(1) More than 87,000,000 children are involved each year
in activities provided by child and youth organizations which
depend heavily on volunteers to deliver their services.
``(2) Millions more adults, both the elderly and
individuals with disabilities, are served by public and private
voluntary organizations.
``(3) The vast majority of activities provided to children,
the elderly, and individuals with disabilities by public and
private nonprofit agencies and organizations result in the
delivery of much needed services in safe environments that
could not be provided without the assistance of virtually
millions of volunteers, but abuses do occur.
``(4) Estimates of the incidence of child sexual abuse in
child care settings, foster care homes, and schools, range from
1 to 7 percent.
``(5) Abuse traumatizes the victims and shakes public trust
in care providers and organizations serving vulnerable
populations.
``(6) Congress has acted to address concerns about this
type of abuse through the National Child Protection Act of 1993
and the Violent Crime Control Act of 1994 to set forth a
framework for screening through criminal record checks of care
providers, including volunteers who work with children, the
elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately,
problems regarding the safety of these vulnerable groups still
remain.
``(7) While State screening is sometimes adequate to
conduct volunteer background checks, more extensive national
criminal history checks using fingerprints or other means of
positive identification are often advisable, as a prospective
volunteer or nonvolunteer provider may have lived in more than
one State.
``(8) The high cost of fingerprint background checks is
unaffordable for organizations that use a large number of
volunteers and, if passed on to volunteers, often discourages
their participation.
``(9) The current system of retrieving national criminal
background information on volunteers through an authorized
agency of the State is cumbersome and often requires months
before vital results are returned.
``(10) In order to protect children, volunteer agencies
must currently depend on a convoluted, disconnected, and
sometimes duplicative series of checks that leave children at
risk.
``(11) A national volunteer and provider screening center
is needed to protect vulnerable groups by providing effective,
efficient national criminal history background checks of
volunteer providers at no-cost, and at minimal-cost for
employed care providers.
``SEC. 603. DEFINITIONS.
``In this Act--
``(1) the term `qualified entity' means a business or
organization, whether public, private, for-profit, not-for-
profit, or voluntary, that provides care or care placement
services, including a business or organization that licenses or
certifies others to provide care or care placement services
designated by the National Task Force;
``(2) the term `volunteer provider' means a person who
volunteers or seeks to volunteer with a qualified entity;
``(3) the term `provider' means a person who is employed by
or volunteers or who seeks to be employed by or volunteer with
a qualified entity, who owns or operates a qualified entity, or
who has or may have unsupervised access to a child to whom the
qualified entity provides care;
``(4) the term `national criminal background check system'
means the criminal history record system maintained by the
Federal Bureau of Investigation based on fingerprint
identification or any other method of positive identification;
``(5) the term `child' means a person who is under the age
of 18;
``(6) the term `individuals with disabilities' has the same
meaning as that provided in section 5(7) of the National Child
Protection Act of 1993;
``(7) the term `State' has the same meaning as that
provided in section 5(11) of the National Child Protection Act
of 1993; and
``(8) the term `care' means the provision of care,
treatment, education, training, instruction, supervision, or
recreation to children, the elderly, or individuals with
disabilities.
``SEC. 604. ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL CENTER FOR VOLUNTEER AND
PROVIDER SCREENING.
``(a) In General.--The Attorney General, by agreement with a
national nonprofit organization or by designating an agency within the
Department of Justice, shall--
``(1) establish a national center for volunteer and
provider screening designed--
``(A) to serve as a point of contact for qualified
entities to request a nationwide background check for
the purpose of determining whether a volunteer provider
or provider has been arrested for or convicted of a
crime that renders the provider unfit to have
responsibilities for the safety and well-being of
children, the elderly, or individuals with
disabilities;
``(B) to promptly access and review Federal and
State criminal history records and registries through
the national criminal history background check system--
``(i) at no cost to a qualified entity for
checks on volunteer providers; and
``(ii) at minimal cost to qualified
entities for checks on non-volunteer providers;
with cost for screening non-volunteer providers will be
determined by the National Task Force;
``(C) to provide the determination of the criminal
background check to the qualified entity requesting a
nationwide background check after not more than 15
business days after the request;
``(D) to serve as a national resource center and
clearinghouse to provide State and local governments,
public and private nonprofit agencies and individuals
with information regarding volunteer screening; and
``(2) establish a National Volunteer Screening Task Force
(referred to in this title as the `Task Force') to be chaired
by the Attorney General which shall--
``(A) include--
``(i) 2 members each of--
``(I) the Federal Bureau of
Investigation;
``(II) the Department of Justice;
``(III) the Department of Health
and Human Services;
``(IV) representatives of State Law
Enforcement organizations;
``(V) national organizations
representing private nonprofit
qualified entities using volunteers to
serve the elderly; and
``(VI) national organizations
representing private nonprofit
qualified entities using volunteers to
serve individuals with disabilities;
and
``(ii) 4 members of national organizations
representing private nonprofit qualified
entities using volunteers to serve children;
to be appointed by the Attorney General; and
``(B) oversee the work of the Center and report at
least annually to the President and Congress with
regard to the work of the Center and the progress of
the States in complying with the provisions of the
National Child Protection Act of 1993.
``SEC. 605. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--To carry out the provisions of this title, there
are authorized to be appropriated $80,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 and
$25,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005,
sufficient to provide no-cost background checks of volunteers working
with children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
``(b) Availability.--Sums appropriated under this section shall
remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 3. STRENGTHENING AND ENFORCING THE NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION ACT
OF 1993.
Section 3 of the National Child Protection Act of 1993 (42 U.S.C.
5119 et seq.) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 3. NATIONAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.
``(a) In General.--Requests for national background checks under
this section shall be submitted to the National Center for Volunteer
Screening which shall conduct a search using the Integrated Automated
Fingerprint Identification System, or other criminal record checks
using reliable means of positive identification subject to the
following conditions:
``(1) A qualified entity requesting a national criminal
history background check under this section shall forward to
the National Center the provider's fingerprints or other
identifying information, and shall obtain a statement completed
and signed by the provider that--
``(A) sets out the provider or volunteer's name,
address, date of birth appearing on a valid
identification document as defined in section 1028 of
title 18, United States Code, and a photocopy of the
valid identifying document;
``(B) states whether the provider or volunteer has
a criminal record, and, if so, sets out the particulars
of such record;
``(C) notifies the provider or volunteer that the
National Center for Volunteer Screening may perform a
criminal history background check and that the
provider's signature to the statement constitutes an
acknowledgement that such a check may be conducted;
``(D) notifies the provider or volunteer that prior
to and after the completion of the background check,
the qualified entity may choose to deny the provider
access to children or elderly or persons with
disabilities; and
``(E) notifies the provider or volunteer of his
right to correct an erroneous record held by the FBI or
the National Center.
``(2) Statements obtained pursuant to paragraph (1) and
forwarded to the National Center shall be retained by the
qualified entity or the National Center for at least 2 years.
``(3) Each provider or volunteer who is the subject of a
criminal history background check under this section is
entitled to contact the National Center to initiate procedures to--
``(A) obtain a copy of their criminal history
record report; and
``(B) challenge the accuracy and completeness of
the criminal history record information in the report.
``(4) The National Center receiving a criminal history
record information that lacks disposition information shall, to
the extent possible, contact State and local recordkeeping
systems to obtain complete information.
``(5) The National Center shall make a determination
whether the criminal history record information received in
response to the national background check indicates that the
provider has a criminal history record that renders the
provider unfit to provide care to children, the elderly, or
individuals with disabilities based upon criteria established
by the National Task Force on Volunteer Screening, and will
convey that determination to the qualified entity.
``(b) Guidance by the National Task Force.--The National Task
Force, chaired by the Attorney General shall--
``(1) encourage the use, to the maximum extent possible, of
the best technology available in conducting criminal background
checks; and
``(2) provide guidelines concerning standards to guide the
National Center in making fitness determinations concerning
care providers based upon criminal history record information.
``(c) Limitations of Liability.--
``(1) In general.--A qualified entity shall not be liable
in an action for damages solely for failure to request a
criminal history background check on a provider, nor shall a
State or political subdivision thereof nor any agency, officer
or employee thereof, be liable in an action for damages for the
failure of a qualified entity (other than itself) to take
action adverse to a provider who was the subject of a criminal
background check.
``(2) Reliance.--The National Center or a qualified entity
that reasonably relies on criminal history record information
received in response to a background check pursuant to this
section shall not be liable in an action for damages based upon
the inaccuracy or incompleteness of the information.
``(d) Fees.--In the case of a background check pursuant to a State
requirement adopted after December 20, 1993, conducted through the
National Center using the fingerprints or other identifying information
of a person who volunteers with a qualified entity shall be free of
charge. This subsection shall not affect the authority of the FBI, the
National Center, or the States to collect reasonable fees for
conducting criminal history background checks of providers who are
employed as or apply for positions as paid employees.''.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF A MODEL PROGRAM IN EACH STATE TO STRENGTHEN
CRIMINAL DATA REPOSITORIES AND FINGERPRINT TECHNOLOGY.
(a) Establishment.--A model program shall be established in each
State and the District of Columbia for the purpose of improving
fingerprinting technology which shall grant to each State $50,000 to
either--
(1) purchase Live-Scan fingerprint technology and a State-
vehicle to make such technology mobile and these mobile units
shall be used to travel within the State to assist in the
processing of fingerprint background checks; or
(2) purchase electric fingerprint imaging machines for use
throughout the State to send fingerprint images to the National
Center to conduct background checks.
(b) Additional Funds.--In addition to funds provided in subsection
(a), $50,000 shall be provided to each State and the District of
Columbia to hire personnel to--
(1) provide information and training to each county law
enforcement agency within the State regarding all National
Child Protection Act requirements for input of criminal and
disposition data into the national criminal history background
check system; and
(2) provide an annual summary to the National Task Force of
the State's progress in complying with the criminal data entry
provisions of the National Child Protection Act of 1993 which
shall include information about the input of criminal data,
child abuse crime information, domestic violence arrests and
stay-away orders of protection.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--To carry out the provisions of this
section, there are authorized to be appropriated a total of
$5,100,000 for fiscal year 2001 and such sums as may be
necessary for each of the fiscal years 2002, 2003, 2004, and
2005, sufficient to improve fingerprint technology units and
hire data entry improvement personnel in each of the 50 States
and the District of Columbia.
(2) Availability.--Sums appropriated under this section
shall remain available until expended. | Directs the Attorney General to establish: (1) a national center for volunteer and provider screening to serve qualified provider care entities requesting a nationwide background check on providers of care to children, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities; and (2) a National Volunteer Screening Task Force to oversee the work of the center and report on the progress of States in complying with provisions of the National Child Protection Act of 1993 (the Act).
Amends the Act to require national background check requests to be submitted to the National Center for Volunteer Screening, which shall conduct a search using the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System or other appropriate criminal record check.
Requires a model program to be established in each State and the District of Columbia providing grants to improve fingerprinting technology. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "National Child Protection Improvement Act"} | 3,090 | 162 | 0.523026 | 1.622171 | 0.723972 | 4.310811 | 20.148649 | 0.959459 |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Residents of Puerto Rico have served with honor and
distinction in the Armed Forces of the United States in every
major war and conflict the Nation has fought since 1917.
(2) Puerto Rico consistently ranks alongside the top five
States in per capita military service.
(3) Numerous residents of Puerto Rico have won the Bronze
Star with valor device, the Silver Star, the Distinguished
Flying Cross, and the Distinguished Service Medal.
(4) Four residents of Puerto Rico have received the Medal
of Honor, the highest award given for valor on the battlefield.
(5) 18,000 residents of Puerto Rico served in World War I.
(6) 65,000 residents of Puerto Rico served in World War II,
including 200 Puerto Rican women.
(7) 61,000 residents of Puerto Rico served in the Korean
War, during which the 65th Infantry Regiment, comprised mostly
of Puerto Rican soldiers and known as the Borinqueneers,
particularly distinguished itself for bravery.
(8) 48,000 residents of Puerto Rico served in Vietnam, with
430 killed and over 3,000 wounded.
(9) 2,600 residents of Puerto Rico were mobilized for
Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
(10) 3,400 residents of Puerto Rico have served, and over
230 have been killed or wounded, in the Nation's current war on
terrorism, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation
Iraqi Freedom.
(11) Residents of Puerto Rico have always proudly answered
the call to defend this nation and to sacrifice for the cause
of liberty, notwithstanding the fact that they cannot vote for
their commander-in-chief.
(12) In section 821 of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care,
and Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461; 120
Stat. 3448), Congress expressed its sense that the need for
medical facility improvements in San Juan, Puerto Rico was not
being adequately addressed and directed the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs to ``take steps to explore all options for
addressing that concern, including the option of a public/
private partnership to construct and operate a facility that
would replace the current Department of Veterans Affairs
medical center in San Juan, Puerto Rico''.
(13) Congress directed the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to
submit a report to the Committees on Veterans' Affairs of the
Senate and House of Representatives ``identifying and outlining
the various options available to the Department'' for
retrofitting and renovating or replacing the current Veterans
Affairs medical center in San Juan.
(14) On June 26, 2007, the Department of Veterans Affairs
submitted its ``Report to Congress on Options for Medical
Facility Improvements in San Juan, Puerto Rico'', in which it
identified and outlined four potential options available to the
Department for medical facility improvements in Puerto Rico and
analyzed the medical, legal, and financial implications
associated with each option.
(15) In that report, the Department of Veterans Affairs
affirmed that medical facility improvements in Puerto Rico
would support the Department's strategic goals, including
improving the quality of life for veterans with disabilities,
ensuring a smooth transition for veterans from active military
service to civilian life, and improving the health and
socioeconomic well-being of veterans.
(16) In that report, the Department also stated that
upgrades to the existing medical facility in San Juan were
``necessary to ensure the long-term safety of patients and
staff''.
SEC. 2. TASK FORCE ON MEDICAL FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN PUERTO RICO.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall
establish a task force to be known as the Task Force on Medical
Facility Improvements in Puerto Rico (hereinafter in this section
referred to as the ``Task Force'').
(b) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The members of the Task Force shall be
appointed by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and shall
include--
(A) appropriate employees of the Department of
Veterans Affairs;
(B) appropriate representatives of veterans'
organizations based in Puerto Rico; and
(C) appropriate representatives of the government
of Puerto Rico.
(2) Number; terms of service; pay and allowances.--The
Secretary shall determine the number, terms of service, and pay
and allowances of members of the Task Force appointed by the
Secretary.
(c) Responsibilities.--The Task Force shall--
(1) consider options to renovate or replace the Department
of Veterans Affairs hospital in Puerto Rico, including--
(A) the four options outlined in the report of the
Department of Veterans Affairs entitled ``Report to
Congress on Options for Medical Facility Improvements
in San Juan, Puerto Rico'' submitted pursuant to
section 821 of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and
Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461;
120 Stat. 3448); and
(B) any option not specifically discussed in such
report that the Task Force determines is appropriate
for consideration, especially any such option involving
a public-private partnership to renovate or replace the
hospital; and
(2) make recommendations to the Secretary with respect to
which of the options considered under paragraph (1) should be
implemented.
(d) Contract Authority.--Upon the request of the Task Force, the
Secretary of Veterans Affairs may enter into a contract with an
appropriate entity to assist the Task Force in carrying out its
responsibilities under this section.
(e) Stakeholder Interests and Concerns.--In carrying out the
responsibilities under this section, the Task Force shall ensure that
the full range of stakeholder interests and concerns are considered.
(f) Reports.--
(1) Report to secretary.--Not later than 180 days after the
date on which the Task Force is established under subsection
(a), the Task Force shall submit to the Secretary of Veterans
Affairs a report containing the findings and recommendations of
the Task Force under subsection (c).
(2) Report to congress.--Not later than 60 days after
receiving the report under paragraph (1), the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress such report together
with any recommendations of the Secretary.
(g) Termination.--The Task Force shall terminate 30 days after the
Secretary submits the report under subsection (f)(2). | Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Task Force on Medical Facility Improvements in Puerto Rico to: (1) consider options to renovate or replace the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in Puerto Rico; (2) recommend to the Secretary which of the options should be implemented; and (3) report to the Secretary on its findings and recommendations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Task Force on Medical Facility Improvements in Puerto Rico, and for other purposes."} | 1,327 | 69 | 0.506603 | 1.350691 | 1.169473 | 4.394366 | 18.253521 | 0.957746 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``State Criminal Alien Assistance
Program II and Local Medical Emergency Reimbursement Act''.
TITLE I--STATE CRIMINAL ALIEN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM II
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``State Criminal Alien Assistance
Program II Act of 2001''.
SEC. 102. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Federal policies and strategies aimed at curbing
illegal immigration and criminal alien activity implemented
along our Nation's southwest border influence the number of
crossings, especially their location.
(2) States and local governments were reimbursed
approximately 60 percent of the costs of the incarceration of
criminal aliens in fiscal year 1996 when only 90 jurisdictions
applied for such reimbursement. In subsequent years, the number
of local jurisdictions receiving reimbursement has increased.
For fiscal year 2000, approximately 360 local jurisdictions
applied, and reimbursement amounted to only 40 percent of the
costs incurred by those jurisdictions.
(3) Certain counties, often with a small taxpayer base,
located on or near the border across from sometimes highly
populated areas of Mexico, suffer a substantially
disproportionate share of the impact of criminal illegal aliens
on its law enforcement and criminal justice systems.
(4) A University of Arizona/U.S.-Mexico Border Counties
Coalition study released in November 2000 reported that the 4
counties located on Arizona's border of Mexico, Pima, Yuma,
Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties, are burdened with this
problem--
(A) for example, in 1999, Arizona's four border
counties' combined population was 1.1 million, or 17.5
percent of the total population along the U.S.-Mexico
border, but accounted for 11 percent of alien crossings
and nearly 40 percent of illegal alien apprehensions
along the border; Santa Cruz County had 43 percent of
alien crossings and 16.3 percent of illegal
apprehensions in the State of Arizona and Cochise
County had 21 percent of alien crossings and 56 percent
of illegal apprehensions in the State of Arizona.
(B) for fiscal year 1999, it is estimated that, of
its total criminal justice budget of $6,000,000, Santa
Cruz County spent $1,978,863 (33 percent) to process
criminal illegal aliens, of which over half was not
reimbursed by Federal monies; and of Cochise County's
total law enforcement and criminal justice budget of
$14.2 million, Cochise County spent an estimated $4.6
million (32 percent) to apprehend and process criminal
illegal aliens, of which over half was not reimbursed
by Federal monies; and
(C) Santa Cruz County and Cochise County have not
obtained relief from this burden, despite repeated
appeals to Federal and State officials.
(5) In the State of Texas, the border counties of Cameron,
Dimmit, El Paso, Hidalgo, Kinney, Val Verde, and Webb bore the
unreimbursed costs of apprehension, prosecution, indigent
defense, and other related services for criminal aliens who
served more than 142,000 days in county jails.
(6) Throughout Texas nonborder counties bore similar
unreimbursed costs for apprehension, prosecution, indigent
defense, and other related services for criminal aliens who
served more than 1,000,000 days in county jails.
(7) The State of Texas has incurred substantial additional
unreimbursed costs for State law enforcement efforts made
necessary by the presence of criminal illegal aliens.
(8) The Federal Government should reimburse States and
units of local government for the related costs incurred by the
State for the imprisonment of any illegal alien.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this title is--
(1) to assist States and local communities by providing
financial assistance for expenditures for illegal juvenile
aliens, and for related costs to States and units of local
government that suffer a substantially disproportionate share
of the impact of criminal illegal aliens on their law
enforcement and criminal justice systems; and
(2) to ensure equitable treatment for those States and
local governments that are affected by Federal policies and
strategies aimed at curbing illegal immigration and criminal alien
activity implemented on the Southwest border of the United States.
SEC. 103. REIMBURSEMENT OF STATES FOR INDIRECT COSTS RELATING TO THE
INCARCERATION OF ILLEGAL ALIENS.
Section 501 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (8
U.S.C. 1365) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``for'' and all that
follows through ``State'' and inserting ``for--
``(1) the costs incurred by the State for the imprisonment
of any illegal alien or Cuban national who is convicted of a
felony by such State; and
``(2) the indirect costs related to the imprisonment
described in paragraph (1).'';
(2) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
``(c) Indirect Costs Defined.--In subsection (a), the term
`indirect costs' includes--
``(1) court costs, county attorney costs, detention costs,
and criminal proceedings expenditures that do not involve going
to trial;
``(2) indigent defense; and
``(3) unsupervised probation costs.''; and
(3) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated $200,000,000 to carry out subsection (a)(2) for each of
the fiscal years 2002 through 2005.''.
SEC. 104. REIMBURSEMENT OF STATES FOR COSTS OF INCARCERATING JUVENILE
ALIENS.
(a) In General.--Section 501 of the Immigration Reform and Control
Act of 1986 (8 U.S.C. 1365), as amended by section 103 of this Act, is
further amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1), by inserting ``or illegal
juvenile alien who has been adjudicated delinquent or committed
to a juvenile correctional facility by such State or locality''
before the semicolon;
(2) in subsection (b), by inserting ``(including any
juvenile alien who has been adjudicated delinquent or has been
committed to a correctional facility)'' before ``who is in the
United States unlawfully''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Juvenile Alien Defined.--In this section, the term `juvenile
alien' means an alien (as defined in section 101(a)(3) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act) who has been adjudicated delinquent or
committed to a correctional facility by a State or locality as a
juvenile offender.''.
(b) Annual Report.--Section 332 of the Illegal Immigration Reform
and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (8 U.S.C. 1366) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (3);
(2) by striking the period at the end of paragraph (4) and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) the number of illegal juvenile aliens (as defined in
section 501(f) of the Immigration Reform and Control Act) that
are committed to State or local juvenile correctional
facilities, including the type of offense committed by each
juvenile.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 241(i)(3)(B) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1231(i)(3)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``or'' at the end of clause (ii);
(2) by striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) is a juvenile alien with respect to
whom section 501 of the Immigration Reform and
Control Act of 1986 applies.''.
SEC. 105. REIMBURSEMENT OF STATES BORDERING MEXICO OR CANADA.
Section 501 of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (8
U.S.C. 1365), as amended by sections 103 and 104 of this Act, is
further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) Manner of Allotment of Reimbursements.--Reimbursements under
this section shall be allotted in a manner that takes into account
special consideration for any State that--
``(1) shares a border with Mexico or Canada; or
``(2) includes within the State an area in which a large
number of undocumented aliens reside relative to the general
population of the area.''.
TITLE II--REIMBURSEMENT OF STATES AND LOCALITIES FOR EMERGENCY HEALTH
SERVICES TO UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS
SEC. 201. AUTHORIZATION OF ADDITIONAL FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT OF
EMERGENCY HEALTH SERVICES FURNISHED TO UNDOCUMENTED
ALIENS
(a) Total Amount Available for Allotment.--To the extent of
available appropriations under subsection (e), there are available for
allotments under this section for each of fiscal years 2002 through
2005, $200,000,000 for payments to certain States under this section.
(b) State Allotment Amount.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall compute an allotment
for each fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 2002 and ending
with fiscal year 2005 for each of the 17 States with the
highest number of undocumented aliens. The amount of such
allotment for each such State for a fiscal year shall bear the
same ratio to the total amount available for allotments under
subsection (a) for the fiscal year as the ratio of the number
of undocumented aliens in the State in the fiscal year bears to
the total of such numbers for all such States for such fiscal
year. The amount of allotment to a State provided under this
paragraph for a fiscal year that is not paid out under
subsection (c) shall be available for payment during the
subsequent fiscal year.
(2) Determination.--For purposes of paragraph (1), the
number of undocumented aliens in a State under this section
shall be determined based on estimates of the resident illegal
alien population residing in each State prepared by the
Statistics Division of the Immigration and Naturalization
Service as of October 1992 (or as of such later date if such
date is at least 1 year before the beginning of the fiscal year
involved).
(c) Use of Funds.--
(1) In general.--From the allotments made under subsection
(b) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall pay to each State
amounts described in a State plan, submitted to the Secretary,
under which the amounts so allotted will be paid to local
governments, hospitals, and related providers of emergency
health services to undocumented aliens in a manner that--
(A) takes into account--
(i) each eligible local government's,
hospital's or related provider's payments under
the State plan approved under title XIX of the
Social Security Act for emergency medical
services described in section 1903(v)(2)(A) of
such Act (42 U.S.C. 1396b(v)(2)(A)) for such
fiscal year; or
(ii) an appropriate alternative proxy for
measuring the volume of emergency health
services provided to undocumented aliens by
eligible local governments, hospitals, and
related providers for such fiscal year; and
(B) provides special consideration for local
governments, hospitals, and related providers located
in--
(i) a county that shares a border with
Mexico or Canada; or
(ii) an area in which a large number of
undocumented aliens reside relative to the
general population of the area.
(2) Special rules.--For purposes of this subsection:
(A) A provider shall be considered to be
``related'' to a hospital to the extent that the
provider furnishes emergency health services to an
individual for whom the hospital also furnishes
emergency health services.
(B) Amounts paid under this subsection shall not
duplicate payments made under title XIX of the Social
Security Act for the provision of emergency medical
services described in section 1903(v)(2)(A) of such Act
(42 U.S.C. 1396b(v)(2)(A)).
(d) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) Hospital.--The term ``hospital'' has the meaning given
such term in section 1861(e) of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1395x(e)).
(2) Provider.--The term ``provider'' includes a physician,
another health care professional, and an entity that furnishes
emergency ambulance services.
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Health and Human Services.
(4) State.--The term ``State'' means the 50 States and the
District of Columbia.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 2002 through 2005. | State Criminal Alien Assistance Program II and Local Medical Emergency Reimbursement Act - State Criminal Alien Assistance Program II Act of 2001 - Amends the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 to provide for the reimbursement of States for indirect costs of incarcerating illegal aliens.Defines such costs as: (1) court costs, county attorney costs, and non-trial criminal proceedings; (2) indigent defense; and (3) unsupervised probation costs.Provides for the reimbursement of States for costs of incarcerating juvenile aliens.Provides that reimbursement of States for incarcerating illegal aliens and certain Cuban nationals shall be allocated to give special consideration for any State that: (1) shares a border with Mexico or Canada; or (2) has a large number of undocumented aliens.Authorizes appropriations for allotments to States to be paid to local governments, hospitals, and other providers for emergency health services provided to undocumented aliens. Provides special consideration for providers: (1) in a border county with Mexico or Canada; or (2) in an area with a large number of undocumented aliens. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to provide Federal reimbursement for indirect costs relating to the incarceration of illegal criminal aliens and for emergency health services furnished to undocumented aliens."} | 2,984 | 249 | 0.531488 | 1.662009 | 0.72352 | 4.651961 | 12.465686 | 0.946078 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Small Business and Farm Energy
Emergency Relief Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds that--
(1) a significant number of small businesses in the United
States, non-farm as well as agricultural producers, use heating
oil, natural gas, propane, kerosene, or electricity to heat
their facilities and for other purposes;
(2) a significant number of small businesses in the United
States sell, distribute, market, or otherwise engage in
commerce directly related to heating oil, natural gas, propane,
and kerosene; and
(3) sharp and significant increases in the price of heating
oil, natural gas, propane, or kerosene--
(A) disproportionately harm small businesses
dependent on those fuels or that use, sell, or
distribute those fuels in the ordinary course of their
business, and can cause them substantial economic
injury;
(B) can negatively affect the national economy and
regional economies;
(C) have occurred in the winters of 1983-1984,
1988-1989, 1996-1997, and 1999-2000; and
(D) can be caused by a host of factors, including
global or regional supply difficulties, weather
conditions, insufficient inventories, refinery
capacity, transportation, and competitive structures in
the markets, causes that are often unforeseeable to
those who own and operate small businesses.
SEC. 3. SMALL BUSINESS ENERGY EMERGENCY DISASTER LOAN PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--Section 7(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(b)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
``(4)(A) In this paragraph--
``(i) the term `heating fuel' means heating oil,
natural gas, propane, or kerosene; and
``(ii) the term `sharp and significant increase'
shall have the meaning given that term by the
Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of
Energy.
``(B) The Administration may make such loans, either
directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending
institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate
or deferred basis, to assist a small business concern that has
suffered or that is likely to suffer substantial economic
injury as the result of a sharp and significant increase in the
price of heating fuel or electricity.
``(C) Any loan or guarantee extended pursuant to this
paragraph shall be made at the same interest rate as economic
injury loans under paragraph (2).
``(D) No loan may be made under this paragraph, either
directly or in cooperation with banks or other lending
institutions through agreements to participate on an immediate
or deferred basis, if the total amount outstanding and
committed to the borrower under this subsection would exceed
$1,500,000, unless such applicant constitutes a major source of
employment in its surrounding area, as determined by the
Administration, in which case the Administration, in its
discretion, may waive the $1,500,000 limitation.
``(E) For purposes of assistance under this paragraph--
``(i) a declaration of a disaster area based on
conditions specified in this paragraph shall be
required, and shall be made by the President or the
Administrator; or
``(ii) if no declaration has been made pursuant to
clause (i), the Governor of a State in which a sharp
and significant increase in the price of heating fuel
or electricity has occurred may certify to the
Administration that small business concerns have
suffered economic injury as a result of such increase
and are in need of financial assistance which is not
available on reasonable terms in that State, and upon
receipt of such certification, the Administration may
make such loans as would have been available under this
paragraph if a disaster declaration had been issued.
``(F) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, loans
made under this paragraph may be used by a small business
concern described in subparagraph (B) to convert from the use
of heating fuel or electricity to a renewable or alternative
energy source, including agriculture and urban waste,
geothermal energy, cogeneration, solar energy, wind energy, and
fuel cells.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments Relating to Heating Fuel and
Electricity.--Section 3(k) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(k))
is amended--
(1) by inserting ``, sharp and significant increases in the
price of heating fuel or electricity'' after ``civil
disorders''; and
(2) by inserting ``other'' before ``economic''.
SEC. 4. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCER EMERGENCY LOANS.
(a) In General.--Section 321(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1961(a)) is amended--
(1) in the first sentence--
(A) by striking ``operations have'' and inserting
``operations (i) have''; and
(B) by inserting before ``: Provided,'' the
following: ``, or (ii)(I) are owned or operated by such
an applicant that is also a small business concern (as
defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15
U.S.C. 632)), and (II) have suffered or are likely to
suffer substantial economic injury on or after June 1,
2000, as the result of a sharp and significant increase
in energy costs or input costs from energy sources
occurring on or after June 1, 2000, in connection with
an energy emergency declared by the President or the
Secretary'';
(2) in the third sentence, by inserting before the period
at the end the following: ``or by an energy emergency declared
by the President or the Secretary''; and
(3) in the fourth sentence--
(A) by inserting ``or energy emergency'' after
``natural disaster'' each place it appears; and
(B) by inserting ``or declaration'' after
``emergency designation''.
(b) Funding.--Funds available on the date of enactment of this Act
for emergency loans under subtitle C of the Consolidated Farm and Rural
Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1961 et seq.) made to meet the needs
resulting from natural disasters shall be available to carry out the
amendments made by subsection (a).
SEC. 5. GUIDELINES.
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Administrator of the Small Business Administration and the Secretary of
Agriculture shall each issue such guidelines as the Administrator and
the Secretary, as applicable, determines to be necessary to carry out
this Act and the amendments made by this Act.
SEC. 6. REPORTS.
(a) Small Business.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
final publication by the Administrator of the Small Business
Administration of the guidelines issued under section 5, the
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Small Business of the
Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of
Representatives, a report on the effectiveness of the program
established under section 7(b)(4) of the Small Business Act, as added
by this Act, including--
(1) the number of small businesses that applied to
participate in the program and the number of those that
received loans under the program;
(2) the dollar value of those loans;
(3) the States in which the small business concerns that
participated in the program are located;
(4) the type of heating fuel or energy that caused the
sharp and significant increase in the cost for the
participating small business concerns; and
(5) recommendations for improvements to the program, if
any.
(b) Agriculture.--Not later than 18 months after the date of final
publication by the Secretary of Agriculture of the guidelines issued
under section 5, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Small
Business and Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate and the
Committees on Small Business and Agriculture of the House of
Representatives, a report on the effectiveness of loans made available
as a result of the amendments made by section 4, together with
recommendations for improvements to the loans, if any.
SEC. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) Small Business.--The amendments made by this Act shall apply
during the 2-year period beginning on the date of final publication of
guidelines under section 5 by the Administrator, with respect to
assistance under section 7(b)(4) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C.
636(b)), as added by this Act, to economic injury suffered or likely to
be suffered as the result of--
(1) sharp and significant increases in the price of heating
fuel occurring on or after November 1, 2000; or
(2) sharp and significant increases in the price of
electricity occurring on or after June 1, 2000.
(b) Agriculture.--The amendments made by section 4 shall apply
during the 2-year period beginning on the date of final publication of
guidelines under section 5 by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Passed the Senate March 26, 2001.
Attest:
GARY SISCO,
Secretary. | Small Business and Farm Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2001 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make disaster loans to assist small businesses that have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of a sharp and significant increase in the price of heating fuel or electricity. Prohibits any such loan from being made if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower would exceed $1.5 million, unless the applicant is a major source of employment in its surrounding area. Requires, for such assistance: (1) a declaration of a disaster by the President or the SBA Administrator; or (2) a certification from the governor of the State that its small businesses have suffered such economic injury and are in need of assistance which is not otherwise available.Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to farm operations that qualify as a small business and have or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury from a sharp and significant increase in energy costs or input costs from energy sources occurring on or after June 1, 2000, in connection with an energy emergency declared by the President or the Secretary.Requires the SBA Administrator and the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the effectiveness of such loan programs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to provide emergency relief to small businesses affected by significant increases in the prices of heating oil, natural gas, propane, and kerosene, and for other purposes."} | 1,962 | 275 | 0.546331 | 1.717747 | 0.842327 | 4.228916 | 7.514056 | 0.935743 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Reporting on Influence and
Subversion by the Kremlin Act'' or ``RISK Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) In 1986, an interagency working group issued a report
assessing ``active measures'' by the former Soviet Union
against the United States.
(2) The working group concluded that ``there is a massive
and highly organized effort by the Soviet Union and its proxies
to influence world opinion''.
(3) The working group further observed that ``this effort
includes public diplomacy to enhance the Soviet image abroad
and . . . also includes a persistent, widespread program of
disinformation and deception designed to discredit the U.S.
image abroad and disrupt U.S. policy objectives.''.
(4) Active measures by the Russian Federation have shown no
diminution since the last report issued by the working group in
1987, including--
(A) to influence world opinion;
(B) to undercut democratic processes and
institutions in the United States and partner nations;
(C) to challenge the international liberal order;
and
(D) to establish an unfettered sphere of influence.
(5) The Director of National Intelligence concluded in
light of the Russian Federation's hacking of the 2016
presidential election that ``Russian efforts to influence the
2016 U.S. presidential election represent the most recent
expression of Moscow's longstanding desire to undermine the
U.S.-led liberal democratic order.''.
(6) The Russian Federation is deploying an array of
military, cyber, intelligence, and economic tactics to weaken
United States democratic institutions, divide Europe from the
United States, divide Europe from within, undermine
organizations such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
and the European Union, and coerce partners to cooperate with
Russia.
(7) Militarily, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered
the forcible and illegal occupation of Crimea in March 2014 and
the invasion of Georgia in 2008.
(8) The Russian military, in which President Putin has
invested heavily, continues to engage in acts of aggression and
intimidation against United States allies across Europe.
(9) The Russian Federation's subversive activities
undermine trust in democratic systems, giving rise to political
instability.
SEC. 3. ASSESSMENT OF SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES BY THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.
(a) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to Congress
a report setting forth an assessment, obtained by the Secretary for
purposes of the report, of subversive activities by the Russian
Federation.
(b) Independent Assessment.--
(1) In general.--The assessment obtained for purposes of
subsection (a) shall be conducted by a federally funded
research and development center (FFRDC), or another appropriate
independent entity with expertise in diplomatic and military
developments in Europe and the Russian Federation, selected by
the Secretary for purposes of the assessment.
(2) Use of previous studies.--The entity conducting the
assessment may use and incorporate information from previous
studies on matters appropriate to the assessment.
(c) Elements.--The assessment obtained for purposes of subsection
(a) shall include the following:
(1) An assessment of disinformation and propaganda
activities of the Russian Federation, including an assessment
of--
(A) support for disinformation and propaganda
activities with respect to the United States and
foreign countries;
(B) the overall structure of the Russian
Government's disinformation and influence apparatus,
including its intelligence agencies and propaganda
outlets such as Russia Today; and
(C) propaganda techniques, including forgery, use
of media representatives and proxies, use of front
organizations, and efforts to influence international
organizations.
(2) An assessment of support by the Russian Federation for
separatist activities and other aggressive actions aimed at
undermining the sovereignty of foreign countries, particularly
in Ukraine and the Baltic countries.
(3) An assessment of cyber intrusions by the Russian
Federation to influence the infrastructure and democratic
processes in the United States and other countries.
(4) An assessment of--
(A) the use of energy exports by the Russian
Federation for purposes of political or economic
coercion; and
(B) significant investment in energy
infrastructure, including pipelines, by the Government
of Russia or Russian-controlled entities.
(5) An assessment of the deterioration of democratic
conditions in the Russian Federation, including--
(A) suppression of freedom of the press;
(B) detention, beating, and murder of political
activists and opposition leaders;
(C) suppression of minority rights;
(D) suppression of human rights; and
(E) efforts to undermine the Russian
nongovernmental organizations and Russian civil
society.
(d) Form.--The report required under subsection (a) shall be
submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
SEC. 4. COUNTERING RUSSIAN INFLUENCE FUND.
(a) Establishment.--The President is authorized to establish in the
Department of the Treasury a fund to be known as the Countering Russian
Influence Fund (in this section referred to as the ``Fund'').
(b) Amounts in Fund.--The Fund shall consist of the following:
(1) Amounts appropriated to carry out section 7070(d) of
division C of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public
Law 115-31).
(2) Amounts otherwise available to the Secretary of State
to carry out this section.
(c) Purposes of Fund.--Amounts in the Fund for any fiscal year are
authorized to be made available to the Secretary of State for bilateral
assistance for countries in Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia, to
counter the following activities in such countries carried out by the
Russian Federation:
(1) Support for disinformation and propaganda.
(2) Interference in foreign elections.
(3) Efforts to undermine financial transparency and
governance.
(d) Civil Society and Other Organizations.--Amounts in the Fund for
any fiscal year may be made available to carry out the purposes of the
Fund under subsection (c) through civil society and other organizations
that seek to mitigate the expansion of Russian influence and
aggression, including through public awareness campaigns and exchange
activities.
(e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to
the President not less than $100,000,000 to carry out this
section.
(2) Relation to certain other amounts.--Such funds are in
addition to any other amounts made available for bilateral
assistance for countries in Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia.
(3) Rule of construction.--This section shall be considered
to be an authorization of appropriations for purposes of
section 7070(d) of division C of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31).
(f) Report.--The Secretary of State shall submit to Congress a
report for each fiscal year for which activities are undertaken
pursuant to this section. | Reporting on Influence and Subversion by the Kremlin Act or the RISK Act This bill directs the Department of State to submit to Congress an assessment of subversive activities by the Russian Federation. The assessment shall be conducted by a federally funded research and development center or another appropriate independent entity with expertise in diplomatic and military developments in Europe and the Russian Federation. Such entity may use and incorporate information from previous studies and shall include assessments of: disinformation and propaganda activities of the Russian Federation; support by the Russian Federation for separatist activities and other aggressive actions aimed at undermining the sovereignty of foreign countries, particularly in Ukraine and the Baltic countries; cyber intrusions by the Russian Federation to influence the infrastructure and democratic processes in the United States and other countries; the use of energy exports by the Russian Federation for purposes of political or economic coercion and significant investment in energy infrastructure by the Russian government or Russian-controlled entities; and the deterioration of democratic conditions in the Russian Federation. The President is authorized to establish in the Department of the Treasury the Countering Russian Influence Fund to be used by the State Department for bilateral assistance to counter activities carried out in countries in Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia by the Russian Federation to support disinformation and propaganda, interfere in foreign elections, and undermine financial transparency and governance. Amounts in the fund may be made available to carry out its purposes through civil society and other organizations that seek to mitigate the expansion of Russian influence and aggression, including through public awareness campaigns and exchange activities. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Reporting on Influence and Subversion by the Kremlin Act"} | 1,505 | 322 | 0.549587 | 1.943634 | 0.828845 | 5.017007 | 4.829932 | 0.962585 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Dollars to the Classroom Act''.
SEC. 2. DIRECT AWARDS OF CERTAIN EDUCATION FUNDING TO STATES.
(a) Direct Awards of Certain Education Funding.--
(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, for each fiscal year the Secretary shall award the total
amount of funds described in paragraph (2) directly to States
in accordance with this subsection.
(2) Applicable funding.--The total amount of funds referred
to in paragraph (1) are all funds not used to carry out
paragraph (6)(B) for the fiscal year that are appropriated for
the Department of Education for the fiscal year to carry out
programs or activities under the following provisions of law:
(A) Title III of the Goals 2000: Educate America
Act (20 U.S.C. 5881 et seq.).
(B) Title IV of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act
(20 U.S.C. 5911 et seq.).
(C) Title VI of the Goals 2000: Educate America Act
(20 U.S.C. 5951).
(D) The Educational Research, Development,
Disseminations, and Improvement Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C.
6001 et seq.).
(E) Titles II, III, and IV of the School-to-Work
Opportunities Act of 1994 (20 U.S.C. 6121 et seq., 6171
et seq., and 6191 et seq.).
(F) Part B of title I of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6361 et
seq.).
(G) Section 1502 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6492).
(H) Part A of title II of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6621 et
seq.).
(I) Part B of title II of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6641 et
seq.).
(J) Title III of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.) (other
than section 3132 of such title).
(K) Section 3132 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6842 et seq.).
(L) Subpart 1 of part A of title IV of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7111 et seq.).
(M) Subpart 2 of part A of title IV of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 7131 et seq.).
(N) Part A of title V of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7201 et
seq.).
(O) Part B of title V of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7231 et
seq.).
(P) Title VI of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7311 et seq.).
(Q) Part B of title IX of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7901 et
seq.).
(R) Part C of title IX of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7931 et
seq.).
(S) Part A of title X of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8001 et
seq.).
(T) Part B of title X of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8031 et
seq.).
(U) Part D of title X of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8091 et
seq.).
(V) Part F of title X of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8141 et
seq.).
(W) Part G of title X of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8161 et
seq.).
(X) Part I of title X of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8241 et
seq.).
(Y) Part J of title X of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8271 et
seq.).
(Z) Part K of title X of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8331 et
seq.).
(AA) Part L of title X of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8351 et
seq.).
(BB) Part A of title XIII of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8621 et
seq.).
(CC) Part C of title XIII of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8671 et
seq.).
(DD) Part B of title VII of the Stewart B. McKinney
Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11421 et seq.).
(3) Timelines.--
(A) Census determination.--
(i) In general.--Not later than 21 days
after the beginning of an academic year, each
State shall conduct a census to determine the
number of kindergarten through grade 12
students in the State for the academic year.
(ii) Submission.--Each State shall submit
the number described in clause (i) to the
Secretary not later than February 1 of the
academic year.
(B) Publication.--The Secretary shall publish in
the Federal Register not later than March 15 of each
fiscal year the amount each State shall receive under
this subsection for the succeeding fiscal year.
(C) Disbursal.--The Secretary shall disburse the
amount awarded to a State under this subsection for a
fiscal year not later than July 1 of the fiscal year.
(4) Determination of award.--From the total amount made
available under paragraph (1) and not used to carry out
paragraph (6)(B), the Secretary, using the information provided
under paragraph (3), shall award to each State an amount that
bears the same relation to the total amount as the number of
kindergarten through grade 12 students in the State for the
academic year preceding the fiscal year bears to the total
number of all such students in all States for the academic
year.
(5) Penalty.--If the Secretary determines that a State has
knowingly submitted false information under paragraph (3) for
the purpose of gaining additional funds under paragraph (1),
then the State shall be fined an amount equal to twice the
difference between the amount the State received under this
subsection, and the correct amount the State would have
received if the State had submitted accurate information under
paragraph (3).
(6) Hold harmless.--
(A) In general.--No State shall receive an award
under this subsection--
(i) for fiscal year 2000 in an amount that
is less than the amount the State would have
received to carry out programs or activities
under the provisions of law described in
subparagraphs (A), (F), (I), (J), (L), (P) and
(DD) of paragraph (2) for fiscal year 2000;
(ii) for fiscal year 2001 in an amount that
is less than 95 percent of the minimum amount
the State is eligible to receive under clause
(i) for fiscal year 2000;
(iii) for fiscal year 2002 in an amount
that is less than 90 percent of the minimum
amount the State is eligible to receive under
clause (ii) for fiscal year 2001;
(iv) for fiscal year 2003 in an amount that
is less than 85 percent of the minimum amount
the State is eligible to receive under clause
(iii) for fiscal year 2002; and
(v) for fiscal year 2004 in an amount that
is less than 80 percent of the minimum amount
the State is eligible to receive under clause
(iv) for fiscal year 2003.
(B) Multiyear awards.--The Secretary shall use
funds appropriated to carry out the programs or
activities under the provisions of law described in
paragraph (2) (other than subparagraphs (A), (F), (I),
(J), (L), (P) and (DD) of paragraph (2)) to make
payments to eligible recipients under such provisions pursuant to any
multiyear award made under such provisions prior to the date of
enactment of this Act.
(b) Payments and Availability.--
(1) Payments.--Funds awarded to a State under this
subsection shall be paid to the Governor of the State.
(2) Availability.--The Governor of the State shall make the
funds provided under this subsection available to the
individual or entity in the State that is responsible for the
State administration of Federal education funds pursuant to
State law.
(c) Use of State Awards.--
(1) In general.--From the amount made available to a State
under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the State--
(A) shall use not more than 5 percent of the amount
to support programs or activities, for kindergarten
through grade 12 students, that the State determines
appropriate, of which the State shall distribute 20
percent of the 5 percent to local educational agencies
in the State to pay the administrative expenses of the
local educational agencies that are associated with the
activities and services assisted under this section;
and
(B) shall distribute not less than 95 percent of
the amount to local educational agencies in the State
for the fiscal year to enable the local educational
agencies to pay the costs of activities or services,
for kindergarten through grade 12 students, that--
(i) the local educational agencies
determine appropriate; and
(ii) are provided in the classroom.
(2) Classroom activities and services.--For the purpose of
paragraph (1)(B), the costs of activities and services provided
in the classroom--
(A) exclude the administrative expenses associated
with the activities and services; and
(B) subject to paragraph (1)(B)(i), include
nonadministrative expenses associated with statewide or
districtwide initiatives directly affecting classroom
learning.
(d) Regulations.--
(1) In general.--No head of a Federal department or agency
other than the Secretary may promulgate regulations under this
section.
(2) Classroom activities and services.--The Secretary of
Education shall not issue any regulation regarding the type of
classroom activities or services that may be assisted under
this section.
(e) Report.--Each Governor of a State receiving assistance under
this section shall prepare and submit, not later than 60 days after the
date of enactment of this Act, to the Committee on Labor and Human
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Education and the
Workforce of the House of Representatives, a report that describes the
classroom activities and services provided in the State under this
section.
SEC. 3. TITLE I FUNDING.
Section 1603 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 6513) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(d) Dollars to the Classroom.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, from the funds made available to a local educational
agency under this part for a fiscal year, not less than 95
percent of the funds shall be used for the costs of activities
and services that--
``(A) the local educational agency deems
appropriate; and
``(B) are provided in the classroom.
``(2) Classroom activities and services.--For the purpose
of paragraph (1), the costs of activities and services provided
in the classroom--
``(A) exclude the administrative expenses
associated with the activities and services; and
``(B) subject to paragraph (1)(A), include
nonadministrative expenses associated with statewide or
districtwide initiatives directly affecting classroom
learning.
``(3) Plan.--Not later than 6 months after the date of
enactment of the Dollars to the Classroom Act, the Secretary
shall--
``(A) develop and implement a plan for streamlining
regulations and eliminating bureaucracy so that 95
percent of the funds made available to local
educational agencies under this part are used for the
costs of activities and services provided in the
classroom; and
``(B) prepare and submit to Congress recommended
legislation containing changes to Federal law that are
needed for 95 percent of the funds to be so used.''.
SEC. 4. PARTICIPATION OF CHILDREN ENROLLED IN PRIVATE AND HOME SCHOOLS.
Each local educational agency that receives funds under section 2
shall provide for the participation of children enrolled in private and
home schools in the activities and services assisted under such section
in the same manner as private school children participate in activities
and services under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) pursuant to sections 14503, 14504, 14505, and
14506 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 8893, 8894, 8895, and 8896).
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) the term ``local educational agency'' has the meaning
given the term in section 14101 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 8801);
(2) the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Education; and
(3) the term ``State'' means each of the several States of
the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. | Dollars to the Classroom Act - Requires the Secretary of Education to award the total amount of certain applicable education funding directly to the States.
(Sec. 2) Requires such direct awarding of all the funds (except those used for specified multiyear awards) that are appropriated for the Department of Education for the fiscal year for programs or activities under specified provisions of: (1) the Goals 2000: Educate America Act; (2) the Educational Research, Development, Disseminations, and Improvement Act of 1994; (3) the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994; (4) the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA); and (5) the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act.
Sets deadlines for: (1) each State to conduct a census to determine, and report to the Secretary, the number of kindergarten through grade 12 students in the State for the academic year; and (2) the Secretary to publish and disburse the amount each State will receive under this Act for the succeeding fiscal year. Sets forth: (1) a formula for determination of such award amounts, based on relative numbers of such students in each State; and (2) penalties for false information. Provides for continuation of certain multiyear awards made prior to enactment of this Act.
Requires award amounts under this Act to be paid to the State Governor, who shall make them available to the individual or entity in the State responsible for the State administration of Federal education funds. Prescribes requirements for the use of such funds, earmarking not less than 95 percent for distribution to local educational agencies (LEAs) for the costs of activities or services provided in the classroom that LEAs determine appropriate, excluding associated administrative expenses, but including nonadministrative expenses associated with statewide or districtwide initiatives directly affecting classroom learning.
Prohibits: (1) any head of a Federal department or agency other than the Secretary from promulgating regulations under this Act; and (2) the Secretary from issuing any regulation regarding the type of classroom activities or services that may be assisted under this Act.
(Sec. 3) Amends ESEA title I (Helping Disadvantaged Children Meet High Standards) to require the use of at least 95 percent of title I funds for an LEA for a fiscal year according to the requirements of this Act.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and implement a plan for streamlining regulations and eliminating bureaucracy so that 95 percent of such ESEA title I funds for LEAs are used for the costs of activities and services provided in the classroom; and (2) recommend to Congress legislation containing changes to Federal law needed for the use of such funds.
(Sec. 4) Requires each LEA that receives funds under this Act to provide for the participation of children enrolled in private and home schools. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Dollars to the Classroom Act"} | 3,044 | 610 | 0.507338 | 1.76309 | 0.669052 | 3.449726 | 5.065814 | 0.893967 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Montgomery GI Bill for the 21st
Century Act''.
SEC. 2. EXCLUSION OF BASIC PAY CONTRIBUTIONS FOR PARTICIPATION IN BASIC
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE IN CERTAIN COMPUTATIONS ON STUDENT
FINANCIAL AID.
(a) Exclusion.--Subchapter II of chapter 30 of title 38, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3020A. Exclusion of basic pay contributions in certain
computations on student financial aid
``(a) In General.--The expected family contribution computed under
section 475, 476, or 477 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1087oo, 1087pp, 1087qq) for a covered student shall be decreased by
$1,200 for the applicable year.
``(b) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) The term `academic year' has the meaning given the
term in section 481(a)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1088(a)(2)).
``(2) The term `applicable year' means the first academic
year for which a student uses entitlement to basic educational
assistance under this chapter.
``(3) The term `covered student' means any individual
entitled to basic educational assistance under this chapter
whose basic pay or voluntary separation incentives was or were
subject to reduction under section 3011(b), 3012(c), 3018(c),
3018A(b), or 3018B(b) of this title.''.
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of
such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
3020 the following new item:
``3020A. Exclusion of basic pay contributions in certain computations
on student financial aid.''.
SEC. 3. OPPORTUNITY FOR ENROLLMENT IN BASIC EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM OF CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WHO PARTICIPATED OR WERE
ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN POST-VIETNAM ERA VETERANS
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
(a) Opportunity for Enrollment.--Section 3018C(e) of title 38,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or (3)'' after
``paragraph (2)'';
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) as
paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively;
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new
paragraph (3):
``(3) A qualified individual referred to in paragraph (1) is also
an individual who meets each of the following requirements:
``(A) The individual is a participant in the educational
benefits program under chapter 32 of this title as of the date
of the enactment of the Montgomery GI Bill for the 21st Century
Act, or was eligible to participate in such program, but had
not participated in that program or any other educational
benefits program under this title, as of that date.
``(B) The individual meets the requirements of subsection
(a)(3).
``(C) The individual, when discharged or released from
active duty, is discharged or released therefrom with an
honorable discharge.'';
(4) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking
``paragraph (3)(A)(ii)'' and inserting ``paragraph
(4)(A)(ii)''; and
(5) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated, by inserting ``,
or individuals eligible to participate in that program who have
not participated in that program or any other educational
benefits program under this title,'' after ``chapter 32 of this
title''.
(b) Conforming and Clerical Amendments.--(1) The heading of such
section is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 3018C. Opportunity to enroll: certain VEAP participants; certain
individuals eligible for participation in VEAP''.
(2) The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 30 of such
title is amended by striking the item relating to section 3018C and
inserting the following new item:
``3018C. Opportunity to enroll: certain VEAP participants; certain
individuals eligible for participation in
VEAP.''.
SEC. 4. COMMENCEMENT OF 10-YEAR DELIMITING PERIOD FOR VETERANS,
SURVIVORS, AND DEPENDENTS WHO ENROLL IN TRAINING PROGRAM.
(a) Veterans.--Section 3031 of title 38, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``through (g), and
subject to subsection (h)'' and inserting ``through (h), and
subject to subsection (i)'';
(2) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and
(3) by inserting after subsection (g) the following new
subsection (h):
``(h) In the case of an individual eligible for educational
assistance under this chapter who, during the 10-year period described
in subsection (a) of this section, enrolls in a program of training
under this chapter, the period during which the individual may use the
individual's entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter
expires on the last day of the 10-year period beginning on the first
day of the individual's pursuit of such program of training.''.
(b) Eligible Children.--Subsection (a) of section 3512 of such
title is amended--
(1) in paragraph (6)(B), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) if the person enrolls in a program of special
restorative training under subchapter V of this chapter, such
period shall begin on the first day of the person's pursuit of
such program of special restorative training.''.
(c) Eligible Surviving Spouses.--Subsection (b) of such section is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this
subsection, any eligible person (as defined in section 3501(a)(1)(B) or
(D)(ii) of this title) who, during the 10-year period described in
paragraph (1) of this subsection, enrolls in a program of special
restorative training under subchapter V of this chapter may be afforded
educational assistance under this chapter during the 10-year period
beginning on the first day of the individual's pursuit of such program
of special restorative training.''.
SEC. 5. AVAILABILITY OF EDUCATION BENEFITS FOR PAYMENT FOR NATIONAL
ADMISSIONS EXAMS AND NATIONAL EXAMS FOR CREDIT AT
INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
(a) Covered Exams.--Sections 3452(b) and 3501(a)(5) of title 38,
United States Code, are each amended by adding at the end the following
new sentence: ``Such term also includes national tests for admission to
institutions of higher learning or graduate schools (such as the SAT,
LSAT, GRE, and GMAT exams) and national tests providing an opportunity
for course credit at institutions of higher learning (such as the AP
exam).''.
(b) Amount of Payment.--
(1) Chapter 30.--Section 3032 of such title is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g)(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational
assistance payable under this chapter for a national test for admission
or national test providing an opportunity for course credit at
institutions of higher learning described in section 3452(b) of this
title is the amount of the fee charged for the test.
``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of
any individual for a test described in paragraph (1) is equal to the
number (including any fraction) determined by dividing the total amount
of educational assistance paid such individual for such test by the
full-time monthly institutional rate of educational assistance, except
for paragraph (1), such individual would otherwise be paid under
subsection (a)(1), (b)(1), (d), or (e)(1) of section 3015 of this
title, as the case may be.
``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance under
this subsection for a test described in paragraph (1) exceed the amount
of the individual's available entitlement under this chapter.''.
(2) Chapter 32.--Section 3232 of such title is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d)(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational
assistance payable under this chapter for a national test for admission
or national test providing an opportunity for course credit at
institutions of higher learning described in section 3452(b) of this
title is the amount of the fee charged for the test.
``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of
any individual for a test described in paragraph (1) is equal to the
number (including any fraction) determined by dividing the total amount
of educational assistance paid such individual for such test by the
full-time monthly institutional rate of educational assistance, except
for paragraph (1), such individual would otherwise be paid under this
chapter.
``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance under
this subsection for a test described in paragraph (1) exceed the amount
of the individual's available entitlement under this chapter.''.
(3) Chapter 34.--Section 3482 of such title is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(i)(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational
assistance payable under this chapter for a national test for admission
or national test providing an opportunity for course credit at
institutions of higher learning described in section 3452(b) of this
title is the amount of the fee charged for the test.
``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of
any individual for a test described in paragraph (1) is equal to the
number (including any fraction) determined by dividing the total amount
of educational assistance paid such individual for such test by the
full-time monthly institutional rate of educational assistance, except
for paragraph (1), such individual would otherwise be paid under this
chapter.
``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance under
this subsection for a test described in paragraph (1) exceed the amount
of the individual's available entitlement under this chapter.''.
(4) Chapter 35.--Section 3532 of such title is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g)(1) Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of educational
assistance payable under this chapter for a national test for admission
or national test providing an opportunity for course credit at
institutions of higher learning described in section 3501(a)(5) of this
title is the amount of the fee charged for the test.
``(2) The number of months of entitlement charged in the case of
any individual for a test described in paragraph (1) is equal to the
number (including any fraction) determined by dividing the total amount
of educational assistance paid such individual for such test by the
full-time monthly institutional rate of educational assistance, except
for paragraph (1), such individual would otherwise be paid under this
chapter.
``(3) In no event shall payment of educational assistance under
this subsection for a test described in paragraph (1) exceed the amount
of the individual's available entitlement under this chapter.''.
SEC. 6. INCREASE IN MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF HOME LOAN GUARANTY FOR
CONSTRUCTION AND PURCHASE OF HOMES AND ANNUAL INDEXING OF
AMOUNT.
(a) Maximum Loan Guaranty Based on 100 Percent of Freddie Mac
Conforming Loan Rate.--Section 3703(a)(1) of title 38, United States
Code, is amended by striking ``$60,000'' each place it appears in
subparagraphs (A)(i)(IV) and (B) and inserting ``the maximum guaranty
amount (as defined in subparagraph (C))''.
(b) Definition.--Such section is further amended by adding at the
end the following new subparagraph:
``(C) In this paragraph, the term `maximum guaranty amount' means
the dollar amount that is equal to 25 percent of the Freddie Mac
conforming loan limit limitation determined under section 305(a)(2) of
the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12 U.S.C. 1454(a)(2))
for a single-family residence, as adjusted for the year involved.''. | Montgomery GI Bill for the 21st Century Act - Reduces, for purposes of certain student financial aid computations, the expected family contribution for individuals receiving educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) by an amount equal to the statutory reduction in basic pay or voluntary separation incentives for such individuals.
Authorizes enrollment in the MGIB basic educational assistance program by certain individuals who participated in or were eligible to participate in the post-Vietnam era veteran's educational assistance program.
Provides for commencement of the ten-year delimiting period for the receipt of certain training program benefits by veterans, survivors, and dependents upon commencement of such training.
Makes MGIB educational benefits available for payment of fees associated with national admissions exams and national exams for credit at institutions of higher education.
Increases the maximum loan guarantee amount for veterans seeking assistance under the Veterans Administration home loan guaranty program by indexing that amount to the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit, adjusted annually. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to extend and enhance benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill, to improve housing benefits for veterans, and for other purposes."} | 2,848 | 216 | 0.533492 | 1.443955 | 0.818907 | 2.607735 | 14.165746 | 0.883978 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation
Mitigation Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. PRIORITY PROJECTS.
Section 3(c)(3) of the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation
Mitigation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 777 note; Public Law 106-502) is
amended by striking ``$5,000,000'' and inserting ``$2,500,000''.
SEC. 3. COST SHARING.
Section 7(c) of Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act
of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 777 note; Public Law 106-502) is amended--
(1) by striking ``The value'' and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The value''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Bonneville power administration.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may, without
further appropriation and without fiscal year
limitation, accept any amounts provided to the
Secretary by the Administrator of the Bonneville Power
Administration.
``(B) Non-federal share.--Any amounts provided by
the Bonneville Power Administration directly or through
a grant to another entity for a project carried under
the Program shall be credited toward the non-Federal
share of the costs of the project.''.
SEC. 4. REPORT.
Section 9 of the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation
Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 777 note; Public Law 106-502) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``any'' before ``amounts are made''; and
(2) by inserting after ``Secretary shall'' the following:
``, after partnering with local governmental entities and the
States in the Pacific Ocean drainage area,''.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
Section 10 of the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation
Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 777 note; Public Law 106-502) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2001 through 2005''
and inserting ``2008 through 2014''; and
(2) in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (2) and
inserting the following:
``(2) Administrative expenses.--
``(A) Definition of administrative expense.--In
this paragraph, the term `administrative expense'
means, except as provided in subparagraph (B)(iii)(II),
any expenditure relating to--
``(i) staffing and overhead, such as the
rental of office space and the acquisition of
office equipment; and
``(ii) the review, processing, and
provision of applications for funding under the
Program.
``(B) Limitation.--
``(i) In general.--Not more than 6 percent
of amounts made available to carry out this Act
for each fiscal year may be used for Federal
and State administrative expenses of carrying
out this Act.
``(ii) Federal and state shares.--To the
maximum extent practicable, of the amounts made
available for administrative expenses under
clause (i)--
``(I) 50 percent shall be provided
to the State agencies provided
assistance under the Program; and
``(II) an amount equal to the cost
of 1 full-time equivalent Federal
employee, as determined by the
Secretary, shall be provided to the
Federal agency carrying out the
Program.
``(iii) State expenses.--Amounts made
available to States for administrative expenses
under clause (i)--
``(I) shall be divided evenly among
all States provided assistance under
the Program; and
``(II) may be used by a State to
provide technical assistance relating
to the program, including any staffing
expenditures (including staff travel
expenses) associated with--
``(aa) arranging meetings
to promote the Program to
potential applicants;
``(bb) assisting applicants
with the preparation of
applications for funding under
the Program; and
``(cc) visiting
construction sites to provide
technical assistance, if
requested by the applicant.''. | Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act of 2007 - Amends the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act of 2000 to direct the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to give priority to any project that has a total cost of less than $2.5 million (currently, $5 million).
Authorizes the Secretary, without further appropriation and without fiscal year limitation, to accept any amounts provided to the Secretary by the Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration.
Requires: (1) any amounts provided by the Bonneville Power Administration directly or through a grant to another entity for a project carried out under the Program to be credited toward the non-federal share of project costs; and (2) the Secretary's report on projects under such Act to be made after partnering with local governmental entities and the states in the Pacific Ocean drainage area (Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Idaho).
Authorizes appropriations for the Act through FY2014. Sets forth limits and requirements on the amount that may be used each fiscal year for federal and state administrative expenses of carrying out this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Bonneville Power Administration portions of the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act of 2000 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2008 through 2014, and for other purposes."} | 929 | 251 | 0.680475 | 2.0541 | 0.737141 | 3.287037 | 3.837963 | 0.842593 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``New Mothers' Breastfeeding Promotion
and Protection Act of 1998''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) Women with infants and toddlers are the fastest growing
segment of today's labor force.
(2) At least 50 percent of women who are employed when they
become pregnant return to the labor force by the time their
children are 3 months old.
(3) The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends
breastfeeding for at least the first 12 months of a child's
life. The Academy also recommends that arrangements be made to
provide expressed breastmilk if mother and child must separate.
(4) Breastmilk contains all the nutrients a child needs for
ideal growth and development (including helpful antibodies,
proteins, immune cells, and growth factors that can only be
found in breastmilk), promotes closeness between mother and
child, and is easy to digest.
(5) Breastmilk is the first line of immunization defense
and enhances the effectiveness of vaccines given to infants.
(6) Research studies show that children who are not
breastfed have higher rates of mortality, meningitis, some
types of cancers, asthma and other respiratory illnesses,
bacterial and viral infections, diarrhoeal diseases, ear
infections, allergies, and obesity.
(7) Research studies have also shown that breastmilk and
breastfeeding have protective effects against the development
of a number of chronic diseases, including juvenile diabetes,
lymphomas, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, some chronic liver
diseases, and ulcerative colitis.
(8) A number of recent studies have shown that breastfed
children have higher IQs at all ages.
(9) Breastfeeding promotion and support are an integral
part of nutrition services provided by the Women, Infants, and
Children (WIC) program, and has been shown to reduce costs. For
example, in a recent cost-benefit study in the State of
Colorado, it was found that exclusively breastfeeding a WIC
infant saved $161 in the first 6 months of life when compared
to formula-fed infants. A Medicaid savings of $112 per infant
was realized by this group while pharmacy costs were
approximately 50 percent lower.
(10) In 1997 the United States had one of the lowest
breastfeeding rates of all industrialized nations and one of
the highest rates of infant mortality.
(11) Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the mother's
risk of breast and ovarian cancer, hip fractures, and
osteoporosis.
(12) Breastfeeding releases a hormone in a woman's body
that causes her uterus to return to its normal size and shape
more quickly, and reduces blood loss after delivery.
(13) Although title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42
U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) was amended by the Pregnancy
Discrimination Act in 1978 to prohibit discrimination on the
basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition,
courts have not interpreted this amendment to include
breastfeeding despite the intent of the Congress to include it.
(14) Women who wish to continue breastfeeding after
returning to work have relatively few needs: availability of
suitable, dependable, efficient breast pumps; a clean,
convenient, safe, private, and comfortable location to express
milk at the worksite; the opportunity to pump their breasts
frequently enough to maintain their milk supply; and an
adequate place to temporarily store expressed milk.
(15) Many employers have seen positive results from
facilitating lactation programs in the workplace, including low
absenteeism, high productivity, high company loyalty, high
employee morale, and lower health care costs.
(16) Parental absenteeism due to infant illness is 3 times
less among the parents of breastfed children than those that
are formula fed.
(17) Worksite programs that aim to improve infant health
may also bring about a reduction in parental absenteeism and
health insurance costs.
(18) Many women do not have available to them adequate
facilities for expressing milk at their workplace, and are
forced to pump in restrooms lacking privacy, comfort, and
cleanliness. Many employees do not have access to refrigeration
or other adequate storage facilities for expressed milk.
(19) Many employers deny women the opportunity to
breastfeed or express milk. Some women have been discharged for
requesting to breastfeed or express milk during lunch and other
regular breaks. Some women have been harassed or discriminated
against. Some women have had their pay withheld or been taken
off of shift work for indicating their intention to express
milk during the workday.
(20) There are numerous products on the market to assist a
woman in expressing milk, but not all such products are
effective or efficient. There have been many reports from
physicians and lactation consultants about breastfeeding
failure due to the use of ineffective breast pumps.
SEC. 3. AMENDMENT TO TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964.
Section 701(k) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000e(k))
is amended--
(1) by inserting ``breastfeeding,'' after ``childbirth'',
and
(2) by adding at the end the following: ``For purposes of
this subsection, the term `breastfeeding' means the feeding of
a child directly from the breast or the expression of milk from
the breast by a lactating woman.''.
SEC. 4. ALLOWANCE OF CREDIT FOR EMPLOYER EXPENSES FOR PROVIDING
APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENT ON BUSINESS PREMISES FOR EMPLOYED
MOTHERS TO BREASTFEED OR EXPRESS MILK FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
(a) In General.--Subpart D of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business related
credits) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 45D. CREDIT FOR EMPLOYER EXPENSES INCURRED TO FACILITATE
EMPLOYED MOTHERS WHO BREASTFEED OR EXPRESS MILK FOR THEIR
CHILDREN.
``(a) In General.--For purposes of section 38, the breastfeeding
promotion and support credit determined under this section for the
taxable year is an amount equal to 50 percent of the qualified
breastfeeding promotion and support expenditures of the taxpayer for
such taxable year.
``(b) Dollar Limitation.--The credit allowable under subsection (a)
for any taxable year shall not exceed the product of--
``(1) $10,000, and
``(2) the number determined by dividing the average number
of full-time employees of the taxpayer during the preceding
taxable year by 8,000.
``(c) Qualified Breastfeeding Promotion and Support Expenditure.--
For purposes of this section--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified breastfeeding
promotion and support expenditure' means any amount paid or
incurred in connection with a trade or business of the
taxpayer--
``(A) for breast pumps and other equipment
specially designed to assist mothers who are employees
of the taxpayer to breastfeed or express milk for their
children but only if such pumps and equipment meet such
standards (if any) prescribed by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services under section 5 of the New
Mothers' Breastfeeding Promotion and Protection Act of
1998, and
``(B) for consultation services to the taxpayer or
employees of the taxpayer relating to breastfeeding.
``(2) Costs of other exclusive use property included.--Such
term includes any amount paid or incurred for the acquisition
or lease of tangible personal property (not described in
paragraph (1)(A)) which is exclusively used by mothers who are
employees of the taxpayer to breastfeed or express milk for
their children unless such property is located in any residence
of the taxpayer or any employee of the taxpayer.
``(d) Recapture of Credit.--
``(1) In general.--If, during any taxable year, any
property for which a credit was allowed under this section is
disposed of or otherwise ceases to be used by the taxpayer as
required by this section, then the tax of the taxpayer under
this chapter for such taxable year shall be increased by an
amount equal to the recapture percentage of the aggregate
decrease in the credits allowed under section 38 for all prior taxable
years which would have resulted solely from reducing to zero any credit
determined under this section with respect to such property. The
preceding sentence shall not apply to property leased to the taxpayer.
``(2) Recapture percentage.--For purposes of this
subsection, the recapture percentage shall be determined in
accordance with the following table:
The recapture
``If the recapture event occurs in:
percentage is:
Year 1............................... 100
Year 2............................... 60
Year 3............................... 30
Year 4 or thereafter................. 0.
The references to years in the preceding table are references
to the consecutive taxable years beginning with the taxable
year in which the property is placed in service by the taxpayer
as year 1.
``(3) Certain rules to apply.--Rules similar to the rules
of paragraphs (3) and (4), and subparagraphs (B) and (C) of
paragraph (5), of section 50(a) shall apply for purposes of
this subsection.
``(e) Special Rules.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Aggregation rules.--For purposes of subsection (b),
all persons which are treated as a single employer under
subsection (a) or (b) of section 52 shall be treated as a
single taxpayer, and the dollar amount contained in such
subsection shall be allocated among such persons under
regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
``(2) Reduction in basis.--Rules similar to the rules of
paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 50(c), and section
1016(a)(19), shall apply with respect to property for which a
credit is determined under this section.
``(3) Other deductions and credits.--No deduction or credit
shall be allowed under any other provision of this chapter with
respect to any expenditure for which a credit is determined
under this section.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 38(b) of such Code is amended--
(A) by striking ``plus'' at the end of paragraph
(11),
(B) by striking the period at the end of paragraph
(12) and inserting ``, plus'', and
(C) by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(13) the breastfeeding promotion and support credit
determined under section 45D(a).''
(2) Subsection (d) of section 39 of such Code (relating to
carryback and carryforward of unused credits) is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(9) No carryback of section 45d credit before january 1,
1999.--No portion of the unused business credit for any taxable
year which is attributable to the credit determined under
section 45D may be carried back to a taxable year beginning
before January 1, 1999.''.
(3) The table of sections for subpart D of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at
the end the following new item:
``Sec. 45D. Credit for employer expenses
incurred to facilitate employed
mothers who breastfeed or
express milk for their
children.''
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1998.
SEC. 5. BREAST PUMPS.
(a) Performance Standards.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services shall take such action as may be appropriate to put into
effect a performance standard for breast pumps irrespective of the
class to which the device has been classified under section 513 of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360c). In establishing
such standard, the Secretary shall identify those pumps appropriate for
use on a regular basis in a place of employment based on the efficiency
and effectiveness of the pump and on sanitation factcors related to
communal use. Action for a performance standard shall be taken within
one year of the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b) Compliance Policy Guide.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, shall
issue a compliance policy guide which will assure that women who want
to breastfeed a child are given full and complete information
respecting breast pumps.
SEC. 6. FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE FOR NURSING MOTHERS' BREAKS.
(a) Private and Public Sector Employees.--
(1) Amendment.--Section 102(a) of the Family and Medical
Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. 2612(a)) is amended by adding at
the end the following:
``(3) Nursing mothers' breaks.--A lactating mother who is
entitled to leave under paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) shall,
during the first 12-month period for which the employee is
entitled to such leave under paragraph (2), be given up to one
hour in each 8 hour work day in such period to express milk for
a child. The time may be taken in 2 one-half hour periods or in 3 20
minute periods. For work shifts longer or shorter than 8 hours
proportional adjustments shall be made in the time given an employee to
express milk for a child. The time taken will not be charged against
the employee's entitlement to leave under paragraph (1). Unless
otherwise deemed to be compensable hours of work under applicable
Federal, State, or local law, employers are not required to compensate
employees for time under this paragraph. Such an employee shall give
the employee's employer notice, in accordance with subsection (e)(1),
that the employee will want the time provided by this paragraph.''.
(2) Intermittent leave.--The first sentence of section
102(b) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C.
2612(b)) is amended by adding before the period the following:
``or unless the leave is taken under subsection (a)(3)''.
(3) Regulations.--Within 180 days of the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Labor shall promulgate
regulations for the implementation of the amendment made by
paragraph (1).
(b) Federal Employees.--
(1) General rule.--Section 6382(a) of title 5, United
States Code is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(3) An employee who is a lactating mother who is entitled to
leave under paragraph (1)(A) or (1)B) shall, during the first 12-month
period for which the employee is entitled to such leave under paragraph
(2), be given up to one hour in each 8 hour work day in such period to
express milk for the child. The time may be taken in 2 one-half hour
periods or in 3 20 minute periods. For work shifts longer or shorter
than 8 hours proportional adjustments shall be made in the time given
an employee to express milk for a child. The time taken will not be
charged against the employee's entitlement to leave under paragraph
(1). Unless otherwise deemed to be compensable hours of work under
applicable Federal law, employees are not required to be compensated
for time under this paragraph. Such an employee shall give the
employee's employer notice, in accordance with subsection (e)(1), that
the employee will want the time provided by this paragraph.''.
(2) Intermittent leave.--The first sentence of section
6382(b)(1) of title 5, United States Code, is amended by adding
before the period the following: ``or unless the leave is taken
under subsection (a)(3)''.
(c) Purpose of Amendments.--The purpose of the amendments made by
this section is to establish a legal minimum for the amount of time
that a woman is entitled to express milk at the workplace. The
amendments are not intended to preclude an employer from voluntarily
providing more time for the employee to express milk or to diminish any
rights the woman would otherwise have pursuant to the employer's sick
leave or vacation policy or under the Family and Medical Leave Act of
1993.
SEC. 7. CAMPAIGN REGARDING BREASTFEEDING AND HEALTH OF INFANTS.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the
Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services
Administration and in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture and
the heads of such other Federal agencies as the Secretary of Health and
Human Services determines to be appropriate, shall undertake a campaign
aimed at health professionals and the general public to promote the
benefits of breastfeeding for infants, mothers, and families.
Activities under the program shall include providing such education to
public and private health professionals who provide health services
under Federal programs (including health programs for Federal
employees).
SEC. 8. INCREASED SUPPORT FOR BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION AND SUPPORT
ACTIVITIES UNDER THE WIC PROGRAM.
Section 17(h)(3) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C.
1786(h)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(H) Notwithstanding any provision in this subsection that
requires a State agency to fund breastfeeding promotion and support
activities from amounts made available for nutrition services and
administration, a State agency may use funds made available for food
benefits under this section (including savings from infant formula cost
containment) for such breastfeeding promotion and support
activities.''. | New Mothers' Breastfeeding Promotion and Protection Act of 1998 - Amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to include breastfeeding or expression of milk from the breast to feed a child among those activities for which a woman may not be discriminated against in employment.
(Sec. 4) Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50 percent of employer expenses for providing an appropriate environment on business premises for employed mothers to breastfeed or express milk for their children.
(Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to put into effect a performance standard for breast pumps irrespective of the class to which the device has been classified under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, identifying those pumps appropriate for use on a regular basis in a place of employment based on the efficiency and effectiveness of the pump and on sanitation factors related to communal use. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to issue a compliance policy guide which will assure that women who want to breastfeed a child are given full and complete information about breast pumps.
(Sec. 6) Amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), and Federal civil service law, to require family and medical leave for nursing mothers' breaks, if the lactating mothers are entitled to specified leave as private or public employees under such law. Directs the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations to implement such FMLA requirement.
(Sec. 7) Directs the Secretary of HHS, acting through the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration and in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture and other appropriate Federal agency heads, to undertake a campaign aimed at health professionals and the general public to promote the benefits of breastfeeding for infants, mothers, and families, especially public and private health professionals providing health services under Federal programs (including those for Federal employees).
(Sec. 8) Amends the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to allow State agencies to use funds made available for food benefits (including savings from infant formula cost containment) for breastfeeding promotion and support activities under the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (the WIC program). | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "New Mothers' Breastfeeding Promotion and Protection Act of 1998"} | 3,826 | 481 | 0.505258 | 1.687555 | 0.594933 | 5.474299 | 8.233645 | 0.946262 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Protect Advanced Communications for
Emergency Services Act of 2013'' or the ``PACES Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) there are an estimated 302,000,000 active wireless
mobile device users in the United States with an estimated
51,000,000 people in the United States living in households
that rely solely on wireless communication devices (almost 25
percent of households in the United States), of which
21,000,000 are children;
(2) people in the United States make more than 300,000
wireless E-9-1-1 (enhanced 9-1-1) calls daily;
(3) a majority of 9-1-1 calls now originate from mobile
devices, making an advanced wireless 9-1-1 service system a
critical national asset for law enforcement, homeland security,
and emergency responders who rely on this wireless location-
based information to effectively dispatch assistance;
(4) the Federal Communications Commission mandates all
wireless phone carriers and IP-enabled voice service providers
to provide services enabling users to dial 9-1-1 with a stated
purpose of allowing government first responders, homeland
security, police, fire and other government public safety
officials the ability to accurately locate 9-1-1 callers using
wireless devices;
(5) the growing reliance of the people of the United States
and public safety, homeland security, and law enforcement
officials on emerging wireless technologies is leading to the
need for national text to 9-1-1, as well as picture and video
9-1-1 capabilities from mobile devices;
(6) emerging technologies can be a critical component of
the end-to-end communications infrastructure connecting the
public with emergency medical service providers and emergency
dispatch providers, public safety, fire service, and law
enforcement officials, and hospital emergency and trauma care
facilities, to reduce emergency response times and provide
appropriate care;
(7) improved public safety remains an important public
health objective of Federal, State, and local governments and
substantially facilitates interstate and foreign commerce;
(8) wireless carriers and their vendors, in complying with
the Federal mandate to provide E-9-1-1 location-based
technology, have become targets of or been impacted by patent
infringement lawsuits;
(9) patent infringement lawsuits brought by what the
Federal Trade Commission has termed ``Patent Assertion
Entities'' are--
(A) compromising the ability of wireless carriers
to provide current wireless 9-1-1 services; and
(B) deterring the implementation of innovative new
technologies that could meet next generation 9-1-1
public safety needs such as text, picture, and video 9-
1-1 capabilities;
(10) section 1498 of title 28, United States Code, was
designed to protect those required by the Government to provide
a service ``by or for the United States'' while also providing
legitimate patent holders with an appropriate means to recover
reasonable and entire compensation for their patents;
(11) this Act clarifies that patented technologies required
to provide 9-1-1, enhanced 9-1-1, and other emergency
communication services, as defined in section 7 of the Wireless
Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 (47 U.S.C. 615b),
are provided by and for the United States and with the
authorization or consent of the United States for the purposes
of section 1498 of title 28, United States Code; and
(12) this Act does not modify or invalidate any patent,
preserves all patent claims, and does not prevent patent
litigation.
SEC. 3. JURISDICTION FOR CLAIMS REGARDING OTHER EMERGENCY SERVICES.
Section 1498 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(f) Jurisdiction for Claims Regarding 9-1-1, Enhanced 9-1-1, or
Other Emergency Communication Service.--Beginning after the date of
enactment of this subsection, any action under section 271 of title 35
against a wireless carrier subject to section 20.18 of title 47, Code
of Federal Regulations, or any successor thereto, or an IP-enable voice
service provider subject to section 6(a) of the Wireless Communications
and Public Safety Act of 1999 (47 U.S.C. 615a-1(a)), regarding the
provision of 9-1-1, enhanced 9-1-1, or other emergency communications
service (as defined in section 7 of the Wireless Communications and
Public Safety Act of 1999 (47 U.S.C. 615b)), shall be filed in
accordance with this section.''. | Protect Advanced Communications for Emergency Services Act of 2013 or the PACES Act - Requires any patent infringement action against certain wireless carriers (excluding mobile satellite service operators) or IP-enabled voice service providers based on their use of technologies complying with requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to provide 9-1-1, enhanced 9-1-1, or other emergency communications services (such as the delivery of 9-1-1 calls with next generation text, picture, and video technologies capable of automatically identifying number and location information to emergency service personnel) to be filed in accordance with federal judicial code procedures under which a patent or copyright owner's remedy is by an action against the United States in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. (Thus, specifies that such 9-1-1 services are provided by or for the United States with authorization or consent of the United States.) | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "PACES Act"} | 950 | 237 | 0.58246 | 1.852055 | 0.967273 | 3.724551 | 5.658683 | 0.850299 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Super Pollutants Act of 2015''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) short-lived climate pollutants account for 40 percent
of global warming impacting the atmosphere, even though those
pollutants account for a much smaller percentage of warming
agents, by weight;
(2) reducing short-lived climate pollutant emissions
could--
(A) prevent more than 2,000,000 premature deaths
each year, according to the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP);
(B) prevent more than 30,000,000 tons of crop
losses each year, according to UNEP;
(C) cut the rate of sea-level rise by 25 percent,
according to the National Center for Atmospheric
Research and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography;
(D) cut the rate of warming by up to 0.6 degrees
Celsius by 2050, according to UNEP; and
(E) significantly contribute toward the overall
global target of holding increased warming below 2
degrees Celsius;
(3) the United States is--
(A) 1 of the largest consumers of
hydrofluorocarbons in the world; and
(B) providing significant innovation in the
development of low global warming potential (low-GWP)
alternatives;
(4) the United States could serve as a leader and exemplar
of responsibly phasing down hydrofluorocarbon production and
consumption;
(5)(A) the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the
Ozone Layer has been an extraordinarily successful model for
protecting the stratospheric ozone layer and achieving
significant climate protection cobenefits; and
(B) since that treaty was signed in 1987, there has been a
98-percent reduction in ozone-depleting substances; and
(6) the interagency Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions,
released in March 2014, outlines a proactive agenda for
reducing methane leakage and waste throughout the United States
economy.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Short-lived climate pollutant.--The term ``short-lived
climate pollutant'' means--
(A) black carbon;
(B) methane; and
(C) high global warming potential
hydrofluorocarbons (referred to in this Act as ``high-
GWP HFC'').
(2) Task force.--The term ``Task Force'' means the
Interagency Task Force on Short-Lived Climate Pollutant
Mitigation established under section 4(a).
SEC. 4. INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE ON SHORT-LIVED CLIMATE POLLUTANT
MITIGATION.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the President shall establish a task force, to
be known as the ``Interagency Task Force on Short-Lived Climate
Pollutant Mitigation''.
(b) Membership.--The members of the Task Force shall include the
head of each relevant Federal department or agency (or a designee),
including the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce,
the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Department of
the Interior, the Department of State, the Department of
Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Agency
for International Development.
(c) Duties.--The Task Force shall--
(1) not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of
this Act, submit to the appropriate congressional committees a
report that includes--
(A) the plans of the relevant departments or
agencies for meeting the goals established in section 2
of Executive Order 13514 (October 5, 2009) (74 Fed.
Reg. 52117) to reduce hydrofluorocarbons, methane, and
related indirect emissions (including tropospheric
ozone) by the Federal Government; and
(B) specific plans of the relevant departments or
agencies--
(i) to purchase cleaner alternatives to
high-GWP HFC whenever feasible; and
(ii) to transition over time to equipment
that uses safer and more sustainable
alternatives to high-GWP HFC;
(2) review the policy recommendations made by--
(A) the Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task
Force;
(B) the Interagency Strategy to Reduce Methane
Emissions;
(C) the report to Congress regarding black carbon
dated March 2012; and
(D) the Council on Climate Preparedness and
Resilience;
(3) incorporate into the action plan of the Task Force any
appropriate proposals or recommendations made by the entities
or reports referred to in paragraph (2) that are relevant to
short-lived climate pollutants;
(4) identify relevant Federal programs that are or could be
addressing the reduction of short-lived climate pollutants in
the United States and worldwide;
(5) identify overlapping and duplicative programs
addressing short-lived climate pollutants that would benefit
from consolidation and streamlining;
(6) identify gaps and serious deficiencies in United States
programs targeted at short-lived climate pollutants, including
those that can be achieved through a combination of assessment,
scientific research, monitoring, and technological development
activities, with an emphasis on industry standards and public-
private partnerships;
(7) in developing recommendations, consult with affected
stakeholders in private industry; and
(8) not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of
this Act, submit to the appropriate congressional committees a
report describing the findings and recommendations resulting
from the activities described in paragraphs (2) through (7).
SEC. 5. REDUCTION OF BLACK CARBON EMISSIONS.
(a) Comprehensive Plan.--
(1) In general.--Through the membership of the United
States in the International Maritime Organization, the
Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of
Transportation, the Secretary of Commerce, the Administrator of
the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Commandant of the
Coast Guard, shall develop a comprehensive plan to reduce black
carbon emissions, based on appropriate emission data from
oceangoing vessels provided on a voluntary basis, from
international shipping through--
(A) a clean freight partnership;
(B) the inclusion of limits on black carbon; and
(C) efforts that include protection of access to
critical fuel shipments and emergency needs of coastal
communities.
(2) Roadmap.--A principal objective of the plan developed
pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be the establishment, in
coordination with the Department of Transportation, of a
roadmap toward helping countries reduce fine-particle emissions
(PM<INF>2.5</INF>) in the shipping sector through--
(A) the installation of advanced emissions
controls; and
(B) the reduction of sulfur content in fuels.
(b) Black Carbon Emissions Reduction Goals.--Acting as chairperson
of the Arctic Council, the Secretary of State shall--
(1) lead an effort to reduce black carbon through an
Arctic-wide aspirational black carbon goal; and
(2) encourage observers of the Arctic Council (including
India and China) to adopt national black carbon emissions
reduction goals and mitigation plans.
(c) Climate and Clean Air Coalition.--Through the membership of the
United States in the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-
Lived Climate Pollutants, the Secretary of State is encouraged--
(1) to work with the Coalition to craft specific financing
mechanisms for the incremental cost of international black
carbon mitigation activities; and
(2) to request that the Coalition produce a report
describing black carbon mitigation financing options.
(d) Black Carbon Mitigation Activities.--
(1) Prioritization.--The Administrator of the United States
Agency for International Development, in cooperation with the
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, shall--
(A) prioritize black carbon mitigation activities
as part of official development assistance and
programmatic activities;
(B) give special emphasis to projects that produce
substantial environmental, gender, livelihood, and
public health benefits, including support for clean-
burning cookstoves and fuels; and
(C) work with the Global Alliance for Clean
Cookstoves to help developing nations establish
thriving markets for clean and efficient cooking
solutions.
(2) Emissions reductions.--The Secretary of State, in
collaboration with the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency and the Secretary of Transportation, shall
provide additional aid to international efforts to reduce black
carbon emissions from diesel trucks, 2-stroke engines, diesel
generators, and industrial processes by providing technical
assistance--
(A) to help developing nations lower the sulfur
content of diesel fuels;
(B) to expand access to diesel particulate filters;
(C) to provide vehicle manufacturers with low-
emission engine designs; and
(D) to develop other mitigation activities,
including energy efficiency alternatives for generators
and industrial processes.
SEC. 6. GLOBAL REDUCTIONS IN HIGH-GWP FLUORINATED GASES.
(a) Sense of Congress.--
(1) Actions by environmental protection agency.--It is the
sense of Congress that the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency should--
(A) amend any regulations issued under section 608
of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7671g)--
(i) to include hydrofluorocarbons; and
(ii) to expand initiatives relating to the
recovery and reclamation of hydrofluorocarbons;
(B) cooperate with the Secretary of Energy in
considering modifications to the Energy Star program
established under section 324A of the Energy Policy and
Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6294a) to include
refrigerant systems that--
(i) achieve best-in-class energy efficiency
savings; and
(ii) use low global warming potential
refrigerants and foam-blowing agents; and
(C) remove high-GWP HFC from the Significant New
Alternatives Policy Program authorized under section
612(c) of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7671k(c)) for
applications in which the Administrator has identified
other alternatives that--
(i) are currently or potentially available;
(ii) reduce the overall risk to human
health and the environment; and
(iii) take into consideration cost-
effectiveness.
(2) Sense of senate.--It is the sense of the Senate that
United States leadership and full support of an amendment to
the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone
Layer, done at Montreal September 16, 1987, should ensure a
smooth, technically feasible global transition away from high-
GWP HFC.
(b) Study on High-GWP HFC Alternatives.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Energy and
the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in
collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology,
shall--
(1) evaluate the availability of high-GWP HFC alternatives;
and
(2) submit to Congress a report that--
(A) identifies--
(i) the standards or regulatory barriers
that are preventing the use of alternatives to
high-GWP HFC in the United States that are in
widespread use in other countries;
(ii) any standards or regulations requiring
revision; and
(iii) any actions necessary to revise those
standards or regulations; and
(B) establishes a plan for revising the standards
referred to in paragraph (1) in the shortest
practicable timeframe.
(c) Prohibition of HCFC-22 Air Conditioning Condensing Equipment.--
(1) In general.--Section 605 of the Clean Air Act (42
U.S.C. 7671d) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(e) HCFC-22 Air Conditioning Condensing Equipment.--Effective 1
year after the date of enactment of the Super Pollutants Act of 2015,
it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture any uncharged
hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 air conditioning condensing equipment for
residential use.''.
(2) Rulemaking.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency shall promulgate regulations--
(A) to carry out the amendment made by paragraph
(1); and
(B) to reduce the allocation of HCFC-22 consumption
allowances commensurate with anticipated decreased
demand resulting from the prohibition of uncharged
condensing equipment under subsection (e) of section
605 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7671d) (as added by
paragraph (1)).
(d) R-134a Automotive Air Conditioning Recharge Kits.--
(1) Study.--The Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency shall conduct a study to determine the most
effective method to minimize the inadvertent release of HFC-
134a from automotive air conditioning recharge kits at any time
during which the recharge container is not being used.
(2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to
Congress a report that contains the results of the study
conducted pursuant to paragraph (1).
SEC. 7. REDUCTION OF METHANE EMISSIONS.
(a) Technical Guidance.--The Secretary of State, the Secretary of
Energy, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and
the Secretary of Commerce shall--
(1) provide to other countries technical guidance regarding
containment of emissions from gas drilling, landfills, coal
mining, and agriculture in engaging with other governments,
including trade delegations, under the auspices of
international initiatives, such as the Global Shale Gas
Initiative of the Department of State and the Global Methane
Initiative; and
(2) collaborate with--
(A) the Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership of
the World Bank; and
(B) the Global Methane Initiative, Natural Gas STAR
Program, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Oil and
Gas Methane Partnership, and other voluntary reduction
programs of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(b) GAO Report.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United
States shall conduct a study that identifies--
(A) the types of equipment throughout the
production value chain that are most likely to have
high leak rates; and
(B) voluntary efforts on replacing or monitoring
those types of equipment.
(2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United
States shall submit to Congress a report that contains the
results of the examination conducted pursuant to paragraph (1).
(c) Sense of Congress Regarding Financing Conditions.--It is the
sense of Congress that, in evaluating gas and oil-related projects for
financial support, the heads of the United States Export-Import Bank
and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation should condition
financing for those projects on--
(1) the deployment of the best technology, methods, and
management practices for detecting and repairing leaks of
methane throughout the oil and gas production, processing,
transportation, and distribution system;
(2) the minimization of venting and inefficient or
unnecessary flaring; and
(3) the deployment of best technology, methods, and
management practices for reducing emissions of other air
pollution, especially--
(A) volatile organic compounds; and
(B) hazardous air pollutants. | Super Pollutants Act of 2015 This bill requires the President to establish the Interagency Task Force on Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Mitigation. The Task Force must report on federal agencies' plans for reducing those pollutants, including: (1) black carbon (soot emissions), (2) methane, and (3) hydrofluorocarbons with high global warming potential (high-GWP HFC). The Department of State must develop a comprehensive plan to reduce black carbon emissions from international shipping, which must include a roadmap toward helping countries reduce fine-particle emissions from shipping. While acting as chairperson of the Arctic Council, the Secretary of State must: (1) lead an effort to reduce black carbon through an Arctic-wide aspirational black carbon goal, and (2) encourage observers of that Council to adopt national black carbon emissions reduction goals and mitigation plans. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) must: (1) prioritize black carbon mitigation activities as part of aid distribution activities; (2) give special emphasis to projects that produce substantial environmental, gender, livelihood, and public health benefits; and (3) work with the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves to help developing nations establish thriving markets for clean and efficient cooking solutions. The State Department must provide technical assistance to aid international efforts in reducing black carbon emissions from diesel trucks, 2-stroke engines, diesel generators, and industrial processes. The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must: (1) evaluate the availability of high-GWP HFC alternatives, and (2) report on a plan for revising regulatory barriers that prevent the use of those alternatives. The bill amends the Clean Air Act to prohibit the manufacture of any uncharged hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 air-conditioning condensing equipment for residential use. The EPA must study and report on the most effective method to minimize the inadvertent release of HFC-134a from automotive air conditioning recharge kits when the recharge container is not being used. The State Department, DOE, the EPA, and the Department of Commerce must provide to other countries technical guidance on containing emissions from gas drilling, landfills, coal mining, and agriculture. The Government Accountability Office must identify: (1) the types of equipment throughout the production value chain that are most likely to have high leak rates, and (2) voluntary efforts on replacing or monitoring those types of equipment. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Super Pollutants Act of 2015"} | 3,329 | 504 | 0.545 | 1.984661 | 0.699396 | 4.563596 | 6.532895 | 0.932018 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Energy Education Loan Forgiveness
Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. ENERGY EDUCATION LOAN FORGIVENESS.
Part B of title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
1070 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 428L the following
new section:
``SEC. 428M. ENERGY EDUCATION LOAN FORGIVENESS.
``(a) Purpose.--The purposes of this section are--
``(1) to encourage individuals to enter and continue in
advanced energy professions; and
``(2) to reward such individuals for their service in
advanced energy professions by reducing the burden of student
loan debt.
``(b) Program Authorized.--
``(1) Loan forgiveness authorized.--The Secretary is
authorized to forgive, in accordance with this section, the
student loan obligation of a borrower, in the amount specified
in subsection (c), who--
``(A) has been employed for at least one calendar
year after the date of enactment of the Energy
Education Loan Forgiveness Act of 2010 as a full-time
skilled energy worker trained in an industry that
focuses on advanced energy (as defined in subsection
(f)); and
``(B) is not in default on a loan for which the
borrower seeks forgiveness.
``(2) Method of loan forgiveness.--To provide loan
forgiveness under paragraph (1), the Secretary is authorized to
carry out a program--
``(A) through the holder of the loan, to assume the
obligation to repay a qualified loan amount for a loan
made, insured, or guaranteed under this part (other
than an excepted PLUS loan (as such term is defined in
section 493C(a))); and
``(B) to cancel a qualified loan amount for a loan
made under part D or part E of this title (other than
such an excepted PLUS loan).
``(c) Qualified Loan Amount.--The Secretary shall, from funds
appropriated under subsection (h), forgive the loan obligation of a
borrower in accordance with this section and in the following
increments:
``(1) After the first calendar year of employment described
in subsection (b)(1), not more than $2,000 of the loan
obligation of the borrower that is outstanding after the
completion of such calendar year.
``(2) After the second such year of employment, not more
than $2,500 of the loan obligation of the borrower that is
outstanding after the completion of such year.
``(3) After the third such year of employment, not more
than $3,000 of the loan obligation of the borrower that is
outstanding after the completion of such year.
``(4) After the fourth such year of employment, not more
than $4,500 of the loan obligation of the borrower that is
outstanding after the completion of such year.
``(5) After the fifth such year of employment, not more
than $5,000 of the loan obligation of the borrower that is
outstanding after the completion of such year.
``(d) Priority.--The Secretary shall grant loan forgiveness under
this section on a first-come, first-served basis, and subject to the
availability of appropriations.
``(e) Ineligibility for Double Benefits.--No borrower may, for the
same service, receive a reduction of loan obligations under both this
section and section 428K or 455(m).
``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Advanced energy.--The term `advanced energy' shall
have the meaning given such term by the Secretary pursuant to
subsection (g).
``(2) Industry that focuses on advanced energy.--The term
`industry that focuses on advanced energy' means an industry
the primary purpose of which is to develop, produce, and
distribute advanced energy (as defined by the Secretary in
accordance with subsection (g)), and includes the following
industries:
``(A) Alternative energy, including wind and solar
energy.
``(B) Nuclear energy.
``(C) Energy efficient construction, retrofitting,
and design.
``(D) Sustainable energy technologies, including
chemical technology, nanotechnology, and electrical
technology.
``(E) Water and energy conservation.
``(F) Recycling and waste reduction.
``(G) Advanced agriculture and farming.
``(H) Carbon sequestration and storage.
``(I) Natural gas drilling.
``(J) Clean coal production.
``(3) Skilled energy worked.--The term `skilled energy
worker' shall have the meaning given such term by the Secretary
pursuant to subsection (g).
``(g) Regulations.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary is authorized to issue
such regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section.
``(2) Consultation with secretary of energy.--The Secretary
shall coordinate with the Secretary of Energy to promulgate
regulations to define, for the purpose of awarding loan
forgiveness under this section, the term `advanced energy', the
term `skilled energy worker', and each of the categories of
industries that focus on advanced energy that are listed under
subsection (f)(2).
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary
for fiscal year 2011 and each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''. | Energy Education Loan Forgiveness Act of 2010 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to provide student loan forgiveness under the Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan, and Perkins Loans programs to individuals who have been employed for at least one year after this Act's enactment as full-time skilled energy workers in advanced energy industries.
Limits the maximum amount of such loan forgiveness to $2,000 after the first year of a skilled energy worker's employment, with incremental increases after each of the following four years, reaching $5,000 of the loan obligation of the borrower outstanding after the completion of the fifth year.
Includes as advanced energy industries those involved in: (1) alternative energy; (2) nuclear energy; (3) energy efficient construction, retrofitting, and design; (4) sustainable energy technologies; (5) water and energy conservation; (6) recycling and waste reduction; (7) advanced agriculture; (8) carbon sequestration and storage; (9) natural gas drilling; and (10) clean coal production. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize student loan forgiveness for certain individuals employed in advanced energy professions."} | 1,227 | 212 | 0.638147 | 1.72671 | 0.806945 | 2.763285 | 5.497585 | 0.879227 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``United Nations Reform Act of 1997''.
SEC. 2. PAYMENT OF UNITED STATES ARREARAGES IN ASSESSED CONTRIBUTIONS
TO THE UNITED NATIONS.
(a) Limitation.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for
each of the fiscal years 1998 through 2002, no funds shall be available
for obligation or expenditure to the United Nations for the payment
except under procedures of United States assessed contributions to the
United Nations more than one year in arrears at the time of passage of
this Act under United States Government accounting except under
procedures under subsection (b);
(b) Procedures for the Release of United States Arrearages to the
United Nations.--In accordance with procedures applicable to
reprogramming notifications under section 34 of the State Department
Basic Authorities Act of 1956, for each fiscal year 1998 through 2002,
the President may make available for obligation or expenditure to the
United Nations an amount not to exceed 20% of United States assessed
contributions to the United Nations more than one year in arrears at
the time of passage of this Act under United States Government
accounting if on January 31 of each fiscal year 1998 through 2002 the
President determines and certifies to the relevant committees of the
Congress that the applicable reform criteria for each fiscal year has
been met.
(c) Definitions.--As used in this section:
(1) Relevant committees of the congress.--The term
``relevant committees of the Congress'' means the Committee on
Foreign Relations and the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate and the Committee on International Relations and the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(2) Applicable reform criteria.--The term ``applicable
reform criteria'' means--
(A) for fiscal year 1998 that the United Nations
has maintained a zero nominal growth budget in United
States dollar terms and has made all of its programs,
offices and activities open to auditing by the national
auditing and inspecting agencies of its member states
to include, but not be limited to the United States
General Accounting Office and the State Department
Office of Inspector General, that the United Nations
Office of Internal Oversight Services has been fully
funded at its request level, and that all products of
the Office of Internal Oversight Services relevant to
United Nations budgetary and administrative matters are
available to all United Nations member states;
(B) for fiscal year 1999 that all criteria for
fiscal year 1998 continue to be met and that United
States representation on the United Nations Advisory
Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions has
been restored;
(C) for fiscal year 2000 that all criteria for
fiscal years 1998 and 1999 continue to be met and that
procedures for assessing contributions for United
Nations peacekeeping activities have been reformed to
ensure that for all logistical, in-kind, and non-cash
aid provided by the United States to support United
Nations assessed peacekeeping activities that the
United States either receives from the United Nations
cash reimbursement for the full value of such aid or
credit toward the payment of assessed contributions for
peacekeeping operations;
(D) for fiscal year 2001 that all criteria for
fiscal years 1998 through 2000 continue to be met and
that the United Nations has divided its regular budget
into a small ``core'' assessed budget representing only
those activities determined by the General Accounting
Office to be necessary for the United Nations to
maintain its existence under the terms of the United
Nations Charter and a voluntary ``program'' budget that
would include all United Nations programs,
developmental activities, regional activities, economic
and social activities, and related staff; and
(E) for fiscal year 2002 that all criteria for
fiscal years 1998 through 2001 continue to be met and
that the United Nations has approved and implemented
systemwide structural reform, entailing a significant
reduction in staff, that would eliminate all outdated
activities and program duplication and would encompass
all relevant United Nations specialized agencies. | United Nations Reform Act of 1997 - Authorizes the President to make available for obligation to the United Nations (UN) no more than 20 percent of U.S. assessed contributions that are more than one year in arrears, provided that on January 31 of each of FY 1998 through 2002 the President certifies to relevant congressional committees that the UN has a zero nominal growth budget and met other applicable reform criteria during the preceding fiscal year. Sets forth a schedule for the UN to meet specified requirements for auditing, staff reduction, program elimination, restoration of U.S. representation on the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, and establishment of procedures to reimburse U.S. contributions to peacekeeping activities. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "United States Reform Act of 1997"} | 836 | 153 | 0.629958 | 1.840847 | 0.680682 | 2.359375 | 6.234375 | 0.8125 |
SECTION 1. COMMISSION ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT PROCESSING DELAYS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Faster FOIA Act of
2005''.
(b) Establishment.--There is established the Commission on Freedom
of Information Act Processing Delays (in this Act referred to as the
``Commission'') for the purpose of conducting a study relating to
methods to help reduce delays in processing requests submitted to
Federal agencies under section 552 of title 5, United States Code
(commonly referred to as the ``Freedom of Information Act'').
(c) Membership.--
(1) In general.--The Commission shall be composed of 16
members of whom--
(A) 3 shall be appointed by the chairman of the
Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate;
(B) 3 shall be appointed by the ranking member of
the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate;
(C) 3 shall be appointed by the chairman of the
Committee on Government Reform of the House of
Representatives;
(D) 3 shall be appointed by the ranking member of
the Committee on Government Reform of the House of
Representatives;
(E) 1 shall be appointed by the Attorney General of
the United States;
(F) 1 shall be appointed by the Director of the
Office of Management and Budget;
(G) 1 shall be appointed by the Archivist of the
United States; and
(H) 1 shall be appointed by the Comptroller General
of the United States.
(2) Qualifications of congressional appointees.--Of the 3
appointees under each of subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D)
of paragraph (1)--
(A) at least 1 shall have experience in submitting
requests under section 552 of title 5, United States
Code, to Federal agencies, such as on behalf of
nonprofit research or educational organizations or news
media organizations; and
(B) at least 1 shall have experience in academic
research in the fields of library science, information
management, or public access to Government information.
(d) Study.--The Commission shall conduct a study to--
(1) identify methods that--
(A) will help reduce delays in the processing of
requests submitted to Federal agencies under section
552 of title 5, United States Code; and
(B) ensure the efficient and equitable
administration of that section throughout the Federal
Government; and
(2) examine whether the system for charging fees and
granting waivers of fees under section 552 of title 5, United
States Code, needs to be reformed in order to reduce delays in
processing requests.
(e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of
this Act, the Commission shall submit a report to Congress and the
President containing the results of the study under this section, which
shall include--
(1) a description of the methods identified by the study;
(2) the conclusions and recommendations of the Commission
regarding--
(A) each method identified; and
(B) the charging of fees and granting of waivers of
fees; and
(3) recommendations for legislative or administrative
actions to implement the conclusions of the Commission.
(f) Staff and Administrative Support Services.--The Comptroller
General of the United States shall provide to the Commission such staff
and administrative support services, including research assistance at
the request of the Commission, as necessary for the Commission to
perform its functions efficiently and in accordance with this section.
(g) Information.--To the extent permitted by law, the heads of
executive agencies, the Government Accountability Office, and the
Congressional Research Service shall provide to the Commission such
information as the Commission may require to carry out its functions.
(h) Compensation of Members.--Members of the Commission shall serve
without compensation for services performed for the Commission.
(i) 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.
(j) Applicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Federal
Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall apply to the Commission.
(k) Termination.--The Commission shall terminate 30 days after the
submission of the report under subsection (e). | Faster FOIA Act of 2005 - Establishes a 16-member Commission on Freedom of Information Act Processing Delays to conduct a study concerning methods to reduce delays in processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests submitted to Federal agencies. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish the Commission on Freedom of Information Act Processing Delays."} | 952 | 55 | 0.502999 | 1.224258 | 1.346506 | 3.697674 | 20.906977 | 0.906977 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Clean Water for Rural Communities
Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to ensure a safe and adequate municipal,
rural, and industrial water supply for the citizens of--
(1) Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Prairie, Richland, Judith
Basin, Wheatland, Golden Valley, Fergus, Yellowstone, and
Musselshell Counties in the State of Montana; and
(2) McKenzie County, North Dakota.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the
Administrator of the Western Area Power Administration.
(2) Authority.--The term ``Authority'' means--
(A) in the case of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water
Authority System--
(i) the Dry-Redwater Regional Water
Authority, which is a publicly owned nonprofit
water authority formed in accordance with Mont.
Code Ann. Sec. 75-6-302 (2007); and
(ii) any nonprofit successor entity to the
Authority described in clause (i); and
(B) in the case of the Musselshell-Judith Rural
Water System--
(i) the Central Montana Regional Water
Authority, which is a publicly owned nonprofit
water authority formed in accordance with Mont.
Code Ann. Sec. 75-6-302 (2007); and
(ii) any nonprofit successor entity to the
Authority described in clause (i).
(3) Dry-redwater regional water authority system.--The term
``Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System'' means the Dry-
Redwater Regional Water Authority System authorized under
section 4(a)(1) with a project service area that includes--
(A) Garfield and McCone Counties in the State;
(B) the area west of the Yellowstone River in
Dawson and Richland Counties in the State;
(C) T. 15 N. (including the area north of the
Township) in Prairie County in the State; and
(D) the portion of McKenzie County, North Dakota,
that includes all land that is located west of the
Yellowstone River in the State of North Dakota.
(4) Integrated system.--The term ``integrated system''
means the transmission system owned by the Western Area Power
Administration Basin Electric Power District and the Heartland
Consumers Power District.
(5) Musselshell-judith rural water system.--The term
``Musselshell-Judith Rural Water System'' means the
Musselshell-Judith Rural Water System authorized under section
4(a)(2) with a project service area that includes--
(A) Judith Basin, Wheatland, Golden Valley, and
Musselshell Counties in the State;
(B) the portion of Yellowstone County in the State
within 2 miles of State Highway 3 and within 4 miles of
the county line between Golden Valley and Yellowstone
Counties in the State, inclusive of the Town of
Broadview, Montana; and
(C) the portion of Fergus County in the State
within 2 miles of U.S. Highway 87 and within 4 miles of
the county line between Fergus and Judith Basin
Counties in the State, inclusive of the Town of Moore,
Montana.
(6) Non-federal distribution system.--The term ``non-
Federal distribution system'' means a non-Federal utility that
provides electricity to the counties covered by the Dry-
Redwater Regional Water Authority System.
(7) Pick-sloan program.--The term ``Pick-Sloan program''
means the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program (authorized
by section 9 of the Act of December 22, 1944 (commonly known as
the ``Flood Control Act of 1944'') (58 Stat. 891, chapter
665)).
(8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(9) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of Montana.
(10) Water system.--The term ``Water System'' means--
(A) the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority
System; and
(B) the Musselshell-Judith Rural Water System.
SEC. 4. DRY-REDWATER REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY SYSTEM AND MUSSELSHELL-
JUDITH RURAL WATER SYSTEM.
(a) Authorization.--The Secretary may carry out--
(1) the project entitled the ``Dry-Redwater Regional Water
Authority System'' in a manner that is substantially in
accordance with the feasibility study entitled ``Dry-Redwater
Regional Water System Feasibility Study'' (including revisions
of the study), which received funding from the Bureau of
Reclamation on September 1, 2010; and
(2) the project entitled the ``Musselshell-Judith Rural
Water System'' in a manner that is substantially in accordance
with the feasibility report entitled ``Musselshell-Judith Rural
Water System Feasibility Report'' (including any and all
revisions of the report).
(b) Cooperative Agreement.--The Secretary shall enter into a
cooperative agreement with the Authority to provide Federal assistance
for the planning, design, and construction of the Water Systems.
(c) Cost-Sharing Requirement.--
(1) Federal share.--
(A) In general.--The Federal share of the costs
relating to the planning, design, and construction of
the Water Systems shall not exceed--
(i) in the case of the Dry-Redwater
Regional Water Authority System--
(I) 75 percent of the total cost of
the Dry-Redwater Regional Water
Authority System; or
(II) such other lesser amount as
may be determined by the Secretary,
acting through the Commissioner of
Reclamation, in a feasibility report;
or
(ii) in the case of the Musselshell-Judith
Rural Water System, 75 percent of the total
cost of the Musselshell-Judith Rural Water
System.
(B) Limitation.--Amounts made available under
subparagraph (A) shall not be returnable or
reimbursable under the reclamation laws.
(2) Use of federal funds.--
(A) General uses.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and
(C), the Water Systems may use Federal funds made
available to carry out this section for--
(i) facilities relating to--
(I) water pumping;
(II) water treatment; and
(III) water storage;
(ii) transmission pipelines;
(iii) pumping stations;
(iv) appurtenant buildings, maintenance
equipment, and access roads;
(v) any interconnection facility that
connects a pipeline of the Water System to a
pipeline of a public water system;
(vi) electrical power transmission and
distribution facilities required for the
operation and maintenance of the Water System;
(vii) any other facility or service
required for the development of a rural water
distribution system, as determined by the
Secretary; and
(viii) any property or property right
required for the construction or operation of a
facility described in this subsection.
(B) Additional uses.--In addition to the uses
described in subparagraph (A)--
(i) the Dry-Redwater Regional Water
Authority System may use Federal funds made
available to carry out this section for--
(I) facilities relating to water
intake; and
(II) distribution, pumping, and
storage facilities that--
(aa) serve the needs of
citizens who use public water
systems;
(bb) are in existence on
the date of enactment of this
Act; and
(cc) may be purchased,
improved, and repaired in
accordance with a cooperative
agreement entered into by the
Secretary under subsection (b);
and
(ii) the Musselshell-Judith Rural Water
System may use Federal funds made available to
carry out this section for--
(I) facilities relating to--
(aa) water supply wells;
and
(bb) distribution
pipelines; and
(II) control systems.
(C) Limitation.--Federal funds made available to
carry out this section shall not be used for the
operation, maintenance, or replacement of the Water
Systems.
(D) Title.--Title to the Water Systems shall be
held by the Authority.
SEC. 5. USE OF POWER FROM PICK-SLOAN PROGRAM BY THE DRY-REDWATER
REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY SYSTEM.
(a) Finding.--Congress finds that--
(1) McCone and Garfield Counties in the State were
designated as impact counties during the period in which the
Fort Peck Dam was constructed; and
(2) as a result of the designation, the Counties referred
to in paragraph (1) were to receive impact mitigation benefits
in accordance with the Pick-Sloan program.
(b) Availability of Power.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the
Administrator shall make available to the Dry-Redwater Regional
Water Authority System a quantity of power required, of up to
1\1/2\ megawatt capacity, to meet the pumping and incidental
operation requirements of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water
Authority System during the period beginning on May 1 and
ending on October 31 of each year--
(A) from the water intake facilities; and
(B) through all pumping stations, water treatment
facilities, reservoirs, storage tanks, and pipelines up
to the point of delivery of water by the water supply
system to all storage reservoirs and tanks and each
entity that distributes water at retail to individual
users.
(2) Eligibility.--The Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority
System shall be eligible to receive power under paragraph (1)
if the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System--
(A) operates on a not-for-profit basis; and
(B) is constructed pursuant to a cooperative
agreement entered into by the Secretary under section
4(b).
(3) Rate.--The Administrator shall establish the cost of
the power described in paragraph (1) at the firm power rate.
(4) Additional power.--
(A) In general.--If power, in addition to that made
available to the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority
System under paragraph (1), is necessary to meet the
pumping requirements of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water
Authority, the Administrator may purchase the necessary
additional power at the best available rate.
(B) Reimbursement.--The cost of purchasing
additional power shall be reimbursed to the
Administrator by the Dry-Redwater Regional Water
Authority.
(5) Responsibility for power charges.--The Dry-Redwater
Regional Water Authority shall be responsible for the payment
of the power charge described in paragraph (4) and non-Federal
delivery costs described in paragraph (6).
(6) Transmission arrangements.--
(A) In general.--The Dry-Redwater Regional Water
Authority System shall be responsible for all non-
Federal transmission and distribution system delivery
and service arrangements.
(B) Upgrades.--The Dry-Redwater Regional Water
Authority System shall be responsible for funding any
transmission upgrades, if required, to the integrated
system necessary to deliver power to the Dry-Redwater
Regional Water Authority System.
SEC. 6. WATER RIGHTS.
Nothing in this Act--
(1) preempts or affects any State water law; or
(2) affects any authority of a State, as in effect on the
date of enactment of this Act, to manage water resources within
that State.
SEC. 7. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated such
sums as are necessary to carry out the planning, design, and
construction of the Water Systems, substantially in accordance with the
cost estimate set forth in the applicable feasibility study or
feasibility report described in section 4(a).
(b) Cost Indexing.--
(1) In general.--The amount authorized to be appropriated
under subsection (a) may be increased or decreased in
accordance with ordinary fluctuations in development costs
incurred after the applicable date specified in paragraph (2),
as indicated by any available engineering cost indices
applicable to construction activities that are similar to the
construction of the Water Systems.
(2) Applicable dates.--The date referred to in paragraph
(1) is--
(A) in the case of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water
Authority System, January 1, 2008; and
(B) in the case of the Musselshell-Judith Rural
Water Authority System, November 1, 2014. | Clean Water for Rural Communities Act This bill authorizes the Department of the Interior to carry out the projects entitled: (1) the "Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority System" in accordance with the Dry-Redwater Regional Water System Feasibility Study, which received funding from the Bureau of Reclamation on September 1, 2010; and (2) the "Musselshell-Judith Rural Water System" in accordance with the Musselshell-Judith Rural Water System Feasibility Report. The bill defines the service areas of such projects in North Dakota and Montana. Interior must enter into a cooperative agreement with the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority and the Central Montana Regional Water Authority to provide federal assistance for the planning, design, and construction of such water systems. The bill sets forth the federal share of such costs and the authorized uses of federal funds, which exclude operation, maintenance, or replacement of the water systems. The Western Area Power Administration must make available to the Dry-Redwater System a quantity of power (up to one and a half megawatt capacity) required to meet the system's pumping and incidental operation requirements between May 1 and October 31 of each year: (1) from the water intake facilities; and (2) through all pumping stations, water treatment facilities, reservoirs, storage tanks, and pipelines up to the point of delivery of water to all storage reservoirs and tanks and each entity that distributes water at retail to individual users. The system is eligible to receive such power only if it: (1) operates on a nonprofit basis, and (2) is constructed pursuant to the cooperative agreement with the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority. The bill provides for the purchase of additional power. The authority is responsible for: (1) charges for such additional power, (2) the costs of non-federal transmission and distribution system delivery and service arrangements, and (3) funding any upgrades to the transmission system owned by the Western Area Power Administration Basin Electric Power District and the Heartland Consumers Power District required to deliver power to the system. The bill authorizes appropriations and adjustments in authorized amounts in accordance with ordinary fluctuations in development costs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Clean Water for Rural Communities Act"} | 2,766 | 457 | 0.646896 | 2.220555 | 0.624619 | 4.096386 | 5.983133 | 0.925301 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Portable Generator Safety Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
The 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 1990 through 2003, 228 carbon monoxide poisoning deaths
were reported to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
(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. Although the
Commission has attempted to work with industry to devise
voluntary standards for portable generators, and despite
Commission staff statements that voluntary standards were
ineffective, the Commission has not promulgated mandatory rules
governing safety standards and labeling requirements.
(5) 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.
Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, the
Consumer Product Safety Commission shall promulgate regulations,
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 detects the level of carbon monoxide in
the areas surrounding such portable generator and automatically turns
off power to the portable generator before the level of carbon monoxide
is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to people.
SEC. 4. LABELING AND INSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS.
Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, the
Consumer Product Safety Commission shall promulgate regulations,
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 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, 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 to never 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.
D23/ | Portable Generator Safety Act - Instructs the Consumer Product Safety Commission to promulgate regulations 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 is capable of causing serious bodily injury or death to people.
Requries such regulations also to require that every such portable generator: (1) prominently display a permanently affixed warning label 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. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to issue regulations concerning the safety and labeling of portable generators."} | 977 | 190 | 0.65955 | 2.150062 | 0.812604 | 4.756757 | 5.912162 | 0.905405 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of
2012''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, over 78,000,000 adults in the United States are
obese.
(2) Over 40 percent of women over age 60 and over 35
percent of men over age 60 are obese.
(3) Obesity increases the risk for chronic diseases and
conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and
type 2 diabetes.
(4) Forty-nine percent of Americans have at least one
chronic disease.
(5) In 2008, in the United States, health care costs
associated with obesity reached $147,000,000,000.
(6) Seventy-five percent of Americans will be overweight or
obese by 2020.
(7) Forty-two percent of Americans will be obese by 2030,
resulting in up to $550,000,000,000 in associated health care
costs.
SEC. 3. INCLUSION OF INFORMATION ON COVERAGE OF INTENSIVE BEHAVIORAL
THERAPY FOR OBESITY IN THE MEDICARE AND YOU HANDBOOK AND
ADDITIONAL NOTIFICATION OF BENEFICIARIES AND PROVIDERS.
(a) Inclusion of Information on Coverage in the Medicare and You
Handbook.--
(1) In general.--Section 1804(a) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395b-2(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the
end;
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the
end and inserting ``, and''; and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following
new paragraph:
``(4) information on the coverage of intensive behavioral
therapy for obesity under this title, including information
regarding primary care physicians and other providers of
services and suppliers who are eligible to furnish such
therapy.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by this subsection
shall apply to notices distributed on or after the date of
enactment of this Act.
(b) New Notification of Benefit for Medicare Beneficiaries.--Not
later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide to Medicare
beneficiaries distinct, written notification regarding the coverage of
intensive behavioral therapy for obesity under title XVIII of the
Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) as an additional
preventive service.
(c) Notification of Benefit for Medicare Providers.--Section
1861(ddd) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395x(ddd)) is amended
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(4) The Secretary shall provide to primary care physicians and
other providers of services and suppliers determined appropriate by the
Secretary distinct, written notification regarding the coverage of
intensive behavioral therapy for obesity under this title as an
additional preventive service. Such notification shall be provided
annually for the first 3 years following the date of enactment of the
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2012 and, after such 3-year period, as
the Secretary determines appropriate.''.
SEC. 4. PLAN FOR COORDINATION OF HHS EFFORTS; PROVIDING THE SECRETARY
OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WITH AUTHORITY TO COORDINATE
PROGRAMS TO PREVENT AND TREAT OBESITY AND EXPAND COVERAGE
OPTIONS FOR OBESITY UNDER MEDICARE.
Section 1861(ddd) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395x(ddd)), as amended by section 3, is amended by adding at the end
the following new paragraph:
``(5)(A) Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2012, the Secretary shall develop and
implement a plan to coordinate the efforts of all offices and agencies
of the Department of Health and Human Services (such as the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Health Resources and
Services Administration, and other offices and agencies) to treat,
reduce, and prevent obesity and overweight in the adult population.
Beginning 2 years after such date of enactment, the Secretary shall
annually update such plan.
``(B) In developing and implementing the plan under subparagraph
(A), the Secretary shall work with at least 5 representatives, selected
by the Secretary, of expert organizations (such as public health
associations, key healthcare provider groups, planning and development
organizations, education associations, advocacy groups, patient groups,
relevant industries, State and local leadership, and other entities as
determined appropriate by the Secretary).
``(C) The plan under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
``(i) Strategies to comprehensively treat and reduce
overweight and obesity.
``(ii) A description of--
``(I) the coordination of interagency cooperation
under the plan; and
``(II) actions under the plan related to the
treatment and reduction of overweight and obesity in
the United States.
``(iii) Identification of best practices in States,
communities, organizations, businesses, and other entities as
appropriate, regarding treatment of overweight and obesity.
``(iv) A description of collaboration with States,
communities, organizations, businesses, and other appropriate
entities to evaluate the effectiveness of obesity and
overweight interventions under the plan.
``(v) Research initiatives, including ongoing surveillance
and monitoring using tools such as the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor
Surveillance System and assurances for adequate and consistent
funding to support data collection and analysis to inform
policy under the plan.
``(vi) Recommendations for the coordination of budgets,
grant and pilot programs, policies, and programs across Federal
agencies to cohesively treat overweight and obesity.
``(D) Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of the
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2012, and on an annual basis
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the President and to the
relevant committees of Congress, a report that--
``(i) summarizes the plan under subparagraph (A) to
coordinate interagency efforts surrounding the treatment,
reduction, and prevention of obesity and overweight, including
a detailed strategic plan with recommendations for each office
and agency involved;
``(ii) in the case of the second report submitted under
this subparagraph (and each subsequent report), evaluates the
effectiveness of those coordinated interventions and conducts
interim assessments and reporting of health outcomes,
achievement of milestones, and implementation of strategic plan
goals; and
``(iii) makes recommendations for updating the plan for the
following year based on data and findings from the previous
year.
``(E) There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this
paragraph, $5,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2014 through 2023,
to remain available until expended.''.
SEC. 5. AUTHORITY TO EXPAND HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS QUALIFIED TO FURNISH
INTENSIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY.
Section 1861(ddd) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1395x(ddd)), as amended by sections 3 and 4, is amended by adding at
the end the following new paragraph:
``(6) The Secretary may, in addition to qualified primary care
physicians and other primary care practitioners, allow other
appropriate health care providers (such as physicians with other
primary specialty designations, licensed professional counselors, and
registered dieticians), instructors trained in lifestyle counseling
programs such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, and programs
recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide
intensive behavioral therapy for obesity.''.
SEC. 6. PROVIDING THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES WITH THE
AUTHORITY TO INCLUDE CHRONIC WEIGHT MANAGEMENT DRUGS AS
MEDICARE COVERED PART D DRUGS.
(a) In General.--Section 1860D-2(e)(1) of the Social Security Act
(42 U.S.C. 1395w-102(e)(1)) is amended by adding at the end of the
flush matter following subparagraph (B) the following new sentence
``Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, such term also
includes a drug described in the second sentence of section
1927(d)(2)(A) (relating to drugs used for weight management) if the
Secretary determines that coverage of such a drug under this part is
appropriate.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
apply to plan years beginning on or after the date that is 2 years
after the date of enactment of this Act. | Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2012 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSA) to include information on the coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity in the "Medicare and You Handbook."
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to give Medicare beneficiaries, primary care physicians, and other appropriate service providers and suppliers distinct, written notification regarding the coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity under Medicare as an additional preventive service.
Directs the Secretary to develop and implement a plan to coordinate the efforts of all HHS offices and agencies to treat, reduce, and prevent obesity and overweight in the adult population.
Authorizes the Secretary, in addition to qualified primary care physicians and other primary care practitioners, to allow other appropriate health care providers, instructors trained in lifestyle counseling programs such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, and programs recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide intensive behavioral therapy for obesity.
Authorizes the Secretary to cover chronic weight management drugs under SSA title XVIII part D (Voluntary Prescription Drug Benefit Program) if the Secretary determines that such coverage is appropriate. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include information on the coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity in the Medicare and You Handbook, to provide written notification to beneficiaries and providers regarding new Medicare coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity, and to provide for the coordination of programs to prevent and treat obesity, and for other purposes."} | 1,956 | 248 | 0.592237 | 1.605994 | 0.876392 | 4.95045 | 7.756757 | 0.932432 |
SECTION 1. CHILD SUPPORT AUDIT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (in
this Act referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall establish a committee
which shall be known as the Child Support Audit Advisory Committee (in
this Act referred to as the ``Committee'').
(b) Duties.--The Committee shall assist the Secretary in--
(1) developing revised audit criteria and standards to be
used pursuant to section 452(a)(4) of the Social Security Act
based on--
(A) common data elements which are defined,
collected, and reported in a uniform manner from each
State;
(B) numeric measures of the outcomes of the child
support enforcement program under part D of title IV of
such Act; and
(C) numeric measures for assessing compliance with
the regulations issued by the Secretary pursuant to
subsections (h) and (i) of section 452 of such Act;
(2) formulating a definition of substantial compliance that
is based on such revised audit criteria and standards;
(3) determining the period of time after interim or final
Federal regulations are issued implementing such revised audit
criteria and standards after which a State may be audited to
determine compliance with such regulations; and
(4) recommending to the Congress such legislation as may be
necessary, with respect to the financing of State child support
programs under part D of title IV of such Act, to enhance the
effectiveness of audits required to be conducted under section
452(a)(4) of such Act and the associated penalty process under
section 403(h) of such Act.
(c) Membership.--The Committee shall be composed of not less than 6
members appointed by the Secretary, including--
(1) at least 1 director of a State child support
enforcement program operating under part D of title IV of the
Social Security Act;
(2) at least 1 commissioner of a State human services
agency;
(3) individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the
development of quantitative and qualitative measures for
performance-based audits; and
(4) at least 2 representatives of recipients of child
support enforcement services.
(d) Procedure.--
(1) Participation of the secretary.--The Secretary (or a
designee of the Secretary) shall be an ex officio member of the
Committee, and shall not vote on matters before the Committee.
(2) Meetings.--The Committee shall meet at the call of the
Secretary or a designee of the Secretary.
(e) Compensation.--
(1) In general.--No member of the Committee may receive
compensation for service on the Committee.
(2) Travel expenses.--Each member of the Committee shall
receive travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title
5, United States Code.
(f) Administrative Support.--Upon request of the Committee, the
Secretary shall provide to the Committee the administrative support
services necessary for the Committee to carry out its duties under this
Act.
(g) Inapplicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The
Federal Advisory Committee Act shall not apply to the Committee.
(h) Report.--Within 180 days after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Committee shall submit to the Secretary a report that
contains proposed criteria and standards for conducting audits under
section 452(a)(4) of the Social Security Act, which emphasize program
outcomes.
SEC. 2. NEW CHILD SUPPORT AUDIT PROCESS.
(a) In General.--After consultation with the Committee, the
Secretary shall--
(1) in accordance with subsection (b), promulgate new
criteria and standards for conducting audits under section
452(a)(4) of the Social Security Act, which emphasize program
outcomes; and
(2) not later than the 1st day of the 12th calendar month
beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act,
recommend to the Congress such legislation as may be necessary,
with respect to the financing of State child support programs
under part D of title IV of the Social Security Act, to enhance
the effectiveness of such audits and the associated penalty
process under section 403(h) of the Social Security Act.
(b) Timing.--
(1) Notice of proposed rulemaking.--Not later than 270 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall issue a notice of proposed rulemaking with respect to the
audit criteria and standards required by subsection (a)(1).
(2) Final regulations.--Not later than the first day of the
12th calendar month beginning after the date of the enactment
of this Act, and after allowing not less than 45 days for
public comment on the proposed rulemaking required by paragraph
(1) of this subsection, the Secretary shall issue final
regulations with respect to the audit criteria and standards
required by subsection (a)(1). | Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to: (1) establish the Child Support Audit Advisory Committee to assist in developing new criteria and standards for audits of State child support agencies which emphasize program outcomes; and (2) issue final regulations to implement such criteria and standards. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for the establishment of a committee to assist the Secretary of Health and Human Services in developing new criteria and standards for audits of State child support programs, and to require the Secretary to promulgate regulations to modify such audits to emphasize program outcomes."} | 1,065 | 54 | 0.589035 | 1.409621 | 1.10557 | 3.236364 | 17.890909 | 0.909091 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Government Litigation Savings Act''.
SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE PROVISIONS.
(a) Agency Proceedings.--Section 504 of title 5, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) in paragraph (1)----
(i) by inserting after the first sentence
the following: ``Fees and other expenses may be
awarded under this subsection only to a
prevailing party who has a direct and personal
interest in the adversary adjudication because
of medical costs, property damage,
determination of benefits, unpaid disbursement,
fees and other expenses incurred in defense of
the adjudication, interest in a policy
concerning such medical costs, property damage,
determination of benefits, unpaid disbursement,
fees and other expenses, or otherwise.''; and
(ii) by adding at the end the following:
``The agency conducting the adversary
adjudication shall make any party against whom
the adjudication is brought, at the time the
adjudication is commenced, aware of the
provisions of this section.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3), in the first sentence--
(i) by striking ``may reduce'' and
inserting ``shall reduce''; and
(ii) by striking ``unduly and
unreasonably'' and inserting ``unduly or
unreasonably'';
(2) in subsection (b)(1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``$125 per
hour'' and all that follows through the end and
inserting ``$200 per hour.);''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ``; except
that'' and all that follows through ``section 601;''
and inserting ``except that--
``(I) the net worth of a party (other than an
individual or a unit of local government) shall include
the net worth of any parent entity or subsidiary of
that party; and
``(II) for purposes of subclause (I)--
``(aa) a `parent entity' of a party is an
entity that owns or controls the equity or
other evidences of ownership in that party; and
``(bb) a `subsidiary' of a party is an
entity the equity or other evidences of
ownership in which are owned or controlled by
that party;'';
(3) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ``, United States
Code''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(g) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall
adjust the maximum hourly fee set forth in subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii) for
the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2015, and for each fiscal year
thereafter, to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, as
determined by the Secretary of Labor.''.
(b) Court Cases.--Section 2412(d) of title 28, United States Code,
is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (1)(A) to read as follows: ``(A)
Except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, a court,
in any civil action (other than cases sounding in tort),
including proceedings for judicial review of agency action,
brought by or against the United States in any court having
jurisdiction of that action, shall award to a prevailing party
(other than the United States) fees and other expenses, in
addition to any costs awarded pursuant to subsection (a),
incurred by that party in the civil action, unless the court
finds that the position of the United States was substantially
justified or that special circumstances make an award unjust.
Fees and other expenses may be awarded under this paragraph
only to a prevailing party who has a direct and personal
interest in the civil action because of medical costs, property
damage, determination of benefits, unpaid disbursement, fees
and other expenses incurred in defense of the civil action,
interest in a policy concerning such medical costs, property
damage, determination of benefits, unpaid disbursement, fees
and other expenses, or otherwise.'';
(2) in paragraph (1)(C)--
(A) by striking ``court, in its discretion, may''
and inserting ``court shall''; and
(B) by striking ``unduly and unreasonably'' and
inserting ``unduly or unreasonably'';
(3) in paragraph (2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking ``$125''
and all that follows through the end and inserting
``$200 per hour.);'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ``; except
that'' and all that follows through ``section 601 of
Title 5;'' and inserting ``except that--
``(I) the net worth of a party (other than an
individual or a unit of local government) shall include
the net worth of any parent entity or subsidiary of
that party; and
``(II) for purposes of subclause (I)--
``(aa) a `parent entity' of a party is an
entity that owns or controls the equity or
other evidences of ownership in that party; and
``(bb) a `subsidiary' of a party is an
entity the equity or other evidences of
ownership in which are owned or controlled by
that party;''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall
adjust the maximum hourly fee set forth in paragraph (2)(A)(ii) for the
fiscal year beginning October 1, 2015, and for each fiscal year
thereafter, to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, as
determined by the Secretary of Labor.''.
(c) Clerical Amendments.--Section 2412 of title 28, United States
Code, is amended--
(1) in subsection (d)(3), by striking ``United States
Code,''; and
(2) in subsection (e)--
(A) by striking ``of section 2412 of title 28,
United States Code,'' and inserting ``of this
section''; and
(B) by striking ``of such title'' and inserting
``of this title''.
(d) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.-- Subject to paragraph (2), this Act and
the amendments made by this Act shall take effect on the date
of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Applicability of certain amendments.--The amendments
made by subsections (a) and (b) shall first apply with respect
to awards of fees and other expenses that are made under
section 504 of title 5, United States Code, or section 2412(d)
of title 28, United States Code, on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act. | Government Litigation Savings Act - Revises provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) and the federal judicial code relating to the fees and other expenses of parties in agency proceedings and court cases against the federal government. Restricts awards of fees and other expenses under EAJA to prevailing parties with a direct and personal interest in an adjudication, including because of medical costs, property damage, determination of benefits, an unpaid disbursement, and other expenses of adjudication, or because of a policy interest. Requires (currently, authorizes) the reduction or denial of an award if the party during the course of the proceedings engaged in conduct which unduly or unreasonably (currently, unduly and unreasonably) protracted the final resolution of the matter in controversy. Increases to $200 per hour the cap on attorney fees awarded under EAJA and eliminates the cost-of-living and special factor considerations for allowing an increase in the hourly rate for such fees. Eliminates the net worth exemption for determining eligibility for fees and expenses under EAJA for tax-exempt organizations and cooperative associations under the Agricultural Marketing Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Government Litigation Savings Act"} | 1,570 | 264 | 0.520116 | 1.601838 | 0.868749 | 1.763285 | 6.913043 | 0.73913 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Women's Health Research Act of
1993''.
SEC. 2. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE OF RESEARCH ON WOMEN'S HEALTH.
(a) In General.--Title IV of the Public Health Service Act, as
amended by section 2 of Public Law 101-613, is amended--
(1) by redesignating section 486 as section 485A;
(2) by redesignating parts F through H as parts G through
I, respectively; and
(3) by inserting after part E the following new part:
``Part F--Research on Women's Health
``SEC. 486. OFFICE OF RESEARCH ON WOMEN'S HEALTH.
``(a) Establishment.--There is established within the Office of the
Director of NIH an office to be known as the Office of Research on
Women's Health (in this part referred to as the `Office'). The Office
shall be headed by a director, who shall be appointed by the Director
of NIH.
``(b) Purpose.--The Director of the Office shall--
``(1) identify projects of research on women's health that
should be conducted or supported by the national research
institutes;
``(2) identify multidisciplinary research relating to
research on women's health that should be so conducted or
supported;
``(3) carry out paragraphs (1) and (2) with respect to the
aging process in women, with priority given to menopause;
``(4) promote coordination and collaboration among entities
conducting research identified under any of paragraphs (1)
through (3);
``(5) encourage the conduct of such research by entities
receiving funds from the national research institutes;
``(6) recommend an agenda for conducting and supporting
such research;
``(7) promote the sufficient allocation of the resources of
the national research institutes for conducting and supporting
such research;
``(8) ensure that women are appropriately represented as
subjects in projects of clinical research conducted or
supported by the national research institutes; and
``(9) prepare the report required in section 486B.
``(c) Coordinating Committee.--
``(1) In carrying out subsection (b), the Director of the
Office shall establish a committee to be known as the
Coordinating Committee on Research on Women's Health (hereafter
in this subsection referred to as the `Coordinating
Committee').
``(2) The Coordinating Committee shall be composed of the
Directors of the national research institutes (or the designees
of the Directors).
``(3) The Director of the Office shall serve as the chair
of the Coordinating Committee.
``(4) With respect to research on women's health, the
Coordinating Committee shall assist the Director of the Office
in--
``(A) identifying the need for such research, and
making an estimate each fiscal year of the funds needed
to adequately support the research;
``(B) identifying needs regarding the coordination
of research activities, including intramural and
extramural multidisciplinary activities;
``(C) supporting the development of methodologies
to determine the circumstances in which obtaining data
specific to women (including data relating to the age
of women and the membership of women in ethnic or
racial groups) is an appropriate function of clinical
trials of treatments and therapies;
``(D) supporting the development and expansion of
clinical trials of treatments and therapies for which
obtaining such data has been determined to be an
appropriate function; and
``(E) encouraging the national research institutes
to conduct and support such research, including such
clinical trials.
``(d) Advisory Committee.--
``(1) In carrying out subsection (b), the Director of the
Office shall establish an advisory committee to be known as the
Advisory Committee on Research on Women's Health (hereafter in
this subsection referred to as the `Advisory Committee').
``(2) The Advisory Committee shall be composed of no fewer
than 12, and not more than 18 individuals, who are not officers
or employees of the Federal Government. The Director of the
Office shall make appointments to the Advisory Committee from
among physicians, practitioners, scientists, and other health
professionals, whose clinical practice, research
specialization, or professional expertise includes a
significant focus on research on women's health. A majority of
the members of the Advisory Committee shall be women.
``(3) The Director of the Office shall serve as the chair
of the Advisory Committee.
``(4) The Advisory Committee shall--
``(A) advise the Director of the Office on
appropriate research activities to be undertaken by the
national research institutes with respect to--
``(i) research on women's health;
``(ii) research on gender differences in
clinical drug trials, including responses to
pharmacological drugs;
``(iii) research on gender differences in
disease etiology, course, and treatment;
``(iv) research on obstetrical and
gynecological health conditions, diseases, and
treatments; and
``(v) research on women's health conditions
which require a multidisciplinary approach;
``(B) report to the Director of the Office on such
research;
``(C) provide recommendations to such Director
regarding activities of the Office (including
recommendations on the development of the methodologies
described in subsection (c)(4)(C) and recommendations
on priorities in carrying out research described in
subparagraph (A)); and
``(D) assist in monitoring compliance with section
486(b)(8) regarding the inclusion of women in clinical
research.
``(5)(A) The Advisory Committee shall prepare a biennial
report describing the activities of the Committee, including
findings made by the Committee regarding--
``(i) compliance with section 486(b)(8);
``(ii) the extent of expenditures made for research
on women's health by the agencies of the National
Institutes of Health; and
``(iii) the level of funding needed for such
research.
``(B) The report required in subparagraph (A) shall be
submitted to the Director of NIH for inclusion in the report
required in section 403.
``(e) Representation of Women Among Researchers.--The Secretary,
acting through the Assistant Secretary for Personnel and in
collaboration with the Director of the Office, shall determine the
extent to which women are represented among senior physicians and
scientists of the national research institutes and among physicians and
scientists conducting research with funds provided by such institutes,
and as appropriate, carry out activities to increase the extent of such
representation.
``(f) Definitions.--For purposes of this part:
``(1) The term `women's health conditions', with respect to
women of all age, ethnic, and racial groups, means all
diseases, disorders, and conditions (including with respect to
mental health)--
``(A) unique to, more serious, or more prevalent in
women;
``(B) for which the factors of medical risk or
types of medical intervention are different for women,
or for which it is unknown whether such factors or
types are different for women; or
``(C) with respect to which there has been
insufficient clinical research involving women as
subjects or insufficient clinical data on women.
``(2) The term `research on women's health' means research
on women's health conditions, including research on preventing
such conditions.
``SEC. 486A. NATIONAL DATA SYSTEM AND CLEARINGHOUSE ON RESEARCH ON
WOMEN'S HEALTH.
``(a) Data System.--
``(1) The Director of NIH, in consultation with the
Director of the Office, shall establish a data system for the
collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and dissemination of
information regarding research on women's health that is
conducted or supported by the national research institutes.
Information from the data system shall be available through
information systems available to health care professionals and
providers, researchers, and members of the public.
``(2) The data system established under paragraph (1) shall
include a registry of clinical trials of experimental
treatments that have been developed for research on women's
health. Such registry shall include information on subject
eligibility criteria, sex, age, ethnicity or race, and the
location of the trial site or sites. Principal investigators of
such clinical trials shall provide this information to the
registry within 30 days after it is available. Once a trial has
been completed, the principal investigator shall provide the
registry with information pertaining to the results, including
potential toxicities or adverse effects associated with the
experimental treatment or treatments evaluated.
``(b) Clearinghouse.--The Director of NIH, in consultation with the
Director of the Office and with the National Library of Medicine, shall
establish, maintain, and operate a program to provide information on
research and prevention activities of the national research institutes
that relate to research on women's health.
``SEC. 486B. BIENNIAL REPORT.
``(a) In General.--With respect to research on women's health, the
Director of the Office shall, not later than February 1, 1994, and
biennially thereafter, prepare a report--
``(1) describing and evaluating the progress made during
the preceding 2 fiscal years in research and treatment
conducted or supported by the National Institutes of Health;
``(2) describing and analyzing the professional status of
women physicians and scientists of such Institutes, including
the identification of problems and barriers regarding
advancements;
``(3) summarizing and analyzing expenditures made by the
agencies of such Institutes (and by such Office) during the
preceding 2 fiscal years; and
``(4) making such recommendations for legislative and
administrative initiatives as the Director of the Office
determines to be appropriate.
``(b) Inclusion in Biennial Report of Director of NIH.--The
Director of the Office shall submit each report prepared under
subsection (a) to the Director of NIH for inclusion in the report
submitted to the President and the Congress under section 403.
``SEC. 486C. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``For the purpose of carrying out this part, there are authorized
to be appropriated $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1994, and such sums as
may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 1995 and 1996.''.
(b) Requirement of Sufficient Allocation of Resources of
Institutes.--Section 402(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
282(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (10), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon at the end;
(2) in paragraph (11), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (11) the following new
paragraph:
``(12) after consultation with the Director of the Office
of Research on Women's Health, shall ensure that resources of
the National Institutes of Health are sufficiently allocated
for projects of research on women's health that are identified
under section 486(b).''.
SEC. 3. OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY PROGRAM OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF
CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT.
Subpart 7 of part C of title IV of the Public Health Service Act
(42 U.S.C. 285g et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following
section:
``program regarding obstetrics and gynecology
``Sec. 452A. The Director of the Institute shall establish and
maintain within the Institute an intramural laboratory and clinical
research program in obstetrics and gynecology.''. | Women's Health Research Act of 1993 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to establish within the Office of the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) the Office of Research on Women's Health (Office).
Establishes in the Office the Coordinating Committee on Research on Women's Health and the Advisory Committee on Research on Women's Health.
Directs the Secretary to: (1) determine the extent to which women are represented among senior physicians and scientists of the national research institutes and among physicians and scientists conducting research with funds provided by such institutes; and (2) carry out activities, as appropriate, to increase the extent of such representation.
Requires the NIH Director to establish a data system for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information regarding research on women's health conducted or supported by the national research institutes, including a registry of clinical trials of experimental treatments.
Requires the NIH Director to establish and operate a program to provide information on research and prevention activities of the the national research institutes that relate to research on women's health.
Authorizes appropriations. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure that NIH resources are sufficiently allocated for projects of research on women's health. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Women's Health Research Act of 1993"} | 2,573 | 268 | 0.687609 | 1.815903 | 0.907723 | 4.94958 | 10.180672 | 0.957983 |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) On January 19, 1942, 6 weeks after the December 7, 1941,
attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Navy, the United States Army
discharged all Japanese-Americans in the Reserve Officers Training
Corps and changed their draft status to ``4C''--the status of
``enemy alien'' which is ineligible for the draft.
(2) On January 23, 1942, Japanese-Americans in the military on
the mainland were segregated out of their units.
(3) Further, on May 3, 1942, General John L. DeWitt issued
Civilian Exclusion Order No. 346, ordering all people of Japanese
ancestry, whether citizens or noncitizens, to report to assembly
centers, where they would live until being moved to permanent
relocation centers.
(4) On June 5, 1942, 1,432 predominantly Nisei (second
generation Americans of Japanese ancestry) members of the Hawaii
Provisional Infantry Battalion were shipped from the Hawaiian
Islands to Oakland, CA, where the 100th Infantry Battalion was
activated on June 12, 1942, and then shipped to train at Camp
McCoy, Wisconsin.
(5) The excellent training record of the 100th Infantry
Battalion and petitions from prominent civilian and military
personnel helped convince President Roosevelt and the War
Department to reopen military service to Nisei volunteers who were
incorporated into the 442nd Regimental Combat Team after it was
activated in February of 1943.
(6) In that same month, the 100th Infantry Battalion was
transferred to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, where it continued to
train, and even though the battalion was ready to deploy shortly
thereafter, the battalion was refused by General Eisenhower, due to
concerns over the loyalty and patriotism of the Nisei.
(7) The 442nd Regimental Combat Team later trained with the
100th Infantry Battalion at Camp Shelby in May of 1943.
(8) Eventually, the 100th Infantry Battalion was deployed to
the Mediterranean and entered combat in Italy on September 26,
1943.
(9) Due to their bravery and valor, members of the Battalion
were honored with 6 awards of the Distinguished Service Cross in
the first 8 weeks of combat.
(10) The 100th Battalion fought at Cassino, Italy in January
1944, and later accompanied the 34th Infantry Division to Anzio,
Italy.
(11) The 442nd Regimental Combat Team arrived in Civitavecchia,
Italy on June 7, 1944, and on June 15 of the following week, the
100th Infantry Battalion was formally made an integral part of the
442nd Regimental Combat Team, and fought for the last 11 months of
the war with distinction in Italy, southern France, and Germany.
(12) The battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation
for its actions in battle on June 26-27, 1944.
(13) The 442nd Regimental became the most decorated unit in
United States military history for its size and length of service.
(14) The 100th Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team,
received 7 Presidential Unit Citations, 21 Medals of Honor, 29
Distinguished Service Crosses, 560 Silver Stars, 4,000 Bronze
Stars, 22 Legion of Merit Medals, 15 Soldier's Medals, and over
4,000 Purple Hearts, among numerous additional distinctions.
(15) The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery,
valor, and dedication to country these men faced while fighting a
2-fronted battle of discrimination at home and fascism abroad.
(16) Their commitment and sacrifice demonstrates a highly
uncommon and commendable sense of patriotism and honor.
(17) The Military Intelligence Service (in this Act referred to
as the ``MIS'') was made up of about 6,000 Japanese American
soldiers who conducted highly classified intelligence operations
that proved to be vital to United States military successes in the
Pacific Theatre.
(18) As they were discharged from the Army, MIS soldiers were
told not to discuss their wartime work, due to its sensitive
nature, and their contributions were not known until passage of the
Freedom of Information Act in 1974.
(19) MIS soldiers were attached individually or in small groups
to United States and Allied combat units, where they intercepted
radio transmissions, translated enemy documents, interrogated enemy
prisoners of war, volunteered for reconnaissance and covert
intelligence missions, and persuaded enemy combatants to surrender.
(20) Their contributions continued during the Allied postwar
occupation of Japan, and MIS linguistic skills and understanding of
Japanese customs were invaluable to occupation forces as they
assisted Japan in a peaceful transition to a new, democratic form
of government.
SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.
(a) Award Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of Representatives
and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate
arrangements for the award, on behalf of the Congress, of a single gold
medal of appropriate design to the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd
Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service, United
States Army, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service
during World War II.
(b) Design and Striking.--For the purposes of the award referred to
in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act
referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall strike the gold medal with
suitable emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the
Secretary.
(c) Smithsonian Institution.--
(1) In general.--Following the award of the gold medal in honor
of the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team,
and the Military Intelligence Service, United States Army, under
subsection (a), the gold medal shall be given to the Smithsonian
Institution, where it will be displayed as appropriate and made
available for research.
(2) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of the Congress that
the Smithsonian Institution should make the gold medal received
under paragraph (1) available for display elsewhere, particularly
at other appropriate locations associated with the 100th Infantry
Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military
Intelligence Service, United States Army.
SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS.
The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold
medal struck under section 2, at a price sufficient to cover the costs
of the medals, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and
overhead expenses.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS.
Medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals for purposes
of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.
SEC. 5. AUTHORITY TO USE FUNDS; PROCEEDS OF SALE.
(a) Authority To Use Funds.--There is authorized to be charged
against the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund, an amount not to
exceed $30,000 to pay for the cost of the medal authorized under
section 2.
(b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sale of duplicate
bronze medals under section 3 shall be deposited in the United States
Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate. | Requires the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate to make arrangements for the award of a congressional gold medal to the Army's 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service, collectively, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II.
Mandates giving the gold medal to the Smithsonian Institution, where it will be displayed as appropriate and made available for research.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the Smithsonian Institution should make such medal available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations associated with such Battalion, Team, and Service.
Provides funding for the medal from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to grant the congressional gold medal, collectively, to the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, United States Army, in recognition of their dedicated service during World War II."} | 1,605 | 160 | 0.333051 | 1.06871 | 0.443184 | 5.083969 | 10.938931 | 0.916031 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES IN ACT.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Nursing Home
Staffing and Quality Improvement Act of 2000''.
(b) References.--Except where otherwise specifically provided,
references in this Act shall be considered to be made to the Social
Security Act, or to a section or other provision thereof, and
references to the ``Secretary'' shall be considered to be made to the
Secretary of Health and Human Services.
SEC. 2. GRANTS TO STATES FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN NURSING HOME STAFFING AND
QUALITY.
(a) Secretary's Authority To Award Grants.--The Secretary shall
establish a program of competitive grants to States, in accordance with
the provisions of this section, for the purpose of improving the
quality of care furnished in nursing homes operating in the State.
(b) Applications and Eligibility for Grants.--
(1) Initial application.--A State seeking a grant to
conduct a project under this section shall submit an
application containing such information and assurances as the
Secretary may require, including--
(A) a commitment to submit annual reports
describing the State's progress in increasing staffing
levels and making other quality improvements in nursing
homes in the State; and
(B) a description of a plan for evaluation of the
activities carried out under the grant, including a
plan for measurement of progress toward the goals and
objectives of the program, consistent with the
principles of the Government Performance and Results
Act.
(2) Consultation with public.--Before submitting an
application for a grant under this section, States shall
solicit and consider the views of members of the public,
nursing home residents or their representatives, and other
persons concerned with the administration of nursing homes
within the State with respect to the design of the proposed
State program.
(3) Eligibility.--
(A) Initial eligibility.--A State shall not be
eligible for a grant award under this section unless it
makes assurances satisfactory to the Secretary that the
skilled nursing facilities (as defined in section
1819(a)) and nursing facilities (as defined in section
1919(a)) within the State will reach or exceed the
minimum staff level described in subsection (d)(2)
within two years after enactment of this Act and will
maintain such level throughout the remainder of the
grant program.
(B) Continuing eligibility.--A State shall not be
eligible for the continuation of grant funding under a
multi-year grant under this section unless the State
demonstrates to the Secretary's satisfaction that it
continues to meet the requirement described in
subparagraph (A) and has made sufficient progress in
meeting the goals described in its grant application.
(c) Use of Grant Funds.--Funds received by a State under this
section may be provided to entities including nursing homes, labor
management partnerships, and educational institutions, and may be used
for any or all of the following purposes:
(1) To enable a nursing home to recruit additional nursing
staff or to retain existing nursing staff (including through
the use of reasonable financial incentives or reasonable
benefit enhancements).
(2) To increase education and training of nursing staff
(including designing or implementing programs to promote the
career advancement of certified nurse aides).
(3) To provide bonuses to nursing homes meeting State
quality standards or avoiding serious quality violations for a
period of one or more years.
(4) Such other nursing home staffing and quality
improvement initiatives as the Secretary may approve.
(d) Distribution of Funds.--
(1) In general.--Subject to subsection (b), in awarding
grants under this section, the Secretary shall award no more
than 25 percent of the funds to States in which, as of the date
of the enactment of this section, skilled nursing facilities
(as defined in section 1819(a)) and nursing facilities (as
defined in section 1919(a)) have reached or exceeded the
minimum staff level specified in paragraph (2) (as determined
by the Secretary).
(2) Minimum nursing home staff level.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), for
purposes of subsection (b) and paragraph (1), the level
specified in this paragraph for a skilled nursing
facility or nursing facility is a staff level
sufficient to ensure that each resident receives from a
certified nurse aide at least 2 hours per day of direct
care (including repositioning the resident and changing
wet clothes, assisting with feeding, exercise, and
toileting, and working to enhance a resident's
independence with respect to activities of daily
living).
(B) Secretary's authority to increase minimum staff
level.--The Secretary may establish a minimum staff
level that is higher than that specified in
subparagraph (A). Any such revised staff level shall be
effective no earlier than six months after the date on
which Secretary provides notice to States of the new
requirement.
(3) Multi-year grant funds.--The Secretary shall award any
multi-year grant under this section from amounts appropriated
(or available pursuant to subsection (e)(2)) for the first
fiscal year of the grant.
(e) Appropriations and Availability of Civil Money Penalty (CPM)
Collections.--
(1) Appropriations.--There are appropriated for all costs
to the Secretary for carrying out the program under this
section $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through
2005, such funds to remain available to the Secretary through
the end of the first succeeding fiscal year.
(2) Availability of cmp collections.--In addition to the
amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1), there shall be
available to the Secretary for such costs for such fiscal years
any amounts deposited in the Nursing Facility Civil Money
Penalties Collection Account established under section 4.
SEC. 3. ENHANCED NURSING FACILITY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Medicare.--
(1) Submission of nursing staff level data to the
secretary.--Section 1819(b) (42 U.S.C. 1395i-3(b)) is amended
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) Data on staffing levels.--
``(A) Submission to secretary.--A skilled nursing
facility shall submit to the Secretary, in such form
and manner and at such intervals as the Secretary may
require, data with respect to nursing staff of the
facility. Such data shall include the total number of
nursing staff hours furnished during the period
specified by the Secretary (including totals for each
shift worked during such period) by the facility to
residents for which payment is made under section
1888(e), broken down by total certified nurse aide
hours, total licensed practical or vocational nurse
hours, and total registered nurse hours, and shall also
include the average wage rate for each class of nursing
staff employed by the facility.
``(B) Publication.--The Secretary shall provide for
the publication on the Internet Site of the Department
of Health and Human Services known as Nursing Home
Compare the facility-specific nursing staff information collected
pursuant to subparagraph (A). The Secretary shall update such
information periodically.''.
(2) Posting of information on nursing facility staffing.--
Section 1819(b) (42 U.S.C. 1395i-3(b)), as amended by paragraph
(1), is further amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(9) Information on nurse staffing.--
``(A) In general.--A skilled nursing facility shall
post daily for each nursing unit of the facility and
for each shift the current number of licensed and
unlicensed nursing staff directly responsible for
resident care. The information shall be displayed in a
uniform manner (as specified by the Secretary) and in a
clearly visible place.
``(B) Publication of data.--A skilled nursing
facility shall, upon request, make available to the
public the nursing staff data described in subparagraph
(A).''.
(3) Information concerning patient classification.--Section
1819(b)(4)(C) (42 U.S.C. 1395i-3(b)(4)(C)) is amended by adding
at the end the following new clause:
``(iii) Information concerning residents.--
The skilled nursing facility shall provide the
Secretary, in such form and manner and at such
intervals as the Secretary may require, a
classification of all residents of the skilled
nursing facility that accords with the patient
classification system described in section
1888(e)(3)(B)(ii), or such successor system as
the Secretary may identify.''.
(b) Medicaid.--
(1) In general.--Section 1919(b) (42 U.S.C. 1396r) is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(8) Data on staffing levels.--
``(A) Submission to secretary.--A nursing facility
shall submit to the Secretary, in such form and manner
and at such intervals as the Secretary may require,
data with respect to nursing staff of the facility.
Such data shall include the total number of nursing
staff hours furnished during the period specified by
the Secretary (including totals for each shift worked
during such period) by the facility to residents for
which payment is made under this title, broken down by
total certified nurse aide hours, total licensed
practical or vocational nurse hours, and total
registered nurse hours, and shall also include the
average wage rate for each class of nursing staff
employed by the facility.
``(B) Publication.--The Secretary shall provide for
the publication on the Internet Site of the Department
of Health and Human Services known as Nursing Home
Compare the facility-specific nursing staff information
collected pursuant to subparagraph (A). The Secretary
shall update such information periodically.''.
(2) Posting of information on nursing facility staffing.--
Section 1919(b) (42 U.S.C. 1395r(b)), as amended by paragraph
(1), is further amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(9) Information on nurse staffing.--
``(A) In general.--A nursing facility shall post
daily for each nursing unit of the facility and for
each shift the current number of licensed and
unlicensed nursing staff directly responsible for
resident care. The information shall be displayed in a
uniform manner (as specified by the Secretary) and in a
clearly visible place.
``(B) Publication of data.--A nursing facility
shall, upon request, make available to the public the
nursing staff data described in subparagraph (A).''.
(3) Information concerning patient classification.--Section
1919(b)(4)(C) (42 U.S.C. 1396r(b)(4)(C)) is amended by adding
at the end the following new clause:
``(iv) Information concerning residents.--
The nursing facility shall provide the
Secretary, in such form and manner and at such
intervals as the Secretary may require, a
classification of all residents of the nursing
facility that accords with the patient
classification system described in section
1888(e)(3)(B)(ii), or such successor system as
the Secretary may identify.''.
SEC. 4. NURSING FACILITY CIVIL MONEY PENALTY COLLECTIONS.
(a) Establishment of nursing facility civil money penalty
collections account.--Section 1128A (42 U.S.C. 1320a-7a) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(o) Establishment of Nursing Facility Civil Money Penalty
Collections Account.--There is hereby established an account to be
known as the ``Nursing Facility Civil Money Penalties Collection
Account'' (hereafter in this subsection referred to as the
``Account''). Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there shall
be deposited into the Account the Secretary's share of any civil
monetary penalties collected under sections 1819 and 1919, all such
amounts to be available without fiscal year limitation for repaying the
Secretary's share of amounts owed to nursing facilities or skilled
nursing facilities pursuant to the final sentence of sections
1819(h)(2)(B)(ii) and 1919(h)(2)(B)(ii), and for awarding grants under
section 2 of the Nursing Home Staffing and Quality Improvement Act of
2000.''.
(b) Authority To Collect CMPS Immediately.--
(1) Medicare.--Section 1819(h)(2)(B)(ii) (42 U.S.C. 1395i-
3(h)(2)(B)(ii)) is amended by inserting before the final period
``, except that, notwithstanding section 1128A(c)(2) or any
other provision of law, the Secretary, upon determining that a
civil money penalty should be imposed against a skilled nursing
facility pursuant to this paragraph, shall take immediate
action to collect such penalty (except where the Secretary
finds that such action could jeopardize the health or welfare
of residents of the skilled nursing facility). In collecting
such penalty, the Secretary may deduct the amount of the
penalty from amounts otherwise payable to the facility under
this title or take such other actions as the Secretary
considers appropriate. If the Secretary's imposition of a
penalty under this paragraph is set aside, in whole or in part,
as a result of a hearing under section 1128A(c)(2) (or an
appeal therefrom) or by a court of competent jurisdiction, and
the Secretary elects not to pursue an appeal of such judgment;
or has exhausted all appeals, the Secretary shall repay any
amount owed to the skilled nursing facility with accrued
interest.''
(2) Medicaid.--Section 1919(h)(3)(B)(ii) (42 U.S.C.
1396r(h)(3)(B)(ii)) is amended by inserting before the final
period ``, except that, notwithstanding section 1128A(c)(2) or
any other provision of law, the Secretary, upon determining
that a civil money penalty should be imposed against a nursing
facility pursuant to this paragraph, shall take immediate
action to collect the penalty (except where the Secretary finds
that such action could jeopardize the health or welfare of
residents of the nursing facility). In collecting such penalty,
the Secretary may direct the State to deduct the amount of the
penalty from amounts otherwise payable to the nursing facility
under this title or take such other actions as the Secretary,
in consultation with the State, considers appropriate. If the
Secretary's imposition of a penalty under this paragraph is set
aside, in whole or in part, as a result of a hearing under
section 1128A(c)(2) (or an appeal therefrom) or by a court of
competent jurisdiction, and the Secretary elects not to pursue
an appeal of such judgment, or has exhausted all appeals, the
Secretary shall repay, or shall direct the State to repay, any
amount owed to the nursing facility with accrued interest.'' | Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to add requirements for skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities to report to the Secretary on data regarding staffing levels and information regarding patient classification.
Establishes the Nursing Facility Civil Money Penalties Collection Account to be used for awarding grants under this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Nursing Home Staffing and Quality Improvement Act of 2000"} | 3,253 | 78 | 0.475706 | 1.122138 | 0.642332 | 1.919355 | 46.451613 | 0.822581 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Tax Hike Prevention Act of 2012''.
SEC. 2. TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF 2001 TAX RELIEF.
(a) In General.--Section 901 of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act of 2001 is amended by striking ``December 31, 2012''
both places it appears and inserting ``December 31, 2013''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take
effect as if included in the enactment of the Economic Growth and Tax
Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001.
SEC. 3. TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF 2003 TAX RELIEF.
(a) In General.--Section 303 of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act of 2003 is amended by striking ``December 31, 2012''
and inserting ``December 31, 2013''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by this section shall take
effect as if included in the enactment of the Jobs and Growth Tax
Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.
SEC. 4. ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX RELIEF.
(a) Temporary Extension of Increased Alternative Minimum Tax
Exemption Amount.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (1) of section 55(d) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(A) by striking ``$72,450'' and all that follows
through ``2011'' in subparagraph (A) and inserting
``$78,750 in the case of taxable years beginning in
2012 and $79,850 in the case of taxable years beginning
in 2013'', and
(B) by striking ``$47,450'' and all that follows
through ``2011'' in subparagraph (B) and inserting
``$50,600 in the case of taxable years beginning in
2012 and $51,150 in the case of taxable years beginning
in 2013''.
(b) Temporary Extension of Alternative Minimum Tax Relief for
Nonrefundable Personal Credits.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph (2) of section 26(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(A) by striking ``or 2011'' and inserting ``2011,
2012, or 2013'', and
(B) by striking ``2011'' in the heading thereof and
inserting ``2013''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011.
SEC. 5. EXTENSION OF INCREASED EXPENSING LIMITATIONS AND TREATMENT OF
CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY AS SECTION 179 PROPERTY.
(a) In General.--
(1) Dollar limitation.--Section 179(b)(1) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(A) by striking ``2010 or 2011,'' in subparagraph
(B) and inserting ``2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013, and'',
(B) by striking subparagraph (C),
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (C), and
(D) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by
striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2013''.
(2) Reduction in limitation.--Section 179(b)(2) of such
Code is amended--
(A) by striking ``2010 or 2011,'' in subparagraph
(B) and inserting ``2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013, and'',
(B) by striking subparagraph (C),
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (C), and
(D) in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by
striking ``2012'' and inserting ``2013''.
(3) Conforming amendment.--Subsection (b) of section 179 of
such Code is amended by striking paragraph (6).
(b) Computer Software.--Section 179(d)(1)(A)(ii) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``2013'' and inserting
``2014''.
(c) Election.--Section 179(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by striking ``2013'' and inserting ``2014''.
(d) Special Rules for Treatment of Qualified Real Property.--
(1) In general.--Section 179(f)(1) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``2010 or 2011'' and
inserting ``2010, 2011, 2012, or 2013''.
(2) Carryover limitation.--
(A) In general.--Section 179(f)(4) of such Code is
amended by striking ``2011'' each place it appears and
inserting ``2013''.
(B) Conforming amendment.--The heading for
subparagraph (C) of section 179(f)(4) of such Code is
amended by striking ``2010'' and inserting ``2010, 2011
and 2012''.
(e) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2011.
SEC. 6. INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAX REFORM.
(a) In General.--The Senate Committee on Finance shall report
legislation not later than 12 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act that consists of changes in laws within its jurisdiction which
meet the requirements of subsection (b).
(b) Requirements.--Legislation meets the requirements of this
subsection if the legislation--
(1) simplifies the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by
reducing the number of tax preferences and reducing individual
tax rates proportionally, with the highest individual tax rate
significantly below 35 percent;
(2) permanently repeals the alternative minimum tax;
(3) is projected, when compared to the current tax policy
baseline, to be revenue neutral or result in revenue losses;
(4) has a dynamic effect which is projected to stimulate
economic growth and lead to increased revenue;
(5) applies any increased revenue from stimulated economic
growth to additional rate reductions and does not permit any
such increased revenue to be used for additional Federal
spending;
(6) retains a progressive tax code; and
(7) provides for revenue-neutral reform of the taxation of
corporations and businesses by--
(A) providing a top tax rate on corporations of no
more than 25 percent; and
(B) implementing a competitive territorial tax
system. | Tax Hike Prevention Act of 2012 - Extends through 2013: (1) the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, and (2) the reduction in the tax rates for dividend and capital gain income enacted by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003.
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to extend for an additional two years: (1) the increased exemption amount for the alternative minimum tax (AMT); (2) the offset against the AMT for certain nonrefundable personal tax credits; and (3) the increased expensing allowance for depreciable business assets, including computer software.
Directs the Senate Committee on Finance to report tax reform legislation not later than 12 months after the enactment of this Act. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to temporarily extend tax relief provisions enacted in 2001 and 2003, to provide for temporary alternative minimum tax relief, to extend increased expensing limitations, and to provide instructions for tax reform."} | 1,463 | 151 | 0.563349 | 1.428853 | 0.685278 | 2.778571 | 8.821429 | 0.821429 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Caregiver Financial Relief Act of
2008''.
SEC. 2. REFUNDABLE CREDIT FOR LONG-TERM CARE.
(a) General Rule.--Subpart C of part IV of subchapter A of chapter
1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to refundable credits)
is amended by redesignating section 36 as section 37 and by inserting
after section 35 the following new section:
``SEC. 36. FAMILY CARE CREDIT.
``(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 $3,000 multiplied by the number of applicable
individuals with respect to whom the taxpayer is an eligible caregiver
for the taxable year.
``(b) Limitation.--
``(1) Applicable individuals taken into account.--For
purposes of this section, a taxpayer may not take into account
more than 2 applicable individuals (4 in the case of a joint
return) for any taxable year.
``(2) Based on adjusted gross income.--
``(A) In general.--The amount of the credit
allowable under subsection (a) shall be reduced (but
not below zero) by $100 for each $1,000 (or fraction
thereof) by which the taxpayer's modified adjusted
gross income exceeds the threshold amount. For purposes
of the preceding sentence, the term `modified adjusted
gross income' means adjusted gross income increased by
any amount excluded from gross income under section
911, 931, or 933.
``(B) Threshold amount.--For purposes of this
paragraph, the term `threshold amount' means--
``(i) $150,000 in the case of a joint
return, and
``(ii) $100,000 in the case of an
individual who is not married, and
``(iii) $75,000 in the case of a married
individual filing a separate return.
``(c) Definitions.--For purposes of this section--
``(1) Applicable individual.--
``(A) In general.--The term `applicable individual'
means, with respect to any taxable year, any individual
who has been certified, before the due date for filing
the return of tax for the taxable year (determined
without regard to extensions), by a physician (as
defined in section 1861(r) of the Social Security Act)
as being an individual with long-term care needs
described in subparagraph (B) for a period--
``(i) which is at least 180 consecutive
days, and
``(ii) a portion of which occurs within the
taxable year.
Such term shall not include any individual otherwise
meeting the requirements of the preceding sentence
unless within the 39\1/2\ month period ending on such
due date (or such other period as the Secretary
prescribes) a physician (as so defined) has certified
that such individual meets such requirements.
``(B) Individuals with long-term care needs.--An
individual is described in this subparagraph if the
individual meets any of the following requirements:
``(i) The individual is at least 6 years of
age and--
``(I) is unable to perform (without
substantial assistance from another
individual) at least 3 activities of
daily living (as defined in section
7702B(c)(2)(B)) due to a loss of
functional capacity,
``(II) requires substantial
supervision to protect such individual
from threats to health and safety due
to severe cognitive impairment and is
unable to perform at least 1 activity
of daily living (as so defined) or to
the extent provided in regulations
prescribed by the Secretary (in
consultation with the Secretary of
Health and Human Services), is unable
to engage in age appropriate
activities, or
``(III) requires substantial
supervision to protect such individual
from threats to health and safety due
to a severe psychological disability,
mental retardation, or related
developmental disabilities and would
otherwise require residence in a
psychiatric hospital, an intermediate
care facility for the mentally
retarded, or similar residential
facility approved by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services.
``(ii) The individual is at least 2 but not
6 years of age and is unable due to a loss of
functional capacity to perform (without
substantial assistance from another individual)
at least 2 of the following activities: eating,
transferring, or mobility.
``(iii) The individual is under 2 years of
age and requires specific durable medical
equipment by reason of a severe health
condition or requires a skilled practitioner
trained to address the individual's condition
to be available if the individual's parents or
guardians are absent.
``(C) Psychological disability defined.--The term
`psychological disability' means any diagnosable
clinical condition on Axis I or Axis II of the current
edition of the American Psychiatric Association's
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
which is of a severity that requires substantial
supervision or residence in a psychiatric hospital or
similar residential facility approved by the Secretary.
``(D) Mental retardation defined.--The term `mental
retardation' means any developmental disability (as
defined in section 102 of the Developmental
Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (42
U.S.C. 15002)) which is of a severity that requires
substantial supervision or residence in an intermediate
care facility for the mentally retarded, or similar
residential facility approved by the Secretary of
Health and Human Services.
``(2) Eligible caregiver.--
``(A) In general.--A taxpayer shall be treated as
an eligible caregiver for any taxable year with respect
to the following individuals:
``(i) The taxpayer.
``(ii) The taxpayer's spouse.
``(iii) An individual with respect to whom
the taxpayer is allowed a deduction under
section 151 for the taxable year.
``(iv) An individual who would be described
in clause (iii) for the taxable year if section
152(d)(1)(B) were applied by substituting for
the exemption amount an amount equal to the sum
of the exemption amount, the standard deduction
under section 63(c)(2)(C), and any additional
standard deduction under section 63(c)(3) which
would be applicable to the individual if clause
(iii) applied.
``(v) An individual who would be described
in clause (iii) for the taxable year if--
``(I) the requirements of
subparagraph (B) are met with respect
to the individual in lieu of the
support test of section 152(c)(1)(D) or
152(d)(1)(C), as the case may be, and
``(II) in the case of an individual
who is not a qualifying child (as
defined in section 152(d)) for the
taxable year, the requirements of
clause (iv) are met with respect to the
individual.
``(B) Residency test.--The requirements of this
subparagraph are met if an individual has as his
principal place of abode the home of the taxpayer for
the taxable year and--
``(i) in the case of an individual who is
an ancestor or descendant of the taxpayer or
the taxpayer's spouse, is a member of the
taxpayer's household for over half the taxable
year, or
``(ii) in the case of any other individual,
is a member of the taxpayer's household for the
entire taxable year.
``(C) Special rules where more than 1 eligible
caregiver.--
``(i) In general.--If more than 1
individual is an eligible caregiver with
respect to the same applicable individual for
taxable years ending with or within the same
calendar year, a taxpayer shall be treated as
the eligible caregiver if each such individual
(other than the taxpayer) files a written
declaration (in such form and manner as the
Secretary may prescribe) that such individual
will not claim such applicable individual for
the credit under this section.
``(ii) No agreement.--If each individual
required to file a written declaration under
clause (i) does not do so, the individual with
the highest modified adjusted gross income (as
defined in subsection (b)(2)) shall be treated
as the eligible caregiver.
``(iii) Married individuals filing
separately.--In the case of married individuals
filing separately, the determination under this
subparagraph as to whether the husband or wife
is the eligible caregiver shall be made under
the rules of clause (ii) (whether or not one of
them has filed a written declaration under
clause (i)).
``(d) Identification Requirement.--No credit shall be allowed under
this section to a taxpayer with respect to any applicable individual
unless the taxpayer includes the name and taxpayer identification
number of such individual, and the identification number of the
physician or licensed independent practitioner licensed by the State to
render relevant diagnosis certifying such individual, on the return of
tax for the taxable year.
``(e) Taxable Year Must Be Full Taxable Year.--Except in the case
of a taxable year closed by reason of the death of the taxpayer, no
credit shall be allowable under this section in the case of a taxable
year covering a period of less than 12 months.
``(f) Termination.--This section shall not apply to taxable years
beginning after December 31, 2010.''.
(b) Conforming and Clerical Amendments.--
(1) Paragraph (2) of section 6213(g) of such Code (relating
to mathematical or clerical error) is amended--
(A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph
(L), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph
(M) and inserting ``, and'', and by inserting after
subparagraph (M) the following new subparagraph:
``(N) an omission of a correct TIN or physician
identification required under section 36(d) (relating
to family care credit) to be included on a return.'',
and
(B) in the matter preceding clause (i) of
subparagraph (L), by striking ``or 32'' and inserting
``32, or 36''.
(2) The table of sections for subpart C of part IV of
subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking
the item relating to section 36 and inserting the following:
``Sec. 36. Family care credit.
``Sec. 37 Overpayments of tax.''.
(c) Appropriations for Refund.--Section 1324(b)(2) of title 31,
United States Code, is amended by striking ``or 53(e)'' and inserting
``, 53(e), or 36''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.
SEC. 3. MODIFICATION OF DEPENDENT CARE CREDIT.
(a) Credit Allowed for Costs Incurred To Care for Parent and
Grandparents Who Do Not Live With Taxpayer.--Paragraph (1) of section
21(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (defining qualifying
individual) is amended by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph
(B), by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and
inserting ``, or'', and by adding at the end the following new
subparagraph:
``(D) in the case of taxable years beginning in
2009 and 2010, an individual described in subparagraph
(B) (determined without regard to whether such person
has the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer
for any part of such taxable year) who is the
taxpayer's mother or father (or an ancestor of
either).''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008.
SEC. 4. DEPENDENT CARE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EXCLUSION LIMITATION TO BE
APPLIED WITH RESPECT TO EACH QUALIFYING INDIVIDUAL.
(a) In General.--Subsection (e) of section 129 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to definitions and special rules) is
amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(10) Increased exclusion limitation for 2009 and 2010.--
``(A) In general.--In the case of taxable years
beginning in 2009 and 2010, subsection (a)(2)(A) shall
be applied by substituting `provided during a taxable
year for each qualifying individual with respect to the
taxpayer' for `provided during a taxable year'. For
purposes of the preceding sentence, not more than 4
individuals may be treated as qualifying individuals at
any one time.
``(B) Identifying information required with respect
to qualifying individuals.--No amount paid or incurred
by an employer for dependent care assistance provided
to an employee with respect to a qualifying individual
shall be excluded from the gross income of such
employee by application of subparagraph (A) unless the
TIN of such individual is included on the return
claiming the credit.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Subsection (c) of section 21 of such
Code (relating to dollar limit on amount creditable) is amended by
inserting ``(but not below zero)'' after ``shall be reduced''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2008. | Caregiver Financial Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) allow caregivers of family members with long-term care needs a refundable tax credit of $3,000 for up to two such family members each year through 2010; (2) allow in 2009 and 2010 the tax credit for dependent care expenses for parents (or ancestors of such parents) who do not reside with the taxpayer; and (3) allow in 2009 and 2010 an increased exclusion from gross income for employer-provided dependent care assistance. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit against tax for certain caregivers, to expand the dependent care credit, and to increase the exclusion limitation for dependent care assistance programs."} | 3,037 | 110 | 0.51708 | 1.27273 | 0.555199 | 2.166667 | 26.852941 | 0.852941 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Integrity of the United States
Courts Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. JUDICIAL REVIEW OF BINATIONAL PANEL DECISIONS.
(a) In General.--Subtitle A of title IV of the North American Free
Trade Agreement Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 3431 et seq.) is amended
by inserting after section 404 the following new section:
``SEC. 404A. REVIEW OF BINATIONAL PANEL DETERMINATIONS.
``(a) Basis for Review in Court of International Trade.--If, within
30 days after publication in the Federal Register of notice that a
binational panel has issued a determination following a review under
article 1904 of a decision of a competent investigating authority in
the United States, a party or person within the meaning of paragraph 5
of article 1904 alleges that--
``(1)(A) a member of a panel was guilty of a gross
misconduct, bias, or a serious conflict of interest, or
otherwise materially violated the rules of conduct,
``(B) the panel seriously departed from a fundamental rule
of procedure, or
``(C) the panel manifestly exceeded its powers, authority,
or jurisdiction set out in article 1904, as in failing to apply
the appropriate standard of review, and
``(2) any of the actions described in paragraph (1) has
materially affected the panel's decision and threatens the
integrity of the binational panel review process,
then such party or person may file an appeal with the United States
Court of International Trade, seeking review of the binational panel
determination, pursuant to section 516A of the Tariff Act of 1930.
``(b) Decisions of the Court.--In any appeal filed under subsection
(a) for review of a binational panel determination, the Court of
International Trade shall, after examining the legal and factual
analysis underlying the findings and conclusions of the panel's
decision, determine whether any of the actions described in subsection
(a)(1) has been established. If the court finds that any of those
actions has been established, the court shall vacate the original panel
decision and enter judgment accordingly. If the actions are not
established, the court shall affirm the original binational panel
decision. Decisions of the Court of International Trade under this
section shall be binding on the parties with respect to the matters
between the parties that were before the panel.
``(c) Exclusive Jurisdiction.--If a party or person within the
meaning of paragraph 5 of article 1904 timely files a notice of appeal
to the Court of International Trade pursuant to this section, then
jurisdiction exclusively resides with the United States Court of
International Trade, and such determinations are not subject to review
by an extraordinary challenge committee under paragraph 13 of article
1904.
``(d) Applicability.--This section applies to all goods from NAFTA
countries which were subject to an antidumping duty or countervailing
duty determination of a competent investigating authority in the United
States.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The table of contents of the North
American Free Trade Implementation Act is amended by inserting after
the item relating to section 404 the following:
``Sec. 404A. Review of binational panel determinations.''.
SEC. 3. JURISDICTION OF THE COURT OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
Section 516A of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1516a) is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(2)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)(i)(I), by striking ``or
(viii)'' and inserting ``(viii), or (ix)''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B), by adding at the end the
following:
``(ix) A final determination of a
binational panel convened pursuant to article
1904 of the NAFTA.'';
(2) in subsection (a)(5), in the matter preceding
subparagraph (A), by inserting ``(other than a determination
described in subsection (g)(3)(A)(vii))'' after ``apply''; and
(3) in subsection (g)(3)(A)--
(A) in clause (v), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(B) in clause (vi), by striking the period and
inserting ``, or''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(vii) a determination of which either a
party or person within the meaning of paragraph
5 of article 1904 of the NAFTA has requested
review pursuant to section 404A of the North
American Free Trade Agreement Implementation
Act.''.
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this Act shall apply to any final
determination of a binational panel convened pursuant to article 1904
of the North American Free Trade Agreement, notice of which is
published in the Federal Register on or after the date of the enactment
of this Act.
SEC. 5. APPLICABILITY TO GOODS FROM A NAFTA COUNTRY.
Pursuant to section 408 of the North American Free Trade Agreement
Implementation Act (19 U.S.C. 3438), the amendments made by this Act
shall apply with respect to goods from a NAFTA country (as defined in
section 2(4) of that Act (19 U.S.C. 3301(4))). | Integrity of the United States Courts Act of 2001 - Amends the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Implementation Act to permit a party or person to file with the U.S. Court of International Trade an appeal of a determination of a binational panel, alleging that a member of a binational panel is guilty of gross misconduct, bias, or serious conflict of interest, or that the panel seriously departed from a fundamental rule of procedure or exceeded its own authority, and such actions have materially affected panel determinations with respect to antidumping and countervailing duty cases and threaten the integrity of the panel review process.Amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to grant the U.S. Court of International Trade jurisdiction over the review of a final determination of such a binational panel.Declares that the amendments made by this Act with respect to antidumping and countervailing duty law shall apply to goods from a NAFTA country (United States, Canada, and Mexico). | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for review in the Court of International Trade of certain determinations of binational panels under the North American Free Trade Agreement."} | 1,230 | 222 | 0.629877 | 1.954269 | 0.840602 | 3.154286 | 6.074286 | 0.902857 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fort Wingate Land Division Act of
2014''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) In January 1993, the active mission of the Fort Wingate
Depot Activity, located in McKinley County, New Mexico (in this
Act referred to as ``Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity''),
ceased, and the installation was closed pursuant to title II of
the Defense Authorization Amendments and Base Closure and
Realignment Act (Public Law 100-526; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note).
(2) The lands occupied by the Former Fort Wingate Depot
Activity were originally the ancestral lands of both the Zuni
Tribe and the Navajo Nation, as indicated by tribal ancestral
histories and the large number of archeological and cultural
sites identified on the lands.
(3) The Secretary of the Interior, with the support of the
Zuni Tribe, the Navajo Nation, and other concerned parties,
determined that, upon completion of environmental remediation
of Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity, lands no longer needed
by the Department of the Army would be transferred to the
Secretary of the Interior and held in trust by the United
States for the benefit of the Zuni Tribe and the Navajo Nation.
(4) On July 8, 2013, the Zuni Tribe and Navajo Nation,
acting through their respective tribal leadership, who received
authority from their tribal governments to enter into good
faith discussions, and through their respective legal
representatives, met in the Capitol office of Congressman Don
Young, with Congressman Ben Ray Lujan and Congressman Steve
Pearce present, for final discussions to fairly divide Former
Fort Wingate Depot Activity.
(5) In the resulting discussions, the tribal leaders
informally agreed to the property divisions reflected in the
map titled ``Fort Wingate Depot Activity Negotiated Property
Division July 2013'' prepared by the Army Corps of Engineers
(in this Act referred to as the ``Map''), and the land division
outlined in section 3 was created in consultation with the Zuni
Tribe and the Navajo Nation.
(6) This Act achieves the goal of fairly dividing Former
Fort Wingate Depot Activity for the benefit of the Zuni Tribe
and the Navajo Nation.
SEC. 3. DIVISION AND TREATMENT OF LANDS OF FORMER FORT WINGATE DEPOT
ACTIVITY, NEW MEXICO, TO BENEFIT ZUNI TRIBE AND NAVAJO
NATION.
(a) Immediate Trust on Behalf of Zuni Tribe; Exception.--Subject to
valid existing rights and to easements reserved pursuant to section 4,
all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to lands of
Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity depicted in blue on the Map and
transferred to the Secretary of the Interior before the date of
enactment of this Act are to be held in trust by the Secretary of the
Interior for the Zuni Tribe of the Zuni Reservation as part of the Zuni
Reservation, unless the Zuni Tribe elects under subparagraphs (B) and
(C) of subsection (c)(3) to have specified parcels of the lands
conveyed to the Zuni Tribe in Restricted Fee Status.
(b) Immediate Trust on Behalf of Navajo Nation; Exception.--Subject
to valid existing rights and to easements reserved pursuant to section
4, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to lands
of Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity depicted in green on the Map and
transferred to the Secretary of the Interior before the date of
enactment of this Act are to be held in trust by the Secretary of the
Interior for the Navajo Nation as part of the Navajo Reservation,
unless the Navajo Nation elects under subsection (c)(3) to have
specified parcels of the lands conveyed to the Navajo Nation in
restricted fee status.
(c) Subsequent Transfer and Trust; Restricted Fee Status
Alternative.--
(1) Transfer upon completion of remediation.--Not later
than 60 days after the date on which the New Mexico
Environmental Department certifies that remediation of a parcel
of land of Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity has been
completed consistent with section 5, the Secretary of the Army
shall transfer administrative jurisdiction over the parcel to
the Secretary of the Interior.
(2) Notification of transfer.--Not later than 30 days after
the date on which the Secretary of the Interior assumes
administrative jurisdiction over a parcel of land of Former
Fort Wingate Depot Activity under paragraph (1), the Secretary
of the Interior shall notify the Zuni Tribe and Navajo Nation
of the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over the parcel.
(3) Trust or restricted fee status.--
(A) Trust.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B),
the Secretary of Interior shall hold each parcel of
land of Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity transferred
under paragraph (1) in trust--
(i) for the Zuni Tribe, in the case of land
depicted in blue on the Map; or
(ii) for the Navajo Nation, in the case of
land depicted in green on the Map.
(B) Restricted fee status alternative.--In lieu of
having a parcel of land held in trust under
subparagraph (A), the Zuni Tribe, with respect to land
depicted in blue on the Map, and the Navajo Nation,
with respect to land depicted in green on the Map, may
elect to have the Secretary of the Interior convey the
parcel or any portion of the parcel to it in restricted
fee status.
(C) Notification of election.--Not later than 45
days after the date on which the Zuni Tribe or the
Navajo Nation receives notice under paragraph (2) of
the transfer of administrative jurisdiction over a
parcel of land of Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity,
the Zuni Tribe or the Navajo Nation shall notify the
Secretary of the Interior of an election under
subparagraph (B) for conveyance of the parcel or any
portion of the parcel in restricted fee status.
(D) Conveyance.--As soon as practicable after
receipt of a notice from the Zuni Tribe or the Navajo
Nation under subparagraph (C), but in no case later
than six months after receipt of the notice, the
Secretary of the Interior shall convey, in restricted
fee status, the parcel of land of Former Fort Wingate
Depot Activity covered by the notice to the Zuni Tribe
or the Navajo Nation, as the case may be.
(E) Restricted fee status defined.--For purposes of
this Act only, the term ``restricted fee status'', with
respect to land conveyed under subparagraph (D), means
that the land so conveyed--
(i) shall be owned in fee by the Indian
tribe to whom the land is conveyed;
(ii) shall be part of the Indian tribe's
Reservation and expressly made subject to the
jurisdiction of the Indian Tribe;
(iii) shall not be sold by the Indian tribe
without the consent of Congress;
(iv) shall not be subject to taxation by
any government other than the government of the
Indian tribe; and
(v) shall not be subject to any provision
of law providing for the review or approval by
the Secretary of the Interior before an Indian
tribe may use the land for any purpose,
directly or through agreement with another
party.
(d) Survey and Boundary Requirements.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of the Interior shall--
(A) provide for the survey of lands of Former Fort
Wingate Depot Activity taken into trust for the Zuni
Tribe or the Navajo Nation or conveyed in restricted
fee status for the Zuni Tribe or the Navajo Nation
under subsection (a), (b), or (c); and
(B) establish legal boundaries based on the Map as
parcels are taken into trust or conveyed in restricted
fee status.
(2) Consultation.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Interior shall
consult with the Zuni Tribe and the Navajo Nation to determine
their priorities regarding the order in which parcels should be
surveyed, and, to the greatest extent feasible, the Secretary
shall follow these priorities.
(e) Relation to Certain Regulations.--Part 151 of title 25, Code of
Federal Regulations, shall not apply to taking lands of Former Fort
Wingate Depot Activity into trust under subsection (a), (b), or (c).
SEC. 4. RETENTION OF NECESSARY EASEMENTS AND ACCESS.
(a) Easements for Cleanup and Remediation.--The lands of Former
Fort Wingate Depot Activity held in trust or conveyed in restricted fee
status pursuant to section 3 shall be subject to reservation by the
United States of such easements as the Secretary of the Army determines
are reasonably required to permit access to lands of Former Fort
Wingate Depot Activity for administrative, environmental cleanup, and
environmental remediation purposes. The Secretary of the Army shall
provide to the governments of the Zuni Tribe and the Navajo Nation
written copies of all easements reserved under this subsection.
(b) Shared Access.--
(1) Parcel 1 shared cultural and religious access.--In the
case of the lands of Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity
depicted as Parcel 1 on the Map, the lands shall be held in
trust subject to a shared easement for cultural and religious
purposes only. Both the Zuni Tribe and the Navajo Nation shall
have unhindered access to their respective cultural and
religious sites within Parcel 1. Within one year after the date
of the enactment of this Act, the Zuni Tribe and the Navajo
Nation shall exchange detailed information to document the
existence of cultural and religious sites within Parcel 1 for
the purpose of carrying out this paragraph. The information
shall also be provided to the Secretary of the Interior.
(2) Other shared access.--Subject to the written consent of
both the Zuni Tribe and the Navajo Nation, the Secretary of the
Interior may facilitate shared access to other lands held in
trust or restricted fee status pursuant to section 3,
including, but not limited to, religious and cultural sites.
(c) I-25 Frontage Road Entrance.--The entire access road for Former
Fort Wingate Depot Activity, which originates at the frontage road for
Interstate 25 and leads to the parcel of Former Fort Wingate Depot
Activity depicted as ``administration area'' on the Map, shall be held
in common by both the Zuni Tribe and the Navajo Nation to provide for
equal access to Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity.
(d) Department of Defense Access to Missile Defense Agency
Facility.--Lands held in trust or conveyed in Restricted Fee Status
pursuant to section 3 shall be subject to such easements as may be
reasonably required to permit Department of Defense access to the
Missile Defense Agency facility at Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity.
SEC. 5. ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION.
(a) Responsibility for Cleanup.--Nothing in this Act shall be
construed as alleviating, altering, or affecting the responsibility of
the United States for cleanup and remediation of Former Fort Wingate
Depot Activity according to the terms previously agreed to by the
Secretary of the Army and the New Mexico Environment Department.
(b) Liability.--Neither the Zuni Tribe nor the Navajo Nation shall
be liable for any damages resulting from Department of the Army
activities on Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity or the use by the
Department of the Army of hazardous substances, toxic substances, heavy
metals, explosives, pollutants, contaminants, waste or petroleum
products, or any combination thereof, regardless of when the
contamination is discovered or where it has spread.
(c) Treatment of Claims Against Tribes.--
(1) In general.--The Zuni Tribe and the Navajo Nation shall
be held harmless from any claim, suit, demand, judgment, cost,
or fee arising from Department of the Army activities on or off
the Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity site, or the prior use
of hazardous substances, toxic substances, heavy metals,
explosives, pollutants, contaminants, waste or petroleum
products, or any combination thereof, regardless of when the
contamination is discovered or where it has spread.
(2) Notification requirement.--After a parcel of land of
Former Fort Wingate Depot Activity has been transferred or
conveyed under section 3, the Zuni Tribe or the Navajo Nation
shall notify the Secretary of the Army of the existence or
discovery of any contamination or hazardous material on the
parcel.
(d) Effect of Environmental Certification.--Certification by the
New Mexico Environment Department that a parcel of land of Former Fort
Wingate Depot Activity has been fully remediated shall satisfy all
Federal environmental requirements necessary for the Secretary of the
Army and the Secretary of the Interior to carry out their
responsibilities to transfer or convey the parcel under section 3. | Fort Wingate Land Division Act of 2014 - Declares that all interest of the United States in and to certain lands of the former Fort Wingate Depot Activity in McKinley County, New Mexico, and transferred to the Secretary of the Interior are to be held in trust for the Zuni Tribe as part of the Zuni Reservation, unless the Tribe elects to have specified parcels of those lands conveyed to it in restricted fee status. Declares that all interest of the United States in and to specified lands of the former Fort Wingate Depot Activity and transferred to the Secretary are to be held in trust for the Navajo Nation as part of the Navajo Reservation, unless the Navajo Nation elects to have specified parcels of those lands conveyed to it in restricted fee status. Subjects the lands of the former Fort Wingate Depot Activity held in trust or conveyed in restricted fee status to reservation by the United States of such easements as the Secretary of the Army determines are reasonably required to permit access to lands of the Activity for administrative, environmental cleanup, and environmental remediation purposes. Requires the lands of the former Fort Wingate Depot Activity identified as parcel 1 to be held in trust subject to a shared easement for cultural and religious purposes only. Declares that the entire access road for the former Fort Wingate Depot Activity shall be held in common by both the Zuni Tribe and the Navajo Nation to provide for equal access to the Activity. Subjects lands held in trust or conveyed in restricted fee status to such easements as may be reasonably required to permit the Department of Defense (DOD) access to the Missile Defense Agency facility at the former Fort Wingate Depot Activity. Requires the Zuni Tribe or the Navajo Nation, after a parcel of land has been transferred or conveyed, to notify the Secretary of the Army of the existence or discovery of any contamination or hazardous material on it. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Fort Wingate Land Division Act of 2014"} | 2,890 | 435 | 0.687729 | 2.453484 | 0.652519 | 5.822034 | 7.175141 | 0.957627 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``International Tax Competitiveness
Act of 2011''.
SEC. 2. 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
(relating to definitions) 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.
``(C) Exception from gross assets test.--
Subparagraph (A)(ii) shall not apply to a corporation
which is a controlled foreign corporation (as defined
in section 957) and which is a member of an affiliated
group (as defined section 1504, but determined without
regard to section 1504(b)(3)) the common parent of
which--
``(i) is a domestic corporation (determined
without regard to this subsection), and
``(ii) has substantial assets (other than
cash and cash equivalents and other than stock
of foreign subsidiaries) held for use in the
active conduct of a trade or business in the
United States.
``(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
as sets 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.
SEC. 3. CURRENT TAXATION OF ROYALTIES AND OTHER INCOME FROM INTANGIBLES
RECEIVED FROM A CONTROLLED FOREIGN CORPORATION.
(a) Repeal of Look-Thru Rule for Royalties Received From Controlled
Foreign Corporations.--Paragraph (6) of section 954(c) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(1) by striking ``rents, and royalties'' in subparagraph
(A) and inserting ``and rents'', and
(2) by striking ``, rent, or royalty'' both places it
appears in subparagraph (B) and inserting ``or rent''.
(b) Entities Not Permitted To Be Disregarded in Determining
Royalties.--Subsection (c) of section 954 of such Code is amended by
adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(7) All royalties taken into account.--For purposes of
determining the foreign personal holding company income which
consists of royalties, this subsection shall be applied without
regard to any election to disregard any entity which would be
taken into account for Federal income tax purposes but for such
election.''.
(c) Certain Other Income Derived From United States Intangibles
Taken Into Account as Subpart F Income.--Subsection (d) of section 954
of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new
paragraph:
``(5) Special rule for certain products produced pursuant
to intangibles made available by united states persons.--For
purposes of this subsection, personal property shall be treated
as having been purchased from a related person if any
intangible property (within the meaning of section
936(h)(3)(B)) made available to a controlled foreign
corporation, directly or indirectly, by a related person which
is a United States person contributes, directly or indirectly,
to the production of such personal property by the controlled
foreign corporation. The preceding sentence shall not apply to
any personal property produced directly by the controlled
foreign corporation, without regard to any election to
disregard any entity which would be taken into account for
Federal income tax purposes but for such election.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years of foreign corporations beginning after December
31, 2011, and to taxable years of United States shareholders within
which or with which such tax years of such foreign corporations end.
SEC. 4. TAXATION OF BOOT RECEIVED IN REORGANIZATIONS.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 356(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--
(1) by striking ``If an exchange'' and inserting ``Except
as otherwise provided by the Secretary--
``(A) In general.--If an exchange'';
(2) by striking ``then there shall be'' and all that
follows through ``February 28, 1913'' and inserting ``then the
amount of other property or money shall be treated as a
dividend to the extent of the earnings and profits of the
corporation''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(B) Certain reorganizations.--In the case of a
reorganization described in section 368(a)(1)(D) with
respect to which the requirements of subparagraphs (A)
and (B) of section 354(b)(1) are met (or any other
reorganization specified by the Secretary), in applying
subparagraph (A)--
``(i) the earnings and profits of each
corporation which is a party to the
reorganization shall be taken into account, and
``(ii) the amount which is a dividend (and
source thereof) shall be determined under rules
similar to the rules of paragraphs (2) and (5)
of section 304(b).''.
(b) Earnings and Profits.--Paragraph (7) of section 312(n) of such
Code is amended by adding at the end the following: ``A similar rule
shall apply to an exchange to which section 356(a)(1) applies.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment.--Paragraph (1) of section 356(a) of such
Code is amended by striking ``then the gain'' and inserting ``then
(except as provided in paragraph (2)) the gain''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to exchanges after the date of the enactment of this Act. | International Tax Competitiveness Act of 2011 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) treat foreign corporations that are managed, directly or indirectly, within the United States as domestic corporations for U.S. tax purposes; (2) make certain royalty income and income from intangibles received from a controlled foreign corporation subject to U.S. taxation; and (3) revise the tax treatment of property other than stock (i.e., boot) received in connection with a corporate reorganization to provide that such property shall be treated as a taxable dividend. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reduce international tax avoidance and restore a level playing field for American businesses."} | 2,029 | 121 | 0.515965 | 1.319969 | 0.62491 | 2.38 | 18.18 | 0.9 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Congressional Office of Regulatory
Analysis Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) Federal regulations can have a positive impact in
protecting the environment and the health and safety of all
Americans; however, uncontrolled increases in the costs that
regulations place on the economy cannot be sustained;
(2) the legislative branch has a responsibility to see that
the laws it passes are properly implemented by the executive
branch;
(3) effective implementation of chapter 8 of title 5 of the
United States Code (relating to congressional review of agency
rulemaking) is essential to controlling the regulatory burden
that the Government places on the economy; and
(4) in order for the legislative branch to fulfill its
responsibilities under chapter 8 of title 5, United States
Code, it must have accurate and reliable information on which
to base its decisions.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to establish a
congressional office to provide Congress with independent, timely, and
reasoned analyses of existing and anticipated Federal rules and
regulations, including--
(1) assessments of the need for, and effectiveness of,
existing and anticipated Federal rules and regulations in
meeting the mandates of underlying statutes;
(2) statements of the existing and projected economic and
noneconomic impacts, including the impacts of reporting
requirements, of such rules and regulations; and
(3) separate assessments of the effects of existing and
anticipated regulations on segments of the public, such as
geographic regions and small entities.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE.
(a) Establishment.--
(1) In general.--There is established a Congressional
Office of Regulatory Analysis (hereafter in this Act referred
to as the ``Office''). The Office shall be headed by a
Director.
(2) Appointment.--The Director shall be appointed by the
Majority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives without regard to political affiliation and
solely on the basis of the Director's ability to perform the
duties of the Office.
(3) Term.--The term of office of the Director shall be 4
years, but no Director shall be permitted to serve more than 3
terms. Any individual appointed as Director to fill a vacancy
prior to the expiration of a term shall serve only for the
unexpired portion of that term. An individual serving as
Director at the expiration of that term may continue to serve
until the individual's successor is appointed.
(4) Removal.--The Director may be removed by a concurrent
resolution of Congress.
(5) Compensation.--The Director shall receive compensation
at a per annum gross rate equal to the rate of basic pay for a
position at level III of the Executive Schedule under section
5314 of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Personnel.--The Director shall appoint and fix the compensation
of such personnel as may be necessary to carry out the duties and
functions of the Office. All personnel of the Office shall be appointed
without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of
their fitness to perform their duties. The Director may prescribe the
duties and responsibilities of the personnel of the Office, and
delegate authority to perform any of the duties, powers, and functions
of the Office or the Director. For purposes of pay (other than pay of
the Director) and employment benefits, rights, and privileges, all
personnel of the Office shall be treated as if they were employees of
the Senate.
(c) Experts and Consultants.--In carrying out the duties and
functions of the Office, the Director may procure the temporary (not to
exceed one year) or intermittent services of experts or consultants or
organizations thereof by contract as independent contractors, or, in
the case of individual experts or consultants, by employment at rates
of pay not in excess of the daily equivalent of the highest rate of
basic pay under the General Schedule of section 5332 of title 5, United
States Code.
(d) Relationship to Executive Branch.--
(1) In general.--The Director is authorized to secure
information, data, estimates, and statistics directly from the
various departments, agencies, and establishments of the
executive branch of Government, including the Office of
Management and Budget, and the regulatory agencies and
commissions of the Government. All such departments, agencies,
establishments, and regulatory agencies and commissions shall
promptly furnish the Director any available material which the
Director determines to be necessary in the performance of the
Director's duties and functions (other than material the
disclosure of which would be a violation of law).
(2) Services.--Upon agreement with the head of any such
department, agency, establishment, or regulatory agency or
commission--
(A) the Director may use the services, facilities,
and personnel with or without reimbursement of such
department, agency, establishment, or commission; and
(B) the head of each such department, agency,
establishment, or regulatory agency or commission is
authorized to provide the Office such services,
facilities, and personnel.
(e) Relationship to Other Agencies of Congress.--In carrying out
the duties and functions of the Office, and for the purpose of
coordinating the operations of the Office with those of other
congressional agencies with a view to utilizing most effectively the
information, services and capabilities of all such agencies in carrying
out the various responsibilities assigned to each, the Director is
authorized to obtain information, data, estimates, and statistics
developed by the General Accounting Office, Congressional Budget
Office, and the Library of Congress, and (upon agreement with them) to
utilize their services, facilities, and personnel with or without
reimbursement. The Comptroller General, the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office, and the Librarian of Congress are
authorized to provide the Office with the information, data, estimates,
and statistics, and the services, facilities, and personnel, referred
to in the preceding sentence.
(f) Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Office for fiscal years 1998 through 2006 such sums as may be necessary
to enable the Office to carry out its duties and functions.
SEC. 4. RESPONSIBILITIES.
(a) Transfer of Functions Under Chapter 8 From GAO to Office.--
(1) Director's authority.--Section 801 of title 5, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``Comptroller General''
each place it occurs and inserting ``Director of the Office'';
and
(2) Definition.--Section 804 is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(4) The term `Director of the Office' means the Director
of the Congressional Office of Regulatory Affairs established
under section 3 of the Congressional Office of Regulatory
Analysis Act.''.
(3) Major rules.--
(A) Regulatory impact analysis.--In addition to the
assessment of an agency's compliance with the
procedural steps for major rules described under
section 801(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code,
the Office shall conduct its own regulatory impact
analysis of such major rules. The analysis shall
include--
(i) a description of the potential benefits
of the rule, including any beneficial effects
that cannot be quantified in monetary terms and
the identification of those likely to receive
the benefits;
(ii) a description of the potential costs
of the rule, including any adverse effects that
cannot be quantified in monetary terms and the
identification of those likely to bear the
costs;
(iii) a determination of the potential net
benefits of the rule, including an evaluation
of effects that cannot be quantified in
monetary terms;
(iv) a description of alternative
approaches that could achieve the same
regulatory goal at a lower cost, together with
an analysis of the potential benefit and costs
and a brief explanation of the legal reasons
why such alternatives, if proposed, could not
be adopted; and
(v) a summary of how these results differ,
if at all, from the results that the
promulgating agency received when conducting
similar analyses.
(B) Time for report to committees.--Section
801(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code, is amended
by striking ``15'' and inserting ``45''.
(4) Nonmajor rules.--The Office shall conduct a regulatory
impact analysis, in accordance with paragraph (3)(A), of any
nonmajor rule, as defined in section 804(3) of title 5, United
States Code, when requested to do so by a committee of the
Senate or House of Representatives, or individual Senator or
Representative.
(5) Priorities.--
(A) Assignment.--To ensure that analyses of the
most significant regulations occur, the Office shall
give first priority to, and is required to conduct
analyses of, all major rules, as defined in section
804(2) of title 5, United States Code. Secondary
priority shall be assigned to requests from committees
of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Tertiary priority shall be assigned to requests from
individual Senators and Representatives.
(B) Discretion to director of office.--The Director
of the Office shall have the discretion to assign
priority among the secondary and tertiary requests.
(b) Transfer of Certain Functions Under the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act of 1995 From CBO to Office.--
(1) Cost of regulations.--Section 103 of the Unfunded
Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1511) is amended--
(A) in subsection (b), by striking ``the Director''
and inserting ``the Director of the Congressional
Office of Regulatory Analysis''; and
(B) in subsection (c), by inserting after ``Budget
Office'' the following: ``or the Director of the
Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis''.
(2) Assistance to the congressional office of regulatory
analysis.--Section 206 of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of
1995 (2 U.S.C. 1536) is amended--
(A) by amending the section heading to read as
follows: ``sec. 206. assistance to the congressional
office of regulatory analysis.''; and
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office'' and inserting ``the
Director of the Congressional Office of Regulatory
Analysis''.
(c) Other Reports.--In addition to the regulatory impact analyses
of major and nonmajor rules described under subsection (a), the Office
shall issue an annual report on an estimate of the total cost of
Federal regulations on the United States economy.
SEC. 5. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall take effect 180
days after the date of enactment of this Act. | Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis Act - Establishes a Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis. Authorizes appropriations.
Transfers to the Director of such Office (the Director) the functions of the Comptroller General with respect to congressional review of agency rulemaking.
Requires the Office to conduct its own specified regulatory impact analysis of major rules.
Extends the deadline by which the Director must report to appropriate congressional committees on each major rule from 15 to 45 calendar days after its submission to the Congress or publication in the Federal Register.
Requires the Office to conduct a regulatory impact analysis of any nonmajor rule when requested to do so by a congressional committee or Member of Congress.
Amends the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 to: (1) transfer functions of the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to the Director with respect to the comparison between agency and CBO mandate cost estimates; and (2) require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), at the request of the CBO Director or the Director, to cooperate in providing mandate cost estimates and related data.
Directs the OMB Director to collect agency statements prepared under such Act for forwarding to the Director (currently the CBO Director) after promulgation of the general notice of proposed rulemaking or of the final rule for which the statement was prepared. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Congressional Office of Regulatory Analysis Act"} | 2,310 | 293 | 0.513218 | 1.463338 | 0.719584 | 1.972656 | 8.542969 | 0.832031 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Comprehensive Learning Assessment
for Students and Schools (CLASS) Act''.
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS REGARDING ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS AND ASSESSMENTS.
(a) Continuous Growth Models.--Clause (iii) of section
1111(b)(2)(C) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)(C)) is amended by striking ``for all students'' and
inserting ``for all students, as demonstrated by measures of students'
progress toward proficiency, including longitudinal growth''.
(b) Averaging Procedure.--Subparagraph (J) of section 1111(b)(2) of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6311(b)(2)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(iv) The State may average data by other
means that are designed to increase the
stability of school-building results from year
to year.''.
(c) Adequate Yearly Progress by Group and Subject.--Section 1116(b)
of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6316(b)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), by inserting
``with respect to the performance of a particular group of
students described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v) in the same
academic subject,'' after ``that fails, for 2 consecutive
years,'';
(2) in paragraph (5), by inserting ``with respect to the
performance of a particular group of students described in
section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v) in the same academic subject,'' after
``that fails to make adequate yearly progress,'';
(3) in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (7), by inserting
``with respect to the performance of a particular group of
students described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v) in the same
academic subject,'' after ``that fails to make adequate yearly
progress,''; and
(4) in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (8), by inserting
``with respect to the performance of a particular group of
students described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v) in the same
academic subject,'' after ``continues to fail to make adequate
yearly progress,''.
(d) Multiple Measures.--Subparagraph (A) of section 1111(b)(2) of
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6311(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) at the end of clause (ii), by striking ``and'';
(2) at the end of clause (iii), by striking the period and
inserting ``; and''; and
(3) at the end, by adding the following:
``(iv) include multiple measures of student
academic achievement, such as the proportion of
State report card indicators met, a performance
index score, student drop-out rate, and a
measure based on individual student achievement
gains over time, disaggregated by each of the
groups of students described in subparagraph
(C)(v).''.
(e) Cut Scores.--Clause (ii) of section 1111(b)(1)(D) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6311(b)(1)(D)) is amended--
(1) in subclause (II), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subclause (III), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(IV) take into consideration the
continuum of achievement by children
within the advanced, proficient, and
basic levels of achievement described
in subclauses (II) and (III) and the
yearly progress by children within such
continuum.''.
(f) No First Score Requirement.--Clause (iv) of section
1111(b)(2)(C) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)(C)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(iv) measures'' and inserting ``(iv)(I)
measures'';
(2) by inserting ``and'' after ``in paragraph (3);''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(II) if a student takes an assessment
described in paragraph (3) for a particular
subject or grade level more than once, may use,
at the State's discretion, the student's
results from subsequent administrations of the
assessment;''.
(g) Limiting Transfer Options and Supplemental Services to Students
From Failing Groups.--Section 1116 of the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6316) is amended--
(1) in paragraphs (1)(E)(i), (5)(A), (7)(C)(i), and
(8)(A)(i) of subsection (b), by striking the term ``all
students enrolled in the school'' each place such term appears
and inserting ``all students enrolled in the school, who are
members of a group described in section 1111(b)(2)(C)(v) that
fails to make adequate yearly progress as defined in the
State's plan under section 1111(b)(2),'';
(2) in clause (vii) of subsection (c)(10)(C), by inserting
``, who are members of a group described in section
1111(b)(2)(C)(v) that fails to make adequate yearly progress as
defined in the State's plan under section 1111(b)(2),'' after
``Authorizing students''; and
(3) in subparagraph (A) of subsection (e)(12), by inserting
``, who is a member of a group described in section
1111(b)(2)(C)(v) that fails to make adequate yearly progress as
defined in the State's plan under section 1111(b)(2)'' after
``under section 1113(c)(1)''.
(h) Assessments.--Clause (ii) of section 1111(b)(3)(C) of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C.
6311(b)(3)(C)) is amended to read as follows:
``(ii) be aligned with the State's
challenging academic content and student
academic achievement standards, be aligned with
curriculum and instruction to adequately assess
the effect of curriculum and instruction on
each such challenging academic content
standard, include individual test items (based
on technical criteria) that enable students to
achieve the items if the students received
appropriate instruction, and provide coherent
information about student attainment of the
State's challenging academic content and
student academic achievement standards;''.
(i) Assessing Students With Disabilities.--Clause (ix) of section
1111(b)(3)(C) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 6311(b)(3)(C)) is amended--
(1) in subclause (II), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in subclause (III), by inserting ``and'' at the end;
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(IV) at the discretion of the
State, the assessment of students with
disabilities (as defined in section
602(3) of the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act) whose
instructional level in the core
academic subjects is below the grade
level in which the student is enrolled,
by using the State assessment
determined by the student's
individualized education program team
(as described in section 614(d)(1)(B)
of the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act) to most closely
correspond to the student's
instructional level;''.
(j) Students With Limited English Proficiency.--Paragraph (2) of
section 1111(b) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 6311(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(L) Students with limited english proficiency.--
Notwithstanding subparagraph (C)(v), a State may define
adequate yearly progress under subparagraph (C) in a
manner that measures the progress of students with
limited English proficiency--
``(i) by continuing to include in a group
of students described in subparagraph (C)(v)
students who attain proficiency in English; and
``(ii) by excluding the performance of
students with limited English proficiency who
have resided in the United States for less than
3 years, so as to avoid any distortion in
measurement resulting from the new arrivals of
such students.''.
(k) Separate Starting Points.--Subparagraph (E) of section
1111(b)(2) (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``, using data
for the 2001-2002 school year,'' and inserting ``, for each group of
students described in subparagraph (C)(v),''.
(l) Minimum Number of Students With Disabilities for Statistically
Reliable Information.--The matter following subclause (II) in section
1111(b)(2)(C)(v) is amended by inserting ``, and a State may determine
that such number for a group of students with disabilities is greater
than for other groups of students described in this clause'' after
``information about any individual student''. | Comprehensive Learning Assessment for Students and Schools (CLASS) Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to revise certain requirements regarding student assessments and adequate yearly progress which were added by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 regarding adequate yearly progress and assessments."} | 2,195 | 52 | 0.471 | 1.066414 | 0.516389 | 3.644444 | 40.133333 | 0.8 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening FHA Through Shared
Equity Homeownership Act of 2010''.
SEC. 2. SHARED EQUITY PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to establish a shared
equity homeownership pilot program for FHA mortgage insurance to
complement FHA mortgage lending activity to analyze the effectiveness
of shared equity finance methods that stimulate the flow of private
equity capital into the housing sector, while mitigating risk to
borrowers and to the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund.
(b) Establishment.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
(in this section referred to as the ``Secretary'') shall carry out a
pilot program under this section (in this section referred to as the
``pilot program)'' to analyze the effectiveness of providing mortgage
insurance under the FHA mortgage insurance program for mortgages for
the acquisition or refinancing of 1- to 4-family residences that are
financed in part through a shared equity arrangement under which
independent, private sector investors invest, together with the
mortgagors, equity funds for such residences and thereby share in the
ownership of such residences.
(c) Application and Selection.--
(1) Eligibility and application.--The Secretary shall
establish eligibility requirements for financial institutions,
nonprofit organizations, housing associations, investment
pools, and other appropriate individuals and entities to
participate in the pilot program and shall provide for eligible
entities to apply to the Secretary for such participation. Such
applications shall include such information as the Secretary
considers appropriate regarding the matters referred to in
subparagraphs (A) through (D) of paragraph (2).
(2) Selection.--Not later than 270 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall select not more
than 8 individuals and entities to participate in the pilot
program, from among eligible individuals and entities applying
for such participation, using criteria established by the
Secretary, which shall include criteria based on--
(A) the methodology to be used for deploying equity
sharing capital, which shall ensure that equity sharing
capital shall be deployed from private sector sources;
(B) a definition of markets to be targeted;
(C) legal agreements and disclosures necessary to
protect mortgagors and all other involved parties and
to provide for periodic program monitoring; and
(D) the source and level of revenue expected to be
derived from participating in the pilot program.
(d) Principal Residence.--A residence acquired with a mortgage that
is insured by the Secretary under the pilot program shall be occupied
by the mortgagor as the primary residence of the mortgagor.
(e) Downpayment.--The mortgagor under a mortgage insured by the
Secretary under the pilot program shall comply with the requirement
under section 203(b)(9) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C.
1709(b)(9)) that the mortgagor invest the amount required by the
Secretary, which shall be not less than 3.5 percent of the appraised
value of the residence.
(f) Minimum Homebuyer Equity.--The mortgagor under the mortgage
insured by the Secretary under the pilot program shall retain a
percentage of ownership in the residence under the shared equity
arrangement that is not less than 60 percent.
(g) Insurance Premiums.--Notwithstanding section 203(c)(2)(B) of
the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(c)(2)(B)), the Secretary shall
establish and collect annual premium payments on mortgages insured by
the Secretary under the pilot program in an amount based on the annual
premium charged under such section 203(c)(2)(B), as adjusted by the
Secretary to account for any reduced risk in insuring such mortgages
attributable to the shared equity arrangement.
(h) Rights of Mortgagor.--The Secretary shall establish
requirements to ensure the mortgagor maintains occupancy rights in the
property subject to the mortgage insured under the pilot program. A
mortgagor and shared equity investor shall receive transactional
documentation that addresses the rights, privileges and
responsibilities of both the mortgagor and shared equity investor.
(i) Scope.--
(1) Geographic diversity.--The Secretary shall carry out
the pilot program in multiple regional mortgage markets in the
United States.
(2) Equity sharing capital investments.--The Secretary
shall, for each eligible entity participating in the pilot
program, limit the amount of equity sharing capital invested
under the pilot program to $25,000,000.
(3) Timing.--The Secretary may not insure any mortgage in
connection with the pilot program after the expiration of the
two-year period beginning on the date of the implementation of
the pilot program under this Act.
(j) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive, or specify alternative
requirements for, any provision of any statute, regulation, or
guideline that the Secretary administers (except for requirements
related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, and the
environment) upon a determination by the Secretary that such waiver is
appropriate to carry out the pilot program under this section.
(k) Monitoring and Reporting.--
(1) Monitoring.--The Secretary shall provide for such
monitoring of the pilot program, investors participating in the
pilot program, and shared equity arrangements entered into
under the pilot program as may be necessary to determine the
effectiveness of the pilot program and of the structure of, and
requirements under, the pilot program.
(2) Reports to congress.--Not later than the expiration of
the 18-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall
submit a report to the Congress analyzing effectiveness of the
pilot program and making recommendations regarding expansion of
the pilot program and improvements for the pilot program. | Strengthening FHA Through Shared Equity Homeownership Act of 2010 - Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a shared equity homeownership pilot program to analyze the effectiveness of providing mortgage insurance under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance program for mortgages for the acquisition or refinancing of 1- to 4-primary family residences that are financed in part through a shared equity arrangement under which independent, private sector investors invest, together with the mortgagors, equity funds for such residences and thereby share in their ownership.
Requires the Secretary to select up to 8 financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, housing associations, investment pools, and other appropriate individuals and entities to participate in the pilot.
Requires a mortgagor to: (1) make a downpayment of at least 3.5% of the appraised value of the residence involved; and (2) retain a minimum equity in the residence under the shared equity arrangement of at least 60%. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish a shared equity homeownership pilot program for FHA mortgage insurance."} | 1,261 | 216 | 0.719258 | 2.179196 | 0.797541 | 4.983425 | 6.132597 | 0.906077 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Universal College Credit Act''.
SEC. 2. UNIVERSAL COLLEGE CREDIT.
(a) In General.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by inserting after
section 25D the following new section:
``SEC. 25E. UNIVERSAL COLLEGE CREDIT.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an individual for whom
an election is in effect under this section for a 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 qualified tuition and
related expenses paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year.
``(b) Dollar Limitation.--The amount allowed as a credit under
subsection (a) with respect to each individual for whom qualified
tuition and related expenses are paid by the taxpayer during the
taxable year shall not exceed $5,000.
``(c) Credit Allowed Only for 4 Years of Undergraduate Education
and 6 Years of Graduate Education.--An election to have this section
apply with respect to any individual for whom qualified tuition and
related expenses are paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year may
not be made for any taxable year if such an election (by the taxpayer
or any other individual) is in effect with respect to--
``(1) the undergraduate education expenses of such
individual for any 4 prior taxable years, or
``(2) the graduate education expenses of such individual
for any 6 prior taxable years.
``(d) Denial of Double Benefit.--No credit shall be allowed under
this section with respect to the qualified tuition and related expenses
of any individual if a credit or deduction is allowed under any other
provision of this chapter with respect to such expenses.
``(e) Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) Qualified tuition and related expenses.--
``(A) In general.--The term `qualified tuition and
related expenses' means tuition and fees required for
the enrollment or attendance of--
``(i) the taxpayer,
``(ii) the taxpayer's spouse, or
``(iii) any dependent of the taxpayer with
respect to whom the taxpayer is allowed a
deduction under section 151,
at an eligible educational institution for courses of
instruction of such individual at such institution.
``(B) Exception for education involving sports,
etc.--Such term does not include expenses with respect
to any course or other education involving sports,
games, or hobbies, unless such course or other
education is part of the individual's degree program.
``(C) Exception for nonacademic fees.--Such term
does not include student activity fees, athletic fees,
insurance expenses, or other expenses unrelated to an
individual's academic course of instruction.
``(D) Adjustment for scholarships and section 529
distributions.--The amount of qualified tuition and
related expenses otherwise taken into account under
subsection (a) with respect to an individual for the
taxable year shall be reduced--
``(i) as provided in section 25A(g)(2), and
``(ii) by the amount of such expenses which
are taken into account in determining the
exclusions under sections 529(c)(3)(B) and
530(d)(2).
``(2) Eligible educational institution.--The term `eligible
educational institution' means an institution--
``(A) which is described in section 102 of the
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001, 1002), as
in effect on the date of the enactment of this section,
and
``(B) which is eligible to participate in a program
under title IV of such Act.
``(3) Undergraduate education expenses.--The term
`undergraduate education expenses' means the qualified tuition
and related expenses paid by the taxpayer during a taxable year
for an individual enrolled in an undergraduate course of study
during such taxable year.
``(4) Graduate education expenses.--The term `graduate
education expenses' means the qualified tuition and related
expenses paid by the taxpayer during a taxable year for an
individual enrolled in a graduate or professional course of
study during such taxable year.
``(5) Adjustment for certain scholarships, etc.--The amount
of qualified tuition and related expenses otherwise taken into
account under subsection (a) with respect to an individual for
an academic period shall be reduced by the sum of any amounts
paid for the benefit of such individual which are allocable to
such period as--
``(A) a qualified scholarship which is excludable
from gross income under section 117,
``(B) an educational assistance allowance under
chapter 30, 31, 32, 34, or 35 of title 38, United
States Code, or under chapter 1606 of title 10, United
States Code, and
``(C) a payment (other than a gift, bequest,
devise, or inheritance within the meaning of section
102(a)) for such individual's educational expenses, or
attributable to such individual's enrollment at an
eligible educational institution, which is excludable
from gross income under any law of the United States.
``(f) Election Not To Have Section Apply.--A taxpayer may elect to
have this section not apply with respect to an individual for any
taxable year.''.
(b) Coordination With Exclusion for Income From United States
Savings Bonds Used To Pay Higher Education Tuition and Fees.--
Subparagraph (A) of section 135(d)(2) of such Code is amended by
inserting ``or 25E'' after ``section 25A''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by
inserting after the item relating to section 25D the following new
item:
``Sec. 25E. Universal college credit.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to taxable years ending after the date of the enactment of this
Act. | Universal College Credit Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit up to $5,000 annually for the qualified tuition and related expenses of an individual taxpayer, a taxpayer's spouse, or dependents for instruction at an institution of higher education. Allows such credit for four years of undergraduate education expenses and six years of graduate or professional education expenses. Excludes expenses for courses involving sports, games, or hobbies (unless part of a degree program) and expenses unrelated to an academic program (e.g., student activity fees, athletic fees, or insurance expenses). | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against tax for qualified tuition and related expenses."} | 1,376 | 124 | 0.572641 | 1.36571 | 0.599476 | 2.605505 | 11.284404 | 0.899083 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Protect Children, Farmers, and
Farmworkers from Nerve Agent Pesticides Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds as follows:
(1) In 1996, Congress unanimously passed the Food Quality
Protection Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-170; 110 Stat. 1489)
(referred to in this section as ``FQPA''), a comprehensive
overhaul of Federal pesticide and food safety policy. That Act
amended the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act
(7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.) (referred to in this section as
``FIFRA'') and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21
U.S.C. 301 et seq.), the laws that govern how the Environmental
Protection Agency (referred to in this section as the ``EPA'')
registers pesticides and pesticide labels for use in the United
States and establishes tolerances or acceptable levels for
pesticide residues on food.
(2) The FQPA directs the EPA to ensure with ``reasonable
certainty'' that ``no harm'' will result from food, drinking
water, and other exposures to a pesticide. If EPA cannot make
this safety finding, it must prohibit residues and use of the
pesticide on food. The FQPA mandates that EPA must consider
children's special sensitivity and exposure to pesticide
chemicals and must make an explicit determination that the
pesticide can be used with a ``reasonable certainty of no
harm'' to children. In determining acceptable levels of
pesticide residue, EPA must account for the potential health
harm from pre-and postnatal exposures. The economic benefits of
pesticides cannot be used to override this health-based
standard for children from food and other exposures.
(3) Chlorpyrifos is a widely used pesticide first
registered by EPA in 1965. Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate
pesticide, a class of pesticides developed as nerve agents in
World War II and adapted for use as insecticides after the war.
Chlorpyrifos and other organophosphate pesticides affect the
nervous system through inhibition of cholinesterase, an enzyme
required for proper nerve functioning. Acute poisonings occur
when nerve impulses pulsate through the body, causing symptoms
like nausea, vomiting, convulsions, respiratory paralysis, and,
in extreme cases, death. Based on dozens of peer-reviewed
scientific articles, EPA determined that exposure during
pregnancy to even low levels of chlorpyrifos that caused only
minimal cholinesterase inhibition (10 percent or less) in the
mothers could lead to measurable long-lasting and possibly
permanent neurobehavioral and functional deficits in prenatally
exposed children.
(4) People, including pregnant women, are exposed to
chlorpyrifos through residues on food, contaminated drinking
water, and toxic spray drift from nearby pesticide
applications. Chlorpyrifos is used on an extensive variety of
crops, including fruit and nut trees, vegetables, wheat,
alfalfa, and corn. Between 2006 and 2012, chlorpyrifos was
applied to more than 50 percent of the Nation's apple and
broccoli crops, 45 percent of onion crops, 46 percent of walnut
crops, and 41 percent of cauliflower crops.
(5) Chlorpyrifos is acutely toxic and associated with
neurodevelopmental harms in children. Prenatal exposure to
chlorpyrifos is associated with elevated risks of reduced IQ,
loss of working memory, delays in motor development, attention-
deficit disorders, and structural changes in the brain.
(6) There is no nationwide chlorpyrifos use reporting. The
United States Geological Survey estimates annual pesticide use
on agricultural land in the United States, and estimates that
chlorpyrifos use on crops in 2014 ranged from 5,000,000 to
7,000,000 pounds of chlorpyrifos.
(7) In its 2016 report, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act Scientific Advisory Panel recognized ``the
growing body of literature with laboratory animals (rats and
mice) indicating that gestational and/or early postnatal
exposure to chlorpyrifos may cause persistent effects into
adulthood along with epidemiology studies which have evaluated
prenatal chlorpyrifos exposure in mother-infant pairs and
reported associations with neurodevelopment outcomes in infants
and children.''.
(8) Chlorpyrifos has long been of concern to EPA.
Residential uses of chlorpyrifos ended in 2000 after EPA found
unsafe exposures to children. EPA also discontinued use of
chlorpyrifos on tomatoes and restricted its use on apples and
grapes in 2000, and obtained no-spray buffers around schools,
homes, playfields, day cares, hospitals, and other public
places, ranging from 10 to 100 feet. In 2015, EPA proposed to
ban all chlorpyrifos food tolerances, based on unsafe drinking
water contamination, which would end use of chlorpyrifos on
food in the United States. After updating the risk assessment
for chlorpyrifos in November 2016 to protect against prenatal
exposures associated with brain impacts, EPA found that
expected residues from use on food crops exceeded the safety
standard, and additionally the majority of estimated drinking
water exposures from currently allowed uses of chlorpyrifos
also exceeded acceptable levels, reinforcing the need to revoke
all food tolerances for the pesticide.
(9) Chlorpyrifos threatens the healthy development of
children. Children experience greater exposure to chlorpyrifos
and other pesticides because, relative to adults, they eat and
drink more proportional to their body weight. A growing body of
evidence shows that prenatal exposure to very low levels of
chlorpyrifos can lead to lasting and possibly permanent
neurological impairments. In November 2016, EPA released a
revised human health risk assessment for chlorpyrifos that
confirmed that there are no acceptable uses for the pesticide,
all food uses exceed acceptable levels, with children ages 1 to
2 exposed to levels of chlorpyrifos that are 140 times what the
EPA considers acceptable.
(10) Chlorpyrifos threatens agricultural workers. Farm
workers are exposed to chlorpyrifos from mixing, handling, and
applying the pesticide, as well as from entering fields where
chlorpyrifos was recently sprayed. Chlorpyrifos is one of the
pesticides most often linked to acute pesticide poisonings, and
in many States, it is regularly identified among the 5
pesticides linked to the highest number of pesticide poisoning
incidents. This is significant given widespread under-reporting
of pesticide poisonings due to such factors as inadequate
reporting systems, fear of retaliation from employers, and
reluctance to seek medical treatment. According to the EPA, all
workers who mix and apply chlorpyrifos are exposed to unsafe
levels of the pesticide even with maximum personal protective
equipment and engineering controls. Field workers are currently
allowed to re-enter fields within 1 to 5 days after
chlorpyrifos is sprayed based on current restricted entry
intervals on the registered chlorpyrifos labels but unsafe
exposures continue on average 18 days after applications.
(11) Chlorpyrifos threatens families in agricultural
communities. Rural families are exposed to unsafe levels of
chlorpyrifos on their food and in their drinking water. They
are also exposed to toxic levels of chlorpyrifos when it drifts
from the fields to homes, schools, and other places people
gather. EPA's 2016 revised human health risk assessment found
that chlorpyrifos drift reaches unsafe levels at 300 feet away
from the edge of the treated field, and the chemical
chlorpyrifos is found at unsafe levels in the air at schools,
homes, and communities in agricultural areas. The small buffers
put in place in 2012 leave children unprotected from this toxic
pesticide drift.
(12) Chlorpyrifos threatens drinking water. EPA's 2014 and
2016 risk assessments have found that chlorpyrifos levels in
drinking water are unsafe. People living and working in
agricultural communities are likely to be exposed to higher
levels of chlorpyrifos and other organophosphate pesticides in
their drinking water.
(13) In 2015, leading scientific and medical experts, along
with children's health advocates, came together, under
``Project TENDR: Targeting Environmental Neuro-Developmental
Risks'' (referred to in this section as ``TENDR''), to issue a
call to action to reduce widespread exposures to chemicals that
interfere with fetal and children's brain development. Based on
the available and peer-reviewed scientific evidence, the TENDR
authors identified prime examples of neurodevelopmentally toxic
chemicals ``that can contribute to learning, behavioral, or
intellectual impairment, as well as specific neurodevelopmental
disorders such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorder,'' and
listed organophosphate pesticides, among them. In the United
States, based on reporting from parents, 1 in 6 children have a
developmental disability or other developmental delay. The
TENDR Consensus Statement concludes that ``to help reduce the
unacceptably high prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in
our children, we must eliminate or significantly reduce
exposures to chemicals that contribute to these conditions.''.
SEC. 3. PROHIBITIONS RELATING TO CHLORPYRIFOS.
Section 402 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
342) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(j) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if it bears or
contains chlorpyrifos, including any residue of chlorpyrifos, or any
other added substance that is present on or in the food primarily as a
result of the metabolism or other degradation of chlorpyrifos.''.
SEC. 4. REVIEW OF ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES.
(a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
(referred to in this section as the ``Administrator'') shall offer to
enter into a contract with the National Research Council to conduct a
cumulative and aggregate risk assessment that addresses all
populations, and the most vulnerable subpopulations, including infants,
children, and fetuses, of exposure to organophosphate pesticides.
(b) Contents of Review.--The review under subsection (a) shall--
(1) assess the neurodevelopmental effects and other low-
dose effects of exposure to organophosphate pesticides,
including in the most vulnerable subpopulations, including--
(A) during the prenatal, childhood, adolescent, and
early life stages; and
(B) agricultural workers;
(2) assess the cumulative and aggregate risks from exposure
described in paragraph (1), which shall aggregate all routes of
exposure, including diet, pesticide drift, volatilization,
occupational, and take-home exposures; and
(3) be completed and submitted to the Administrator not
later than October 1, 2019.
(c) Regulatory Action.--
(1) Applicability.--This subsection shall apply if the
Administrator becomes aware of any exposure to any
organophosphate pesticide, including exposures described in
paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (b), that does not meet,
as applicable--
(A) the standard under section 408(b)(2) of the
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C.
346a(b)(2)); or
(B) any standard under the Federal Insecticide,
Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.).
(2) Action.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which
the Administrator becomes aware of any exposure under paragraph
(1), the Administrator shall take any appropriate regulatory
action, regardless of whether the review under subsection (a)
is completed, including--
(A) revocation or modification of a tolerance under
section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
(21 U.S.C. 346a); or
(B) modification, cancellation, or suspension of a
registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.).
(d) Effect.--Nothing in this section authorizes or requires the
Administrator to delay in carrying out or completing, with respect to
an organophosphate pesticide, any registration review under section
3(g) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7
U.S.C. 136a(g)), any tolerance review under section 408 of the Federal
Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 346a), or any registration or
modification, cancellation, or suspension of a registration under
section 3 or 6 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide
Act (7 U.S.C. 136a, 136d), if--
(1) the organophosphate pesticide does not meet applicable
requirements established under those provisions of law; or
(2) the review, registration, modification, cancellation,
or suspension is required--
(A) by statute;
(B) by judicial order; or
(C) to respond to a petition. | Protect Children, Farmers, and Farmworkers from Nerve Agent Pesticides Act of 2017 This bill amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to prohibit from sale any food that contains the organophosphate pesticide, chlorpyrifos. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must offer a contract to the National Research Council to conduct an organophosphate pesticide risk assessment. If the EPA finds pesticide exposure that does not meet FFDCA standards or the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act standards, the EPA must take regulatory action not later than 90 days after becoming aware of the exposure. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Protect Children, Farmers, and Farmworkers from Nerve Agent Pesticides Act of 2017"} | 2,971 | 143 | 0.560793 | 1.687054 | 0.726105 | 3.990991 | 22.477477 | 0.90991 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Congaree National Park Act of
2003''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds that--
(1) Congaree Swamp National Monument, consisting of 22,200
acres, was established in 1976 to preserve the finest remaining
example of an old-growth southern hardwood forest in North
America;
(2) Congaree Swamp contains a variety of rare ecological,
geological, archaeological, scenic, historical, and wildlife
components, including--
(A) the largest remaining tract of old-growth
bottomland hardwood forest in the United States, the
remnant of an ecosystem that once covered more than
24,000,000 acres of river bottom from Maryland to
Texas;
(B) extensive stands of old-growth bottomland
hardwoods and rare examples of the globally endangered
longleaf pine forest;
(C) important habitat for more than 700 species of
plants, 173 species of birds, 51 kinds of reptiles and
amphibians, and 53 species of fish (including rare,
threatened, and endangered species), and 10 species of
rare plants; and
(D) a natural setting of national and international
significance;
(3) the Monument--
(A) provides opportunities for educational and
recreational activities and research; and
(B) is used for hiking, camping, fishing, and
unconfined wilderness experiences (including
opportunities for solitude);
(4) certain private land adjacent to the Monument--
(A) has been determined by the State of South
Carolina to contain outstanding recreational areas and
wildlife habitat;
(B) provides essential habitat for declining
species of fish, wildlife, and plants, including
colonial waterbirds and neotropical migratory
songbirds; and
(C) contains a variety of archaeological and
historical resources dating from 10,000 years ago to
the 19th century;
(5) the Monument and adjacent private land contain cultural
resources important for interpreting life during the Colonial
and Antebellum periods, including Buycke's levee, which--
(A) served as a cattle mound and a refuge for
livestock; and
(B) has a doughnut-shaped construction, making it
the only example of that type of construction known to
exist; and
(6) land in and adjacent to the Monument is recognized--
(A) as playing an important role in the history of
the United States from the explorations of Hernando de
Soto to the fall of Columbia, South Carolina in the
Civil War;
(B) for offering natural, ecological, wildlife,
cultural, scenic, historic, wilderness, and
recreational resources; and
(C) as being a fragile and irreplaceable ecological
system that could be destroyed if not carefully
protected.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to expand the boundary of the Monument by approximately
4,576 acres and redesignate the Monument as a national park
to--
(A) protect and interpret an intact bottomland
hardwood ecosystem;
(B) promote the recovery of longleaf pine in upland
habitats;
(C) restore ecological functions; and
(D) protect native populations of fish, wildlife,
and plants;
(2) to protect and interpret the site of McCord's Ferry and
other cultural features that illustrate the evolving
agricultural and commercial practices in the South during the
Colonial and Antebellum periods; and
(3) to provide opportunities for scientific research and to
enhance visitor opportunities at the Monument.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Map.--The term ``map'' means the map entitled
``Congaree National Park Boundary Map'', numbered 178/80015,
and dated April 2003.
(2) Park.--The term ``Park'' means the Congaree National
Park established by section 4(a).
(3) Plan.--The term ``plan'' means the general management
plan developed under section 5(b).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(5) State.--The term ``State'' means the State of South
Carolina.
SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the State the Congaree
National Park.
(b) Composition.--The Park shall be composed of--
(1) the Congaree Swamp National Monument; and
(2) approximately 4,576 acres of land adjacent to the
Congaree Swamp National Monument, as depicted on the map.
(c) Boundary Survey.--As soon as practicable after the date of
enactment of this Act and subject to the availability of funds, the
Secretary shall complete an official survey of the Park.
(d) Map and Legal Description.--
(1) Availability of map.--The map shall be on file and
available for public inspection in the appropriate offices of
the National Park Service.
(2) Submission to congress.--As soon as practicable after
the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit
to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate
and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives
the map and a legal description of the Park.
(3) Effect.--The map and legal description shall have the
same force and effect as if included in this Act, except that
the Secretary may correct any errors in the map or legal
description.
(e) Acquisition of Land.--The Secretary may acquire by donation,
purchase from a willing seller with donated or appropriated funds,
transfer, or exchange, land or an interest in land for inclusion in the
Park.
(f) Boundary Revision.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary
may make minor revisions to the boundary of the Park by
publishing in the Federal Register a revised map or boundary
description.
(2) Limitation.--The total area of the Park shall not
exceed 30,000 acres.
SEC. 5. ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall administer the Park in
accordance with this Act and the laws generally applicable to units of
the National Park System, including--
(1) the Act of August 25, 1916 (16 U.S.C. 1 et seq.); and
(2) the Act of August 21, 1935 (16 U.S.C. 461 et seq.).
(b) General Management Plan.--
(1) In general.--Not later than the end of the third fiscal
year after the date on which funds are made available to carry
out this Act, the Secretary shall prepare a general management
plan for the Park.
(2) Inclusions.--The plan shall include a recommendation on
whether the boundary of the Congaree National Park Wilderness
should be expanded.
(3) Applicable law.--The Secretary shall prepare the plan
in accordance with--
(A) section 12(b) of the Act of August 18, 1970 (16
U.S.C. 1a-7(b)); and
(B) any other applicable law.
(4) Submission to congress.--On completion of the plan, the
Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Natural
Resources of the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the
House of Representatives the plan.
(c) Fishing.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall permit sport fishing
on land and water within the Park in accordance with applicable
Federal and State laws.
(2) Limitations.--
(A) Regulations.--The Secretary may designate by
regulation areas in which, and periods during which, no
fishing shall be permitted for reasons of public
safety, administration, fish or wildlife management, or
public use and enjoyment of the Park.
(B) Consultation.--Except in an emergency, the
Secretary shall consult with the appropriate State
agency before promulgating regulations under
subparagraph (A).
SEC. 6. DESIGNATION OF CONGAREE NATIONAL PARK WILDERNESS.
(a) In General.--The Congaree Swamp National Monument Wilderness in
the State shall be designated as the ``Congaree National Park
Wilderness''.
(b) References.--Any reference to the Congaree Swamp National
Monument Wilderness in a law (including regulations), map, document,
paper, or other record of the United States shall be considered to be a
reference to the Congaree National Park Wilderness.
SEC. 7. EFFECT.
Nothing in this Act--
(1) affects the use of private land adjacent to the Park;
or
(2) preempts the authority of the State with respect to the
regulation of hunting, fishing, boating, and wildlife
management on private land or water outside the boundaries of
the Park.
SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary
to carry out this Act. | Congaree National Park Act of 2003 - Establishes Congaree National Park, which shall be composed of the Congaree Swamp National Monument and approximately 4,576 acres of adjacent land in South Carolina.
Authorizes the Secretary to acquire land for inclusion in the Park by donation, purchase from a willing seller, transfer, or exchange. Limits the Park's total area to 30,000 acres.
Requires the Secretary to: (1) submit a general management plan for the Park to specified congressional committees; and (2) permit sport fishing within the Park.
Designates the Congaree Swamp National Monument Wilderness as the Congaree National Park Wilderness. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to establish the Congaree Swamp National Park in the State of South Carolina, and for other purposes."} | 1,936 | 149 | 0.501235 | 1.415499 | 0.586688 | 2.863248 | 14.923077 | 0.931624 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Register of Copyrights Selection and
Accountability Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. REGISTER OF COPYRIGHTS.
(a) Amendments.--Section 701 of title 17, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``(a) All administrative'' and
inserting the following:
``(a) Register and Director.--
``(1) In general.--All administrative'';
(B) by striking ``director'' and inserting
``Director'';
(C) by inserting after the first sentence the
following: ``The Register of Copyrights shall be a
citizen of the United States with a professional
background and experience in copyright law, shall be
capable of identifying and supervising a Chief
Information Officer or other similar official
responsible for managing modern information technology
systems, and shall be appointed by the President from
the individuals recommended under paragraph (6), by and
with the advice and consent of the Senate.''; and
(D) in the last sentence, by striking ``shall be
appointed'' and all that follows through ``and shall
act'' and inserting ``shall act'';
(2) in subsection (b), by redesignating paragraphs (1)
through (5) as subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively, and
adjusting the margins accordingly;
(3) by redesignating subsection (b) as paragraph (2), and
adjusting the margins accordingly;
(4) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by inserting
``Duties.--'' before ``In addition'';
(5) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Oath.--The Register of Copyrights shall, before
taking office, take an oath to discharge faithfully the duties
of the Copyright Office described in paragraph (2).
``(4) Removal.--
``(A) In general.--The Register of Copyrights may
be removed from office by the President.
``(B) Notification.--The President shall provide
notification to both Houses of Congress of a removal
under subparagraph (A).
``(5) Term of office.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), the
Register of Copyrights--
``(i) shall be appointed for a term of 10
years; and
``(ii) may serve until a successor is
appointed, confirmed, and taken the oath of
office.
``(B) Limitation.--The Register of Copyrights may
not continue to serve after the date on which Congress
adjourns sine die after the date on which the 10-year
period described in subparagraph (A)(i) ends.
``(C) Reappointment.--An individual appointed to
the position of Register of Copyrights, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate, may be reappointed to
that position in accordance with the requirements of
this section.
``(6) Panel for register of copyrights recommendations.--
There is established a panel to recommend a list of at least 3
individuals to the President for appointment as the Register of
Copyrights. The panel shall be composed of the following:
``(A) The Speaker of the House of Representatives.
``(B) The President pro tempore of the Senate.
``(C) The majority and minority leaders of the
House of Representatives and the Senate.
``(D) The Librarian of Congress.'';
(6) by redesignating subsections (c) through (f) as
subsections (b) through (e), respectively;
(7) in subsection (b), as so redesignated, by inserting
``Seal.--'' before ``The Register'';
(8) in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by inserting
``Annual Report.--'' before ``The Register'';
(9) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by inserting
``Applicability of Title 5.--'' before ``Except as provided'';
and
(10) in subsection (e), as so redesignated, by inserting
``Compensation.--'' before ``The Register''.
(b) Applicability.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall
apply with respect to any vacancy for the Register of Copyrights after
January 1, 2017. If a Register of Copyrights is appointed during the
period beginning on January 1, 2017 and ending on the day before the
date of the enactment of this Act, that Register shall meet the
requirements of the amendments made by this Act or shall be replaced in
accordance with such amendments.
SEC. 3. CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act may be construed to impact the mandatory
deposit requirements in title 17, United States Code.
Passed the House of Representatives April 26, 2017.
Attest:
KAREN L. HAAS,
Clerk. | Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act of 2017 (Sec. 2) This bill amends federal copyright law to require the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint a Register of Copyrights from a list of at least three individuals recommended by a panel composed of: the Speaker of the House of Representatives; the President pro tempore of the Senate; the majority and minority leaders of the House and the Senate; and the Librarian of Congress. (Currently, the Register of Copyrights is appointed by the Librarian of Congress.) To be eligible for appointment, the individual must be a citizen of the United States with a professional background and experience in copyright law and must be capable of identifying and supervising a chief information officer responsible for managing modern information technology systems. The bill limits the term of office for the Register of Copyrights to 10 years, but the individual may be reappointed subject to the same requirements established in this bill. The President may remove the Register of Copyrights from office and must notify both chambers of Congress of any such removal. (Sec. 3) Nothing in this bill may be construed to impact the mandatory deposit requirements under which owners of a copyright or of an exclusive right of publication must deposit in the U.S. Copyright Office two copies or phonorecords of works published in the United States for the use or disposition of the Library of Congress. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Register of Copyrights Selection and Accountability Act of 2017"} | 1,121 | 316 | 0.571377 | 1.698816 | 0.641888 | 3.171004 | 3.776952 | 0.851301 |
SECTION 1. FEDERAL FUNDING PROHIBITION.
(a) Prohibition.--Except as provided in subsection (b) or (f), and
unless the Federal agency is acting under an obligation entered into
before the effective date of this Act, no Federal agency shall award a
grant or contract, make a loan guarantee, or provide any other funding,
or enter into an obligation to award a grant or contract, make a loan
guarantee, or provide any other funding, to a company of interest that
has outsourced any jobs during the previous five years unless the
company of interest--
(1) has not outsourced any jobs during the previous two
years; and
(2) has created in the United States since the company of
interest last outsourced any jobs, and continues to maintain in
the United States, a number of new jobs within the same company
of interest that is equal to at least 50 percent of the total
number of jobs that were outsourced by the company of interest
during the previous five years.
(b) Agreement to Create New Jobs.--A Federal agency may award a
grant or contract, make a loan guarantee, or provide any other funding,
or enter into an obligation to award a grant or contract, make a loan
guarantee, or provide any other funding, to a company of interest that
has outsourced jobs during the previous five years only if the company
of interest agrees--
(1) to create in the United States, not later than 18
months after the company has received the grant, contract, loan
guarantee, or other funding, a number of new jobs within the
same company of interest that is equal to at least 50 percent
of the total number of jobs that were outsourced by the company
of interest during the previous five years, and to maintain
such new jobs in the United States for at least 18 months;
(2) to pay to the Federal agency that awards the grant or
contract, makes the loan guarantee, or provides the other
funding an amount equal to 125 percent of the total value of
the grant, contract, loan guarantee, or other funding if the
company of interest does not create the new jobs described in
paragraph (1); and
(3) to pay to the Federal agency that awards the grant or
contract, makes the loan guarantee, or provides the other
funding an amount, to be determined by the Federal agency, that
is not more than 125 percent of the total value of the grant,
contract, loan guarantee, or other funding if the Federal
agency finds that the company of interest did not in good faith
attempt to maintain for at least 18 months the new jobs that
the company of interest created pursuant to the agreement
described in paragraph (1).
(c) Documentation.--Except as provided in subsection (f), and
unless the Federal agency is acting under an obligation entered into
before the effective date of this Act, no Federal agency shall award a
grant or contract, make a loan guarantee, or provide any other funding,
or enter into an obligation to award a grant or contract, make a loan
guarantee, or provide any other funding, to a company of interest
unless the company of interest has provided documentation to the
Federal agency that indicates either that the company has not
outsourced jobs during the previous five years or that the company has
fulfilled the requirements under subsection (a) or (b).
(d) Obligation Condition.--Any obligation entered into by a Federal
agency to award a grant or contract, make a loan guarantee, or provide
any other funding to a company of interest shall include the condition
that if the company of interest outsources any jobs after such
obligation is entered into and before the company of interest is to
receive the grant, contract, loan guarantee, or other funding, the
Federal agency shall not award the grant or contract, make the loan
guarantee, or provide the other funding.
(e) Outsourcing Agreement.--A Federal agency may award a grant or
contract, make a loan guarantee, or provide any other funding, or enter
into an obligation to award a grant or contract, make a loan guarantee,
or provide any other funding, to a company of interest only if the
company of interest agrees--
(1) not to outsource any jobs within 18 months after the
Federal agency awards the grant or contract, makes the loan
guarantee, or provides the other funding; and
(2) if the company of interest does not satisfy the
agreement described in paragraph (1), to pay to the Federal
agency that awards the grant or contract, makes the loan
guarantee, or provides the other funding an amount equal to the
total value before the outsourcing of one year's wages and
benefits for each of the jobs outsourced within 18 months after
the company of interest receives the grant, contract, loan
guarantee, or other funding.
(f) National Security Exception.--The restrictions and penalties
under this section shall not apply if the Federal agency awards a grant
or contract, makes a loan guarantee, or provides any other funding, or
enters into an obligation to award a grant or contract, make a loan
guarantee, or provide any other funding, for purposes of national
security.
(g) Implementation and Regulations.--The Secretary of Commerce
shall coordinate the Federal agencies' implementation of the
documentation requirement described in subsection (c). The Secretary of
Commerce shall prescribe regulations necessary to carry out this
section.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of this Act:
(1) Company of interest.--The term ``company of interest''
means--
(A) a corporation or other legal entity organized
under the laws of the United States;
(B) a subsidiary of a corporation or legal entity
described in subparagraph (A);
(C) a corporation or other legal entity that
employed at least 50 employees to perform services in
the United States at any one time on or after January
1, 1980; or
(D) a corporation or other legal entity with
$1,000,000 or more annual gross income that is
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or
business within the United States.
(2) New jobs.--The term ``new jobs'' means jobs created by
a company of interest such that with respect to each new job
the total value of wages and benefits is equal to or greater
than the average total value of wages and benefits of the jobs
outsourced by the company of interest during the previous five
years.
(3) Outsource.--The term ``outsource'' means to hire
employees to perform services outside the United States when
the services previously had been performed in the United
States.
(4) United states.--The term ``United States'' means the
several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands,
American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and any other
territory or possession of the United States.
SEC. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Act shall take effect one year after the date of its
enactment. | Prohibits Federal agencies from awarding grants, contracts, loan guarantees, and other funding to companies of interest (as defined under this Act) that have outsourced jobs during the previous five years, except as specified under this Act or for national security purposes. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To make certain companies that have outsourced jobs during the previous five years ineligible for the receipt of Federal grants, Federal contracts, Federal loan guarantees, and other Federal funding, and for other purposes."} | 1,460 | 55 | 0.619232 | 1.649735 | 0.859278 | 2.0625 | 30.229167 | 0.770833 |
SECTION 1. AMENDMENTS TO UNITED STATES INSULAR POSSESSION PROGRAM.
(a) Production Certificates.--Additional U.S. Note 5(h) to chapter
91 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended--
(1) by amending subparagraphs (i) and (ii) to read as
follows:
``(i) In the case of each of calendar years 2002 through 2015, the
Secretaries jointly, shall--
``(A) verify--
``(1) the wages paid in the preceding calendar year by
each producer (including the value of usual and
customary fringe benefits)--
``(I) to permanent residents of the insular
possessions; and
``(II) to workers providing training in the
insular possessions in the production or
manufacture of watch movements and watches or
engaging in such other activities in the
insular possessions relating to such production
or manufacture as are approved by the
Secretaries; and
``(2) the total quantity and value of watches produced
in the insular possessions by that producer and
imported into the customs territory of the United
States; and
``(B) issue to each producer (not later than 60 days after the
end of the preceding calendar year) a certificate for the
applicable amount.
``(ii) For purposes of subparagraph (i), except as provided in
subparagraphs (iii) and (iv), the term `applicable amount' means an
amount equal to the sum of--
``(A) 90 percent of the producer's creditable wages (including
the value of any usual and customary fringe benefits) on the
assembly during the preceding calendar year of the first
300,000 units; plus
``(B) the applicable graduated declining percentage (determined
each year by the Secretaries) of the producer's creditable
wages (including the value of any usual and customary fringe
benefits) on the assembly during the preceding calendar year of
units in excess of 300,000 but not in excess of 750,000; plus
``(C) the difference between the duties that would have been
due on the producer's watches (excluding digital watches)
imported into the customs territory of the United States during
the preceding calendar year if the watches had been subject to
duty at the rates set forth in column 1 under this chapter that
were in effect on January 1, 2001, and the duties that would
have been due on the watches if the watches had been subject to
duty at the rates set forth in column 1 under this chapter that
were in effect for such preceding calendar year.''; and
(2) by amending subparagraph (v) to read as follows:
``(v)(A) Any certificate issued under subparagraph (i) shall entitle
the certificate holder to secure a refund of duties equal to the face
value of the certificate on watches, watch movements, and articles of
jewelry provided for in heading 7113 that are imported into the customs
territory of the United States by the certificate holder. Such refunds
shall be made under regulations issued by the Treasury Department. Not
more than 5 percent of such refunds may be retained as a reimbursement
to the Customs Service for the administrative costs of making the
refunds. If the Secretary of the Treasury determines that there is an
insufficient level of duties from watch and watch-related tariffs, the
Secretary may authorize refunds of duties collected on jewelry under
chapter 71 or any other duties that the Secretary determines are
appropriate.
``(B) At the election of the certificate holder and upon making the
certification described in this clause, the Secretary of the Treasury
shall pay directly to the certificate holder the face value of the
certificate, less the value of--
``(1) any duty refund previously claimed by the holder under
the certificate, and
``(2) a discount of not more than 2 percent of the face value
of the certificate,
as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury.
``(C) Direct payments under clause (B) shall be made under regulations
issued by the Secretary of the Treasury. Such regulations shall assure
that a certificate holder is required to provide only the minimum
documentation necessary to support an application for direct payment. A
certificate holder shall not be eligible for direct payment under
clause (B) unless the certificate holder certifies to the Secretaries
that the funds received will be reinvested or utilized to support and
continue employment in the Virgin Islands.
``(D) The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to make the payments
provided for in clause (B) from duties collected on watches, watch
movements, and parts therefor. If such duties are insufficient, the
Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to make the payments from
duties collected on jewelry under chapter 71 or any other duties that
the Secretary determines are appropriate.''.
(b) Jewelry.--Additional U.S. Note 3 to chapter 71 of the
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (b), (c), (d), and (e) as
paragraphs (c), (d), (e), and (f), respectively;
(2) by inserting after paragraph (a) the following new
paragraph:
``(b) The 750,000 unit limitation in additional U.S. Note 5(h)(ii)(B)
to chapter 91 shall not apply to articles of jewelry subject to this
note.''; and
(3) by striking paragraph (f), as so redesignated, and
inserting the following:
``(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any article of
jewelry provided for in heading 7113 that is assembled in the Virgin
Islands, Guam, or American Samoa by a jewelry manufacturer or jewelry
assembler that commenced jewelry manufacturing or jewelry assembly
operations in the Virgin Islands, Guam, or American Samoa after August
9, 2001, shall be treated as a product of the Virgin Islands, Guam, or
American Samoa for purposes of this note and General Note 3(a)(iv) of
this Schedule if such article is entered no later than 18 months after
such jewelry manufacturer or jewelry assembler commenced jewelry
manufacturing or jewelry assembly operations in the Virgin Islands,
Guam, or American Samoa.''.
SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE.
The amendments made by this Act shall apply with respect to goods
imported into the customs territory of the United States on or after
January 1, 2002. | Amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to extend through 2015 the Production Incentive Certificate program (PIC), which reimburses watch and jewelry producers in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa ("insular possessions") for import duties. Includes fringe benefits in determining verified creditable wages, which are used for calculations to determine refund totals.Includes in the reimbursement to producers of watches in the insular possessions, the difference between the amount that would have been due on a producer's non-digital watches during the preceding year under duty rates existing on January 1, 2001, and the amount due under the actual duty rates of that preceding calendar year.Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to: (1) make PIC payments from duties on jewelry or other products as needed (presently PIC payments are funded by watch duties); and (2) directly reimburse all producers. Eliminates the 750,000 unit per producer limit for jewelry products of the insular possessions, while retaining the overall unit and dollar value limits for the PIC program.Revises certain requirements for duty-free treatment of articles of jewelry as products of the insular possessions. Requires treatment as such a product if the article of jewelry is: (1) assembled in an insular possession by a jewelry manufacturer or jewelry assembler that commenced manufacturing or assembly in such territory after August 9, 2001; and (2) entered into the United States within 18 months after the manufacturer or assembler commenced operations. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill entitled \"The Production Incentive Certificate Program Revision Act\"."} | 1,387 | 330 | 0.630856 | 2.129507 | 0.74996 | 2.11032 | 4.661922 | 0.814947 |
SECTION 1. FINDINGS.
The Congress finds the following:
(1) The United States faces a range of energy challenges
that affect our economy, security, and environment.
Fundamentally, these challenges involve science and technology.
(2) The Department of Energy already has some of the
mechanisms necessary to promote long-term research, but it
lacks the mechanisms for quickly transforming the results into
technology that meets national needs.
(3) A recent report of the Secretary of Energy's Advisory
Board's Task Force on the Future of Science Programs at the
Department of Energy concluded that ``America can meet its
energy needs only if we make a strong and sustained investment
in research in physical science, engineering, and applicable
life sciences and if we translate advancing scientific
knowledge into practice''.
(4) The Department of Defense, since 1958, has used its
Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA) for
aggressively addressing real-time defense problems through
targeted programs of research and technology development that
have improved our national defense through transformation
technologies.
(5) The National Academy of Sciences' report entitled
``Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing
America for a Brighter Economic Future'' recommends creating a
new agency within the Department of Energy to sponsor
``creative, out-of-the-box, transformational, generic energy
research in those areas where industry by itself cannot or will
not undertake such sponsorship, where risks and pay-offs are
high''. Such an organization would be able to accelerate the
process by which research is transformed to address energy-
related economic, environmental, and security issues to
decrease dependence on foreign energy through targeted research
and technology development.
SEC. 2. ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY-ENERGY.
(a) Establishment.--There is established the Advanced Research
Projects Agency-Energy (in this Act referred to as ``ARPA-E'') within
the Department of Energy.
(b) Goal.--The goal of ARPA-E is to reduce the amount of energy the
United States imports from foreign sources by 20 percent over the next
10 years by--
(1) promoting revolutionary changes in the critical
technologies that would promote energy independence;
(2) turning cutting-edge science and engineering into
technologies for energy and environmental application; and
(3) accelerating innovation in energy and the environment
for both traditional and alternative energy sources and in
energy efficiency mechanisms to decrease the Nation's reliance
on foreign energy sources.
(c) Director.--ARPA-E shall be headed by a Director who shall be
appointed by the Secretary of Energy. The Director shall report to the
Secretary.
(d) Responsibilities.--The Director shall administer the Fund
established under section 3 to award competitive grants, cooperative
agreements, or contracts to institutions of higher education,
companies, or consortia of such entities which may include federally
funded research and development centers, to achieve the goals stated in
subsection (b) through targeted acceleration of--
(1) energy-related research;
(2) development of resultant techniques, processes, and
technologies, and related testing and evaluation; and
(3) demonstration and commercial application of the most
promising technologies and research applications.
(e) Personnel.--
(1) Program managers.--The Director shall designate
employees to serve as program managers for each of the programs
established pursuant to the responsibilities established for
ARPA-E under subsection (d). Program managers shall be
responsible for--
(A) establishing research and development goals for
the program, including through the convening of
workshops and conferring with outside experts, as well
as publicizing its goals to the public and private
sectors;
(B) soliciting applications for specific areas of
particular promise, especially those which the private
sector cannot or will not provide funding;
(C) selecting research projects for support under
the program from among application submitted to ARPA-E,
following consideration of--
(i) the novelty and scientific and
technical merit of the proposed projects;
(ii) the demonstrated capabilities of the
applicants to successfully carry out the
proposed research project; and
(iii) such other criteria as are
established by the Director; and
(D) monitoring the progress of projects supported
under the program.
(2) Hiring and management.--In hiring personnel for ARPA-E,
the Secretary shall have the hiring and management authorities
described in section 1101 of the Strom Thurmond National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (5 U.S.C. 3104
note). For purposes of subsection (c)(1) of that section, the
term of appointments for employees may not exceed 5 years
before the granting of any extension.
(f) Coordination.--The Director shall ensure that the activities of
ARPA-E are coordinated with those of other relevant research agencies,
and may carry out projects jointly with other agencies.
SEC. 3. FUND.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the Treasury the Energy
Independence Acceleration Fund (in this Act referred to as the
``Fund''), which shall be administered by the Director of ARPA-E for
the purposes of carrying out this Act.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Director of ARPA-E for deposit in the Fund
$300,000,000 for fiscal year 2007, $375,000,000 for fiscal year 2008,
$468,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, $585,000,000 for fiscal year 2010,
$732,000,000 for fiscal year 2011, and $915,000,000 for fiscal year
2012, to remain available until expended.
SEC. 4. RECOUPMENT.
(a) Requirement.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish procedures and
criteria for the recoupment of the Federal share of each project
supported under this Act. Such recoupment shall occur within a
reasonable period of time following the date of the completion of such
project, but not later than 20 years following such date, taking into
account the effect of recoupment on--
(1) the commercial competitiveness of the entity carrying
out the project;
(2) the profitability of the project; and
(3) the commercial viability of the technology utilized.
(b) Waiver.--The Secretary may at any time waive or defer all or
some portion of the recoupment requirement as necessary for the
commercial viability of the project.
(c) Availability of Funds.--Revenue received by the Federal
Government pursuant to this section shall be deposited into the Fund
and shall be available with further appropriation to fund future
grants, contracts, and cooperative agreement as authorized by the
Director.
(d) Definitions.--For the purposes of this section--
(1) the term ``for-profit entity'' means a licensee or
successor in interest to a venture member, or any other for-
profit person or entity, or combination of such persons or
entities, that earns or accrues amounts subject to this
section;
(2) the term ``product or invention supported by or
produced as a result of funding under this Act'' includes any
product or invention of a venture member based on or using any
technology or invention arising out of a venture funded under
this Act; and
(3) the term ``revenue generated by or resulting from a
product or invention'' includes revenue derived from the sale
or licensing of patents or other rights with respect to the
product or invention.
SEC. 5. ADVICE.
(a) Advisory Committees.--The Director may seek advice on any
aspect of ARPA-E from--
(1) existing Department of Energy advisory committees; and
(2) new advisory committees organized to support the
programs of ARPA-E and to provide advice and assistance on--
(A) specific program tasks; or
(B) overall direction of ARPA-E.
(b) Applicability.--Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee
Act shall not apply to advisory committees organized under subsection
(a)(2).
(c) Additional Sources of Advice.--The Director may seek advice and
review from the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy for
Engineering, and any other professional or scientific organization with
expertise in specific processes or technologies under development by
ARPA-E.
SEC. 6. ARPA-E EVALUATION.
After ARPA-E has been in operation for 54 months, the President's
Committee on Science and Technology shall begin an evaluation (to be
completed within 12 months) of how well ARPA-E is achieving its goals
and mission. The evaluation shall include the recommendation of such
Committee on whether ARPA-E should be continued or terminated, as well
as lessons-learned from its operation. The evaluation shall be made
available to Congress and to the public upon completion. | Establishes the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) within the Department of Energy to reduce the amount of energy the United States imports from foreign sources by 20% over the next 10 years.
Establishes the Energy Independence Acceleration Fund, administered by the ARPA-E Director for the award of competitive grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts to institutions of higher education, companies, or consortia, including federally funded research and development centers, to achieve specified goals through targeted acceleration of: (1) energy-related research; (2) development of resultant techniques, processes, and technologies, and related testing and evaluation; and (3) demonstration and commercial application of the most promising technologies and research applications.
Directs the Secretary to establish procedures and criteria for recoupment of the federal share of each project supported under this Act.
Requires the President's Committee on Science and Technology to evaluate for Congress and the public how well ARPA-E is achieving its goals and mission. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To provide for the establishment of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy."} | 1,856 | 210 | 0.586209 | 1.779768 | 0.979226 | 5.670157 | 9.303665 | 0.958115 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Child Hunger Relief Act''.
SEC. 2. SCHOOL MEALS.
(a) Commodities.--Section 6(c)(1) of the Richard B. Russell
National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1755(c)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``on July 1, 1982, and
each July 1 thereafter'' and inserting ``in accordance with
subparagraph (B)''; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the
following:
``(B) Adjustment.--The Secretary shall--
``(i) on each January 1, increase the value of food
assistance for each meal by the annual percentage change in a
3-month average value of the Price Index for Foods Used in
Schools and Institutions for September, October, and November
each year;
``(ii) on each July 1, increase the value of food
assistance for each meal by the annual percentage change in a
3-month average value of the Price Index for Foods Used in
Schools and Institutions for March, April, and May each year;
and
``(iii) round the result of each increase to the nearest
higher \1/4\ cent.''.
(b) Overall Adjustment.--Section 11(a) of the Richard B. Russell
National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1759a(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``98.75 cents'' and
inserting ``the amount computed under paragraph (3)''; and
(2) in paragraph (3)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) in the matter before clause (i), by
striking ``July 1, 1982, and on each subsequent
July 1, an annual adjustment'' and inserting
``each January 1 and July 1, a semiannual
increase''; and
(ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``(as
established under paragraph (2) of this
subsection)'';
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) in clause (i), by striking ``annual
adjustment'' and inserting ``semiannual
increase'';
(ii) in clause (ii)--
(I) by striking ``annual
adjustment'' and inserting ``semiannual
increase''; and
(II) by striking ``12-month
period'' and inserting ``6-month
period''; and
(iii) by striking clause (iii) and
inserting the following:
``(iii) Rounding.--On each January 1 and
July 1, the national average payment rates for
meals and supplements shall be--
``(I) increased to the nearest
higher cent; and
``(II) based on the unrounded
amount previously in effect.''.
(c) Payments to Service Institutions.--Section 13(b)(1) of the
Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1761(b)(1)) is
amended by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
``(B) Adjustments.--The Secretary shall--
``(i) on each January 1, increase each
amount specified in subparagraph (A) as
adjusted through the preceding July 1 to
reflect changes for the 6-month period ending
the preceding November 30 in the series for
food away from home of the Consumer Price Index
for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor;
``(ii) on each July 1, increase each amount
specified in subparagraph (A) as adjusted
through the preceding January 1 to reflect
changes for the 6-month period ending the
preceding May 31 in the series for food away
from home of the Consumer Price Index for All
Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor;
``(iii) base each increase on the unrounded
amount previously in effect; and
``(iv) round each increase described in
clauses (i) and (ii) to the nearest higher cent
increment.''.
(d) Reimbursement of Family or Group Day Care Home Sponsoring
Organizations.--
(1) Tier i.--Section 17(f)(3)(A)(ii)(IV) of the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C.
1766(f)(3)(A)(ii)(IV)) is amended by striking subclause (IV)
and inserting the following:
``(IV) Adjustments.--On each July 1
and January 1, the Secretary shall--
``(aa) increase each
reimbursement factor under this
subparagraph to reflect the
changes in the Consumer Price
Index for food at home for the
most recent 6-month period for
which the data are available;
``(bb) base each increase
on the unrounded amount
previously in effect; and
``(cc) round each increase
described in item (aa) to the
nearest higher cent
increment.''.
(2) Tier ii.--Section 17(f)(3)(A)(iii)(I) of the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C.
1766(f)(3)(A)(iii)(I)) is amended by striking item (bb) and
inserting the following:
``(bb) Adjustments.--On
each July 1 and January 1, the
Secretary shall increase the
reimbursement factors to
reflect the changes in the
Consumer Price Index for food
at home for the most recent 6-
month period for which the data
are available, base the
increases on the unrounded
amount previously in effect,
and round the increases to the
nearest higher cent
increment.''.
(e) Special Milk Program.--Section 3(a) of the Child Nutrition Act
of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1772(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following:
``(7) Minimum rate of reimbursement.--For each school year,
the minimum rate of reimbursement for a \1/2\ pint of milk
served in schools and other eligible institutions shall be not
less than minimum rate of reimbursement in effect on September
30, 2008, as increased on a semiannual basis each school year
to reflect changes in the Producer Price Index for Fresh
Processed Milk published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of
the Department of Labor.''; and
(2) in paragraph (8), by inserting ``higher'' after
``nearest''. | National Child Hunger Relief Act - Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to provide semiannual reimbursement rate adjustments for: (1) national school lunch and breakfast programs; (2) the special milk program; (3) the child and adult day care program; and (4) the summer food service program. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to require semiannual indexing of certain Federal child nutrition programs."} | 1,471 | 61 | 0.536571 | 1.145911 | 0.267659 | 2.048387 | 20.725806 | 0.822581 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Blue Ridge Parkway Protection Act''.
SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act--
(1) Director.--The term ``Director'' means the Director of
the National Park Service.
(2) Parkway.--The term ``Parkway'' means the Blue Ridge
Parkway.
(3) Plan.--The term ``Plan'' means the National Park
Service's Blue Ridge Parkway Land Protection Plan.
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of the Interior.
(5) Superintendent.--The term ``Superintendent'' means the
Superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
SEC. 3. FINDINGS.
Congress finds that--
(1) it is in the national interest to preserve and protect
the Blue Ridge Parkway, the most visited unit of the National
Park System;
(2) the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway is in
September 2010;
(3) the Parkway, including 469 miles in North Carolina and
Virginia linking the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the
Shenandoah National Park, has nearly 19,000,000 visitors each
year and is vital to the economic well-being of communities
along the Parkway;
(4) the Parkway's renowned scenic vistas are threatened by
encroaching development, and surveys of visitors to the Parkway
have found that fewer people would frequent the Parkway if
scenic views are compromised;
(5) the protection and conservation of land along the
Parkway helps preserve farmland, intact forests, wildlife
habitat, and drinking water supplies downstream; and
(6) in order to preserve the natural beauty, ecological
integrity, and cultural heritage of the Parkway and to
commemorate its 75th anniversary, it is vital that certain
lands contiguous to the Parkway are conserved for the enjoyment
of future generations.
SEC. 4. LAND ACQUISITION.
(a) Acquisition Authority.--The Secretary is authorized to acquire
land and interests in land from willing sellers by donation, by
purchase with donated or appropriated funds, or by exchange to protect
up to 50,000 acres of land that are identified in the Plan or that
meets the Plan's amendment criteria.
(b) Acquisition of Land.--Lands and interests in lands to be
acquired with funds made available under this Act shall be--
(1) contiguous with the Parkway; and
(2) identified by the Superintendent as a priority for
acquisition by the Federal Government.
(c) Availability of Plan.--The Plan shall be on file and available
for public inspection in the appropriate offices of the National Park
Service.
(d) Boundary Adjustment.--Upon acquisition of lands and interests
in land under this Act, the Secretary shall adjust the boundary of the
Parkway to reflect the acquisition.
(e) Administration.--Lands or interests in land acquired for the
Parkway shall be administered by the Secretary, through the National
Park Service, as part of the Parkway in accordance with all applicable
laws and regulations.
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to the
Secretary to carry out this Act $15,000,000 for each of fiscal years
2011 through 2015. Unobligated funding in each of these fiscal years
shall be available until expended.
(b) Technical Assistance.--From the funds made available under this
Act, the Secretary may award grants for the following:
(1) To acquire land and interests in lands.
(2) To provide technical expense assistance (such as costs
for title reports, recordable surveys, hazardous material
surveys, and appraisals, and other costs normally associated
with land acquisition) by entering into cooperative agreements
with qualified non-profit conservation organizations for
acquiring lands or interests in lands from willing sellers that
have been specifically identified by the Superintendent as a
priority.
(c) Site Restoration and Surveys.--The Secretary is authorized to
expend not more than 10 percent of funds made available under this
section in any fiscal year for site restoration and for resource
surveys.
(d) Reimbursement of Expenses for Qualified Non-Profit Conservation
Organizations.--From funds made available under this Act, not more than
$250,000 may be used in each of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 for the
reimbursement of administrative expenses for qualified non-profit
conservation organizations involved directly in land acquisition
projects in which lands and interests in lands are conveyed to the
Parkway. Such funds shall be disbursed according to cooperative
agreement arrangements established with qualified non-profit
conservation organizations for the purpose of acquiring lands or
interests in lands for the protection of the Parkway and shall remain
available until expended.
SEC. 6. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
For each fiscal year that funds are made available under this Act,
the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that includes--
(1) a description of the condition of the Parkway,
including threats and land preservation needs;
(2) a list of land acquisitions that have been completed or
are underway under this Act; and
(3) a list of priority land acquisitions that should be
made to accomplish the purpose of this Act, notwithstanding the
addition of other priority lands that become available
throughout the year. | Blue Ridge Parkway Protection Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to acquire lands and interests in land from willing sellers in order to protect up to 50,000 acres identified in the Blue Ridge Parkway Land Protection Plan.
Requires the lands and interests authorized to be acquired to be contiguous with the Blue Ridge Parkway and identified by the Superintendent of the Parkway as a priority for acquisition by the federal government.
Authorizes the Secretary to award grants from funds under this Act to: (1) acquire lands and interests; and (2) provide technical expense assistance for costs associated with land acquisition by entering into cooperative agreements with qualified non-profit conservation organizations to acquire lands and interests.
Bars the Secretary from spending more than 10% of the funds made available under this Act in any fiscal year for site restoration and resource surveys.
Permits, from funds under this Act, the use of not more than $250,000 in FY2011-FY2015 to reimburse administrative expenses for qualified non-profit conservation organizations involved directly in land acquisition projects in which lands and interests are conveyed to the Parkway.
Requires the Secretary to submit a report to Congress which: (1) describes the condition of the Parkway, including threats and land preservation needs; (2) lists the land acquisitions that have been completed or are underway; and (3) lists priority land acquisitions that should be made. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "A bill to authorize funding to protect and conserve lands contiguous with the Blue Ridge Parkway to serve the public, and for other purposes."} | 1,129 | 287 | 0.647009 | 1.928175 | 0.839394 | 3.796226 | 3.924528 | 0.943396 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Gestational Diabetes Act of 2006''
or the ``GEDI Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The prevalence of gestational diabetes among pregnant
women in the United States is increasing.
(2) Gestational diabetes, which is similar to chronic forms
of diabetes, normally appears at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation and
occurs in approximately 4 to 8 percent of pregnant women.
(3) The causes of gestational diabetes are unknown, but
genetics, excess weight, ethnicity, and age are considered risk
factors for the condition.
(4) There is disagreement among physicians about how to
treat gestational diabetes, as well as the effectiveness of
current treatment regimens.
(5) Gestational diabetes, which can cause preeclampsia,
also increases a pregnant woman's risk for developing the
condition in subsequent pregnancies.
(6) Infants of women who develop gestational diabetes may
have extreme increases in birth weight and the risks related to
difficulties during the birthing process, and some of the
infants born to these women--
(A) may subsequently have low blood sugar or
jaundice during the newborn period;
(B) are at an increased risk for obesity and birth
trauma; and
(C) are at an increased risk of developing type 2
diabetes as an adolescent or adult.
(7) About 15 percent of infertility cases are linked to
weight disorders, most often being overweight or obese. Obesity
affects fertility and is also associated with increased
morbidity for both the mother and the child.
(8) Improved nutritional and physical health care, both
before and during pregnancy, may significantly decrease the
rates of gestational diabetes.
(9) Ten percent of obese pregnant women are estimated to
have gestational diabetes.
(10) Obesity potentially leads to a higher rate of
induction and primary caesarean section.
SEC. 3. GESTATIONAL DIABETES.
The Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) is amended by
adding at the end the following:
``TITLE XXIX--GESTATIONAL DIABETES
``SEC. 2901. UNDERSTANDING AND MONITORING GESTATIONAL DIABETES AND
OBESITY DURING PREGNANCY.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services,
acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, shall convene a Research Advisory Committee.
``(b) Membership.--Membership in the Research Advisory Committee--
``(1) shall include--
``(A) a representative from the Agency for
Healthcare Research and Quality;
``(B) a representative from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention;
``(C) a representative from the National Institutes
of Health;
``(D) a representative from the Office of Minority
Health;
``(E) a representative from the Indian Health
Service; and
``(F) representatives from other appropriate
Federal agencies; and
``(2) may include representatives from other appropriate
organizations.
``(c) Matters To Be Studied.--The Director of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, in consultation with the Research
Advisory Committee, shall develop a multisite, gestational diabetes
research project within the diabetes program of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention to expand and enhance surveillance data and
public health research on gestational diabetes. The project shall
address--
``(1) the use of consistent standards to measure
gestational diabetes;
``(2) the procedures to establish accurate and efficient
systems for the collection of gestational diabetes data within
each State;
``(3) the progress of collaborative activities with the
National Vital Statistics System, the National Center for
Health Statistics, and State health departments with respect to
the standard birth certificate, in order to improve
surveillance of gestational diabetes;
``(4) the establishment of procedures for reporting
gestational diabetes data to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention;
``(5) post-natal methods of tracking women who had
gestational diabetes after delivery and the development of ways
to lower the incidence of type 2 diabetes in that population;
``(6) variations in the distribution of diagnosed and
undiagnosed diabetes and of impaired fasting glucose tolerance
and impaired fasting glucose within and among groups of women;
and
``(7) factors that influence risks for gestational diabetes
and obesity during pregnancy and complications during
childbirth among women, including cultural, racial, ethnic,
geographic, demographic, socioeconomic, and genetic factors.
``(d) Meetings.--Not later than 1 year after the establishment of
the gestational diabetes research project under subsection (c), and
annually thereafter, the Research Advisory Committee shall meet to
assess the progress of the project and to update the Secretary of
Health and Human Services, if necessary.
``(e) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment
of the Gestational Diabetes Act of 2006, and annually thereafter, the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shall
generate a report on the prevalence of gestational diabetes and
disseminate the report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services
and appropriate Federal and non-Federal agencies.
``SEC. 2902. DEMONSTRATION GRANTS TO LOWER THE RATE OF GESTATIONAL
DIABETES AND OBESITY DURING PREGNANCY.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services,
acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, in consultation with the Research Advisory Committee
established under section 2901, shall award grants, on a competitive
basis, to eligible entities for demonstration projects that test
specified hypotheses about interventions designed to reduce the
incidence of gestational diabetes and obesity among young women and
implement relevant activities. In making such grants, the Director
shall act on scientific findings that--
``(1) the prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes is
possible for older adults;
``(2) the diabetes risk status of an individual is likely
established during the individual's earlier age (adolescence
through the age of 30);
``(3) women are uniquely capable of demonstrating their
diabetes risk status, through acquiring gestational diabetes
during the challenge of pregnancy;
``(4) gestational diabetes itself is a well-established
risk factor for a woman's subsequent transition to type 2
diabetes; and
``(5) gestational diabetes may confer risks of future
obesity and type 2 diabetes on the children of a mother with
gestational diabetes.
``(b) Application.--An eligible entity desiring to receive a grant
under this section shall submit to the Director of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention--
``(1) an application at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Director may require; and
``(2) a plan to--
``(A) lower the rate of gestational diabetes and
obesity during pregnancy; or
``(B) conduct post-natal methods of tracking women
who had gestational diabetes in order to develop ways
to lower the incidence of such mothers developing type
2 diabetes.
``(c) Uses of Funds.--An entity receiving a grant under this
section shall use grant funds to carry out demonstration projects,
which may include--
``(1) expanding community-based health promotion education,
activities, and incentives focused on the prevention of
gestational diabetes and obesity during pregnancy;
``(2) aiding State-based diabetes prevention and control
programs to collect, analyze, disseminate, and report
surveillance data on women with, and at risk for, gestational
diabetes and obesity during pregnancy;
``(3) building capacity with State-based partners to
implement programs and interventions based on surveillance
data; and
``(4) training and encouraging health care providers to
promote risk assessment, quality care, and self-management for
gestational diabetes and obesity during pregnancy and its
complications in the practice settings of the health care
providers.
``(d) Reports.--
``(1) CDC report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of the Gestational Diabetes Act of 2006, the Director
of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shall prepare
and submit a report to the Secretary of Health and Human
Services concerning the results of the studies conducted
through the grants awarded under this section.
``(2) Secretary report.--Not later than 90 days after
receiving the report described in paragraph (1), the Secretary
shall prepare and submit a report to Congress concerning the
results and findings of the report.
``(e) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the term
`eligible entity' means a nonprofit organization (such as an academic
center or community health center) or a State health agency.
``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2007
and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2008
through 2011.
``SEC. 2903. RESEARCH EXPANSION OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES AND OBESITY
DURING PREGNANCY.
``(a) In General.--The Director of the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention and the Director of the National Institute of Child
Health and Human Development, in collaboration with the National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, shall conduct
and support basic, clinical, and public health research regarding
gestational diabetes and obesity during pregnancy. Such research shall
include--
``(1) investigating therapies, interventions, and agents to
detect, treat, and slow the incidence of, gestational diabetes
and obesity during pregnancy;
``(2) developing and testing novel approaches to the design
and analysis of clinical trials;
``(3) facilitating the enrollment of patients for clinical
trials, including patients from diverse populations and
populations who suffer disproportionately from these
conditions;
``(4) developing improved diagnostics and means of patient
assessment for gestational diabetes and obesity during
pregnancy; and
``(5) conducting public health research to further
knowledge on epidemiologic, socioenvironmental, behavioral,
translation, and biomedical factors that influence gestational
diabetes and obesity during pregnancy.
``(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2007
and such sums as may be necessary for each of the fiscal years 2008
through 2011.
``SEC. 2904. SCREENING FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES.
``The Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
shall encourage screening for gestational diabetes within the State-
based diabetes prevention and control programs assisted by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, for the purpose of reducing the
incidence of gestational diabetes and its related complications.''. | Gestational Diabetes Act of 2006 or the GEDI Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to convene a Research Advisory Committee. Requires the Director of CDC, in consultation with such Committee, to develop a multisite research project to expand and enhance surveillance data and public health research on gestational diabetes.
Directs the Secretary, acting through the Director of CDC, to award competitive grants to nonprofit organizations or state health agencies for demonstration projects that test specified hypotheses about interventions designed to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and obesity among young women and implement relevant activities.
Requires the Director of CDC and the Director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, in collaboration with the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, to conduct and support basic, clinical, and public health research regarding gestational diabetes and obesity during pregnancy.
Requires the Director of CDC to encourage screening for gestational diabetes within state-based diabetes prevention and control programs to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and its related complications. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To establish an Advisory Committee on Gestational Diabetes, to provide grants to better understand and reduce gestational diabetes, and for other purposes."} | 2,372 | 258 | 0.544718 | 1.443502 | 0.653152 | 5.977064 | 10.142202 | 0.977064 |
SECTION 1. CREDIT FOR CERTAIN HOME PURCHASES.
(a) Allowance of Credit.--Subpart A of part IV of subchapter A of
chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to refundable
credits) is amended by inserting after section 25D the following new
section:
``SEC. 25E. CREDIT FOR CERTAIN HOME PURCHASES.
``(a) Allowance of Credit.--In the case of an individual who
purchases a principal residence in the United States during the 12-
month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this section,
there shall be allowed to the taxpayer as a credit against the tax
imposed by this chapter for the taxable year an amount equal to 10
percent of the purchase price of the residence.
``(b) Limitations.--
``(1) Dollar limitation.--The credit allowed under
subsection (a) shall not exceed $10,000.
``(2) Denial of credit for residences acquired with
nonconforming loans.--No credit shall be allowed under
subsection (a) with respect to the purchase of any residence if
the aggregate acquisition indebtedness (as defined in section
163(h)(3)(B)) with respect to such residence exceeds the
limitation on the maximum original principal obligation of a
mortgage that may be purchased by the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation (as such limitation is in effect at the
time of such purchase).
``(3) Limitation based on amount of tax.--In the case of a
taxable year to which section 26(a)(2) does not apply, the
credit allowed under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall
not exceed the excess of--
``(A) the sum of the regular tax liability (as
defined in section 26(b)) plus the tax imposed by
section 55, over
``(B) the sum of the credits allowable under this
subpart (other than this section) for the taxable year.
``(4) One-time only.--
``(A) In general.--If a credit is allowed under
this section in the case of any individual (and such
individual's spouse, if married) with respect to the
purchase of any principal residence, no credit shall be
allowed under this section in any taxable year with
respect to the purchase of any other principal
residence by such individual or a spouse of such
individual.
``(B) Joint purchase.--In the case of a purchase of
a principal residence by 2 or more unmarried
individuals or by 2 married individuals filing
separately, no credit shall be allowed under this
section if a credit under this section has been allowed
to any of such individuals in any taxable year with
respect to the purchase of any other principal
residence.
``(c) Carryforward of Unused Credit.--
``(1) Rule for years in which all personal credits allowed
against regular and alternative minimum tax.--In the case of a
taxable year to which section 26(a)(2) applies, if the credit
allowable under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation imposed
by section 26(a)(2) for such taxable year reduced by the sum of
the credits allowable under this subpart (other than this
section), such excess shall be carried to the succeeding
taxable year and added to the credit allowable under subsection
(a) for such succeeding taxable year.
``(2) Rule for other years.--In the case of a taxable year
to which section 26(a)(2) does not apply, if the credit
allowable under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation imposed
by subsection (b)(3) for such taxable year, such excess shall
be carried to the succeeding taxable year and added to the
credit allowable under subsection (a) for such succeeding
taxable year.
``(3) Limitation.--No credit may be carried forward under
this subsection to any taxable year following the first taxable
year after the taxable year in which the credit arose.
``(d) Definitions and Special Rules.--For purposes of this
section--
``(1) Allocation of dollar limit.--
``(A) Married individuals filing separately.--In
the case of a married individual filing a separate
return, subsection (b)(1) shall be applied by
substituting `$5,000' for `$10,000'.
``(B) Other individuals.--If two or more
individuals who are not married purchase a principal
residence, the amount of the credit allowed under
subsection (a) shall be allocated among such
individuals in such manner as the Secretary may
prescribe, except that the total amount of the credits
allowed to all such individuals shall not exceed
$10,000.
``(2) Principal residence.--The term `principal residence'
has the same meaning as when used in section 121.
``(3) Purchase.--
``(A) In general.--The term `purchase' means any
acquisition, but only if--
``(i) the property is not acquired from a
person related to the person acquiring it, and
``(ii) the basis of the property in the
hands of the person acquiring it is not
determined--
``(I) in whole or in part by
reference to the adjusted basis of such
property in the hands of the person
from whom acquired, or
``(II) under section 1014(a)
(relating to property acquired from a
decedent).
``(B) Construction.--A residence which is
constructed by the taxpayer shall be treated as
purchased by the taxpayer on the date the taxpayer
first occupies such residence.
``(4) Purchase price.--The term `purchase price' means the
adjusted basis of the principal residence on the date such
residence is purchased.
``(5) Related persons.--A person shall be treated as
related to another person if the relationship between such
persons would result in the disallowance of losses under
section 267 or 707(b) (but, in applying section 267(b) and (c)
for purposes of this section, paragraph (4) of section 267(c)
shall be treated as providing that the family of an individual
shall include only his spouse, ancestors, and lineal
descendants).
``(e) Exceptions.--No credit under subsection (a) shall be allowed
to any taxpayer for any taxable year with respect to the purchase of a
residence if--
``(1) a credit under section 1400C (relating to first-time
homebuyer in the District of Columbia) is allowable to the
taxpayer (or the taxpayer's spouse) for such taxable year or
any prior taxable year,
``(2) the taxpayer is a nonresident alien, or
``(3) the taxpayer disposes of such residence (or such
residence ceases to be the principal residence of the taxpayer
(and, if married, the taxpayer's spouse)) before the close of
such taxable year.
``(f) Reporting Requirement.--Rules similar to the rules of section
1400C(f) (as so in effect) shall apply.
``(g) Basis Adjustment.--For purposes of this subtitle, if a credit
is allowed under this section with respect to the purchase of any
residence, the basis of such residence shall be reduced by the amount
of the credit so allowed.
``(h) Application.--This section shall not apply to any taxable
year beginning after December 31, 2009.''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Section 23(c)(1) of such Code is amended by striking
``25D and 1400C'' and inserting ``25D, 25E, and 1400C''.
(2) Section 25D(c)(2) of such Code is amended by striking
``and 25B'' and inserting ``25B, and 25E''.
(3) Section 1400C(d)(1) of such Code is amended by striking
``section 25D'' and inserting ``sections 25D and 25E''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart A of
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 25D the
following new item:
``Sec. 25E. Credit for certain home purchases.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply with respect to residences purchased after the date of the
enactment of this Act in taxable years ending after such date. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers a one-time refundable tax credit for up to 10% of the purchase price of a principal residence purchased in the United States within the 12-month period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. Limits the dollar amount of such credit to $10,000. Terminates such credit after 2009. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a Federal income tax credit for certain home purchases."} | 1,871 | 75 | 0.562021 | 1.334196 | 0.76771 | 2.716418 | 25 | 0.865672 |
SECTION 1. TREATMENT OF FUNERAL TRUSTS.
(a) In General.--Subpart F of part I of subchapter J of chapter 1
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end
the following new section:
``SEC. 684. TREATMENT OF FUNERAL TRUSTS.
``(a) In General.--In the case of a qualified funeral trust--
``(1) subparts B, C, D, and E shall not apply, and
``(2) no deduction shall be allowed by section 642(b).
``(b) Qualified Funeral Trust.--For purposes of this section, the
term `qualified funeral trust' means any trust (other than a foreign
trust) if--
``(1) the trust arises as a result of a contract with a
person engaged in the trade or business of providing funeral or
burial services or property necessary to provide such services,
``(2) the sole purpose of the trust is to hold, invest, and
reinvest funds in the trust and to use such funds solely to
make payments for such services or property for the benefit of
the beneficiaries of the trust,
``(3) the only beneficiaries of such trust are individuals
who have entered into contracts described in paragraph (1) to
have such services or property provided at their death,
``(4) the only contributions to the trust are contributions
by or for the benefit of such beneficiaries, and
``(5) the trust would (but for this section) be treated as
owned by the beneficiaries under subpart E.
``(c) Dollar Limitation on Contributions.--
``(1) In general.--The term `qualified funeral trust' shall
not include any trust which accepts aggregate contributions by
or for the benefit of an individual in excess of $7,000.
``(2) Related trusts.--For purposes of paragraph (1), all
trusts having trustees which are related persons shall be
treated as 1 trust. For purposes of the preceding sentence,
persons are related if--
``(A) the relationship between such persons would
result in the disallowance of losses under section 267
or 707(b),
``(B) such persons are treated as a single employer
under subsection (a) or (b) of section 52, or
``(C) the Secretary determines that treating such
persons as related is necessary to prevent avoidance of
the purposes of this section.
``(3) Inflation adjustment.--In the case of any contract
referred to in subsection (b)(1) which is entered into during
any calendar year after 1997, the dollar amount referred to
paragraph (1) shall be increased by an amount equal to--
``(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
``(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined
under section 1(f)(3) for such calendar year, by
substituting `calendar year 1996' for `calendar year
1992' in subparagraph (B) thereof.
If any dollar amount after being increased under the preceding
sentence is not a multiple of $100, such dollar amount shall be
rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.
``(d) Application of Rate Schedule.--Section 1(e) shall be applied
to each qualified funeral trust by treating each beneficiary's interest
in each such trust as a separate trust.
``(e) Treatment of Amounts Refunded to Beneficiary on
Cancellation.--No gain or loss shall be recognized to a beneficiary
described in subsection (b)(3) of any qualified funeral trust by reason
of any payment from such trust to such beneficiary by reason of
cancellation of a contract referred to in subsection (b)(1). If any
payment referred to in the preceding sentence consists of property
other than money, the basis of such property in the hands of such
beneficiary shall be the same as the trust's basis in such property
immediately before the payment.
``(f) Exception if Interest Paid To Beneficiaries Pursuant to
Election.--If, on or before the date on which a qualified funeral trust
is established, the trustee, pursuant to an agreement with a
beneficiary of such trust, elects to pay (not less than annually) to
such beneficiary all income of the trust which is attributable to such
beneficiary, then for purposes of this title such beneficiary's
interest in such trust shall be treated as a separate trust to which
this section does not apply. The election under this subsection, once
made, shall be irrevocable.
``(g) Simplified Reporting.--The Secretary may prescribe rules for
simplified reporting of all qualified funeral trusts having a single
trustee.''
(b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for subpart F of
part I of subchapter J of chapter 1 is amended by adding at the end the
following new item:
``Sec. 684. Treatment of funeral
trusts.''
(c) Effective Date.--
(1) In general.--The amendments made by this section shall
apply to items which, but for such amendment, would be taken
into account in taxable years of a grantor or beneficiary which
end after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(2) Trusts established before date of enactment.--In the
case of a trust established before the date of the enactment of
this Act, section 684(f) of such Code (as added by this
section) shall be applied by treating an election which is made
before the end of the 1-year period beginning with the date of
the enactment of this Act as if such election were made on or
before the date on which the trust was established, if such
election is made pursuant to an agreement, described in such
section 684(f), entered into during such period. | Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the treatment of, as well as define, a qualified funeral trust. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the treatment of funeral trusts."} | 1,258 | 26 | 0.517799 | 1.178523 | -0.318211 | 2.227273 | 52.772727 | 0.863636 |
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Mothers and Newborns Health
Insurance Act of 1999''.
SEC. 2. OPTIONAL COVERAGE OF LOW-INCOME, UNINSURED PREGNANT WOMEN UNDER
A STATE CHILD HEALTH PLAN.
(a) In General.--Title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
1397aa et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``SEC. 2111. OPTIONAL COVERAGE OF LOW-INCOME, UNINSURED PREGNANT WOMEN.
``(a) Optional Coverage.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this title, a State child health plan may provide for coverage of
pregnancy-related assistance for targeted low-income pregnant women in
accordance with this section.
``(b) Definitions.--For purposes of this section:
``(1) Pregnancy-related assistance.--The term `pregnancy-
related assistance' has the meaning given the term `child
health assistance' in section 2110(a) as if any reference to
targeted low-income children were a reference to targeted low-
income pregnant women, except that the assistance shall be
limited to services related to pregnancy (which include
prenatal, delivery, and postpartum services) and to other
conditions that may complicate pregnancy and shall not include
pre-pregnancy services and supplies.
``(2) Targeted low-income pregnant woman.--The term
`targeted low-income pregnant woman' has the meaning given the
term `targeted low-income child' in section 2110(b) as if any
reference to a child were deemed a reference to a woman during
pregnancy and through the end of the month in which the 60-day
period (beginning on the last day of her pregnancy) ends.
``(c) References to Terms and Special Rules.--In the case of, and
with respect to, a State providing for coverage of pregnancy-related
assistance to targeted low-income pregnant women under subsection (a),
the following special rules apply:
``(1) Any reference in this title (other than subsection
(b)) to a targeted low-income child is deemed to include a
reference to a targeted low-income pregnant woman.
``(2) Any such reference to child health assistance with
respect to such women is deemed a reference to pregnancy-
related assistance.
``(3) Any such reference to a child is deemed a reference
to a woman during pregnancy and the period described in
subsection (b)(2).
``(4) The medicaid applicable income level is deemed a
reference to the income level established under section
1902(l)(2)(A).
``(5) Subsection (a) of section 2103 (relating to required
scope of health insurance coverage) shall not apply insofar as
a State limits coverage to services described in subsection
(b)(1) and the reference to such section in section 2105(a)(1)
is deemed not to require, in such case, compliance with the
requirements of section 2103(a).
``(6) There shall be no exclusion of benefits for services
described in subsection (b)(1) based on any pre-existing
condition, and no waiting period (including a waiting period to
carry out section 2102(b)(3)(C)) shall apply.
``(d) No Impact on Allotments.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as affecting the amount of any initial allotment provided to
a State under section 2104(b).
``(e) Application of Funding Restrictions.--The coverage under this
section (and the funding of such coverage) is subject to the
restrictions of section 2105(c).''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 2102(b)(1)(B) of the Social
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397bb(b)(1)(B)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of clause (i);
(2) by striking the period at the end of clause (ii) and
inserting ``, and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(iii) may not apply a waiting period
(including a waiting period to carry out
paragraph (3)(C)) in the case of a targeted
low-income child who is pregnant.''.
(c) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b)
shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall
apply to allotments under title XXI of the Social Security Act (42
U.S.C. 1397aa et seq.) for all fiscal years.
SEC. 3. AUTOMATIC ENROLLMENT FOR CHILDREN BORN TO WOMEN RECEIVING
PREGNANCY-RELATED ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--Section 2111 of the Social Security Act, as added
by section 2, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Automatic Enrollment for Children Born to Women Receiving
Pregnancy-Related Assistance.--Notwithstanding any other provision of
this title, if a child is born to a targeted low-income pregnant woman
who was receiving pregnancy-related assistance under this section on
the date of the child's birth, the child shall be deemed to have
applied for child health assistance under the State child health plan
on the date of such birth, to have been found eligible for such
assistance on such date, and to remain eligible for such assistance
until the child attains 1 year of age.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to
allotments under title XXI of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397aa
et seq.) for all fiscal years.
SEC. 4. EXPANDED AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
RELATED TO OUTREACH AND ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATIONS.
Section 1931(h) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396u-1(h))
is amended--
(1) by striking the subsection heading and inserting
``Increased Federal Matching Rate for Administrative Costs
Related to Outreach and Eligibility Determinations'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``eligibility
determinations'' and all that follows and inserting
``determinations of the eligibility of children and pregnant
women for benefits under the State plan under this title or
title XXI, outreach to children and pregnant women likely to be
eligible for such benefits, and such other outreach- and
eligibility-related activities as the Secretary may approve.'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``and ending with fiscal
year 2000''; and
(4) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
``(4) Encouraging use of local and community-based
organizations in outreach and enrollment activities.--The
Secretary shall establish a procedure under which, if a State
does not otherwise obligate the amounts made available under
this subsection, local and community-based public or nonprofit
private organizations (including local and county governments,
public health departments, community health centers, children's
hospitals, and disproportionate share hospitals) may seek to
have administrative costs relating to outreach and enrollment
of children and pregnant women under this title and title XXI
treated as administrative costs of a State described in section
1903(a)(7), if such organizations have the permission of the
State involved. A State may require such an organization to
provide payment of such amounts as the State would otherwise be
responsible for in order to obtain payment under this
paragraph.''. | Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act (SSA) with respect to the transitional increased Federal matching rate for increased administrative costs related to Medicaid-eligibility determinations of individuals receiving aid or assistance under SSA title IV part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF). Removes Medicaid- eligibility determinations with regard to TANF recipients from such provisions. Repeals the termination of authorization for the increased Federal matching rate. Includes as administrative expenditures those attributable to the administrative costs of CHIP-eligibility determinations with regard to children and pregnant women and outreach to such populations likely to be eligible for such benefits. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a procedure under which, if a State does not obligate available amounts, local and community-based organizations in CHIP and Medicaid, with State approval, may seek to have administrative costs relating to outreach and enrollment of children and pregnant women treated as State administrative costs. | {"src": "billsum_train", "title": "Mothers and Newborns Health Insurance Act of 1999"} | 1,764 | 214 | 0.519009 | 1.341431 | 0.569515 | 2.740113 | 8.40678 | 0.80791 |
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